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Home > Destinations > Far East > India > India Temples & Spice
India Temples & Spice
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 : CHENNAI (MADRAS): MEET AND HOTEL TRANSFER
On arrival at Chennai airport we are met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight Pride Hotel or similar.
| |  | | | Spice Market in Madras |
DAY 2 : CHENNAI: HALF DAY TOUR
Today we tour historic Madras or, as it is now called, Chennai, site of the British East India Companys first trading settlement in India founded in 1644 CE. We visit Fort St. George and its Museum then continue to the flower & fruit markets. For the first time visitor to Southern India, Chennai will be the first intimation that south India is very different from North India, tropical rather than desert or mountains, somehow calmer. In the afternoon there is free time to relax by the swimming pool or to explore further this bustling and exciting city. Overnight Pride Hotel or similar.
 | | | Gopuram at Trichy | |
DAY 3 : DRIVE MAHABALIPURAM:
Today we depart for Mahabaripuram via the great temple complex of Kanchipuram. Located 71 km south of Madras (two hour drive), visitors can trace the evolution of South Indian (Dravidian) temple architecture. Kanchipuram was once home to 1000 temples and became imperial capital of the Pallavas from the sixth to eighth century CE. The Pallavas were great patrons of the arts and built the first South Indian stone temple, at Mahabalipuram, which is our final destination today. Subsequent kingdoms, the Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijaynagars, continued the temple building tradition and Kanchipuram became one of the seven holiest cities in India. Of the original thousand temples built, only 200 or so now remain. We visit the oldest temple in Kanchi, Kailashnatha, constructed in the late seventh century CE and dedicated to Lord Shiva. We also visit the huge Devarajaswami Temple, with its 10-meter high statue of Lord Vishnu immersed in a water tank and drained every 40 years so the statue may be viewed. After our visit we continue to Mahabalipuram. Overnight Ideal Beach Resort or similar [BD]
| |  | | | Elephant at Srirangam Temple |
DAY 4 : MAHABALIPURAM: BEACH TOUR
Located 58 km south of Madras, the village of Mahabalipuram with its miles of unspoiled beaches is a UNESCO Heritage site best known for the beautiful Shore Temple towering over the beach and the sea, and a bas-relief technique unique to Mahabalipuram called Mandapas. Mahalbaripurams Mandapas are the oldest bas-reliefs on earth. This morning we explore these sites. The PM is at leisure on the beach. All meals are included during your stay, and there are taxis and perhaps even a shuttle bus to take you to town and along the beach road. Overnight Ideal Beach Resort or similar [BD]
 | | | Shree Meenakshi Temple | |
DAY 5 : O/N TRAIN: DRIVE MADRAS
Today we check out of our beach hotel and drive north to Madras. En route, we stop at the Crocodile Breeding Farm, where a variety of crocodiles may be viewed. Arriving at Madras railway station in the early evening, we board our overnight train (First Class AC) to Trichy. First class sleeper trains have separate four berth cabins with wide comfotable beds, the lower berths are day time seats, the upper births are fixed rather than drop down. Toilets are available in each car. Note: Indian dinner available for purchase on board. Overnight first class AC sleeper berth [B]
| |  | | | Elephant at Periyar |
DAY 6 : TRICHY: ROCK FORT TEMPLE
This morning we are met 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 elephants. With a well practiced trunk Rock Forts 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 Rock Fort (437 steps). From the top we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and of the Cauvery River (which, after the Ganga (Ganges) and Brahmaputra, is India's third holiest river). Afternoon return to hotel. Overnight Hotel Sangam or similar [B]
DAY 7 : TRICHY: FULL DAY TOUR SRIRANGAM TEMPLE
The gigantic temple complex of Srirangam lies on the far bank of the Cauvery River. Srirangam Temple, (Sri Ranganathaswamy) complete with its 27 gopurams (monolithic formal gateways in the shape of a South American-style pyramid) is a spectacular 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]
DAY 8 : MADURAI: AM TRAIN. PM MADURAI TOUR
This morning we transfer to the railway station after breakfast and depart on the morning train for the three hour journey to Madurai. 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 CE 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 larger, the building we visit was the main palace and residence of the king. In its heyday, Tirumalai Nayak's Palace was considered an architectural wonder. Overnight Hotel Sangam or similar [B]
DAY 9 : MADURAI: SHREE MEENAKSHI CLOSING CEREMONY
This morning we take a leisurely breakfast and free morning to relax or explore the city on our own. In the afternoon we visit the mighty Shree Meenakshi Temple (1560 CE), the heart and living symbol of Madurais centuries old tradition as the cultural center of the Tamil peoples. After our visit, we wander Madurais 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 Parvatis 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, watch the procession of the god, and walk amongst the devotees. This is one of Indias most memorable experiences. Evening return to hotel. Overnight Hotel Sangam or similar [B]
 | | | Chinese Fishing nets at Cochin | |
