South India Living Cultures

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Southern India
Living Cultures
This journey across the culture rich states of Southern India begins in
Chennai followed by a visit to the 7th Century bas reliefs at
Mahabalipuram on the ocean’s edge. Onwards to Pondicherry with its
lingering French flavour, the ancient temple towns of Tanjore and
Madurai and finally to Kerala’s tea plantations, back waters and the
rich colonial heritage of Fort Cochin. Cuisine, opulence and
architecture are added with Karaikudi in Chettinad famous for the
ornate mansions of the Chettiars, an affluent business community.
Route Map
1
2
7
6
Chennai –
Kumbakona
Mahabalipuram
m
Karaikud
i
Madurai Munnar Kumarakom
Cochin
5
4
3
South India
Itinerary Route | Living Cultures
Itiner ar y at a glance
Location
Hotel
13 nights
Mahabalipuram
Kumbakonam
Karaikudi
Madurai
Munnar
Kumarakom
Cochin
Taj Fishermans Cove
Mantra Resorts
The Bangala / CGH Visalam
Taj Pasumalai / The Heritage
Windermere Estate / Ambady Estate
Coconut Lagoon / Kumarakom Lake Resort
Brunton Boatyard / Malabar House/ Old Harbour
03 nights
01 night
02 nights
01 night
02 night
02 nights
02 nights
Itinerary at a glance
Day 01
Chennai –
Mahabalipura
m
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Kumbakona Karaikudi
m
Day 06
Day 07
Madur
ai
Day 08
Munnar
Day 09
Day 10
Kumarako
m
Day 11
Day 12
Cochin
Day 13
Day 14
Day 1 Chennai
Snapshot
Tamil Nadu is full of surprises and still
Welcome to Chennai!
somewhat undiscovered and is often
referred to as the cradle of ancient
Meeting on arrival at Chennai Airport by Our representative.
Transfer to your Hotel located 37 Km from Chennai by the Sea Side
in Covelong.
Dravidian civilization. It extends from the
Coromandel Coast in the east to the
forested Western Ghats and at its heart is
the fertile land of rice fields and
magnificent temples.
Check-Into your Cottage.
Overnight in Covelong at Taj Fisherman’s Cove.
Taj Fishermans Cove
Built on the ramparts of an old Dutch fort
and set amidst whispering casuarinas and
palm trees, Fisherman’s Cove is one of the
finest beach resorts in Southern India.
www.tajhotels.com
International flight to Delhi
Day 01
at a glance
Hotel
Meals
Included
Ground
Transport
Guide/
Escort
Taj Fisherman’s Cove
Chennai
Private Car
Our Rep.
Day 2 Chennai - Covelong
Snapshot
After a leisurely wakeup and breakfast this morning you will visit the
Rock Carvings and Shore temples at Mahabalipuram located at a short
distance from your hotel.
Return back to your hotel for lunch.
Recommended Options for the afternoon
Visit the DakshinChitra a Center for living traditions of art, performing arts and
architecture of India.
A walk through the Cultural Heritage of Chennai with a local expert.
Tiffin at Saravana Bhawan a chain of restaurants serving best of
South Indian dishes.
Hi-Tea and Shopping at Amethyst.
Overnight in Covelong.
Day 02
at a glance
Mahabali
puram
Covelong
Hotel
Taj
Fisherman’s
Clove
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Ground
Transport
Private
Car
Guide/
Escort
Local
Guide
Highlight: Heritage Walk of Chennai
Mahabalipur am
Day 2
Mahabalipuram
Once a major port city built in the 7th century Mahabalipuram is world famous for its, shore temples. The sculptures of this place is particularly interesting, because it
shows scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast to the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu where carvings generally depict gods and goddesses.
Chennai
Day 2
Chennai Heritage Walks
Chennai has a fascinating culture very different from the rest of India. The heritage walks in Chennai aim to connect you with the living cultures of the region through
walks aimed at showcasing the myriad aspects of life in the city that effortlessly blends age old customs with the conveniences of modernization.
Dakshin Chitra Museum
Dakshinchitra literally means ‘a picture of the South’. Here you will explore different houses amble along recreated streetscapes, explore contextual exhibitions, interact
with village artisans and witness folk performances set in an authentic ambience. This heritage village provides a fascinating glimpse into the homes and life styles of the
people of South India.
