Your exotic journey to India begins this evening as you depart from USA. 

Day 02: Arrive ChennaiArrive Chennai airport.

Chennai – Madras, which recently reverted to its historical name Chennai,
is the capital of the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth largest metropolis of
India, after New Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta. Chennai is a seaside (and a major port) city where
the sea is a rhapsodist blue, hugging the second largest beach in the world. It has many monuments
and temples exemplifying the contributions of the Chola and Pallava Dynasties to the ancient Dra
vidian civilization. Chennai also has the ancient churches and Cathedrals pointing to British herit
age of 150 years. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Dinner)

Morning breakfast at hotel at 0900 leave for full day city tour of Chennai – The Capital city of Tamilnadu and the main centre of this region. Fort ST. George: was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This place achieved its name from Saint George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses Saint Mary’s Church and fort museum. Saint Mary’s Church the oldest Anglican Church built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India.
Marina Beach: its the second longest beach in the world with a strech of 4.5 kms (2.5 miles). This strech is filled with statues of rememberence from our Tamil culture to our great leaders. A walk along the Marina in the evening creates elated feelings. The old buildings on side of Kamarajar Salai, a main road along the Marina, would remind you of the good old British days. People from all over the city gather here in the evenings to cool off and eat crispy “sundal and murukku”!
ANNA Memorial: the memorial for ARINZAR ANNADURAI – leader of the Dravidian movement, affectionately called Anna. His speech in Tamil has enchanted millions. Adjoining to this memorial lays another for leader Dr. M.G. Ramachandran leader of AIADMK movement, commonly know as Puractchi Thalaivar MGR. Both of them are situated at the northern end of the Marina Beach. Both these leaders are still living in the hearts of Tamil Nadu people.
Light House – a massive tall structure situated at south end of the Marina Beach beckons the visitors in the evening and adds glory to the golden sands. All IndiaRadio (AIR) radio broadcast station is located opposite to the light house.
Government Museum: previously known as Pantheon Complex in British period, today houses the Government Museum, Connemara Public Library and the National Art Gallery. The museum contains exhibits ranging from contemporary artifacts to prehistorical findings. Sculptures and bronzes of various periods, sections for zoology, anthropology and geology impress every visitor. Buddhist sculptures found in the Amaravathi section depict the events recorded in the life of the Buddha. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to Tirupathi – The Lord of seven hills. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Tirupathi is a temple town known for the famous ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara Bala Ji. This Shrine is richest shrine in country. Traditionally the pilgrims get their hair shaved. The Image of Bala Ji has the attributes of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, The temple with its soaring Gopurams and glided Vimna, is fine example of Dravidian architecture. Afternoon Pooja & Darshan at the temple. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0900 hrs drive to Mahabalipuram.
Enroute visit Kanchipuram – one of the seven sacred cities of India, is famous for its exquistely woven silk sarees. It is a golden city of thousand temples of which 124 have withstood the ravages of time. This has the capital of the Pallavas. Kanchipuram is the holy city of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and it is for this reason that Kanchipuram is one of the seven holy cities of India and on the pilgrim route. Some have called Kanchipuram the “Varanasi of the South”. Though the temples in this city of gods and erstwhile kings date back to the 4th century, the finest temples was constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries. Kanchi was also the seat of learning and Hindus and Buddhist philosophies flourished side by side. The oldest temple, constructed in sandstone by the Pallavas, the Kailashnatha temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Thereafter continue your drive to Mamallapuram. Upon arrival check in at hotel. After fresh n up leave for half day city tour, built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipuram, this ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. At the mouth of the river Palar, on large granite hall about 1 km in length from north to south is the site of many monuments, like The Descent of Ganges also known as Arjuna’s Penance, this open air sculpture showing the descent of the holy river, Krishna Mandap, The Rathas and the Shore temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Mahabalipuram – the ancient capital and sea port of Pallava kings is famous for its south Indian temple architecture.But today it is a sleepy village living on its past glory and the tourist traffic. The sculptures and carvings are fascinating. Mahabalipuram is also known as the “city of seven pagodas” for out of solid stone were carved exquisite rock temples. Five of the temples are known as “Rathas” and on their walls the story of Hindu mythology has been lovingly carved out. The most famous of them is group of five rathas. This ratha is dedicated to the five Pandava princes and their consort-wife Draupadi. A group of elephants one of them 5 meters long known as “Arjuna Penance” is the most prominent feature of this sculpture. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning breakfast at hotel and at 0800 hrs drive to Pondicherry carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St. Agasthaya settled down.
Enroute visit Tiruvannamallai – Spiritual seekers from all over world comes to Tiruvannamalai, an Pilgrimage city filled with living enlightenment gurus . This sacred city is Located 200 kilometer from Chennai. This ancient town has been built around Arunachala hill (annamalai hill), an mountain raising 4000 Meter heavenly from the ground.
Tiruvannamalai is famous for sprawling temple arunachala temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every full moon day people walk around the annamalai hill and offer special prayers to Arunachala temple called Girivalam. Spiritual gurus Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Ramana Maharshi, Arabindo, Shesathiri Swamigal , Muniyandi swamigal and many more saints and sadhus were living and still living here to bring the divine close to people.
Thereafter continue your drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival check in at hotel. After fresh n up leave for leave for city tour of Pondicherry visiting Aurbindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo’s ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. Afternoon, visit Auroville – a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony; Vardaraja Perumal Temple, Vedapureeswarar Temple & Manakula Vinayagar Templewar memorial, Town hall. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Pondicherry – Pondicherry is a union teritory, which lies within the state of Tamil Nadu.The inherent ambience of Pondicherry, becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town, which flanks the seashore boulevard. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, Pondicherry is a living monument of French Culture inIndia. The Aurobindo Ashram and ‘Auroville’ the international township are famous all over the world. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Madurai.
Enroute visit Trichy or Tiruchirapalli also called as Thillai, which has the famous Nataraja temple with the root of the sanctum-sanctorum covered with golden plates is located in the centre of the town covering an area of 40 acres.

Thereafter countinue your drive to Madurai.

Madurai – One of South India’s great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. Upon arrival in Madurai check in at hotel. Afternoon leave for city tour of Madurai history goes back to six centuries before Christ. The Pandyan rulers made this their capital until the 14th Century and the city flowered with the genius of its writers, builders, poets and academics. Then the Nayaks ruled Madurai from the middle of the 16th Century to 1743. The ten tall Gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple were raised during their dynasty. Visiting – Sri Meenakshi  Sundereswarar and Palani temples, King Tirumala’s Palace, Vandiyur Mariamman Tank and Gandhi museum. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning breakfast at hotel and excursion to Rameshwaram.
Rameshwaram – Rameshwaram an island- of Lord Rama’s temple at Tamil Nadu is a terrific destination. Along with being a major pilgrimage for the Hindus, Rameshwaram is a happening holiday spot too.The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram. The masterpiece of Dravidian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises of twenty-two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other. The waters of the wells are believed to possess medicinal properties. Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his triumph over the demon king Ravan. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and Shaivities, no Hindu pilgrimage is complete without a visit to this holy city. The island of Rameshwaram is one of the most venerable temple towns in India without a visit to which, the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is not complete. Therafter return back to Madurai. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Kanyakumari – is the land’s end of India where the water of the Arabian Sea , the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. An important pilgrim centre of India. Kanyakumari – There are no words that can completely describe the beauty of Kanyakumari and it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations of south India. Located in the southernmost point of the Indian mainland, it is a magnificent place of natural beauty where you can see the deep blue waters of the ocean meeting the horizon. This southernmost town of Tamil Nadu is an important attraction for the tourists. Before you set out on a tour, you should have enough information about Kanyakumari that would help you explore the town conveniently. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Visit famous Amman Temples – a symbol of unity and sanctity – deidicated to the virgin Goddess , Kanya Kumari. and to its South – East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of all the architectural styles of India. Overnight stay at hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Check Inn at the hotel. In the evening we go for short beach visit. Nestled between the azure blue seas and the soul-filling magnificence of the mysterious Western Ghats, Kerala is sheer magic. To be experienced by the body, mind and soul, precisely why Kerala is renowned as ‘Gods own Country’. Kerala has everything a traveler looks out for. Exciting beaches, sedate backwaters, enthralling hinterlands, spell-binding high ranges, an awe-inspiring rich cultural heritage and Ayurveda. One can’t wish for more! Occupying the best of Kerala is Alleppey, renowned across the world as ‘Venice of the East’, an enchanting landscape, pristine nature and refreshing greenery – Alleppey is more than its geography. It is an experience. Go for a stroll along the scenic countryscapes. Take a head-on plunge into the beaches. Embark on a cruise along the never ending expanse of the backwaters, or just laze away under the shades of coconut palms. Alleppey will suit your every mood. night stay in hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

