Highlights of the tour:

Day 01

Chennai

On arrival in Chennai, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay at Grand by GRT for 02 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 02

Chennai

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Chennai in the morning visiting San Thome Basilica, Kapaleeshwara Temple, Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Later take a drive along the Mareena Beach before returning to your hotel.

Day 03

Chennai – Mahabhalipuram - Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to visit the impressive coastal site of Mahabalipuram, which was constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries and portrays, by way of impressive rock carving and relief, the historical, mythological and philosophical Indian epic the Mahabharata. You visit the famous Shore Temple, Five Ratha’s and Arjuna’s Penance. Later, drive south following the coastline to the former French colony of Pondicherry. Stay for two nights at Maison Perumal, a restored heritage mansion.

Day 04

Pondicherry

Enjoy a heritage walk through lively marketplaces, silent yet colourful lanes and witness how life thrives in this region. During the course of your walk, interact with the locals and get an opportunity to have a glimpse of their daily life. Visit the famous Aurbindo Ashram, Paper making unit, Pondicherry Museum, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Day 05

Pondicherry - Tanjore

This day’s drive will take you away from India’s eastern coast to the inlands of Tanjore visiting the temples of Chidambaram and Darasuram enroute. Take a quick stop at Swamimalai to see the artisans who turn out beautiful idols on bronze. Proceed to Tanjore and stay at Riverview Thanjavur by GRT for the night.

Day 06

Tanjore - Chettinadu

After breakfast, visit the famous Brihideeshwara Temple and the Bronze Museum. Later, proceed to the town of Chettinadu, the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiyar, a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose members migrated to South and Southeast Asia, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Chettinadu is well known for its Chettinadu cuisine, mansions, and temples. Stay for two nights at The Bangala, a heritage hotel.

Day 07

Chettinadu

Enjoy a visit to the rustic town of Chettinadu. Hop across towns, visiting the old mansions to take in the splendour of the art and architecture, the most famous is Chettinadu Raja’s Palace, Athangudi handmade tile making unit, saree weaving and the daily local market. Visit the Ayyanar shrine of Kothadi where alignment of terracotta figures which have been offered to the village Deity. Go antique shopping at the main market on Muneeswaran Kovil street in Karaikudi. Shopkeepers are friendly and willing to chat with you about the rich history of their wares, most of them from local Chettiar homes.

Day 08

Chettinadu - Madurai

After breakfast, drive to the famous temple town of Madurai. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madurai, which is home to some fine examples of Dravidian architecture, and in particular the stunning Meenakshi Temple complex with its vast colourfully carved gopuram. Stay at Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Madurai for the night.

Day 09

Madurai - Munnar

After breakfast drive to the tea country of Munnar. Stay at Ambady Estate, a private plantation retreat for two nights. Evening is free to take a stroll through 125 acres of cardamom and spice plantations.

Day 10

Munnar

This morning, enjoy a Lockhart Tea Trail and Factory visit. You can catch stunning views of the green, carpeted tea fields as you follow the tea trail through the Lockhart tea estate. We offer walks lasting from 30 minutes to 03 - 04 hours here. During the tour, you can interact with the ladies picking tea leaves, depending on the area where they are picking and you can also visit the Lockhart tea factory if interested.

Day 11

Kumarakom

This morning, you’ll drive down the hills visiting the tea and rubber plantations enroute to Kumarakom, famous for its tranquil backwaters. Stay for the night at Coconut Lagoon, a first class heritage backwater resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Evening enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad.

Day 12

Alleppey

Morning at leisure. Afternoon, board your private houseboat (Kettuvallom) for an overnight cruise through the famous Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the tranquil backwaters and narrow canals enjoying the village life. Your lunch, evening tea and dinner will be served on board the houseboat. Overnight on board the houseboat.

Day 13

Alleppey - Cochin

After a leisurely breakfast, you disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey, where you’ll be met by the driver and transferred to the colonial port town of Cochin. Stay for two nights at the Fragrant Nature Fort Cochin, a deluxe grade modern boutique hotel. In the evening witness Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance drama of Kerala based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Accompanied by a gong, drums and cymbals, Kathakali performers combine dance and theatre in a ritualistic portrayal of gods and demons.

Day 14

Cochin

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry in the morning. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Spice Markets, Chinese Fishing Nets and the local fish market. Enjoy a private motor boat cruise along the harbour to see the Chinese fishing nets in the evening.

Day 15

Cochin - Coimbatore

Late morning drive to Coimbatore. On arrival check-in to your hotel. Stay at The Residency Towers for the night.

Day 16

Coimbatore – Mettupalayam – Ooty

Early morning you will be transferred to Mettupalayam Railway Station to board the Nilgiri Hill Train to Ooty. The mountain railway, or ‘toy train’ as it is most commonly known, was built by the British in 1908 and still relies on its fleet of trusty steam locomotives. This long journey on the original narrow gauge tracks is for many a trip highlight with its spellbinding scenery. You will be met on arrival in Ooty and transferred to your hotel. Stay at The Savoy Ooty for the night.

Day 17

Ooty - Kabini

After breakfast, drive to Kabini or Nagarhole National Park, one of the best national parks in South India to spot the Tigers. Stay for two nights at Kaav Safari Lodge. Enjoy a game drive in the afternoon. A visit to the jungle for a game drive. All activities inside the jungle are arranged by the wildlife authorities - a mix of jeep or canter rides / motor boat trips; all on a shared basis.

Day 18

Kabini

Enjoy full day of jungle activities - early morning and afternoon game drives

Day 19

Kabini - Mysuru

Enjoy a game drive in the morning. After breakfast drive to Mysuru famous for its palaces, silks and sandalwood. Stay at Royal Orchid Metropole for two nights. Take a stroll through the colourful fruit and vegetable Devaraja market this evening.

Day 20

Mysuru

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mysuru in the morning, visiting the Mysore Palace, Nandi Bull, Chamundi Hills, Tippu's Summer Palace and ruins of the fort.

Day 21

Mysuru - Goa

In good time you will transferred to Mysuru Airport to board your flight to Goa. You will be met on arrival at Goa Airport and transferred to your hotel. Stay at Coconut Creek Resort & Spa for three nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 22 -23

Goa

Day at leisure.

Day 24

Transfer to Goa Airport

Like all good things, your tour in India comes to an end but you will always carry with you, memories of this unique and unforgettable holiday experience. In goodtime you will be transferred to Goa International Airport to connect your flight home.