Duration: 6 – 9 hours

Group size: Minimum: 1, Maximum 10.

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a site that many travelers compare to the Roman Pantheon. Mahabalipuram which was known as Mamallapuram to the ancients is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site, an area ‘considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.’ Here, you will find one of history’s most intriguing enigmas, an open air museum with some of the finest ancient sculptures, structural temples and monolithic art forms in the world.

Indian Expeditions invites you to take a Private Tour of Mahabalipuram with an acclaimed tour lead and authority of Pallava art. The Private Tour of Mahabalipuram will leave you amazed by the legacy of the Indian ancients. The Private Tour of Mahabalipuram also aims to give you a deep understanding of ancient and contemporary culture.

Mahabalipuram was an important ancient port which was well known to the ancient Romans and Greeks. The second capital of the Pallava Dynasty, the site is of now great importance due to the magnificent art forms of the 6th century AD.

The true beauty of the site stands out only with expert interpretation, and that’s exactly what you get on the Indian Expeditions Private Tour of Mahabalipuram

Questions? Contact us on info@indianexpeditions.in

Start: 830 AM (Note: Timings are customizable) Marina Beach:

On the Private Tour of Mahabalipuram, We will depart Chennai after breakfast and drive down the scenic East Coast Road. The first stop on the Private Tour of Mahabalipuram is either Dakshin Chitra, a center of South Indian art and history or the Madras Crocodile Bank, a reptile zoo and herpetology research station. We then stop on the Private Tour of Mahabalipuram, at theTiger Caves, a 6th century site of great importance and a newly discovered Roman temple that was built sometime in the 1st century AD. We arrive in Mahabalipuram where we spend the morning and afternoon exploring the various historical sites, the ancient rock temples and sculptures. We will delve into the history of the Pallavas, an ancient dynasty that once ruled an extensive part of India and beyond. After bidding adieu to Mamallapurum, we pay a visit to a Rural Agrarian village, where, on the Private Tour of Mahabalipuram, you will get to interact with farmers and their families to understand how life in India has been for many centuries. On the Private Tour of Mahabalipuram, we will also take a look into and understand traditional customs and practices of Indian families. We will then return to Chennai for dinner, ending the Private Tour of Mahabalipuram.

 

 

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Chandan S. has led over 50 South India Tours so far. Born into a family of academicians, he has traveled extensively with renowned authorities on art, culture and history.  A passionate traveler, he loves meeting people and showing them around fantastic South India. Chandan has worked with Greenpeace and was later involved in building sustainable game lodges and travel cafes and  has spent over a year documenting birds in the Niligiris Biosphere Reserve. Chandan has worked on many travel programs in the wilderness, apart from leading many South India Tours focusing on culture and art. He is extremely affable and informative, and loves to constantly tour South India  ”Being in the travel profession and being a trip lead combines several of my interests – exploring India, trekking, wildlife spotting, being on the road and meeting new people,” he says.

Duration: 6 – 9 hours

Group size: Minimum: 1, Maximum 10.

In steamy, spicy Southern India, the city of Chennai is a hub for travel in and out of India and Tamil Nadu. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is one of the friendliest cities in the sub-continent. Indeed, Chennai is so modest that it’s easy to miss the fact that it is an economic power house, a queen of showbiz and has a fascinating history and a culture that dates back to 1000′s of years.

Indian Expeditions invites you to take a Private Tour of Chennai with a highly knowledgeable local guide who can speak fluent English to discover Chennai, India’s 4th largest city.

The one day Private Tour of Chennai is a specially designed travel itinerary to experience Chennai in a day. We will visit ancient Hindu temples and British Churches, enjoy a delicious, healthy and traditional South Indian meal served on banana leaves, explore Chennai’s history, be spell bound by some beautiful art relics and bronze sculptures from the 10th century, and go after some of the best shopping deals in town, having a lot of fun doing so.

The Private Tours of Chennai aim to leave you with insights on how the city came into being as it is today. The trip lead of the Private Tours of Chennai will engage you in lively conversations and debates about Chennai’s history, share interesting facts and anecdotes, and also explore the contemporary importance and pulse of the metropolis.

The Private Tour of Chennai is of low intensity, where you will travel by a luxury air conditioned vehicle with frequent stops. The Chennai Private Tour covers some of the most important areas in Chennai and leaves space for serendipity and for a high level of personalization.

Questions? Contact us on info@indianexpeditions.in

Start: 830 AM (Note: Timings are customizable) Marina Beach:

The first stop on the Private Tour of Chennai is the scenic Marina beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. We will start exploring Chennai’s history here as we take a short walk on the beach, for it was here that the British developed one of their most important trading harbors. We will visit a fish market and a fishing hamlet.

