After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mysore in a spacious comfortable Compass certified vehicle. On the way, visit Srirangapatna.

Located on an island on the River Cauvery some 16 kms from Mysore city, Srirangapatna was the capital of Mysore state and is also an important religious site. The towering,intricately carved vista of the 9th Century Ranganathaswamy Temple and the 18th Century Jama Masjid commissioned by Tipu are not to be missed.

The Srirangapatna Fort is the site of Tipu Sultan’s last stand against the mighty forces of the British East India Company. Today a memorial marks the spot where the warrior king fell.

Also of importance, the Colonel Bailey Dungeon in the fort, where British officers were imprisoned during Tipu’s rule and the Sultan’s summer palace in Dariya Daulat Bagh.

Dariya Daulat Bagh has a museum that with an excellent collection of murals, paintings, coins and weapons from Tipu Sultan’s era. Also on display, Sir Robert Ker Porter’s celebrated oil painting, “Storming of Srirangapatna.”

Check into hotel at Mysore and enjoy a sound and light show in the evening. Overnight at Mysore.

The word Mysore is a corruption of Mahishasura Ooru, or the City of the Buffalo Demon. According to Hindu mythology, the buffalo headed Mahishasura, an Indian Minotaur if you will, wreaked havoc on all of creation, defeating gods and humans alike, until he was finally slain in battle by the warrior goddess Chamunda. The magnificent Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to the goddess stands on a hilltop overlooking Mysore, and is the site of a stupendous elephant procession during the festival of Dussehra.

Initially part of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th Century, Mysore has since been ruled by the Wodeyar Kings more or less continually, barring the rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th Century. After the fall of Tipu, the British East India Company reinstated the Wodeyars to the throne of Mysore, where they continued to be titular heads with the blessings of the British Empire until India’s independence in 1947.

Mysore has the distinction of being one of the first cities in Asia to undertake urban planning following a rampaging bout of bubonic plague in 1897 that saw the establishment of the City Improvement Trust Board in 1903.

Today, Mysore is known for its silk, and its fragrant, intricately carved sandalwood work and contributes to 70% of India’s incense export. Known as the City of Palaces, the city is dotted by splendid monuments and temples. Mysore’s latest claim to fame is as a global center for Ashtanga Yoga.

Standing proudly at the center of town, the breathtaking Mysore Palace takes the crown in this City of Palaces. A combination of Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic and Oriental Architecture, the palace provides the visitor with a lavish treat of carvings, paintings, majestic arched gateways and an exquisite doll’s pavilion. Don’t miss the diamond-studded solid gold Simhasana or the King’s chair and the famed wooden howdah (elephant-saddle) covered with 80 kilos of gold.

The entire palace is lit up between 7 and 9pm every night, illuminating Mysore’s skyline and is a sight not to be missed.

Saint Philomena’s Church is a fine example of Neo-Gothic architecture and contains a relic of the saint in its catacombs. Stained glass windows depicting the Nativity and the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ adorn its inner chamber while above two 175 foot high spires tower over the cityscape.

The original building was erected under the patronage of the Hindu Maharaja Mummadi Krashnaraja Wodeyar, who in his enlightened inaugural speech asserted that the church stood on a secure double foundation of “Divine compassion and the eager gratitude of men.” At 1062m above sea level, Chamundi Hills tower over the city of Mysore and affords fresh air and magnificent views to whoever decides to undertake the short drive to the city outskirts. Halfway up the hill, one is rewarded with the sight of the 4.8m tall stone statue of Shiva’s bull, Nandi.

At the summit, behind 40m tall Gopurams (intricately carved stone gates) stands the magnificent Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. Reputed to date back to the 12th Century, the temple houses a gold idol of the Goddess Chamundi.

The 19th Century Jaganmohan Palace was later converted into the magnificent Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. Of note are unusual, exotic musical instruments and a rich collection of paintings the Russian painter Nicolai Roerich and Raja Ravi Verma, one of the pioneers of Indian art as we know it today. Also of note, the French musical calendar and paintings on grains of rice that are only visible through a magnifier.

Overnight at Mysore.

Proceed to Bandipur after breakfast. Check in at your hotel in Bandipur.

