Suggested program (best suitable for GROUPS):

Day 1 - MADRAS
Arrive Madras
Founded 150 years ago, Madras is one of India’s major cities. A major port on India’s Eastern Coast, Madras is the hub of industry and commerce in South India. Old Forts, Churches and Temples are an interesting contrast to the city’s grand commercial avenues, opulent cinemas and modern housing.

Check into Hotel Park Sheraton. Nestling in a neighbourhood of sprawling oaks, cool summer bungalows situated in the heart of Madras, the hotel finest facilities to discerning travelers. This afternoon you visit the National Art Gallery and Museum which houses, among many priceless treasures, the famous 10th century bronze. “Siva Nataraja”, typical of medieval South Indian art. You’ll also visit the Cathedral of San Thome and St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. Several notable people were married here including Elihu Yale.. later to found Yale University. Note the pretty stained glass windows and elephant cane seating. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 - MADRAS
This morning you drive along palm fringed roads to the “golden city” of Kanchipuram, one of India’s oldest town. Also one of India’s most sacred sports, Kanchipuram is filled with medieval temples. Soaring towers covered with an astonishing profusion of sculpted images, typically representative of South Indian architecture are everywhere. You’ll visit 4 of the most significant temples, all built between the 7th & 8th centuries. This is also a premier silk weaving centre. The very term “Kanchipuram Silk” in dazzling array of colors often shot with threads or gold. Brides from all over India travel here to shop for bridal saris. Behind practically every door is a master weaver at work carrying on a tradition and a way of life that has hardly changed at all over the centuries. Before you leave visit one of the silk weaving factories.

Proceed to Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal town not far from Madras. Against the backdrop of a blue ocean and frothing waves are dotted beautifully carved stone images, rock cut temples and glorious friezes - all works of medieval kings. Particularly memorable are, the “Five Rathas,” a stunning group of monolithic monuments and the “Penance of Bhagirath.,” a huge fresco carved into a ridge of rock. You’ll have time to enjoy the white, sandy beaches - some of the finest in India. Look out for the numerous stone masons at work here chipping and carving likenesses of the images on these ancient complexes. As you leave Mahabalipuram later this evening you’ll see the ocean filled with fishermen returning with their day’s catch. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3 - MADRAS / MYSORE
Transfer to Railway Station to board Intercity Express for Mysore.

Depart Madras at 0600 hrs.
Arrival Mysore at 1255 hrs.

Mysore - 770 m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore, the city of Mysore was once the capital of the Wodeyars. It still retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. Check in at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, built by erstwhile Maharani of Mysore. Set in immaculate lawns whose sole purpose was royal entertainment, the Lalitha Mahal stands like an Italian masterpiece designed at the height of the Renaissance. Furnishings of early 20th century Europe complete the grandeur: Large carved furniture, heavy silken drapes, and objects d’ art that were once part of personal collections. White ebony furniture and potted plants are arranged in controlled harmony, it is the fine detailing of this palaces hotel that reflects the passion with which it was built. Globe lights, patterned marble floors and a hushed ambiance - the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel makes history come alive at its resplendent best.

Royal Welcome - Caparisand Elephants are mounted on the Lawns of the Palace. As you step into the Palace, beautiful girls dressed in traditional costumes, greet you with garlands of flowers and perform the AARTI ceremony. They also anoint your forehead with the traditional Red Tikka and sprinkle rose water on you. The lilting notes of the Nadaswaram (percusson instrument) welcome you, as you savor the welcome drink. Evening visit the Brindavan Gardens - 19 kms South-West. The ornamental terraced gardens, the swirling fountains dancing to the rhythm of soft music, the colorful fairy lights. This is a fascinating audio and visual spectacle consisting of three basic elements:
1. Water. 2. Lights, 3. Music

The three elements are automatically controlled by means of a programmable computer and a grand melodious water ballet can be created. It is possible to programme innumerable forms of fountains for different music chosen to suit mood and atmosphere of the locals. Overnight at Hotel

This morning you visit Mysore Palace once the This morning you visit Mysore Palace, once the residence of Wodeyars, is one of the largest of its kind in India and come of the most splendid. This Indo-Saracenic building had among other things - a carved silver door, a solid gold throne and a gallery of exquisite paintings. Afternoon time free for shopping. Mysore is famous for Sandalwood and Silk. This evening is very special - your host is the Maharaja of Mysore. Royal Dinner with members of Royal Family. Overnight at Hotel.


Day 4 - MYSORE
This morning you drive to Coonoor.

Coonoor, Locally known as Mount Pleasant, Coonoor is a collage wonders. A genial climate, abundance of flowers and greenery makes Coonoor a sure treat for tired eyes and overworked souls. You will see tea planters in short from the neighboring tea estates, drapper officers and their ladies from the Defence Services Staff College atop the hill. Check in at Hotel Taj Garden Retreat. Tastefully designed in Harmony with the peaceful surroundings, the Taj Garden Retreat does justice to the word enchanting. Relax in the picturesque surroundings of Coonoor. Afternoon visit the sights of Coonoor:

Sim’s Park
A profusion of rare species of plants, shrubs and ferns in an exquisite stretch of trees and tuff, this over 100 year old park lies in a little ravine and is never to be missed.

