• After breakfast you will take a short orientation tour through Chennai.
  You will visit Kapileshwara Temple, St. Thomas Cherry. Take the photo break at the Marina beach. See FORT, government buildings, etc. while driving.Then drive to Kanchipuram. The city is also called the “City of a Thousand Temples”. Kanchipuram was successively the capital of the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagar dynasties. An incredible number of around 200 Hindu temples have been preserved, several of which are among the most exposed buildings of the 7th and 8th centuries. We visit the three main temples in Kanchipuram, Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambareshwara Temple and Vaikunthaperumal Temple.Another highlight of Kanchipuram are the traditional silk weavings. It is calculated based on the weight of the gold trim. If you have the desire to visit the silk weavers. Let us know in advance.Later transfer to the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

You first visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex, which includes a beautifully located coastal temple and the “Five Rathas”.
Mahabalipuram was a major center of maritime trade with Southeast Asia during the heyday of the Pallava dynasty between the 5th and 8th centuries. Numerous impressive temples were built during this time, many of which have been very well preserved to this day.

The Five Rathas , five monolithic mock temples and three animal figures (elephant, lion and bull), have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and are known worldwide. The rock relief Arjuna's Penance, which describes the Hindu myth of the descent of the Ganges , is the largest rock relief in the world and attracts many visitors.

The coastal temple (SHORE TEMPLE) , dedicated to the god Shiva , one of the oldest stone temples in the south of the subcontinent, is the landmark of Mahabalipuram and impresses with its size and majestic appearance.
It was the first phase of stone carving in India.
From there you have a view of Bengaal Bay. The coast was previously called the Koremandala Coast. It was a port city and there were many traders from Arabia, China and South Asian countries there.

Then head in the direction of the former French colony. On the way you will visit Auroville. Auroville is a spiritual community and experimental city in southern India, founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and Sri Aurobindo. It is known for its vision of unity, diversity and sustainability. Auroville is famous for its unique architecture, the Matrimandir, cultural diversity, sustainable initiatives and social commitment. It is a place where people from different backgrounds live in peace and harmony and work together towards a sustainable and spiritual way of life.

Then drive to Pondicherry, where you visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram , the spiritual center of the followers of Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa. Then you should go to Promenade Street, where you can notice the French influences on many buildings. 

An hour from Pondicherry, you can take a boat ride to the Pichavaram mangroves on the way. It is the second largest mangrove forest in the world.

Then head towards Chidambaram Temple(Natraja).

They drive to Trichy. There are largest active Hindu temples in the world. The  Ranganathaswamy Temple , or Ranganatha Temple, is a Hindu temple in Srirangam. It is one of the largest temples in India and is considered one of the most important Vaishnava temples of the god Vishnu.

Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is spread over an area of ​​around 63 hectares and is surrounded by seven concentric ramparts and 21 towers, making it one of the largest temple complexes in the world. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture that features a mix of Dravidian and Indo-Islamic style elements.

The main temple of Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to the god Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. The main altar of the temple contains a gigantic reclination of the god, called Ranganatha, which is considered one of the largest sculptures of Vishnu in the world. The temple complex also contains numerous shrines to other deities such as Lakshmi, Rama, Krishna and Hanuman.

The Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is an important site for Hindu pilgrimages and attracts devotees from all over India. The temple is known for its ritual ceremonies, festivals and processions that take place throughout the year and attract thousands of devotees. The temple is also known for its religious significance, cultural significance and architectural beauty and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.

Then return back to  Kumbhakonam . Then visit  Sarangapani Temple . Sarangapani Temple is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Built in the Dravidian style, it is known for its intricate carvings, pillars and gopurams (gate towers). The temple complex is spread over an area of ​​about 10 hectares and consists of several shrines, halls and courtyards.

Again new day will be ready to give you new impressions. Fifteen minutes away is your destination.

Today's destination is the pilgrim city of Madurai. Here you will visit the   17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace .

