Coromandel
Coast, Exotic Flora and Fauna, lush vegetation, the delicate scent of spices
and the sound of temple bells all characterize the South of India.
This magical journey reveals all of these. Starting from coastal temple town
of Mahabalipuram and through the heart of Tamil Nadu visiting
ancient living temples, we further journey through the Nilgiri and Cardamom
hills, and have time to explore the most picturesque sanctuaries in the
world - Periyar National Park & Bandipur National Park. Short cycle
rides and some day walks in the Western Ghats in the tea growing region of
Munnar as well in Ooty gives us a true sense of the sheer natural beauty of
this magical country. While in Kerala , savour the great seafood
and do not miss atleast one ayurvedic massage for rejuvenation of body, mind
& soul. We also cruise along the beautiful Keralan backwaters
which is later complemented by a mesmerizing traditional Kathakali dance
performance, and of course visit to some of the most spectacular and
atmospheric temples of the country in Karnataka, where we will
witness special prayer & marriage ceremonies. HIGHLIGHTS:
· Day walks & camping in Western Ghats & Cardamom hills.
· House Boat Cruise through backwaters.
· Cycling through spice and tea plantation.
· Temples, Culture & People.
· Jungle activities in Wildlife parks.
· Kathakali dance & Ayurveda.
Best Time:
Mid October to April.
Physical Challenge:
Moderate overall, some long drives.
Leave your country.
Day 2, Chennai - Mahabalipuram.
Arrive Chennai around mid night and transfer directly to Mahabalipuram (about 70kms/02hrs). Check into your Pre-booked hotel. Chennai, the gateway to the South, was founded in 1639.
We arrive at Mahabalipuram where we stay overnight in hotel with commanding views. The small seaside village of Mahabalipuram, 65 km from Chennai, was once the main port of the Pallava dynasty from the 5thto the 9th centuries. Its exquisite rock cut temples are some of the finest in India and have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the afternoon we go sightseeing to the enormous 29 metre Arjuna’s Rock, and also visit the temples.
Day 3, Mahabalipuram - Pondichery (about 135kms/04hrs),
Morning after breakfast drive to Pondichery, with its distinct French colonial atmosphere. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit the SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM, touch and try the meditation. Evening stroll around the colony still has the French touch.
Day 4, Pondichery - Thanjavur After an early breakfast we set off for a long drive across the sugarcane groves and casurrina plantations. The road is dotted with villages and towns, enroute we visit the Cosmic Dance city of Chidambaram. After visiting the temple we continue our drive mostly through coconut groves and green paddy fields. We arrive at Thanjavur, the capital of the great Chola Empire, and stay overnight in our riverside hotel.
Day 5, Thanjavur - Madurai
This morning we visit the overwhelming temple of Brihadisvara built in 1000 A.D, we will also visit the Sarasvati Mahal Library, know for its collection of rare and illustrated manuscripts. In the afternoon we take an interesting drive (about 190kms/4 hrs.) through mango groves, sugarcane plantations and green paddy fields (this region is the local center of rice production). We arrive in Madurai in the late afternoon. Madurai, formerly the seat of power for the Pandya Dynasty, is one of the oldest cities in the South. It lies along the banks of the Vaigai River and, as with many Hindu cities, the frenetic center of the city’s activity is the main temple, the mighty Meenakshi – Sundareshwarar – an important centre for Hindu pilgrimage.
Day 6, Madurai - Munnar
We visit the alive and bustling temple of Meenakshi (fish eyed goddess), located in the heart of Madurai, surrounded by colourful and bustling markets. Later we drive about 80 kms through maize fields and Mango groves before the road begins to twist and wind up through the rapidly changing vegetation of thick wood, Cardamom plantations and tea gardens. The views are stunning from this hill station. We stay two nights at our hotel.
Day 7, Munnar (Trek)
After breakfast we drive the short distance to the Silent Valley Estate of the Tata Tea Ltd, where we will begin our trek. The treks will take you through beautiful valleys where we can see all the beautiful areas of Munnar, valley where the rhododendrons and pine forests grow wild. Overnight camp in the valley of Rhododendrons in comfortable tents, by the side of gurgling mountain stream.
Day 8, Munnar (Trek)
Today after breakfast we will trek to the top of Meesapulimalai at an altitude of over 8600 feet – the second highest peak in south Himalayas (Western Ghats) after reaching the peak stay for some time for relaxation and trek through the dense sholas of Camp Malai to Palar/Elappatty Estate for complete your trek. The way back to the hotel.
Day 9, Munnar (Cycle 16kms / 4hrs.) - Drive to Thekkady
After an early breakfast we start our 8kms cycle ride uphill through the beautiful valley, surrounded by tea plantation and cardamom, we can enjoy the views over the lower slopes. We have time to stop en route for chai (tea), and continue to the top of the valley for our splendid views. We descend the 8kms back to hotel. Our drive (about 105kms/3 hrs.) follows winding roads, passing by tea plantations and rose and teak. We spend the next two nights in Thekkady.