Day 3 Chennai - Covelong
Snapshot
Leisurely wake up and breakfast
Highlight: Visit to Kancheepuram
Choose from a list of optional excursions for the day.
A day trip to Pondicherry with lunch at a Heritage Hotel.
A day trip to visit the temple town of Kancheepuram and a school of performing
arts with lunch.
Total duration 6 to 7 hours including driving time of total 3 hours.
Overnight in Covelong.
Day 03
at a glance
Mahabali
puram
Covelong
Hotel
Taj
Fisherman’s
Clove
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Ground
Transport
Private
Car
Guide/
Escort
Local
Guide
Pondicher r y - Kancheepur am
Day 3
Pondicherry
The former capital of French territories in India, Pondicherry was established in 1674 and still retains a distinct Gallic flavor. French is still spoken amongst the older
residents and stately colonial mansions stand in tree-lined streets that are still known by their colonial names. Auroville or the “City of Dawn” conceived as a utopian
paradise by The Mother, Mirra Alfassa, was planned as a futuristic international city where people from different religions and nations would live together in peace.
Kancheepuram
Kanchipuram is a spectacular Temple city known as city of thousand temples which reflects the glorious traditions of South India. It is one of the seven sacred cities of
the Hindus and was the capital of the Pallava rulers from the 6th to 8th centuries. Apart from its temples, this small town is known for its thriving handloom industry.
It is also known as Silk City since the main profession of the people living in and around is weaving silk Sarees.
Day 4 Covelong - Chennai - Trichy - Kumbakonam
Snapshot
After a leisurely wakeup and breakfast, you will be transferred to
Chennai Airport. (1 Hour’s drive)
Our representative will provide assistance for Check-In on your short flight to
Trichy.
On arrival you will be met by the Our representative and transferred to MANTRA
RESORT, located two hour’s drive from Trichy.
Suggested Options for the afternoon.
www.mantraresort.com
Optional activities.
A birding walk in the surroundings of
the Mantra Resort.
A bullock cart ride to the villages
around Mantra Resort.
Overnight in Mantra Resort Vepatthur.
A visit to the 12th Century Temple at
Darasuram a Unesco World Heritage
Site
Day 04
at a glance
Hotel
Chennai
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
Our Rep.
Lunch
TrichyKumbakonam
Mantra
Resort
Dinner
Local
Guide
Mantr a Resor t
Day 4
Darasuram Temple
The spectacular Airavateshvara Temple at Darasuram, is a Unesco World
Heritage Monument. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by
the Chola King in the 12th century.
Mantra Resorts
Mantra Resorts is a unique environment friendly, experiential resort located in Kumbakonam.
It blends together traditional values, faith & spirituality with the ideals of relaxation & a
healthy wellbeing. An area spread over acres on the banks of two rivers in each side, Mantra
is the perfect abode to explore the temples of Southern India and to learn about its living
cultures.
Day 5 Kumbakonam - Tanjore - Karaikudi
Snapshot
Breakfast at the hotel.
Highlight: Visit of the Brihadeeshwara
This morning you will drive a short distance of 1 hour to Tanjore
or Thanjavur.
Visit the 11th Century Brihadeeshwara Temple now a Unesco World
Heritage Site.
Temple at Tanjore.
The Bangala Karaikudi
The Bangala is a century old mansion that has
been restored as a superb heritage hotel with all
modern amenities and indulgences in place – a
Lunch at Tanjore.
pool and spa, lounge and library, super
After lunch commence your 2 hour drive to Karaikudi in Chettinad.
On arrival in Karaikudi you will check-into your hotel
comfortable rooms with airy verandahs, all
decorated with classic ornate Chettinad furniture.
Their elaborate cuisine served on banana leaves
is one of the charms of Bangala showcasing the
region’s signature Chettinad Cuisine - a rich,
Rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure.
aromatic and spice filled array of curries of fish,
Overnight in Karaikudi.
chicken, meat and vegetable to the
accompaniment of rice, fritters etc.
