|
 |
HOTELS & RESORTS IN KERALA
|
|
South India - A Living Heritage
Namaste! - We welcome you with
folded hands
Day
01: Arrival / Chennai
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance
upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would
introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say atithi devo bhava (the guest is
an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve
you!
Overnight at Radha Regent (Superior Room)
Day 02 Chennai
Today, we will proceed to the tour of one of Indias largest cities-
Madras is the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamillians
are the proud inheritors of a rich cultural heritage, which is one of the
main reasons for their beliefs of superiority over the hybridized culture of
North India. Fort St. George (1653), built by the British, presently houses
the State secretariat and the legislative assembly. The Fort has an
interesting museum with fascinating collections of memorabilia from the
early days of the British Raj. St. Marys Church (1678-80), was the
first English church and the oldest surviving in India. The High court
building, built of red sandstone has an interesting archaeological section
and a bronze gallery. The former has an interesting collection of all major
and ancient south Indian dynasties. The bronze section has interesting
collections of Chola (9th century) bronze art. The High Court, built in
Indo-Sracenic style is supposed to be the largest judicial building in the
world after the Court Of England. The Kapaleshwar temple is an ancient Shiva
temple in typical Dravidian (south Indian) style. Near the temple, the San
Thome Cathedral (originally built in 1504), is a Roman Catholic Church
believed to have the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Overnight at Radha Regent (Superior Room)
Day 03: Chennai / Mahabalipuram
Morning we will drive to Mahabalipuram
Upon arrival check into your hotel Ideal Beach Resort
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities
Overnight at Ideal Beach Resort (Standard
Cottage)
Day 04: Mahabalipuram
Today we will proceed on a tour of
Mahabalipuram, which is famous for its shore temples. The sculpture here is
particularly interesting because, instead of Gods & Goddesses, the
sculpture shows scenes from contemporary day to day life - women milking
cows, pompous dignitaries, young girls priming and posing in street corners
or swinging their hips in artful come-ons. Mahabalipuram is an easy going
village of essentially two streets and positioned at the foot of low lying
boulder strewn hill where most of the fascinating temples and the rock cut
carvings are to be found. It affords a wonderful combination of an excellent
beach, good seafood and the fascinating remains of an ancient Indian Kingdom
Overnight at Ideal Beach Resort (Standard
Cottage)
Day 05: Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram /
Pondicherry
Following a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Pondicherry, en route we
will Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is a Hindu Holy City and capital of the Pallava dynasty from
the 7th to 9th centuries AD, is renowned for temples and silk, and you will
see plenty of both. The temples range in date from the 8th to the 17th
century. The latest building was impressive in its size, the height of its
gopuram, the intricacy of its carvings and wealth of colour, but, the
earliest temples, of golden sandstone, are more aesthetically pleasing, the
only colour provided is by a flock of ring-necked parakeets.
Across the road is a workshop where men sit at a loom, weaving fabrics that
you will recognize immediately as "Madras cotton". However,
Silk-weaving takes place on a grander scale than the cotton-weaving in this
town dotted with cottage workshops. You could visit a factory where all the
processes of spinning, dyeing and weaving take place. Of special note would
be exquisite wedding saris made to order - the silk is heavily interwoven
with gold thread. The sari and blouse are woven together so as to ensure a
perfect match.
From here we will continue our drive to Pondicherry
Upon arrival check in to Hotel De l Orient
Overnight at Hotel De lOrient
(Cannanore)
Day 06: Pondicherry
After a leisurely breakfast, we will proceed on a tour of the city. More
than anything else, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the
Mother lived for the most parts of their lives, is a major attraction of
this little city. The Pondicherry Museum is home to some of the most
exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a
pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments. Some of the
other interesting sites includes the Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial
museums and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The French, Britain's strongest rivals for the control of India,
established their foothold here and only relinquished it in 1954. The town
still has the feel of a French provincial town, with its librairie,
epicerie, imposing Hotel de Ville, memorial to Franco-Indians killed in the
Great War, and statue of Joan of Arc. The houses could be anywhere in
southern France and bear the familiar white numbers on a blue ground. Street
names, too, are shown in white on blue - rue St Louis, rue de la Caserne and
so on. During a pleasant afternoon stroll you could hear French spoken
frequently.