Day 10, Thekkady / Periyar National Park (walk 3hrs.)
After breakfast we enjoy a 3hrs. walk through the thick forest of Teak and Rose wood. Searching for the finest of the 246 species of birds and approx. 100 species of butterflies, we will also try to spot a Flying Squirrel and also Otter. After 3hrs. easy and interesting walking we return to our hotel. In the afternoon we explore the sanctuary by motorboat, with chances of sighting mammals like Elephants, Sambar, Wild Boars and a variety of bird life.
Day 11, Thekkady - Aleppey
After our breakfast we board our vehicle for the 4hrs. drive to Aleppey. (about 170kms/4hrs.)Here we embark our houseboats that each comprise two twin rooms, with attached bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area in which to relax and enjoy the sights on the shore. Spice Coast Cruises is a journey down Kerala’s enchanting backwaters on a houseboat. We cruise for about 3hrs. through the backwaters and coconut groves, and then moor up for the night of Vembanadu lake.
We rise early, and continue our cruise through the backwaters to Aleppey from where we drive to the commercial hub of Kerala, the city of Cochin about (60kms/2hrs.). We have the afternoon free to visit the the Mattancherry Palace – also called the Dutch Palace, The Clock Tower, The Synagogue built in the 18th century and the St.Francis Church, and then in the evening we visit the Chinese Fishing Nets which adorn the north shore.
Day 13, Cochin - Ootacamund
Today
after an early breakfast we drive (about 295kms/8hrs.) through the Western
Ghats, dominated by green jungles, rolling hills, tea plantations and paddy
fields. This magnificent range of hills rises up from the Malabar coast, all
along our route the views are splendid. We arrive at the very colonial
British hill station of Ootacamund at 2,600 metres. We stay here for two
nights.Day 14, Ootacamund (walk 4hrs.)
We pack our day bags, and collect our pack lunch, and drive the few kilometers to the trailhead at Dodabetta (2638 metres). From here the path winds up through pine and teakwood forest, and we may pass tribal villages of the Toda, the tribal group that have lived in this region for many centuries. The top of our walk offers beautiful panoramic views. Later we return to our hotel. In the afternoon we visit the Botanical Gardens, laid out by gardeners from London’s ‘Kew Gardens’ in 1847, with over 1000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees, including orchids and ferns.
Day 15, Ooty – Bandipur National Park
After a leisurely breakfast we drive (about 80kms/3hrs) through the forests and spectacular wooded hills, possibly passing groups of Monkeys in the trees as we go. We pass through the Mudumalai and reach Bandi Pur Wildlife Sanctuary, and while driving we may see peacocks, deer and many birds. Check into the hotel, afternoon explores the park by jeep safari.
Day 16, Bandipur – Mysore
Morning before leaving to Mysore (about 80kms/3hrs.), we will do a jeep safari. Proceed to Mysore, arrive and stay overnight in our hotel in Mysore. The palaces and royal garden of Mysore, ‘The Jewel of karnataka’, provide glimpses of its past grandeur. Thus the Maharaja’s Palace is one of the largest in the country, embellished with stained glass and domes and turrets giving it an ethereal air. We enjoy our afternoon sightseeing tour visiting Chamundi Hill lies just outside the city and is topped by a temple to Chamundi, the Rajas chosen deity. Half way up the hill, sits a huge granite statue of Nandi the bull, Lord Shiva’s vehicle, and the route is dotted with other minor shrines. Late visit to Maharaja’s Palace, completed in 1912, dominates the center of Mysore. The building is a synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic architecture, designed by Henry Irwin, a British architect. Overnight in hotel.
Day 17, Mysore - Hassan
Morning after breakfast we will drive to Hassan (about 120kms/04hrs). Visit Belur & Halebid the ancient capital of the Hoysala Kings.Visit the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the exquisite sculptors cover the exterior with the friezes. Later on proceed to Halebid to visit the Hoysalesvara Temple, set in lawns, has two shrines dedicated to Siva with a Nandi Bull facing each. The largest of the Hoysala temples, it was started in 1121 but remained unfinished 86 years later, also visit the Jain bastis.
Day 18, Hassan – Bangalore
This morning we drive through open fields and small villages and towns. We arrive at Bangalore (about 185kms/5hrs.)(the Garden city) is known as the “Garden City” because of its numerous parks and avenues of Jacaranda, gulmohur and cassia. Check into the hotel, the present location of Bangalore was chosed by a local chieftain, Kempegowda, in 1537 on land gifted to him by the ruler of Vijaynagar. We have time to visit some of the many gardens and parks before we board our flight to Europe.
Day 19, Bangalore - Europe fly.
Just past midnight, fly back to your home country. .