The Golden Chariot now brings to you the “Southern Splendour”, a journey spanning 7 nights and 8 days that links some of South India’s greatest destinations filled with memorable moments guaranteed to stay with you for a lifetime. On this splendid voyage covering three states we take you through exotic locales starting from the garden city of Bangalore passing through ancient temple towns of Tamil Nadu and finally ending our journey in the coastal city of Kochi. In short, it’s an experience that captures the romance of a by-gone era making your sojourn an unforgettable one.

Destinations

	Bangalore: A cosmopolitan city known for its gardens and silicon millionaires, Bangalore is a perfect example of tradition co-existing with modernity. Legend has it that Bangalore was founded by Kempegowda in 1537 AD. Among the many historical monuments this city offers, the Tippu’s Palace and the Bull temple are worth visiting.
	Chennai & Mamallapuram: Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it has the 2nd largest seashore in the world. Being the capital city, it is home to a host of Tamil culture art forms including dance, literature, sculpture, music and cinema. Ensconced with temples, this modern city is unique for its allegiance to ancient traditions and ethos. Situated near Chennai is the famous town of Mamallapuram, a World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples and stone carvings inspired by the Pallava art.
	Pondicherry: The Union territory of Pondicherry is situated at around 160kms from Chennai. Being a former French colony, it exudes a Mediterranean aura and is famous for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most well known ashrams in India with devotees from all over the world, and its offshoot Auroville. Pondicherry is also famous for its pristine beaches and its French town ensconced with French style architecture and boutiques.
	Tanjavur: Known as the “Ricebowl of Tamil Nadu”, Tanjavur is one of the oldest cities in India. Once the cultural capital of the country, today it is an important centre of South Indian art and architecture. Located in the centre of the town is the world-famous Brahadishwara temple, a historical monument dating back to 11th century which now is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for its unique Tanjavur style paintings and Tanjavur dolls.
	Madurai: Widely known as a temple city, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage that goes back to over 2, 500 years. The city is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi temple which stands today as one of the country’s greatest architectural landmarks. Close to the temple is situated yet another architectural wonder, the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, a classic blend of Dravidian, Islamic and European architecture.
	Thiruvananthapuram & Kovalam beach: Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala state is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills with a tradition going back to 1000 BC. It is famous for the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple believed to be the holiest abode of Lord Vishnu. Another major attraction in Thiruvananthapuram is the Kovalam beach located around 13kms from the city. Secluded by coconut groves, it is a perfect place to unwind.
	Alleppey & Kochi: A water locked district embellished with inland canals, Alleppey is also known as the “Venice of the east”. Famous for its backwater tourism, a cruise through its navigable canals takes one past scenic islands ensconced with coconut and palm trees. Also known as the “Queen of the Arabian sea”, Kochi is a vibrant cosmopolitan city famous for its Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch palace to name just a few. With its breathtaking scenic beauty this seaside city is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.

• Oct 2010 - 4th, 18th
• Nov 2010 - 1st, 15th, 29th
• Dec 2010 - 13th, 27th
• Jan 2011 - 10th, 24th
• Feb 2011 - 7th, 21st
• Mar 2011 - 7th, 21st
• April 2011 - 4th