South Indian Trail

Special Tour 14 days
South India Kerala, Tamil Nadu

Duration: 14 days
12 Nights – Hotel stays
01 Night- Houseboat stay

SYNOPSIS – Variety is the spice of life is what we learn while traveling through the most beautiful part of India – Her southern side. The tour is set to experience the varied landscapes, distinct architecture, ancient traditions and rich heritage – not to mention its people.

KERALA – Witness the greenery put up by the land of the gods. The culture and the flawless natural creations will make sure that the person, who seek for it, is gifted with an experience of a lifetime . Kerala, being very close to equator, has a tropical climate.. Known for its backwaters, mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohini Attam , they bring out a lot of variety into the arena.

TAMILNADU – Tamilnadu is the homeland of one of humanity’s living classical civilizations, stretching back uninterrupted for two millennia and very much alive today in the Tamil’s language, dance, poetry and Hindu religion. When the hot chaos of Tamil temple towns overwhelms, escape to the southernmost tip of India where three seas mingle or to the splendid mansions sprinkled across arid Chettinadu. Its all packed into a state that remains proudly distinct from the rest of India, whicle also being among the most welcoming.

 


DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION
Cochin International Airport (Google Map)

DEPARTURE TIME
Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES :
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis at all hotels mentioned or similar
  • Breakfast at all places.
  • Entrance charges at the monuments as covered in the Itinerary
  • Services of a Storyteller in Pondichery
  • Overnight Backwater cruise by House Boat
  • Assistance on arrival and departure
  • Transportation as per itinerary by chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicles
  • Local English Speaking Guides for the sightseeing of Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, Tanjore, Madurai, Munnar and Cochin.
  • Guided Visit to Auroville with Lunch at Community Kitchen
  • Guided Sightseeing tour of Karaikudi with Cooking demo and Lunch
  • Guided Ethnic tour in Cochin

TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Expenses of personal nature such as porterage, laundry, telephones, tipping etc.
  • International/Domestic flight charges and Visa/Insurance charges, if any
  • Any other items not covered under inclusions
  • All currently applicable taxes and handling charges

ATTRACTIONS

  • Dravidian Temples architecture
  • Colonial Cochin and Pondicherry
  • Auroville visit
  • Art and local Craft visits
  • Traditional South Indian cuisine
  • Cooking demonstration in Chettinad
  • Enchanting backwaters

 

HOTEL ENVISAGED:
 

PLACE NO. OF NIGHTS DELUXE
CHENNAI 1 Raintree
MAHABALIPURAM 1 Ideal Beach Resort
PONDICHERRY 2 Palais de Mahe
TANJORE 1 Svatma
CHETTINADU 1 The Bangala
MADURAI 1 The Taj Gateway Pasumalai Madurai
MUNNAR 2 Fragrant Nature Munnar
COCHIN 1 Fragrant Nature Cochin
ALLEPPY 1 House Boat
KUMARAKOM 2 Backwaterripples

 

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrive Chennai. Our representative will assist you for the transfer to the hotel. Chennai – the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres of India. Apart from being a major district, this metropolis also serves as the gateway of South India. General information about Chennai reveals that of late, the city of Chennai has developed as one of the cosmopolitan cities in India that plays an important part in the cultural, intellectual and historical growth of India. Later the day go on a stroll, Take a peek into colonial Madras though its majestic buildings such as the Government Museum, the San Thome Cathedral, the Fort St George and head onto a stroll along the 3km-long main stretch of Marina Beach where you’ll pass cricket matches, fortune-tellers and families enjoying the sea breeze.. Return back to your hotel for your overnight. Tonight don’t forget to try the vegetarian local cuisine such as dosa, (rice and lentils crepes) accompanied by spicy and flavoured sambar (vegetable stew), at any of the  many finest South Indian restaurant in town…(Payable locally) Overnight at the hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)

 

Day 2: Chennai – Dakshina Chitra – Mahabalipuram    (65 km / 1.5 hrs)

Start your day with an easy guided tour to the impressive Kapaleeshwarar temple, with its rainbow-coloured Gopuram and Pillared Mandapas. Your journey will lead to a character full market. Proceed to Dakshina Chitra, a Cultural Living Museum of Art, Architecture, Lifestyles, Crafts and Performing Arts of South India. After the visit enjoy the Lunch at the Restaurant inside. Later drive to your next stop, the seaside town of Mahabalipuram, Port of the Pallava kings in the 5th to 8th centuries. Along the shore lies a stunning series of temples and sculptures, carved from the living rock 1,200 years ago. Unlike many Hindu temples, the rocks show scenes of everyday life. Check-in your hotel and later go visit with your guide, the magnificent Shore temple, symbolising the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of their kings. Go explore the masterpiece of Mahabalipuram’s Rock cut caves representing the scenes of Hindu myths and finish by the site of the Five Rathas. Each of these temples was named after one of the Pandavas, the five hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata. Drive back to your hotel, Overnight stay.

