Southern India is a destination going from strength to strength in popularity and to participate on this incredible adventure is to understand why. The southern states offer a rich heritage ethnically and culturally distinct from that of northern India. Palm-fringed seashores, fertile rice fields, upland tropical forests, intricately carved temples and calm ocean lagoons complete the picture. A two-night houseboat journey along the picturesque backwaters of Kerala, the best in Indian temple art at Mahabalipuram, and the spectacular Maharaja's Palace in Mysore are just some of the highlights of our this trip.

Day 1 Arrival in Kochi (Cochin)
Today we arrive in Kochi and transfer to the hotel. The history of European involvement in Kochi, from the early sixteenth century onwards, is dominated by the aggression of, successively, the Portuguese, Dutch and British, competing in their desire to control the port and its lucrative spice trade. From 1800, the state of Cochin was part of the British Madras Presidency; from 1812 until Independence in 1947, its administration was made the responsibility of a series of diwans, or financial ministers. In the 1920s, the British expanded the port to make it suitable for modern ocean-going ships; extensive dredging created Willingdon Island, between Ernakulam and Fort Cochin. PLEASE NOTE: The hotels indicated in this itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. On average they can be considered the equivalent of a North American 3-star, though in some more remote areas (ie, Periyar), and at some heritage properties, there is no official star rating. We list these hotels primarily to provide a general sense of overall standard; the final hotel list (which supersedes this itinerary) is not 100% confirmed until approximately 30-45 days prior to departure. We reserve the right to make subsitutions of a similar standard if necessary. Overnight in Kochi. Dinner if required.

Day 2 Kochi: City Tour
Today we have a tour of Kochi, including: Chinese fishing Nets - A legacy of one of the earliest visitor to the Malabar Coast, these nets are unmistakable as one enters the harbour. Records show that they were first erected between AD 1350 and 1450. Constructed out of teak wood and bamboo poles, they work on the principle of balance. The best place to watch is from Vasco Da Gama square, a narrow promenade that parallels the beach with little stalls that serve fresh seafood, tender coconuts and so on. Santa Cruz Basilica: Built by the Portuguese, the church was elevated to a Cathedral by the Pope Paul IV in 1558. Spared by the Dutch conqueror of Cochin who destroyed many Catholic buildings in 1663, it later fell into the hands of the British who demolished it when they took over Cochin in 1795. For almost a 100 years there was no church on the site, until the Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887. Also at Mattancherry is the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 AD by the prosperous Jewish trading community whose links with Kerala begin in Kodungallor (Cranganore) in the north of the state. This is the oldest synagogue in India. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. In the mid-18th century the clock tower was added and the floors paved with exquisite hand-painted blue willow tiles from China. Overnight in Kochi. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 3 Kochi - Allapuzha - Kerala Houseboat Cruise
Today we drive to Allapuzha (Alleppey), known as the "Venice of the East", situated on the Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India. A maze of canals and a network of bridges give this busy commercial town its descriptive sobriquet. Alleppey is known for its coir, the retted fibre of the coconut husk and for black pepper. Today we board our houseboat for a very special Kerala delight -- a slow boat through its forests and palm-shaded canals. We take a leisurely cruise on the beautiful backwaters, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the waterways and stopping to admire what history and religion have left along the way. THE HOUSEBOAT will be approx 60 feet long and 13 feet wide in the middle. There are two bedrooms on each boat with one bathroom with shower; comfortable beds, and traditional lanterns. There will be a sundeck for daytime relaxation. The boats are made of local natural fibres that truly echo the villagers harmony with the natural surroundings. As your oarsman slowly and silently propels us along the backwaters, we will enjoy the magnificent scenery along the waterways. We will stop to view working villages and witnesss locals fishing, swimming, crafting, and bathing (most boats will have oarsman though some will be motorized with a silencer on the motor). The houseboats have the provision for air-conditioning, but most travellers do not care for the all-night gasoline engine noise required to run the units. Most people find that the peace and quiet, and comfort provided by a fan, are preferred. NOTE: Single cabins are NOT available on the houseboat. Single supplements reflect sharing for this one night. Overnight houseboat cruise. All meals.