Then drive to Meenakshi Temple. The  Meenakshi Amman Temple  is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, who is considered to be an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Built over several centuries, the temple is known for its magnificent architecture and detailed carvings depicting Hindu deities, mythical animals and episodes from Hindu legends.

One of the most striking features of the Meenakshi Amman Temple are the gopurams, the monumentally designed entrance towers that surround the temple. There are a total of 14 gopurams in the temple complex, of which the southern main gopuram is the most impressive at a height of over 50 meters. Decorated with a variety of sculptures, reliefs and paintings, the gopurams are true masterpieces of Dravidian architecture.

Inside the temple are several shrines, including the Meenakshi Shrine and the Shiva Shrine, as well as shrines to other Hindu deities. The temple is known for its religious rituals and ceremonies regularly performed by devotees, including prayers, offerings and processions.

Meenakshi Amman Temple also has great cultural significance as it is a center for the promotion of art, music and dance. The temple serves as a venue for various religious and cultural events, including music and dance performances, theater performances and religious festivals such as the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, which celebrates the marriage of Meenakshi and Shiva.

Meenakshi Amman Temple is not only a religious center but also an important tourist spot. Visitors can admire the fascinating architecture, experience the spiritual atmosphere and explore the rich Hindu culture and history. The temple is also a popular destination for photographers and art lovers who admire the intricate carvings and sculptures.

If you are interested, you can visit again in the evening to experience the prayer ceremony. 

Today you continue to Periyar. An animal sanctuary, national park. Within the national park lies the 26 km² Periyar Dam and the national park and is close to the Periyar River, which rises in the Western Ghats and flows into the Arabian Sea after 244 km. 

In the afternoon you can take a  boat ride  on the Periyar Lake. 

You visit nearby spice plantations in a farm. The  spice plantations in Kerala are fascinating farms to wander as different spices are grown in different sections of each plantation.

Today you will take part in an interpretive trekking program that would be established for the protection of Sandalwood trees and there will be an opportunity to get the resident's work. You  hike through the jungle about 4-5 km for about 2.5 hours. Observe various birds, butterflies and other wildlife. It is possible for six people to walk on different paths at the same time and they will be accompanied by a trained tribal leader. It's a program where you can hear the sounds of nature!
The afternoon is at your  leisure.

In the evening you will attend the fight demonstration called Kalaripayattu.

Kalaripayattu is a traditional Indian martial art that originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is often considered one of the oldest known martial arts in the world and is considered an important part of Kerala's cultural heritage. Kalaripayattu encompasses a variety of techniques including attack and defense techniques, weapon combat, body control, breath control and yoga.

Subject to availability, optional tour below.

Full Day Hike and Rafting Tour:-

This is a dawn to dusk day trip through some of the richest forest areas in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8am from the boat dock, you'll traverse a mosaic of habitats before embarking on bamboo rafts. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals such as giant squirrels and Nilgiri langurs. The rafting lasts about three hours and you get a panoramic view of forest-covered hills reflected in the lake. Animals like elephants, gaurs and sambar deer are often seen on the banks of the lake. The team returns to the boat dock around 5 p.m. An armed escort and four guides will accompany a maximum of 15 tourists. Tea, snacks and a packed lunch are served along the way. This package is an excellent program for nature enthusiasts to experience the beauty of nature.

Half day trekking and rafting with bamboo

A hiking and rafting program through part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The group traverses a mosaic of different habitats before boarding bamboo rafts. While rafting, you can enjoy panoramic views of the forested hills. Animals like elephants, gaur and sambar deer are often spotted near the lake. You will receive packaged food. The program includes three to four hours of trekking and one hour of rafting.

Continue 3-4 hours to Munnar, one of the main centers of Indian tea production and the former summer retreat of the British in the highlands of the Nilgiri Mountains. The treasures for the tea lover are made here, surrounded by endless tea plantations and close to India's highest mountain, the 2600 m high Anaimudi, which lies south of the Himalayas.