Lamb’s Rock
The sight of Mettupalyam (a foot-hill town) enveloped in the blue haze and lush vegetation is indeed breathtaking. One of the most favourite spots in Coonoor.

Dolphin’s Nose
Nature’s tribute to human sight and sense of marvel, this unique rock in the shape of an uprushing dolphin promises a breathtaking view of the magnificence of St. Catherine’s Fall, falling across the canyon.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 - COONOOR / MADURAI
(300 Kms)
This morning you drive to Madurai.

Madurai is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. The Pandyan King Kulasekhara, built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple. On the day the city was to be named, as Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people, diving nectar (madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. The city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Check-in at Hotel Taj Garden Retreat. Atop the Pasumalai hill, with a panoramic view of the Temple city and the Kodai hills, a century old celebrated property sprawling over 62 acres of landscaped gardens. This afternoon you visit sights of Madurai.

Meenakshi Amman Temple: the temple dominates the city which evolved around it. The temple is dedicated both to Goddess Meenakshi and to Lord Siva (Sundareswarar). It has also been the centre of Tamil Culture, sponsoring literature, art, music and dance over the centuries.

The Thousand-pillar Mandapam (Hall) of the temple actually has 985 beautifully sculptured pillars. The temple Art Museum is housed here.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal: The palace of Tirumalai Nayak is about 1 km away from the temple. This Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 & was originally four times as large as it is today. There is no other building in Madurai which can better illustrate the architectural style of the Nayaks. The most remarkable part of this palace is the Swarga Misalam which served as the audience hall. Its dome which lies beyond a huge courtyard is magnificent example of engineering skill of its builders. Evening witness temple ceremony at Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 - MADURAI / PERIYAR
(160 kms)

This morning you drive to Periyar. Periyar: Nature’s Silent Retreat - Cradled in mist shrouded mountains, Periyar nestles close to the dense rain forests of the High Ranges.

The luxuriant vegetation, sudden gushing waterfalls & an exhilarating view of the velvet valleys below form a scenic background to the journey up the Ghats. This tranquil hill retreat is accessible only by road. And the journey up is half the pleasure. Winding mountain roads bordered by undulating tea plantations. Flocks of tea-pickers calmly fill their bags in the clear mountain air. And the road winds on to Kumily, a tiny village near the Periyar Sanctuary. Check in at Spice Village Resort.

Spice Village: A Tribal Village in a Spice Garden.
When the Periyar Lake was formed, the native tribesmen of Periyar, the Oorali & Mannan, moved deeper into the forest, away from the outskirts of modernity. And till today, they preserve their ancient tribal rites and some of them still live on trees. Their huts are made of bamboo with thatched roofs of long stemmed ‘elephant grass’, supported by bamboo poles. A continuous verandah runs all around the hut to provide and airy place to spend quiet evenings. Man and nature join hands to form a quiet harmony together.

Spice Village: In Complete Harmony With The Land.
To preserve this inheritance of untouched beauty of the primitive forest dwellings, Spice Village has been created as a Nature Habitat - a modern tribal community set in a fragrant spice garden. Where every cottage is built on the same lines as the tribal dwellings. And pepper vines & Cardamom bushes grow lush around every cottage. The comforts of modernity with the harmony of the primitive - Spice Village, where the rhythms of nature measure each passing day. And the surrounding quiet of the land is punctuated by the chirruping of crickets and the haunting melody of the cuckoo.

Activities at the Resort
Revel in the swirling whirlpools of silence. Or take a slow stroll down to the Periyar Lake. Go on a Boat Safari where you can watch wild animals from the safety of your boat, the wild elephants moving slowly, while the young ones feed on the tender shoots of elephant grass from the edge of the lake.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7 - PERIYAR / KUMARAKOM
(158 KMS)
Morning visit the nearby plantations and share a cup of morning tea with the workers, or select your pick from the freshest of spices, straight from the spice gardens. Spice Village: where the past is preserved for the present. And time flows by on a seamless stream.

Periyar is the Garden of India: The Crisp climate, the gentle slopes of fertile grassland and bright sunlight combine to make Periyar on ideal home for spice gardens. From pepper and cardamom to cinnamon and cloves. Pepper plants grow wild on the hillsides. While the surrounding tea plantations give off fragrances to fresh tea in the calm crystalline air. Later depart for Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is bound by the Vembanad Lake on two sides, the swaying paddy fields on one side and a bird sanctuary on the other. Check in at Coconut Lagoon. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake adjacent the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary the resort is built on a 10 acre coconut garden. The rooms are the old wooden houses of Kerala dating back to 100 - 150 years which have been transplanted from various locations and the public areas like the Reception and Restaurants are almost 400 years old.

A unique feature in both type are the Court-yard toilets. Large open to sky yet with all modern fittings and absolute privacy. The menu is International and ethnic with special emphasis on seafood and tropical fruit and vegetables. The large Free Form swimming pool with the sunken bar has been designed in traditional Kerala temple style. Relax in the quiet atmosphere of the resort amidst picturesque surroundings.

