Join this voyage of discovery through South India, the cradle of ancient Dravidian culture and home to the famous Indian temple architecture. The landscape is a living museum with huge temple complexes soaring above the markets of almost every town. South India was never subjected to the domination of the Mughal invaders of the north, leaving it with a truly Hindu flavor. This tour provides an in depth exploration into this fascinating region in all its color and vibrancy. It also provides something for everyone, from the beautiful beaches of Mahabalipuram and Kovalum, to the idyllic backwaters of Kumarakom, the temple towns of Madurai and Thanjavur, and the wildlife at Periyar . . . the list goes on and on . . . It really must be seen to be believed!

Days 1 - 3 Mahabalipuram You are met at Chennai airport and transferred to Mahabalipuram by coach. Mahabalipuram boasts exquisite Pallava rock-cut architecture, for which it has been declared a world heritage site. It was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil Dynasty, who ruled between the 6th and 9th century A.D. It's also a lovely beach resort! We explore the wonders of Mahabalipuram, including the five Rathas named after the Pandavas - a group of monolithic monuments and figures of animals carved out of solid granite. We also visit the Shore Temples, lashed out by the waves of the sea. During our stay we take a day trip to Kancheepuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, and perhaps India's most spectacular temple city. Kailasanatha Temple - dedicated to Shiva, is believed to be 1200 years old and is the finest example of Pallava architecture in South India. But don't worry, there is also time to just relax at the beach!

Day 4 Pondicherry Today we travel further south along the coast to the ex-French colonial possession of Pondicherry. The French relinquished control of "Pondy" some 50 years ago but reminders of the colonial past remain, even though it is today very much an Indian city.

Days 5 & 6 Thanjavur The road south from Pondicherry puts us back on the temple trail, to Thanjavur but first we stop at Nagore, a popular Muslim pilgrimage centre. In Nagore we visit the 500 year old Dargah of the Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Sahib. It consists of five golden domed Mosques set in a warren of paths, open courtyards, and hallways filled with pilgrims. As well as being the ancient capital of the Chola kings, Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive style of painting, known as Tanjore painting. In Thanjavur we visit the Brihadishwara Temple and Fort, built in 1010. This is considered to be the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture and is one more of the few World Heritage sites in India. We also visit Thanjavur Palace, built in 1550.

Days 7 & 8 Madurai Today we journey from Thanjavur to Madurai. Enroute we visit the spectacular Ranganatha Swami Temple at Srirangam. This is considered to be one of the most revered shrines to Vishnu in South India, and it is also one of the largest and liveliest! Madurai is one of the oldest cities in South India. It is an archetypal Hindu city, a swirl of life revolving around its mighty Meenakshi Temple. Its Hall of a Thousand Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. For those who love shopping it's worth noting that Madurai is crowded with textile and tailors shops, as well as jewellery shops. Madurai is also a great place to purchase south Indian crafts. While in Madurai we also visit Tirumal Nayak's Palace, built in 1636 and considered one of the finest secular buildings in South India.

Days 9 & 10 Thekkady Today we leave the temples behind and head for something a little "wilder!" We journey to Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady. Periyar is home to bison, antelope, sambar, wild boar, monkeys, a wide variety of birds, and some 750 elephants. The sanctuary is located on Periyar Lake in the hills of the Western Ghats. We view the game at Periyar Lake by private motor boat as they come to drink at the lake's shore. We also take an excursion on elephant back into the park!

Days 11 & 12 Kumarakom From Thekkady it's a picturesque drive to Kumarakom, nestled in Kerala's centuries old palm fringed backwaters which stretch over 1900 kms. The 'backwaters' refer to the large inland lakes and canals of Kerala. They snake over the land, bestowing paddy fields with good harvests and providing villages with water. Today these backwaters act as vital waterways for the transport of goods, people, and products. They are often the only link between remote, isolated villages. It's an incredible experience to float along these soothing waters in a local boat. We spend our time here either relaxing along the water's edge, or sailing through the narrow canals. Either way, we can enjoy the scenic natural beauty of coconut trees, rice paddies and village life.

Days 13 & 14 Kovalam Today we make our way to the west coast, to the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. In Kovalam we have a full day at leisure on the beach. Optional aruyvedic treatments (massage, steam bath etc.) are easily booked.

Day 15 Chennai We return to Chennai by air from the nearby airport at Trivendrum. In Chennai we visit Fort. St. George, the first British fort in India, and a continuing reminder of the Colonial period.