After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel room with a wonderful view of the tea plantation! You have the opportunity to recover properly.

• From today on the tour will be more relaxing.

After breakfast you drive on the winding road to Kumarakom. On the way there are wonderful views of tea-coffee, cocoa and spice plantations.

In Kumarakom you can take a boat trip through the fascinating water landscape of the backwaters, an exotic labyrinth of palm-lined lagoons, rivers and canals.

The air-conditioned boat has everything you need for a pleasant journey and an overnight stay; an air-conditioned bedroom with bath and shower. There is an airy lounge and a small galley.

( **** Note >>>> * The air conditioning is only turned on between 10 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the morning. * If you have large luggage, then it is better to only take the things with you You only need for one night. E.g. toothpaste, toothbrush, mosquito repellent, medicine, etc. Your luggage can stay safely in your car.)

Lunch, dinner, breakfast and overnight stay in houseboat (called as Kettuvallams).

Enjoy the morning atmosphere on board and the sunrise in the backwaters. The fishermen come to the water to fish and the villages on the banks come to life with activity. Experience palm seas and paradisiacal silence before  you dock your houseboat back in Alleppey and start the transfer to the resort hotel, which is located directly on the backwaters.

The small town of Kumarakom is located directly on Asia's largest freshwater lake, Lake Vembanand. You have today free. You have the opportunity to watch the fishermen, relax with an Ayurveda massage or simply read a book. A day when you simply can't do anything! Kumarakom offers the perfect environment for this. The night will be spent at the Backwater Resort in Kumarakom.

You leave your resort hotel and today enjoy the charming port city of Kochi in all its facets and walk in the footsteps of its colonial past. You see the Chinese nets where the fishermen catch the fish.

Today's program includes the  Mattancherry district with the Jewish synagogue, the  Dutch Palace  and the Franciscan Church. You will quickly notice that the city experienced a diverse colonial period and that a number of European influences still shape the cityscape today. In the evening you will attend a  Kathakali dance performance.  Drama, dance, music and ritual – the stories of the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana sparkle with energy.

The next stop on your trip is Ooty, located approximately 2200 meters high in the northwest of Tamil Nadu. The city, discovered by British soldiers in 1821, is also called Udhagamandalam or Queen of Hill Stations. It is located at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats of peninsular India in the Nilgiri Mountains. The mild climate makes the small town very popular as a holiday resort.

After your arrival in Ooty, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day can be used as freetime.

Overnight in Ooty.

In the morning we take the historic Nilgiri Blue mountain train from Ooty to Coonoor, a town that lies high up in the Hulikal Gorge at 1858m. We are a narrow gauge mountain railway characterized by tea and coffee plantations in another time. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours before returning to Ooty by car.

The Marquis of Tweed Botanical Garden allows you to admire more than 650 species of plants from different countries. Here you can admire exotic plants in their natural environment.

You will then visit the huts of the Tode tribe, said to be descendants of Alexander the Great. Ooty Lake is another highlight, especially for boating and fishing. The wax museum with replicas of figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jesus Christ is also worth a visit.

From the Doddabetta viewpoint you have a breathtaking view of the endless tea plantations before finally visiting a tea factory. Here you can find out everything about tea production in Ooty. Overnight in Ooty.

The onward journey to Kabini Wildlife Santuary and Nagarhole National Park (distance approx. 150 km, travel time 3-4 hours) scenic drive with 36 hairpin bends! / Afternoon boat safari on Kabini River Hotel.

The package includes: stay, meals (lunch, dinner and breakfast), two jungle safaris (one boat safari or one road safari by bus depending on availability) and one jungle safari by jeep to Nagarahole National Park, coracle ride, forest entry fees.
Enjoy a boat tour through the national park and get to know the flora and fauna that surround you. In summer the banks are overgrown with grass, which is visited by grazing animals. Once at the resort in Kabini, you will be assisted with check-in and set-up and can rest after lunch before the boat safari.
You will experience the local ecosystems and mysterious nature.
Note: There are very-very good chances to see the wild elephants and tigers.

