Travel to India: Of Temples & Spice (Southern India)

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Of Temples & Spice (Southern India)

			DAYS: 12 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $2250 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Spice Plantation Home stay Wildlife boat Safari Elephant ride Shree Meenakshi Temple Closing Ceremony Chennai & Fort St. George Rock Fort at Trichy Madurai Gopurams Historic Cochin ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

From the beaches of Madras to the Chinese fishing nets of Cochin, Southern India is a magical experience for the traveler. But for those who enjoy wildlife, cooking, spices, and indigenous culture, this journey is truly the experience of a lifetime. We stay on a hill top spice plantation looking down at the clouds, float across a dark-water lake looking for tiger and elephant, climb hilltop temples for spectacular views, and particpate in one of the oldest Hindu rituals on the subcontinent. India offers the traveler one of the most sumptuous selections of cuisine and one of the most refined cultures on earth. We cross from the east to west traversing three states. We visit temples, forts, and palaces spanning more than 2000 years of Indian history, sample foods, meet people and discover perspectives that will enrich our lives.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE CHENNAI (MADRAS)
On arrival at Chennai airport we are met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight Ambassador Pallava Hotel or similar. [B]

	Spice Market in Madras

DAY 2 :  SLEEPER TRAIN TO TRICHY
Today we tour the historic city of Madras, or as it is now called, Chennai, site of the British East India Companys first trading settlement in India founded in 1644 ACE. We visit Fort St. George and its Museum then continue to the flower & fruit markets. In the afternoon there is free time to relax by the swimming pool. In the early evening we transfer to the railway station and board our overnight sleeper train (First Class AC) for our journey to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Overnight train in first class AC sleeper berths. Note: Indian dinner available for purchase on board the train. [B]

Gopuran at Trichy

DAY 3 :  ARRIVE TRICHY
This morning we are met at the station and transferred to our Trichy hotel. After some time to relax we depart on a tour of the Rock Fort Temple. Many Southern Indian temples keep one or more elephant. With a well practiced trunk, Rock Fort's temple elephant will pluck a bank note from your fingers! Not surprisingly, this is encouraged by the priests. We have the option of climbing the 83 meter high stair case to the fort itself (437 steps). From the top we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and of the Cauvery River (after the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, India's third most holy river). Afternoon return to hotel. Overnight Hotel Sangam or similar. [B]

	Elephant at Srirangam Temple

DAY 4 :  TOUR TRICHY
The gigantic temple complex of Srirangam lies on the far bank of the Cauvery River. Srirangam' (Sri Ranganathaswamy) Temple, complete with 27 gopurams (monolithic formal gateways in the shape of a South American-style pyramid) is a spectacular temple complex; a living temple built over the last 600 years. The latest addition is the main entrance, constructed in 1980 ACE. We take time to explore the labyrinthine corridors and chambers. In the PM we visit the spice and vegetable market en route to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on our own or to enjoy the hotel pool and facilities. Overnight Hotel Sangam or similar. [B]

Shree Meenakshi Temple

DAY 5 :  TRAIN TO MADURAI
This morning we transfer to the railway station and depart on the morning train to Madurai (3hrs). Madurai is one of Southern India's oldest cities, dating back over two millennium. For centuries Madurai has been a major center of learning and pilgrimage. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and, after a period to rest, we embark on a leisurely visit to the Gandhi Museum and the Tirumalai Nayak Palace.  Built in 1636 ACE by one of Madurai's most famed Nayak rulers, King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect, the palace is a fusion of Dravidian, Islamic and European styles. Originally four times bigger than the present structure, the building we visit used to be the main palace and residence of the king. In its heyday, Tirumalai Nayak's Palace was considered an architectural wonder. Overnight Hotel Fortune Pandiyan or similar. [B]

	Elephant at Periyar

DAY 6 :  IN MADURAI
This morning we take a leisurely breakfast and free morning to relax or to explore the city on our own. In the afternoon we visit the mighty Shree Meenakshi Temple (1560 ACE), the heart and living symbol of Madurai's centuries-old tradition as the cultural center of the Tamil people. After our visit, we wander Madurai's extensive and vibrant bazaar, a bustling vegetable, fruit and spice market with a fascinating array of emporiums.  Each evening in the Shree Meenakshi Temple a 'Closing Ceremony' takes place at 21h30 in which an image of the God Shiva is carried in procession to Parvati's bedroom, where it remains until ceremonially escorted back at 06h00 the next morning. We return from the vegetable market in time to participate in this remarkable ceremony and watch the procession of the God and walk amongst the devotees. This is one of India's most memorable experiences. Evening return to hotel. Overnight Hotel Fortune Pandiyam or similar. [B]

