16 DAYS ~ FROM £2,115
Ethereal Hoysala architecture, stunning verdant Hill country and majestic Temple cities of Tamil Nadu contrast startlingly. Yet, are bound together by history and timelessness. Taste the flavours of South India – wonderful home cooked cuisine in a home stay and sea food to die for...
Bangalore • Mysore • Coonoor • Cochin • Houseboat • Periyar • Madurai • Chettinadu • Trichy • Tanjore • Pondicherry • Mahalobalipuram • Chennai
 Day 1. To Bangalore
Fly direct from Heathrow to Bangalore on British Airways.
Day 2. To Mysore via Srirangapatna
Arrive Bangalore early morning. Relax for a few hours at the Hotel Laika. After an early lunch drive to Mysore. En–route visit Srirangapatna, an island Fortress on the River Cauvery with high walls enclosing Temples, Palaces and a great Mosque. It was once the home of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan – The Tiger of Mysore. Two nights stay at Windflower Spa and Resort Hotel.
Day 3. Mysore
Morning sightseeing tour of the lovely city of Mysore. Visit includes the hilltop Sri Chamundeswari Temple, the striking monolithic Nandi Bull,Mysore Palace and the Devraja market. After lunch visit the superb Temple at Somnathpur built to glorify Hoysala craftsmanship by the famed Commander Somnath.
Day 4. To Coonoor via Ooty
Morning drive to the charming Hill Station of Ooty. After lunch at the Taj Savoy, board the delightful Toy Train to Coonoor. The lazy little train merrily chugs along passing though startling green tea plantations and wooded hillsides. Overnight at The Gateway Hotel Church Road.
Day 5. To Cochin
Morning drive to Cochin. Sunset harbour cruise to see the Chinese fishing nets and vibrant life of this working port. Two nights stay at either Old Harbour or Grande Residencia.
Day 6. Cochin
Morning sightseeing of Cochin includes the Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, the Jewish Town and Synagogue. Evening Kathakali dance performance – arrive early to watch the dancers apply their elaborate makeup.
 Day 7. Houseboat
Drive to Alleppey and board a Houseboat – a traditional converted Keralan Kettuvallom (rice boat) – for a relaxing cruise on the Backwaters. Overnight on a/c Houseboat.
Day 8. To Periyar
Disembark at Philipkutty’s working Backwater Farm for a delicious lunch. Drive to Periyar. Two nights stay at the Spice Village.
Day 9. Periyar
Early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar in search of wildlife. Afternoon take a guided tour of a Spice Plantation.
Day 10. To Madurai
Morning drive to Madurai. Afternoon at leisure. Evening visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the “going to bed ceremony” when the statue of Lord Shiva is carried to the chamber of his wife, Parvati, on a silver chariot. The colourful procession, accompanied by musicians, Temple singers and Priests is a cacophony of sound. Overnight stay at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai.
Day 11. To Chettinadu
Morning drive to Chettinadu– a unique area of Tamil Nadu famed for its culinary delicacies, beautiful mansions, rich cultural heritage, art and architecture. Take a delightful bullock cart ride to see the Palace and explore the local village. Overnight stay at Chettinadu Mansion.
Day 12. To Tanjore via Trichy
Morning drive to Trichy and visit the Srirangam famed for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dominated by 22 towers (gopurams), with one, reputed to be the highest in the world. Also climb the steps to the Rock Fort Temple with its magnificent views across the countryside. Continue driving to Tanjore. Two nights stay at the Ideal River View Resort.
Day 13. Tanjore
Morning visit to the museum, library, art gallery and the unrivalled World Heritage Brihadeeshwara Temple: the masterpiece of Chola architecture. The granite Temple is capped by a mammoth 81 tonne ‘Shikhara’. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 14. To Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry – a former French enclave. Afternoon sightseeing tour includes the French quarter, still retaining a Gallic flavour, the Mothers Ashram, and the International community of Auroville. Overnight stay at Le Duplex.
Day 15. To Chennai via Mahabalipuram
After an early breakfast drive to Chennai en-route visiting the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, with its delicate Shore Temple, series of graceful Rathas and the charmingly carved Arjuna’s Penance. Afternoon Chennai sightseeing includes the Fort St George and St Mary’s Church. Overnight stay at the Trident.
Day 16. To Heathrow
Fly to Heathrow on direct British Airways flight.
If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you the cost of the holiday without international flights relevant to your travel dates.
With love from India....Spice Pepper
North Malabar, Kerala, was once the largest and most famous trading centre for spices. "Tellicherry Pepper" is celebrated for its pungency and flavour and is widely used in Southern Indian cusine.
Suggested extensions: Beach Extension to Covelong & Mammalpuram.
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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