southern splendours · 1503 tower 5, valley view estate, gurgaon – 122003, haryana, india day 3,...

Jasmine Trails +91 98991 16467 | [email protected] | www.jasminetrails.com

1503 Tower 5, Valley View Estate, Gurgaon – 122003, Haryana, India

Southern Splendours 04 - 18 January 2021

Chennai-Pondicherry-Tanjore-Madurai-Thekkady-Kumarakom-Cochin 14 nights/15 days

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.jasminetrails.com/



DETAILED PROGRAMME

Once ruled by mighty kingdoms like the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas, the southern states of India are today a reflection of the culture, religion and architecture of that glorious past. Protected by the Vindhya mountain, the region remained uninfluenced by the northern kingdoms and thereby maintained its uniqueness. Join us in exploring this beautiful part of India as we traverse from the eastern coast to the western coast. From massive temple spires to colonial settlements, from local artisans to performing arts, from serene coastal villages to fragrant spice plantations, from smiling faces to the delectable cuisine- this is a region where you are bound to lose your heart! This tour, led personally by Bindu Lall, is designed with approximately 10 participants in mind. We have carefully selected accommodation to give you the best experience in each location. It is a mix of luxury resorts, heritage hotels, 4-star properties and a simpler accommodation at one city. All but one meal is included, as are most tips for service providers. The daily activities have been planned in a way so that you really experience southern India in its many facets.

Day 1, Mon, 04 Jan: International arrival into Chennai. Check in and turn in for the night. For more than 2000 years the area of Chennai has been popular with seafarers and traders. An important port, it saw the arrival of the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and the British. In the 19th century, the city became the seat of the Chennai presidency, one of the four divisions of British imperial India. After independence, it continues to grow into what is now a significant southern gateway. It is known for auto, electronic and mechanical industries. Overnight: Taj Connemara Meals: None

Day 2, Tue, 05 Jan: Chennai After a relaxed morning, head out to explore the city. Visit the colorful and vibrant Kapaleeshwar temple where you will get your first introduction to temple architecture, the various mythologies and how people worship. The colorful market outside is equally attractive. We do an orientation drive to see the various historic buildings from the colonial era. Overnight: Taj Connemara Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-connemara-chennai/

https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-connemara-chennai/



Day 3, Wed, 06 Jan: Chennai to Pondicherry by road via Mamallapuram (160 Kms / 05 hrs)

This morning drive to Mamallapuram, 60 kms south of Chennai. Nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this was once a port of the Pallavas dynasty. The Pallavas created many marvelous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas (chariots) and temples. Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, Pallava chisels have breathed life into stone. These monumental splendours and sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world.

After lunch drive on to Pondicherry, 100 kms further south. Evening to relax. Seaside resort Pondicherry has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in India. It is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town. The inherent ambience of Pondy, as it is fondly called, becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town, which flanks the seashore boulevard. Colonial buildings, some which trace back to the 18th century, line along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions, private homes and businesses. Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the town's bustling, yet easy going life. Overnight: Villa Shanti Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4, Thu, 07 Jan: Pondicherry Today we have a walking tour of French neighbourhood and Tamil town. Visit the well-known Shri Aurobindo Ashram. Shri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in 1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw people from all over the world. Overnight: Villa Shanti Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



http://www.lavillashanti.com/en/

http://www.lavillashanti.com/en/



Day 5, Fri, 08 Jan: Pondicherry to Tanjore by road (220 kms / 5 hrs)

Drive to Tanjore today. On the way visit Gangaikodacholisvaram temple and Airavatesvara temple which have some incredible medieval temple architecture, replete with stunning stone carvings. Together with the Brahadeswarar temple in Tanjore these are known as The Great Living Chola Temples. There are also silk weavers in this area who we visit to learn about the famous silk sarees and textiles of the region.

Overnight: Ideal River View Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6, Sat, 09 Jan: Tanjore Today, you will visit the famous Chola temple of Brahadeswarar. Tanjore rose to glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and 14th centuries and became a centre of learning and culture. It is synonymous with the ‘Big Temple’, as it is affectionately called in the local language - the colossal, timeless edifice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit the Palace museum, library and bronze gallery. “The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu” is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and South Indian musical instruments. We also visit bronze workshops which make the famous metal idols that the region is known for. Overnight: Ideal River View Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7, Sun, 10 Jan: Tanjore to Madurai by road (190 kms / 5 hrs) This morning drive to Madurai, stopping at Chettinad for sightseeing and lunch. We will visit some beautiful traditional houses in the area that belonged to the wealthy merchant community. Continue to Madurai city, whose life revolves around the beautiful Meenakshi Temple. Designed in 1560 and spread over 6 hectacres, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, as a part of a mother-Goddess cult. She is the deity and protector of Madurai. Overnight: Taj Pasumalai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



http://www.idealresort.com/tanjore

http://www.idealresort.com/tanjore

https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/gateway/pasumalai-madurai/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=Pasumalai-Madurai&utm_medium=Local