Lecture: Orientation, Chennai.

 Santhome Basilica:

On the next stop of the Private Tour of Chennai, we will explore the Dutch connection of the city in Santhome, and stop at the Santhome Basilica. Christian tradition has it that the Apostle, Doubting Thomas arrived in India on Roman trading ships and lived and preached at Chennai. The Basilica is said to have been built on the spot that St Thomas was originally buried. The Basilica houses a small but interesting museum and a relic of the Apostle. For people who are more interested in the Apostle’s connection with Chennai, the Private Tour of Chennai can be tailored to visit St Thomas Mount, a small hillock where the saint is said to have lived.

Lecture:  Dutch history in Chennai and Christianity in India.

Kapaleeshwar temple:

The next stop on the Private Tour of Chennai is the Kapaleeshwar temple. The age of this temple is of much debate. The present structure was built in the 7th Century AD on a site where a temple existed for many centuries before. The temple is a marvelous example of the Pallava age architecture, and is a living temple, where worship is offered to this day. Here, you will experience and witness age old Hindu rituals, which your guide will help interpret.

Lecture: Hinduism, Temple Rituals, Pallava Architecture.

Slow Drive

The next leg of the Chennai Private Tour involes a slow drive. We will drive past the Senate House, an exquisite example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the Victorian style Ice House, which was a storage for ice. In the early 18th century till about 1880, huge blocks of ice were chipped from New England’s wintery slopes, cleverly insulated in woodchips and shipped to Chennai where the ice was a much sought after commodity. The slow drive on the Private Chennai Tour will also cover the Anna and MGR memorial, the final resting place of the two film star turned politicians. We will have a debate on the influence of cinema on Tamil Nadu’s politics, where all the political big wigs and chief ministers are erstwhile film stars.

Lecture:  Impact of cinema on South India

Fort St George:

Fort St George was the first fort built by the British in India, and was completed on St George’s day, 1639. The fort is arguably what founded the British Empire in India and the modern city of Chennai. The fort now serves as the administrative headquarters of the government of Tamil Nadu. The Private tour of Chennai will take you to the Fort’s interesting museum, which houses many interesting artifacts from the colonial age and we will also visit the St Mary’s church, the oldest Anglican Church in India.

Lecture: British in India and the impact of the colonial rule

Lunch:

We will visit a high quality traditional South Indian Restaurant and enjoy a healthy, wholesome and scrumptious South Indian meal served on Banana leaves. Please note that cost of Lunch is not included in the Private Tour of Chennai.

Talk: Traditional food of South India and food habits.

Egmore Museum:

The next stop on the Private Tour of Chennai is the fabulous Egmore Museum. Many travellers coming to Chennai fail to stop here, and that is indeed quite a pity. The Egmore Museum houses some of the finest pieces of ancient art and craft in the world, and is home to the world’s largest collection of exquisite Chola age Bronze sculptures (6th to 15th Century.)

Lecture: Art History of South India, Chola Bronze sculptures

Shopping:

The Private Tour of Chennai ends with time for shopping. Based on your interests, we will go shopping after the best deals in town and for traditional gifts

Add Ons / Customization:

There are many options on the Private Tour of Chennai for those of us who’d like to explore a bit futher. We can explore Chennai’s Armenian connection and Church or visit more Hindu temples or British Churches, or visit some of Chennai’s liveliest pubs and bars. The Private Tour of Chennai is highly customizable, and we can tailor the Private Tour of Chennai to suite you best.

Chandan S. has led over 50 South India Tours so far. Born into a family of academicians, he has traveled extensively with renowned authorities on art, culture and history.  A passionate traveler, he loves meeting people and showing them around fantastic South India. Chandan has worked with Greenpeace and was later involved in building sustainable game lodges and travel cafes and  has spent over a year documenting birds in the Niligiris Biosphere Reserve. Chandan has worked on many travel programs in the wilderness, apart from leading many South India Tours focusing on culture and art. He is extremely affable and informative, and loves to constantly tour South India  ”Being in the travel profession and being a trip lead combines several of my interests – exploring India, trekking, wildlife spotting, being on the road and meeting new people,” he says.

Duration: 9 Days

Group size: Minimum: 1, Maximum 10.

