South India Sojourn - Luxury Tour of India

Total Tour - 16 Days

CHENNAI / MAHABALIPURAM / KANCHIPURAM / BANGALORE / MYSORE / OOTY / COCHIN/ ALLEPPEY/ THEKKADY/ MADURAI/ CHENNAI

Day 11
Tuesday
Cochin - Alleppey (By surface 2hr):

Private House Boat

After breakfast drive to Alleppey.

Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large networks of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best-known ports along the Malabar Coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for the Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey is the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race, which is an annual event. After you reach Alleppey you enjoy a ride in a Houseboat.

The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce and are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 km, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey, which forms the main part of this network, has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.

Talk to the crew and sip your tea while enjoying the backwaters and seeing life pass by. The meals and refreshments will be served on the boat. Overnight will be on boat.

Day 12
Wednesday
Kumarokom - Thekkady:

By Road 175 km in 5 hr

After breakfast at boat cruise to Kumarokom. Disembark and drive to Thekkady after a visit to the Bird Park. Pass through the rubber plantations and tea gardens. Stop at the Tea Factory and see how tea is processed.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi' (Sukasandesam -stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar, which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Thekkady.

Day 13
Thursday
Thekkady:

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for the boat ride at Periyar. Today you can observe the rare species of plants and animals, including herds of elephants. Take a jungle walk and enjoy nature.

Proceed to Abraham's Spice Garden to see spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, etc. In the evening visit Kumily Market to look at the processed spices and you can pick up some to carry back home. They are all fresh and unadulterated.

Overnight will be at Thekkady.

Day 14
Friday
Thekkady - Madurai:

By road covering 170 km in 3 hr

Breakfast will be at hotel and proceed to Madurai.

Madurai is over 2500 years old and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu - Ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus.

Check into the hotel by noon.

Freshen up and by afternoon visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi temple (dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams) - There are four entrances to this amazing temple complex set in 6 hectares. Strike some of the stone pillars in the complex with any hard object and feel amazed at hearing melodious sounds. The total number of pillars in the temple is a staggering one Thousand.

If time permits enjoy a 'light & sound Panorama' in Thirumala Naik Temple (optional)