Signature Sojourns – Coromandal to Malabar

Mamallapuram | Pondicherry | Tanjore | Madurai | Thekkady | Alleppey | Cochin

• Arrive Chennai
  Chennai – Mamallapuram by surface approx. (70 Kms / 1 ½ Hrs)

  Welcome to Chennai, on arrival you are transferred to Mamallapuram - Its enviable position on the Coromandel Coast, facing the Bay of Bengal, guarantees that this is a popular place to stay. Spend time on the white-sand beach shaded by casuarina trees and hire a bike to pedal through the surrounding countryside but make sure you allow time to explore this wonderful open-air museum, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Overnight stay

• Mamallapuram

  One of the best ways to explore the ancient streets of Mamallapuram is to take an auto rickshaw cycle through this enchanting, quaint town with history and legends as your backies (Indian saying for stories related to place). Distances, particularly between attractions, are fairly manageable. What makes this mode of transport fun in Mamallapuram ideal is that most of the town’s attractions are placed within easy distance of each other. Here we visit Arjuna's Penance where nothing can prepare you for the wonderful bas-reliefs covering two huge boulders. The exquisite detail, dating from the 7th century, depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayan Mountains as well as scenes from Indian daily life. We’ll also visit The Five Rathas. You won't believe that these shrines are carved whole from an outcrop of rock. Each of the five temples is dedicated to heroes from the great epic of the Mahabharata. We’ll spend time admiring the detail of the carvings, which include gods, humans and elephants and wonder why the temples are incomplete and were never consecrated. Shore Temple will give us the chance to relish the delightful seaside location, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and landscaped gardens surrounding it. The Shore Temple, a popular place for the locals to visit, is dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva, the decorative beauty of the temple, built in Dravidian style, has suffered erosion by its proximity to the sea but is still amazing.

  Overnight stay

• Mamallapuram – Pondicherry

  Yoga enthusiasts can rise early for a yoga session at out hotel.

  We’ll drive to Pondicherry. Attractively set on the Bay of Bengal with delightful unspoiled beaches, this surprising town is a throwback to colonial times when it was a French enclave. Nowadays it is richly blended with Tamil culture. Those used to British colonial architecture will enjoy the Gallic imprint with the profusion of Catholic churches and distinctly French buildings such as the beachfront Hotel de Ville and excellent French restaurants.

  Enroute we will stop at Auroville to discover the harmonious community inspired by The Mother as a place where people can come together, regardless of nationality, belief or colour, to live a meaningful life.

  Experimental buildings, combining Western and Indian elements, are located along narrow rural roads, shaded by lush greenery. This utopia supports itself through agriculture, handicrafts and alternative technology.

  Overnight stay

• Pondicherry

  This morning we’ll proceed on a Pondicherry city tour. Like so many Indian cities, Pondicherry is particularly spiritual. Well known for the Shri Aurobindo Ashram, it was set up by one of his disciples, a Parisian known as The Mother, in his memory and is one of the most active ashrams in India. We’ll also experience the contrasting calm of the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, one of the finest French churches in town and the Hindu temple to Ganesh whose walls are embellished with a wonderful series of paintings of Ganesh in various forms.

  Overnight in the Hotel

• Pondicherry – Tanjore by surface

  Depart from Hotel and drive to Tanjore. Despite its important history and culture, Tanjore is surprisingly overlooked by visitors to South India. A bustling market town in one of the main rice-growing regions of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore was once the capital of the Chola Empire and, although many buildings from that period no longer survive, the town is still full of lovely temples. The Brihadeshvara Temple is a magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. If you study the detailed inscriptions you’ll see they depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. Upon entering the pavilion in the main courtyard we’ll view the shining black Nandi statue, one of the largest in India, and weighing an astonishing 25 tons.

  Overnight stay

• Tanjore – Madurai

  Depart to Madurai. We may stop to view Bronze-casting masters at work as they preserve and use the lost-wax method. This method, used to create sacred temple bronzes during the Chola period, is being passed down through the generations to ensure that bronze casting continues to thrive.

  We travel via Karakkudi, which is famous for the unique limestone houses and structures spread throughout the city. We’ll lunch at the Bangala Hotel, to enjoy the lip-smacking dishes that are part of the local cuisine of Karaikudi. Continuing on we’ll find Madurai. This vast, pulsating city, one of the oldest cities in South India, dating back 2500 years, sprawls along the banks of the River Vaigai. We’ll have time to wander through the fun, packed streets which are full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens and colorful bazaars.

  Overnight stay

• Madurai

  Yoga enthusiasts can rise early for a yoga session at out hotel. We’ll enjoy a Rickshaw tour to get under the skin of this fascinating city. The leisurely ride, with a friendly wallah driving you, through the maze of streets will help us take in the sights and smells that surround. We’ll pass through vegetable markets and see the locals haggling over the price before we stop to admire the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace - a fusion of classical Indian and European styles. We’ll also spend time in the Gandhi Museum that charts India's freedom struggle. Meenakshi Temple – here we’ll join the locals thronging this bustling temple, one of the largest in India, and soak up the atmosphere. Something is always happening here – ceremonies, musicians playing, weddings, prostrating pilgrims, festivals. It is a compelling place to spend time and enjoy temple life. This night we’ll join in the nightly festival when Lord Shiva (Meenakshi's husband) is carried in a palanquin to her bedroom.

  Overnight stay

• Madurai – Thekkady

  Early morning travel to Periyar. You will understand the evocative name of the Cardamom Hills as we make our way to this area and the serene home of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Tea and spice plantations surround this reserve on the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border where both the king and queen of spices, pepper and cardamom, grow naturally. Periyar is a joy for the chance to use these truly fresh and locally sourced ingredients that set the whole world on a quest for more – SPICES!

  Later pay a visit to local organic farm, famous for producing organic fruits

  Arrive at Farms to a refreshing welcome of freshly squeezed juice made from handpicked organic fruit from our own orchard or sweet tender coconut water served in its shell.

  Go on a walking tour of the farm with an English speaking guide. Walk among pomegranate, papaya plantations, pluck grapes in the vineyard, watch the bees busy storing honey in the apiary, learn about carefully nurturing young saplings in the nursery, composting methods in the composting yards, talk to the cows the livestock pen, feed the chicken, ducks and other animals on the poultry farm, learn the names and medicinal uses of the plants in the specially planted herbal garden.

  Take enchanting bullock cart ride through vegetable farms and that in various stages of harvest, ride over a gushing stream & past fruit orchards of mangoes, papaya’s & bananas. Fruits & vegetables are planted in rotation, so you may get to see different fruit during every season.

  Climb up the watch tower for commanding views of the valley, take deep breaths of the freshest air while soaking in the sights & sounds of the valley, with the rolling hills in the distance tipped with mist, gaze at blue skies while clouds like fluffy cotton balls float past.

  Settle down to a sumptuous lunch of local cuisine made from home grown or locally sourced fresh ingredients, a mélange of tongue tickling flavours.

  Overnight stay

• Thekkady

  Today we’ll rise early (6:30 – 10 a.m.) to do a Jungle walk and see the nature and greenery. These days, in the jungle it would be very rare to spot animals but it is still a splendid opportunity to understand where the spices of this famed area originated and to appreciate the knowledge of the tribal people for whom each and every plant and animal is considered a “neighbor”.

  Today we’ll visit Cyril’s House and learn to cook authentic Keralan food.

  In the evening we’ll visit a Martial arts show The Shaolin monks have made their disciplined displays of Kung Fu world famous, but few know that their art was learned from Bodhi Dharma, an Indian monk who was a Kalaripayattu master. Legend traces this form of martial arts back 3000 years and here, close to Periyar, you have the chance to experience a display of this most ancient of art forms.

  Overnight stay

• Thekkady – Alleppey

  Morning drive to Alleppey, the backwater destination

  Upon arrival check in at a backwater resort

  Rest of the Day to relax and unwind or you may have choice to go for some of the undermentioned set of activites around;

  -On look the local fish and crabs farming techniques, Chinese net operation, and country boat ride through backwaters and culminate tour with a thrilling Tuk Tuk ride nearby village.

  -Visit to a local Coir farm and see how the produce from Coconut is used to make mattresses. Also visit a Boat making factory (the traditional Rice Barge) which is hand made very traditionally.

  Overnight stay

• Alleppey

  This morning enjoy kayaking in backwaters,

  Forget the houseboats! The real backwaters life can be seen from the “deck” of your kayak. Kayaking is an excellent activity here. Takes you to the places where Houseboat & Canoe will never take you. You are close to everyday life of the people living by the canals. You are close to Cormorants and Kingfishers. Paddling to tiny canals, kayak is the only one able to go under small bridge those canals.

  Overnight stay

• Alleppey – Cochin by surface

  Yoga Enthusiast can opt for yoga at hotel premises
  Breakfast at hotel

  Drive to Cochin, upon arrival transfer to hotel

  Day at leisure to relax

  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 heavily on hand gestures to convey their story.

  Overnight stay

• Cochin

  Yoga Enthusiast can opt for yoga at hotel premises
  Breakfast at hotel

  This Day be ready for a cycling trip in the old part of the city

  The Old Kochi Bike Tour - This tour throws open a book of knowledge about Kerala’s history while traveling routes less known by means of the simple two wheels of a bicycle. The flow of events is magical as you bike past monuments that stick on as living templates to the by gone era of merchants from as far as China, Europe and Africa. Off on a ferry to the Island and you’re biking past large warehouses that export spices and tea. With proximity to the port, it’s altogether a different story.

  Distance: ~ 20Kms / 12Mi, Activity Level: Relaxed
  Experience local cuisine in Local style - Later enjoy a sadya lunch at a local restaurant in fort Kochi

  Sadya Meal - 'Sadya' is the traditional vegetarian feast of Kerala. Usually served during lunch, it features par boiled red rice, side dishes, savouries, pickles and desserts spread out on a banana leaf There after proceed for an orientation tour of Cochin visiting;

  The first stop is the Pardesi Synagogue. Built in 1568, it is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The synagogue is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Take a short boat ride to Bolghatty where you find 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 look like polished black marble but are actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.

  Overnight stay

• Depart Cochin

  Check out from the hotel and you transferred to the Cochin airport to connect onward flight.

  ****** END OF THE TOUR ******

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