 

Day 3: Mahabalipuram- Pondicherry   (110 Kms/2.5hrs)

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check-in at your hotel. Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, Puducherry is a quiet little town on the southern coast of India. The unmistakable French connection, the tree-lined boulevards, the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual sceneries, and a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines provide a heady mix of experience that draws travellers from near and far to the city Settled by the French in the 18th century, Pondicherry retains a quiet colonial atmosphere with wide shady streets lined with colorful stucco houses. Later the day take a stroll through the white town (as the French quarters is popularly known as) while our story teller relates the history with what you see around.  Stop by at the Aurobindo ashram and stroll to the lively Tamil quarters. Breathe in the unparalleled fusion of cultural diversity that live within the very air of Pondicherry. Experience Hindu faith at the Ganesh Temple  and the many colours and smells of Goubert Market..  Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 4:  Pondicherry  

In morning after your breakfast take a visit to Auroville and understand the unique community living here based on universal harmony. You will be taken through the visitors center and a few of the auroville units which innovatively works on paper, textile, bamboo and stones among others. Experience Lunch at Solar kitchen – the community Kitchen  for the inmates. See the Matri mandir (the meditation centre) from outside.

If peace and a break is the most sought after, then Pondicherry is surely one of the choicest holiday destinations in South India. The town offers a unique experience with its mix of modern heritage and spiritual culture. With a predominantly historical background, Pondicherry takes one centuries back in time. It is the perfect place to come if you want to take the pace of life down a few notches. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5:  : Pondicherry – Kumbakonam – Tanjore  (170 Km / 4.5hrs)  

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Tanjore, former capital of the mighty Cholas Empire. Enroute  visit the Colony of Silk Weaver at Darasuram and discover the Art of the Saree Weaving, made out from their Traditional Wood Machinery, tracing few generations. Proceed to see its famous Airavatesvara Chola Temple, UNESCO world heritage site. (open from 06.00 A.M.-12.30 & 04 P.M. – 8.00 P.M).   Enjoy a warm lunch at the Paradise Resorts in Kumbakonam. Later drive to Tanjore Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, is home to Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The foremost among these,is the Brihadeeswara Temple,located in the centre of the city. Continue your visits to the Thanjavur’s Royal Palace, which preserves memories of other powerful dynasties from later centuries. Here, if time permits, explore the Saraswati Mahal Library Museum housing over 30000 Indian and European manuscripts and the Art Gallery. Visit the world Heritage-listed Brigadeswara Temple, build in the 11th century by Raja Raja I (‘King of Kings’). Enter through the Nayak gate, followed by two original Gopurams with some elaborate stucco sculptures. Inside discover several shrines, including one of India’s largest statues of Nandi (Shiva’s sacred bull).Proceed to the hotel and check-in..

Day 6:  : Tanjore –Chettinad (100kms/2.5hrs)  

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. See the Art of  Tanjore Veena making and Bronze idols by Stapathis (sculptors) as per the traditional Shilpa Sastras ( Hindu Craft System) prevailed from the Chola period. There are also a collection of New and Old Tanjore paintings worth taking a look at. Later drive through the plains to the unique area of Tamil Nadu known as Chettinadu.  Arrive at the Bangala and experience a cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Every meal here is an elaborate affair running into several courses resembling a typical chettinad feast. Early evening drive to village outskirts to see the Ayyanar temple (Horse Temple), a place where rows of grinning and colorful terra cotta horses greet you once you enter the temple complex. Ayyanar is an ancient and regional expression of the Hindu God Shiva. These smiling horses are offerings from villagers – thanks giving for a prayer fulfilled. Go around the village to see some of the centers making local snack called murukku. Later visit a tile factory at Athangudi. Athangudi tiles are basically cement tiles like mosaic, but unlike the machine pressed and produced mosaics, they are handmade over glass surfaces. It is the play of base colours with typical conventional flora and line-drawing designs that sets them apart from the modern versions in the market

Day 7:  : Chettinad-Madurai (100kms/2hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel.  Later Drive South to another vibrant city of Tamil Nadu, Madurai. On arrival proceed on a Guided Tour of the city. Known for the imposing Meenakshi Temple, Madurai is one of India’s oldest cities dating from the 6th century BC. and today an important cultural, religious and commercial centre of South India. stop at the nearby Tirumalai Nayak Palace , built in 1636 by king Thirumalai Nayak, in Indo-Sarcenic style with the input of an Italian architect. End your tour with a  south Indian Filter cofffee from the corner tea stall and check in at your hotel. Later in the evening Transfer by auto-rickshaw to the Meenakshi temple. Later attend the Night Ceremony at the Temple when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. Return to your hotel by auto-rickshaw. Overnight stay.         (Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 8:  : Madurai – Munnar (160 Km / 5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for munnar, on route enjoy the unique opportunity to make a stop at the Madurai’s flower market, which is one of the biggest in the southern region, and transacts as much as 10 tonnes of flowers in a day, mainly the renowned Madurai malli and other flowers like marigolds, tuberoses and roses. Drive onto Munnar, South India’s largest tea-growing region, passing through the rolling hills and sculpted tea gardens arrive at your next destination. Enjoy the rest of the day in this hill station.Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 9:  :  Munnar

