Southern India holiday
| country: | India |
| location: | Kerala |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2009: 20 Nov, 11 Dec, 18 Dec 2010: 15 Jan, 5 Feb, 5 Mar, 26 Mar, 30 Jul, 15 Oct, 5 Nov, 17 Dec 2011: 14 Jan, 4 Feb, 4 Mar, 25 Mar, 29 Jul, 14 Oct, 4 Nov, 16 Dec |
| price: | From £1449 - £1979 (16 days) including flights from the UK. From £899 - £1159 excluding flights. Local payment 50 GBP. |
| late availability: | Late availability on 18th December departures |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Fascinating journey through India’s mystical ‘deep south’
Temples & Wildlife
The gentle south is home to devout followers of Hinduism whose faith is embodied in their lavish temples. From the shore temples at Mahabalipuram you’ll travel by train and road to witness the exquisitely carved and decorated temple towers at places such as Tanjore and Madurai. Crossing the plains you enter Kerala and the tranquillity of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the best of south India’s wildlife.
Malabar Backwaters Houseboat
Descending to the coast you spend time in the old trading port of Cochin with its chinese fishing nets and colonial style buildings. Heading south you stay at a memorable homestay on the shores of Lake Vembanad before boarding a traditional houseboat - for many, the highlight of their journey. You’ll cruise along the palm-lined rivers, lagoons and emerald green rice paddies synonymous with Kerala. Your journey ends with time to relax on the beach at Kovalam.
Temples & Wildlife
The gentle south is home to devout followers of Hinduism whose faith is embodied in their lavish temples. From the shore temples at Mahabalipuram you’ll travel by train and road to witness the exquisitely carved and decorated temple towers at places such as Tanjore and Madurai. Crossing the plains you enter Kerala and the tranquillity of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the best of south India’s wildlife.
Malabar Backwaters Houseboat
Descending to the coast you spend time in the old trading port of Cochin with its chinese fishing nets and colonial style buildings. Heading south you stay at a memorable homestay on the shores of Lake Vembanad before boarding a traditional houseboat - for many, the highlight of their journey. You’ll cruise along the palm-lined rivers, lagoons and emerald green rice paddies synonymous with Kerala. Your journey ends with time to relax on the beach at Kovalam.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London Depart on overnight flight to Chennai. |
| Day 2-3: | Mahabalipuram Usually you can expect to land in Chennai (Madras) during the early evening. Upon arrival you’ll meet your Group Leader and make the short one-hour transfer to the beach resort of Mahabalipuram; the perfect place to relax after your long flight and ease gently into Indian life. The following day your Group Leader will take you on a guided walk to see some of the shoreline temples for which the region is famed. Most of the simplistic artistic genius here was created in the 6th and 7th centuries AD. Images of everyday life abound, unique to the state. Its principle creator, Narasimha Varman I – known as Mahamalla, the great wrestler – was inspiration for Mahabalipuram’s old name, Mamallapuram. The romantic Shore Temple (now designated a World Heritage site) is entered through paved gardens, from where you will see the shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The remainder of the day will be free time for you to explore the workshops lining the streets, where you can see craftsmen making sculptures, probably inspired by the temples you have seen earlier. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx1) |
| Day 4-5: | Tanjore This morning you’ll leave the coast and drive back to Chennai in time to board the early afternoon train to the temple town of Tiruchirappalli - more often referred to as ‘Trichy’. Your train journey takes around five hours and gives you a great insight into the way of life of the south Indian people. During the train journey, hawkers will ply their wares and local food can be bought on the way. On arrival in Trichy, you continue to Thanjavur (Tanjore), 50km away. It’s the capital of the once great Chola Empire, which covered the whole of the southern part of India and Sri Lanka. The huge vimana (tower) of the Brihadiswara Temple dominates the skyline. At 76m it is one of the most magnificent and certainly one of the highest towers in India. The carvings, sculptures and paintings both in and around the temple are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your two-night stay in Tanjore should allow plenty of time to explore and to perhaps visit the nearby palace and art gallery. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2) |
