Arrive into Chennai Airport, meet & greet services at the airport and transfer to your Hotel in Mahabalipuram. Afternoon proceed for a half day sightseeing of Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster. It is renowned for its series of charming RATHAS and the spectacular carved relief depicting ARJUNA’S PENANCE. The magnificent SHORE TEMPLE built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu—Varaha and Vamana—besides scenes of kings and queens. The KRISHNA MANADAPAM has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips.

Overnight at Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry – Attractively set on the Bay of Bengal with delightful unspoilt beaches, this surprising town is a throwback to colonial times when it was a French enclave, but nowadays it is richly blended with Tamil culture. Those used to British colonial architecture will enjoy the Gallic imprint with the profusion of Catholic churches and distinctly French buildings and excellent French restaurants. Enroute visit Auroville – Discover the harmonious community of Auroville, inspired by The Mother as a place where people can come together, regardless of nationality, belief or colour, to live a meaningful life. Experimental buildings, combining Western and Indian elements, are located along narrow rural roads, shaded by lush greenery. This utopia supports itself through agriculture, handicrafts and alternative technology.

Visit SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives. The PONDICHERRY MUSEUM is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments.

Later, check in at hotel.

Overnight at Pondicherry.

After breakfast, transfer to Thanjavur. Enroute visit Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram

Chidambaram greets us with a beautiful temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja- God Siva in the form of a Cosmic Dancer. This is one of the few temples where Siva and Vishnu are enshrined under one roof. The Tamil Nadu between Vada Venkatam (North Thirupati) and Ten-Kumari is the holiest spot on earth – A Paradise on Earth and to merit this eulogy a divine fragrance permeates the Tamil land. Tamil itself is Sivam and it will be quite in order, to say that the Tamil land is a huge Siva shrine.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is an architectural work of genius. The voluptuous temple stands next to the famous Brihadisvara temple at Tanjore. Gangaikonda Cholapuram is regarded as the reproduction of Brihadisvara Temple that was built by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was erected to outshine the temple made by the father. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shiva lingam in the Southern part of India.

Continue your drive to Thanjavur, the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu and the cultural capital of the country in the 18th century, Thanjavur rose to prominence during the Chola reign. Temple architecture was redefined during their rule, and a new paradigm of Dravidian architecture was set. The 11th century Big Temple or the Brihadeeswara Temple in the heart of the town stands testimony to such a tradition. The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unparalleled in terms of grandeur, scale and detailing.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Overnight at Thanjavur.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Thanjavur (Tanjore), The main attractions is, the Brihadeeswara temple which for centuries has attracted fascinated artists, curious historians, sociologists, and travelers who delight in its wealth of sculptures, beautiful calligraphy, frescoes, and over a hundred inscriptions on the walls. This artistic tradition was righteously carried forward by the Nayak and Maratha kings, and one can get a glimpse of it in monuments such as Serfoji Mahal Library and Tanjore Palace to name a few.

Overnight at Thanjavur.

After breakfast check out and  drive to Chettinadu, Chettinadu or the land of Nattukottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. rural town houses many stylish heritage homes, which took years to build, and has courtyards, halls and corridors that are quiet, cool and beautifully decorated with intricate artwork, Burmese teak and Italian marble. Check in to a heritage home stay at chettiandu and ry out the local cuisine for lunch. Later proceed for a bullock cart ride through the village, visit the temples around, go on shopping of antiques at Karaikudi, visit the Chettinadu palace, etc.

Overnight at Chettinadu.

After breakfast drive to Madurai. Madurai 90 km  known as the temple town of South India is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check into the hotel for 01 night stay.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Here the architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals. Some of the major attractions in the city are the MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, TIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL, GANDHI MUSEUM, KOODAL AZHAGAR TMEPLE, VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM etc. Other important attractions include Thirumalai Naicker Palace, Koodal Azhagar Temple and the Gandhi Museum. By Evening visit Sri Meenakshi Temple and attend the Pooja ceremony.

Overnight at Madurai.

Check out and drive to Munnar.

Surrounded by lush green-carpeted tea and coffee plantations, Munnar is a picturesque hill station situated in the eastern part of Kerala. The town is located at the confluence of three mountain streams — Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kudala—and is known for its clean, neat, and brightly painted ambience. The beautiful landscapes, cozy weather, and the smell of tealeaves make Munnar one of the most sought-after destinations in South India. Precisely these were the reason why the British always retreated to Munnar when the heat and humidity was on its peak in other parts of Kerala. Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The hills here are covered with a carpet of flowers in bloom. Also found here is an exotic plant called Neelakurunji that flowers just once in a 12-year period. Check in at hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Munnar.

PROCEED TO BIRDING AT PAMPADUM SHOLA AT 6:00 AM, WITH PACKED BREAKFAST

Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geographical and zoological significance of Pampadum Shola, the Government of Kerala declared it as a National Park in December 2003

The Park is located in the eastern part of Southern Western Ghats of Kerala on the way to Vattavada, near Top Station about 35 Kms from Munnar town.Months from April to September have pleasant climate and is the most popular time for tourism in this area. The coldest months are December and January when the minimum temperature inside forests fall up to 6°C even at lower elevations

The terrain is undulating with hillocks of varying heights. The altitudes range between 1600-2400 m. The forest is seen as a continuous patch from 1600 m up to 2000 m, above which grasslands prevails with small forest patches distributed among them. The National Park offers a wide range of habitat types to the flora and fauna. 22 Species of trees, 74 species of herbs and shrubs, 16 species of climbers.

