Private car round trip: Chennai – Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Chettinad - Madurai – Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Kollam – Kumarakom - Thekaddy – Munnar - Cochin – Ooty – Bandipur – Mysore – Somnathpur - Coorg – Hassan – Hampi – Hospet – Badami – Goa - Chennai
1 Day: Arrival in Chennai (India)
Upon arrival in Chennai welcomed by one of our local staff and transfer to hotel.

2 Day: From Chennai to Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram
Morning: After breakfast, drive on to the temple town of Kanchipuram. 75 km. It is one of the "seven holy cities" of India. Successively Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kings. From the abundance of temples, visit the three most important, namely the Kailasanatha Temple, the Temple Vaikunthaperumal, and the Ekambareshwara Temple. All these temples are nearly 1000 years old, and depict the old tradition of Dravidian Tamil culture. Since Kanchipuram is also famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics, a visit to the bazaar is worth.

Afternoon: Drive on to the south to Mahabalipuram, where you can look forward to a beach hotel. 65 km. Time to relax or swim.

3 Day: From Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
Morning: We make time for the more than 1300 years old art and architecture of Pallava: Between the monolithic "5 pagodas", the picturesque seaside temple (UNESCO Heritage Site), the largest stone carving in the world and the magnificent gods statues on the walls, which are chiseled into the granite caves, your guide will put you in the right mood for the art and culture of South India. The fact that Indian stone masons are still so art-witted is testified by today's workshops. Stroll through the market to witness stone masons workshops and the daily life of the people.

Forenoon: A short drive leads then to a well-paved road along the coast to Pondicherry. 140 km.

Evening: Stroll through the Beach Promenade.

4 Day: Pondicherry – Thanjavur
Morning: Stroll through French stamped "Ville Blanche". The beautiful colonial mansions, Catholic churches or the wide beach promenade, just remind of the red hats of the policemen at the French colonial history in India. In the Ashram of Sri Aurobindo meet the age-old spiritual tradition of India and Western truth-seekers. The focus of the ashram is the flower-covered burial ground of Sri Aurobindo, the founder. Ashram also houses an extensive library with all kind of spiritual books, including the books on the philosophy of Sri Aurbindo Ghosh. Then, you will look forward to a trip to the model city Auroville. The layout is built on pattern of a religious diagram. In the center stands next to a sacred banyan tree, the most impressive buildings in the city, the Matrimandir, a futuristic spherical structure, this is actually a meditation center.

Forenoon: Drive on to Tanjore. 177 km. On the way visit temples at Chidambaram and Darasuram. The holy temple of Chidambaram is considered by the Hindus as the center of the universe, as that place where Shiva first performed his cosmic dance. We drive past lush rice fields to Darasuram, where in Airavateshvara Temple, we admire magnificent reliefs, which illustrate the scenes from the dance textbook Natyashastra. 150 km. Two nights in Tanjore.

5 Day: Sightseeing of Tanjore and Excursion to Trichy
Morning: Sightseeing of Tanjore
Evening: Excursion to Trichy.

In the morning we visit the magnificent Brihadeshwara temple (UNESCO Heritage Site), the most magnificent of Chola temples in India from the early 11th Century: Here God Shiva is worshipped. In the museum in the old palace then we see the beautiful sculptures and bronze statues. Afterward excursion to Trichy. One hour drive away situated the temple town of Srirangam on the island formed by river cauvery with the typical high temple towers, where like at one time the religious life pulsates. 55 km. Return back to Tanjore for overnight stay.

7. Day: From Tanjore to Chettinad to Madurai
Morning: Drive to Chettinad. 85km.
Afternoon: Proceed to Madurai. After arrival in Madurai, transfer to hotel.

Our today’s trip is somewhat diversified in the Chettinad region - home of the Chettiyar merchant class, who became wealthy during the colonial period in Burma. Their merchant palatial houses are a combination of colonial grandeur and traditional handicrafts. In the former clubhouse of the Chettiyar caste we learn about the famous food specialties of the region and become familiar during the conversation with our hosts with the interesting things about the daily life of Chettinad. In the afternoon we continue our drive to Madurai. 220 km. After arrival, transfer to hotel.

8 Day: From Madurai to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)
Morning: Morning: Sightseeing tour of Madurai. Highlight of the day, however, is the Sri Meenakshi Temple. You will be captivated by the religious devotion of the people and the incredible beauty of the temple area.

Forenoon: Drive on to Kanyakumari, the south-end point of India. 242 km. Kanyakumari is a meeting point of three oceans. A long day trip takes us to Kanyakumari, India’s extreme southern tip. A chain of islands seems from here like footprints in the sea. On one of the islands accessible by boat waiting for us the gigantic statue of the famous philosopher Vivekananda in India - one of the fathers of modern Indian philosophy, and in the evening a unique sunset. Already on the way we pass many small kerala villages with traditional wooden houses. The skill of the builders also shows the way at the former residence of the ruler of Travancore, the famous Sri Padmanabhapuram Palace.