Overnight at Hotel De lOrient
(Cannanore)
Day 07: Pondicherry / Chidambram /
Darasuran / Kumbakonam / Thanjavur
Morning we will drive to Thanjavur enroute we will visit Chidambram,
Darasuran, Kumbakonam.
Chidambram is in between two rivers in a 40 acres temple-complex, it is one
of the oldest and magnificent temples of the South. Shiva Natrala or the
Dancing Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted
sanctorum. Flanking the temple are 108 sculptured illustrations of Bharat
Natya Shashtra. In Akash Lingam hidden by a veil, lies the real secret of
Chidambaram. From we continue driving to Darasuram
Darasuram is a small town near Kumbakonam. It is known for the
Airavateshwar Temple built by a Chola king in the 12th Century CE. This
temple is a storehouse of art and architecture. The vimana is 85 feet high.
The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses.
The temple has some exquisite stone carvings. The main deity's consort
Periya Nayaki Amman temple is situated adjacent to Airavateshwarar temple.
From here we will continue our drive to Thanjavur
Upon arrival, check in to hotel Ideal River View Resort
Overnight at Ideal River View Resort
(Deluxe Cottage)
Day 08: Thanjavur / Trichy
Tanjore is also known as Thanjavur (The rice bowl of TAMIL NADU). We will
proceed for sight seeing of Tanjore. Visit the famous Chola Temple of
Brihadeeshwara - A WORLD HERITAGE MONUMENT. Its bronze and handicrafts make
Tanjore one of the highlights of the tour to South India. The majesty of the
palaces and art gallery attached to the temple is really awe-inspiring. It
is also famous for the silk.
See the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadeeshwara. The temple is capped by a
monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was
taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp- an old technique used by
the Egyptians for building pyramids. You will also visit the Palace and its
Art Gallery, which contains several granite and bronze statues of the Chola
period.
Following the tour, we will drive to Trichy
Upon arrival, check into Grand Gardenia
Overnight at Hotel Grand Gardenia
(Executive Room)
Day 09: Trichy / Madurai
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Madurai
Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel Heritage Madurai
Madurai is one of the oldest cities of southern India. It has been a center
of pilgrimage, for centuries. The Meenakshi temple, the main architectural
attraction here, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with
gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a profusion
of multicolored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures.
Afternoon we will walk along the main street leading to the temple. The
well-organized confusion caused by pilgrims in traditional clothes, pavement
shops of all shades, holy men in robes of different colours etc add an
unmistakable colour and atmosphere to this fascinating Temple City.
Overnight at Heritage Madurai (Deluxe
Club Room)
Day 10: Madurai / Cardamom House
After
breakfast we will proceed on a guided tour of Terumalai Nayak Mahal.
The palace was built in 1636 by Thirumalai Nayakar. A classic example of the
Indo-Saracenic style, the piece de resistance of this Mahal is its carved
dome outsoars without the support of girders or rafters. The stucco
work on its domes and arches is remarkable. The gigantic pillars and
structures represent the amazing architectural mastery of Nayak Kings. The
courtyard and the dancing hall are being the center of attractions. There
are around 248 pillars of each 58 feet toll and 5 feet diameter. Furniture
and utensils used by the kings have been exhibited inside the palace.
We will also visit Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, which is a huge
temple tank. The mandapam in the centre has an idol of Vigneshwara
(Vinayaka). This tank was said to have been dug by Tirumala Nayaka. It is
the biggest tank of its kind in Tamil Nadu and one of the most imposing
sights of Madurai when it is full of water. The vinayaka idol was found when
the earth was being dug out from here to build the Thirumalai Nayakkar
Mahal. So, the place attained sanctity and was converted into a teppakulam
(tank).
Our tour includes a visit to The Gandhi Memorial Museum, which is meant to
be living Institutions and not merely a building preserving and
showing exhibits, however precious. It seeks to help an ever increasing
number of people to understand and to value the life, work and teachings of
Gandhiji
Later,
we will drive to Cardamom House, situated in stunningly beautiful
surroundings on a hillside of the Western Ghats over-looking a monsoon
dependent 400-acre lake. Cardamom House is owned and managed by Dr. Chris
Lucas, a retired English physician, ably assisted by 6 Indian staff. All
rooms have either twin or separate double-bedded accommodation, face south,
and have modern western style bathroom facilities en-suite with solar heated
hot water. The water comes from deep bore wells and is potale. With just two
guests to each staff member we can assure that you will, be personally
looked after and "spoiled rotten" during your stay. The meals are
prepared using only the freshest produce purchased daily from the local
markets and the house takes great pride in the variety of food that they
serve.