DAY 10 : SPICE VILLAGE: DRIVE THEKKADY. TOUR PLANTATION
This mornings drive from Maduarai to Thekkady takes four hours. Thekkady is situated adjacent to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the lush-green and verdant Cardamom Hills of Kerala. On arrival we check into the hotel. There is a period of free time before we embark on a visit to a pepper / cardamom plantation. Overnight Cardomon County or similar [BLD]
DAY 11 : SPICE VILLAGE: PERIYAR BOAT SAFARI. KUMILY
At the center of the 800km square Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a large lake. This morning after breakfast 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, the cool hillside climate and the importance to India and the world of the crops produced in Thekkady adds a charm and swagger to the natural modesty and politeness so much a feature of the Southern Indian population. Overnight Cardomon County or similar[BLD]
DAY 12 : HOME STAY: ON CARDAMOM PLANTATION
Today we transfer to our special home stay location - a fully operational cardamom estate perched over 4100 feet above sea level with spectacular views over the surrounding mountains. Built over half a century ago out of granite and still used as an estate bungalow, our home stay 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 and undisturbed tranquility, our home stay seems organically part of the mountainous surroundings. We meet the plantation owners and workers and ask of the traditions of their family estate and spice production. Overnight Elathottam Home Stay [BLD]
DAY 13 : HOME STAY: ELEPHANT RIDE MANNAN TRIBE
Today we visit Periyar and its surroundings, taking elephants to ride through the bush from villages to village. The Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar Tiger Reserve. As late as 1940's the Mannans still lived in the remotest areas of the tiger reserve, eking out a living by fishing and cultivation. The tribal heritage museum, built inside one of the last of the Mannan settlements, features artifacts related to ancient agricultural practices, marriage ceremonies, cultural events, dress code, rituals and death ceremonies. We visit the museum and explore the tribal hamlet accompanied by a tribal guide. Return to the home stay for the sunset. Overnight Elathottam Home Stay [BLD]
DAY 14 : OOTY: DRIVE OOTY
Today we drive north from the Cardamom Hills into the Nilgiri Hills to the old British Raj hill station of Ootacamund (2268m), or 'Ooty' for short. Hill stations became a bastion of English colonial life in India during the summer months. The heavy death toll during the heat forced the British to find climates where they stood a better chance of survival. In fact, for the 19th century British Soldier in India, mortality rates from illness alone were over 30%. Otherwise known as 'Snooty Ooty' for the snobbishness of the British colonial officers, Ooty was not always a place of elitism and class consciousness. Prior to the 1830s the English colonials tended to be worldly, easy-going and unprejudiced, adapting well to India, speaking several of the languages, marrying local women and adopting local customs. But the explosion of evangelical Christianity in the early 19th century changed all this. Evangelicalism led the British to deceive themselves that they were superior, which bred intolerance. The British lost touch. The result was the brutal Sepoy Rebellion of 1857. After this, the long term future of a British India was doomed. It was on the flat slate tables of Ootys exclusively British club that the game of snooker was first conceived, and controversially accredited to the young Joseph Chamberlain (grandfather of the Prime Minister who returned from meeting Hitler in Munich waving a paper and claiming Peace in our Time). Ooty has several Rose Cottages which would not be out of place in Surrey or Kent. On Arrival we check into our hotel and partake of our included evening meal. Overnight Hotel Sullivan Court or similar [BD]
DAY 15 : OOTY: FULL DAY TOUR OOTY
Ooty became British in 1799 CE after the British East India Company army defeated the last and most successful opponent to British colonial rule Tipu Sultan at the famed battle of Srirangapatnam (Tipu Sultans now ruined capital near Mysore). In the early 1800s, Englishman John Sullivan developed Ooty as a hill station and promoted it as an ideal summer retreat to escape from the heat of the plains. Cottages, clubs and other buildings were constructed to house and provide recreational facilities for British officials. Soon the hill station was growing tea for its inhabitants, who, due to the trade with China, now considered high tea to be an integral part of their day. Today, these tea estates not only produce the favorite drink of millions of Indians but also add to the charm and the beauty of Ooty. We spend the day in a leisurely tour, visiting the 22 hectare Government Botanical Gardens laid out in 1847, the 2.5km long Ooty Lake built in 1825, a popular spot for boating and fishing, the picturesque Pykara Falls 19km from Ooty, and the Dodabetta Peak (2,623m), the highest point in the district and just 10km from the town center. Returning to the hotel for lunch (included), in the afternoon we visit the Todas. The Todas are unique amongst the five tribal groups in the Nilgiri Hills, as they are strict vegetarians despite their tradition of buffalo-rearing and worship even their temple architecture and elaborate rituals revolve around cattle-related imagery. Overnight Sullivan Court Hotel or similar.