9 Day: From Kanyakumari to Kovalam (90 Km)
Morning: Watch the unique sunset at Kanyakumari.
Forenoon: Drive on to Kovalam, where your beach resort awaits your welcome. 90 km. On the way visit Padnabhapuram Palace and Suchidram Temple.

10 Day: Kovalam
Relax at Kovalam Beach or go for ayurveda massage at the health centre of your hotel.

11 Day: From Kovalam to Kollam
Morning: Drive on to Kollam. Only two hours drive from Kovalam lies directly on the lakes and canals of Kerala landscape, surrounded by palm trees and rice paddies, the town of Kollam, with its many Ayurveda Resorts in very quiet and tranquil environment. Overnight in Kollam.

12 Day: From Kollam to Alleppey by Houseboat
Morning: Early in the morning we break into the kerala’s Venice, to Alleppey. The city, crisscrossed by canals, is supply center for the romantic landscape water of the backwaters. On the waterways and small islands plays a quiet life, far from the society of Indian towns and cities. On a comfortable houseboat, former rice barges we go - past palm groves and rice fields – out into the maze of the many small waterways and lakes to finally moor the boat to a small island for the night.

While the nearby village inviting you for a stroll, the crew of the houseboat preparing a typical dinner. From the comfortable deck, experience out the onset of the tranquil tropical night with its clear starlit sky. Out here the only sounds are perhaps of a passing boat, the pounding of the waves, a few bird calls and frogs croaking.
Overnight in Houseboat.

13 Day: To Kumarakom by Houseboat and drive on to Thekaddy
Morning: Sail on to Kumarakom and drive on to Thekaddy (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary). The return to the real world of South Indian roads in Kumarakom is an interesting contrast, which is complemented again by the subsequent trip in the tranquility of Periyar wildlife sanctuary. On the way visit spice farm, which you will get acquainted with different types of plants like cardamom, pepper, cashew nut, papaya, etc. In the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to observe the wildlife reserve around the lake by a boat. Buffaloes and elephants are found here almost every day and often there are also encounters with tigers and other wild cats.

14 Day: From Thekaddy to Munnar
Morning: After breakfast drive to Munnar. 110 km. The town lies in the east of the state of Kerala and is surrounded by gently curvated hills with tea and coffee plantations. Munnar is situated at the height of 1524 m between three mountain ranges Mudapuzha, Nallathanni and Kudala and is known for its clear and clean air. The beautiful landscape, the pleasant climate and the fragrance of the tea leaves make the place the ultimate goal of the visitors in southern India. Because of these factors the English have always been to Munnar, where else the heat and humidity was highest in Kerala. The city is located near the Anaimudi summit, the highest mountain in the western mountain ranges. The surrounding hills are covered with a green carpet of multicolored flowers. Here also found the Neela kurunji exotic plant that blooms only once every 12 years.

Afternoon: Stroll in the market of Munnar and visit to tea plantation.

15 Day: From Munnar to Cochin
Morning; Drive to Cochin. 150 km.
Afternoon; Sightseeing tour of Cochin
Evening: Visit to Kathakali Cultural Center

Along many small villages with their colorful everyday life we drive in about three hours down to the ancient trading city of Cochin. The historic downtown area is situated on an island amidst never-ending number of channels. Here in Cochin, many groups and nations have settled in the last thousand years. Holland palaces and British colonial mansions, lively Jewish settlements (as of now only four Jewish families are living in Cochin) or the ancient Chinese fishing nets on the shore, near the Portuguese church of St. Francis dominate the picture of Cochin. The Kerala culture is not modified by the growing for centuries Kathakali Theater, with its rituals, costumes and elaborate masks. An evening presentation before dinner will bring us closer to this form of art.

16 Day: Cochin
Morning: Learning of different Kerala cuisine recipes
Evening: Boat ride along the water channels of Cochin.

The next morning is another aspect of regional culture, the kerala kitchen with all its spices and unusual flavors on the program. In a traditional household, we experience a unique cooking class under the expert guidance, which end in a large kerala lunch with the dishes, prepared along with you. After lunch we continue to be a peaceful program point - a ride on a traditional boat on the farms, villages and plantations lined channels around Cochin.

17 Day: From Cochin to Ooty
Morning: Drive to Ooty hill station. 260 km. Arrival and transfer to hotel.
Evening: Stroll through the market.

