Heartland of South India

Transcription

1 Heartland of South India Often overlooked, Tamil Nadu is the cultural heartland of South India, where European grace and Tamil colour come together in a magnificent clash of architecture and ideologies. This remarkable private journey encompasses some of the country s most authentic cultural experiences, providing a richly contrasting insight into the traditions, heritage and flavour of one of India s most fascinating regions. Following the Coromandel coast south, you ll begin amongst the stunning World Heritage ruins at Mahabalipuram and the French colonial charms of Pondicherry, before turning west, towards the majestic architectural glories of the Chola kings. After taking in the ancient splendours of Trichy, you then venture into the homelands of the Nattukottai Chettiars. After visiting the stunning temple city of Madurai, the journey then heads into the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats, where you will enjoy the splendours of one of the finest hill stations of the British Raj, before swapping colonial grace for the sumptuous elegance of Mysore, home to the magnificent palace of the Wodeyar dynasty and the wonderfully preserved island fortress of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. Highlights: Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites at Mahabalipuram and Tanjore Enjoy the colonial grace of Pondicherry and Ooty Discover the traditional villages and palatial mansions of Chettinad Madurai - the heart of the Tamil and Dravidian cultures Explore the natural and cultural highlights of Wayanad and the Edakkal Caves The magnificent Palace of Mysore and Tipu Sultan s capital at Sriringapatnam Tour Includes: 15 nights four and five star accommodation 15 breakfasts Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private driver and vehicle Drivers' and guide s expenses Private transfer to and from all airports

2 Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room Itinerary Day 1: Chennai Arrive Chennai and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon you will then take a tour of one of South India's most important cultural, economic and educational centres including visits to the ancient Shiva temple of Kapaleeshwarar, as well as the historic settings of Fort St. George and George Town, built by the British East India Company in Home to the Tamil film industry (colloquially known as Kollywood), Chennai serves as the gateway into southern India, making it one of the country's most lively and cosmopolitan cities. Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram Leave Chennai after breakfast and drive south, towards the shores of the Bay of Bengal and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. The once great port city of the Pallava dynasty, Mahabalipuram can trace its ancestry back to the 7th century and is home to some 40 different monuments and temples including the magnificent Shore Temple, one of the oldest stone buildings in India. Some of the highlights of this spectacular setting include the monolithic Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), the giant carving of the Descent of the Ganges and, of course, the magnificent Shore Temple. (B) Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry The journey along the Coromandel Coast continues today, heading towards the charming town of Pondicherry, one of South India's most popular destinations. A rich mix of French and Tamil influences, the city can trace its origins back to the Greeks and the Romans. Much of Pondicherry's elegant colonial heritage though can be traced back to the French, who set up a trading outpost here in the middle years of the 17th century. On arrival you will enjoy a tour of the old French quarters, taking in some of the city's majestic 18th and 19th century architecture. (B) Day 4: Pondicherry - Tanjore Turning away from the coast, you head next for a city that rose to prominence during the era of the medieval Cholas. The old royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Marathas, Tanjore (or Thanjavur as it is now known), is one of the oldest cities in the country, as well as being one of southern India's major centres of art and architecture. The

3 journey takes you through the ancient Chola heartland, stopping to visit the mythical site of Chidambaram, as well as the tongue-twisting Gangakondacholapuram, home to a majestic Shiva temple that was built by the Chola king, Rajendrea I. (B) Day 5: Tanjore Once the capital of the Chola Empire, Tanjore's significance has seen it designated a World Heritage Site, with the dominating presence of the Brihadeshwara Temple and Fort being one of its most magnificent architectural monuments. The city can also boast the majestic 16th century Thanjavur Palaces of the Marathas and the Nayaks, a vast labyrinthine complex that houses an excellent collection of Chola bronzes and over 30,000 manuscripts. Today's tour also includes a drive to the ancient 'temple town' of Kumbakonam, which dates back to the Sangram period of the 3rd century BC. (B) Day 6: Tanjore - Trichy - Chettinad A short drive to Trichy this morning (approximately one hour) brings you to one of the oldest inhabited city's in Tamil Nadu. Famed for its spectacular Rock Fort and its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Trichy is blessed with a rich ancestry that includes Chola, Pallava and Nayak influences. A tour of the city will include the hilltop fortress and the temple complex (one of the largest on the planet), as well as the unusual architecture of the 19th century Georgian church of St. John. This afternoon you will then continue on to Chettinad. (B) Day 7: Chettinad Surrounded by traditional villages, this region was once the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business community who left their stamp on the region in the form of the many substantial mansions that still dot the landscape. We pay a visit to some of these 18th century palaces today; sumptuous creations in Italian marble and Burmese teak that were inspired by the grand houses of Europe. (B) Day 8: Chettinad (Karaikudi) - Madurai - Dindigul This morning's journey takes you on to the banks of the River Vaigia and one of the oldest city's in South Asia. The Temple City of Madurai has been a centre for worship and commerce for some 2,500 years, its antiquity earning it the accolade of the 'Athens of the East'. This afternoon it provides a colourful and chaotic backdrop for a tour of the spectacular Sri Meenakshi Temple, a vast and significant symbol of Tamil culture. This evening you then carry on to the city of Dindigul, located in the foothills of the Sirumalai Hills. (B) Day 9: Dindigul Today has been left free to enjoy Dindigul at your own pace. Lying at the confluence of three great kingdoms - the Pandyas, the Cheras and the Cholas, the city is home to numerous mosques, churches and temples. Meanwhile, the hills and forests that lie on the outskirts of the city provide an ideal venue for walking, riding and biking. (B)

