Depart from your home on an unforgettable journey to India. Please ensure when booking flights that you plan to arrive on day 2.

Welcome to India! This evening, you will arrive Chennai International Airport where you will be met by a Learning Journey's represnetative and transferred to your hotel. 

Chennai is India’s fourth largest city, is also called the Gateway to the South. From a tiny hamlet in 1639, it grew around the Fort St. George built by the British. A lush green city famed for its temples, silk, music and dance, Chennai gives a sense of serenity and spaciousness, enhanced by one of the world’s largest and most beautiful beaches, the Marina beach.

Overnight in Chennai (Meals: None)

In the morning after breakfast, you will visit the Basilica of Santhome Cathedral said to house the remains of St Thomas the Apostle. 

Later, you will pay a visit to the museum to see the bronze gallery with its superb collection of Chola art. Drive through the flower and fruit market, past the High Court built in Indo-Saracenic style, the Fort Museum with its collection of colonial memorabilia and Marina Beach.

Dinner and overnight in Chennai (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

This morning remains at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to your flight to Trichy - a blend of historical town, pilgrim center for Hindus and thriving commercial city.

Upon arrival you will drive to Thanjavur - a small town has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas, one of the greatest dynasties of the south. The Cholas were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this, being dotted with no fewer than 74 temples, the most famous of which is the Brahadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. The city is also known for its bronzes, silks and the famous Tanjore paintings.

Evening visit the famous Brahadeeswara Temple. 

Dinner and overnight in Thanjavur (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

After breakfast, you will prepare to take an excursion to Velankani – the home to significant Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health!

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health was built in the late 16th century with modifications by Portuguese and further expansions later on due to influx of pilgrimages. The Gothic style of architecture is a unique feature of the church. The church itself is an imposing building with inspiring architecture. While the buildings have been painted white, the roof of the church is made of red tiles, providing a striking contrast to the colour of the walls.

In the year 1771, Velankanni acquired the status of a parish with Antonio de Rozario as the first parish priest. The church building was raised to the status of basilica in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. Every year, 10 days of festivals are celebrated in August and September, attracting about 1.5 million people. Masses are conducted not only in English but also in at least seven languages including Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Konkani, Hindi and Marathi.

After a visit to Church, you will visit some of the shrine institutions: Nirmala Bhawan (Home of children with special abilities), Aged Home, Retreat Centre and Primary School etc.  and participate in the day to day services.

Return to Thanjavur.

Dinner and overnight in Thanjavur (Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast drive to Madurai which is an important cultural and commercial center in this region. With a history going back to the 6th century BC, it was once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form. The old city was planned in the shape of a lotus with the Meenakshi temple, the town’s main attraction, at the centre. 

In the evening visit St. Mary's Cathedral Church - Church of Our Lady of Dolours. The Cathedral church stands as a unique symbol of beauty and spirituality with a blend of various forms of European, Roman and continental architecture. The spiritual aura of the agony of Jesus and Mary inspires pathos and passion. From the beginning, this Church is one of the attractions of Madurai. This parish is more than 150 years old. The parish is full of traditional Catholics and some settled Catholics. The parish comprises of fifteen sub stations and 1600 Catholic Families.

Dinner and overnight in Madurai (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

In the morning, you will get a chance to attend Mass and participate in Community Service being run by the Cathedral. 

In the evening take a cycle rickshaw ride in local market and visit Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. It is an outstanding example of Dravidian temple architecture, with towering Gopurams covered with stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals. 

Dinner and overnight in Madurai (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

In the morning drive to Periyar which is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq. km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake and is known for its elephants.

Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar, and see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.

In the late afternoon, take a walking tour to local spice market. 

In evening enjoy the indigenous martial art show, Kalaripatttu.  

Dinner and overnight in Periyar (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

This morning, you begin your drive to Kumarakom - serenely beautiful and scenic backwater destination. It offers a beautiful view of water dotted with traditional rice boats and canoes. The slender coconut palms, endless paddy fields, meandering lagoons, backwaters and mangroves with different types of birds are a treat to the mind and soul.

Upon arrival check-in at hotel. The day remains at leisure at your Spa resort. Or one can experience a boat cruise in back waters (Optional). 

Dinner and overnight in Kumarakom (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

After enjoing breakfast, you will drive to Cochin visiting The Marthamariam Cathedral (St. Mary's cathedral) at Manarcad, Kottayam. 

The Cathedral is the most important church among the ancient churches. The stone inscriptions found at the church reveal that the church was built more than 1000 years ago. Archaeologists have found out that these stone inscriptions were memorial stones set up at the tombs in 910 A.D. and 920 A.D. and the writing on them are in Malayalam and Tamil scripts prevalent 600 years ago. Afterwards, on several occasions, the church was rebuilt and renewed. 

The ancient practice of 8 day fast and the Feast of Virgin Mary's Birth are celebrated between September 1st and 8th of every year at the cathedral. During these days, hundreds of people from the far corners of the world reach Manarcad to seek the blessings of Virgin Mary.

Lunch at hotel in Kumarakom

Continue drive for Cochin and check-in at hotel. 

Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port that became the principal harbour for Malabar coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities. 

In the evening visit local theatre to witness Kathkali Dance Show. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play".  It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. The themes of the Kathakali are religious in nature. Kathakali is usually performed only by men.  Female characters are portrayed by men dressed in women's costume.  However, in recent years, women have started to become Kathakali dancers.

Dinner and overnight in Cochin (Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

This morning you will wakeup and tour beautiful Cochin! Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India and St. Francis Church is the first European Church that was built in India. The History of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India from the 15th to 20th centuries.

Also visit Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica that is one of the eight Basilicas in India. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and impressive churches in India. It is a place of devotion as well as a center of historic significance, endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur and colours of the gothic style. The history begins with the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in 1500AD. Considering the antiquity, artistic dignity and historical significance, Blessed Pope John Paul II, raised the Santa Cruz Cathedral to the status of Basilica. 

Later, take a tour of the city visiting the Dutch Palace, which has some of India’s most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. 

Dinner and overnight in Cochin (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

This morning, it's time to visit the beach capital! After breakfast, you will take a morning flight to Goa (via Mumbai) - the beach capital of India, Goa, has more to offer beyond the beautiful nature. Amongst the other must visits landmarks in Goa are its many churches full of rich religious heritage of Goa. Upon arrival check-in at hotel. 

Dinner and overnight in Goa    (Meals: Breakfast/Dinner)

Today, take the tour to Old Goa, the spiritual heart of Portuguese Goa, to visit Basilica of Bom Jesus wherein is enshrined the body of St. Francis Xavier in an ornate silver casket (UNESCO world heritage site). Also visit St. Cathedral, the biggest Church in the East, St. Catejan built like St Peter’s of Rome, the Church of Lady Rosary and St. Monica. Most of these churches and cathedrals were built during 16th to 17th century AD. 

Lunch local restaurant / hotel

Dinner and overnight in Goa    (Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)

Fly to Mumbai in time to connect with your flight back to home. 

Upon arrival transfer to hotel (an airport hotel) where rooms will be reserved till departure.

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner