|
 |
|
| 14 Days Hidden Treasures of North India |
SUPERIOR
|
ESCORTED WITH MINIMUM 8 AND MAXIMUM 16 PASSENGERS.
LOCALLY HOSTED IF LESS THAN 8 OR MAKE IT A WORLDVIEW 'PRIVATELY GUIDED' TOUR
|
|
|
The kings in South India patronized learning and the fine arts. A rich heritage is well preserved to sample even today. We will see the art of Chennai (Madras) and Mahabalipuram, the elaborate temples in Madurai, Tanjore and Trichy. Drive through the
lush tea/spice hills of Kerala, the peaceful Backwaters and experience the Jewish Heritage in Cochin. A six-day extension to Sri Lanka is available. See the ancient Anuradhapura, Pollonaruwa, Sigiriya and the amazing Dambulla cave paintings and
also the hills of Kandy.
|
|
|
|
|
Day 1
YOUR TOUR BEGINS.
The vast and exotic subcontinent of India beckons as we depart for Chennai (Madras), India. |
|
|
Day 2
ARRIVE CHENNAI.
Late night arrival into Southern India's largest city, Chennai (Madras), gateway to the |
|
 |
| Sunny south. TAJ CONNEMARA.
Day 3
CHENNAI (BD).
Tour includes visits to St. Thomas Cathedral which houses the grave of St. Thomas the Apostle and the Bronze Museum. Later a 37-mile drive to
Mahabalipuram - the 'city of the seven pagodas'. See the breathtaking display of the pagodas, chiseled out of boulders in the form of temple chariots. The masterpiece is the
'Penance of Bhagirath' the world's largest bas-relief in stone. |
|
|
|
|
Day 4
CHENNAI- MAHABALIPURAM- PONDICHERRY (BD).
|
|
|
|
|
| Today we drive to Pondicherry visit en route the world heritage Mahabalipuram temples- the 'city of the seven pagodas'. Afternoon tour of the Aurobindo Ashram, museum and old Pondicherry city. LE DUPLEIX/PROMENADE. |
|
|
|
Day 5
PONDICHERRY - TANJORE (BL).
Today we will drive to Tanjore visiting en route the South Indian temples of Chidambaram and Gangakodaicholapuram. Tanjore (Thanjavur) is home of the Chola rulers, the greatest temple builders in the south with rich heritage of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts.
PARISUTHAM HOTEL.
Day 6
TANJORE (BD).
Tour of Tanjore. The Brihadeswara Temple built by Raja
Chola is said to have been the tallest monument in ancient India, rising to |
 |
| a
height of 241-ft in pyramidal form. It is rightly said of the Cholas that they
conceived like giants and finished like jewelers. |
|
|
|
|
Day 7
TANJORE - TRICHY- KARAIKUDI (BLD).
Today we drive to Karaikudi
visiting en route the Srirangam temple at Trichy, one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India. Afternoon we will visit the Chettinad mansions around Karaikudi. THE BANGALA/CHETTINADU MANSION.
Day 8
KARAIKUDI - MADURAI (BD).
Today we drive to Madurai. Madurai city
is planned out in the shape of a lotus with the famous Meenakshi temple in the center. In the evening attend special prayer ceremonies at the Meenakshi temple. TAJ GARDEN RETREAT.
Day 9
MADURAI (BD).
Tour of Madurai and the Meenakshi temple. It is one of
the biggest |
|
 |
|
| temple complexes in India. The five pagodas that surround the temple are known for their intricate stucco work and the 156-ft high southern gopuram is the tallest. Thirumalai Mahal Palace is constructed, in the Indo-Saracenic style. |
|
|
|
Day 10
MADURAI-PERIYAR (BL).
Today we drive through the scenic countryside
to Periyar Reserve Park. A dam constructed on a river led to the submersion of a large forest area and the formation of a lake. The park contains elephants, tiger, sambar,
barking deer, lion-tailed macaque and a rich bird life. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Periyar on a forest department run boat. Later visit a spice garden. CARDAMOM COUNTY. |
|
|
|
Day 11
PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM (BD).
Today we drive through beautiful countryside to the famous Kerala water canals. The complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals form the basis of a distinct regional life-style and traveling by boat is the best way to view it. The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with
Chinese fishing nets along narrow, shady canals where coir (coconut fiber), coconut and cashews are loaded on to boats. COCONUT LAGOON RESORT. |
|
|
|
Day 12
KUMARAKOM- COCHIN (BL).
Morning a three-hour cruise on the Backwaters. Later we drive to Cochin. The Cochin harbor has been trading spices with the rest of the world for over 2000 years. In the evening witness a colorful Kathakali dance performance. THE TRIDENT. |
 |
|
|
Day 13
COCHIN (BD).
Tour of Cochin includes visit to the Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest in India, Jewish town and the Dutch Palace, well known for its mural paintings. See the picturesque Chinese fishing nets in operation at the entrance of the Kochi Harbor; Chinese traders first brought them back from Kublai Khan's court. |
|
|
|
Day 14 COCHIN - HOMEBOUND (B).
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flights.
Day 15
ARRIVE USA. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
