Welcome to the peninsular part of India, the land of colours and diversified cultures. Saffron & Sandalwood small group journey will take you on an enchanting and mystical South India. Touch, feel and experience thousand years of history when we visit green tea and spice plantation, rain forests and the most exotic virgin beaches and intricate carved temples of gods and goddesses narrate stories of their establishment and existence to the visitors. Come with us and indulge your senses in the purest form of nature.

Arrive Chennai the gateway city of Tamilnadu State. Our tour Manager will welcome us at the airport arrival lounge with TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS signboard. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while the hotel formalities is completed. Rest of the day is at leisure with overnight at hotel.

Chennai formally known as Madras, popularly regarded as the ‘Gateway to the South'. It represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. This city encourages all forms of development, both modern technology and the traditional arts and crafts and embraces a series of paradoxes. The numerous temples, shrines, forts and palaces are a reflection of the rich and diverse historical heritage of the city. Before we proceed for the sightseeing our tour Manager will brief us about the day tour. We visit Kalakshetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing. Afternoon at leisure with overnight at hotel. (B,D).

After breakfast travel to Mahabalipuram, en-rout visit Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, back in 2nd century BC the city was the capital of the early Cholas Kingdome. In this context, it is particularly known for being the seat for bearing culture and philosophy. The city is also famous for its silk weavers, settled around 400 years ago and has given it an enviable reputation. The weavers use the highest quality silk and pure gold thread. Later proceed to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.(B,D)

Today we enjoy sightseeing tour and visit Shore Temple, one of the oldest in south dating back to 8th century is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. Three separate buildings make up the temple and numerous carvings can be found throughout the temple. Due to the architectural and heritage value attached to it, the UNESCO has crowned this historical city as a ‘World Heritage Site’. Later visit Krishna Mandapam, which has the world's largest bas-relief measuring 27 m x 9 m, whale back shaped rock, contains figures of gods, men, beasts, birds and representation of the entire creation. Rest of the day at leisure with overnight at hotel.(B,D)

We travel to Pondicherry, the town ruled by the French before India got independence in 1947. This French legacy is visible in the well planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, architecturally imposing buildings and statues of Joan of Ark and Joseph Francois colonies in India from 1742-54. The day is free to take stroll in the street of this beautiful town. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)

After breakfast we enjoy the city sightseeing tour and visit to Rai Nivas, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and explore the medieval town of the French province, the town has managed to preserve its French aura. From its delectable restaurants offering French cuisine and streets bearing French names, Pondicherry's French connection is very much alive. The city’s temples and churches and imposing monuments of the colonial era are some of the sites worth visiting in this small port city. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Today we travel to Trichy, en-route visit Thanjavur, the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" and also 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. Thanjavur rose to glory during the later Chola Reign between 11th and 14th centuries AD and became the centre of learning and culture. It is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and South Indian Musical Instruments. Later proceed to Trichy for overnight stay. (B,D)

After breakfast we enjoy city sightseeing tour of Tiruchirapalli that it is popularly known as and visit Rock Fort-that looms at a spectacular height of 83m on a massive rocky outcrop, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple-the largest temple complex in the world and most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Sri Jambukeshwara Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva. Trichy is home to many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Uraiyur that is the local name of the old Trichy city has over 2500 years of known history. Afternoon take stroll in the street of this holy city. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Today we travel to Madurai, the great temple town of South India. The city known as the Athens of the East and is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Madurai has a rich cultural heritage which is passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. It was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD and was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. Rest of the afternoon free for your own activities. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)

After breakfast proceed for city tour, the second largest city on the banks of the River Vigai believed to be more than 2500 years old. We visit a magnificent Meenakshi Temple and experience stunning architects as the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. The entire city is built around this temple. It attained 26th place in the list of top nominees for the new Seven Wonders of the World. Madurai is home to many poets and artisans and houses an abundance of literary wealth of both classical and modern Tamil. Jasmine flowers are well known all over the country, they carry a special fragrance unique to Madurai. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)

This is the day we add a little different flavour to our tour as we travel to Periyar wildlife century and stay at the jungle resort. Afternoon we enjoy spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Resort.

After breakfast explore the Periyar wildlife sanctuary on the boat, the sanctuary centrepiece the man-made Periyar Lake, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala and is a home to Tiger , bison, wild boar, sambar, monkeys, wild elephant, antelopes and a wide variety of birds. More than 260 species of birds are found here, like the Great Indian Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black winged Kite, Barbets, Plovers, among many others. Afternoon is free with the option of a jungle walk. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Today we travel to Alleppey and embark the houseboat, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this beautiful land. Enjoy fishing and sunset when moving towards Kumarakom. All meals with overnight at the houseboat. (B,L,D)

After breakfast we disembark the houseboat and travel to Cochin, set on a cluster of peninsulas and islands in the Indian Ocean. A city tucked in the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue waters, it is one of the important towns in South India, with a natural harbour. Cochin offers a pleasurable blend of charming sight seeing with salivating culinary delights that will surely blow your mind. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)

We take a ferry across the waterway to the nearby peninsula, discover the remains of Fort Cochin and St Francis church, the oldest church in India. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks and worship by Roman Catholics, Dutch Protestants and the Anglicans. Evening witness Kathakali dance show in an auditorium before you enjoy your dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Enjoy your leisurely breakfast before we set out for drive to Ooty, a place known for its tea and coffee plantation and the uncrowned ‘Queen’ of the Nilgiris. Lofty mountains, dense forests, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet you on most routes. The breathtaking Blue Mountains are the perfect backdrop for the cool summers. Overnight at Ooty. (B,D)

We enjoy the city tour of Ooty, snugly ensconced in the heart of the Nilgiris and dotted with undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks and lush green tea gardens. On arrival check in to the hotel, after some rest enjoy the sightseeing tour of the city and visit the Botanical Gardens – home to manicured and planned trees, shrubs and herbs, Ooty Lake and Tribal Village. The picture perfect settings, serenity of the surroundings is simply out of the world. Evening experience the toy train ride before you return to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Ooty. (B,D)

Travel to Mysore which heritance number of palaces and known as the 'City Of Palaces'. Afternoon enjoy the city sightseeing tour and witness the legacy of Tipu Sultan left behind. Mysore has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out garden, imposing building, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There’s an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Evening visit the famous Vrindavan Garden and experience the musical fountains. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)

Today we travel to our last destination Hassan. This region was greatly influenced by Jainism and later became a well known centre of Jain literature. It is the oldest town of Hoysala Empire of the 11th and 13th century AD in India and is known for its unique style of architecture. Hassan is a picturesque town in the heart of Malnad with a pleasant climate. Afternoon free to explore the city with overnight at hotel.(B,D)

After breakfast we enjoy an excursion to Belur and Halebid, visit 12th century old beautiful temples and witness a classic example of Hoysala style architecture which took over 103 years to build. The architecture shows an extraordinary wealth of decorative detail; every available inch is crammed with intricate carvings yet no two facets of the temple are the same. Awe inspiring craftsmanship has left no stone blank. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)

After leisurely breakfast we travel to Bangalore, tour finishes with the transfer to airport to board your onward flight.(B)