Depart the USA 

On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Formerly known as Madras,Chennai is often called the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions and enduring heritage. The city’s many beaches, temples, forts, and colorful festivals attract tourists from all over the country. On arrival in Chennai transfer to your hotel. 

After breakfast visit St. Thomas Mount. Atop the hill stands the St. Thomas Mount Church, a sacred site associated with St. Thomas. Pilgrims visit the church for its religious importance. Accessible by a flight of steps, the summit offers panoramic views of Chennai. Also see the Little Mount. This small hillock is where St. Thomas sought refuge in a cave. The summit features a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health, and pilgrims visit the site for its spiritual ambiance and to see the cave where St. Thomas prayed. Later visit St. Mary's Church inside Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. St. Mary's Church, is one of Asia's oldest Anglican churches. Visit the Santhome Cathedral Church, a historical ancient pilgrim center, built during the period 14-15th century AD. This Cathedral, near Chennai beach, got its name from St. Thomas. A museum is on the grounds nearby, and its main attraction is a 16th-century map of South Asia and the belongings of the Holy Apostle Thomas. Later continue to drive to Mahabalipuram.  

After breakfast visit the Shore Temple. This beautiful and romantic temple, ravaged by wind and sea, represents the final phase of Pallavas art. Since 1984, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed that long ago, there were seven such temples and six were victims to the natural elements of erosion. This awe-inspiring temple has three shrines: one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other two to Lord Shiva. The frothy waves coming from the Bay of Bengal, form a striking backdrop to the temple, protected by rows of rock-carved bulls. Also see the The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas a set of rock temples. Built by Pallavas, these are five monolithic temples are built in the same shape as pagodas and greatly resemble the Buddhist shrines and monasteries. In Mahabalipuram, there are eight mandapams (shallow, rock-cut halls) scattered over the main hill; two of them were left unfinished. Their adorable internal figures and sculptures are interesting to see. One of the earliest rock-cut temples is the Krishna Mandapam. It features carvings of a pastoral scene, showing Krishna lifting the Govardhana Mountain, to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of Indra. On the hill, rests a dangerously balanced boulder named Krishna's Butterball, named after his legendary affinity for fresh butter. This granite rock weighs over 250 tons and stands miraculously on a slippery area of a hill. This unique structure has raised many questions regarding its formation and the way it is glued to a slippery hill, without even moving an inch.  

Drive to Pondicherry, and on the way visit Auroville, described as “the City of Tomorrow”. It was envisioned as a Universal Town, where people from different nationalities, faiths, and beliefs could live in peace and harmony. Today Auroville is recognized as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and works to research sustainable living and the future cultural, environmental, social, and spiritual needs of mankind. Continue to Pondicherry which  bears the imprint of its colonizer’s culture, especially in its architecture. On arrival in Pondicherry, transfer to the hotel. This evening you can explore the nearby beach.  

After breakfast, visit the famous Sacred Heart Basilica. The Eglise de Sacre Coeur de Jesus, stands out as an oriental specimen of Gothic splendor. It contains rare and beautiful stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ. The Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception Immaculee, on Cathedral Street, was first built in 1692. The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, in Rue Dumas, is notable for its masonry - which uses the finest of limestone mixed with the white of the egg - making for a texture identical to that of white marble. Later visit the Notre Dame des Anges, which is a beautifully built church facing the ocean. You can spend time exploring the promenade beach nearby, a vibrant and culturally rich area in Pondicherry, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, travel on the Villupuram Railway station to board a train to Madurai. Located along the banks of Vaigai River, Madurai is also called the “Athens of the East”. A place of great historical and cultural importance because of its temples, monuments, and ancient cultural wonders. Upon arrival in Madurai, transfer to the hotel.  

After breakfast visit the spectacular Sri Meenakshi Temple. It is almost 2000 years old and the temple museum contains 985 richly carved pillars. Potramai Kulam or Golden Lotus Tank is the place where the Tamil educational society called Sangam met to discuss the work presented to them. Visit the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal palace, the place where Thirumalai Naicker lived and held his court. The rest of the day is at leisure. After an early dinner drive in cycle-rickshaws to the Meenakshi-Temple to witness the night ceremony, in which Lord Shiva is symbolically carried in a palanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests to the temple of his consort Parvati. Enroute Shiva visits other deities before entering his wife's temple to spend the night with her.  

