Classic South India

Early breakfast, and then drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing village of Mamallapuram. Take a guided tour around the town’s laidback beaches and temples, keeping an eye out for the sculptures and carvings dotted around the place. Visit the incredible 8th-century Shore Temple and its mandapams (carved pillars) to pay your respects to the deity Shiva. Continue onto Puducherry (Pondicherry) in the late afternoon where your evening is free to spend at leisure. Overnight stay in Puducherry.

After breakfast get ready to explore Puducherry, which was under French rule until 1954, and the European style of the town extends from beautiful colonial architecture right down to the uniforms of the police. Enjoy a walking tour to see local temples, the French Quarter and the spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The rest of the day and evening is free to spend at leisure. Overnight stay in Puducherry.

After breakfast depart by road to Karaikudi. On arrival, check-in to you hotel and take a walk around the village and get a taste of village life. Visit some havelis (mansions), whose grandiose architecture will no doubt impress. Be sure to sample some spicy Chettinad cuisine while you're here. Overnight stay in Karaikudi.

After breakfast continue your journey to Madurai. Here you will wander through the colourful markets and bazaars, then visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple in the city’s centre. In the afternoon explore the National Gandhi Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's fight for independence. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Early breakfast, and then drive through rubber and pineapple plantations to Thakkady. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and get ready for your afternoon jeep safari at the Periyar National Park. Periyar is a true paradise of elephants. Later in the evening, enjoy a boat ride at Periyar Lake. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast depart by road to Kochi - one of the finest harbours on the Arabian coastline. This place is a veritable melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. Use your free time to get out on the water by local ferry, or wander down the beach at sunset. Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast,embark on a sightseeing tour of Kochi covering the famous Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, and the Jewish Synagogue. Enjoy the spectacular view of giant Chinese Fishing Nets being lowered on the famous Vasco-da-Gama Square. In the evening watchthe Kathakali dance performance by trained dancers. Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom riverside resort. Discover sleepy Kumarakom in the backwaters of Kerala by taking a short cruise before heading out on a village walk. This is a great chance to meet and talk with the people who live in the backwaters, stroll under palm trees and weave in between the rice fields in this tranquil landscape. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast drive to Kovalam via Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). Kovalam was once a quiet coastal village known for its export of fresh fish and coconuts, but is now one of India’s more popular beach resorts. Visit the ancient temple of AttukalBhagavathy, explore the old signalling station of Anchuthengu Fort and the 16th-century Koyikkal Palace. Your evening is then free to spend at leisure. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your direct flight to Chennai, from where you will connect to your international flight home.