Day 8, Mon, 11 Jan: Madurai This morning visit the Meenakshi temple. Visit Pudhu Mandapa outside the temple which is an ancient pillared structure that houses a colourful market with lots of textiles and tailors. Also visit the Thirumalai Nayak palace, built in 1636. It was an elaborate palace adorned with wood-carvings, ivory, paintings and precious stones. The king was a devotee of the Goddess but was known for his cruelty as well. An interesting stop is at the flower market with its incredible variety of flowers on display and being packed for wholesale.

Overnight: Taj Pasumalai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9, Tue, 12 Jan: Madurai to Periyar (Thekkady) by road (150 kms / 04 hrs) Today we drive to Periyar, a small town with its unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. It is also famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of a beautiful and lush spice plantation. Black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and so much more grows here. In the evening witness Kalari Payattu, a traditional and ancient martial art. Overnight: The Elephant Court Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10, Wed, 13 Jan: Thekkady Today we have a soft trek lined up. Take in crisp fresh air as we walk through beautiful landscape, admiring the flora and birdlife. This is a walk of approx. 3 hours through the forest and involves a crossing of a lake on a bamboo raft. Overnight: The Elephant Court Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/gateway/pasumalai-madurai/?utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=Pasumalai-Madurai&utm_medium=Local

http://theelephantcourt.com/

http://theelephantcourt.com/



Day 11, Thu, 14 Jan: Thekkady to Kumarakom (Drive approx. 5 hrs, cruise on Houseboat, drive 1.5 hrs to resort)

Early start today. Drive through stunningly green routes to arrive at Alleppey. From here you will board a traditional houseboat for a relaxing and interesting day cruise through backwaters. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Rice boats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. The traditional Keralan rice boats were converted into comfortable houseboats,

ideal for a leisurely cruise through the region’s tropical backwaters. This is a tranquil haven where the visitor can watch rice fields, coconut palms and the activities of day-to-day rural life drift by. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch onboard. After disembarking we drive to our hotel at Kumarakom. Arrive by evening. Kumarakom is an enchanting cluster of islands which lie at the backwaters on Vembanad Lake. It is indeed a beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves. Overnight: Coconut Lagoon Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Day 12, Fri, 15 Jan: Kumarakom Whole day is at leisure to relax at the hotel or enjoy Ayurveda treatments and massages, which Kerala is so famous for.

The hotel offers several very interesting activities on the property itself which are worth exploring. Overnight: Coconut Lagoon Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13, Sat, 16 Jan: Kumarakom to Kochi by road (55 kms/ 02 hrs)

Drive to Cochin stopping at a village on the way to see local life up-close. Meet and interact with people who practice different professions like coir-making, coconut harvesting etc. Enjoy the rural and rustic atmosphere and smiling faces which will greet you. Cochin or Kochi is a city built on scattered islands. The place has a canal town feel, though today it is a modern, bustling port. And what makes Cochin more unique is that the city straddles the portion of land between the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the backwaters. A quaint system of ferries connects the various parts of the city. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry are a unique



https://www.cghearth.com/Coconut-Lagoon

https://www.cghearth.com/Coconut-Lagoon



blend of Portugal, Holland and an English country village being grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast – With its wealth of historical associations and a setting on cluster of islands. Later this evening, head to a small ‘theatre’ to enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance. Originally performed by men, this unique art form, with its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and choreographed movements evolved from ancient martial arts. It takes hours for the dancer’s elaborate and symbolic facial makeup to be applied so we arrive early to witness this back-stage.

Overnight: Malabar House Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14, Sun, 17 Jan: Kochi Today, walk around Fort Cochin. Visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557 and given to the Raja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. In 1663 the Dutch renovated it, and today it houses a collection of artefacts that belonged to the Rajas of Kochi; it is however best known for the beautiful murals painted on the wooden walls, some of the most detailed and well preserved in the whole of India. Close-by is the Jewish Synagogue and the quaint ‘Jew Town’, so well-known for its old shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms. Built in 1568, the Synagogue houses Torah and Old Testament scrolls as well as copper plates on which the Kochi rulers granted various privileges to the Jewish community. Granted sanctuary and dignity by the kings of Kochi, Jews settled here centuries ago. Option to visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, patron saint of Portugal. The first European to discover a sea route to India, Vasco de Gama died on this site in 1524 and was buried in the cemetery. His discovery was significant as it opened the way for an age of global imperialism. Also visit the famous 14th-15th century cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Rest of day to relax at your hotel or explore the interesting shopping streets around your hotel. Farewell dinner in a specialty restaurant. Overnight: Malabar House Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15, Mon, 18 Jan: Kochi to home You will be transferred to the airport for your international flight from Kochi or via Chennai/Bangalore/Mumbai. Overnight: None Meals: Breakfast

End of Tour.



https://malabarhouse.com/

https://malabarhouse.com/



TOUR COST

Cost Items Price

Land Cost: Hotels, Guides, transport, activities and meals specified in the detailed programme

Per Person on Twin sharing basis USD 3,400.00

Single room supplement USD 1,260.00

PAYMENT TERMS

• 25% payment required at the time of booking.

• Balance to be paid 60 days prior to arrival.

• All payments should be made in the quoted currency.

• Payment to be made by wire transfer.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Minimum cancellation after booking will be 10% of the total tour cost.

• Between 90 to 60 days. 25%

• Between 60 to 30 days. 50%

• Less than 30 days 100%

INCLUSIONS TO THE COST

• Hotel accommodation for 14 nights.

• All but one meal, as per programme

• Transfers, sightseeing and surface travel as per itinerary by Air-conditioned vehicle.

• English-speaking tour leader

• Tips for guides, coach driver, driver assistant, meals and bell boys

• Entrance fees to monuments being visited as per itinerary

• Mineral water during drives

• Houseboat cruise in Kerala

• Soft trek in Thekkady

• Traditional Kathakali Dance performance

• Performance of martial arts called Kalari

• Village visit near Cochin

• Spice plantation walk

EXCLUSIONS TO COST

• International Airfare or visa.

• Any domestic flight

• Tips of any kind other than mentioned in “inclusions”

• Personal expenses like telephone calls, laundry etc.

• Meals, other than indicated in the itinerary

• Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks

• All costs related to insurance, medical repatriation.

• Fees for using movie cameras at monuments





See some of the rave reviews from our last Southern Splendours tour

“We have just returned from the holiday of a lifetime with Bindu leading our tour through southern India. The professionalism with which Bindu had organised every aspect of our trip, meant that we could relax and enjoy all the experiences we shared. We stayed in beautiful, eco friendly hotels whilst travelling in great comfort. Local guides enlightened us on the temples and sites visited, whilst Bindu provided an invaluable insight into modern India. Our itinerary was thoughtfully planned, balanced and inspirational. Bindu was an excellent tour guide, charming, calm and very considerate. We cannot recommend Jasmine Trails highly enough and are already saving for our next trip with Bindu.” " -Littlue and Peter Smith, Dorest, UK “My husband and I had a wonderful experience traveling to South India, from Chennai in Tamil Nadu state to Kochi in Kerala, with Bindu Lall, our trip organizer. We can’t imagine an excursion more carefully planned, scheduled and carried out than the one Bindu put together for our small group of eight. Traveling in our own bus, we visited a stimulating variety of temples, historical properties, nature preserves and demonstrations of local crafts, including weaving, bronze casting, rope making and pottery. The trip also featured visits to collections of bronze sculpture, dance performances and a martial arts program, interspersed with a relaxing afternoon of gliding along a large lake on a houseboat. Along the way, local guides provided explanations of Hindu religion, ornate temple architecture and history, supplemented by specialists who took us through a spice plantation and wildlife sanctuary. Bindu herself is not only a supremely organized tour leader but excellent educator who, during our longer drives, provided astute, honest commentary on Indian contemporary society, economics and politics. In addition to her professionalism, she was always charming and fun at group meals, which were all first rate, provided by her carefully chosen hotels and restaurants. Indeed, we felt spoiled by the sumptuous array of choices at meals and top accommodations at the variety of hotels we enjoyed. In short: we always felt safe, secure and well informed under Bindu’s watchful eye.” - Karen Moss and Dennis Livingston, Boston, USA “Jasmine Trails runs an incredibly well-organized small group tour that blends the old and the new, the city and the country, excitement with relaxation – a thoroughly enjoyable tour. Most people we know who go to India do a loop around northern India. There is much to see there, of course, and many things that should not be missed. But the south has much to recommend it as well, and in some ways, it is much better. The warm, tropical weather, the lush flowers and trees, the massive Hindu temples (in remarkably good condition even though up to a thousand years old), the jungles, the ocean, the palm trees – there is so much to enjoy. Every day is different, surprising, and enjoyable. Southern India is at or near the top of our list of favorite destinations.” -Barbara and Steve Gaskin, Boston, USA



southern splendours · 1503 tower 5, valley view estate, gurgaon – 122003, haryana, india day 3,...

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