Arrive in Chennai where you will be transferred to your hotel. Capital of the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. Chennai was developed as a British trading post, and as such, most of its attractions have a distinct colonial influence. Enjoy a tour of Chennai city in the morning with visits to Kapaleeswar temple, snake park

etc. Stretched over an area of 13 km, Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government/’s secretariat. Overnight stay at Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, the fabled city of a thousand temples. There are 650 stone inscriptions here belonging to different dynasties. The temples reflect the maturity and efflorescence of Pallava art and the Chola, Vijayanagar and Chalukyan kings produced the ornate and often imposing embellishments later. There is solemn grandeur, a grandiosity of vision and

ornamental excess in the temples here. After sight seeing proceed to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.

Lying 58 km south of Chennai, this World Heritage group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. These monuments are specially known for their rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries) and giant open-air relief’s. The famous Shore Temple, one of the oldest in South India,

stands on the seashore with its paved forecourts. Another wonder is Arjuna's Penance, which is the world's largest bas-relief. This 27 meter long and 8 meter high massive rock panel is titled after Arjuna, the hero of the Indian epic 'Mahabharata'. The 'Descent of the Ganga', which is another interpretation of the bas-relief, is a brilliant composition in stone. Yet another marvel of sculptural excellence are the Five Rathas, monolithic temples dedicated to Hindu Gods. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry (or Puducheri) meaning ’the new settlement’ which is situated on the Coromandel coast south of Chennai. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India. The excavations near Pondicherry reveal, that a Roman settlement existed here, 2000 years ago. It was also the site of many a battle between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India, before India attained its independence. This restored, attractive, former French colony, exudes a Mediterranean aura with its chic streets, elegant houses, seaside villas and cobbled streets ornamental gardens .Being a small

and quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has also imbibed the Tamilian culture. There is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot, Auroville, 10 km outside town. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926 has combined the spiritual tenets of yoga and modern science and is quite popular within India and abroad. Festivals of Pondicherry differ from the rest of India, for the French influence still persists prominently here. French is still widely spoken here.

Proceed to Chidambaram famous for its beautiful temple, dedicated to Lord Nataraja - God Siva, in the form of a cosmic Dancer. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique for not only is it devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam, but also it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary Lingam. Spread over

an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas or courts. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. Later stop at Darasuram for Airateswara Temple built by Raja Raja Chola-II, which is an excellent example of 12th century Chola architecture and is well preserved to this day. The frontal columns of the temple have unique miniature sculptures. Later in the afternoon proceed to Tanjore or Thanjavur and check in at Hotel. Thanjavur lies to the east of Trichy. One of the best temples in South India, the Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Big Temple built by the greatest Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola, is that dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidan temple architecture. Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas and was at its height of its glory during Rajaraja Chola. Thanjavur gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital. It is known as the Granary of the South India lying in the deltaic region of the famous river Cauvery and criss-crossed by lengthy network of irrigation canals. You can shop for the famous Tanjore paintings here.

Morning drive to the temple city of Madurai, stopping en-route at Trichy. In Trichy visit Rock fort, from where the view is spectacular. The Vinayaka temple at the top is reached by climbing a tunnel in rock. Visit Srirangam that is surrounded by the waters of the Cauvery on one side and its tributary Kollidam on the other. It is a 600 acre island town enclosed within the seven walls of the

gigantic Sri Ranganatha Temple. Continue your drive to Madurai and on arrival check into hotel. Madurai is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. In the afternoon, visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace. King Thirumalai Nayak built this palace in 1636 with the help of an Italian architect. It is a secular building with Hindu staccato work, Italian working styles, Muslim domes and English style windows. Enjoy the light and sound show in the evening.

In the morning visit the famous Meenakshi (symbol of fertility and power) temple, built by the Pandyan king, Kulasekhara about 2500 years ago and around which he created the lotus shaped city. The life of the people revolves around the temple, with ceremonies for goddess Meenakshi being the highpoint each day. If time permits, visit Chettinad just three hours drive from

Madurai. You can visit the ancient Chettinad Palace built in 1902, which took 10 years to complete and extends to over 40000 square feet. Seven kilometers from the mansion is the Athangudi Tiles factory where long lasting mud tiles are made by hand.

After breakfast, proceed to Kodaikanal on Palani Hills. The name Kodaikanal means the gift of the forest and is a charming hill station with its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m. Morning visit the Bryant Park, Kurinji Andavar temple, Solar Observatory etc. The Kodaikanal Lake is one of the best places to hang around. You can go for a

In the morning take a walk on the Coakers’ Walk cut along the ridge of the steep southeastern side and which commands a magnificent view of the plains below. You can also see the rock marvels-the Pillar Rocks which has three boulders standing, vertically measuring 122 metres. Go shopping for small handicrafts. In the afternoon go trekking in the hills breathing in the fresh mountain air. Relax in the evening.