Day 4 Houseboat Cruise
We have a full day cruising. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin. The local population's whole life takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. Our trip goes through a wonderful area full of palm trees, rice fields and floating water plants. Overnight houseboat cruise. All meals.

Day 5 Allapuzha - Periyar
Today we travel to a lower lying part of the mountain range where tropical rainforest still holds its own in the Periyar National Park (travel time +/- 4 hours). On arrival we check in to our hotel; this evening we board a boat for a relaxing tour of the park. With luck, there are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison and packs of wild boar that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see different species of apes. The golden langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India. Other animals in Periyar are otters and porcupines. Water turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on the pieces of wood that stick out of the water. Overnight in Periyar. Silver Crest Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6 Periyar National Park
Early this morning we take a guided jungle walk at the Periyar Tiger Reserve / National Park. This easy walk is very interesting and (with luck!) gives you the chance to see wildlife at a very close distance. If you are lucky you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards and tigers. Later we return to the hotel and set off for a guided plantation tour at the outskirts of town. You will be taken to a large plantation garden to demonstrate the processing of many varieties of spices, tea and coffee. Overnight in Periyar. Silver Crest Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7 Periyar - Madurai
After breakfast we drive to Madurai (+/- 4 hours). On arrival we have a tour of Madurai visiting the Sri Meenakshi Temple where thousands of priests and worshippers come daily. People are blessed by the temple elephant and astrologists read the stars and hands. You can also get your fortune read by parrots that pick tarot cards out of a pile. All the believers bathe themselves in the temple baths. The temple in-houses a thousand pillared hall and is one of the major attractions of the temple. In the evening sermons are held within the walls of the temple and concerts are often given in honour of the gods. Optional: Later you might choose to participate in a local rickshaw tour. Over the years the local rickshaw wallas have been trained to show clients the town of Madurai in their cycle rickshaws to earn a living. This tour takes you to the local oil mill run with cattle, the local vessel merchants and many interesting sites. Overnight in Madurai. Germanus Best Western Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8 Madurai - Ooty
This morning we we drive +/- 6 hours to Ooty (Uthagamandalam), a well known hill resort high in the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains) founded by the British early in the 19th century. These mountains were inhabited by aboriginal tribes; a people called Todas now live in remote villages deep in the forest. On arrival at Ooty we visit the "Botanical Garden," one of the major local attractions. Overnight in Ooty. Sullivan's Court or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 9 Ooty - Mudumalai
After breakfast we drive to Mudumalai (+/- 1.5), one of South India's largest wildlife reserves. Situated in the foothills of Nilgiris, Mudhumalai and Bandipur is a large reserve (3000 sq km) with ranges in vegetation from semi-evergreen forests to swamps and grass lands. In Mudumalai the dense forest is home to spotted deer, Indian bison, tiger, panther, wild boar, sloth bear, and herds of wild elephants. The elephant population, estimated around 600, is one of the largest in India. On arrival we check in to our hotel and then go on a walking jungle safari. A local tribal guide who knows every inch of this land will provide detailed information. In the evening we view the Elephant Worship (Pooja) ceremony. Overnight in Mudumamai. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 10 Mudumalai - Mysore
After breakfast we drive to Mysore (+/- 3 hours). Our sightseeing of this princely town will include the famous "Palace of Mysore," once the residential of Wodeyar Kingss and one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, this palace has a grandeur that is unmatched. We will visit the "Jayachamsrajendra Art Gallery" housed in the Jaganmohan palace. This gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875 and then we drive to "Chamumdi Hill Temple" at a height of 1062mts. The 2000-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. A seven storey, 40 m high tower, dominates the temple. A view of the entire city from this hilltop is impressive. Overnight in Mysore. Sandesh de Prince Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 11 Mysore: Somnathpur & Srirengapatnam
This morning we drive to Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri. Here stood one of the last and the grandest of Hoysala monuments - the Kesava Temple, built in 1266. Later we visit Srirengapatnam, a island fortress with an ancient history. We visit Tippu's Summer Palace and the Fort. Later we drive to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, located on one of the three islands in the Cauvery River. It's a good place to see storks, ibis, egrets, darters, spoonbills and cormorants. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Mysore. Sandesh de Prince Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 12 Mysore - Belur & Halebid - Hassan