The Nagarhole National Park was originally a hunting reserve of the Wodeyar Kings. It became a designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and was upgraded to the status of a national park in 1988. Currently it is India’s 37th Project Tiger Reserve.

Nestled by the foothills of the Western Ghats, the park stretches across an area of over 640 square kilometers until the edge of the Kabini River Reservoir that separates it from Bandipur National Park.

Its thick deciduous forests are home to a rich and varied cross section of Indian wildlife and flora. Of note, the tiger, Asian elephants, the sloth bear, the Indian Bison, the dhole or the Indian Wild Dog, hyenas, the Indian Bison, Barking Deer and Mouse Deer.

Birding enthusiasts may be treated to the sight of feathered inhabitants of the forest, such as Blue-bearded Bee Eaters, the Malabar Whistling Thrush, the Scarlet Minivet among others. One may also catch a glimpse of the famed Indian Flying Squirrel, silently gliding from treetop to treetop.

Overnight at the hotel.

Wake up at dawn and proceed for morning safari.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

Proceed in the afternoon for safari.

Overnight at resort.

After breakfast at your Bandipur resort, enjoy a scenic two hour drive to Mudumalai National Park.

One of India’s oldest sanctuaries, the deciduous forests of Mudumalai National Park slopes gently down from the Nilgiri Hills into the Mysore Plateau, its vegetation changing from tall elephant grass and bamboo groves to teak and rosewood forests.

The forest cover is home to a diverse range of fauna, making Mudumalai (translation: first hill) a great showcase of India’s wildlife diversity. Asian elephants, panthers, hyenas, four horned antelopes or Chousingha, sloth bears, mouse deer, civet cats, leopard cats and wild boar are but a few that call Mudumalai home. Ruling over them all, a giant shadow in the undergrowth is the tiger, ever elusive.

You shall spend the night in the park 100 feet above the ground in an exotic tree house with attached bathroom and all amenities. Hear the forest come alive at night from the comfort of your bed.

Proceed for morning safari at dawn.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Proceed for the afternoon safari.

Evening will be free for you to relax at the resort.

Overnight at resort.

After breakfast and morning safari, proceed to Coonoor by road.

The second largest hill station in the Nilgiris, the rolling, green hills of beautiful Coonoor served as one of the locations for David Lean’s classic adaptation of E. M. Forster’s “A Passage to India”. At 1850m above sea level Coonoor is a prime trailhead for hikes into the Nilgiri hills.

Apart from seasonal tourism, tea is the other major cash-earner for Coonoor. Plantations abound, and one is sure to catch a glimpse or two of workers handpicking leaves on the hillsides all around.

Coonoor is a delight for bird lovers. Watch out for cormorants, thrushes, skylarks, pipits and the Nilgiri Verditer flycatcher.

Enjoy the evening at the beautiful heritage resort.

Overnight at Coonoor.

After breakfast at the resort, proceed for sightseeing around Coonoor.

Located in a ravine at an average elevation of about 1780 meters above sea level, Sim's Park is a botanical garden offering charming views of the Nilgiris and is home to over a thousand plant species including magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. Designed in part like a Japanese garden, an interesting feature of Sim’s Park are its gnarled and canopied Shola forests, a mini-ecosystem unto themselves, and typical of the Nilgiri region.

An added attraction of the Park is the fruit and vegetables festival held every summer.

The Pomological Station is a fruit garden in the Nilgiris maintained by the Horticultural Department.One may sample peaches, plums, apricots and pomegranates or purchase delicious freshly made jam as a gift for the folks back home.

Later in the day, take the Blue Train to Ooty. The Blue Train is a steam locomotive running a narrow meter gage line through the Nilgiris. The views all along the journey are charming and may well be one of the high points of your tour of the Nilgiris. Along with the Darjeeling Toy Train Ride in Eastern India, the Nilgiri Blue Train features in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Ootacamund, Udhagamandalam or Ooty is one of India’s most popular colonial era hill stations. Located 2240m above sea level on the rollling slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is charming, serene and just what the doctor ordered after the bustle of the cities. Surrounded by eucalyptus forests that surround the hillside in a blue green haze, the neighbouring area of Ooty is famous for the Kurunji flower that blooms every twelve years, covering the hillside in bright blue.

Ooty is known for its colonial charm, tea gardens, the 65 acre wide Ooty lake, Toda tribal settlements and India’s very own wax museum.

Relax during the day and explore the town in the evening.

Overnight at Ooty.

After breakfast at the resort, visit the Ooty Botanical Gardens. Afterwards, drive to Dodabetta peak for a panoramic view of the Nilgiris.

Later, drive to Coimbatore where you will be transferred to the airport to board your Chennai flight.

A Compass representative shall meet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel.

The city of Chennai, formerly Madras and originally Madraspatnam, has its roots in a warehouse built by the British on the beachfront in 1639. In 1654, the Fort St. George was established and eventually, village after neighbouring village was added to the territory to form the modern city we know today. In the days of the British Raj, Madras served as the capital of all of South India.

Proceed for sightseeing around Chennai.

The Neo-Gothic San Thome Basilica is one of the only three basilicas in the world said to contain the relics of an apostle of Christ and is an important Christian pilgrimage. Built over the tomb of St. Thomas, the original building was said to have been established by the apostle himself.

Founded in 1644 by the British East India Company, Fort St George was the engine of trade and commerce that transformed a beachfront hamlet into a modern city. Fittingly, it is now the seat of the legislative assembly of the state of tamil Nadu. The Fort Museum located in the oldest surviving building of the fortress is of particular interest to tourists and has an impressive collection of exhibits spread over ten galleries.

The buzzing Kapaleeswarar Temple with its proud 120 feet tall exquisitely engraved Gopuram is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. Inscriptions from the 13th century and highly ornate stucco work adorn its walls. It’s also the site for the spectacular annual Arubathimoovar Festival,during which a gigantic wooden chariot carrying the main deity is pulled along the roads by hundreds and thousands of frenzied devotees, followed by a procession of gods involving sixty three idols on palanquins. Students of cinema may recall this festival from French master Louis Malle’s Cinema Verite´ venture, Phantom India.

Overnight at Chennai.

After breakfast, we shall drive to Mahaballipuram, stopping at Kanchipuram on the way.

Once a capital of the Pallava Kings, the thousand year old city of Kanchipuram was famous in the ancient world as a seat of learning. Temples and shrines dating back to the 7th century dot the city, making it an important pilgrimage for both the Shaivaite and Vaishnav sects of Hindusim. Today, Kanchipuram is known the world over for its gorgeous hand woven silk. These exquisite silk saris, or Kanjivarams, are the toast of the cocktail circuit from Kashmir to the Kanyakumari.

Check into hotel at Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was once the main seaport of the Pallava Empire and is famous for its sculptures, in particular, a series of spectacular freestanding boulders on the beach, carved to resemble small temples and animals. Don’t miss Lord Krishna’s Butter Ball, a spherical boulder placed on a 45 degree incline, seemingly teetering, but stable for centuries. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO designated world heritage site and one of the highlights of your luxury holiday in exotic South India.

Overnight at Mahabalipuram.

Proceed for sightseeing after breakfast.

The Mahaballipuram Caves are temples cut out of solid rock. The interior walls are adorned with sculpted scenes from mythological battles, Gods, demons and beasts both real and mythical. Don’t miss the Mahishamardini Cave depicting the Goddess Durga’s battle with Mahisasur, a Minotaur-like buffalo demon.

Krishna Mandapam is the largest rock-cut temple of the area with exquisite bas relief work depicting the life of Krishna, as well as scenes from the daily lives of ordinary people.

The magnificent giant bas relief work of Arjuna’s Penance depicts a scene from the Hindu epic Mahabharata where the hero, Arjuna, performs penance on a river bank in order to win the devastating Pasupata weapon from Shiva. A cleft in the rock has been cleverly used to depict the river. It’s possible to spend hours examining the extremely detailed figures of gods, men, birds and animals that populate the sculpture.

A group of five intricately carved monolithic temples, the Pancha Rathas or five chariots are named after their resemblance to ceremonial temple chariots (rathas). According to the Archeological Survey of India, the naming of this group of temples after the Pandavas, the five heroes of the Mahabharata, is a more recent phenomenon. The structures are probably Buddhist in origin. In spite of their huge size, each ratha is carved from a single rock.

One of the oldest temples in Mahabalipuram, the Shore Temple houses shrines to both Shiva and Vishnu. It is one of the earliest examples of the pure Dravidian style of architecture.

Overnight at Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry.

A French colony until 1950, Pondicherry (Puducherry) is markedly different from the rest of Tamil Nadu state in architecture and town planning. Modelled after towns in the French Mediterranean, Ville Blanche or White Town is dotted with colonial villas, while more Indian style buildings populate Ville Noire or Black Town. Today, unlike in the past, both halves of Pondicherry is open to all residents of the city. Use of French is still common in Pondicherry.

After lunch, at your hotel, proceed for the sightseeing in Pondicherry.

Founded by nationalist turned mystic Sri Aurobindo, Aurobindo Ashram is a commune housing followers from the world over. The ashram aims to disseminate the philosophy of Aurobindo’s “integral yoga”, a synthesis of ancient mystical thought and modern science.

Auroville, designed by architect Roger Anger, is a unique urban experiment in communal living where men and women of various races and nationality attempt to live together in peace and harmony. In the words of its founder Mirra Alfassa or The Mother, “The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity."

Overnight at Pondicherry.

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore.

Tanjore or Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola empire from the 10th century to the 14th century A.D. and was for long periods the political and cultural nerve center of the region. The Great Living Chola Temples that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site are located around Thanjavur, also home to the distinctive Tanjore style of Painting.

Overnight at Tanjore.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing around Tanjore.

The magnificent Brihadisvara Temple is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Vimana atop the temple is a 60.95m high 13-storey pyramidal tower, in turn crowned by a 70 tonne stone domed monolith.” The inner walls are adorned with murals of Shiva in the 108 mudras, or poses, of Bharatanatyam, the classical Indian dance form.

The 16th century Palace of Thanjavur is spacious with large halls, shady courtyards, endless corridors, tall observation posts and a ornate bell tower. It is also home to the Royal Museum as well as the iconic Saraswati Mahal Library.

Saraswathi Mahal Library, established in the early 18th century houses a wealth of manuscripts dating back to the Nayak Kings of Tanjore and its subsequent Maratha rulers. Also of interest are rare European manuscripts like Lavoisier’s Traité Élémentaire de Chimie or Elements of Chemistry and Charles Le Brun’s pictorial charts depicting the evolution of man.

The Thanjavur Art Gallery is also worth a visit for its impressive collection of 250 Chola Bronze statues and 150 stone statues dating from the 9th to 12th century.

Overnight at Tanjore.

Drive to Madurai after breakfast, stopping en route at Trichy.

Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Tiruchirapalli or Trichy is one of the largest cities in the state of Tamil Nadu. In the course of its long and checkered history, Trichy has changed hands many a time, starting off as the capital of the Chola Kings, falling later to the Pallavas and eventually to the Nayaks of Madurai, the Marathas, the Sultanate and finally the British. Each successive ruling dynasty left their indelible mark on the city, and contributed towards its growth as the flourishing, eclectic urban center that it is today.

Highlights include the Rock Fort, with its “Hall of Hundred pillars” and the island of Srirangam with its giant seven-walled Vishnu Temple.

Rock Fort temple or Malaikottai is a temple carved out of an 80m high rock, the rock itself being of prehistoric vintage and older than the Himalayas.

Drive to Madurai and check into hotel.

The ancient temple town of Madurai traces its history as far back as the 3rd century BC, and finds mention in the writings of Greek explorer Megasthenes.

The breathtaking Sri Meenakshi Amman temple, a mini-city in its own right, dominates the Madurai skyline. One of the finest living examples of Dravidian art and architecture, its towering gopurams loom over the city, every inch of its outer surface crowded with multicolored carvings of gods, goddesses and beasts of mythology. One of the highlights of your luxury holiday in exotic South India.

Overnight at Madurai.

