Arrive in Chennai International airport, your National Escort or Local Guide from Wendy Wu Tours will meet you at the in the Arrivals Hall. Together with other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer to your hotel in Chennai.

This morning a tour introduction will be held in the hotel before setting off for Mamallapuram, which is an hour and a half drive away. Explore the costal temple town of Mamallapuram to see the rock carvings which date from the 7th and 8th centuries. This afternoon there will be some time to relax and recover from the jetlag.

This morning after breakfast, drive back to Chennai. On arrival, commence your tour of Chennai city, starting with a visit to Marina Beach, which stretches for over 13km. Head to Fort St. George, and later visit the Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple. Today’s sightseeing involves approximately 4 to 5 hours on foot.

Rise early this morning to catch the Shatabdi Express train to Bangalore, your journey will be approximately 4 and half hours. You will be given a simple, light breakfast as well as beverages while on the train. If you require additional food, please purchase it the day before. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel to check in. This afternoon, tour the city, beginning with the Bull Temple, before continuing to Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Vidhana Soudha. Please note - Your train is a day train, and our seats will be in an air-conditioned chair car. The train carriages are shared so at all times please be aware of your belongings.

Drive south to Mysore today, stopping to view Srirangapatnam Fort en route. This afternoon, explore the Maharaja’s Palace, the Art Gallery and drive to Chamundi Hills to see the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. Today’s sightseeing involves approximately 3 hours of easy walking, there is a temple and mosque inside the complex. Return to your hotel stopping to discover the Nandi Bull statue, carved out of solid rock in 1659. Later, enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration hosted by a local family.

Today you will journey to the hill station of Ooty, one of three Nilgiris stations, popularly known as Queen of Hill Stations. The estimated four-hour drive takes you to a beautiful scenery and cooler climate.

Transfer a short distance to the station this morning to catch the miniature, narrow gauge Toy Train from Ooty to Coonoor, another Nilgiri hill station which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Return to Ooty by coach. Visit the terraced botanical gardens. Later there is an optional short walk to a local village, situated above the botanical gardens, where you can gain an insight into the lives of the local people while enjoying the amazing view over Ooty. Please note that the train timetable is subject to change - your National Escort or Local Guide will inform you of changes as they are made aware of them. Please be aware that the train journey may be cancelled by the authorities in the event of bad weather. Should this occur, an alternative experience will be arranged for the group.

This morning drive through the hilly roads for 3 and half hours to Coimbatore. This afternoon, enjoy half a day of sightseeing of Coimbatore including visits to the Sri Svetambra Vimalanthar Jain Temple, St. Michael Xavier Church at big Bazaar and Athar Jamid Mosque at Oppamalara Street.

Today you will be driving for approximately 5 hours as you continue the descent from the highlands and head to Munnar. As you drive to Munnar, you cross the border into Kerala, one of the smallest states in the Republic of India. Upon arrival proceed to the hotel and check in for overnight stay. Located on the side of a mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the valley. Visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the timeless cultivation of tea. Depending on the time of year, you may enjoy a walking tour in the Eravikulam National Park. Depart Munnar and begin the 5 hour drive to Thekkady, where Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located. Please note that this day is at altitude (Eravikulam National Park stands at 2700m).

Today explore Eravikulam National Park where you will have the opportunity to spot the local wildlife (closed Feb-Apr, an alternative light trek will be available). Continue your journey to Thekkady, home of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Please note: Eravikulam National Park is closed from February to April for Nilgiri Tahr mating season. If the park is closed during your visit, touring will be substituted with a walking tour of Munnar. This day will be at altitude, as Eravikulam National Park sits at 2,700 meters.

Rise early this morning to walk through the park, searching for wildlife such as elephants, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer and the rarely seen spotted tiger. If you do not wish to join the walk, please notify your National Escort or Local Guide for alternative arrangements. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before viewing a Kalaripayattu Martial Arts performance this evening. Please note that trousers and long sleeves are needed for your nature walk through the wildlife sanctuary.

Depart Thekkady and drive for 5 hours to Kochi, upon arrival check into your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.

Today tour the sites of Kochi, visiting the St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. From the basilica view the unique cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the only place outside China that they are used. Explore the Jewish synagogue, located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. Today’s sightseeing will involve about 2 to 3 hours on foot.

This morning visit Kumbalangi fishing village before travelling to Kumarakom, where you will board your overnight houseboat, a converted rice barge known as a ‘Kettuvallam’. As you cruise along the backwaters, you will witness the village life of those that live along the banks. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala. An unhurried backwater cruise on a traditional houseboat is the best way to discover Kerala’s exceptional scenic beauty. Enjoy dinner onboard. Please note that whilst the accommodation on these houseboats is simple, the experience is truly unique and incomparable to any other on this trip. Should you require hot water during your stay, please ask a member of the crew for assistance.

After breakfast on board, disembark your houseboat and drive to Kovalam. Enjoy a couple of hours’ sightseeing in Trivandrum on the way. Tour the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple before continuing to the Zoological nGardens and Museum. Later visit the Observatory, the Kanakakunnu Palace and Sree Moolamthirunal Shastri Purthi Memorial. On arrival in Kovalam check into your hotel.

Take a walking tour of the town this morning visiting the seafront and Kovalam’s lighthouse. This afternoon is free to explore the long stretches of white sandy beach or relax in the resort before a farewell meal this evening with the group.

You will be transferred to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Trivandrum according to the departure time of your flight today. Any time before your flight will be at leisure.