Following breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, where on arrival, you will check into your hotel.

Pondicherry has a rich French cultural heritage, having been the capital of the French colonies in India since the 17th century. The French legacy is visible in the well-planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, architecturally imposing churches and public buildings and the statues. Split into two parts, Pondicherry on one side is a bustling Indian Market town, and in its old French quarters, the cobbled streets, waterfront pavements and promenades were designed to resemble any seaside town, south of France.

In the afternoon enjoy a half day tour visiting the Aurobindo Ashram (open daily from 0800 - 1200 & 1400 - 1800). Situated in a bustling city of a quarter-million people, the Ashram is not a quiet place of retreat secluded from the world but a vibrant centre of life in a modern urban setting. It consists of an interconnected block of houses, including those in

which Sri Aurobindo and the Mother dwelt for most of their lives. At its centre under a tree-shaded courtyard lies the Samadhi, a white-marble shrine where their bodies are laid to rest. Continue to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, noted for its Gothic architecture and stained glass panels, which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Ashram Weaving Department (open from 0800 - 1130 and 1400 - 1630 hrs, Sunday closed). Hand weaving began in the Ashram in 1940. Originally the products of the Ashram Weaving Department were meant only for Ashramites. Since 1954, the bedsheets, bed-covers, napkins, towels that are hand-woven here are available for visitors. End the tour with a visit to the Handmade Paper Factory (open from 0830 - 1200 and 1330 - 1700 hrs, Sunday closed). Started in 1959, the factory is internationally known for the strong and beautifully coloured paper it produces by hand. It specializes in white drawing paper and bond stationery paper in a range of forty colours.

Note: Appointment to be made prior for the Weaving Department and Handmade Paper Factory.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, proceed on a drive through the rich countryside, past rice fields and colourful ‘ayyanar dieties’ to Tanjore. En route you will visit the temple town of Swamimalai, one of the six abodes dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Swamimalai is a sylvan village, situated about five kilometres west of Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery. Swamimalai is hailed as one of the 6 padai veedu shrines of Skanda where he sojourned during his battle against the demon Soorapadman. This temple is built at an elevation, on an artificially constructed mound, reached through a flight of steps. Although the shrine is of ancient origin, much of the structure seen now is of the 20th century.

In the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarer and Goddess Meenakshi. Prayers to the deities are performed six times a day (six kalams).

Continue on drive to Tanjore where on arrival you will check into your hotel.

Also referred to as Thanjavur, it was the capital city of Chola kingdom from the 9th to the 13th centuries. It is the granary of South India and is known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. This royal city has a rich and varied heritage for which it is known across the globe. There are more than 70 temples in Thanjavur, the most important being the famous Brihadeeswara Temple.

Overnight at hotel.

Note: The driving hours do not include the duration of stop in Swamimalai.

Today, after breakfast, you will visit the the Sri Brihadeeshwara Temple built by the great Chola King, Raja Raja I in the 10th century AD; this temple is an outstanding example of the Chola architecture. Guarding the inner shrine of the temple is the gigantic statue of Nandi, the Bull, while the walls of the sanctum are covered with wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods. This superb monument has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Continue on a visit to the Tanjore Palace and Museum. The Palace, adjacent to the temple is a vast structure of outstanding architecture built partly by the Nayaks and partly by the Marathas

After Breakfast proceed for half day sight seeing of Trichy (as Tiruchirapalli is commonly known), which lies on the banks of the Cauvery. The long history of Trichy track back to pre-Christian era. The Cholas, the Pandyas, the Pallavas and the Vijaynagar Kings of Hampi have ruled over this place. In the 12th century, the Cholas were defeated by the Vijaynagar Kings, who could withstand the Muslim attack. Half a century later, the Nayaks were in power. They established the Rock Fort and developed it as the trading city.

Enjoy a tour visiting the Rock Fort Temple; the most famous landmark of Trichy is an 83m high rock, which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world, approx. 3800 years.

There are two main temples here - the Ucchi Pillayar Koil at the summit, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesh) and the Thayumanaswamy Temple half-way to the top, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself. From the summit one can enjoy a panoramic view of Trichy. On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temples of the Pallava period. Non Hindus are not allowed into the Sanctum.

Later drive to Madurai, where on arrival you will check into your hotel.

