|
The delightful South ! Almost untouched by invasions
throughout its history, the Southern states of India,
can be considered the most `Indian ` part of India .The
Aryans never brought their meat eating influence to the
south . The Muslims and British influence was minor. As
a result Hindu forms of lifestyles and artistic &
cultural expression are stronger here compared to
anywhere else in India . While bringing to you the
manifestations of the glorious artistic creativity of
South India's incredible ancient heritage, we would not
miss out on giving a human feel to your tour. We will
interact with locals by visits to popular local bazaars,
typical traditional work places, rides in local cycle
rickshaws, visits to typical homes and stopping for
walks and visits to tribal villages while driving
through the countryside. We are attempting to harmonize
the glorious past with the vibrating, colorful and
extremely hospitable lifestyles of the present with
which you could conveniently relate and see your own
lives in a different perspective. |
|
Day 1 -
Arrival / Chennai
Traditional welcome with garlands! and transfer to
hotel.
Day 2 -
Chennai/ Mahabalipuram / Chennai
64 kms from Madras, Mahabalipuram is a beautiful coastal
town & the birthplace of art and architecture in South
India. Attractions: Rathas (Chariots), Arjuna's Penance,
Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave,
Varaha Mandapa and Mandapams.
Day 3 -
Chennai/ Mysore :
A ride on India's flagship train service brings us to
tour Mysore. This salubrious and charming city lies 770
m above sea level is an easy-going city famous for it's
silk and is also a thriving sandalwood and incense
centre. The city is steeped in history. The Mysore
Palace, built in Indo - Saracenic style is one of the
largest and most brilliant palaces in India. It's a
kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and colours.
There are beautiful carved wooden doors, mosaic floors,
as well as exquisite paintings. Half-way up the Chamundi
Hill is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. It was carved
out of solid rock and is one of the largest in India.
Hordes of pilgrims come here throughout the year. Right
on top, is the 2000 year old Chamundeswari Temple. The
temple provides atypical festive atmosphere without
overwhelming religious overtures. In Mysore we would
also visit the incredibly colourful Devraj Fruit &
Vegetable Market.
Day 4 -
Mysore / Bangalore / Cochin :
A three hour drive to Bangalore airport for a short
flight to Cochin. With its wealth of historical
associations, and its magnificent setting on a cluster
of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is one of the
most fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a
city with indelible marks of Christianity, Islam,
Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Of Special mention is
the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less
exists as it used to be a 1000-year behind our times.
This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of
medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life
grafted on to the tropical Malabar coast. The unique
feature of Cochin is the unexpected and isolated
self-contained Jewish community, whose origins date back
to AD 52.
Day 5 -
Cochin / Alleppey / Houseboat :
Following the tour of Cochin, late morning, board the
Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow
canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala. The
material that go into the making of houseboat are all
local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber
ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. Cruise through remote
tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala
along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers,
coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit)
shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bundled
paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing
each other.
Day 6 -
Houseboat / Kumarakom :
Disembark at the exotic Coconut Lagoon Resort, Kumarakom
is the ideal place to experience the fascinating
lifestyles of the backwaters. Coconut Lagoon Backwater
Resort, which has rightly carved its place among the top
10 heritage resorts of the world. The resort is on a
small island and can be reached only by boat. The
accommodation consists of individual cottages built in
the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on wood
and some with private pools.
Day 7 -
Kumarakom / Cochin / Departure :
Transfer to airport for your onward flight from Cochin. |