Post lunch, go for organic spice plantation visit and birding near to the resort.

The guided Spice Plantation Trail shows you around the plantations near Ecotones: a solid 3-hour walk over hillocks and glens. Find out about the local spices cultivated by the people of Muduvankudi: from the earthly turmeric to the spicy and pungent Bird’s Eye Chilli or kanthari. Learn about how farmers grow black gold: pepper. The cardamom plantations transport you to a different world, with the lush emerald stalks and giant tree canopies. As you walk along, check out the multi-hued bird life all around you! From the ravishing ruby-throated bulbul and chattering Malabar hornbills to the metallic blue Malabar Whistling Thrush – the forest birds you’ll see around are sure to leave you enthralled.

Overnight at Munnar.

Drive to Thattekad, a lowland forest with several types of eco-systems – Riverine, grasslands, evergreen, scrub, dry deciduous, lowland forest, enabling it to be one of the best birding destinations in India. This is also home to most of the endemics of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary is designed by the renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. The Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species in Thattekkad. This bird sanctuary set in a peninsular land of 25 sq. km is covered with deciduous forests and plantations of rosewood, teak etc.

Check in to  your accommodation upon arrival.

Evening proceed for birding (2 Hrs).

Overnight at Thattekad.

Full day birding at Thattekkad.

Situated in the banks of Periyar the longest river in Kerala , Thattekkad Bird sanctuary is the abode for rare species of birds .Even though it is 25 sq km wide the wild life it carries has always made people attracted and each year the number of visitors increases from various part of the world .Thattekkad bird sanctuary is the first officially recognized bird sanctuary in Kerala .This bird sanctuary is been named after famous ornithologist Dr Salim Ali by whom this place was taken up by the government into a sanctuary status .And he himself is the architect of this sanctuary . We can see rare species of birds including Indian Petta , Large-billed Leaf-warbler , Cormorants, Frogmouths, which are nocturnal birds, Yellow-browed Bulbuls , Pompadour Green Pigeon , Darters etc .Even though this place is famous for birds on a lucky day one can find different kinds of animals too including Leopard , porcupine , deer , cobra and even elephants.The wild flowers add to the scenic beauty of this place and different plantations include Teak ,Rosewood  and Mahagony are also abundant here .

Around 253 species of birds have been identified by Bombay Natural History Society .Other than the wildlife the river has various species of fishes too. When you visit this place it is advisable to get the help of a guide so that nook and corner of thattekkad bird sanctuary has its own significance.

Overnight at Thattekad.

Breakfast at hotel. At noon, board a Kettuvallam (houseboat) and proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise, through the mesmerizing unique backwaters of Kerala. You will have an exclusive houseboat which cruises till sunset.. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips! The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters.

Lunch and evening tea with snacks served on board.

Overnight on the Houseboat.

After breakfast, disembark houseboat and drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check in at hotel.

Afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin, which is the financial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala.

The tour covers – The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (10 AM – 5 PM, Closed on Fridays and national holidays), renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue(10 AM – 12 PM and 3 PM – 5 PM. Closed on Sundays and Jewish Holidays.) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese trade.

In the evening witness the world famous Kathakali dance at a local theatre, a traditional art form of Kerala and one among the national dances of India.

(Timings: Kathakali make-up starts at 5.30 PM & the performs starts from 6.30 PM till 7.30 PM)

Overnight at Cochin.

Muziris welcomes you to the cape of trade culture left behind by our ancestors from around the world. Reputed to be the ancient world’s greatest trading centre in the East this legendary seaport traded in everything from spices to precious stones with the Greeks, Romans and the rest of the world. The Muziris Heritage Project intends to conserve and to showcase the culture of 3000 years or more for posterity. In Muziris, which was the doorway to India for varied cultures and races: Buddhists, Arabs, Chinese, Jews, Romans, Portuguese, Dutch and even the British history no longer slumbers but rather lends itself bare to the curious minds.

Muziris Heritage Site is an outstanding example of buildings and archaeological sites and landscape, which illustrates a significant stage in the human history of Kerala. This historic region bears an exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition; of which monumental structures also occupy a significant place.

The built heritage of Muziris is extensive and there are few notable buildings from the 18th and the 19th centuries scattered around this heritage site; but mostly in Chennamangalam and Kodungalloor. The surviving elements of Muziris comprise not only buildings but also the markets, streets and footways, bridges, and cemeteries.

The natural environment is of great importance to the status of Muziris Heritage Site. The networks of waterways have influenced and inspired the architecture and growth of the built heritage.

Timing : 0900 Hrs to 1400 Hrs

The tour will cover below sites:

1. First Bagavathy Temple in India
2. First Christian church in India
3. Excavation site
4. Paliam Naalukettu
5. Paravour Synagogue
6. Shiva Temple 2000 years old
7. Backwater Cruise and Lunch at Beach Bungalow

Return to back to your hotel at Cochin.

Overnight at Cochin.

You will be dropped at Cochin airport on time for return journey.