Protected by distance and strong rulers South India has preserved its ancient traditions into the present day. The Temples rising above the jungle are not ruins, but still a busy part of everyday life.  Colonial incursions did not upset tradition but left a residue in the French city of Pondicherry, the British city of Madras and the multicultural Cochin, still an important trading city for spices and the outlet for tea and coffee.  Traditional life still lingers along the backwaters of Kerala, which has a busy traffic of boats, including its own special houseboats.  The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is enormous and has a big population of elephants.  There is much to interest and enjoy throughout South India. Places of interest include:

Fort St. George in Chennai was the first British fort in India and was constructed between 1640 and 1653. The construction of the fort encouraged the development of a settlement around it and was an important military base for the British in India.  At present, Fort St. George serves as the administrative headquarters for the Tamil Nadu state Legislative Assembly and also houses a garrison for troops in transit to various locations in South India.

In the seaside town of Mahabalipuram are some of the most remarkable stone carvings in the world.  Since the fifth century sculptors have been working here on the granite boulders, creating bas-reliefs, temples and caves. The subjects include elephants, monkeys, water spirits in the form of cobra, lions.  Krishna is depicted milking a cow, and standing playing a lute.  The design of the towers of the Shore Temple, built in the eighth century was copied widely.

The goddess Meenakshi appeared, as a three year old, from the flames of a sacrificial fire in answer to the prayers of the Pandyan king for a son.  The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is one of the biggest temple complexes in India.  Built in the 17th century AD, it is Madurai's greatest landmark, a virtual city within a city. Inside is a bazaar that bustles from dawn to nightfall.  The night ceremony takes place every evening when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati.  The procession is accompanied by religious prayers and music.

The pyramid of the temple of Rajaraja the Great, completed in 1010 dominates the town of Tanjore.  It is a present reminder of the great flowering of Tamil culture in that period.  The Cholan Empire flourished for three hundred years and produced some of the world’s great sculpture and architecture.  Its traditions still survive in the present day.

Kerala, is known for its backwaters which consist of a confluence of 40 rivers that traverse the state to meet the ocean. These rivers form waterways which have for many centuries been used for transport instead of regular roads. Rice boats were used as the main mode of transportation for both man and goods. Made of all natural fibers these boats were convenient to make and easily available to the local populace.  Today these very boats have been refurbished and act as Houseboats (Kettuvallam) for travellers. Each boat has one or more bedrooms, attached bath with running hot and cold water, a viewing lounge in the front, a kitchen and a staff of three to look after the guests every need. They are a great idea for a relaxing getaway as they cruise serenely through Kerala’s waterways. The driver, also the guide, usually hails from a local village and thus is able to give great insight to life in this verdant, ancient and culturally rich region.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated high up in the Cardamom Hills.  It is an evergreen Rain Forest with a central lake to which the animals come in dry weather.  There are large herds of elephants and many rare animals as well as an extensive bird population.

Cochin (Kochi) is one of the finest natural harbours in the world.  It was the first European settlement in India and all the European and many Asian nations have left their own distinctive imprint here.  There are Chinese fishing nets, Dutch homes, a Portugese palace, a synagogue and a village green.  Above all Cochin is a major trading centre for spices, tea and coffee, which are all grown in the hillside plantations.  It is also famous for the Kathakali dance performances.

The state of Kerala hugging the south western coast of India is almost completely a long beach on its western side. For virtually its entire 400 hundred mile length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The palm-lined beaches of Kerala are renowned for the gentle surf and azure blue waters. The most famous of these of course are the beaches of Kovalam,. located south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city, this has been a favorite spot for tourists since the early 1930s. The Kovalam Beach consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time.  The other famous beach is Marari (Mararikulam), which has recently been become popular through the lovely beach resorts that have sprung up here. Right in the heart of the "spice coast" just an hour from Cochin and even less to Alleppey is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an idyllic retreat for those who want to "get away from it all". Marari originates from ‘Mararikulam’ one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm and traditional Keralan hospitality at its best.

Ayurveda has been practised in India for more than 5,000 years and is still practised today. ‘Ayur’ means life and ‘Ved’ means knowledge. It is a holistic science based on the knowledge of the complete balance of the Body, Mind and Spirit and encompasses emotions and psychology at all levels. It includes in its consideration, longevity, rejuvenation and self-realisation therapies through herbs, diet, exercise, yoga, massage, aromas, tantras, mantras, and meditation. According to Ayurvedic tradition, health is the balance of elements air, earth, fire and water – and illness is as excess or deficiency of any particular element. Ayurveda treats illness at its source, rather than at the level of symptoms, and helps individuals to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.  After taking stock of how a person lives, a regimen is worked out that encompasses rhythmic massages, medicated baths, herbal diets etc. Each working in its own way strengthens the immune system, enhances vitality, and increases longevity.

This is a Personal Choice private tour, organised for two people travelling together.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Chennai.

Day 2 – In Chennai (Madras).

Day 3 - Chennai - Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram.

Day 4 – In Mahabalipuram.

Day 5 – Mahabalpuram to Pondichery.

Day 6 – Pondichery to Thanjavur [Tanjore].

Day 7 – Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore.

Day 8 – Tanjore.

Day 9 – Madurai - Periyar.

Day 10 – Periyar - Kumarakom

Day 11 – In Kumarakom.

Day 12 – Kumarakom - Houseboat.

Day 13 – Houseboat - Alleppey.

Day 14 –Kochi - Mumbai.

Day 15 – Depart Mumbai or extend to Kerala beach resort.

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Price per person	Single Supplement	Deposit per person
From £1,450	From £TBA	£400

These prices are based on two people travelling together sharing a twin room.

Price Includes: 13 nights bed and breakfast accommodation, 1 night on houseboat on full board, transfers in an air-conditioned car, full itinerary of visits accompanied by expert local guides, entrances.

Travel: Travel from London to India is not included. We can book your flights for you and will search for the best price available at that time. All flights booked by us must be paid for at the time of booking.

Departures: Your chosen dates (subject to availability).