South India - The Spice of Life
- • Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, India
- 21 Nights | 22 Days
- Highlights of the tour
- Colonial Cochin • Musical Trail • Enchanting backwaters • Bamboo Rafting in Periyar National Park • Madurai Meenakshi Temple • Arts & Crafts in Tanjore • Visit to Auroville in Pondichery • Rock cut caves of Mahabalipuram • Heritage Walking tour of Mysore • Local Cuisine Experience • Belur & Halebid temples in Hassan • Ruins at Hampi – Unesco World Heritage site
- Itinerary
1 : Arrival Cochin
Meet with our representative on arrival and proceed to the hotel. Also known as Kochi, Cochin is an attractive town with a rich history and culture. It has been a trading port since the Roman times when it was on the main trade route between Europe and China, and is still orientated around the bay whose neck is lined with the enormous cantilevered cheenavalas (Chinese fishing nets). The town has had a Jewish community since the 6th century, and has been occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British before independence. In the afternoon enjoy a guided walking tour of the Colonial Town. start with the visit of the famous Chinese Fishing nets of Cochin. Visit the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried. Pass by the finest Santa Cruz Basilica and enjoy a stroll through Princes Street and the colonial reminiscences of Fort Kochi. Overnight stay.
Day 2 : Cochin
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a tuk tuk – the most popular mode of transport among the localities, go along with your story tellr and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), once throbbing with activity, it is now a picture of slow extinction. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, and arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargains prices. Make a pause and have one “meter tea” at one of the tea stall. There is now an opportunity to interact with a Brahmin Family. The Brahmin are the highest of the four Hindu castes of priests and scholars of Vedic literature, their traditional occupation is to conduct rites at marriages, births and other auspicious occasions. The Lady of the house will demonstrate KOLAM - a geographical symmetry they draw at the courtyard on a daily basis, mostly with Rice Flour. The design is expected to bring in Peace and Prosperity to the house. Visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally stop at the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. Overnight stay.
Day 3: Cochin–Cheruthuruthy (120 kms, 3 hrs)
After breakfast, proceed to Cheruthuruthy. At Ainkalam, on the way you stop at a Pottery workshop. Enjoy an interactive session with these skilled artisans. Continue your drive, arrive and check in at the hotel. Afternoon . Follow your Musical trail, known locally as "Vadya Parichayam" to the Sopanam Panchavadyam musical school, where you will Later observe an introduction of musical instruments used in temples, conducted by artists and students. This program includes a short performance demonstrating the use of these traditional instruments. enjoy a vegetarian meal with the artisans. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay.