This South India Tour focuses on the great temples of Tamil Nadu. The region of Tamil Nadu in modern India has been under continuous human habitation since prehistoric times.The four ancient Tamil empires of Chera, Chola, Pandya and Pallava were of very vancient origins. Together they ruled over this land with a unique culture and language, contributing to the growth of some of the oldest extant literature in the world. They had extensive maritime trade contacts with the Roman empire. These three dynasties were in constant struggle with each other vying for hegemony over the land. The Cholas, who re-emerged from obscurity in the 9th century by defeating the Pallavas and the Pandyas, rose to become a great power and extended their empire over the entire southern peninsula. At its height the Chola empire spanned almost 3,600,000 km² (1,389,968 sq mi) straddling the Bay of Bengal. With the decline of the three ancient dynasties during the 14th century, the Tamil country became part of the Vijayanagara Empire. Under this empire the Telugu speaking Nayak governors ruled the Tamil land. The brief appearance of the Marathas gave way to the European trading companies, who began to appear during the 17th century and eventually assumed greater sway over the indigenous rulers of the land.

Tamil Nadu is the host of many of India’s greatest temples and we will visit some of the most ancient, monumental and most important temples of South India.

Questions? Contact us on info@indianexpeditions.in

Day 1 & 2: Chennai

We will visit Fort St George, the first fort built in India and explore Chennai’s colonial past. We will take a walk through Chennai’s busy gold and saree market and learn how to bargain the Indian way. We visit some of Chennai’s most prominent temples, some of which date back to many centuries ago. You will be mesmerized with the Chennai Egmore museums exquisite collection of bronze sculptures from as early on as the 5th century. We will attend an Indian Classical music concert and explore the trail of the Apostle Doubting Thomas and visit the St Thomas Basilica, where the apostle is said to have been originally buried.

Lecture: Orientation, Art history of South India. Performing Art: Classical Concert. (depending on tour dates, please check with travel manager.) Accommodation: Luxury, Air coinditioned rooms in an International hotel chain as per your selection. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

We will explore the ancient 5th century port, Mahabalipuram and be amazed by ancient, exquisite rock sculptures. Here we will relax in an exquisite beach resort, and dine on some fine sea food.

Lecture: Pallava and Chola art.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 4: Chidambaram

One of the most ancient and most important temples in South India, the Tillai Nataraja Temple  has influenced worship, architecture, sculpture and performance art for over two millennium. The temple has 9 gateways, and four of these have gateway towers or gopurams each with 7 storeys facing the East, South, West and North. We will spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating structure that is steeped in legend and folklore.

Lecture: Influence of the Chidambaram Temple  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 5 and 6: Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam dates back to the Sangam period and was ruled by the Early Cholas, Pallavas, Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks and the Thanjavur Marathas. It rose to be a prominent city between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas. The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the British Raj when it was a prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture; and it acquired the cultural name, the “Cambridge of South India”.  We spend 2 days exploring Kumbakonam and sites nearby.

Day 7 and 8: Tanjavur

We arrive post lunch and take a stroll through some of Thanjavur’s streets. Here, we will enjoy a 10th century Chola theme dinner, recipes of which have been taken from ancient rock inscriptions and manuscripts. We will visit the “Big Temple,” the magnificent Brahadeswhara Temple built in the 11th century, regarded as one of India’s most magnificient ancient structures. We will go on an orientation drive and visit a Vedic and Sanskrit school and commune, and interact with professors and students. We will view age old methods of bronze casting and attend a classical dance program, where you will have a chance to interact with traditional dancers and musicians

Lecture: Orientation, Art history of South India. Performing Art: Classical Concert. (depending on tour dates, please check with travel manager.) Accommodation: Luxury, Air coinditioned rooms in an International hotel chain as per your selection. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 9: Madurai

Madurai is one of the worlds oldest cities. We will explore the bi lanes of this ancient city and witness vibrant and mysterious rituals in the awe-inspiring Madurai Meenakshi Temple. You can catch a Tamil movie and attend a talk on Tamil cinema and its influence on everyday life.

Lecture: Madurai.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

We can recommend excellent hotels to fit your budget. From Luxury to Budget accommodation, South India has some of the finest hotels and resorts in South Asia.  We choose the most sustainable lodges and resorts to work with. You can book directly or we can book hotels for you.

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V.N Seetharam is considered by many as one of the best South India tour guides they have met. Acknowledged by academicians from across the globe  as one of the worlds leading experts in Indian Architecture, Sculpture, Indology and culture, Seetharam makes for a fantastic travel partner. It is his bookseller roots that have made Seetharam a cultural historian of our times, much appreciated for his insights on prose, poetry, literature and scriptures alike. For decades together and all of the 90′s Seetharam dominated the book business in India with his exclusive and rich treasure, popularly known as “The Bookshop” in Chennai. The press adored his niche motley of books and tagged it as one of the best collections in India.

