Kerala and the Southern Highlights

Day 1  Chennai                  
Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your hotel.                  

Day 2  Chennai to Mamallapuram    
Set off for Mamallapuram where you will explore this coastal temple town, seeing the fascinating 7th and 8th Century rock carvings including the magnificent Shore Temple and the impressive Varaha Cave.            

Day 3  Mamallapuram to Chennai          
On your return to Chennai you will tour the city from the lengthy Marina Beach to the vibrant Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple. Along the way stop at various colonial sights like Fort St. George, established by the East India Company, and the British built St. Mary’s Church. After today you’ll share in the enthusiasm the locals have for this city.            

Day 4  Chennai to Bangalore        
Rise early to catch the Shatabdi Express to the garden city of Bangalore. This afternoon you’ll visit the Bull Temple sacred Hindu demi-god as well as Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Vidhana Soudha on a transcendent tour of the city.    

Day 5  Bangalore to Mysore      
Stop to view Srirangapatnam Fort on your southwards drive to Mysore. Explore the majestic Maharaja’s Palace, the Art Gallery and venture to Chamundi Hills to see the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on the peak. For your final sight of the day discover the Nandi Bull statue, carved out of solid rock in 1659. After of day of sightseeing experience the local way of life with a traditional cooking demonstration.            

Day 6  Mysore to Ooty            
Head to the hills today to the beautiful hill station of Ooty, one of three Nilgiris stations, popularly known as Queen of Hill Stations. As you tour the area, you’ll find serenity in the verdant surroundings. Visit the terraced botanical gardens. Later there is an optional short walk to a local village, situated above the botanical gardens, where you can gain an insight into the lives of the local people while enjoying the amazing view over Ooty.    

Day 7  Ooty to Coonoor        
All aboard the miniature, narrow gauge 'Toy Train' to Coonoor, another Nilgiri hill station.

Day 8  Coonoor to Coimbatore        
Before heading through the hilly roads to Coimbatore head out on a morning tour of Coonoor visiting buildings of faith and history.  

Day 9  Coimbatore to Munnar                
Continue the descent from the highlands and head to Munnar crossing the border into Kerala, renowned for its palm-lined beaches and peaceful backwaters. However, this afternoon you’ll visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the timeless cultivation of tea.      

Day 10  Munnar to Thekkady                  
Spot local wildlife at Eravikulam National Park (closed Feb-Apr)*, nestled in the crest of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of Idukki district. The park is home to a large population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a small stocky goat. End the day in verdant Thekkady.    

Day 11  Thekkady            
Though previously named a Tiger Reserve, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is best known for its elephants. Today you’ll trek through the park keeping an eye out for its resident elephant population, and other wildlife such as wild dogs, deer, and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Visit a spice village and browse a local market before enjoying a traditional Kalaripayattu (martial art) show this evening.        

Day 12  Thekkady to Kochi      
Depart Thekkady and drive for 5 hours to Kochi, upon arrival check into your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.    

Day 13  Kochi            
Today is devoted to touring the sights of Kochi, a melting pot of religions and cultures with dense colonial heritage. Begin with St Francis Church, believed to be the first European church built in India, marvel at the magnificent Chinese fishing nets and admire the synagogue in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.

Day 14  Kochi to Kerala Backwaters        
Travel to Kumarakom where you’ll board your houseboat, a converted rice barge known as a kettuvallam. Sit back and watch life on the water and the surrounding, untouched wilderness as you cruise gently along the canals. A delicious dinner of traditional cuisine will be served on board, and you'll spend a comfortable night on the water.  

Day 15  Kerala Backwaters to Kovalam        
After breakfast on your boat disembark and head for the beach town of Kovalam. On the way stop at Kerala’s energetic capital Trivandrum to witness the sacred Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the intriguing Sri Chitra Art Gallery.            

Day 16  Kovalam            
Wander the shoreside town of Kovalam on a tour, visiting the lighthouse. The remaining portion of the day is yours at leisure why not head to the beach. This evening join your fellow travellers in a farewell dinner.  

Day 17  Kovalam        
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.        

*An alternative light trek will be available.