After a delicious buffet breakfast, your day will begin with a sightseeing tour of Cochin. Step into the world of Indian opulence with a visit to the Dutch Palace, a splendid example of Kochi's pre-colonial and colonial grandeur. Other highlights include the historic Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and the Santa Cruz Basilica. The tour concludes in the Fort Kochi area, where you can stroll through charming Dutch and Portuguese buildings, steeped in history.

In the evening, indulge in a sumptuous candlelit dinner, followed by a captivating Kathakali dance performance. This traditional dance-drama, based on stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, is a visual feast with dancers donning intricate masks and costumes, accompanied by drummers and musicians, bringing the ancient tales to life.

After a final breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart Cochin and head to Mysore. A transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport in time for your scheduled flight. Upon arrival in Mysore, another transfer will be waiting to escort you to your next hotel.

If you're feeling tired from the journey, you can relax at the hotel, perhaps cooling off with a refreshing dip in the pool, before your Indian safari adventure the following day. For those with an adventurous spirit, spend the afternoon exploring Mysore, a UNESCO World Heritage city steeped in tradition. Wander through the vibrant bazaar district, where the air is filled with the intoxicating scents of spices and incense, offering a truly immersive experience.

This morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a full-day safari adventure in Nagarhole National Park, home to some of the world’s most endangered species. Your morning will be spent on a shared safari vehicle, where you'll have the chance to spot rare wildlife while marveling at the park's unique flora and fauna. In the afternoon, you’ll transition from land to water, enjoying a leisurely safari boat ride along the Kabini River. Be sure to pack your camera, as the park is teeming with rare birds, monkeys, and other fascinating creatures.

The dam on the Kabini River has created a vast lake, part of which lies within the national park. During the dry season, the lake recedes, leaving the main river visible and transforming the landscape into an open plain filled with fresh grass, a vital food source for the park's herbivores when other areas are drying out.

The park features two primary forest types: moist-deciduous forests, where rainfall exceeds 1,000mm annually, and dry-deciduous forests, which receive less rainfall. Nagarhole is home to the highest density of herbivores in Asia, including muntjac, chital, sambar, four-horned antelope, gaur, wild boar, Asian elephants, common langur, and bonnet macaque. The park is also home to carnivores such as tigers, leopards, and wild dogs.

After a final breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart Mysore and travel to your next destination on the Wings Over South India Tour: Nagarhole National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your next hotel, where you'll have some time to settle in, grab a snack, and prepare for an afternoon sightseeing tour of Srirangapatna.

Srirangapatna is an island town with an egg-like shape, nestled between two branches of the Cauvery River. It was the capital of the Mysore Rajas from 1610 to 1799. Your tour will take you through the historical ruins of Tipu Sultan’s Fort, the Summer Palace, and the Gumbaz, his mausoleum. Be prepared to be enchanted by the Summer Palace’s beautifully carved interiors, ornate arches and ceilings, gilded wall panels, and charming frescoes, featuring Tipu’s iconic tiger stripe emblem. The doors made of ebony inlaid with ivory add to the palace’s grandeur. The cream-colored Gumbaz, perched on black marble pillars in the heart of a landscaped garden, is an unforgettable sight.

After a delicious breakfast, a pick-up will be waiting to take you on a sightseeing tour of Mysore, the City of Palaces and oriental splendor. Your first stop will be the Maharajas’ Palace, a magnificent blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, featuring grand gateways, domes, arches, turrets, colonnades, and sculptures. Next, visit the ancient Chamundi Hill Temple, home to the 16-foot Nandi (Siva’s bull), which is carved from a single massive boulder. From the top of the hill, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mysore, including the surrounding hills, lakes, and the iconic turrets of temples and churches.

In the afternoon, your tour will take you 25 miles east to the village of Somnathpur, where you’ll explore the Somnathpur temples. The exquisite Hoysala Temple, built in the 13th century, is a triple-shrine structure adorned with intricate friezes depicting scenes of dancers, musicians, warriors, and nature. The detailed carvings on the walls make this temple a true masterpiece of ancient art and architecture.

Early in the morning, a transfer will pick you up and take you to Bangalore airport for your flight to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and escorted to the Hotel.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the hotel’s excellent facilities at your leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a stroll through the charming streets of Pondicherry, perhaps sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. Afterward, unwind and prepare for an exciting day of sightseeing tomorrow.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your private tour guide and embark on a full day of sightseeing in Pondicherry. Your first stop will be the Raj Niwas, a stunning 200-year-old building facing Government Park (French Place), where you can admire the beautiful fountains and sculptures.

Next, bookworms will appreciate a visit to the Romain Rolland Library, home to over 60,000 volumes. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Pondicherry Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of artifacts that highlight the region’s rich French-Indian past. For those with a spiritual interest, a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram is a must. Here, in addition to practicing yoga, over 800 people from 28 nations live in a voluntary commune. The ashram’s unique architecture, created using diverse materials, techniques, and styles, gives it an almost futuristic feel.

After breakfast, a pick-up will be waiting to take you on your journey to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, where you’ll have time to settle into your chalet room, refresh, and explore the hotel’s facilities before heading out to explore Mahabalipuram in the afternoon.

Mahabalipuram is a charming beach resort, offering the perfect spot to unwind and refresh after a morning of travel. Relax on the golden sandy shores, enjoy a fresh coconut water, and take in the serene beauty of the location. In the afternoon, delve into the fascinating architectural sites Mahabalipuram has to offer.

This small village by the sea is home to a remarkable open-air museum of sculpture in living rock. One of its most famous attractions is Arjuna’s Penance, or the Descent of the Ganga, which holds the title of the world’s largest bas-relief. The stunning stone carvings, dating back to the Tamil Pallava dynasty in the 7th-9th century, depict scenes from Hindu mythology, including animals, human figures, and Gods. Take time to admire this UNESCO World Heritage site before heading to the Shore Temple. Standing by the sea for over 12 centuries, the twin spires of the Shore Temple are a breathtaking example of architectural beauty, crafted entirely from granite.

The final day of your Wings Over South India tour has arrived! After a final breakfast at the hotel, a transfer will pick you up in the morning and take you to the airport for your onward or return flight from Chennai.