Proceed for sightseeing after breakfast.

According to local lore, the foundations of the Sri Meenakshi Amman temple date back to well over two thousand years. Successive generations of rulers built over and added to the work of their predecessors until the compound grew to its current sprawling size of the 65000 square meters. The square-shaped temple grounds are surrounded by high walls with twelve stupendous Gopurams (temple towers) bidding entry to visitors.

Inside, defying description, lies the Hall of Thousand Pillars, each pillar adorned by exquisitely detailed sculptures of celestial beings. A marvel of ancient Indian design, the pillars align in perfect straight lines no matter which angle they are viewed from. Outside the hall, a corridor is lined by the temple’s famed musical pillars, each of which produces a unique musical note when tapped.

Don’t miss the Thousand Pillar Museum in the temple complex.

The spacious Gandhi Memorial Museum chronicles in loving detail the history of India’s independence movement. The museum organizes regular seminars on Gandhi and his principle of non-violence or ahimsa.

Located a few minutes from Madurai, the Vishnu Temple is one of the most important temples of South India and is unique in the layout of its three altars, arranged as they are one on top of one another. Each altar shows the Lord Vishnu in a different posture. The seated Vishnu on the middle altar, Koodal Alagar, is the main deity of the temple. The temple’s exterior too, covered with beautiful carvings depicting celestial beings, is well worth the traveller’s time.

Built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636, the eponymous Thirumalai Nayak Palace fell to ruin after the king’s demise and was restored only partially by the British. Still, the present day structure gives the visitor a good idea of its grandeur in its heydays. Look out for the intricate stucco work on its arches and pillars and the astonishing Sorgavasal or Celestial Pavilion, a 1300 square meter free-standing structure, unsupported by any pillar or girder.

The giant Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam reservoir is fed by a Vaigai River through an invisible maze of underground channels. During Teppam (tr.The Float Festival), hundreds of boats chockfull of devotees crowd the reservoir in a race to reach the temple at its center.

Enjoy a Sound and Light Show in the evening.

Overnight at Madurai.

Drive to Periyar National Park after breakfast.

On the banks of the Periyar river, amidst coffee plantations and the fragrant cardamom hills, lies the Periyar National Park, one of India’s major wildlife reserves. Look out for the Asian elephant, antelope, the Indian bison, the elusive Bengal tiger, the dhole or wild dog, and the extremely rare and endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a species of ibex native to the region.

Birdwatchers may be rewarded with sightings of greater hornbills, darters, herons, egrets, owls and brightly coloured kingfishers.

Experience a jungle walk with your guide in the afternoon. Top off the evening with a visit to the spice markets.

Overnight at Thekkady.

At 7 am, proceed for a bamboo rafting excursion down the river Periyar.

The raft offers a great opportunity to watch animals, particularly elephants, as they come down to the waters to cool off in the daytime. You may also be able to spot sambars, barking deer, mouse deer, wild pigs, porcupines, lion-tailed macaques, the Malabar Squirrel and sloth bears. Tigers and Leopards are usually hard to come by on the banks during the day.

Breakfast and lunch will be served during the excursion.

Visit spice plantations in the evening.

Overnight will be at Thekkady.

After breakfast at your resort, enjoy the scenic road to Kumarokom dotted with traditional houses and bordered by rolling hills on either side. Stop en route to visit a tea garden.

Check into hotel at Kumarokom.

Barely 16 kms from the city of Kottayam, Kumarokom is located by the Vembanad, ’s largest fresh water lake, and is one of the important venues for ’s famous boat races. During the festival of Onam, hundreds of traditional boats, some seating as many as fifty highly vocal rowers, steak down the lake amidst much fanfare, competing for top spot.

Also of note, a bird sanctuary renowned for its visiting flocks of migratory birds.

Your stay in Kumarokom begins with a visit to the sanctuary.