Early Start. Go on a Half-day trekking passing through the rolling hills and sculpted Tea gardens of Munnar (Moderate trek / duration 2-3 hrs). You will be transferred by jeep to the starting point. After the trek proceed on to the lockhardt Tea Factory. After a visit of the factory and a brief tea tasting session proceed back to the hotel. Later the day visit Tea Museum, On your way back head to Srishti TATA project for a visit. This project is a venture of Tata Global Beverages for the rehabilitation of the differently abled. Enjoy some shopping time in this community center and get some Strawberry jam (handmade), handmade paper or clothing naturally dyed on site. Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

 

Day 10:  :  Munnar – Cochin (140 Km / 3.5 hr)

After your breakfast drive cross the Ghats to Cochin. Cochin – the Queen of Arabian Sea, undoubtedly the Commercial hub of Kerala, where ancient civilization gracefully mingles with the modern life. This afternoon we go close to the  Real life styles of Cochin during an Ethnic tour –go on a walking tour to visit the most renowned Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. Next visit is at the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and pass by the Santa cruz Basilica, one of the finest and imposing churches in India. Then experience a tuk tuk drive– the most popular mode of transport among the locals. stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), once throbbing with activity, it is now a picture of slow extinction.  Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, and arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargains prices. Walk through the Spice Market, where the aroma of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper spreads out  from the spice warehouses lining the street.  Make a pause with a refreshing tea at one of the tea shops where you get the “one meter” tea. Later visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. There is now an opportunity to interact with a Brahmin Family. The Brahmin are the highest of the four Hindu castes of priests and scholars of Vedic literature, their traditional occupation is to conduct rites at marriages, births and other auspicious occasions. Finally visit the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century.  Back to the hotel. Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 11:Cochin – House Boat (65 kms/11/2 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. By mid day ,Drive to Alleppey to board your Private Houseboat for an enchanting cruise through the Backwaters. These boats are a reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times -once used to carry tons of rice and spices, today are converted into comfortable floating accommodation. Cruise through the palm fringed canals enjoying the beauty of rural village life. A sumptuous Keralan Meal is served on board. The trip continues through a wonderful area of the lush green vegetation of Kerala backwaters. Tea and Local snacks are served. Dinner and Overnight on board. (Full Board)

Day 12: Alleppey – Kumarakom45 kms/1 hour)

Wake up to the tunes of Birds. After your breakfast on board, disembark and drive down hills to Kumarakom. Arrive and check in at your hotel. This town slumbers on the banks of the famous VembanadLake, with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks, weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The bird sanctuary close by is a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Check-in at your hotel. Rest of the afternoon free to explore the Resort and its activities – village walks, , canoe rides sunset cruise or a rejuvenating Ayurveda Massage (Payable Locally), to name a few. Evening enjoy the complementary sunset cruise by the hotel Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 12: Alleppey – Kumarakom45 kms/1 hour)

Wake up to the tunes of Birds. After your breakfast on board, disembark and drive down hills to Kumarakom. Arrive and check in at your hotel. This town slumbers on the banks of the famous VembanadLake, with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks, weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The bird sanctuary close by is a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Check-in at your hotel. Rest of the afternoon free to explore the Resort and its activities – village walks, , canoe rides sunset cruise or a rejuvenating Ayurveda Massage (Payable Locally), to name a few. Evening enjoy the complementary sunset cruise by the hotel Dinner and overnight at your hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 13:Kumarakom

This morning after Breakfast at the hotel, Go in to the Musings of Aymanam Village, home of Arundhathi Roy’s novel ‘The God of Small Things’. Start your local immersion with a ride on a traditional canoe cruise through the narrow, Complete Tranquil except for the birds or someone washing clothes. Follow with a walk in the heart of this typical Kuttanad village surrounded by paddy fields and identify the Snakes abodes, sacred to earliest habitants, some of them still alive. The Walk through the village with your Storey teller is an opportunity, rare indeed; see local houses, the friendly people and the ways of Living. Meet your Kathakali master in his house who will introduce you to this traditional theatre form, which adapts styles of ancient Sanskrit with visual presentations of human expressions.

Day 14: Kumarakom – Cochin International Airport (115/21/2 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Cochin International airport to connect onto your flight homebound.

Variety is the spice of life is what we learn while traveling through the most beautiful part of India – Her southern side. The tour is set to experience the varied landscapes, distinct architecture, ancient traditions and rich heritage – not to mention its people.

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