Today you will visit the picturesque city of Mysore, which is known as the “City of Fragrances and Silk” because it produces, among other things, jasmine, frankincense and sandalwood, which are important raw materials in perfumery.

You will drive to Chamundi Mountain, which is about 3 km outside of Mysore and offers breathtaking views of the city. On the mountain is the Sri Chamundashwari Temple from the 12th century, which was expanded about 300 years ago to include the 40 meter high gopuram. Here you can also admire the largest monolithic Nandi statue of Shiva, carved out of the rock in 1659. There is also a statue of demon Mahishasura nearby.

Afterwards, you will drive to see the magnificent Maharaja Palace built in 1857, which once served as the residence of the Wodeyars. The palace features impressive In-Saracenic architecture, combining elements of European, Rajput, Indo-Islamic and traditional Hindu architectural styles. Here you can admire the impressive splendor that reflects the lavish lifestyle of the rulers of Mysore.

To conclude your visit to Mysore, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the colorful  Devaraja Market  , known for its variety of fruits and vegetables.
If you want to see special view  of the illuminated palace  , you should only see the palace for 10 minutes at 7 o'clock in the evening.
Enjoy a night in Mysore and reflect on the day.

Visit the city of Coorg in Karnataka with its native rites and customs and lush green valleys with orange and coffee plantations. Tour of the Tibetan enclave with Buddhist exile monks and typical Tibetan handicrafts.

Visit Sera Je and Namdroling Monasteries , which were built by Tibetan refugees. Visit Raja seat place in a garden.

Today we're going to Hassan. Near Hassan are  Belur and Halebedu,  which are known for Hoysala architectural style.
Belur in India is a historical destination famous for its Hoysala Dynasty Chennakesava Temple , built around 800 years ago. The temple is a fascinating example of the creativity and skill of the Hoysala artisans.

The polished black stones on the outer walls depict scenes from times past, with each figure crafted with impressive precision. Particularly noteworthy is the interior decoration of the temple, which attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

Just a short distance from Belur is the Hoysalesvara Temple at Halbid, dedicated to the auspicious Lord Shiva. Although the temple is not as big as the Dravidian temples, there is no shortage of fascinating works of art that can be seen at every corner. An impressive wall relief shows more than 2,000 elephants with their drivers, each figure unique.
There are also depictions of dancing gods as well as scenes from the well-known Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. The temple also houses warriors, mystical creatures, lions, horses, birds, floral patterns and celestial maidens, all depicted with incredible grace. Here the myths and legends of the Indian world of gods come to life.

A visit to Belur and Halbid is a trip back in time that should not be missed. Stay overnight in Hassan to explore more of the region.

Your destination today is Hampi. There is some great scenery along the way. Hampi is the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire from the 14th to 16th centuries. It is a rocky landscape.
First you check in.

In the afternoon you will take the half-day tour of Hampi. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset at Matanga Hill. It is located near Hampi Bazaar and Virupaksha Temple. The highest points are the highest point in Hampi and mainly known for sunrise and sunset. We will climb the steps.

It's not that difficult but it requires good endurance. In monsoon season the steps are slippery. You can see the best scenery from Matanga Hill and have the best view of Hampi. Rocks and the green belt of trees give you goosebumps to explore more the next day, the wealthiest city of its time.

Our day trip will focus on the ancient village of Hampi. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 14th to 16th centuries. It lies in a rocky landscape. The bulwark against the Muslims was built in 1336. For about two hundred years, the trade in spices, jewels and cotton brought great wealth to the city until it was conquered and plundered by the Mughals in 1565. Several wars against the Muslims, which were almost completely destroyed.