Kumarokom is also your entry point into ’s famous Backwaters, a massive 900 square kilometer network of lakes, rivers, streams, lagoons and canals that both connect and divide the region, giving rise to a unique amphibious culture and way of life that’s perhaps unique in the world. Here, the saline waters of the Arabian sea mix with fresh water from inland streams resulting in a knife-edge ecosystem that’s as fragile as it is distinctive. Teeming with fish, mudskippers, crabs, turtles and otters, the lush vegetation on its banks is home to flocks of cormorants and terns. Human habitation in the region too are a gift of the backwaters, with the brackish channels snaking into the land often being the only means of transportation between villages and towns. Tranquil and mysterious, the backwaters feature, for obvious reasons, prominently among the highlights of your luxury holiday in exotic South India.

Later, check into a traditional thatched houseboat and embark on a leisurely cruise of the backwaters. Equipped with all the modern amenities that you need, the houseboat is the best and most luxurious way to see , drifting effortlessly into places other modes of transportation cannot reach. Houseboats also allow one to take things at one’s own pace, and the rare luxury of procuring fresh produce for all meals while on board.

Overnight in houseboat.

Enjoy a leisurely morning aboard the houseboat as it gently cruises to Alleppey while on the banks, village bazaars bustle to life as the morning progresses.

The city of Alleppey or Alappuzha is the headquarter of Alappuzha district

and highly popular with travellers. The name Alappuzha means “the land between the river and the sea” and its intricate network on inland canals earn it the title of “Venice of the East.” This watery network has long been Alleppey’s lifeline, from its days as one of the best known ports on the Malabar coast up until modern times as the world’s gateway to the Backwaters. Alleppey too is an important venue for boat races, in particular the Nehru Trophy Race on the Punnamada Lake. Other attractions in Alappuzha include the beautiful Alappuzha Beach, the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, the Edathua Church and the Krishnapuram Palace.

Later in the day, drive to Cochin.

The ancient port city of Cochin or Kochi comprises a cluster of islands and peninsulas in a serene saltwater lagoon. Ferries connect the islands to Ernakulam town on the mainland. Dotted with lakes and gently swaying palm groves, Kochi’s otherworldly beauty, coupled with the lure of spices and seafood, draw scores of travellers every year to this natural harbour.

Proceed for sightseeing.

The Old Cochin area is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, and the Paradesi Synagogue built in 1568 is a must-see treasure of this eclectic corner of South India. Known for its distinctive tiled roof and bell towers, the synagogue’s interiors feature intricately hand-painted blue and white Chinese willow tiles of which no two are alike. Elegant Belgian chandeliers adorn its central area. An exquisite oriental rug and gold crowns received as gifts from visitors are also on display.

Also of interest is the intriguing International Pepper Exchange that deals in the global trade of black pepper. Nearby are Vasco Da Gama Square, the Santa Cruz Basilica that counts among India’s oldest churches, St. Francis Church where Vasco Da Gama was originally interred, VOC Gate and Bastion Bungalow, all of which, according to local records, go back to between the mid fourteenth and early fifteenth century.

Kochi’s famed Chinese fishing nets are perhaps one of the most iconic and oft photographed sights of . Mounted on teak and bamboo poles and supported by large stone counterweights, they hang gossamer-like all along the Fort Kochi seafront. Their origins are obscure with some claiming they were imported by the Portuguese from Macau while according to others, the credit goes to Chinese traders from the court of Kubla Khan himself.

Embark on a private harbour cruise early in the evening. Enjoy dolphin-spotting as you sail out to the fishing island and the Bolgatty Palace. Sail up to the edge of the Arabian Sea to watch the sunset.

Wind up your day with a Kathakali performance later in the evening. A traditional dance drama form involving elaborate costumes, highly stylized expressions and choreographed to hypnotic music, the Kathakali is a truly unforgettable finale to the leg of your luxury holiday in exotic South India.

Overnight at Kochi.

Transfer to airport after breakfast to board your flight for Colombo. A Compass arrange for your transfer to your hotel.

Sri Lanka’s capital city and primary sea port, Colombo is vibrant and alive. An eclectic urban mix of skyscrapers, colonial structures, historical sites and places of worship, Colombo has something for everyone. Of note, the bazaars of Cinnamon Garden and Pettah, the 18th century Wolvendaal Church, the Murugan Temple and the Dewatagaha Mosque.

Explore the city on your own in the evening.

Overnight in Colombo.