Today Seetharam has hundreds of fans who once visited his bookshop, admired his passion and are coming back for South India Tours with him as the trip lead.

Duration of South India Tour: 14 days

Group size of South India Tour: Minimum: 4, Maximum 10.

It was a whiff that launched a thousand dhows. The allure of spices, which took the first Arab merchants to the coast of India and the Western Ghats, also set a trail for ambitious Europeans to build colonial empires in far-flung lands, and triggered meanly contested, fiercely fought wars — on land and at sea.

Now, many centuries after the first dhow from Arabia sought out the spice-rich coast of known as the Malabar, Indian Expeditions invites you to join us on a travel program through the magnificent Western Ghats.

The Western Ghats are one of the world’s ten “Hottest biodiversity hotspots” with over 5000 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species and 179 amphibian species. At least 325 globally threatened species occur in the Western Ghats, along with several tribal groups whose traditional lifestyle is fast being eroded. The Nilgiri Bio-sphere is home to the largest population of Asian Elephants and forms an important Project Elephant and Project Tiger reserve. The largest population of India’s Tigers outside the Sundarbans is in the unbroken forests bordering Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are at least 16 species of birds endemic to the western Ghats including the endangered Rufous-breasted Laughingthrush, the vulnerable Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, White-bellied Shortwing and Broad-tailed Grassbird.

On this travel itinerary, you’ll discover one the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, safari into wild south India and hope to spot the the mighty tiger. You will bargain for spices as the Arabs did on street markets in Cochin, while you discover her Roman, Arab, Dutch, Portuguese and British connections. You will cruise the beautiful backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. This south India tour immerses you into wild south India and you will safari on an elephant back and in 4 wheel drive vehicles through beautiful and stunning landscape in search of the elusive tiger and other big game, and go for treks and walks in pristine jungles in Indira Gandhi National Park, Mukurti National Park and Mudumalai Tiger reserve.You will sip on some of the worlds finest tea admist some breath taking landscape in Ooty , one of India’s finest hill stations. You’ll explore Mysore, the seat of famed Maharajas (kings). You will visit Malpe and Udipi and the famous 13th century Krishna temple. You’ll beach bum in Goa, wander around its gentle bird filled river banks, poke around centuries-old cathedrals party a night away and taste excellent fresh sea food.

Questions? Contact us on info@indianexpeditions.in

Day 1 & 2: Port City of Kochi

Visit fragrant spice bazaars, antique shops and the Mattancherry Palace in Fort Cochin, with its fascinating mix of colonial influences. Wander amid the medieval Portuguese, Dutch and British Raj architecture by the Malabar Coast. Experience beautiful, palm-fringed network of canals, lakes and lagoons linking towns from aboard a house boat. These waterways are still used today to ferry cargoes of spices, fish and newspapers, not to mention locals propelling little dug-outs to visit friends or tend fields. Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 3: Allepey

Hop on a House boat and cruise Kerala’s back waters at a leisurely pace. Get an ayurvedic massage. View a demonstration of Kalaripaythu, an ancient martial art and Kathakalli, an ancient dance form. Discover why National Geographic this stretch of land is one of the worlds best destinations. Accommodation:  House Boat, As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 4 and 5: Indira Gandhi National Park

Home to many species of Flora and Fauna, the Indira Gandhi National park is especially known for the medicinal plants and herbs that grow there. Join the Kada tribals to pick some medicinal herbs, and get a chance to spot the rare Niligiri Tahr. Stay in a British Bungalow and be treated like a Sahib. Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 6 & 7: Ooty and Mukurti National Park

Explore South India’s most famous hill station. Walk through quiet, wild flower shaded boulevards left over by the English and visit the Rose Garden. Enjoy the hospitality of a Home stay, trek the pristine Mukurti National Park and hope to spot the Nilgiri Thar. Accommodation:Red Hills or Destiny Farm House. As per your plan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 & 9: Jungle Retreat, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Jungle Retreat is one of the finest wild life resorts in India, and we stay in the stunningly beautiful Nilgiris. We safari into the Mudumalai & Bandipur Tiger reserves. You will get up close to Asian Elephants at the Elephant Camp and watch Mahouts bathe & feed them. You can visit a Hero Stone or a Tribal Village. If you are interested in birding Jungle Retreat has some of the best local birding guides around. Accommodation: Jungle Retreat As per your plan. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 & 11: Mysore, The City of Palaces

The inspiring profile of the Maharaja’s Palace, the seat of the erstwhile maharajas of Mysore,
graces the city’s skyline. The Mysore Zoo, set in pretty gardens on the eastern edge of the city, dates from 1892 and is worth a visit.To see how Indian royals travelled in days past, we shall visit the Rail Museum. Overlooking Mysore from the 1062m-high summit of Chamundi Hill, the Sri Chamundeswari Temple, dominated by a towering seven-storey, 40m-high gopuram, makes a fine half-day excursion. Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 12 – Udipi and Malpe

