In southern India, history has character, royalty and charm. South Indian architecture is grandiose and its countryside idyllic. This abundance opens up a spectacular array of holiday options - from the exotic to the amusing.

The visual legacy of the culture of Tamil Nadu is immense. Its numerous ancient temples with their characteristic gateway towers, countless pillared pavilions and corridors, their spectacular range of sculptures, bronze images and stucco embellishments; its woodcraft and textile creativity; and the sublimity of its performing arts, all form an integral part of Southern life. Kerala is a land of fertility and fruition. It is an assault on the senses. Overpowering in its abundance, its beauty is multifarious. While the golden beaches in Kovalam are pristine and primed for luxurious indulgence, its tranquil backwaters provide the perfect foil to a hurried soul and a busied mind. And in this abundance Ayurveda flourishes. The herbs, oils and the minerals that abound in this land of plenty, find their way into the "science of life". Ayurvedic principles believe in revitalising the mind whilst clearing the body of toxins. This is done through massages and baths using indigenous ingredients. In God's Own Country these massages are definitely heaven sent!

Both these regions have something different to offer. Meandering backwaters, sanctuaries teeming with wildlife, virgin beaches, and historical sites and of course the beaches. In South India expect the unexpected.

DAY 1 Arrive Chennai
Reception upon arrival and transfer from airport to hotel to immediate occupancy. Morning free. Afternoon - sightseeing tour of Chennai to see some of the highlights of India's fourth largest city. Visit the National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes and South Indian bronzes; the Cathedral of San Thome; the Mylapore Temple, and St Mary's Church.

DAY 2 Chennai
Morning - excursion to Kancheepuram, known as the Golden City of a thousand temples and afternoon excursion to Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal port, south of Chennai.

Day 3 Chennai - Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)
Drive from Chennai to Trichy (316 kms / 8 hours) en route visit Srirangam - an island on the Cauvery River with a massive Vishnu temple within seven walls. Also visit the Jambukeshwar Temple, where Shiva's symbol- the lingam - is submerged in water.

Day 4 Trichy - Tanjore
Morning - city tour of Trichy. The Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the old city. Finally at the top of the hill, is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil - a Ganesh Temple, offering a commanding view of the city. Afternoon drive from Trichy to Tanjore (54 kms/1.5 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 5 Tanjore - Madurai
Morning - city sightseeing tour of Tanjore where you will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. Afternoon drive from Tanjore to Madurai (190 kms/5 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel.

Day 6 Madurai
Morning, proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai. The Meenakshi Temple is a shining example of Dravidian architecture at its best. Afternoon - free for independent activities. Evening - witness pooja ceremony at Meenakshi temple.

Day 7 Madurai - Periyar
Drive from Madurai to Periyar (137 kms/4 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon - at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.

Day 8 Periyar - Cochin
Early morning game viewing by boat on Lake Periyar. Drive from Periyar to Kottayam (115 kms/2.5 hours). Backwater cruise from Kottayam to Alleppey (2-3 hrs cruise). Arrive at Alleppey and drive to Cochin (63 kms/1.5 hours). On arrival check-in at hotel.

Day 9 Cochin
Morning - sightseeing tour of Cochin. Which also includes a visit to Jewish synagogue, built over 400 years ago. Afternoon - enjoy a motor launch cruise on the backwaters of Cochin, around the harbour, visit the Bolghatty Palace (the beautiful Dutch colonial mansion). You will pass islands with the traditional fishing hamlets, and see the fisher folk in their colorful costumes.

Day 10 Cochin - Chennai
Morning - free for independent activities. Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport to board flight to Chennai. Reception upon arrival and transfer from Domestic to International airport. Departure Chennai.