Duration: 20 nights / 21 days
Destination covered: Kolkata - Puri / Chilika Lake - Vijayawada - Mamallapuram - Puducherry - Thanjavur - Madurai - Goa - Kerala Backwaters Homestay - Kochi - Mangalore - Gokarna - Periyar Tiger Reserve

From the frantic streets of Kolkata to the mystical temple towns of South India to the Kerala backwaters where time has sat still to some well-deserved beach time in Goa. This epic journey is a fantastic intro to all that is India.

.    Early morning walk through flower markets
.    Kalighat Temple
.    Cycling around the temples at Mamallapuram
.    Homestay with family in Kerala
.    Chinese Fishing nets at Fort Kochi

Day 1 Arrive Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata at any time.

Day 2 Kolkata
The best way to experience Kolkata is to surrender yourself to the chaos and just go with it. Wander through the famous flower markets. Walk around and discover the British influence on the city of joy.

Days 3 - 5 Puri / Chilika Lake
Wander the old streets of Puri with its thousands of pilgrims. Discover the ancient secrets of the nearby Sun Temple. Unwind on the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake.

Day 6 Vijayawada
Vijayawada, sits on the Krishna river, bounded on three sides by the Indrakiladri Hills.

Days 7 - 8 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Discover another of India's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th century Shore Temple and relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach.

Day 9 Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Puducherry was once a French colony and there are still reminders of the French influence in the architecture, and in the policemen's uniforms.

Days 10 - 11 Thanjavur (Tanjore)/Tiruchirapalli (Trichy)
Travel to the famous temple cities of Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli. Climb the Rock Fortress of Trichy, for a view over the city and river. At the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam), gaze over the largest temple complex in the world.

Day 12 Madurai
Madurai is full of bazaars and pilgrims, all drawn to the sprawling Meenakshi temple complex, named after Shiva's consort Meenakshi (or Parvati). The nine striking gopurams (towers or monumental gateways) are covered with stucco figures of dieties, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours.

Days 13 - 14 Periyar Tiger Reserve
Travel through plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee before entering the realm of one of India's most enduring symbols, the tiger. Periyar is one of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in the world.

Day 15 Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Today we reach our Kerala Backwaters Homestay. Explore the island to observe the different facets of local life.

Days 16 - 17 Kochi
Relive the colonial era in Kochi. Tour Fort Kochi, sip tea on the veranda of an oh-so-British hotel or tour the city's perfectly restored Dutch (Mattencherry) palace. Take in a performance of Kathakali, considered one of the oldest dance forms in India.

Day 18 Mangalore
Mangalore presents a panorama of terracotta-roofed houses, whitewashed churches, temples and mosques, nestling amid groves of coconut palms. And is famous for its coffee, cashewnut and pepper plantations.

Day 19 Gokarna
Situated by the Arabian Sea, Gokarna has now become a favourite destination of those in search of sun, sea and sand.

Day 20 Goa
Relax on a beach, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, discover the churches of Old Goa and take in as much of the incredible Goan food as you can - it's your last chance!

Day 21 Depart Goa
Board your homebound flight.

    India Coastal Journey
    West -South Beach Holidays
    Puri Temples Tour with Gopalpur on Sea