18 Day: Explore Ooty and Toy Train
Morning: After breakfast, take the Nilgiri Express from Ooty to Conoor. The train route is spectacular and offers magnificent panoramic views over the mountains in southern India and the surrounding jungle. After arriving in Connor (20 km) by the toy train, drive back to Ooty.

Afternoon: Ooty is the most popular hill station in southern India. It is located at the height of 2268 meters and is known for its mild climate and spectacular scenery. In the half day sightseeing tour you will see the Botanic Gardens laid in 1847, a boat ride on the Ooty lake and the Doddabetta peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri mountains (2,623 meters) with spectacular views over the valleys.

19 Day: From Ooty to Bandipur National Park
Morning: Drive to Bandipur National Park. The imposing area of 880 square kilometers offers almost unlimited possibilities with the tropical flora and fauna to go around within touching distance, by jeep safaris, where you'll encounter with any luck mighty wild cattle, Indian elephants, antelope, deer or leopard.

Afternoon: After lunch go for the Jeep safari into the jungle

20 Day: Explore! Bandipur National Park
Morning: Jeep Safari into the park
Afternoon: Jeep Safari into the park

21 Day: From Bandipur to Mysore
Morning: Jeep Safari into the park
Forenoon: Drive to Mysore. 80 km.
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Mysore

Forenoon you will drive in the city of perfumes, silk, and the maharajah's palaces
Mysore or Maisuru, as it is now called, was the capital of the State for a long period. Many buildings still bear witness to the glorious past of the city. The Amba Vilas Palace in the center is the former residence of the Maharajas and is considered one of the largest and grandest palaces in India. About three kilometers outside the city rises itself the 1,000-meter-high Chamundi Hill, on whose top the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is placed. After the city tour go for the stroll through the fruit and vegetable market, one of the busiest bazaars of India. Overnight in Mysore.

22 Day: Excursion to Srirangapatnam and Somnathpur
Morning: In the morning drive into the village of Somnathpur. 25 km. Here stands, in 1268 AD erected Keshava Temple, which depicts an excellent example of the architecture of the temples built in the Hoysala’s period. It is infact the only temple, which was completely built and finished.

Afternoon: After lunch make an excursion to the islet Srirangapatnam in the Cauvery river, where you will welcome by a fort dating from the Muslim ruler Tipu Sultuan (18. century), with its palaces, mosques and temples. Tipu Sultan was named "Tiger of Mysore" because of his daring in battle against the British.

23 Day: From Mysore to Madikeri or Kodagu (Coorg)
Morning: Drive through scenic hill drive to Coorg. 120 km.

In morning you leave the maharaja city and drive into the highlands of the Western Ghats in Coorg - in a mountainous region that is among the most impressive landscapes in southern India. The population (Kodavas or Coorgis) is famous for its independent urge and its very own rites and customs. The road that leads you into your picturesquely situated hotel, which winds its way up the serpentine mountain and gives a clear view of evergreen valleys with coffee and fruit plantations.

24 Day: From Coorg to Hassan
Morning: Your journey takes you to Hassan, where the Hoysala temple areas of Belur and Halebid will be visited, which are famous for their intricate sculptures. 115 km.
Afternoon: Make an excursion to Sravanbelagola. 51 km.

Chennakeswara, thousand years old temple of Belur, is a fascinating example of the filigreed embodiments of the famous Hoysala architecture. For the construction it took more than one hundred years - the variety of characters and their details explain the long construction period. A few kilometers further east at Halebid, reached the art of temple builders another highlight with the equally around one thousand year old Hoysaleswara temple. The huge complex, made of marble, is built with an incredible love, designed to the smallest details and is a unique testimony to the history of the region of Karnataka.

The third leg of the itinerary takes us to one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism in India. Sravanabelagola impresses already from afar by its eighteen meters high, from a single stone carved statue of the god Gomateshwara. The impressive work of art and the surrounding area are certificates of over one thousand years old Indian craftsmanship.

25 Day: From Hassan to Hospet
Morning: Drive to Hospet. 340 km.
Afternoon: Excursion to Hampi. 17 km

Visit Hampi, 13 km distant from Hospet, and you esteem at the traces of the medieval Vijaynagar empire. Hampi is UNESCO World Heritage Site: it was the capital of the Hindu Kingdom of Vijaynagar. The main attraction in Hampi is the 15-meter-long Queen's Bath, a square-shaped bathe surrounded by a gallery, verandas and balconies in the Rajasthani style. From the small waterfall inside the bath once poured cold, scented water, and then ran off through an underground channel. The Vithala temple is located 2km east of Hampi Bazaar and also belongs to World Cultural Heritage. It owes its beauty to the artists of the Vijaynagar rulers. On the walls of the temple are beautiful carvings, and its columns are so balanced that they have musical qualities. Located on the summit of a hill, the Raghunath temple which is famous for its Dravidian style and for the peaceful surroundings has the magnificent view over the town at sunset. The Virupaksha temple from the 15th Century is one of the oldest monuments in the city, and is part of the bazaar district. Besides the temple, the royal Vithala balance has a golden past. According to legend, this scale has been used for gold, jewels and food to weigh, which were later distributed to the Brahmins. The Achyutraya Temple is a large temple complex, dedicated to Vishnu, whose image is leaning back on the coils of a serpent. The Lotus Mahal is an exquisite pavilion, which is located in the walled part of zenana, near the Hazara Ram Temple.