Besides experiencing a great, traditional accommodation in stunning natural
settings, we also want you to experience a typical back of beyond unhurried
Athoor village that has remained frozen in time. We suggest that you simply
stroll through the village at your own pace, absorbing the atmosphere and
watching as the rural life unfolds. On the track you will pass a Hindu
Temple situated under a Banyan Tree, Continuing your stroll you will pass
Banana Plantations, fields of Chilli and Groundnuts, and of course hundreds
upon hundreds of Coconut Trees. The villagers whose Way of life is dependent
on agriculture, are Very friendly and will welcome you. Some of the Cardamom
House staff either hail from, or are living in Athoor and will ensure that
they are there to help you, introduce you to people and help with the
devilishly difficult Tamil language, Athoor is truly an unspoiled Indian
Village waiting to be discovered.
Overnight at Cardamom House (Deluxe Room)
Day 11: Cardamom House / Periyar (150
Kms) (02 ½ Hrs Drive)
Morning, we will drive to Periyar through the scenically vibrant valley of
the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at
Thekkady in Kerala, is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India. About
a century ago, a British engineer, Col. J. Penn ycuick, chalked out a plan
to dam the Periyar River, subsequently, a dam was constructed in 1895. This
resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection, by the Maharaja
of Travancore. The 55 sq km reservoir and the surrounding forests, provide
protection to the animals within. Today, Periyar is undeniably, one of the
most impressive wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
Upon arrival check into the Cardamom County
This evening, we will enjoy a boat ride along the lake into the more inner
areas of the reserve. There is probably no sanctuary in the world where
elephant behavior can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety. The
total population is about 800. From the lake we can get as close as 20
meters to watch placid groups feeding, bathing and mud slinging. We end this
adventurous day at our hotel, turning in for the night matching the tranquil
pace of the forest around us.
Overnight at Cardamom County (Periyar
cottage)
Day 12: Periyar
Following breakfast this morning we would take a short trek inside the
forest. The birdlife comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfishers, great
hornbills (the great Malabar hornbill) and racket-tailed drongoes. The
reptilian population boasts of monitor lizards that can be spotted basking
in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore, especially in the cooler
months. Pythons, king cobras, flying lizards, flying squirrels, flying
snakes and to top it all, flying frogs are the other inhabitants of this
amazing sanctuary.
There are a few fascinating tribal villages around the Periyar, primarily
the Manan and Oorali tribes. The Mana ns are ace fishermen, and a few of
them still indulge in the traditional, if dangerous, practice of collecting
the honey of large and deadly hill bees. The Ooralis build tree dwellings,
though not as residences, but watchtowers to keep wild pigs, and elephants
from ruining their crops.
After the trek, we board rafts made of bamboos for a rafting experience
through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The
rafting is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of
forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and
sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake.
The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5 pm. An armed guard
and guides will accompany us. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served
Enroute
Overnight at Cardamom County (Periyar
cottage)
Day 13: Periyar / Munnar
After breakfast, we drive to the Munnar through the scenically vibrant
valley of the Cardamom Hills of the Western. We would stop a few times to
interact with locals as well as walk through the countryside to explore
traditional and ethnic lifestyles. Its a journey through extensive tea
and spice plantations and for most part of our journey; the air is rendered
with the fragrance of tea and spices.
Munnar, a hill station on the Western Ghats and with its lakes, reservoirs,
forests and tea estates is the Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It is beautifully
situated at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni
and Kundala. Munnar is a major center of Kerala's tea industry.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Tea County
We have two days at leisure to explore the virgin beauty of the place and
its several possibilities at your own pace. Anaimudi (2694 m), the highest
peak in the southern India, is nearby and the views from here are
incredible. Munnar offers some great possibility for nature walks and visits
to nearby tribal villages where people, though poor are extremely friendly,
charming and hospitable. The ethnic lifestyles, traditional homes and the
traditional occupation with ethnic tools and implements provides an
incredible experience. The forest that surround Munnar are still rich in
wildlife. The hills surrounding Munnar are home for one of the world's
rarest mountain goats, Nilgiri tahr. The tropical forests are inhabited by
elephants, tigers, deer and gaur (bison) Munnar is a birdwatcher delight
with a variety of birds that are supported by the evergreen vegetation of
the region. If one seek a sense of peace, a desire to communicate with
nature and most importantly participate in a journey through a living
museum, Munnar is the place that seeks to provide all this in a heavenly
setting.
