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 - Arrive Chennai
Depart on an evening 9W flight to Chennai. On arrival you are transferred to the hotel.
 
Hotel Taj Coromandal or Similar  

DAY 2 - Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
64 kms from Chennai, 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.
 
Hotel Taj Coromandal or Similar - B 

DAY 3 - Chennai - Mysore
A ride on India's flagship t2007 Shatabdi Express 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 a typical festive atmosphere without overwhelming religious overtures. In Mysore you will also visit the incredibly colourful Devraj Fruit & Vegetable Market.
 
Hotel Wind Flower or Similar - B 

DAY 4 - Mysore - Bangalore Airport - Cochin
A three hour drive to Bangalore airport for a short 9W flight to Cochin.
 
Hotel Le Meridien or Similar - B 

DAY 5 - Cochin - Alleppey - Houseboat
After 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.
 
Premium Houseboat or Similar - B,L,D 

DAY 6 - Houseboat - Kumarakom
Disembark at the exotic Resort, Kumarakom is the ideal place to experience the fascinating lifestyles of the backwaters. The 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 a boat. The accommodation consists of indiviual cottages built in the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on wood and some with private pools.
 
Kumarakom Lake Resort or Similar - B 

DAY 7 - Kumarakom - Cochin - Delhi
Proceed to Cochin airport for your flight to Delhi. An afternoon flight from Cochin airport brings you to Delhi.
 
Hotel The Lalit or Similar - B 

DAY 8 - Depart New Delhi
Early morning depart for home city.

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INCLUSIONS:
* A representative for assistance on arrival and departure transfers
* 7 nights hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in base category of rooms "or similar"
* Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) Daily Buffet Breakfast, except at houseboat which is on Full Board
* All transfers, excursions and sightseeing will be by air-conditioned Toyota Innova or Tempo Traveler based on the number of pax
* Air-conditioned chair car train ticket from Chennai to Mysore
* Local English-speaking guide for the sightseeing and excursion tours
* Mineral water in the vehicle through-out the tour
* Departure gift
* Welcome kit with all relevant documents pertaining to the tour
* All currently applicable taxes
* Domestic airfare (Chennai-Bangalore: Bangalore-Cochin: Cochin-Delhi)

EXCLUSIONS:
* Any Insurance
* Optional sightseeing you may choose while on any tour
* Any other meals or beverages not included per itinerary
* Tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc
* Airline excess baggage
* International flight
* All the other services which are not mentioned in the inclusions

HOTELS USED:
Deluxe :
* Chennai: Taj Coromandal
* Mysore: Wind Flower
* Cochin: Le Merdien
* Alleppy: Houseboat
* Kumarakom: Kumarakom Lake Resort
* Delhi: The Lalit

First :
* Chennai: Radha Regent
* Mysore: Sandesh The Prince
* Cochin: Mercy Hotel
* Alleppy: Houseboat
* Kumarakom: Golden Water
* Delhi: Africa Avenue

IMPORTANT NOTE: - 23Dec - 05Jan 8% Extra supplement for X-mas/New Year Departure- Any hike in taxes, entrance fees to monuments, fuel or guide charges levied by govt. of India, shall be charged extra.