Terra Nova Travel

Professional trip designing for the inquisitive, independent and intrepid

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

• Cultures and Arts of South India

• January 8 to 26, 2007
  TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1. Jan 8 Travel from US to India.

Evening departure from Portland.

Day 2. Tue. Jan 9

Depart from San Francisco at 1:25am on Singapore Air

Day 3. Wed. Jan 10

Arrival late at night or early morning. Transfer to the Park Hotel (about 12 km).

Day 4. Thu. Jan 11 Rest and Acclimatization in Chennai

Rest until lunchtime. Free time to stroll the Park Hotel grounds -- your home for three nights. Optional group activities.

The Park Hotel is an urban haven, located in the heart of the business district of this modern, vibrant city with a distinct Old World charm. The elegant and lavish 215-room hotel stands on the historic premises of the erstwhile Gemini Film Studios. The hotel creates a unique story of textures, surfaces, shadow and light inspired by film and performance in its various forms. BL.

Day 5. Fri. Jan 12 Chennai: Full day sightseeing in Chennai

Chennai was the site of the first British settlement of the British East India Company. Today it is the capital of Tamil Nadu State, with a population of 5.4 million. We shall visit the 17th century Fort St. George – from where Chennai grew as an early “Factory House” on the beach, now housing government offices; St Mary’s Church, India’s first English church, completed in 1680, with cannon-proof roofs and 1.3 m thick walls; vast and lengthy Marina Beach, where locals stroll and meet; Santhome Cathedral, which houses the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle; Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a 16th century Shiva temple; and the Bronze Gallery of the Government Museum.

A special welcome dinner will be hosted by a personal friend of Nancy Pole-Wilhite’s, who resides in Chennai, and has great insight into the history, culture and who’s who of Chennai. Overnight at the Park Hotel. BLD

Day 6. Sat. Jan 13 Chennai: Kanchipuram Day Trip

After breakfast drive approximately 50 km to Kanchipuram, a spectacular temple city that reflects the glorious traditions of South India, dating back to the 2nd century. Capital city of the Pallavas, and for successive dynasties, this ancient city of a thousand temples is a major Hindu pilgrim center and one of the seven most scared sites in India. We will visit the highlights, illustrating various architectural styles, and adorned with Hinduism’s favorite deities carved in bas-relief. Kanchipuram is also known for its handloom industry. The exquisite silk saris and cloths made from pure mulberry silk yarn are world famous and the best in the country (and available for sale here). Return to the Park Hotel for overnight. BL

 

Day 7. Sun. Jan 14 Chennai to Mahabalipuram and Kovalam(Covelong)

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, the site of the famous rock temples of the Pallava Emperors of the 7th and 8th centuries, now a World Heritage site. Perched on a rocky outcropping, the shoreline site offers a stunning vista. Mahabalipuram contains nearly forty monuments of different types including an open-air bas-relief, which is the largest in the world.

Drive up the coast to Kovalam, and check into the Taj Fisherman’s Cove, set on a beautiful seaside site. Once an impressive Dutch Fort, it is now one of the finest beach resorts in Southern India, with cottages set on the palm-fringed, white sandy beach lapped by the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Dine on freshly caught seafood. Overnight at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove. BL

Day 8. Mon. Jan 15 Kovalam-Chennai-Madurai

Drive to Chennai airport and fly to Madurai. Check in at the Taj Garden Retreat. Perched atop Pasumalai hill, amidst 62 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel is a seamless blend of 105-year-old colonial architecture and recent renovations, with picturesque views of the temple city and the Kodai hills. A haven of solitude and relaxation, the hotel offers a relaxing palette of local colours, materials, and fabrics.

Madurai is often referred as the Athens of the East, and the cradle of Tamil Culture. It is also the thriving pulse of Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai is more than 2,500 years old and was an important cultural and commercial centre as early as 550 AD, when it was the capital city for the Pandya kings.

Take an afternoon sightseeing tour to Sri Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple – contemporary with the Taj Mahal in Agra, with 4,000 granite sculptures, imposing towers, and the “Tank of the Golden Lotus”; and Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style with numerous domes, arches and ornate stucco work. Overnight at the Taj Garden Retreat. BL

Day 9 Madurai – Thekkady Tue. Jan 16

After breakfast, drive into the cool lush hills, and to lakeside Thekkady at 800 m/2624 ft. Check in at the Spice Village Resort. The grounds of this magnificent spot merge with the spice gardens and the verdant landscape bordering the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve.

Spice Village Resort is a world-renowned resort that's consistently won acclaim for its service, its cuisine and the unique experiences it offers.

Afternoon is free for exploring on your own. The peaceful environment at the resort is ideal for nature cures. A specialized Ayurveda and yoga centre offers massages and healthful treatments. Settle in for two nights at Spice Village Resort. BL.

 

Day 10 Wed. Jan 17 Spice Plantations of Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

A day for gentle nature walks, a boat ride on the Lake Periyar and a visit to the Spice Plantations. Rise early for a morning boat ride on the lake when birds and wildlife are best viewed, and the stillness of the water and changing light are magical. Return to the resort for breakfast. Tour nearby plantations of cardamom, pepper, and other highland spices. Overnight at the Spice Village Resort.

Covering an area of 300 square miles Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the home of wild elephants, Sambar (a large antlered deer), wild boar, barking deer, leopard, bison, monkeys, Malabar squirrel, and the Royal Bengal Tiger, protected through Project Tiger since 1973. BL.

 

 

 

 

Day 11 Thu.Jan 18 Houseboat on Lake Vembanad

Rise early and transfer to the houseboat launching site near Allepey. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, were used to carry rice bags in the earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed, using local materials such as bamboo poles, coconut finer ropes, bamboo mats, and carpets. Spending the night on one of these houseboats is a fabulous experience, and a relaxing way to explore the fascinating beauties of the backwaters of Lake Vembanad. These boats have single and double rooms, fully furnished with attached bathrooms, with a private balcony and comfortable chairs. Each boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialities and fresh vegetables. Overnight on houseboat BLD.

 

Day 12 Cochin Fri. Jan 19

After breakfast, depart the houseboat and drive to Cochin, set on a promontory separating the inland waterways from the Arabian Sea.

Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China and retains a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with its colourful Portuguese architecture, Jewish Synagogue, Christian churches, and a relaxed seaside ambiance adorned with Cochin’s unique cantilevered Chinese fishnets.

Check in to the Malabar House, a Heritage Hotel built in a charming 18th century colonial home in the historical center of Fort Cochin, facing St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. A Dutchman bought the house on 27th May 1755 – according to remaining deeds -- for $756. In 1795 the British conquered Fort Cochin and the ownership changed into British hands. Malabar House became eventually the residence of Wrinkler family. Overnight at Malabar House. BL

Day 13 Cochin Sat. Jan 20 Full day sightseeing in Cochin

Depending upon sights visited the day before, you’ll tour the following highlights: Fort Kochi, founded in 1503 by the Portuguese, now in ruins but for a plaque commemorating the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in 1500. The Portuguese also built Mattancherry Palace in 1557 as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. In 1663, the Dutch substantially rebuilt it. Rooms contain furnishings of royalty.

The Jews have claimed to have settled here in 587 BC and some legends trace their origin to King Solomon in 1030 BC. Visit the Jewish synagogue is in Mattancherry amidst a thriving antique market. A shopper’s delight.

Stroll along the beach and watch the fisherman dip their nets into the water from a skeleton structure. Most picturesque at dawn and sunset. Overnight at Malabar House BL

Day 14 Cochin- Mumbai-Aurangabad Sun. Jan 21

Fly Cochin to Mumbai and on to Aurangabad. Check into The Meadows. Relax and stroll the hotel’s gardens. BL

Day 15 Aurangabad: Ellora Caves Mon Jan 22

The Ellora caves constitute one of the most beautiful expressions of the art of the Indian Middle Ages, and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is noteworthy that three major Indian religions have laid joint claim to the caves peacefully since they were created. These breathtaking caves are definitely worth visiting for their remarkable relief, sculptures and architecture. Overnight in Aurangabad. BL

Day 16 Aurangabad: Ajanta Caves Tue. Jan 23

Full day sightseeing tour of Ajanta. The Buddhist caves of Ajanta are situated 100km northeast of Ellora. These magnificent caves containing carvings that depict the life of Buddha have also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They date from around 200 B.C. and their carvings and sculptures are considered to be the beginning of classical Indian art. Farewell Dinner BLD Day 17 Aurangabad - Mumbai -Chennai. Wed. Jan 24 Fly to Mumbai and on to Chennai. Overnight in Chennai. BL.

 

 

Day 18 Depart Chennai, fly to US , Thurs. Jan 25. arriving in US Fri. Jan 26

Pricing: Call Terra Nova Travel at 800-267-8002 or for current information.

• Contents © 2012 Terra Nova Tours
• Should you experience any problems with this web site please the webmaster.