Overnight at Tea County (Deluxe Room)
Day 14: Munnar
Munnar is surrounded by 30 tea gardens; the atmosphere is fragrant with
extensive tea and cardamom plantations. Tea estates are situated mostly on
the inner slopes of an elevated basin-like plateau. Estate elevations vary
from about 1220 m to over 1830 m. some of the tea plantations, at an
elevation of over 2135-m, are among the highest in the world. It would be
worthwhile to visit some of these tea gardens to witness the plucking of
leaves by women who carry conical bamboo baskets on their back and strapped
to their forehead by a cloth band. The work on the field is all done by hand
and is a fascinating sight. You may also visit the nearby Lockhart Gap,
which provides a panoramic view of the valley and plantation down below. The
enchanting high range of lakes and streams, the low-flying clouds and the
mist-filled valleys cast a magical spell, which lingers long in the memory.
You could also visit the Mattupetty dam and lake, Rajamala, the natural
habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat and the Eravikulam National
Park.
Overnight at Tea County (Deluxe Room)
Day 15: Munnar / Alleppey / Houseboat
After breakfast we ride to Alleppey for a houseboat experience through the
narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala.
The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and
Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc.
The main wood used is "Anjali ". The Houseboat provides all
comforts - Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional
lanterns are used as lights. The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavour
along with the local Specialities - delicious fish and prawns.
We spend the day Cruising on our boat through remote tribal villages along
the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. Sensational in its
own silent way, the cruise takes you along snake boat docks, friendly
cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit)
shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields and
manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other. The experience
enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas.
Overnight abroad Air-Conditioned
Houseboat
Day 16: Houseboat / Kumarakom
After breakfast, the houseboat traverses through narrow channels and canals
and reaches Kumarakom.
Upon arrival check in to Lemon Tree Vembanand Lake Resort
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities
Overnight at Lemon Tree Vembanand Lake
Resort (Superior Lake Front Room)
Day 17: Kumarakom
Day is free for independent activities. You can also enjoy the optional
ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the
surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride
through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala
Overnight at Lemon Tree Vembanand Lake
Resort (Superior Lake Front Room)
Day 18: Kumarakom / Mararikulam
After breakfast, we will drive to Mararikulam
Upon arrival, check into hotel Marari Fishermen Village Beach Resort
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Marari Fishermen Village
Beach Resort (Cottage)
Day 19 - 20: Mararikulam
Days at leisure to enjoy your exquisite beach resort and the amazing
countryside and tribal villages that adjoin the place
Overnight at Marari Fishermen Village
Beach Resort (Cottage)
Day 21: Mararikulam / Cochin
Following a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Cochin
Upon arrival, check into hotel Tea Bungalow
Kathakali Dance:
A
special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness the strength
and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian
epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make-up, the masks and
the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable
sense of pageantry.
Overnight at Tea Bungalow (Heritage Room)
Day 22: Cochin
After
a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the City. The true
character of the city is to be found in the older parts of the Fort Cochin
area. It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000 years back, when it was
first built. The roads have not been widened because the old haggard
buildings, through patchwork repairs over the centuries, still stand on the
edges. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal,
Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. The
fishing community of Cochin is also very interesting. They ancient
cantilevered fishing nets called Chinese Fishing Nets. The net is fixed to a
pole on the shore. While fishing, the entire net is lowered by a primitive
fulcrum mechanism using long bamboo poles. By the same mechanism the pole is
lifted along with the catch. We will explore the sights of Photographic as
well as cultural interest. We would also visit the 16th century Mattancherry
Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace since the Dutch substantially
renovated the palace in the 17th century. The double storied quadrangular
building surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple. The Central Hall
on the first floor was the coronation hall of the Rajas of Cochin; on
display are their dresses, turbans and palanquins. The most important
feature of this palace, however, is the astonishing murals in the
bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other
religious legends. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful
and extensive anywhere to be seen in India. The unique feature here is the
unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52.
They are self-contained and have there own Synagogue.