Stay in the beautiful, laid back fishing harbor, Malpe. Visit the 13th century Krishna temple in Udupi and witness elaborate, ancient rituals. Eat some of the finest vegetarian food India has to offer. Explore the University town of Manipal. Accommodation:  As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 13 & 14: Beaches of North Goa

After two weeks of the Intense South India Tour, it’s time to unwind. No where else in India will you find, what in Goa  is called susegad, a luxurious laid-back
languidness especially at lunchtime. Apart from the easy going people and the serene
beaches, you can a wander around bird-filled banks of the state’s gentle rivers and poke
around centuries-old cathedrals and of taste excellent fresh sea food. Accommodation:  As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Add Ons:

If you choose to extend your vacation, we have many options as an add on, and we can tailor one to suite you best.

We can recommend excellent hotels to fit your budget. From Luxury to Budget accommodation, South India has some of the finest hotels and resorts in South Asia.  We choose the most sustainable lodges and resorts to work with. You can book directly or we can book hotels for you

Chandan S. has led over 50 South India Tours so far. Born into a family of academicians, he has traveled extensively with renowned authorities on art, culture and history.  A passionate traveler, he loves meeting people and showing them around fantastic South India. Chandan has worked with Greenpeace and was later involved in building sustainable game lodges and travel cafes and  has spent over a year documenting birds in the Niligiris Biosphere Reserve. Chandan has worked on many travel programs in the wilderness, apart from leading many South India Tours focusing on culture and art. He is extremely affable and informative, and loves to constantly tour South India  ”Being in the travel profession and being a trip lead combines several of my interests – exploring India, trekking, wildlife spotting, being on the road and meeting new people,” he says.

Duration of South India Tour: 21 days

Group size of South India Tour: Minimum: 4, Maximum 10.

Ancient spice ports, seaside temples, tea plantations—what a colorful world southern India is! This South India Tour takes you to almost all the highlights of South India, and gets you intimate with an ancient culture. We discover Chennai, where the British built their first fort and church in India and Mahabalipuram, an awe inspiring outdoor museum of magnificent sacred architecture. We will explore tranquil rural villages with astounding temples and gigantic gopuras (towers) soaring above the palm forests and paddy fields. We will cruise on a house boat in enchanting Kerala and safari into tiger reserves to spot the elusive tiger and other mega fauna. Further, on the South India Tour, we will visit the ruins of the Vijayanagara kingdom in Hampi and explore Mysore, the city of palaces. The South India Tour ends in Goa, where you can beach bum on shady beaches with white sand and taste some excellent sea food.

If you are traveling in a group, this South India tour itinerary can be completely customized to match your budget, travel dates and interests.

On this South India Tour program we will visit:

Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry -Thanjavur -Madurai - Thekkady - Kochi – The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve – Mysore – Hassan – Badami – Goa

Questions? Contact us on info@indianexpeditions.in

Day 1 & 2: Chennai

Arrive at Chennai (formerly known as Madras), your gateway to the sunny south and capital of Tamil Nadu, a state renowned forgrandiose temple sculpture and architecture of the Chola, Cheran, Pallava and Pandya Dynasties; a city with a rich heritage indeed! The British built their first fort here and leading to the Brithish Empire in India. The Madras Presidency was one of British India’s most important divisions. The modern city of Chennai offers travelers and enthusiasts an interesting blend of the old and the new, the artistic and the academic, the historic and the scenic. We will tour of this sprawling city with its wealth of art and architecture, its National Art Gallery and Museum, Fort St. George, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral, and many other landmarks.

Lecture: Orientation, Art history of South India. Performing Art: Classical Concert. (depending on tour dates, please check with travel manager.) Accommodation: Luxury, Air coinditioned rooms in an International hotel chain as per your selection. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 3: Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

We depart Chennai early and a 1.5 drive takes us to the temple town of Kanchipuram, one of India’s seven sacred cities. The ancient capital of the Pallava and Chola dynasties, Kanchipuram still boasts of about 200 ancient temples. In addition to being an important pilgrimage center, Kanchipuram is today a bustling center of commerce, known best for its handwoven silk fabrics, especially sarees.

We then proceed to Mahabalipuram and check into a beach resort. We will spend the evening part of the next day exploring the ancient 5th century port, Mahabalipuram and be amazed by ancient, exquisite rock sculptures.

Lecture: Pallava and Chola art.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 4: Agrarian Village and Pondicherry

We will visit an agrarian village and understand the true beat of India. Here, we witness traditional farming techniques and communal lifestyles. We get to interact with traditional farmers, get a glimpse of India’s cast system, and look into chores, rituals and festivals associated with everyday life in India. We then follow the scenic East Coast Road and explore India’s French connection, Pondicherry, where we will visit the Arabindo Ashram and Auroville, a spiritual commune. We then go on to a handicraft manufacturing unit, and other places of interest in peaceful Pondy and you could even learn some French here if you want!

Lecture: French In India.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 5 and 6: Tanjavur

We arrive post lunch and take a stroll through some of Thanjavur’s streets. Here, we will enjoy a 10th century Chola theme dinner, recipes of which have been taken from ancient rock inscriptions and manuscripts. We will visit the “Big Temple,” the magnificent Brahadeswhara Temple built in the 11th century, regarded as one of India’s most magnificient ancient structures. We will go on an orientation drive and visit a Vedic and Sanskrit school and commune, and interact with professors and students. We will view age old methods of bronze casting and attend a classical dance program, where you will have a chance to interact with traditional dancers and musicians

Lecture: Orientation, Art history of South India. Performing Art: Classical Concert. (depending on tour dates, please check with travel manager.) Accommodation: Luxury, Air coinditioned rooms in an International hotel chain as per your selection. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 7 and 8: Madurai

Madurai is one of the worlds oldest cities. We will explore the bi lanes of this ancient city and witness vibrant and mysterious rituals in the awe-inspiring Madurai Meenakshi Temple.  Madurai was known to have had links with Greece as far back as the 4th Century BC, and became became a major center for writers, builders and academics. Today, its main attraction is the labyrinthine complex of temples within the Sri Meenakshi Temple, spread over six hectares. The temple contains friezes, stone and brass images, as well as one of the best exhibits of Hindu deities in its 1000-pillared hall. Outside the temple are the Musical Pillars which when tapped, produce the entire scale of ‘swaras’ or musical notes. Your sightseeing tour in Madurai will include visits to Tkulum (Mariamman) a tank with an island temple in the middle, the museums and the bustling bylanes of the Madurai market.

Lecture: Madurai.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 9 and 10: Periyar National Park, Thekkady

Drive on to Thekkady, the Spice Capital of India, renowned for its sprawling spice and tea gardens. At Thekkady, we spend time in the Periyar national park and a spice plantation.

Lecture: Spice Trade.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 11 and 12: Kochi

We bid farewell to the Jungles and to all the friends that we would have made during our trip there and proceed to Kochi, the spice capital of ancient India. We will check into a home stay and experience the warmth of an Indian family hospitality. Here, you can have discussions with your host and let them show you around. We will explore ancient churches and synagogues, take walks around the beach and spot dolphins and watch fisherman catch fish using ancient style huge Chinese fishing nets.

Lecture: Kerala.  Accommodation: Home stay,  As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 13 and 14: Jungle Retreat, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Jungle Retreat is one of the finest wild life resorts in India, and we stay in the stunningly beautiful Nilgiris. We safari into the Mudumalai & Bandipur Tiger reserves. You will get up close to Asian Elephants at the Elephant Camp and watch Mahouts bathe & feed them. You can visit a Hero Stone or a Tribal Village. If you are interested in birding Jungle Retreat has some of the best local birding guides around.

Lecture: Wildlife conservation in India.  Accommodation: Jungle Retreat.  Rooms as per your plan. Meals Included: All meals in Jungle Retreat.

Day 15 and 16: Mysore

We depart Jungle Retreat, which is never an easy thing and drive for 2.5 hours to Mysore. Mysore is one of the most well known destinations of Karnataka, and with good reason. The magnificent Maharaja’s Palace that marks the city’s skyline is adorned on the inside with an abundance of stained glass, mirrors and gilt. The Chamrajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysore is one of the best in India, and the Art Gallery has what is probably the finest collection of paintings and musical instruments. Another must-see, is the Durga (Kali) temple atop the Chamundi Hill, only 10 kms south of Mysore. Mysore is also the incense manufacturing capital of the country. We also visit  Srirangapatnam, the place from where Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled much of southern India during the 18th Century. Built on a long island in the Cauvery River, the crumbling fort of Srirangapatnam stands as testimony to their historic resistance to the British.

Lecture:  Tipu Sultan and the Indo Carnatic Wars.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 17: Hasan

Drive to Hospet which you will use as a base for an excursion to one of the most fascinating historical sites of south India, the ruins of Vijayanagar at Hampi, set amid a strange and beautiful boulder-strewn landscape. You will also visit the 16th Century Vittala Temple, a World Heritage Monument that stands as the pinnacle of Vijayanagar art and sculpture.