27 Day: From Hospet to Badami via Pattadakal and Aihole (214 km)
Morning: Drive to Badami. 214 km. On the way visit temples of Aihole and Pattadakal.

After breakfast departure to Badami, with a stop at Pattadakal, 165 km from Hospet. Pattadakal was the second capital of the powerful Chalukyas. Here most of the state receptions were held. Apart from Badami and Aihole Pattadakal is also a center of the s of Chalukyan architecture. There are many temples, of which most of them are from the 6th and 7th century. Some of the most important are the Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and the Papanatha Temple. Later we continue 20 km to visit to Aihole. Besides Badami and Pattadakal Aihole provides the third dimension of the centers of Chalukyan architecture. There are a number of intricately carved Hindu temples from the 6th and 7th century. Some of the most important temples in Aihole are the Lad Khan temple, Meguti Temple and the Durga Temple. There is also a small museum of the Archaeological Department, the main findings, which exhibits here, are from the Chalukyan eras. After further half an hour drive to Badami. Arrival and Check In the late afternoon.

28 Day: From Badami to Goa
Morning: Sightseeing of Badami Caves.
Forenoon: Drive to Goa. 190 km. arrival and transfer to beach resort.

Badami is the capital of the ancient South Indian kingdom of the Chalukyas and is located in north Karnataka, close to a picturesque hills of red sandstone. The city was founded in 543 AD by Pulkeshin I, the great lion king, and was formerly named Vatapi. Badami was the capital up to 757 AD, and in that time it was with Aihole and Pattadakal a center of carved stone temples.

The architectural beauty in Badami later influenced many newly architectural and stone sculptured schools. Badami is especially known for its cave temples hewn from rock. These five temples are over 1300 years old and were cut out of the red sandstone hills that surround the Badami. Two of these temples are dedicated to the God Vishnu, two more are Jain and Buddhist. In addition to these stone temples, there are other temples in the city. In Bhootnath temple, Shiva is revered as the god of souls. The archaeological museum houses a good collection of objects, both from Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. The Jambulinga Temple is one of the oldest temples in Badami and is dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). The Badami Fort, finally, is a good place to survey the entire ruins of Badami.

29 Day: Goa
Day at leisure. Enjoy the sun, sand and beach.

30 Day: Explore! Goa
Morning till Evening: Sightseeing tour of Goa

After breakfast we go to a full-day tour of Goa. At about 9.00 clock you leave the hotel and set off to South Goa. Visit the Museum of Christian art - "Rachol. Later we go to Panjim City. Visit the old town and capital city Panjim, the showpiece of this state, and the only remnant of the Portuguese. In the 16th Century it was the largest and most prosperous of all the major cities of Asia.

The up till today preserved monuments and cathedrals are only a small part of urban development of ancient Goa. The St. Cathedral, a building dating from the 16th Century, commemorates the reign of the Catholic Church over Goa under the Portuguese. Its huge golden bell is the largest in the world. The cathedral has 14 side chapels. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is built entirely in Manueline style. Its interior is adorned with rich carvings and extraordinary paintings. Although the Bom Jesus Basilica is only a ruin, it is still a fine example of Jesuit architecture. The most valuable relic of the church is the embalmed body of St. Francis Xavier, whose coffin is in the marble mausoleum, which gave the Count of Tuscany, who received in exchange the pillow of the saint. Every 10 years, the remains of St Francis Xavier is customized to the public for worship. The journey continues to the hotel, where you will reach in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

31 to 33 Day: Relax! in Goa

34 Day: From Goa to Chennai. Final Departure!
Morning: Transfer to airport for flight to Chennai.
Afternoon: Short sightseeing tour of Chennai
Evening: Final departure. Transfer to international airport.

Chennai: Chennai, the capital of the Union State of Tamil Nadu and India's fourth largest city, has retained a traditional atmosphere despite its size. The city is the center of Tamil culture and Dravidian intellectual life. Stately buildings from the colonial era and the museum with its magnificent collection of South Indian bronze statues, Buddhist art and masterpieces await you.