The area around the Synagogue, known, as Jew Town is one of the
main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms huddle together in old
dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger,
cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy. The potters are
loading gunny bags of spices on to carts, which keep running up and down the
narrow lanes. We would visit Jew Town, in the Mattancherry section and a
short walk from the ferry, is one street long. Jews used to occupy virtually
all the houses on Jew Town Road, where they sold fruits, vegetables and
spices or worked as oil pressers or carpenters. The spice markets are still
located on the narrow street.
Overnight at Tea Bungalow (Heritage Room)
Day 23: Cochin / Ooty
Following a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Ooty
Upon arrival check into your hotel Taj Savoy
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities
Overnight at Taj Savoy a Taj Group
Hotel (Superior Room)
Day 24: Ooty
This morning we will proceed to a guided tour of Ooty
Nestled among some of the most spectacular mountains in Southern India,
Ooty is a relic of the British Raj. The towns general appearance is an
unlikely combination of Southern England and Australia, with single -storey
stone cottages surrounded by trees, fenced flower gardens scattered along
leafy, and winding lanes with tall eucalypti stands covering the otherwise
barren hilltops. The other main reminders of the British period are the
stone Churches and the huge boy's school with its landscaped gardens at the
bottom of Ooty's famous lake There is also the terraced and very English
Botanical Gardens, in which the Government House stands on the lower slopes
of Doddabetta (2623m), the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. From the top of
Doddabeta you can see Connor, Wellington, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam and, on a
clear day, as far as Mysore.
Overnight at Taj Savoy a Taj Group
Hotel (Superior Room)
Day 25: Ooty / Bangalore Bangalore /
Chennai (IT 2417 1900 / 2000 Hrs)
Following a leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Bangalore airport to
connect your flight to Chennai
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Chennai and transfer to your hotel
Radha Regent
Overnight at Radha Regent (Superior Room)
Day 26: Chennai / Departure
Transfer to the International airport to connect your onward flight back
home.
END OF SERVICES :
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on
your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an
indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our
guest, and as we say in India Please Come back Soon
Cost Based On 02 People Traveling Together Sharing 01 Room
Cost valid for period till 30
th September, 2013: -
INR
143,400* Per Person
Cost valid from 01
st October till 31
st March, 2014:
-
INR 165,550* Per Person
Additional Per Person/Per Night Cost For
Suggested Upgrades To Hotels In Various Cities
| Destination
|
Suggested
Upgraded Hotels |
Trip
Advisor Rating |
Additional
Cost
Till 30th Sep |
From 01st
Oct 31st Mar
2014 |
| Cochin |
Vivanta By Taj Malabar |
4.5 star |
INR 800
Per Person |
INR 2,700
Per Person |
|
Brunton Boatyard Fort |
4.5 star |
INR 1,150
Per Person |
INR 6,250
Per Person |
|
The Trident |
4.5 star |
INR 200
Per Person |
Available At Par |
 |
| Munnar |
Tea County |
3.5 star |
INR 8,50
Per Person |
INR 1,450
Per Person |
 |
| Periyar |
Spice Village |
4.5 star |
INR 2,050
Per Person |
INR 4,350
Per Person |
 |
| Kumarakom |
Coconut Lagoon |
4.5 star |
INR 2,000
Per Person |
INR 3,800
Per Person |
|
Vivanta By Taj |
4.5 star |
INR 1,450
Per Person |
INR 3,650
Per Person |
 |
| Mararikulam |
Marari Beach (Casino) |
4.5 star |
INR 2500
Per Person |
INR 5,800
Per Person |
 |
| Madurai |
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai |
4.5 star |
INR 400
Per Person |
INR 1,100
Per Person |
 |
| Madurai |
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai |
4.5 star |
INR 650
Per Person |
INR 1,250
Per Person |
 |
| Chennai |
Taj Coromandel |
4 star |
INR 3,700
Per Person |
INR 5,500
Per Person |
|
Hilton Chennai |
4 star |
INR 1,200
Per Person |
INR 2,150
Per Person |
 |
| Houseboat |
Spice Coast Cruise |
4.5 star |
Available at Par |
INR 1,000
Per Person |
NOTE: - Upgrades at same price available depending upon exact date
of travel.
*T & C Apply
Includes : Accommodation on twin share basis; daily American
breakfast; air-conditioned private car for all journeys and tours; local
guides; Jungle trek in Periyar; Train journey in air conditioned
carriages as per the itinerary; Airfare for the Bangalore / Chennai sector
in economy class (Discounted airfare subject to change & availability)
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!