Drive to Anuradhapura after breakfast.

Tucked away in the jungle, Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, and one of the oldest cities in the world. Certain archeological records seem to place its origin between the 5th and the 10th Century BC.

According to Buddhist lore, the city was built around a bodhi tree, originally a scion of the tree in Bodhgaya under which Buddha attained enlightenment,brought to Anuradhapura by the nun Sanghamitra, daughter of the Buddhist Emperor Asoka.

Scattered through the lush jungle are bell-shaped dagobas, pokunas or water tanks and ruins of monasteries.

The stupendous dome of Ruwanwelisaya (or the Ruwanweli Maha Seya) is one of the world’s holiest Buddhist stupas and is said to contain a relic of the Buddha himself. 103 meters tall with a circumference of 290 meters, Ruwanwelisaya is literally a towering highlight of your tour of Sri Lanka.

The Samadhi Statue of Buddha is an eight foot tall sculpture carved out of granite dating back to between the 3rd and the 4th century. The statue depicts the Buddha in the deeply meditative posture of samadhi.

Also of note is the ancient Thuparamaya, the first dagoba, built by a king at the behest of Asoka’s envoy who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Overnight at Anuradhapura.

Drive to Mihintale after breakfast.

Minhintale is a hill near Anuradhapura thats’s of great religious importance in Sri Lanka. According to legend, the hill marks the spot where Buddhism originated in the country when the King Devanampiyatissa encountered the Buddhist monk Mahinda. It is said the king commissioned the construction of a vihara and cave monasteries for the monks.

Today a series of ancient steps lead visitors up the hill side.

The forty foot high Kantaka Cetiya stupa was discovered in 1934. Said to go back at least to the first century BC, this stupa is renowned for its intricately carved vahalcadas or projective facias. Teeming with animals and mythological characters, the vahalcadas are a unique architectural feature.

The ruins of Vedachala, an ancient hospital some two thousand years old, are nearby. Its perhaps one of the earliest instances of organized caregiving in human history.

From Mihintale, drive to Dambulla.

The two thousand year old Dambulla Cave Temples are a UNESCO world heritage site and a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage. Comprising more than eighty documented caves, the complex houses over 150 statues of the Buddha as well as exquisite murals that cover a stupendous 2100 square meters. The Buddhist monks and artisans who carved these temples and statues out of solid rock were not the original inhabitants of the caves as archeological evidence suggests that they were in use since prehistoric times. Of particular note is the statue of the reclining Buddha although all the artifacts in the cave complex are magnificent.

Overnight at Dambulla.

After breakfast, drive to Minneriya National Park. This protected forest is built around an ancient reservoir constructed in the 3rd century. The waters of the reservoir attract animals from the surrounding forests in droves, especially during the dry season. It is not uncommon to see giant herds of elephants up to five hundred strong, a phenomenon popularly known as the elephant gathering. One of the most unique and memorable wildlife experiences of your luxury holiday in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Drive to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second kingdom, established after the fall of Anuradhapura in the 10th century. Originally the capital of the invading Chola Kings of India, and later reclaimed by the Lankan King Vijayabahu I, the site is dotted with monuments and religious structures of Chola Hindu and Sri Lankan Buddhist origin.

Of note, the Lankalatika, a massive brick structure containing a giant image of the Buddha and the Tivanka Pilimage with its 13th century wall paintings describing the jatakas, or the many incarnations of the Buddha.

Not to be missed is the Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara, a 12th Century rock temple complex with giant images of the Buddha carved out of solid granite. Serene and solemn, the statues are best viewed from atop a high rock opposite.

Overnight at Dambulla.

After breakfast at the hotel, we shall drive to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya, or Lion’s Rock, is a single volcanic rock that rises high above the surrounding forests to reach a height of 370m above sea level. Surrounding the rock are millennia old ruins and an landscaped garden dotted with reservoirs.

Elaborate chambers carved out inside the rock served as a monastery for Buddhist monks in the 3rd century BC. Archeological evidence suggests that the origin of the chambers go back to prehistoric times, with the Buddhists only one among many settlers to inhabit the cavernous depths of this giant rock tenement of antiquity.