| Day 6: | Madurai Returning to Trichy you pass through fields of sugar cane where you can sometimes see jaggary (brown sugar formed into big blocks) being made. En route you visit Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam. It stands on a large island that divides the Cauvery River, and is one of the most revered Vishnu shrines in south India. This temple is famous for its superb sculpture, impressive gopurams and many pillared halls. The 'thousand pillared' hall is an excellent example of Vijayanagar architecture with sculptures depicting the triumph of good over evil and the chivalrous locals defending the temple against Muslim invaders. All have been intricately carved into the pillars and the workmanship is superb. There is an excellent view over the temple from the rooftop and the central, gold-coated tower is typical of the temple’s extravagance. The focus of Trichy is the towering Rock Fort Temple (please note there is a charge of 20Rps to take photos here). You make your way to the entrance and from there climb the 400 plus steps past several shrines onto a rock plateau. From the plateau there are stunning views over the city, coconut palms and paddy field patchwork of the Cauvery River plains. Another long set of steps then leads you to the tiny citadel shrine dedicated to Ganesh which crowns the Rock Fort Temple. Back down the steps and you make your way to the old town where the labyrinth of narrow, 18th century streets are lined with craft workshops and small textile shops. This afternoon you continue by bus to Madurai, aiming to arrive by early evening. Hotel - 2 nights (B) |
| Day 7: | Madurai South India’s temple architecture is very different to that of the north. On the northern plains, temples are graced with slim sikaras (towers) whereas here in the south immense gopurams (gateways) carved with thousands of painted Hindu gods are the most striking elements of the Dravidian temples. Meenakshi Temple is no exception; inside is a maze of halls, pillared cloisters and sanctuaries, all of which seem to be decorated with a profusion of murals, carvings and inscriptions. The heady fragrance of incense is everywhere, as is the chanting of priests whose deities are garlanded with colourful flowers. Outside the temple complex the streets are no less enthralling and seem to resemble one huge bazaar with hawkers, stalls and even the occasional passing elephant! Every morning Shiva is taken from his resting place with Meenakshi to the main temple shrine and returned, in the evening with great ritual. Tonight you should have another chance to visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the daily ceremony of ‘Putting Shiva to Bed’. (B) |
| Day 8-9: | Periyar National Park Today you cross the border into Kerala and drive the five or so hours to Periyar National Park, one of the main wildlife sanctuaries of southern India and indeed one of the country’s largest. Situated in the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats, the park covers 777 square kilometres at an altitude of between 914 and 1,828m. At its centre lies a large, artificial lake, built by the British in 1895 to supply water to the region around Madurai and over 15 square kilometres in area. In 1973 the park became part of Project Tiger in an effort to save this wonderful animal from extinction. The park has a rich variety of wildlife - both mammals and birds. You would indeed be lucky to see the elusive tiger and leopard - both of which inhabit the forest - but should certainly see sambar, chital, otter, wild boar and gaur plus a rich variety of birdlife. In addition, wild elephants are often seen in the park. On arrival you’ll set off on foot in a small group on a guided wildlife walk; this is one of the few Indian parks in which visitors are able to walk. You make regular stops to watch for elephant and gaur, as well as monkeys and birds. The following morning you’ll take to the water for further wildlife viewing, on a boat trip on Periyar Lake. Here you’ll look out for otter, wild elephant and a variety of birdlife. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore; you could hire a bike in the village of Kumily and explore the area, visiting the local tea and spice markets, or cycle amongst the cardamom-covered hills. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2,Dx2) |
| Day 10: | Through The Western Ghats To Cochin You set off early for the six-hour or so drive to Cochin, a town built around a saltwater lagoon of the Arabian Sea and the commercial capital of Kerala. Travelling through the spectacular green tea and rubber plantations of the Western Ghats, you descend to Kerala's 'Malabar Coast'. Hotel - 2 nights (B) |
| Day 11: | Cochin Today starts with a walking tour of Fort Cochin. From the tightly packed streets the scents of cinnamon, cloves and countless other spices mingle in the sea breeze. On the western shore of the Fort Cochin peninsular, rows of cantilevered Chinese fishing nets remind you of Kerala’s trade links with the outside world. The area is also home to a small community of Jews whose descendants sailed into exile some 2,000 years ago; a synagogue still remains. Close by is Mattancherry Palace, originally built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. Here you’ll see the remarkable series of murals, which illustrate tales from the sacred epic of the Ramayana. There is plenty of time to wander through the narrow lanes lined with houses built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in their own distinctive styles. However it’s not only the extraordinary assortment of architectural styles that can be found but also an array of interesting and tasty local dishes. Still strong on rice, coconuts and fish, local cuisine also embraces influences from Europe and the Arab world. Perhaps you’ll also take in a Kathakali show (optional), a traditional dance drama in which performers wear an incredible amount of colourful costume and make-up. They sway to the music as local legends are retold by this art form dating back 500 years or more. (B) |