DAY 7 :  DRIVE THEKKADY
This morning's drive from Maduarai to Thekkady, situated adjacent to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the lush-green and verdant Cardamom Hills of Kerala, takes four hours. On arrival we check into the hotel. There is a period of free time before we embark on a visit to a pepper and cardamom plantation. Late afternoon or early evening return to hotel. Overnight and evening meal Hotel Cardamom County or similar [BD]

DAY 8 :  TOUR THEKKADY
At the center of the 800 square km Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a large lake. This morning we take a Wildlife Boat Safari on Lake Periyar. We may spot wild elephant, sambar, and antelope and, if we are extremely lucky, perhaps even a tiger. On our return we take lunch (included) then depart on a walking tour through the busy but calm rural village of Kumily to view the spice market. This evening we sample local Rajapalayam dishes at the hotel. This area of southern India is a region unto itself. Slow-paced and confident, the population are proud of their culture, the abundance of food and the cool hillside climate. The historic and contemporary importance to India and the world of the spices produced in Thekkady adds a charm and swagger to the natural modesty and politeness so much a feature of the Southern Indian population. Overnight hotel and evening meal. Overnight and evening meal Hotel Cardamom County or similar. [BLD]

DAY 9 :  SPICE PLANTATION HOME STAY
Today we visit Periyar and its surroundings, taking a short elephant ride en route to our special home stay location - a home stay on a fully operational cardamom estate perched 4100 feet above sea level with spectacular views over the surrounding mountains. Built of granite over half a century ago and still used as the estate bungalow, our accommodation has a large dose of old world charm and rustic simplicity. The cottage offers a ringside view of vast stretches of soft clouds, thickly layered over the verdant hilltops. Spectacular vistas of endlessly undulating slopes; unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, undisturbed tranquility and unparalleled 'oneness' with nature, our home stay nestles naturally amidst the misty and mountainous surroundings. We meet the plantation owners and ask them about the traditions of their family estate and of the spice trade history. Overnight Elathottam Home Stay and all meals. [BLD]

Chinese Fishing nets at Cochin

DAY 10 :  DRIVE COCHIN OR DEPART ON EXTENSION
After an early breakfast we depart by car for Cochin. Centuries ago Cochin was an important Portuguese colonial trading post en route to Indonesia, Macau and Japan. Today, Cochin is a major Southern Indian metropolis and one of the busiest industrial ports on India's West Coast. Our route takes us westward, losing elevation fast as we drop out of the cool-green verdant Cardamom Hills at the center of the peninsular and onto the humid tropical plain that stretches westward to meet the vast Indian ocean.  If you have booked the Ooty - Mysore extension, you depart our home stay property for Ooty. Overnight Hotel Trident Hilton or similar. [B]

DAY 11 :  TOUR COCHIN
This morning we depart on a full day tour of Cochin - by boat and on foot. We cruise past Fort Cochin, visit the picturesque Chinese Fishing Nets, stop at Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis Church, the original burial place of one of the earliest and most famous of Portuguese explorers, the navigator Vasco da Gama. His body was exhumed from St. Francis' Church in 1538 ACE and reburied in Lisbon. We also visit the Jewish Synagogue. Oddly, one of the world's oldest Jewish communities lives in Cochin, dating their origins from a visit by the Christian Jew St. Thomas in 52 ACE. If there is time, we also visit the lively fish markets. In the evening we may ask our local guide to lead us on a venture into the city to watch a performance of South India's fabled Kathakali Dancing (Optional; not included) and to eat a last Indian supper. Overnight Hotel Trident Hilton or similar. [B]

DAY 12 :  SERVICES END
Morning transfer to the airport for international flights to the USA. [B]

NOTE: Your international flights must include an add-on flight segment from Cochin to your city of departure from India. Please bear this in mind when purchasing your international flight.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Adrian Chalker 1(800)345-4453 C o n t a c t Nilu Jenks 1(800)345-4453