The delightful South! Almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Southern states of India can be considered the most "Indian" part of India. The Aryans never brought their meat eating influence to the south. The Muslims and British influence was minor. As a result Hindu forms of lifestyles and artistic & cultural expression are stronger here compared to anywhere else in India . While bringing to you the manifestations of the glorious artistic creativity of South India's incredible ancient heritage, we would not miss out on giving a human feel to your tour. We will interact with locals by visits to popular local bazaars, typical traditional work places, rides in local cycle rickshaws, visits to typical homes and stopping for walks and visits to tribal villages while driving through the countryside. We are attempting to harmonise the glorious past with the vibrating, colorful and extremely hospitable lifestyles of the present with which you could conveniently relate and see your own lives in a different perspective.

DAY 1 DELHI/MADRAS
Depart on an evening flight to Madras.

DAY 2 MADRAS/MAHABALIPURAM/MADRAS
64 kms from Madras, Mahabalipuram is a beautiful coastal town and the birthplace of art and architecture in South India. Attractions: Rathas (Chariots), Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Varaha Mandapa and Mandapams.

DAY 3 MADRAS/MYSORE
A ride on India's flagship train service brings you to tour Mysore. This salubrious and charming city lies 770 m above sea level is an easy-going city famous for it's silk and is also a thriving sandalwood and incense centre. The city is steeped in history. The Mysore Palace, built in Indo - Saracenic style is one of the largest and most brilliant palaces in India. It's a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and colours. There are beautiful carved wooden doors, mosaic floors, as well as exquisite paintings. Half-way up the Chamundi Hill is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. It was carved out of solid rock and is one of the largest in India. Hordes of pilgrims come here throughout the year. Right on top is the 2000 year old Chamundeswari Temple. The temple provides atypical festive atmosphere without overwhelming religious overtures. In Mysore you will also visit the incredibly colourful Devraj Fruit & Vegetable Market.

DAY 4 MYSORE/BANGALORE/COCHIN
A three hour drive to Bangalore airport for a short flight to Cochin. With its wealth of historical associations, and its magnificent setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Of special mention is the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000-years behind our times. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar coast. The unique feature of Cochin is the unexpected and isolated self-contained Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52.

DAY 5 COCHIN/ALLEPPEY/HOUSEBOAT
Following the tour of Cochin, late morning, board the Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala. The material that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. Cruise through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other.

DAY 6 HOUSEBOAT/COCONUT LAGOON/KUMARAKOM
Disembark at the exotic Coconut Lagoon Resort, Kumarakom is the ideal place to experience the fascinating lifestyles of the backwaters. Coconut Lagoon Backwater Resort, which has rightly carved its place among the top 10 heritage resorts of the world. The resort is on a small island and can be reached only by boat. The accommodation consists of individual cottages built in the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on wood and some with private pools.

DAY 7 COCONUT LAGOON/KUMARAKOM/COCHIN/DELHI
An afternoon flight from Cochin airport brings you to Delhi for your journey home. Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: This evening visit a local family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.

DAY 8 DEPART NEW DELHI
Early morning depart for home city.