Today we travel to Hassan via Belur and Halebid. Belur and Halebid were both capitals of The Medieval Hoysala kings who built the exquisitely carved temples in the 12th & 13th centuries. Belur is famous for it Hoysala architecture; its Temple of Lord Channakeshava is embellished with carving which has few equals in the world. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers. they are all there - awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Halebid was the seat of Hoysala Kingdom; its great Hoyaleswara Temple was built in the typical Hoysala style architecture. The temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple--guarded by a Nandi Bull--was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. We continue to Hassan. Overnight in Hassan. Hoysala Village or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 13 Hassan - Train to Chennai
After breakfast we drive to Bangalore to connect by train to Chennai (Madras), +/- 5 hours. On arrival we check in to our hotel. Overnight in Chennai. Comfort Inn Marina or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 14 Chennai: City Tour - Pondicherry
After breakfast we embark upon a colonial tour of Chennai, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is, like Mumbai and Calcutta, a comparatively modern creation. It was founded by the British East India Company in 1639, on a narrow five-kilometre strip of land between the Cooum and Adyar rivers, a few kilometres north of the ancient Tamil port of Mylapore and the Portuguese settlement of San Thome, established in 1522. The British were repeatedly challenged by the French who, in 1746, destroyed much of the city. Robert Clive ("Clive of India"), then a clerk, was taken prisoner, an experience said to have inspired him to become a campaigner. Clive was among the first to re-enter Chennai when it was retaken three years alter, and continued to use it as his base. Following this, fortifications were strengthened and the British survived a year-long French siege (1759), completing the work in 1783. By this time, however, Calcutta was in the ascendancy and Madras lost its national importance. Our city sightseeing of Chennai includes a visit to the National Art Gallery and Museum which has a selection of ancient paintings from almost all schools of art, as well as a section entirely devoted to modern art. We will visit Fort St George, once a stronghold of the British; St Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India; the San Thome Cathedral where the remains of St Thomas the Apostle are believed to have been buried; the Mylapore Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Light House which is the only one of its kind in the world to be located on top of a High Court. We drive along the Marina, the thirteen kilometre-long beach which, with its shining white sands, aqua blue sea and violet lights at night, is the pride of Chennai. After our tour we drive to Pondicherry. Overnight in Pondicherry. Aurodhan Homestay or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 15 Pondicherry
In Pondicherry we plan to stay at a homestay run by Mr Lalit Verma, a famous artist who conducts several workshops and events at his guesthouse. If we are lucky we might get to attend one. Mr Verma is closely associated with the Ashram here and loves to share his experiences with his guests. After breakfast we proceed for Pondicherry sightseeing, a former French enclave especially famous because of the mystic, Sri Aurobindo. Followers founded temples, Ayurvedic clinics and a number of other businesses. Pondicherry still features French street names, croissants and policemen in French-style uniforms. Overnight in Pondicherry. Aurodhan Homestay or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 16 Pondicherry - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Today we travel 60 km to Mahabalipuram (+/- 2 hours), the seaport of the ancient Palava Dynasty of Kanci. We visit the temples and carvings that date back to the 7th century. They stand out because of their simplicity and the fact that they also depict many scenes from the every-day life of every-day people. It is now recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India. Kanchipuram is known as one of India's Seven Sacred Cities and the historical capital of the Pallavas under whom, from AD 6th to 8th century, it became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslims and the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. This afternoon you might choose to continue exploring on bicycle (optional). Cycle through farmlands, see local temples and schools and locals going about their business. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your afternoon. Overnight in Mahabalipuram. Mamalla Heritage Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 17 Mahabalipuram
Today is free to relax and / or explore on your own. Overnight in Mahabalipuram. Mamalla Heritage Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 18 Mahabalipuram - Chennai - Depart
Today we transfer to Chennai Airport for our flights homeward. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE!