Magical Southern India (with possible add-on to Sri Lanka)
November 27-December 13, 2017
Marvel at ancient temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. Visit national parks and cruise
backwater canals. Explore southern India's vast cultural heritage, from British, French and Jewish
influences, to the ancient capitals of the Chola and Pallava Kings. We will visit some of India’s greatest
treasures - truly a journey of a lifetime!
Monday, 11/27/2017: Arrive in Chennai
Upon arrival into Chennai a transfer
is waiting to take you to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free to relax
or to explore. Overnight in Chennai.
Tuesday, 11/28/2017: To
Mahabalipuram
This morning we will visit the
Chennai Museum. After lunch in
Chennai we will have a scenic drive
to Mahabalipuram (a.k.a.
Mamallapuram), once a flourishing
port of the Pallava Kings of
Kanchipuram. Upon arrival we will
have a relaxing evening. Overnight
in Mahabalipuram.
Wednesday, 11/29/2017: Explore Mahabalipuram
We explore Mahabalipuram with a visit to the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, originally
constructed around the 7th century, which contains shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. We continue
on to the Five Rathas (a.k.a. Pancha or Pandava
Rathas) dating from the 7th century, then visit the
UNESCO World Heritage site Varaha Cave Temple.
After lunch we will visit Arjuna's Penance, a.k.as
the Descent of the Ganges, another World
Heritage site. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Thursday, 11/30/2017: To Pondicherry
This morning we drive along-side the Bay of
Bengal. It is one of the most beautiful roads on the
east coast of India. Our destination is the ancient
city of Pondicherry, which was colonized by the
French in 1674. We stop at a wonderful retreat called Auroville where we will have a short walk to the
Matrimandir, then lunch at their cafe. We will continue onto Pondicherry in the afternoon. Overnight in
Pondicherry.
Friday, 12/1/2017: Explore Pondicherry
Pondicherry was prosperous as early as the 1st century. Legend has it that Sage Agastya built his ashram
here and Pondicherry became a Vedic center. The French became the rulers in 1674, ruling until it
became a part of India. We visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and The Sri Vedapureeswarar
Temple. After lunch there will be free time to walk through the French streets of this quaint town. In the
evening when the seaside breeze is a little cooler the leader will take everyone on a beach walk.
Overnight in Pondicherry.
Saturday, 12/2/2017: To Tanjore (Thanjavur)
We journey to Tanjore (Thanjavur) where we will have lunch and after visit the Thanjavur Maratha
Palace, known locally as Aranmanai, the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled over the
Tanjore region for many years. Overnight in Tanjore.
Sunday, 12/3/2017: Explore Tanjore
We visit the grandest temple in all of South India. The World Heritage listed Brihadeeswarar Temple is
known for its superb religious, historical and artistic associations. The dome of the temple was made
from a single piece of granite and weighs approximately 80 tons. The sanctum of the temple houses a
13-foot-high lingam that has a circumference of 23 feet. Tanjore was the ancient capital of the Chola
Kings and became the center of learning and culture between the 10th and 14th centuries. Tanjore is
known for its original style of painting, known as Tanjore Painting, a combination of raised and painted
surfaces. After lunch we will visit a local artist to see the lost wax system known as bronze casting, for
which this region is famous. Overnight in Tanjore.
Monday, 12/4/2017: Tiruchirapalli - Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple; To Madurai
We depart early this morning for Tiruchirapalli (also
called Trichy), situated on the banks of the river
Cauvery. Tiruchirapalli is the Chola Center from the
Sangam period. The Nayaks of Madurai built the
town and the fort, which played a vital role in the
Carnatic Wars in the 18th century. It is now a center
for pilgrimage and commerce. Upon arrival, we visit
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple which is dedicated to
Vishnu and dates from the 10th century. We also
pay a visit to the Cauvery River ghats. We continue
on to Madurai, the second largest city in the state
of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest cities in India.
Overnight in Madurai.
Tuesday, 12/5/2017: Discover Madurai and Meenakshi Temple
Madurai is celebrated for its Meenakshi Temple which is an exquisite example of Dravidian style
architecture: it has nine majestic gopuram (towers) which are covered in fantastic, multi-colored images
of animals, gods and goddesses. The most interesting feature of this temple is the thousand-pillared
hall, built in the 16th century. Some of its life-size sculptures are a marvel of patience and artistic skill.
We will have an early dinner and then return to the temple in the evening, during 'Pooja time'.
Overnight in Madurai.
Wednesday, 12/6/2017: Travel to Munnar (5610 ft)
We will journey to Munnar. From the plains of Eastern Ghats we will drive to the Nilgiri Hills of the
Western Ghats of South India and through many tea plantations, arriving in Munnar for lunch. The
afternoon is free to relax and catch up on your travel journal. Overnight in Munnar.
Thursday, 12/7/2017: Explore Munnar
Today we will have a beautiful drive to a high vantage point overlooking the tea plantations. We will
then visit a working tea plantation and factory to see how tea processing is done. In the afternoon we
can have an optional walk through some of the tea plantations. Overnight in Munnar.
Friday, 12/8/2017: To Kumarakom
Today, we descend from the Western Ghats to Kumarakom where we will live the backwater life. Our
resort is based on the ancient village and plantation homes, called tharawads, which have been
painstakingly transported and reconstructed using ancient carpentry methods. Set around the lake and
the irrigation canals, they retain their original charm with thick doors, intricate window carvings and
terra cotta tile floors. Traditionally, Keralites bathed in the rivers and in rural areas many people still do,
however our cottages feature bathrooms, some
located in an inner courtyard so you can shower
al fresco under a starlit sky in complete privacy.
Today is time to relax and enjoy life on the many
canals that crisscross the properties in Kerala.
Take a walk and explore the "land of the short
people" because the folks here are always knee
deep in rice paddy fields. Enjoy real Southern
Indian coffee from the coffee boat, a small
dugout canoe with a brass coffee urn of hot
coffee. Take a sunset cruise on the lake before
enjoying a wonderful dinner by the river.
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Saturday, 12/9/2017: Relax in Kumarakoam
For bird lovers there will be a morning bird watching
session to see the many wonderful birds that live in this
region. For those that rather try yoga or meditation in the
morning this also can be arranged. There will then be a
village walk to see and meet some of the Keralites before
lunch. In the afternoon one can slow down and unwind
with some of the Ayurvedic treatments, in the resort’s
spa. (Spa treatments are not included and must be
booked and paid for locally). One could also choose to
participate in a cooking demonstration, coconut husking,
or a Sari and Dhoti demonstration. Enjoy a cultural
performance in the evening. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Sunday 12/10/2017: Houseboat Excursion
Today is a special treat where we will be split into a few different houseboats and set out for an
overnight on the lake. Our houseboats will pick us up from the resort and sail off to see life on the river.
The Kettuvallam (houseboats in Kerala) are large floating formations with high load carrying capacity in
element of Kerala's culture and heritage. Kettuvallam transports goods from the isolated and interior
villages of Kerala backwater areas to the merchant towns like Alleppey, Kollam, Cochin and Kottayam
areas. The main mode of water transport historically was Kettuvallam, and the Kerala people still
depend on other boats for transportation, farming and tourism today. The Kettuvallam/houseboats
played a great role in the economic growth of Kerala. A half century ago there were more than 5,000
Kettuvallam in Kerala. Motorized boat transportation largely sidelined these boats, but in recent years,
these Kettuvallam have made a comeback as a major attraction of tourists. Overnight in houseboats.
Monday, 12/11/2017: Disembarkation: Drive to Old Fort Kochi (Cochin)
At 9 AM we will disembark the houseboat where we will have a short
journey to Cochin. This evening we take in a performance of the famous
Kathakali dances, one of Cochin's highlights. This form of dance theater,
dating back 500 years, can be seen nightly, with explanation and
narration, all over the city. By tradition, all dancers are male and wear
elaborate costumes and masklike makeup to mime stories from the great
Hindu epics: the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The makeup is highly
symbolic: green denotes the hero king or god, and black and red denote
demons. The actor slips a seed from the cunlappuvu, or eggplant vine,
under his eyelids to make his eyes red. As much an act of worship as a
highly dramatic folk theatre, Kathakali is traditionally performed by the
flickering light of temple lamps, accompanied by musicians and a
chanting Brahman priest. Artists use a vast repertoire of acrobatic eye
movements, dramatic facial expressions and perfect muscle control that
require years of training. Overnight in Fort Kochi, Cochin.
Tuesday, 12/12/2017: Sites of Old Fort Kochi (Cochin)
This morning we visit the synagogue, the center of the Jewish community, which can be traced back to
the exodus from Palestine 2,000 years ago. The magnificent structure was built in 1568. The Great
Scrolls of the Old Testament, copper plates of inestimable historical worth containing the privileges
granted to Jews by the Cochin Maharajas, and the
exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are artifacts
of great interest at the synagogue. The Jewish area
is one of Kochi's spice trade centers. We also stop
at Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the
Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of
Cochin in 1568. At the center of the building is a
large coronation hall. Seventeenth century mural
paintings depicting scenes from the India epic
Ramayana can be seen in the palace. This city is
regarded as one of the most beautiful spots of
India. The Port of Cochin is known as the "Queen
of the Arabian Sea" and is the industrial hub of the
state where the ancient civilization mingles with
the 20th century. We see St. Francis Church, the first church to be built in India by the Portuguese.
Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India from Europe, was originally buried here. (His
remains were later taken to Portugal). We continue on to view the famous Cochin Chinese fishing nets
and the beautiful boardwalk before our Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Fort Kochi, Cochin.
Wednesday, 12/13/2017: Depart Old Fort Kochi (Cochin)
Today we say goodbye to this remarkable part of India. You are transferred to the airport for your
international departure flight or on to Sri Lanka.
This program begins in Chennai and ends in Cochin, India.
Program fee for India only: $4900 based on double occupancy; Single Supplement $1000
Program fee includes room, three meals a day, educational programs, entrance fees, in-country
transportation, airport transfers and tipping. International airfare, liquor, laundry, and souvenirs are not
included in the program fee.
Sri Lanka Add-On
December 13-20, 2017
Encounter the magic of Sri Lanka - the
island nation formerly known as Ceylon
- that is once again open to visitors.
Coastlines give way to a cool and
rugged mountainous interior. With
magnificent archaeological sites,
ancient kingdoms and forests teeming
with wildlife Sri Lanka promises an
adventure packed with diversity,
wildlife and culture.
Wednesday, 12/13/2017:
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka a transfer will be waiting to take you to the hotel in Colombo. In the evening
your Sri Lankan Tour leader will join you for a welcome meeting and dinner at the hotel. Colombo is a
fascinating city, a comfortable blend of East and West and mixture of the past and the present. It is the
commercial capital of the country and is only 35 km south of the country’s only International airport.
Colombo's many attractions, opportunities for shopping, and multitude of cuisines makes it an engaging
city to visit. Overnight in Colombo.
Thursday, 12/14/2017:
After breakfast we will set out to visit the National Museum of Colombo, which will tell the full
story of how Sri Lanka became the tear-drop of India. Go back in time and imagine how the kings
lived centuries ago. In the afternoon our tuk tuks (local taxis) will be waiting to take us on a tour
of the city. Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries, is rapidly changing. Almost
overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old
warm charm is retained and can be seen in the 100-year-old clock tower and several British built
colonial buildings. We will also visit the old Cargills Food City which offers a unique shopping
experience. Other places of interest are the stately homes of the affluent and the Bandaranaike
Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), a gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of
China. Overnight in Colombo.
