ART & CULTURE OF SOUTHERN INDIA – 12 days in India

MUMBAI, CHENNAI, MAHABALIPURAM, MADURAI, THEKKADI, KUMARAKOM AND KOCHI

Relish the luxury of some of the finest hotels in Mumbai and southern India. Experience the ancient culture and religion in the intricately carved Hindu temples. Relax on the backwater cruise in Kerala. Visit the spice gardens that enticed European traders to discover the sea route to India. Enjoy a pleasant and entertaining cultural evening with the famous, classical Kathakkalli Dance of Kerala. Continental, Vegan and Vegetarian cuisine can be arranged if required.

Day 1 // MUMBAI

Reception at Airport and transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Private guided tour of Mumbai: The Prince of Wales Museum is a magnificent structure, built in a confluence of Gothic and Moorish styles, and crowned by a sparkling white dome. It boasts a good collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, plus some priceless Tibetan and Nepali Art; Dhobi Ghat is where hundreds of the traditional washer folk of Mumbai collect dirty laundry, wash it, and return it neatly pressed, all for a very small fee;
Mani Bhavan is the old Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a pretty, two-storied structure that now houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo exhibition of the life of the Mahatma, and well preserved memorabilia; Gateway to India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911;
Located in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, The Taj Mahal & Palace Hotel, is an elegant luxury hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea that offers impeccable service, understated luxury and excellent facilities including an exclusive spa and fitness center by Banyan Tree. All the rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully decorated. Every guest room features a separate dressing area and well appointed bathroom with separate shower. Rooms and suites are arranged around a vast marble floored atrium at the centre of the hotel, with outer views over the city, the bay, or the ocean. There are a number of exciting dining options from traditional Indian to international and contemporary cuisine. Overnight in Taj Mahal & Palace Hotel at Gateway of India or The Oberoi Hotel.

Day 2 // MUMBAI

Private cruise through Mumbai Harbor brings you to the 6^th century rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta Island. In 1987, the caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rock-cut temple complex covers an area of 60,000 square ft consisting of a main chamber, two lateral ones, courtyards and subsidiary shrines. The site of these magnificent caves contained beautiful reliefs, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu god Siva. The caves are hewn from solid rock. The temple complex is said to be the abode of Shiva. Overnight in Taj Mahal & Palace Hotel at Gateway of India or The Oberoi Hotel.

Day 3 // MUMBAI-CHENNAI

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and local tour company agent to board flight from Mumbai to Chennai. Private guided tour of the city includes:
A drive through Marina Beach, one of the worlds longest beaches is 13 km long;
Visit the shrine of St Thomas Basilica. In the whole world, there are only three churches built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ - the Basilica of Saint Peter built over the tomb of St.Peter in Rome, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela built over the tomb of St.James in Spain and Basilica of the Shrine of St. Thomas built over the tomb of St.Thomas in Chennai, India.
Visit the Aarupadaiveedu Temple which is located in Besant Nagar, on the Bay of Bengal shore, near the Ashtalakshmi temple.
Chennai (Madras) is a culturally rich city with temples, museums, and churches. A stroll on the Marina Beach, the 2nd longest beach in the world is recommended, especially early in the morning to catch the glorious spectacle of the sunrise. Just a little further on is Fort St. George, which was the British seat of power until Independence. A short walk away is the Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another famous temple worth visiting is the Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane. Both these temples are centuries old and rich in grandeur and cultural heritage. Overnight in Taj Coromandal Hotel or Taj Connemara Hotel.

Day 4 // CHENNAI-MADURAI

Private guided tour of Mahabalipuram. Situated on the Bay of Bengal, it was a well established sea port during the 7th to 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. Great poets, dramatists, artists, scholars and saints emerged during this time, and the Pallavas pioneered new styles in both art and architecture - though it was forgotten in time until the late 18th century. The rock cut caves, temples made from a single rock, and bas-reliefs are of exceptional quality, and are enhanced by the gorgeous beach and massive Casuarinas trees. Raintree is a specialty restaurant and features authentic southern Indian cuisine. With a history of over 18 years, Chennai's only iconic Chettinad Restaurant, is open for lunch in an air-conditioned indoor setting and for dinner in an enhanced al-fresco setting. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and local tour company agent to board the flight from Chennai to Madurai. The highpoint of visits to temple cities is Madurai, spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu. Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi or Fish-eyed Goddess). The temple has a stunning architecture. It is literally a splendid art gallery with each stone, each image breathing the tradition of this ancient and vibrant culture. Kallazhagar Temple, in the outskirts of Madurai is one of the 108 Divya Desams of the Sree Vaishnava tradition. The ancient Tirupparamkunram temple enshrining Subramanya is one of the 6 Aarupadai Veedu shrines of Skanda. Also located in Madurai is the lesser known Shivastalam of Tiru Aappanoor enshrining Aappudaiyaar. Overnight in Taj Garden Retreat or Sangam Hotel.

Day 5 // MADURAI

Private guided tour of Madurai, one of the great temple towns of South India. The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi or Fish-eyed Goddess). The temple has a stunning architecture and it was a frontrunner in the election for the modern seven wonders of the world for its architectural importance. The Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as 'Venkateswara' (or Srinivasa) and attracts Hindus from across the world and is the most visited religious place in the world. The temple is the world's richest in terms of the wealth of offerings and gifts given by visiting pilgrims. Overnight in Taj Garden Retreat or Sangam Hotel.

Day 6 // MADURAI-THEKKADY

Transfer to Thekkady with private vehicle and driver. Private guided tour of a Kerala spice plantation, where you can see natural pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. While exploring the Kerala spice plantations, you can go for nature walks, bird watching treks, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air. Thekkady. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Picturesque plantations and hill towns hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. The Land Where Pepper Grows. Spice Village is located in the Periyar wilderness, high in the western ghats of Kerala. For centuries, the area attracted voyagers and adventurers, mercenaries and empire builders, kings and merchant princes. Men and women drawn not only by the lure of spices, but by the romance and wild beauty of the land. The Portuguese and the Jews of Cochin visited this area as traders, turning the natural bounties of the area into wealth. Pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace and anise the Periyar hills became taste factory of nature in the 14th century, as Cochin became natural harbor, the port of lading for a spice-hungry world. Today, the rainforests, the animals and the vast silences attract the modern visitor. Overnight in Spice Village or Taj Garden Retreat.

Day 7 // THEKKADY-KUMARAKOM

Transfer to Kumarakom with private vehicle and driver. Kumarakom - An invigorating, fascinating paradise. The slender coconut palms, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties. The charming emerald peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. Kumarakom Lake Resort nestles on the serene banks of the Vembanad, the vast stretch of emerald green backwaters in Kerala. Sprawling across 25 acres of lush greenery, set in soul-stirring ambience, the villas and suites of the resort are a careful reconstruction of the 16 th century traditional homesteads. Most of them have been transplanted from their original locations across the State and reassembled painstakingly by hand, plank by plank, tile by tile. A complete range of amenities include the Ayurveda Spa, swimming pool, meditation centre, health club, multi-cuisine restaurants, traditional Kerala teashop and countless other attractions in and around the resort. Overnight in Kumarakom Lake Resort or Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa.

Day 8 // KUMARAKOM

Enjoy a private tour of the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. Spread across 14 acres the sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here. The best way to watch the birds is a boat trip round the islands. Overnight in Kumarakom Lake Resort or Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa.

Day 9 // KUMARAKOM-KOCHI

Alleppey is spread through canals, lakes & lagoons. Your private guided tour by boat includes sailing down a maze of canals where one sees different scenes from the villages, paddy fields, coconut palms, fisherman and local life. Transfer to Kochi with private vehicle and driver. Kochi (Cochin) has a powerful lure for tourists. Its location between the blue, blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the emerald backwaters, rich medley of Indian and foreign architecture, unusual sights like the Chinese fishing nets, and quaint localities like the Jewish Quarter, all draw the attention of visitors. Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the southern region with its prime location on the west coast, fine bay, and protected harbor. Merchant ships made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood, en-route to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. The city was alternately controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, whose influences are evident in the architecture of city buildings. Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour, the Taj Malabar combines old-world elegance with modern day convenience. In its heritage wing, built in 1935, graceful Victorian interiors aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin. Its tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary. Guest Amenities include Wireless Internet connectivity, international direct dialing facility, electronic safe, mini bar, hair dryer and television with satellite programs. All rooms also offer mineral water, tea/coffee maker, and a fruit platter. Overnight in Taj Malabar or Brunton Boatyard.

Day 10 // KOCHI

Private guided tour of Kochi (Cochin). The first stop is the Jewish synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. A short boat ride to Bolghatty is the Dutch palace offering a fantastic view of the city. This palace is notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, particularly in the bed chambers. In that room one can see the entire story of Ramayana on the walls. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites. Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Dating back to the 17th century, it originated in the south Indian state of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. Usually performed only by men, the actors rely very heavily on hand gesture to convey the story. Overnight in Taj Malabar or Brunton Boatyard.

Day 11 // KOCHI-MUMBAI

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. COK-BOM Private guided tour of Bollywood, the center of the second largest movie industry in the world (the largest by volume of released films). Mumbai (Bombay), the cosmopolitan capital of the country is located in the west of India. Its most recognizable monument is the Gateway to India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. From there you can catch a boat to the Elephanta Island, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can see rock-cut temples and caves dating back to the 6th century. There are museums such as the Gandhi, art galleries, bazaars, parks and temples. Bollywood, the film industry in Mumbai produces over 400 films a year and is therefore, the largest movie industry in the world. The actors enjoy their god-like statuses and dwell in exclusive mansions on Malabar Hill. Since it opened in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai has created its own unique history. Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic cantilever stairway. Overnight in Taj Mahal & Palace Hotel at Gateway of India or The Oberoi Hotel.

Day 12 // MUMBAI

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Depart from Mumbai international airport - end of itinerary.

The cost includes:

Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis for 11 nights at the following hotels / similar category hotels will be offered incase of non availability at given hotels:

The above cost includes:

·          Accommodation on Double/Twin Room Sharing basis for 11 nights at the above mentioned hotels / similar category hotels will be offered incase of non availability at given hotels

·          Based on room with breakfast basis

·          Transfers and sightseeing by chauffer driven air-conditioned Toyota Innova van as per hotel category

·          Two bottles of water per day available in the van

·          All Government taxes, Road tax and tolls, parking fees and driver’s overnight wages

·          Tours with professional English Speaking Local Guide as per itinerary.

·          Entry fee to all monuments and places of interest as per the itinerary (One Time)

·          Gala Cultural Evening with south Indian classical dance drama, Kathakalli

·          The rates are valid till April 2010

Not included in the prices:

·          Cost of international airfare, we will be glad to get you the best airfares through our international flight consolidator

·          Cost of Travel Guard Group Insurance, please inquire the premium amount and coverage details (highly recommended)

·          Cost of lunches and dinners

·          All drinks in hotels & restaurants etc.

·          Still and Video Camera Fees at monuments

·          Tips to drivers and guides as well as any item not included in the above (included) list

·          All expenses of personal nature like telephone calls / laundry / room service charges in hotels etc. as well as any Ayurvedic treatments and massages etc.

PAYMENTS:

Please fill out the registration form, sign it and mail it with an advance payment of $ 570 for luxury class hotel accommodations. The balance is payable 60 days before departure date. We will inform you the premium for travel insurance on receipt of your registration form. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit and debit card payments. There is an extra charge of 2.75% for payment with Visa, MasterCard or Discover cards because credit and debit card commissions are not included in the price.

Travel Guard Group Insurance: is highly recommended, please inquire for premium amount.