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SOUTH INDIA TOUR
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Exotic Flora and Fauna, Lush Vegetation, Miles of beautiful beaches,
the delicate scent of spices and the sound of Temple Bells all characterise
the South of India.
Route: Trivandrum - Quilon - Backwaters - Munnar - Madurai - Thekkady
- Cochin - Shornur - Poovar - Trivandrum
Day 1, TRIVANDRUM
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon we will make a short
drive to visit this bustling capital city of Kerala. A/n guided
visit of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the imposing seven storied
tower makes it the most impressive landmark in the city. There are
innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings. The
temple is an excellent example of Dravidian style of architecture.
Then we will move to the Palace Museum (Kuthira Malika) besides
to the temple. This palace was built during the time of H.H. Maharaja
Swathi Thirunal the king of Travancore who was also a great poet
and musician. This palace has woodcarvings in the traditional Travancore
style. The museum presently displays various painting collections
of the royal family. Later on move to Sree Chitra Art Gallery, a
rich collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich. It
also has copies of paintings of the Ajantha, Rajpur, Mughal and
Tanjore schools besides some works from China, Japan, Tibet and
Bali. Evening free to relax. O/n Hotel.
Day 2, TRIVANDRUM TO QUILON
After b/f drive about 70 kms. / 02 hrs. to Kollam, stay the night
at the enchanting backwater resort by the Ashtamudi Lake.
Day 3, QUILON
A day to relax.
Day 4, QUILON TO ALLEPEY
Morning drive about 85 kms. / 02 hrs. to Allepey. Here we board
our houseboat for 02 nights slowly cruising through the backwaters,
canals and small villages enroute visiting some interesting places
and local people. The houseboat has 02 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
and a large sitting area and you would be accompanied by your own
personal cook and captain. O/n in houseboat
Day 5, ALLEPEY TO MUNNAR
After breakfast drive to Munnar (about 140kms / 04hrs), situated
in the heart of the Cardamom Hills, at an altitude of 1700m. Munnar
is surrounded by endless green, rolling hills and 30 of the world's
highest tea estates. Check into the hotel. In the afternoon we make
a short drive to Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary proclaimed as a National
Park since it supports the largest population of Nilgiri Thar existing
in the world now. A wide variety of plant life is present here.
The Nilgiri Tahr is seen in the Highlands and rocky regions of this
national park. Explore the sanctuary by walking; the views are superb
from here. Annaimudi peak falls in the southern part of this park.
Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.
Day 6, MUNNAR
After breakfast we drive the short distance to the Periavurai Hills.
The GUIDED walk will take you through beautiful valleys where we
can see all the beautiful areas of Munnar. We make our way back
to hotel in the afternoon. Afternoon free to relax. O/n Hotel.
Day 7, MUNNAR TO MADURAI
Morning drive to the 6th century temple town of Madurai (about 120kms/
03 hrs), check into the hotel. Afternoon visit to the Meenakshi
temple - an outstanding example of the 14th century Vijaynagar architecture.
The temple is dedicated to Minakshi, the 'fish-eyed goddess'. The
temple's nine towering stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals
are superb. In the evening, once again visit the temple to attend
the evening ceremony in the temple. O/n Hotel.
Day 8, MADURAI TO THEKKADY
After breakfast drive to Thekkady (about 136kms / 03hrs), picturesquely
located in Kerala's highlands and home to the renowned Periyar Tiger
Reserve with its unspoilt tropical forests and its incredible wealth
of animal and plant life is a naturalist's paradise. The forest
here slopes to the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill. This
lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here
to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar deer and even tigers
can be spotted here. In the evening we make a 02 hrs cruise through
the lake to watch the rich flora and fauna. O/n Hotel.
Day 9, THEKKADY
Early morning at 06.00hrs we start our 02hrs walk in the wild park
and let our experienced guides take you on a trekking trip or a
guided walking tour. Under the dense forest cover is a cacophony
of sounds; the shrill scolding cicadas, the chirping birds, the
chatter of monkeys and innumerable other unseen creatures that engulf
you in their ceaseless river of communication. Afternoon free to
relax or stroll around the small spice market of Kumily. O/n Hotel
Day 10, THEKKADY TO KOCHI
After breakfast drive to Kochi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
In the evening we will make a short drive to watch the dance drama
of Kerala - the Kathakali in a local theatre. O/n Hotel.
Day 11, COCHIN
Cochin, a major port of call on the ancient trade route from China
to Rome. The mixture of influences here is a heady brew. Chinese
fishing nets dot the coast, Roman coins are dug up as treasure trove,
the Mattancheri Palace was built by the Portuguese, the Bolghatty
Palace by the Dutch, and Willingdon Island was created by the British.
Here you will find Hindu Temples, Christian Churches, mosques, and
a synagogue (the Jewish settlement dates from at least as far back
as AD 400). Cochin is a melting pot of races and cultures, charmingly
emphasizing that variety is indeed the spice of life. Later make
a short drive to visit St. Francis Church - the oldest church constructed
by the Europeans. O/n Hotel
Day 12, COCHIN TO SHORNUR
After breakfast drive to Shornur (about 137 kms/ 03hrs), check into
the Hotel River Retreat, a heritage hotel that situated on the banks
of river Bharathapuzha, home of the renowned tradition of the classical
dance forms of Kerala. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's
Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution
also offers training in music, drama, and other dance form including
Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattamand Ottam Thullal. In the evening we visit
this institution (Kerala Kala Mand alam) on the riverbank. You can
watch training sessions from 0830 - 1200hrs and 1530 - 1730hrs and
spend a day with the Masters. O/n Hotel
Day 13, SHORANUR TO TRIVANDRUM - POOVAR
Today after a late breakfast you are transferred to the railway
station nearby to take a train journey to Trivandrum, departing
at 11:30 hrs. A picturesque journey travelling in air-conditoned
comfort and arrive at 18:45 hrs, where we will be met and transferred
to your beach resort at Poovar ( about 01 hr. drive). Enjoy your
stay in Floating Cottages for the next three nights.
Day 14 & 15, POOVAR
Ayurveda & relax by the beach
Day 16, POOVAR TO TRIVANDRUM
Departure flight from Trivandrum.
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The best season to visit India is from October to April when
it is sunny and warm although temperatures can be low at night
during the winter. In the high mountains there is snow and
ice all year but a tropical climate prevails in the foothills.
Monsoon period is June until September.
Accommodation as specified on bed and breakfast basis and
twin /double share room
Local English speaking guide
Private vehicle with English speaking driver
Private transfers to and from airports
Other meals where indicated
Entrance fees to museums etc
Local agent support
Guide, porters, cook and camping equipment when trekking.
International flights. Meals other than breakfasts and those
indicated
Airport taxes payable locally
Travel insurance
Personal items such as laundry, drinks, tips
Optional trips and visits
Visas.
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