Friday, 12/15/2017:
After breakfast we leave for Kandy, the “Hill Capital”. Kandy, literally the "City on the Hills" was so
named because it was protected by nature: water, rocks and jungles. The last capital of the Sri Lankan
kings before falling to the British in 1815, Kandy is a World Heritage site. The name Kandy conjures
vision of splendor of magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept
alive. The main attraction is the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Kandy Lake, built by
the last King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 holds a prominent view of the city. It is a city known for arts
and crafts as well as its culture and history.
En route to Kandy we will stop to visit the Dambulla cave temple, a.k.a. the Golden Temple of Dambulla,
which is a World Heritage site. Dambulla is a collection of five caves of different sizes full of paintings
and statues of Lord Buddha, his disciples, kings, and gods. These are considered to be the largest
painted caves in the world with more than 22,000 sq ft of painted surfaces. Initial authorship is
attributed to King Valagambahu who took refuge here after being driven out of Anuradhapura by
invading armies, although the works span from Valagambahu's time up to the late Kandy Period in the
18th Century.
After lunch at a local restaurant we will walk through a spice garden and learn about growth in the use
of spices in day to day life. We continue on to Kandy for a free afternoon. In the evening watch a cultural
performance by traditional Kandyan dancers and drummers including devotional fire walking. Overnight
in Kandy.
Saturday, 12/16/2017:
After breakfast we have a city tour including the
Upper Lake Drive, with a bird's eye view of the city
below; the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of
Buddha, by far the most important place of worship
for Buddhists world over; and the Royal Botanical
Gardens, one of the best of its kind in Asia with more
than 5,000 species of flora and was the Headquarters
of Lord Louise Mountbatten, the Supreme
Commander of the Allied Forces during the 2nd World
War; and a gem museum to see how raw stones
become the valuable gems that you see in the jewelry
store. Overnight in Kandy.
Sunday, 12/17/2017:
After breakfast we head to Sigiriya via Pinnawala. En
route we visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to
witness the largest herd of domestic elephants in Sri
Lanka. See elephants of all ages, including babies
being bathed in the river. The Pinnawala Elephant
Orphanage was established in 1975 for education and
conservation via scientific captive breeding. Located
on the banks of the Maha Oya, the Pinnawala
Elephant Orphanage provides shelter young
elephants who are displaced from their natural
habitats due to reasons such as environmental
changes from development projects, being
abandoned by their parents when they fall into pits
and ravines, etc. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Monday, 12/18/2017:
Enjoy an early breakfast to get energized for a morning climb to Sigiriya. This rock fortress of
Sigiriya was a royal citadel for 20 years in the 5th century. Stark and forbidding, haunted by an
epic story of murder and betrayal, Sigiriya is attributed to King Kasyapa who found hiding here
after killing his father more fruitful than meeting the wrath of the people who loved King
Dhatusena. This unique rock fortress or "castle in the sky" is a massive monolith of red stone
that rises 600 ft above ground. Highlights of the citadel include the mirror wall, frescoes, and the
lion's paws. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Tuesday, 12/19/2017:
After breakfast we leave for Negombo, a.k.a. “Little Rome”. Upon arrival, explore and see the sights or
just relax on the beach after as you reflect on your journey through this wonderful country. Negombo is
a fishing town located along the picturesque Negombo Lagoon. Attractions in the city include the old
Dutch fort, which dates from 1678 and the Dutch canals constructed for the transportation of cinnamon.
Negombo is one of the strongholds of the Catholic community and is dotted with churches, hence its
nickname of Little Rome. See St. Mary's Church, the old Dutch cemetery, the Angurukaramulla Temple,
or visit the Main Fish Market.
Wednesday, 12/20/2017:
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Program fee for India and Sri Lanka: $7400 based on double occupancy; Single Supplement $1600.
Program fee includes airfare from Cochin, India, room, three meals a day, educational programs,
entrance fees, in-country transportation, airport transfers and tipping. International airfare (with the
exception of the flight from India to Sri Lanka), liquor, laundry, and souvenirs are not included in the
program fee.