4 Day 10: Dindigul - Coimbatore After a relaxing morning you'll continue west today, towards the bustling city of Coimbatore close to the border with neighbouring Kerala. This region once lay along the old trading routes between Tamil Nadu and the coast and today's leisurely drive takes you deep into the landscapes of the Western Ghats, depositing you along the banks of the Noyyal River, in the heart of the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. (B) Day 11: Coimbatore/Mettupalayam - Ooty This afternoon you will be driven to the Mettupalayam Railway station, in the suburbs of Coimbatore, to take the Nilgiri Train on to Ooty. Lying amongst the traditional tribal lands of the Toda hill tribes, Ooty was once known as the "Queen of Hill Stations". Nestling amongst the cool highlands of the Nilgiri Hills, the town served as the summer capital of the old Madras Presidency, its lush fertile hills becoming a mecca for the British during the colonial period. Served by one of the oldest railways in India, its colonial heritage and natural beauty makes it a popular destination. (B) Day 12: Ooty - Wayanad Driving to the southern edge of the Deccan Plateau today, you'll then continue on to the historic town of Wayanad. Set amongst some of the most pristine natural beauty that Kerala has to offer, Wayanad is steeped in traditions that can trace their origins back as far as 1,000BC. These remote hills are home to some of the oldest indigenous tribes in India and the famous Edakkal caves have unearthed ancient carvings that have been traced back to a highly civilised prehistoric people that occupied these foothills during the Stone Age. (B) Day 13: Wayanad In the morning you will be collected by your driver and taken to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to meet your local guide. Spend the first part of the day exploring the park, home to an extensive variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards and elephants, before continuing to the Edakkal Caves. Situated along part of an old trading routes that once connected the high mountains of Mysore with the Malabar Coast, the Edakkal Caves contain a remarkable set of Neolithic petroglyphs that are believed to date back at least 5,000 years. Reputed to be the only known examples of their kind in southern India, these rare Stone Age carvings were discovered in 1890 and the three distinct sets of carvings indicate that the caves may well have been occupied at various points in their history. After your visit, the rest of the day is free. (B) Day 14: Wayanad - Mysore This morning you drive to Mysore, the stunning cultural capital of the Karnataka region, located at the base of the Chamundi Hills. Long known for its festivals and palaces, Mysore is also famous for its sandalwood carving, silk and incense. It can also boast one of the most opulent and iconic buildings in southern India, the stunningly ornate Mysore Palace. Originally built in the 14th century, the palace of today is a wonderful fusion of European and Indian influences and still remains the official residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, the royal family of Mysore. (B) Day 15: Mysore

5 Today you will enjoy a guided tour of the city, taking in the magnificent Maharaja's Palace, as well as the famous Nandi Bull and the bustling city market. After the tour you then drive to the well preserved island fortress of Sriringapatnam, once the capital of Tipu Sultan, the feared 'Tiger of Mysore'. One of the greatest thorns in the side of the British, he was finally defeated by an army led by one Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, in You will also visit Tipu's summer palace and the Gumbaz mausoleum, site of his final resting place, before returning to Mysore. (B) Day 16: Mysore - Bangalore Leaving Mysore this morning, you will transfer to Bangalore airport for your onward journey home. (B) Accommodation Mysore Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel Pondicherry Hotel De L'orient Chennai Taj Connemara Tanjore

6 Ideal River View Resort Chettinad Visalam Wayanad Vythiri Resort Dindigul Rajakkad Estate Ooty Taj Savoy Mahabalipuram

7 Ideal Beach Resort Coimbatore Vivanta By Taj Surya