SPICE OF THE SOUTH
16 days | US$5450 | Imperial Active in India
India's south is a fascinating network or waterways, lush green scenery, temples and traditions, markets and wildlife. Be transported back in time when you explore the colonial port of Cochin, rich with British, Jewish, Dutch and Portuguese influences. Savour the pleasure of cruising Kerala's backwaters by houseboat, the tea and spice plantations and Periyar Wild life Sanctuary, and the greatest temple complex in the south, Sri Meenakshi.
Day1 arrive Chennai
On arrival you will be met by a representative of our company and transferred to your hotel, remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight The Park Hotel
Day 2 Chennai to Mamallapuram
An easy morning in Chennai sightseeing with your private guide and driver is planned with a number of the local sights visited including the National Museum, St Mary’s Church inside Fort St. George, the Santhome Cathedral Church and Kapaleeswarar Shiva temple. Early this afternoon take a short drive south to the beautiful beaches of Mamallapuram. This evening enjoy dinner by the ocean at your resort. Two nights GRT Temple Bay Beach Resort
Day 3 Mamallapuram
A day of contrasts as you enjoy the ancient Dravidian carvings of Anjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas. Coupled with this is a visit to the stunning Shore Temple constructed in the 7th Century.
During your visit you will be abruptly reminded of more current issues with displays and reminders of the recent Tsunami tragedy. Learn first hand about the experience by talking to the locals. You will be full of admiration of the progress and forward thinking of these people as they rebound from this recent event.
Dabble your taste buds in the unique Chettinad cuisine, which is renowned for its use of a variety of spices in the preparation of food. The cuisine is one of the spiciest and the most aromatic in India.
Day 4 Mamallapuram to Pondicherry
Heading south along the coast of the Bay of Bengal arrive in the French colonial enclave of Pondicherry. With your guide take in an orientation walk along the promenade and enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel. Two nights the Promenade Hotel.
Day 5 Pondicherry
Begin the day with Pondicherry's “Heritage Walk”. There are some significant temples including the Manakula Vinayagar dedicated to Ganesh the Elephant God of beginnings. If you time it right for a few rupees the resident elephant may bless you with a tap on the head and snort of the trunk.
Pondi is home to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram where a Frenchwoman known as “The Mother” developed a spiritual code combining modern science and yoga. The Ashram deserves a visit to gain an insight into alternate ideas and how suited India is to New Age contempory thinking.
Day 6 Pondicherry to Tanjore
Today is an easy drive inland through rice fields and a variety of agriculture. Your destination is Tanjore home to a World Heritage temple. En route make a stop at the ornate Gangakondacholapuram Temple. No need to pronounce it correctly, it is easier to take in this beautifully designed 11th Century place of worship. Built by Emperor Rajendra I it follows the style of the temple further west in Tanjore designed by his father.
This evening stay at the Sterling Swamimalai a unique heritage property combining eco friendly produce and old world feel. The vegetarian food is a pure delight and there is time to learn more about the history of the region. The property houses a regional museum full of artifacts and stories of the people of the district. Dinner in the old house is unforgettable. Truly a memorable stay! Overnight Tanjore - Sterling Swamimalai
Day 7 Tanjore to Madurai
This morning take a short drive into Tanjore and visit the World Heritage Brihadishwara Temple built by Raja Raja in the 11th Century. The comparison to yesterdays visit is notable however there are subtle differences which are unearthed by your local guide. There is time to visit the Royal Palace and museum which although not restored is in pristine condition.
After lunch continue further south west to the central city of Madurai. Famous for the huge and inspiring complex of the Sri Meenakshi Temple the city is also a centre for pilgrimage and learning. It is one of South India’s oldest cities. Two nights stay at the GRT Regency
Day 8 Madurai
The morning is set aside to visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple, where you will learn about the grandeur and history of the entire complex which is situated on six hectares of land and is complete with Gods and Goddesses at every turn a truly amazing experience. In the afternoon visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace. Built in the early 1600’s the entrance gate and halls are full of grandeur and are one of the best examples of secular architecture in India.
Day 9 Madurai to Kodaikanal
Your journey now heads in a different direction taking a break from the plains and the temples and heads high into the Western Ghats. Your destination is the cool hill station of Kodaikanal. The journey is breathtaking up through the hills past waterfalls and forests and your ultimate destination is the grand old Carlton hotel on the banks of Kodai Lake.
Late afternoon find yourselves on Kashmiri style Shikara boats being paddled gently around the lake. Pre-dinner drinks could well be inside the great common room as the temperature drops sharply at night here. Two nights stay at The Carlton
Day 10 Kodaikanal
Today is a day at leisure however there are a multitude of options available. You can choose from a variety of walks, horse riding and boating. There is also a high altitude golf course for those keen on a round.You may also choose to relax and recharge the batteries and the Lake provides you with ample chances take a picnic lunch and dream the day away on the shore.
Day 11 Kodaikanal to Periyar
This morning you leave the state of Tamil Nadu behind you and are bound for the tea and spice plantations of Kerala. The feel is tropical almost instantly as you drop down from the Western Ghats. Your destination is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary home to elephants and tiger as well as a wide range of deer and bison. On arrival check into this delightful hotel and enjoy an evening cruise on the Periyar Lake. With luck you will spot some of the abundant wildlife as the day winds down.
Two nights Cardamon County
Day 12 Periyar
This morning visit one of the many local Spice Plantations to discover the variety of plants and spices available. Sample some of the tastes and your local guide will share many of the surprising uses of each and every plant in the gardens. There is time for further optional excursions into the Wildlife Sanctuary if you are so inclined, by boat or even a short hike.
Day 13 Periyar to Kumarakom
This morning drive west to the Kerala Backwaters and arrive in time for lunch at your stunning waterside resort. En-route there is time to stop at a tea plantation and sample the local produce first hand.
An afternoon at leisure by the pool beckons although for the active there are very interesting villages and waterside communities within walking distance. This evening enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Learn about the history and dance techniques. Overnight ABAD Whispering Palms.
Day 14 Kumarakom onto Houseboats
Relax this morning in preparation for your overnight boat journey through the Kerala backwaters. The boats are sumptuously appointed and are fully self contained with kitchens showers and luxurious bedroom facilities. All meals are served on the boat as you wind leisurely through the canals and streams. At sunset enjoy a pre dinner drink on the deck and just absorb this amazing experience!
Day 15 Arrive Alleppey to Cochin
After breakfast disembark in the town of Alleppey, rejoining your driver head north to the old town of Fort Cochin. There will be time today to wander the quiet streets and take a look at the ancient Chinese fishing nets as the sun sinks over the ocean. Overnight the Malabar Hotel
Day 16 depart Cochin
Your journey concludes after breakfast a transfer will be arranged to take you to the airport.
Tour Inclusions
Tripcode: IEINS16D09
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