South India Vacation Tour

Most flights arrive in Chennai very late in the evening. Upon arrival we will be greeted by a Voyages Extraordinaire representative and transferred to our hotel.

Overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the bustling capital city of Chennai, the fourth largest metropolitan city in India and the youngest.

Formerly known as Madras, the city remains steeped in rich tradition and civilization despite strong tides of modernization. The birth of the city is associated with the construction of Fort St. George by the British East India Company in 1639. It was the first bastion of British power and the nucleus from which its vast empire grew. Within the fort is St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in the country. Built in 1680, it was the site of Governor Elinu Yale’s wedding – the Governor of Chennai, who subsequently became the first benefactor and namesake of Yale University. Visit the Kapaleeshwar Temple, built by the Pallava Kings in the 8th century, it is a striking example of Dravidian architecture and the oldest temple in Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple boasts stunning sculptures and inscriptions dating back to 1250 A.D.

After lunch at a local restaurant, make your way towards Mamallapuram.

Mamallapuram, the “City of the Seven Pagodas.” En route, visit DakshinaChitra, a center for the living traditions of folk art and music, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, innovations and evolution of South India. Inspired by the artisans of nearby villages, Dr. Deborah Thiagrajan formed the Madras Craft Foundation in 1984 and its main project was the establishment of DakshinaChitra.

Return to your hotel in time for a relaxing dinner.

Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, EXCURSION TO KANCHIPURAM Mamallapuram was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram.

Begin the day with an early morning exploration of this dynasty’s rich history of art and architecture. A wealthy maritime trade with Southeast Asia enabled the Pallava monarchs to construct a stunning collection of rock temples, shrines and sculptures, which garnered them both religious merit and promoted the political and social ideals of South Indian society. Their greatest architectural achievement was reached in the visual dramatization of Indian mythology on delicately sculptured temples. Life-size stone statues of an elephant, bull and a lion guard these amazing structures, which were designated a World Heritage Site in 1984. One of the most striking works of art is "Arjuna’s Penance,” also known as “Descent of the Ganges,” a bas-relief depicting the epic tale from the Mahabharata of the hero Arjuna. Despite its mammoth proportions (27 meter long and 9 meter wide) it is carved with remarkably intricate detail. A number of stonecutters still work in Mamallapuram, producing traditional sculptures that are exported across the world.

Next set out for Kanchipuram, and upon arrival enjoy a traditional lunch.

Before continuing on to the city’s great temples, short detour to visit Kuttu Kalai Kudam, an inspiring community center for performing arts. Within this center is the Kattaikkuttu Youth Theatre School. Kattaikkuttu is a combination of dance, music, song and drama, depicting scenes from the epic Mahabharata. The school fosters the artistic, physical, emotional and intellectual development of rural, underprivileged children (6-18 years old), and provides a liberal education consisting of in-depth training in Kattaikkuttu and other art forms (contemporary dance, martial arts, story writing, photography) in addition to basic education (Tamil, English, mathematics, science, social science and computer skills). This school is the first to allow girls to participate in professional Kattaikkuttu training (traditionally an art form reserved solely for boys and men). Spend time at the school learning about Kattaikkuttu and witnessing a demonstration of the art form. You will also have the opportunity to tour around the school and meet the young student-performers.

Following our visit to the school return to Kanchipuram.

“The Golden City of a Thousand Temples.” This is one of the seven sacred cities of India (the second holiest after Varanasi) and the erstwhile capital of the Pallava Kings. The Pallava controlled southeastern India from the 3rd to 10th centuries A.D. Kanchipuram later became the bastion of the Chola and Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslims and the British.

Focus on the most significant and impressive temples, including Kailasanatha, the oldest temple, dating back to the 7th century, and Sri Ekambaranathar, the largest temple, covering over 12 hectares.

The town of Kanchipuram is also famous throughout India for producing the most exquisite silk saris. Time permitting visit the homes of the weavers and watch them spin their magic before returning to Mamallapuram for the night.

Overnight at the hotel.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, depart the quiet beach town of Mamallapuram and drive back to Chennai to catch your one-hour flight to Trichy.

Trichy was the site of many a bitter battle between the French and English for supremacy in India, and boasts a Chola citadel dating from the 10th century A.D. The city came into prominence under the Nayakas from Madurai who built the spectacular Rock Fort and surrounding town. Drive by the fort for a quick look (skipping the 437- step climb to the top), and then continue to the spectacular Srirangam Temple.

Often overlooked by foreigners, Srirangam is the largest and most well-preserved temple complex in South India. The most obvious and artistically significant structures are the temple’s many gopurams, the soaring pyramidal gateway towers of Dravidian temples. The gopuram at the main entrance is the tallest in India at over 230 feet. Inside, concentric square circuits that divide worshippers by caste lead to the main sanctum, defined by a final, gold gopuram and substantial door that is opened only for prayer, revealing the deity – in this case, Vishnu – inside. Non-Hindus are not allowed beyond the sixth set of walls, well short of the sanctum, but the greater complex is the real treasure, filled with pilgrims, priests, families and shade seekers. And just outside the temple is a bustling bazaar where one can find everything from religious offerings to some of the best coffee in India.

In the late afternoon arrive in Tanjore, the capital city of the Chola Empire from the 9th to 13th centuries A.D.

Tanjore was the chief political, literary and religious center of the South for many centuries, and your hotel near here is set on a picturesque river not far from the modern town. Ideal River View Resort.

Overnight at the hotel. After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the celebrated World Heritage Site, Brihadishwara Temple, a major achievement in Chola history.

The temple, which dates to 1010 A.D., contains colorful frescoes, multiple linga shrines, and a 25-ton Nandi Mandapa (bull) carved from a single piece of granite. The inner sanctum here is unique in that non-Hindus are allowed to enter, and often receive a blessing from the priest on duty. You also visit a local school where you will see traditional Tanjore paintings being produced. This ancient technique of painting, originating in the 16th century, depicts Hindu gods and goddesses on solid wooden planks whose raised surfaces are adorned with gold leaf and semiprecious stones.

Later this afternoon drive across the great central plains of Tamil Nadu. In the late afternoon you arrive in Chettinad and check into Visalam, a magnificent house-turned-hotel with a colorful history that you will come to know well over the next two days.

Overnight at the hotel. After breakfast at the hotel explore Chettinad.

Chettinad is a region of over 75 villages that is famous for its mansions and culinary delicacies. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who mostly migrated to South East Asia during the 19th century. They built opulent mansions of marble, granite and Burmese teak, incorporating elaborate pillars, gates and inner courtyards. You will spend the day leisurely exploring these mansions, as well as temples and village markets where you will witness local craftsmen working with wood, metal, silver and textiles. For lunch you will enjoy a cooking demonstration and authentic Chettinad feast. This regional cuisine is characterized by its liberal use of oils and spices such as peppercorn, cardamom, cinnamon and red and green chilies. It is well known for producing some of the country’s best chutneys and softest idlis (a steamed rice cake popular throughout the south).

In the late afternoon we return to our hotel, where we can enjoy sunset from the veranda and a relaxing evening spent in Chettiar style.

Overnight at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Madurai, the “temple town of South India.”

Madurai is one of South India’s oldest cities. It was the seat of the Pandya Empire between the 7th and 13th centuries and briefly served as the capital for an Islamic sultanate in the 14th century. In 1364, Madurai became a part of the Vijayanagara Empire and by the middle of the 16th century the local Hindu governors, the Nayakas, proclaimed Madurai an independent kingdom until it passed into the hands of the British in 1840. Madurai was home to the first sangam, the academy of Tamil poets and authors. Sangam literature represents the earliest writings in the Tamil language. Madurai is most famous for the awe-inspiring and riotously ornate Meenakshi Temple, located in the heart of the old city. With the construction of this temple, Madurai began to thrive as a cultural epicenter and cherished pilgrimage for Tamils. The temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Its construction began under the patronage of the Nayaka ruler Tirumala (1623-60 A.D.). The temple compound boasts a total of nine gopurams, all of which are obsessively decorated with brightly colored sculpted figures of various deities, demons, guardians and animals. The gopurams have been re-decorated and restored several times, and it is possible they may be surrounded by scaffolding during this trip as they have been in need of a tough up for some time. Also within the temple complex is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam – hall of a thousand pillars – with its fascinating study of human expression carved on each pillar, wall and ceiling.

Later visit Thirumalai Nayaka Palace and its massive courtyard and grand hall. Note the Islamic influences and striking dome above the main chamber. And between the temple and palace we can visit the nearby bazaar. A feast for the senses, the air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices and sweet smelling flowers bursting with vibrant color.

Finally, for those of you who are interested, may return to the Meenakshi Temple later this evening, after dinner, to witness a ceremony in which Shiva, represented by a silver lingam, is transported by palanquin amid much fire, incense smoke, and drum banging to the quarters of his consort, the temple namesake, Meenakshi (“Fish-eyed Goddess”). It’s a sight to behold.

Overnight at the hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast drive to a nearby village to witness the traditional folk music and dance dramas of Tamil Nadu.

These performances, exclusively arranged for you, provide an opportunity for the villagers to demonstrate how they celebrate the local festivals. Throughout the morning you will see many traditional forms of dance including Mayil Atam, performed by girls dressed as peacocks, and Pinnal Kolaattam, performed by women skipping over one another in intricate steps to form lace-like patterns with ropes. Kavadi Aattam, performed only by men, is a reenactment of the ancient Tamil tradition of going on pilgrimage with offerings for the gods tied to either end of a long stick which is balanced on the shoulders. To stave off the boredom on these long journeys, special songs and dances were created about the gods while carrying the Kavadi Sindu.

Enjoy a hearty lunch in the village, and the afternoon is free to interact with our hosts, gaining further insight into their unique and precious village culture.

In the early evening return to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel. After a leisurely breakfast drive continue your journey across Tamil Nadu, climbing westward into the verdant Western Ghats and up to the High Ranges of Kerala. Your destination is Munnar.

Munnar, a lush green hill station surrounded by sprawling tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations and perched at the foot of South India’s highest peak, Anamudi. Munnar (meaning “three rivers” in Tamil) is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. At about 5,500 feet, the town welcomes you with spectacular views and crisp mountain air, an ample reward at the end of a long drive. Munnar was originally developed by the British to cultivate tea. JD Munro, a British lawyer, leased 600 square kilometers of land in Munnar from the Maharaja of Travancore. At that time the land was covered in jungle, which he cleared to establish the first large-scale tea plantation in the south. After changing hands several times, the land was finally purchased by Tata Tea Ltd., the largest integrated tea company in the world. This afternoon you will visit the Tea Museum, where you will learn about the rich history and ongoing development of the tea plantations in Munnar. In the early evening you will settle into your secluded home for the next two nights.

Overnight at the hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast EXPLORING MUNNAR You begin today with a visit to the small but wonderful Eravikulam National Park.

With its beautiful landscape of high-altitude grassland, abundant flora and fauna, and sapphire blue lakes, not to mention the largest viable population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (similar to a mountain goat). We’ll be sure to stop to take in the views and a local market or two. We may also see hints of the unique Syrian Christian culture that characterizes the southwest coast of India, with several churches sprinkled among Munnar’s homes and shops.

Return to your hotel for lunch, and then set off on foot for an easy-going hike through the tea plantations that surrounding your bungalows. As you explore these spectacular rolling hills, you will likely encounter groups of smiling, brightly clad women who are diligently and meticulously harvesting while sharing stories and laughing amongst themselves. You are instantly reminded why South Indians are famous for their lightheartedness and hospitality.

Overnight at the hotel.
Early this morning begin your descent toward the Arabian Sea. The backwater region of Kerala is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves, interspersed with a 900-kilometer network of meandering waterways. Formed by 40 rivers that flow to the Arabian Sea from the Cardamom Hills, this network of canals, lakes and estuaries comprise one of India’s most enchanting regions.

You reach the backwaters in time for lunch aboard your private houseboat.

Traditionally called a Kettuvallom, or rice barge, the shallow and rounded hull of the boat is made without using a single nail. Each Anjali wood plank is joined to the next with strong coir rope and then coated with resin derived from boiled cashew kernels and fish oil. Spend the rest of the day leisurely plying the canals and quietly immersing yourselves in life along the backwaters, witnessing the daily rituals of river life; women washing their laundry along the river banks, children splashing around in the placid warm water, and farmers tilling in the paddy fields.

You arrive at your tranquil river resort in time for a sunset cocktail and a scrumptious southern Kerala feast before retiring to your private bungalows for a restful night.

Overnight at the Resort.
Today you will experience a village festival at a local temple.

The color and excitement of Kerala temple festivals is an embodiment of the spirit of celebration that is an essential part of life in this tiny state. Celebrated with enthusiasm and gusto these year round festivals include colorful processions, caparisoned elephants, parasol exchanges, drum concerts and displays of pyrotechnics. Reenactments of historic rituals, such as Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) and Arattu (Holy Bath) are integral parts of the temple festivals.

Overnight at the Resort.
After breakfast at the resort, drive to the city of Kochi.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Fort Cochin is a reminder of a golden era in trade and culture. Medieval churches, magnificent ruins and Chinese fishing nets dot this ancient town. Shady lagoons, wooded islands and canals winding past houses built on stilts have given Kochi a nickname amongst Indians as the “Venice of the East.”

This afternoon is free to relax and explore the town at our leisure. This evening we will visit a local performing arts center to witness the spectacular Kathakali dance performance, the popular and sacred 400-year old dance drama of Kerala. Classical Kathakali requires rigorous training to attain complete body control and sensitivity to emotion to render all nuances through expressions and gestures. It incorporates elements from local folk and martial arts as well. Characters with elaborate costumes and painted faces reenact stories from the epic Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, set off to explore this fascinating city on the Malabar Coast.

A legacy of the earliest traders from the court of Kublai Khan, the Chinese fishing nets are unmistakable as one enters the harbor. Records reveal that they were initially constructed between 1350 and 1450 A.D. Made of teak wood and bamboo poles, they work on the principle of balance. Fishermen walk along the main beams of the net, causing them to descend into the sea. The best vantage point to see this ingenious and hypnotic means of catching fish is from Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that parallels the beach with little stalls that serve fresh seafood and tender coconuts. Vasco de Gama, the great Portuguese explorer, was the first European to land on India’s coast in 1498.

From here head to the Mattancheri Palace, originally built by the Portuguese, enhanced by the Dutch, and finally Indianised with some wonderful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The black “marble” floor is in fact a mix of coconut shell, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg white. Also visit the Church of St. Francis. Constructed in Old Spanish style, it was the first church built in India. Vasco de Gama was originally buried here in 1524, but his remains were eventually returned to Lisbon. Next is Jew Town and the Pardesi Synagogue. Built in 1568, Pardesi is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Before the mass immigration of the Jews to Israel in the early 1950s, they lived quite comfortably for well over 1000 years in Kerala. In the 18th century the synagogue was extensively renovated with the addition of the clock tower and floor installation of hand-painted tiles imported from China.

Later tonight we’ll take a private boat to Willingdon Island for a farewell dinner at a upscale hotel. Return to your hotel by boat, under the stars.

Overnight at hotel.
Today depart Kochi for your onward destination.