The city of Hampi, but also the ruins, tell their story and have many experts making comparisons with the pyramids of Hampi. The remains of fortresses, palaces, temples, pavilions, victory gates, aqueducts with a working water supply system, as well as baths and stables testify to the achievement and splendor of the bygone era.
The fall of Hampi has baffled archaeologists today. The remains of the city can be found over an area of ​​10 square kilometers. Therefore, it is easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of market crime in the bazaar, caravans and women in magnificent colorful saris on the Tungabhadra river. The story is told vividly here.

The highlight is a visit to the Queen's Bath, a rectangular Rajasthani bath with ornate balconies, veranda and gallery. In his day, cold water flowed into a basin in a small waterfall and then drained through an underground canal. The bathing experience was unique as one had a clear view of the open sky and was protected from all sides, an understandable example of the luxurious life in Hampi.
The Vithala Temple, designed by the artists of the Vijaynagar rulers and located 1.2 miles (1.93 km) west of the bazaar. The columns of this wonderful work of art are so cleverly tuned that they literally have musical properties and the walls are decorated with intricate carvings. Vithala Temple is a unique story; Legend has it that jewels, gold and food were weighed here before being distributed to the Brahmins.

Another example of Dravidian architecture is the Raghunath Temple, which offers a picturesque panorama at sunset. One of the oldest complexes in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple near the bazaar. A huge temple dedicated to the god Vishnu also deserves attention. Here Vishnu is seen reclining on the coils of a serpent. The statue of Lotus Mahal at Zanana, a pavilion near the Hazara Lama Temple, is a major attraction. Overnight in Hampi.
Note: If you were able to spend an extra day in Hampi, you will not regret the decision. Some people don't want to spend more than two nights in one place, so we have only included the highlights of Hampi in suitable days.

After breakfast, you will travel to Badami and enjoy the magical landscape of Karnataka. There are many betel nut and sugarcane fields in the area, which greatly benefit the farmers from the fertility of the land. You will visit the temple cities of the Chalukya dynasty, built in the 6th to 9th centuries.

Aihole has over 100 temples, the oldest of which is the 5th century Ladkhan Temple. The Durga Temple was built in the 7th and 8th centuries and is characterized by its oval floor plan and the high tower in the style of a gopuram. Aihole also has cave temples dating back to the 6th century. Next, visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ten temples including a Jain temple.
Nagara architectural style and Dravidian style are interesting here. Most of the temples were built in the 6th and 7th centuries. The oldest temple in Pattadakal dates back to the reign of Vijayaditya. Built in 745 AD, the Virupaksha Temple features an impressive 2.6 m tall Nandi bull made of chlorite

In the afternoon, visit the 8th-century Badami cave temples, carved into the red sandstone of the surrounding hills. There are five caves, four of which were artificially created. This place offers impressive views of Lake Agastyatirtha, which was artificially created back in the 5th century. There are two temples dedicated to Vishnu and two that are Buddhist and Jain.
Overnight in Badami.

After breakfast you begin your South India tour and beach holiday to Goa. It's 5 hours away. This area features golden sandy beaches, blue waters, coastal roads lined with coconut palms and white churches set against a landscape of green rice fields.
Goa offers the best beach resorts in India and promises love at first sight. Goa offers you more than just sun, sand and sea. After your arrival you will be taken to the hotel and have the rest of the day free. Overnight in Goa.

You can plan the next five days of your trip according to your wishes. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on the beach, swim in the wonderfully warm water or relax in a hammock with a good book.

Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage or take a stroll along the beach. Try the delicious Indian cuisine in the hotel restaurant and use the time to review the events and impressions of your individual South India tour through India!

In the morning you will be transferred to the international airport in Goa to start the flight to Europe.

*****End of program*****

Some examples of possible variations:  It is possible to book an Ayurvedic treatment near Goa at the end or to plan a tour with us.