Lecture:  Vijayanagara Kingdom.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 17 and 18: Hospet, Badami

Our next stop on this wonderful South India Tour is at Badami. Set in a beautiful countryside among red sandstone hills, rock hewn tanks and farmlands, Badami was once the capital of the mighty Chalukyan Empire, that ruled vast parts of central and south India from the 4th-8th Century. At Badami, you will see some of the finest examples of Dravidian cave temples.

From Badami, you will take a full day excursion to Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole is where you will witness the evolution of Hindu temple architecture from the early shrines of the Lad Khan Temple to more complex structures like that of the Meguti Temple. In the centre of the village is the famous Durgigudi temple, known for its semicircular apse and the outstanding carvings that crowd the colonnaded passageway. Pattadakal, another developing ground for Hindu temple architecture, was the second capital of the Badami Chalukyans, used specially for royal coronations.

Lecture:  Chalukya Empire and Art.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 19,20, 21: Beaches of North Goa

After two weeks of the Intense South India Tour, it’s time to unwind. No where else in India will you find, what in Goa  is called susegad, a luxurious laid-back
languidness especially at lunchtime. Apart from the easy going people and the serene
beaches, you can a wander around bird-filled banks of the state’s gentle rivers and poke
around centuries-old cathedrals and of taste execellent fresh sea food.

Add Ons:

If you choose to extend your vacation, we have many options as an add on, and we can tailor one to suite you best.

We can recommend excellent hotels to fit your budget. From Luxury to Budget accommodation, South India has some of the finest hotels and resorts in South Asia.  We choose the most sustainable lodges and resorts to work with. You can book directly or we can book hotels for you

.

V.N Seetharam is considered by many as one of the best South India tour guides they have ever encountered. Acknowledged by academicians from across the globe  as one of the worlds leading experts in Indian Architecture, Sculpture, Indology and culture, Seetharam makes for a fantastic travel partner. It is his bookseller roots that have made Seetharam a cultural historian of our times, much appreciated for his insights on prose, poetry, literature and scriptures alike. For decades together and all of the 90′s Seetharam dominated the book business in India with his exclusive and rich treasure, popularly known as “The Bookshop” in Chennai. The press adored his niche motley of books and tagged it as one of the best collections in India.

Today Seetharam has hundreds of fans who once visited his bookshop, admired his passion and are coming back for South India Tours with him as the trip lead.

Duration of South India Tour: 16 days

Group size South India Tour: Minimum: 1, Maximum 10.

Many travellers come to India seeking something “old,” a sense of continuing ancient traditions and life styles. Many find it here, in South India, which is the home of one of humanity’s most ancient civilizations. This is the land of people who are keeping up with modern pace but yet are well connected to ancient thought, art and practices. Haggle with a merchant here, and you can hear the same slang a roman merchant heard over 2000 years ago. A land of stunning natural beauty filled with good natured hospitable people who are fully aware of the antiquity, a visit to South India will definitely change the way you look at life.

This comprehensive South India tour will immerse you into this fascinating land with opportunities to visit and spend time with local people. Traveling in small, select groups, the South India Tour is lead by an acclaimed academic, V.N. Seetharam, an indology and Indian art expert, who has led many international travel groups. The South India Tour itinerary makes space for serendipity, for chance encounters are those which are most memorable.

On this South India Tour program we will visit:

Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry -Thanjavur -Madurai - The Periyar National Park -  Kumarakom - Allepey - Cochin

Questions? Contact us on info@indianexpeditions.in

Day 1 & 2: Chennai

We will visit Fort St George, the first fort built in India and explore Chennai’s colonial past. We will take a walk through Chennai’s busy gold and saree market and learn how to bargain the Indian way. We visit some of Chennai’s most prominent temples, some of which date back to many centuries ago. You will be mesmerized with the Chennai Egmore museums exquisite collection of bronze sculptures from as early on as the 5th century. We will attend an Indian Classical music concert and explore the trail of the Apostle Doubting Thomas and visit the St Thomas Basilica, where the apostle is said to have been originally buried.

Lecture: Orientation, Art history of South India. Performing Art: Classical Concert. (depending on tour dates, please check with travel manager.) Accommodation: Luxury, Air coinditioned rooms in an International hotel chain as per your selection. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

We will explore the ancient 5th century port, Mahabalipuram and be amazed by ancient, exquisite rock sculptures. Here we will relax in an exquisite beach resort, and dine on some fine sea food.

