» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO MAHABALIPURAM

Overnight flight from Glasgow to Chennai  (formerly Madras) via Dubai and transfer to Mahabalipuram for 2 nights.

Radisson Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram
This resort is situated in the scenic and historic seaside town of Mahabalipurum and offers views of the Bay of Bengal. The beach front resort has a good range of facilities including a selection of restaurants, a landscaped swimming pool and pool bar.
Rooms: All rooms are air-conditioned and offer en suite bathroom, television and mini bar.
Facilities: A number of restaurants and bars, swimming pool, Ayurvedic massage and currency exchange.

» Day 3: MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast enjoy a morning tour of bustling Chennai, visiting Kancheepuram temples and a local silk weaving centre. During the afternoon explore the majestic Shore Temple and rock carvings of Mahabalipuram. 

» DAY 4: MAHABALIPURAM TO PONDICHERRY

Transfer along the coast to the former French colony of Pondicherry, which with its whitewashed buildings and coastal promenades exudes an almost Mediterranean atmosphere. During the afternoon time is at leisure to explore Pondicherry. 

» Day 5: PONDICHERRY

During your stay in Pondicherry we include a visit to the yoga and spiritual centre of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, as well as more time at leisure to explore.

The Promenade, Pondicherry
One of the most famous hotels in Pondicherry, situated next to the old lighthouse and adjacent to the statue of Ghandi. The hotel offers a range of different facilities including a swimming pool overlooking the sea, a spa and 2 restaurants including a rooftop restaurant offering mesmerizing views of the seafront. All rooms offer fantastic views of the Bay of Bengal.
Rooms: All rooms have en suite bathroom, air-conditioning and television.
Facilities: Restaurants, swimming pool and spa.

» Day 6: PONDICHERRY TO TANJORE

Travel inland to Tanjore, stopping en route to explore some of the regions temples, including the impressive Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram temples.

Hotel Sangam, Tanjore
A modern style hotel located in Thanjavur close to the downtown area. This hotel offers a array of facilities including a swimming pool, gym and an international restaurant.
Rooms: All en suite rooms are comfortably furnished and offer air conditioning and views of the Brahadeeshwara Temple.
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, swimming pool and gym.  

» Day 7: TANJORE & TRICHY

After breakfast embark on a full day tour of Tanjore and historic Trichy. 

» Day 8: TRICHY TO MADURAI

Continue onwards to Madurai, the oldest inhabited city in India and home to some of the most incredible temples. On arrival into Madurai enjoy a visit to Sri Meenakshi temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the city's bustling bazaars.  

Hotel Gateway, Madurai
A charming colonial style hotel perched on the Pasumalai Hill only 15 minutes drive to Madurai. Set in landscaped gardens this hotel offers an escape from the bustling city life.
Rooms: All en suite rooms offer television, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and safe.
Facilities: Restaurant, terrace and bar, swimming pool, gym, tennis and internet facility

» Day 9 to Day 10: PERIYAR

Continue into neighbouring Kerala for 2 nights at the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar. We include a visit to a local spice plantation as well as a traditional marshal arts display. The sanctuary is home to elephants, bison, sambars, langurs and a wide variety of exotic bird life.  

Elephant Court, Periyar
A beautiful resort in a picturesque location surrounded by natural beauty. Set in four acres of grounds just outside the park, the hotel's style blends the traditional and the contemporary and it is pleasant base from which to explore.
Rooms: 65 rooms with air-conditioning, television and terrace.
Facilities: Restaurant, outdoor pool and gift shop.

» Day 11: BACKWATERS CRUISE

Kerala is famous for the network of palm fringed lakes and shady canals that line the coast. Lined with small villages, cruising these backwaters in a converted rice barge offers an excellent insight into local life. 

Rainbow Houseboat, Backwater Cruise
This converted rice barge explores the network of palm fringed lakes and shady canals that line this stunning coast. Each barge, built from local materials, is nicely furnished and offers a very comfortable experience. Each barge has an onboard chef who prepares a selection of local dishes, an oarsman and a local guide.
Rooms: Each cabin has en suite facilities and mosquito net.
Facilities: Lounge, dining area and sundeck

» Day 12 to Day 14: COCHIN

Travel onwards to the coast for 3 nights in historic Cochin. Now officially known as Kochi, this historic city offers a fascinating mix of influences including Dutch, Portuguese & British. Here you can find churches, mosques & synagogues; traditional Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture. Set on the Arabian Sea, the city grew on the wealth generated by the spice trade and became the first European settlement in India when colonised by the Portuguese in 1503. During your stay we include a tour of this historic city and time at leisure to explore.

Trident Cochin, Cochin
Located only 20 minutes from the city centre this contemporary courtyard hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Cochin. The hotel has a large swimming pool, landscaped gardens, and a specialist Ayurvedic centre. The hotel has a selection of restaurants and bars. All rooms are nicely furnished and have garden or pool views.
Rooms: 65 air conditioned rooms offer en suite bathrooms, television &tea and coffee making facilities.
Facilities: Choice of restaurants, bar, swimming pool and Ayurveda centre.

» Day 15: COCHIN TO DUBAI

Return flight to Dubai

Transfers: • Chennai/Mahabalipuram: 35 miles • Mahabalipuram/Pondicherry: 83 miles • Pondicherry/Tanjore: 102 miles • Tanjore/Madurai: 100 miles • Madurai/Periyar: 87 miles • Periyar/Allepey: 80 miles • Allepey/Cochin: 40 miles