INCREDIBLE SOUTH INDIA:
INCREDIBLE SOUTH INDIA:
Has India ever called you? You’ve stopped at what’s written and you’re already imagining vivid pictures … or you’ve stopped in fear and said to yourself, ‘No, that’s not for me.’ Imagine that you are travelling with someone who feels himself in India as at home and helps you to understand order in complete chaos in a relaxed way and directs your attention to the richness of colours, tastes and architectural beauty… With someone who will introduce you the history and richness of Eastern philosophy and where we will think together about the eternal truths of Ramana Maharsi Sathya Sai Baba and Sri Aurobindo… Indians say that the most important thing is to know who we really are. Getting to know ourselves will be the red thread on our journey through the holiest temples and natural beauties of South India.
This trip is not an ordinary trip. On this journey we will travel in two directions: through the country and into ourselves. We will get to know the outside world and find out how our inner world responds and we will discover which one is more real. Definitely a journey we will remember for a lifetime.
Experience
- Romantic ride and overnight on a boat in Kerala (Backwaters)
- UNESCO train ride to Ooty
- The most beautiful royal palace in southern India (Mysore)
- Tea plantations and the world of exotic spices
- The holiest pilgrimage cities in southern India –MADURAI
- Aarthi (ceremony with fire) at the Menaksi Temple in Madurai
- The white sand of the tropical beach
- See the classical dance called kthakali in Kochi.
- Take a heritage rickshaw ride in French and Tamil quarters in Pondicherry.
- Take a heritage tour in Chetinad (Karaikudi).
1. +2.DAY:
AIRPLANE CHENNAI-PONDICHERRY (03h15)
After arriving in Chennai we will drive to the hotel in Pondicherry
Breakfast. We will drive to Auroville, also called the city of dawn. Auroville is a city of the future where all people help each other, contribute to the community, have no religion and no money. The city was founded by Mirra Alfassa, better known as ‘Mother’. Together with Sri Aurobindo they first established his ashram and after his death a ‘city’ for all mankind. The famous meditation dome with a crystal in the middle was erected by architect Robert Anger. We will walk around the city to the dome, learn how the city works and what life without money looks like. Maybe it tempts you to stay?
A short drive to Pondicherry follows. The city was bought by French Indian society in the 18th century and remained in their hands until 1954. French influence is still seen today on the streets and in uniforms. We go on a city tour by rickshaw and then on foot. We experience a walk on the beach, observing the temples, the hustle and bustle…
Overnight Pondicherry.
The name of the hotel: Shenbaga Hotel And Convention Centre or / Hotel Grand Serena
DAY 3: PONDICHERRY-CHIDAMBARAM (2 hours) -CHETTINAD (5 hours)
Breakfast. Drive to Chidambaram where we will visit a temple dedicated to the ‘cosmic dancer’ Nataraj or Shiva. In the temple, there are secret messages to visitors through symbolic language, such as the 21,600 gold leaf on the roof, symbolizing 21,600 human breaths in one day. It lies in the central part of the magnetic equator and is dedicated to the element of the sky. The three temples dedicated to earth, sky and wind lie exactly at 79 degrees and 41 minutes in a straight line of longitude, which is an amazing fact. Relaxation in nature follows. We will board local boats and start to ride through the surrounding mangrove forest.
On the way to Chettinado we take a look at the manual processing of copper and the making of bricks. Chettinad has long been a center of international trade through which wealthy merchants travelled to Ceylon. Rich expeditions and merchants left a memory on the rich local architecture. The food in Chettinado is known for its diversity and rich palette of flavours.
Overnight Chettinad/ Kāraikkudi
The name of the hotel: The Bangala Chettinad or Chola Heritage
DAY 4: CHETTINAD-MADURAI (02H15)
Breakfast. Drive to Madurai and explore the local markets. We find ourselves in the world of bananas, admire the flower market, observe clothing manufacturers and learn about local life. Menakši Temple is a real rainbow temple in all the luxury of colors and mandalas painted on the mighty ceilings. We attend the evening aarti, a ceremony with fire, which is a real show.
Overnight.
Additional: Optional meditation in a rainbow temple
The name of the hotel: Astoria Hotels By Sparsa
DAY 5: MADURAI- KUMILY (3.5 hours).
Breakfast. We venture into the world of tea plantations, beautiful nature and exotic spices. We will leave hot India and breathe in a colder climate. Kerala is a green part of India, has more moisture and there is not so big poverty than in other parts of India. We drive through tea plantations and admire nature. This day is dedicated to spices which give dishes a specific taste and help us to feel better. We get to know the world of cardamom, turmeric, ginger… .learn how to use them and combine them. In Periyar we will visit a spice garden where we will learn how spices grow in the nature. We will visit the elephants and immerse ourselves in the evening bustle of a small town. Bargaining and spice purchases begin.
Overnight.
The name of the home stay: Periyar Villa or Periyar Mountain Palace
DAY 6: KUMILY-ALLEPPEY BOAT TRIP (4 hours)
Breakfast. Ahead of us is a drive to Indian Venice, a web of water canals, rivers, lakes and peaceful bays. The network of water canals was once used by merchants but today they use it to drive tourists by boat. We have two exciting days of travelling on the water, observing the beautiful nature and pampering the ship’s crew. Gliding on the water surface will be etched in our memory forever. Sunset and romance on the boat.
Overnight on board, lunch and dinner in the houseboat.
DAY 07+08 : ALLEPEY-MARARI BEACH (1 hour).
Breakfast. What could be more beautiful in this world than sunrise, breakfast on the board and watching the calm morning of the Backwaters. We observe life on the coast then say goodbye to the ship’s crew and head to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area for a short and peaceful holiday. Marari beach. Miles of coconut palms, secluded white beaches and a quiet area to explore the local charm of Kerala hospitality await us. You can spend the day on the beach, enjoy local food specialties or try an Ayurvedic massage. We will also join the cooking class and learn the richness of Indian kitchen. Time to learn in praxis how to use spices.
Overnight
The name of the hotel: Marari Green Villas or Mandaram villas.
Cooking class, Overnight
Ayurvedic massage we will pay on the spot. (Nearby 2000 INR)
Day 09 ; MARARI- Cochin or Kochi: 01H00
Discovery of the districts of Fort Kochy and Mattancherry with visits to the Duch Palace, the Jewish quarter, the Pardesi synagogue and the Saint Francis church built in 1503 by the Portuguese. In the evening you will attend a performance of a Kathakali dramatic dance performance with colorful costumes and make-up. Overnight in Fort Kochy or Tower House . Have a bath with elephant (depend upon availability) and see beautiful Chinese fishing nets too.
DAY 10:
KOCHI -COIMBATORE (4 hours) -METTUPALAYAM (15 MINUTES to the train station)
Breakfast. With stops we head to Coimbatore. Along the way we observe nature. We leave Kerala and enter the state of Tamil Nadu. The city lies at the foot of the western Ghat in an agricultural area. We explore the local life of the city and visit the largest bust of the god Shiva, called Adiyoga. It is created at the suggestion of sadguru Jaggi Vasudeva, the founder of the Isha Foundation. The mystical experience is completed by yoga because the statue is erected to inspire and promote yoga. The statue represents moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Drive to Mettupalayam to sleep near the train station because in the morning awaits us one of the most beautiful adventures on the way.
Overnight
The name of the hotel: Black Thunder Resort or Hotel EMS MAYURA
DAY 11: METTUPALAYAM-OOTY (5.5 hours drive).
Breakfast. We start the day early. We will enter the UNESCO train that takes us through the Nilgiri Mountains. The steam locomotive travels for about 5 hours and makes a full 46 km. We start at 326 m above sea level and ascend to 2,203 m. In 1908, when the railroad was built, the cog system was the greatest technological achievement of the time. A picturesque experience that will forever be etched in our memory takes us through 16 tunnels, 208 bends and 250 bridges. Arrive in Ooty, which is in the middle of tea plantations. The weather is much cooler then yesterday. We will visit the botanical garden and rose plantations.
Overnight.
The name of the hotel: Fortune Resort Sullivan Court – Member ITC Hotel OR Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
DAY 12: OOTY -MYSORE (03H00 )
Breakfast. We will start the day in the small ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Indian people say that he was avatar and will be return in new body in few years. On the drive to Mysore we will stop in a national park and watch wild elephants right from the bus and laterwe will visit also the elephant center. Arrival in Mysore which is also called the most beautiful city in India. It is famous for its architectural, historical and cultural richness. We visit the Maharaja Palace, the most beautiful palace of South India that dominates the city. What about 1,000 steps to Chamundeshwari Temple and 1.000 steps to self-knowledge? We venture into the world of colourful parrots and learn about making fragrant sandalwood essences that promote connection with the spirit world. We will visit the largest flower market in this part of the world. Flowers are extremely important to Indians as they are part of the daily ritual offering to deities and women adorn their hair with flowers and spread a stunning, natural scent around them.
Overnight.
The name of the hotel: Fortune JP Palace – Member ITC Hotel Group, Mysore OR The Sandesh Prince
DAY 13: MYSORE- BANGALORE (04H30).
Breakfast. Drive to Bangalore to the airport. The program for this day depends on the departure of the aircraft.
Price: Euro 1040 /Per Person for 13 days.
Includes:
Accommodations on Single/Double/ Twin sharing as per booking in Luxury 4th star
Comprehensive Package for 13 Days
Cooking class during the tour.
Welcome drink (non alcoholic) on arrival.
Meal Plan Will Be On Cpai (Room + Breakfast).
All meals on Houseboat
All transfer in By Air Conditioned Private car/bus with wifi and small fridge.
All sightseeing As per the Itinerary
Airport Pick -up & Drop, All Parkings,Toll
Inter State Taxes
Driver Allowance
All Hotel Taxes
All packaged water daily for everyone
Package cost as per 02 person travelling together
Website costing as per luxury hotels, email us for upgraded hotels packages
Rate will be change during New Year times.
Kathakali dance in Cochin/Kumily
Boat ride, and UNESCO train ride.
English speaking guide as per places mentioned in itinerary.
Entry fees to Monuments specifically
Photography and video making fees at the sites
Excludes
Meals Not Mentioned In the Itinerary
Tips for driver and Guide.
All Adventure Activities Charges
Anything Not Mentioned In The Inclusions.
Porterage At Hotels And Airports, Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Liquors, Wine, Etc.
All Items Of Personal Nature.
Any Cost Arising Due To Natural Calamities Like Landslides, Roadblocks, Etc.
Any Increase In Taxes Or Fuel Leading To An Increase In Surface Transport.
Mandatory X- Mas / New Year Eve Supplementary Charges , That Should Be Paid By The Guest Directly To The Hotels Concerned.
Tips and gratuities
Note: Our Company does not charge for tour leader if the group size is bigger than 14 persons. We give a single room totally free in the same hotel with guests. Tour leader will not pay for anything except his/her personal expenses.