Sculptures, Sprirituality & Serenity (Indian Style)

Blissful South India - November 2008 (18 days)

This year we are heading off to South India, a land of temples, hill stations, beaches, ayurveda and much more. We will travel through : Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry - Tanjore – Madurai – Munnar – Cochin - Alleppey (House Boat)- Varkala.

Meet the dravidians, Indias original population, come see some of the most spectatular temples in the world with breath taking sculptures and exquisite paintings. Experience the strange mixture of cultures left from the colonialization by france, holland and the portuguese. Eat the freshest fish while sitting in cliff top restaurants overlooking the ocean. Relax on a house boat drifting through miles of the amazing Keralan backwaters. Come south with us and see how lush India can be.

Mamallapuram (2 nights)

On Arrival in Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu, You will be met and assisted by our representative and we will drive 58 kms south to Mamallapuram.

Mamallapuram is a coastal village and a World Heritage sight famous for it's Shore Temple and other stunning stone carvings. Built in the 7th century, this ancient Pallava port is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. The only remaining shore temple is a two-spired shrine which is unique in that it houses shrines for Vishnu and Shiva. Arjuna's penance is the world's largest bas relief measuring 27m by 9m. This sculptural panel shows animals, Gods and Angels contemplating the descent of the Ganges from its source in the Himalayas and also depicts popular fables from the Panchatantra. Besides these, the Mahishamardhini Cave, the Krishna Mandapam and Varsha Mandapam also have beautiful reliefs depicting Vishnu reclining on the coils of seven headed serpent, Krishna as incarnation of Vishnu lifting mount Goverdhana to protect his kinsman from the wrath of Indra respectively. Apart from all these, you can happily hang out eating good sea food, wandering on the beaches and getting yourself acclimatized to India.

Pondicherry (2 nights)

From Mamallapuram we will drive 162 kms to Pondicherry. The old french colony with it's sea front promenade, wide boulevards, charming French architecture and mouth watering french cuisine, Pondichery is unlike anywhere else in India. It is also where Sri Aurobindo Asram is, which propounds spiritual tenets that represent a sysnthesis of yoga and modern science.

Chidambaram/Tanjore (1 night)

From Pondicherry we will drive 170 kms to Tanjore. We will be stopping at Chidambaram, to see the great temple complex of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva, a Dravidian architectural highlight and one of the holiest Siva sites in South India.

Tanjore, once the capital of the Cholas, a dynasty of temple builders who ruled south India between 10 century and 14 century, maintains it's glorious past, dominated by the superb World Heritage listed Brihadishwara Temple.

Madurai (1 night)

Our next stop is Madurai. One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD.

Come to the home of Meenakshi the 3 breasted fish eyed godesses who kept Shiva faithful with her with her sensual charms. The awe-inspiring Meenakshi Temple in the heart of the old town is a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with the temple covered from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. There is also a wonderful exhibition of South Indian Gods and Goddess figures within the temple complex.

Munnar (2 nights)

From Madurai we head off to Munnar, Paradise of nature lovers, Munnar was the summer resort of the British government in South India. Surrounded by the Annamalai Hills, this hill station offers spectacular views of the craggy peaks, manicured tea estates, picturesque towns and winding lanes. Munnar in the wee hours of the morning is a dream, covered in mist.

Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the flower Neelakurinji, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Tiger, sambhar, bison, spotted deer, leopard, and Malabar flying squirrel, stripe-necked Mongoose etc. can also sometimes be spotted in the forest.

Cochin (3 nights)

After Munnar, we travel to Cochin, a town that perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Cochin has the oldest church in India, winding streets with mosques and 500 year old portugese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a 16th century synagogue in the Jewish Town, and a palace built by the Portugese given to the raja of Cochin. We will also be watching a Kathakali performance, a very old and traditional South Indian dance form.

Cochin is a tranquil place to relax, and immerse yourself in culture, nature and history.

Alleppey (4 nights)

Often called Venice of the East, Alleppey is famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Set in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the town is one of the best gateways to explore the countryside. A venue for the spectacular snake boat races during season.

We will spend a day and overnight on a Houseboat enjoying the backwaters of Kerala. Kettuvallom or Houseboats (Rice boats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

We will spend 3 nights in an Ayurvedic Resort and/or Farmhouse. (Details coming)

Varkala (3 nights)

Now it's time to unwind and relax! What better place than Varkala, an idyllic beach town with a laid back feel, and perfect beaches set against dramatic cliff-top setting. Take long or short walks, enjoy the multi-cuisine, hang out at coffee shops on the cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, take sun baths and eat fresh coconuts and pineapples on the beach and just relax.

Optional Extensions

Want to stay back and travel more?

• Want to spend a few days at Amma's Asram only few hours from Varkala?
• Want to fly off to Goa and check out the scene there?
• Want to rejuvinate yourself at an Ayurvedic Resort longer?
• Want to check out the Taj Mahal once you are in India?

Let us know and we can create packages tailored to your needs.