National Parks and Sancturies

India Heritage Tour | Royal Rajastan Tour | South India Temple Tour | Karnataka Ancient Glories | Andra Pradesh Cultural Tour | Best Of South India | South India Spice Tour | North India Tour | Palace On Wheels | Palace On Road

SOUTH INDIA SPICE TOURS


15 Nights / 16 Days South India Spice Tour

India's Great Divide is the Vindhya Mountains. They run from east to west, separating the fertile river valley of the Ganges called the Ganga, from the Deccan Plateau which occupies much of the peninsula of India. It also separates the north, where the predominant languages are Sanskrit - based (brought in by the Indo Iranian herds people about 3,500 years ago), from the Dravidian tongues brought in by a long headed race from the Mediterranean about a thousand years earlier. The South India's coastal plains are backed by the mountains rimming the wedge of the Deccan plateau. On these plains lie the best beaches in South India. On the rimming mountains, the western and eastern ghats are the tea, coffee and spice lands. Beyond these mountains, in the wedge shaped plateau, are great old cities supported by rich farm lands and a culture that has its roots in the almost historical Kumari Continent from where, they claim, civilization spread across the world. The south is gracious, graceful, Old India.

The delightful south; almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other regions of the country.

The Sloth Bear Foundation is a non-profit, self-reliant and independent organization registered as a trust. Participation in tours and expeditions contributes the needed money to fund the SBF conservation and rehabilitation projects.

Destinations Covered : Cochin - Kumarakom - Munnar - Vandenmedu - Kailasam - Periyar - Madurai - Chennai

ITINERARY :
Day 01 CochinOn Arrival Traditional Welcome & Transfer To Hotel. Overnight At Hotel.
Day 02 CochinBreak Fast. Full day tour around Cochin, visiting Mattancherry Palace, Fort Cochin, Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty palace, St. Francis Church. View the operation of the Chinese Fishing nets. Evening visit to Cochin Cultural centre for a Kathakalli Opera show. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03
Alleppey - Kumarakom
BreakFast. Drive to Alleppey and embark on to your houseboat. Cruise in the backwaters traversing the narrow canals, viewing the village life of Kerala. Evening the boat will anchor on the vembunad Lake. Overnight on board the houseboat.
Day 04 KumarakomBreakFast. Day free at Kumarakom. Optionally enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage. Overngiht at hotel.
Day 05
Kumarakom - Munnar
BreakFast. Depart Kumarakom for Munnar. Arrive and check-in Hotel in Munnar. Afternoon visit to Pullivasal Falls. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 MunnarBreakFast. Visit to Eravikulam National Park (you can optionally trek uphill). Then visit to Mattupatti Dam, Swiss Farm, Echo Point, etc. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.
Day 07
Munnar - Vandenmedu (Periyar)
BreakFast. Drive from Munnar to Vandanmedu or Periyar. Afternoon visit to Spice Plantation. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08
Vandenmedu
BreakFast. Visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by a boat safari. Optionally trek in the forest area. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09
Periyar - Madurai
BreakFast. Depart Periyar for Madurai. Arrive and check-in Hotel. Afternoon visit to Meenakshi Amman temple which is an excellent example of South India Temple Architecture. Also visit to Alagar Kovil and evening visit to Naicker Mahal Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10
Madurai - Tanjavur
BreakFast. Depart Madurai for Tanjavur. Arrive and check-in Hotel. Visit the Big Temple or Brigadeeswarar temple. Also visit the Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11
Tanjavur - Darasuram - Chidambaram - Pondicherry
Drive from Tanjavur to Darasuram, visit the temple of Aikateswarar, then drive to Chidambaram, visit to Sri Nataraja Temple. Drive on to Pondicherry. Overnight at hotel
Day 12
Pondicherry - Mamallapuram
Breakfast. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, visit to the French colonial town, then visit to the beach and then to Auroville. Drive on to Mamallapuram via Gingee the stronghold of Marathas in the south. Reach Mamallapuram in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13
Mamallapuram
Visit to the shore temples, Pallava Ratham, the Arjunas penance and other temples in the town. Also visit the nearby town of Tirukazhukunram. Afternoon free for beach activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14
Mamallapuram - Kancheepuram - Chennai
Drive from Mamallapuram to Kancheepuram. Visit the temples of this heritage town. Proceed on to Chennai. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15
Chennai
City tour of Chennai, visiting Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Marina beach, santhome Basilica, Kapaliswarar temple, museums etc. Evening is free for shopping.
Day 16
Chennai - Departure
Drop at the airport. Depart Chennai for your destination.


Related links :
India Heritage Tour | Royal Rajastan Tour | South India Temple Tour | Karnataka Ancient Glories | Andra Pradesh Cultural Tour | Best Of South India | South India Spice Tour | North India Tour | Palace On Wheels | Palace On Road

Privacy policy | Site map | Terms of use
©Copyright slothbearfoundation.org. 2006. Banner photos © M.N.jayakumar CCF Karnataka Forest Dept.
Site by Cicada Media