TRAVERSING THE DECCAN through the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, through hills and waterways of Kerala and through jungles and ancient ruins in Karnataka, provides an assortment of experiences. You see the prized bronze collection at Chennai museum and visit the famous Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram; take part in evening prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Some of the best wildlife reserves of the South are included in this tour and, even if the tiger proves elusive, wild elephants are less shy and equally awe inspiring.

This itinerary takes you through the vast variety that is encompassed by the South: Chennai, Madurai, Kochi, Ooty, Bangalore, each city distinct in terms of heritage, people, culture, ambience; the ancient sites of Belur and Halebid, the ruins of which testify to a flourishing, sophisticated kingdom under the Hoysala ruler. Cruising down the backwaters, it shows you glimpses of a more intimate Kerala; brings you music and dance; and demonstration of the superb control inculcated by the ancient martial arts. It takes an acquaintance further so that next time, when you return, you greet a friend.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL CHENNAI

Reception and welcome at Chennai airport followed by transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day sightseeing.

DAY 02: CHENNAI

Full day excursion to Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram.

DAY 03: CHENNAI / MADURAI BY FLIGHT

Take a flight to Madurai, one of South India’s great temple towns and an ancient centre of learning.

DAY 04: MADURAI / PERIYAR BY SURFACE

After breakfast leave for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Check in at your hotel before taking a boat safari for close encounters with wildlife.

DAY 05: PERIYAR / KOCHI BY SURFACE

Drive to Kochi (Cochin) and enjoy a sunset cruise down the backwaters to see the Chinese fishing nets.

DAY 06: KOCHI

A day dedicated to the sights and sounds of the city. Enjoy a kathakali dance performance in the evening.

DAY 07: KOCHI / OOTY BY SURFACE

This ‘Queen of hill stations’ in the heart of the southern Nilgiri mountains is a picturesque five-hour drive away.

DAY 08: OOTY / BANDIPUR BY SURFACE

The National Park of Bandipur is one of he finest habitats of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asian elephant.

DAY 09: BANDIPUR

A day given over to bringing out the naturalist in you.

DAY 10: BANDIPUR / MYSORE BY SURFACE

Travel to Mysore in the morning. You have the day to sightsee.

DAY 11: MYSORE

Day excursions to the Ranganathitoo Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatnam and Somnathpur.

DAY 12: MYSORE / HASSAN BY SURFACE

Drive out to see the Hoysala temples at Belur, Halebid, and carry on to the 11th century city of Hassan.

DAY 13: HASSAN / BANGALORE BY SURFACE

Drive to Bangalore after a leisurely breakfast. You have the day to explore the town and shop.

DAY 14: DEPARTURE BANGALORE

Transfer to the airport in time for your direct flight out, or a connecting flight via Mumbai or Chennai.