Known as the Athens of the East, Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. An ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara in the 6th century BC. The city is said to have got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Originally named Madhurapuri or the 'land of nectar', the name later got modified as Madurai. From such legendary beginnings, the actual history of Madurai emerged sometime during the 3rd century BC.

Overnight at hotel.

Following breakfast, you will enjoy a visit to the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak, an Indo-Saracenic building constructed in 1523. There is no other building in Madurai which can better illustrate the architectural style of the Nayaks. The most remarkable part of this palace is the Swarga Vilasam which served as the audience hall. Its dome which lies beyond a huge courtyard is a magnificent example of the engineering skill of its builders, rising as it does to a height of 20m without support of any kind. Continue to the Meenakshi Temple. One of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage, the temple is the very centre of cultural and religious life for the residents of the city. It is a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams (spires) covered from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multi coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The temple complex has two main shrines, one dedicated to Sundareswarar (Shiva) and the other to his consort Meenakshi (Parvati). The Kampathadi Mandapam (pillared hall) in front of the Sundareswara shrine depicts the various manifestations of Lord Shiva. The 1000-pillared hall in the complex houses the Temple Art Museum, which contains friezes, stone and brass images and the best exhibits on Hindu deities.

Late evening you have the option of visiting the bustling and colourful flower market within the temple complex and the opportunity to participate in the evening rituals.

Overnight at hotel.

Today, after breakfast, your journey continues from the temple town of Madurai, through a succession of market towns to the spice land of Thekkady - the heart of God's own country! The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. In the Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

On arrival, you will check into your hotel.

Later this afternoon, visit to spice plantation.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride on the splendid Lake Periyar, the best way to experience the sanctuary and view wildlife.

Overnigtht at hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from the heart of the spice hills to the idyllic backwaters of Kerala in Kumarakom, an enchanting backwater destination on the picturesque Vembanad Lake. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands that have been converted into a number of tourist resorts, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky. Kumarakom is an idyllic holiday destination.

Enjoy a cruise of the backwaters.

Later, you will check into your hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a Kalari fight performance at your hotel. Kalari is the Malayalam (language spoken in Kerala) word for a special kind of gymnasium, in which the martial art known as Kalari Payattu, is practiced. It had its origins in the 4th century AD Legends claim that the art began with the sage Parasurama, who possessed mystical powers. He built temples and also introduced martial arts, which have influenced and shaped many other arts. The art reached its zenith in the 16th century, in the days of Thacholi Othenan - a celebrated chieftain of north Malabar.

Believed to be the forerunner of modern day Martial Arts, Kalaripayattu will be performed by graceful and nimble artists. A Kalari Payattu demonstration includes physical exercises and mock duels - armed and unarmed combat. It is not accompanied by any music or drumming, but is a silent combat, where style matters the most. Kalari Payattu is practiced by women also. Today, Kalari Payattu is a method of physical fitness, and an empty-handed means of self-defense. Yet, it is tied to traditional ceremonies and rituals.

Post Lunch, drive to Alleppy to board house boat.

Overnight at House Boat.

After breakfast de board house boat and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin check-in at hotel.

Later you will enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Cochin. You will first proceed to Mattancherry, where you will visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India [closed on Friday and Saturday] built by a thriving Jewish community in 1568 A.D. Now the community has dwindled in numbers, however the synagogue is beautifully preserved. You can see the religious scrolls and the beautiful hand-painted tiles from China, which decorate the synagogue. Its fascinating interiors include 19th century Belgian Chandeliers, a ladies gallery and an elegant brass pulpit. Continue to the Dutch Palace [closed on Friday] built in 1555, its coronation hall and murals are noteworthy features. End the tour with a visit to the Chinese fishing nets. The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin's waterfront. These are large nets, which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still used by the local fishermen of Fort Cochin.

Continue your tour to the St. Francis Church [closed on Sunday during Mass], originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal. Five Portuguese priests who arrived with Albuquerque built St. Francis church in 1510. This church, said to be the oldest European church built in India, was the original burial site of Vasco da Gama in 1524.

Note: Visitors to the Jewish Synagogue should be modestly dressed. Admission will be denied to men and women wearing short pants/skirts, sleeveless t-shirts/blouses. Bare shoulders and mid-riffs are not permitted and should be covered with shawls.

Overnight at hotel.

Today after breakfast, bid farewell to this serene land as your tour ‘taste of south India’ comes to an end as you get transferred to Cochin airport for onward journey.

********TOUR ENDS WITH SWEET MEMORIES********