Evening sunset cruise on a traditional Rice Boat. Thereafter the traditional “Theyyam” dancers will enchant you with their rhythmic chanting. And the spectacle of the “Kalari” martial art specialists gliding silently in from Vembanad Lake, with torches blazing in the silent night, will linger forever in your memory. Followed by these events a sumptuous Sea Food Barbecue Dinner awaits you. The dinner will be served by the poolside.
Overnight at Resort.

Day 8 - KUMARAKOM / COCHIN
(70 KMS)

This morning you enjoy an incredibly different experience just floating on the waters in a country craft and absorbing this unusual representation of Kerala life. There is a Kerala that lives alongthese backwaters, throbbing with its own unique culture.

You begin at Kumarakom, Breath-takingly green village Kumarakom slumbers by the Vembanad Lake. On cruise scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of lush green and deep blues. As the boar glues along, the gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into the little wavelets. For as far as the eye can see are bountiful spreads of coconut palms, many dotted with men who have clambered up to tap the nectar of the palm. If you wish, you could break journey and actually taste its raw sweetness. You could even ask your boatman to take you into one of the thatched country shops for a glass of the fermented nectar, which is served with plates of delicious fried carp or Karimeen a fish that is a special gift of these backwaters. Reach Alappuzha (Alleppey) which is hailed as the Venice of the East, because of its intricate maze of backwaters, canals & bridges. Drive to Cochin one of Kerala’s most interesting experiences. This is a natural harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mudbanks whose unique quality ensures that the rougher the seas are outside, the calmer the waters are within the harbour. Here at dusk, the dim silhouettes of the huge merchant ships can be seen, patiently awaiting their turn for a berth in the docks. Centuries ago, tales of this exotic coastal strip had crossed the vast ocean & attracted an answering gleam in a Portuguese eye. Vasco da Gama arrived, to place Cochin on the world map. Cochin has a delightfully cosmopolitan look. A Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, mosques & Hindu Temples co-exist amicably in a typical example of Indian secularism.

Check in at Taj Residency. Located on the waterfront, in Cochin’s busy commercial centre. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9 - COCHIN
Early morning Boat cruise on the enchanting backwaters through the coconut groves and quiet lagoons. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colors is an unforgettable experience. A few minutes after you move out of the old fashioned dock, you will find yourself surrounded by lush palmgroves and lovely stretches of paddy fields. The swaying coconut palms almost dip into the waters, and on chunks of land that nudge the backwaters are little children playing in the sun. You might see housewives cleaning rice for the day’s meal, or pounding coconut husk for coir fibre or sweeping the Muttom (front yard), completely oblivious of the regular ferry & cargo boat traffic that ply too & fro across these waters from dawn to dusk. This afternoon you visit the sights of Cochin. It’s easy to be mesamerised by the magic of Cochin. Stroll around the lanes of old Portuguese, Dutch & British merchant houses. Take a peek at Vasco da Gams’s church. Glimpse the Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against an amber sunset Or take a trip into history. To the four hundred year old Jewish Synagogue.
Evening witness the Kathakali Dance Performance. The famous dance drama of Kerala. A performance of this spectacular dance drama can be arranged at Trivandrum. Kovalam and Cochin. The duration of the performance will be 1 hour & the guests can also witness the artists putting on the elaborate makeup, half an hour before the performance.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 - COCHIN / KOVALAM
(233 KMS)
This morning you drive to Kovalam.

Kovalam, the delightful beach resort, is a must on every tourist itinerary. This sheltered natural bay is an exquisite white-sanded arc deepening to a dazzling blue on one side and palm-fringed green on the other. The tumultuous attach and retreat of the surfrimmed waves is strangely quieting in its constancy. The azure blue waters of the bay from a sea-pool, free from high waves and surges, which is considered safe for swimming. Check in at Somatheeram Beach Resort. Somatheeram is a combination of holiday, health, yoga and meditation programme. With exclusive facilities to tone up your mind, body and soul.
Relax on the Beach. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 - KOVALAM
At the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre in Somatheeram, enjoy a Rejuvenation Massage includes body massage with herbal oils or herbal powder by hand & foot, head massage, face massage for 1/ 1/2 hours. This is good for rejuvenating the body, to reduce mental tension, sexual weakness, to improve vitality etc. Rest of the day relax on the beach.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 - KOVALAM
AM: relax on the beach.
Enjoy the Medicated Steam Bath. Certain precious herbal leaves & herbs are boiled & the steam is passed to the whole body for 10 to 20 minutes.

This is good for certain skin diseases to eliminate impurities from the body, to improve the tone of the body to reduce fat, etc. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13 - KOVALAM / TRIVANDRUM / BOMBAY
In time transfer to Trivandrum to board flight for Bombay.

Your South India experience comes to an end as you are transferred to International Airport to board your homeward bound flight.

(These Special Interest Tours programs are best run with minimum 6 travelers to a group and more)