A fortified palace on top of the rock was commissioned by King Kashyapa I of Anuradhapura in the fourth century, its lower levels designated as quarters for his subjects. The ruins around the rock date from King Kashyapa’s rule.

The entrance into chambers is through a steep staircase squeezed between two gigantic lion’s paws made of rock that give Sigiriya its name.

One of the chambers contain the celebrated Ladies of Sigiriya, gorgeous colour frescoes depicting bejewelled female figures, whose identity is hotly debated to this day in academic circles.

Afterwards, proceed to Kandy.

Kandy is the last independent kingdom of Sri Lanka, falling to the British in the 19th century.

We shall visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a major Buddhist pilgrimage that houses a tooth that belonged to the Buddha.

Later enjoy a dance recital performed by Kandian Arts and Crafts Society. Watch out for the fire dance.

Overnight at Kandy.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing around Kandy.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on the banks of the river Maha Oya is a unique facility for elephant calves accidentally separated from their mother. Maintained by locals, the elephants at the orphanage are by and large free-roaming. If you visit at bathing time, you will be greeted by the sight of scores of elephants racing to the river for their daily bath and rubdown.

Our next stop is the Perideniya Botanical Gardens. Established in 1843, it sprawls over 147 acres and houses over three hundred species of flora.

Also of interest is the picturesque University of Peradeniya campus on the banks of the Mahaweli, Sri Lanka’s longest river.

Overnight at Kandy.

After breakfast, drive to Nuwara Eliya or “Little England,” home of the popular Ceylon Tea. It’s easy to see how the sobriquet came about. The cool climes and rolling green hills of Nuwara Eliya were highly popular with British settlers and colonial times who spent their leisure time fox hunting in the nearby woods.

The city of Nuwara Eliya was founded by Samuel Baker, discoverer of Africa’s Lake Albert and intrepid explorer of the Nile. The Queen’s Cottage, Grand Hotel and Hill Club are among the city’s prominent colonial buildings.

Later visit a tea factory and observe in detail the methods used to process leaves.

The Haggala Botanical Gardens are nearby.

Overnight at Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast drive to Yala National Park.

En route, we shall stop at Ella Village which boasts of one of the best sights in Sri Lanka. Perched on a valley, the idyllic village commands an uninterrupted view, through a gap in the hills, of the plains 1000 meters below and the coastline in the distance. On clear nights, it’s possible for observers at the Ella Gap to be able to clearly see the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse far below. A short walk away are a couple of picturesque waterfalls.

Continue to Yala.

The protected forest of Yala National Park sprawls over some 970 square kilometers and is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka.

Thanks to its size, the park straddles a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from semi deciduous jungles, wet monsoon forests, grasslands, mangroves and sandy beaches.

As a result, it is home to a wide variety of fauna including the Asiatic elephant, sloth bears, leopards, the slender loris, golden palm civets, wild water buffalos among others. There is also a rich diversity of reptile species including the giant saltwater crocodile. Some species are only found on the island of Sri Lanka. Among them, the Sri Lankan Flying Snake and the Painted Lip Lizard.

Yala National Park also houses over 200 species of birds including six endemic species and is the amateur ornithologist’s delight.

The wildlife resort that will be your home for the next few nights is one of the finest in Sri Lanka.

Overnight at Yala.

Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park.

Track the leopards and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the camp by 1000hr in the morning and have breakfast.

Explore the National Park “Yala” on the south east coast of Sri Lanka.

Yala has the world’s highest concentration of Leopards, although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore still requires some luck.

There are good numbers of Asian Elephants, crocodile, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo and Grey langurs amongst other large animals.

The locals call leopard “Kotiya”. Keep an ear out and even an eye.

Freshen up and relax at the camp.

In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 – 1800hr and then return to the camp.

Dinner will be at the camp.

Overnight will be at Yala.

After breakfast at the lodge you shall be driven to Colombo airport. The Sri Lanka leg of your luxury holiday in this exotic southern part of the Indian subcontinent ends here.

The evening is free. Overnight at Chennai.

Early morning our representative will transfer you to Chennai International airport to board the flight back home.