We board A/c House Boat in Back Waters of Alappuzha and overnight in houseboat. A “Kerala Backwater Cruise”allows you to go into countryside that offers a close look at rustic village life-skiff-fishermen launching their cockleshell boats, large flocks of domesticated ducks waddling down to the water from thatched houses on the banks, aimless cattle grazing in fertile pastures, lotuses floating here and there in small shallow ponds, canals or waterways vary in dimension from being wide enough to be dubbed lakes, lush green rice fields thinning out into the distance and coconut groves with the occasional temple or church, ostensibly rich with marine bounty all around the snaky silvers of freshwater or simply soaking up the sun !!!  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Check Out. We proceed to Cochin. Cochin – which is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea is a perfect blend of natural beauty and history! It’s a place where history stands tall amongst the sea and greenery. Out of all the places you will see here; the most admirable is the Jewish Synagogue. Also known as Mattancherry Synagogue, it was built by Jews. What is attractive here is the Glass work, Chinese titles, Belgian Chandeliers and the wall paintings.The second place you will visit is the Dutch Palace built by Portuguese in 1557, as a gift to the then King. A 2 story building, it has a central courtyard and a number of temples inside it. Nearby are the Santa Cruz Basilia and St. Francis Church. After visiting these, we shall take you to a beautiful restaurant to have a sumptuous South Indian Lunch.After lunch we will move on to see the Indian Portugese Museum, established by Dr. Kurtheera. It has got 5 sections including Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.In the evening we shall take you to Cherai Beach. (Enroute we will pass by the Cochin harbor. Here you can see hundreds of ships fastened in all colors and sizes). It is one of the most alluring beaches of Cochin. It also happens to be the longest beach of Cochin.   For dinner we shall take you to a beachside restaurant where you can again enjoy the delicacies of Cochin amidst the low lights which fall on the waters of the sea. You can also sit by the sea shore and enjoy the stars and the moon as they show their play in the sky. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Nagarhole National Park. On arrival check in at the hotel. Nagarhole National Park. : West of the Kabini River is the 643-sq-km wildlife sanctuary of Nagarhole National Park, pronounced nag-ar-hole-eh. The lush forests here are home to around 60 tigers, as well as leopards, elephants, gaurs, muntjacs (barking deer), wild dogs, bonnet macaques and common langurs; animal sightings are more common here than in Bandipur. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Mysore. On arrival at Mysore you will visit Mysore palace. Mysore Palace: The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore in southern India. It is the official residence of the Wodeyar- the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court). Mysore has a number of historic palaces, and is commonly described as the City of Palaces. However, the term “Mysore Palace” specifically refers to one within the old fort. The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace.Later, in the evening visit Brindavan Gardens lies adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam (KRS Dam) which is built across the river Kaveri. A dam at the length of 8600 ft. and height of 130 ft. above the river bed was built below the confluence of the three rivers – Cauvery, Hemavathi and Lakshmanateertha in 1924. Overnight stay at Mysore. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bangalore. On arrival check in at the hotel.
Later you will proceed to Bangalore sightseeing.  Vidhana Soudha ~ This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building which dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park, is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat.Cubbon Park ~ Situated in the heart of the Bangalore city, the park was laid by Lord Cubbon in the year 1864. Also inside Cubbon Park is the state library. The Bull Temple ~ The Bull Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva/’s Vahana (vehicle), Nandi the bull. Lal Bagh ~ A botanical garden which houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. Overnight stay at Bangalore (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (Meals: Breakfast)