| Day 12: | Kumarakom Homestay Drive south to Kumarakom, located on the eastern coast of Lake Vembanad. The village here lies amidst classic backwaters scenery, a paradise of mangrove forest, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves connected by waterways and canals strewn with water lilies and lotus flowers. Tonight you’ll enjoy a homestay in Kumarakom. The property you’ll stay in is specially selected to offer comfortable, but simple accommodation for tourists; bedrooms here share bathroom facilities. Some accommodation is in a lake-facing outside block and some is in the main block with the family, who live and dine in this room; it’s where you’ll get to eat genuine home-cooked food - one of the key attractions of a homestay. You can expect to find delicious Kerala curries or more unusual dishes, making use of fresh fish from the lake such as Pearl Sport fish or Karimeen. This area is famous for its coconuts too and you’ll be able to drink fresh from the husk, or perhaps try a specially-prepared coconut toddy. Homestay – 1 night (B) |
| Day 13: | Malabar Backwaters - Houseboat The low-lying coastal areas consist of a complex system of beautiful lagoons and canals known as the ‘Malabar Backwaters’. These waterways are the principal means of communication and trade for scores of homes and villages. Along the banks, at jetties and ferry stops, there's often a wonderful array of produce ready for market; sacks of cashews are piled high next to coconuts. Driving a short distance you arrive at Aleppey where the houseboats are moored and board. These converted kettuvallam (rice barges) are constructed in a traditional way from anjali (jackfruit) wood; ‘kettu’ means knot and ‘vallam' means boat. They offer simple, yet comfortable accommodation with a toilet and shower on board. They also provide a relaxing and unobtrusive way of catching a glimpse of life in the small settlements found on the spits of land which separate each channel. Many travellers find this unique insight into life along the backwaters is a highlight of their trip. Houseboat - 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 14-15: | Kovalam This morning you return to Allepey and disembark. You drive to your final destination - Kovalam - a small beach resort close to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Kovalam was once a series of palm-fringed beaches from where fishermen set off in their outriggers. Today it is becoming south India’s best known beach resort, yet it still maintains a small and friendly atmosphere. The four beaches that make up Kovalam are separated by rocky headlands. The beaches are lovely and backed by countless acres of swaying palm trees, amongst which are dotted any number of small restaurants and eateries. Upon arrival on day 14 (which will be in the early afternoon) you will have plenty of free time to relax and perhaps try a traditional ayurvedic massage where oils extracted from plants with medicinal properties are worked into the head, arms, shoulders and back. On your last evening your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2) |
| Day 16: | Depart Kovalam You'll transfer back to the airport and this is where the trip ends for Land Only clients. Those on group flights to the UK will fly back to London. (B) |
travellers' tales
10/ 10 and I have written a separate letter posted this morning to yourselves in praise of the local tour guide, Tony Gomez, who made the holiday most memorable for the whole party of 16. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: We use a south-Indian agent to provide us with services such as booking of hotels and providing a driver and bus. This, together with taking meals in local restaurants, means more of our money reaches the local people. Entry fees to Periyar National Park go towards the maintenance of the park and wildlife conservation. The farm visit really helps out the local family with vital income. In conjunction with our local agent in India, we have developed a programme of school visits and on this trip you’ll have the opportunity to visit a school on the way to Periyar National Park. You will get to see how the younger children are educated during your visit, and get a cheery “hello” in English or Tamil! They welcome stationery such as exercise books and English-language reference and story books, pencils and crayons. Although you can take things out with you, goods are available cheaply locally and your Group Leader will be able to give advice on where to buy things.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |