Met upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.

The truly initiated ones can walk the 1000 steps or so to the Chamunda Devi temple on a hill overlooking the town of Mysore. The rest can drive by bus. Enroute visit the second largest nandi bull statue in the world.

Later visit the grand Mysore Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore which has been converted into a museum. Later visit the very active and energetic Rangaraja Market which was created by Tipu Sultan for encouraging trade among his people.

**Toda Tribal evening cultural program at a modern Indian woman�s farmhouse.

Overnight at the hotel

After early breakfast transfer to Bangalore airport to board the flight to Coimbtore.

BLR/CJB- 9W 2766 ETD/ETA: 1040/1140 Hrs

On arrival in Coibmbtore, drive straight to Palakkad. On arrival, check in at the Ayurvedic resort.

Kairali Kalakshetram at Kodumbu, near Palakkad town, is a window to the rich and colourful art forms. Culture and health practices are unique to Kerala.

Many consider it to be a temple of learning as this institution has facilities to learn the art forms of the State as well as martial arts, yoga and meditation. Run by the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Kairali Kalakshetram is situated in the midst of 50 acres of lush greenery. It was the brainchild of Ramesh, who hails from a family of traditional Ayurveda practitioners at Kodumbu.

The in-house doctor will help you plan out the best form of therapy for you. ( at a supplement cost).

Overningh in the Hotel.

Depending on the festival timings, proceed towards the festival ground to witness the major Elephant festival .

The colorful mosaic of Kerala festivals and fairs is as diverse as the land. It is an expression of the spirit of celebration that is an essential part of the State. We will visit an ancient temple which would be celeberating its centuries old festival with decorated elephants. Drummers and chariots will make this a grand spectacle for us.

Overnight in the resort.

After breakfast drive to Cochin and on the way stop and visit for Kalamandalam.

Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon along the banks of the river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur District, Kalamandalam is an immortal name in the cultural map of India.

Kalamandalam is strictly a residential center of learning. Veteran teachers and talented students are its inestimable wealth. For art-recitals held in Kalamandalam and outside, artiste-teachers and students participate.

In simple classrooms some of the most amazing performing art form of India are taught in this residential school. We will do a guided tour of various classes to see this amazing university.

We will also have a traditional lunch served on banana leafs.

Later drive to Cochin. On arrival, check in at the Hotel.

*Special Sea food dinner with Indian wine in the evening at the most famous restaurant

Overnight in the Hotel

Cochin, documented since Roman times, is the oldest European settlement in India. With its enchanting Jewish quarter, picturesque Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples and bustling spice and antiques bazaars, Cochin has a seamless blend of diverse architectural and religious influences. This ancient port has now split into two main parts: the old town of Fort Cochin on the peninsula, with its winding alleyways lined with merchant houses and spice markets, and the brash, modern industrious city of Ernakulam on the mainland.

We will visit the Jewish synagogue, Dutch palace, Chinese fishing nets and the Vasco D� Gama Church.

Later in the afternoon visit the Kathakali performance in the theatre.

Later, proceed for a cooking demonstration by the celeberated chef Nimmy Paul in her residence. Nimmy has written books on South India cooking and was featured in New York Times Magazine article.

Overnight in the Hotel

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

We will take a day trip with lunch onboard our houseboat which will gently travel on the small canals of this area passing through villages, churches and schools.

Overnight in the hotel

After breakfast drive to Munnar. On arrival check in at the Hotel.

Rest of the day is free to relax and visit the different Tea Gardens and Tea Museums.

Overnight in the hotel

After leisurely breakfast drive to Madurai. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

In the evening visit Meenakshi Temple to attend the night ceremony in the temple which is must watch.

Return back to the hotel for the overnight.

Overnight in the hotel

After breakfast visit Meenakshi � Temple, an outstanding example of the Dravidian temple architecture from the Vijaynagar kingdom. Meenakshi, the fish eyed goddess and the consort of Shiva has a temple to the south and Sundareswarar (Shiva) a temple to the west. One of the biggest temples of India. Its nine �Gopuram�-Temple towers (23-30m ) have wonderful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals from the Hindu mythology.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in the hotel

After breakfast drive to Trichy. En-route visit Brihadisvara Temple in Tanjore. The magnificent main temple has a 62 meter high vimana ( the tallest in India), which is topped by dome carved from an 80 ton lock of granite. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Later continue drive to Trichy. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit Srirangam, the big temple city, which lies on an island on the Kaveri. The Ranganathasvami Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the largest temple in South India, is famous for its superb sculpture � the 21 impressive gopurams and its rich collection of temple jewellery. There is a huge statue of Lord Vishnu. Not to forget the hall with 1000 pillars and horse sculptures. After sightseeing drive back to hotel.

Overnight in the Hotel

After breakfast visit the Rock Fort built on a 84 m high rock, from where you can have a memorable view of the surroundings, although you need to climb 437 rock cut steps.

Later drive to Pondicherry. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Pondicherry, the last French settlement in India till 1954. The town is visited above all for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram which draws visitors from all over the world. Before checking into the hotel you visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual centre founded by Sri Aurobindo and his chief disciple Mirra Alfassa.

Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Afternoon is free to relax on the beaches.

Overnight in the hotel.

17

On Time transfer to the Chennai International airport to board the flight for onward journey. (Reporting Time at Internationally airport is 03 hrs prior to the flight departure.