We start our tour south of Chennai (Madras) on the coast to visit the temples and monuments dating back to 7th century A.D. including the famous Shore Temple. We visit French influenced Pondicherry and heading further south and inward stop to further explore the unique and varied shrines and vividly decorated temples. Our final stop is Madurai to visit the amazing Meenakshi Temple complex and 1,000 Pillar Hall short-listed for the new list of the Seven Wonders of the World. Madurai has also been the cultural centre for the arts, dance, literature and music for centuries.
We leave this State of Tamil Nadu “Land of Temples” enriched by the splendid sights we have seen. On to wondrous Kerala and Periyar in the Western Ghats. Envision coconut groves, unending hills with fragrant scented spice and tea plantations and azure seas. In the Periyar forests we visit one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. We spend a night on board a deluxe houseboat for an overnight journey through the famed backwaters region offering stunning views and watching local life pass by.
Debarking the boat we spend 2 nights at the beautiful Lake Kumarakom Resort before travelling to colorful Cochin for our last night in this beautiful state known throughout as “God’s Own Country”.
Join Nellie on her next escorted tour to India. See the magical highlights of this fascinating country, while traveling in comfort with your group from White Rock!
ITINERARY LANDMARKS
MAMALLAPURAM
The ancient Shore Temple – calculated to be the oldest in South India, and Arjuna’s Penance – the World’s largest bas-relief monument along with numerous others in this complex. Enjoy a cooking class and dinner.
PONDICHERRY
The French influence is evident everywhere in this seaside town along side the local Tamil culture. Here you will enjoy their flavorful coffee with a pastry and stroll the promenade. The site is also renowned for the famous Aurobindo Ashram.
KUMBAKONAM
We will visit the great 10th century Chola Temple complex – a Unesco World Heritage site, the Tanjore Palace and Bronze Museum, as well as a nearby village to see the art of statue making and glass painting.
MADURAI
We will visit the famous and beautiful Meenakshi Temple with its enormous domes visible from all over Madurai. The domes soar heavenward up to 50 metres. We’ll visit the equally amazing 1,000 Pillar Hall with 985 carved pillars.
PERIYAR
Site of one of the finest wildlife reserves in South India. We will explore the reserve, the spice and tea plantations and the backwaters on a houseboat. We will also spend time at an elephant camp.
KUMARAKOM
We stay at the beautiful Kumarakom Lakeside Resort and enjoy the activities including nature walks, lake activities, ayurveda, yoga and more.
COCHIN
A bustling city on the sea and the last stop on our tour where we will visit the main attractions in the afternoon and enjoy a Kathakali dance show the evening.