Lecture: Pallava and Chola art.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 4: Agrarian Village and Pondicherry

We will visit an agrarian village and understand the true beat of India. We will witness traditional farming techniques and communal lifestyles. We will interact with traditional farmers, get a glimpse of India’s cast system, and look into chores, rituals and festivals associated with everyday life in India. We then follow the scenic East Coast Road and explore India’s French connection, Pondicherry, where we will visit the Arabindo Ashram and Auroville, a spiritual commune. We then go on to a handicraft manufacturing unit, and you could learn some French here if you want!

Lecture: French In India.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 5 and 6: Tanjavur

We arrive post lunch and take a stroll through some of Thanjavur’s streets. Here, we will enjoy a 10th century Chola theme dinner, recipes of which have been taken from ancient rock inscriptions and manuscripts. We will visit the “Big Temple,” the magnificent Brahadeswhara Temple built in the 11th century, regarded as one of India’s most magnificient ancient structures. We will go on an orientation drive and visit a Vedic and Sanskrit school and commune, and interact with professors and students. We will view age old methods of bronze casting and attend a classical dance program, where you will have a chance to interact with traditional dancers and musicians

Lecture: Orientation, Art history of South India. Performing Art: Classical Concert. (depending on tour dates, please check with travel manager.) Accommodation: Luxury, Air coinditioned rooms in an International hotel chain as per your selection. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 7 and 8: Madurai

Madurai is one of the worlds oldest cities. We will explore the bi lanes of this ancient city and witness vibrant and mysterious rituals in the awe-inspiring Madurai Meenakshi Temple. You can catch a Tamil movie and attend a talk on Tamil cinema and its influence on everyday life.

Lecture: Madurai.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 9 and 10: Periyar National Park

Haunt of tiger, leopard, crocodile, sloth bear, and many other enchanting flora and fuana, here, you will get a chance to explore your wild side. We will spend two leisurely and relaxed days going on Safari to spot the big cats and other mega fauna and we will visit a tea and spice plantation, taking slow walks amongst breathtaking scenario, or you could go on a more rigorous trek. Here, we also interact with tribals and ex poachers and understand the impact of sustainable tourism on indigenous people and sensitive ecology.

Lecture: Conservation of wildlife in India.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 11 and 12: House Boat, Kumarakom

We bid farewell to the Jungles and to all the friends that we would have made during our trip there and proceed to Kumarakom, a stunningly beautiful town in Kerala. Hop on a house boat on which we spend a night cruising the spectacular back waters of Kerala at a leisurely pace. We then can visit a local village or spice plantation.

Lecture: Kerala.  Accommodation: Houseboat, As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 13 and 14: Alleppey

In Alleppey we will beach bum on pristine beaches and take in the sun. You could get an ayurvedic massage. We will view a demonstration of Kalaripaythu, an ancient martial art and Kathakalli, an ancient dance form. We will explore and admire beautiful British, Dutch and Portuguese architecture before finishing this South Indian adventure.

Lecture: Ayurveda, Kathakali and Kalari Paythu.  Accommodation:  As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

Day 15: Cochin

We will check into a home stay and experience the warmth of an Indian family hospitality. Here, you can have discussions with your host and let them show you around. We will explore ancient churches and synagogues, take walks around the beach and spot dolphins and watch fisherman catch fish using ancient style huge Chinese fishing nets.

Lecture:  Spice Trade.  Accommodation: As per your plan. Meals Included: As per your plan.

 

Add Ons:

There are many options for those of us who’d like to continue the South India Tour. We can explore Goa or continue a tour of Kerala or head back into Karnataka, where we can visit Mysore, Hampi and/or some faboulous wildlife destinations. We have many options as an add on, and we can tailor one to suite you best.

We can recommend excellent hotels to fit your budget. From Luxury to Budget accommodation, South India has some of the finest hotels and resorts in South Asia.  We choose the most sustainable lodges and resorts to work with. You can book directly or we can book hotels for you.

V.N Seetharam is considered by many as one of the best South India tour guides in the world. Acknowledged by academicians from across the globe  as one of the worlds leading experts in Indian Architecture, Sculpture, Indology and culture, Seetharam makes for a fantastic travel partner. It is his bookseller roots that have made Seetharam a cultural historian of our times, much appreciated for his insights on prose, poetry, literature and scriptures alike. For decades together and all of the 90′s Seetharam dominated the book business in India with his exclusive and rich treasure, popularly known as “The Bookshop” in Chennai. The press adored his niche motley of books and tagged it as one of the best collections in India.

Today Seetharam has hundreds of fans who once visited his bookshop, admired his passion and are coming back for South India Tours with him as the trip lead.