DAY 16 : MYSORE: DRIVE MUDUMALAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
This morning we depart Ooty and drive down from the hills and north into Karnatica to the beautiful city of Mysore. Our route takes us through a region of tea plantations and through the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, located 67kms from Ooty. The Sanctuary boasts rich flora and fauna and is home to many endangered species. Though tigers and leopards are seen by the fortunate few, elephants, giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels are more common, and occasional herds of wild elephant may stop our vehicle as they cross the road. The sanctuary is also a great place to see birds, including colorful parakeets, black woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagles. We drive between lines of huge Banyan trees as we cross into Karnatica State. Taking lunch en route (included) we arrive in Mysore during the afternoon and check into our hotel. Overnight Hotel Regaalis or similar [BLD]
DAY 17 : MYSORE: HALF DAY TOUR
We spend today immersed in the lingering aroma of sandalwood, jasmine & frangipani in the beautiful and tranquil city of Mysore. We tour the Maharajas Palace, one of the most opulent and impressive buildings in India, the Hindu temple on Chamundi Hill with its beautifully carved Gopuram pyramids rising into the huge turquoise sky, and a statue of Shivas transport - the huge black Nandi Bull. Taking lunch during the tour (included), we return to the hotel late afternoon. Overnight Hotel Regaalis or similar [B]
DAY 18 : BANGALORE: AM TRAIN TO BANGALORE. PM FREE
This morning we transfer to the railway station and embark the train to Bangalore, today one of Indias most pleasant cities. High tech. industry and a vibrant interest in regional politics have produced the souths fastest growing metropolis, which has the reputation of being the yuppie city of India. PM is free. Overnight Park Hotel or similar [B]
DAY 19 : FLY: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT
Morning transfer to the airport for international flights [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 19 | Grade: I (click for grades definition) | 2010 Price: From $4795 per person | GROUP SIZE | 4-5 | 6-9 | 10 + | Per person | $5195 | $4995 | $4795 |
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| Single Supplement: $1690 (click for info) | *Prices valid January 1 through September 30. Additional charges may apply December 20 through January 10, 2011. | | | | | 2010 Departure Dates | 2011 Departure Dates | | | (Available upon request) | Dec 19 - Jan 5, 2011 (F)
Feb 6 - Feb 25, 2011 (F)
(Available upon request) |
(F) = Family departure |
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| | | Included: All airport transfers, accommodations, private vehicle with English-speaking driver and guide, first class A/C overnight train Chennai to Trichy, local day train between Trichy & Madurai, private vehicle and English speaking driver Madurai to Ooty to Mysore, all entrance fees to sites and local site guides for touring as noted; meals as indicated [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]; services of inbound local ground operators and pre-departure services of Wildland Adventures. | | | Not Included: International flights; India visa fees; departure taxes; tips and gratuities; alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks; meals not indicated above; extra costs for optional excursions or services on own or to be paid direct; travel insurance; extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. | | | Trip Notes: This is a typical daily itinerary for the Temples & Spice trip. Depending on local conditions, the exact day-to-day itinerary and sites visited may vary. | |
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