Dive to Periyar National Park situated in the hills of the Western Ghats. The centerpiece of Periyar National Park is the 5,500-hectare Periyar lake formed by the construction of a dam on the Periyar River in 1895. Periyar is a veritable paradise of elephants. Herds of playful wild elephants can be seen near Periyar Lake, their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water. On arrival in Periyar, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a fascinating and informative visit to a spice plantation.The visit will enable you to have a deeper understanding of how the spices (used in everyday cooking) are grown, harvested, and processed before they find their way to your local supermarket. Late in the afternoon enjoy a Kalarippayattu show at a local center. Kalarippayattu, the oldest form of martial arts is a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts.  

After breakfast, visit Saint Alphonsa Catholic Church in Bharananganam, Kerala. It is dedicated to Saint Alphonsa, the first canonized woman of Indian origin in the Catholic Church. After her death in 1946, her tomb at the church became a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors seeking intercession and miracles. Continue to the outskirts of Kottayam and visit the Tomb of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is located at St. Joseph's Monastery in Mannanam. Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara was a prominent figure in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and played a key role in the spiritual and educational development of the region. Visit Kumarakom. This exotic backwater hamlet endowed with lush thick greenery, verdant and spanking fresh shrubs and bushes, paddy fields, coconut groves and mangrove forests overwhelmingly covering every vacant inch of land and water lilies and algae embroidering the fringes offer a flabbergasting treat to the thirsty eyes. On arrival in Kumarakom, transfer to the hotel.  

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure and enjoy your lakeside resort. Later in the day drive to the nearby jetty and enjoy an excursion on the beautiful backwaters onboard a houseboat, on the famous backwaters of Kerala. You will sail past thatched houseboats with modern conveniences in the waterways and canals for 600 miles of cruising in a labyrinthine water world. Today the canals connect villages in a self-supporting ecosystem teeming with aquatic life. Lunch will be served onboard the houseboat. Later drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay.   

After breakfast drive to Cochin or Kochi, an important port city on the southwest coast of the country. A prominent trading center on the Indian spice trading route since the 14th century, it was occupied by the Portuguese in 1503 and later by the Dutch and the British. The blending of the architectural styles of the colonizers with that of the natives has created a unique cityscape. Set on a cluster of islands with the azure waters of the Arabian sea to one side and Kerala’s emerald backwaters to the other, Cochin truly is the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. Visit the following in Cochin – Chinese Fishing Nets - It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! St. Francis Church It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi.  

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Kodungallur to visit Mar Thoma Church. This Orthodox Church features the blending of Protestant Reformation ideal with eastern forms. The form of Christian faith is not American faith, but Indian faith. Continue to the St. Thomas Church founded by St. Thomas. You can also visit the Muringoor Divine Retreat Centre, to get an insight into the strong Christian traditions existing in India. The Cranganore region is also known for the earliest advent of Islam into India and arguably the first mosque in India. Later drive back to Cochin. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance drama in a public theatre. Witness the strength and vigor of a Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian epics.  

Embark on a pilgrimage to the Catholic Church in Malayattoor which involves not only a spiritual journey but also a physical one. The ascent to the Malayattoor Hill, often referred to as Kurisumudi or the Mountain of the Cross, entails a small trek through scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery. Pilgrims, with a spirit of devotion and determination, navigate the well-laid path, ascending to the elevated site where St. Thomas is believed to have left his footprint. The climb, though manageable, becomes a meaningful act of penance and reflection. Later drive back to Cochin. This evening you will embark on a captivating cruise through the Cochin Harbor during the enchanting evening hours, where the warm hues of the setting sun illuminate iconic landmarks like the Marine Drive, Chinese fishing nets, and Bolgatty Island.  

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight back home. Return home with vibrant memories and a lasting impact from your pilgrimage.