CGH Visalam
Visalam is reflective of the grandeur of the region
combined with the almost yogic simplicity of the
community. This 75-year-old building offers 15
Day 05
at a glance
Hotel
Kumbakonam
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Karaikudi
Bangala / CGH
Visalam
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
rooms.
Local
Guide
www.thebangala.com
www.cghearth.com
Dinner
Tanjore - Kar aikudi
Day 5
BRIHADEESHWARA TEMPLE TANJORE
This monumental granite temple, the finest example of Chola architecture is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Completed in AD 1010 and dedicated to Shiva, it was
built as a symbol of the power and might of the Chola ruler Raja Raja Cholan.
Day 6 Karaikudi
Snapshot
Breakfast at the hotel.
Highlight: Visiting Chettiar Mansions and
This morning you will drive to Kanadukathan village to explore
the mansions of the Chettiars.
You will then visit a workshop at Athangudi Village to see the art of
making handmade terracotta tiles.
Return to The Bangala for lunch.
This afternoon you will proceed on a short walk through the antique street at Karaikudi
or Explore the Cuisine of Chettinad with a cooking lesson at The Bangala.
Overnight in Karaikudi.
Day 06
at a glance
Hotel
Meals
Included
Karaikudi
Bangala / CGH
Visalam
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
Local Guide
Tile Workshop.
Kar aikudi
Day 6
Karaikudi and 74 other villages comprise Chettinad, the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who ventured
overseas to do business in Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their legacies are the fascinating houses of Chettinad they built - they have to be seen
to be believed and this alone would justify a trip to Chettinad.
Chettinad Cuisine
Chettinad cuisine hails from kitchens of the Chettiars. Like other South Indian cuisines, a typical Chettinad menu is served on a banana leaf with mouth-watering
dishes. The cuisine has several variations of fish, lamb and chicken dishes of which the Chettinad Pepper chicken is a specialty. Besides hot and spicy dishes, the
cuisine also offers an array of vegetarian dishes.
Day 7 Karaikudi - Madurai
Snapshot
Breakfast at the hotel.
Highlight: Visit to Meenakshi Temple
Complex.
You will commence your 2 hour journey to the temple
town of Madurai.
On arrival Check-Into your hotel.
Taj Pasumalai
This afternoon you will visit the 16th Century Temple Complex of Lord
Sundareshwar and Goddess Meenakshi.
Perched atop Pasumalai hill and offering panoramic
views of the temple city of Madurai and the Kodai hills,
this century old property sprawls over 62 acres of
Return back to your hotel.
landscaped gardens.
Overnight in Madurai.
The Heritage
With swaying banyan trees and distant mountains, the
hotel embodies a group of pillared pavilions embracing
three internal courtyards shaded by overhanging pitched
roofs. This Old Madurai Club originally conceptualized
and designed by eminent architect Geoffrey Bawa is now
a renovated into a hotel.
Day 07
at a glance
Hotel
Karaikudi
Madurai
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Taj Pasumalai /
The Heritage
Ground
Transport
Guide/
Escort
www.tajhotels.com
Private Car
www.heritagemadurai.com
Local Guide
Madur ai
Day 7
One of South India’s great temple towns, this ancient city has, over the centuries, been a rich repository of Tamil culture. Some 2,000 years ago it hosted famous
gatherings of writers and poets, which provided Tamil literature with some of its most enduring works. Today religion and culture remain a vibrant part of the city’s
daily life.
Meenakshi Temple
Famed for its many carved and painted halls, this magnificent temple of goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundaram (Shiva) has the tallest Gopuram (temple
gateway) in the world. Designed in the 16th Century the Temple Complex occupies an area of 6 Hectares and has 12 towers of different sizes, maximum being 50
meters. It also has a Temple Art Museum and a 1000 Pillared Hall.
Day 8 Madurai - Munnar
Snapshot
In Kerala, of course, you will never be short of things to
do. This, as they famously say, is God’s own country, and
After breakfast this morning you will commence your 4.5 hour drive
to the hills of Munnar in Kerala.
it is a truly lovely place for a holiday. Whether you choose
to float gently on a houseboat along the various canals and
backwaters that criss-cross the region or relax in an old
On arrival you will check-into your hotel.
Colonial hill station like Munnar, with its tea plantations,
This afternoon will be at your leisure to explore the surroundings of
your hotel located in an estate bungalow.
Walk around spice plantations or take off for trekking and
bird-watching trip, the pleasures are immense .
Overnight in Munnar.
Windermere Estate
Sitting high on the observatory hill at 1600 meters above sea
level, this charming retreat is set amidst a cardamom estate
surrounded by tea clad hills and dramatic rainforest.
Accommodation at the estate consists of five bedrooms in the
farmhouse, four rooms set in verdant gardens and six cottages
with huge window frames showcasing the picture perfect
mountains.
Ambady Estate
Nestled amidst 70 acres of cardamom plantation with a fair
amount of pepper, coffee and tropical fruit trees, the resort
Day 08
at a glance
Hotel
Madurai
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Munnar
Windermere Estate /
Ambady Estate
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
offers a tranquil and serene environment.
Local Guide
www.windermeremunnar.com
www.ambadyestate.com
Dinner
Day 9 Munnar
Snapshot
Choose from an array of special activities.
Highlight: Visit to Tea Museum and Walk
through Tea Bushes.
A day trek to enjoy the bio-diversity of Munnar with a picnic lunch.
Jeep Ride through Tribal Villages around Munnar with lunch at an
Estate Bungalow.
Forest visits to Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered species of Mountain
Goat The Nilgiri Tahr. (Park is closed from 4th February to 4th April.)
Trek through tea and cardamom plantations.
Visit the Tea Museum.
Bird Watching Tour.
Meals and Overnight in Munnar.
Day 09
at a glance
Munnar
Hotel
Meals
Included
Windermere
Estate / Ambady
Estate
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
Local Guide
Munnar
Day 9
The picturesque little town of Munnar lies at a height of about 6,000 ft. The name means “three rivers” and is derived from its location at the confluence of three
mountain streams. Located within thousands of acres of sprawling tea estates, first established by the British in 1878, Munnar was once the summer resort of the
British Government in South India.
Day 10 Munnar - Kumarakom
Snapshot
After breakfast this morning you will commence your 5 hour journey
to Kumarakom.
Coconut Lagoon
Coconut Lagoon is a wonderful insight into traditional
Kerala life. This charming resort on the Kerala
Enroute you will stop to visit a rubber plantation for lunch.
Backwaters is collection of restored traditional Kerala
houses some of which are a century old. Following
Continue your drive to Kumarakom passing through a
picturesque route.
the philosophy of LESS is MORE, it is the finest
example of sustainable practices. Some of the
On arrival in Kumarakom you will check-into your resort hotel.
Rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the surroundings
of your hotel.
highlights of a stay at Coconut Lagoon are its
accommodations in heritage bungalows, mansions or
private plunge villas., it’s wonderful cuisine and
recreation facilities like the swimming pool,
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Ayurveda, yoga and meditation center.
Kumarakom Lake Resort
nestles on the serene banks of Lake Vembanad
decorated with thick mangrove forests, green paddy
fields and ripe coconut groves. Sprawling across 25
acres of lush greenery, it exudes the charm of Kerala’s
true heritage while offering a complete range of ‘new
Day 10
at a glance
Hotel
Munnar
Kumarakom
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Coconut Lagoon or
Kumarakom Lake
Resort
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
age’ amenities
Local Guide
Lunch
www.cghearth.com
www.kumarakomlakeresort.in
Kumar akom
Day 10
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and
canals. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you will come across traditional country crafts, boats and canoes that will take you into the heart of
the scenic lake.
Day 11 Kumarakom
Snapshot
After breakfast this morning you will drive to a private farm located
on the edge of the backwaters.
You will be personally accompanied by the owners on the farm visit.
This will be followed by a cooking demonstration of the family’s
signature dishes and a sumptuous Kerala lunch.
Return back to the hotel by car or by speed boat for the more adventurous.
The afternoon will be at your leisure for enjoying the facilities at the hotel or
sign up for an Ayurveda treatment at the hotel.
We highly recommends a discovery tour of the sustainable practices undertaken
by the hotel. Available only for those staying at COCONUT LAGOON.
This includes visit to butterfly garden, bio gas plant, the breeding center of the
vechoor cows, RO plant etc. A visit to these areas of the property brings immense
learning opportunities on sustainable practices.
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 11
at a glance
Kumarakom
Hotel
Coconut Lagoon or
Kumarakom Lake
Resort
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
Local Guide
Highlight: Visit to Phillip Kutty’s Farm,
Discovery Tour of sustainable practices at
Coconut Lagoon.
Philipkutty’s Far m
Day 11
Philipkutty’s Farm is set on a beautiful small Island practicing organic method of farming growing coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa, vanilla and black pepper.
A visit to the Farm is an excellent experience where you spend time with a local family and share a Kerala way of life in serene surroundings.
Day 12 Kumarakom - Backwaters - Cochin
Snapshot
Brunton Boatyard
Moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbor, just a walk
After breakfast this morning you will begin your journey to explore
the backwaters of Kerala.
away from Fort Cochin, the Brunton Boatyard Hotel was resurrected
Lunch today will be on board your private house boat.
charm from its busy shipbuilding days in the 1800’s, with dated
from the remains of a Victorian shipyard. The hotel still holds the
Dutch maps, small navigation devices and an ancient anchor littering
The cruise will terminate at Pallaturuthy Boat Jetty.
the premises.
Your car and driver will meet you at the boat jetty.
Malabar House
A former wealthy trader’s residence situated in the historic Old Fort
Transfer through the back roads to Cochin.
area overlooking the parade ground, this is one of the most stylish
On arrival you will be met by Our representative.
hotels in southern India. All the rooms are tastefully decorated and
furnished with antiques. Malabar House is a fascinating and
Assistance for Check-In at your hotel.
sophisticated hotel, situated on a peaceful green on Fort Cochin.
Remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure.
Old Harbour Hotel
Overnight in Cochin.
Over 300 years old, Old Harbour was built in the Portuguese style
with Dutch influences and has today been converted into a small
heritage hotel. The experience here is elegant, with organic soaps and
lotions and comfortable robes and slippers waiting for you in your
room.
Day 12
at a glance
Hotel
Kumarakom
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
Local Guide
www.cghearth.com
Brunton Boatyard /
Malabar House/
Old Harbour
Cochin
Lunch
www.malabarhouse.com
www.oldharbourhotel.com
Backwater s
Day 12
One of the most memorable experiences for any traveler is the opportunity to take a boat journey on the backwaters of Kerala. This bewildering labyrinth of
shimmering waterways, composed of lakes, canals, lined with dense vegetation preserves rural Keralan lifestyle that is completely cut off from the outside world.
While on the cruise you will get to witness the real culture and life style of Kerala countryside.
Day 13 Cochin
Snapshot
After breakfast this morning you will begin your exploration of
Cochin.
You will begin with a short walk through the Chinese fishing nets.
Visit St. Francis Church the first European Church built in India
Continue by car to the Mattancherry Palace 16th Century Mattancherry Palace.
Walk through the antique market to the Paradesi Synagogue the oldest
synagogue in India.
Remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure.
Lunch at the Malabar House a restored boutique hotel located in Fort Cochin.
The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure Optional:
Walking Exploration of Fort Cochin.
At sunset you will proceed on a cruise on Cochin Harbor.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 13
at a glance
Cochin
Hotel
Brunton Boatyard /
Malabar House/
Old Harbour
Meals
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Ground
Transport
Private Car
Guide/
Escort
Local Guide
Histor ic Cochin
Day 13
Kochi, better known as Cochin, is Kerala’s most cosmopolitan city and also the main trading centre for spices and seafood. Built around a saltwater lagoon of the
Arabian Sea, Cochin is a collection of narrow islands and peninsulas. While the mainland boasts of concrete shopping malls and fancy apartment buildings, the Fort
area has an old world charm with its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and English bungalows and quaint narrow streets.
Chinese Fishing Nets
St. Francis Church
Kathakali Dancer
Day 14 Cochin - Home
Snapshot
Early this morning you will be transferred to the International Airport.
Our Representative will provide assistance for check-in on your home
bound flight.
Fly home and reach your destination.
Bon Voyage.
Day 14
at a glance
Hotel
Meals
Included
Ground
Transport
Guide/
Escort
Our Rep.