Facets of Southern India
India is not a country but a continent and travelling through it is an experience like none other. Overwhelming in its chaos at first, it gradually unfolds unique delights. You may find it in its majestic forts, monuments and temples; in exquisite crafts; in traditional and contemporary arts; in the bustle of its colourful bazaars; in diverse cuisines; or in the unexpected beauty that filters through the chaos.
This program showcases the various facets of the country through some of the popular destinations that all first-time visitors to India must travel to. We have also included some interesting hideaways to get away from the crowds after all it is a vacation. The itinerary that has been envisaged takes you to the following destinations:
Delhi – Our entry and exit point. It is also a great amalgamation of various cultures and experiences from all over India.
Chambal – A beautiful river sanctuary for the protection of Gangetic dolphins and the endemic Gharial crocodiles. It is also a great destination for birding. A quaint destination. The region also is home to some lesser-known Hindu temples along with the annual cattle fair in the month of November (dates keep changing year to year).
Agra – No person traveling all the way to India for the first time would want to miss this wonder of the world.
Ramathra Fort – A beautiful fortress in the middle of the Aravali range (the oldest mountain range in India) that has been converted into a hotel. The owners of the place play host and it is a perfect holiday from your holiday.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve – It is one of the most popular tiger reserves in the country and is visited by almost all the tourists traveling between Delhi – Agra – Jaipur. It can get crowded but is one of the best places to see the Bengal Tiger in the wild.
Jaipur – The pink city is home to forts and palaces, traditional markets, arts & crafts – primarily known for jewelry making and textiles along with blue pottery.
This program should be a great introduction to life, culture, cuisines, architecture, wildlife, and the rural countryside of North India.
Suggested Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 6
Day 7,8 & 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Arrive in Chennai. Our office representative shall meet you as you exit the arrival hall and shall accompany you to your hotel to ensure a speedy check-in. Since your arrival is early morning, we have kept the morning at leisure.
Chennai (formerly Madras) can be considered a 400-sq-km conglomerate of urban villages and diverse neighborhoods making up Tamil Nadu's capital will pleasantly surprise you. Its role is as keeper of South Indian artistic, religious, and culinary traditions. With its sweltering southern heat, roaring traffic, and lack of outstanding sights, Chennai has often been seen as the dowdier sibling among India’s four biggest cities. But it’s well worth poking around its museums and temples, savoring deliciously authentic South Indian delicacies, or taking a sunset saunter along Marina Beach – the world's second-longest urban beach. Among Chennai’s greatest assets are its people, infectiously enthusiastic about their hometown; they will not hit you with a lot of hustle and hassle. Recent years have thrown in a new layer of cosmopolitan glamour: luxe hotels, sparkling boutiques, quirky cafes, and smart contemporary restaurants – but the best of Chennai remains its old soul.
This afternoon after a sumptuous lunch you begin exploring. Our city expert shall meet you in your hotel lobby where they shall give an overview of the city, however, our focus this afternoon will be to discover colonial Madras through the buildings the British left behind. Look closely at each structure and you will find stories of grand ambitions and unexpected revolutions; the hopes, fears, and ideas of the creators, as well as the history of this ever-vibrant city. You should be back at your hotel by 1800.
Overnight will be in Chennai.
Your exploration of Chennai continues.
We begin the day with a walk we like to call – ‘the Peacock Trail’ - an easy walk through Mylapore, exploring fascinating stories hidden away in the mundane rituals of daily life. Stories behind everyday sights, stories of gods and demons, of ancient customs and symbolism, and of Mylapore and Madras. This walk comes packed with a bundle of stories – stories of local life, of Gods and demons, of ancient customs and symbolism, and of Mylapore and Madras – some amusing, some baffling, and some that might just help make sense of the sights around you. And why is it called the Peacock Trail? Well, of course, there is a story in there too!
After the walk, you have some time at leisure to relax and have lunch, unwind before learning about a very different facet of Chennai.
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In the year 52 AD, a bearded man walked the sands of a beautiful beach in the port town of Mylapore. He spoke of a new God in a new land and left his footprints on the sands of time and therein lies the story of Christianity in India. We let the story unfurl before you; the story of a man who doubted God’s word, of men who changed the cityscape with their distinctive architecture, of a Church without a congregation, and of men who brought in the skies of their homeland to prayer halls. We walk you through Chennai’s Christian history and stories, from the humble arrival of St. Thomas to the British who left behind a cathedral of neo-gothic splendour. There are stories behind everything you see; struggles for power and dominance, profound debates over philosophy, and varying explanations of what it means to be human or to be divine.
Come and discover the rich traditions of Christianity in India. Understand the forces that shaped it and experience a part of Chennai you may never have expected.
Overnight will be at Chennai.
Today after breakfast you check out and head just out of Chennai to Taj Fisherman’s Cove. The hotel is located on the beach, and we have planned to showcase very different facets of this region this morning. About 20km from your hotel is the UNESCO world heritage site of Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram was the major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom based at Kanchipuram. Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-carved temples along the Coromandel coast. They were built in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially
for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. Spend the morning exploring these wonderful temples and learning more about them with your city expert.
In case you have planned your visit between the months of January and April, we have a very special experience planned for you this evening – The Olive Ridley Turtle Walk. Initiated by famed wildlife conservationist Romulus Whitaker in 1972, the walks are conducted by conservationists and volunteers between January and April each year, offering an amazing glimpse into Nature. Guided groups walk the beach at night, safely relocating the eggs that the migratory Olive Ridley turtles lay. Turtle hatchlings emerge 45 days later and are released into the sea. During the walk, guests are educated on the challenges facing this endangered species, it contributes to the environment, and the ongoing conversation efforts being made to preserve this age-old natural phenomenon.
Overnight will be at Taj Fishman's Cove.
This morning you continue your journey onwards to Puducherry. Check-out after breakfast, the journey to Puducherry should take about 2hr 15min.
The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry; generally known as ‘Pondy’) was under French rule until 1954. Some people here still speak French. Hotels, restaurants, and ‘lifestyle’ shops sell a seductive vision of the French-subcontinental aesthetic, enhanced by Gallic creative types and Indian artists and designers. The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, draw large numbers of spiritually minded visitors. Thus, Pondy’s vibe: less faded colonial-era ville, more bohemian-chic, New Age–meets–Old World hang out on the international travel trail.
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The older 'French' part of town (where you will probably spend most of your time) is full of quiet, clean streets, lined with bougainvillea-draped colonial-style townhouses numbered in an almost logical manner. Newer Pondy is typically, hectically South Indian.
You should arrive in Puducherry a little before lunchtime. Hidden behind a discreet façade in the heart of the old French town, Villa Shanti is a 15 rooms and suites boutique hotel with a restaurant, a café bar and The Little Big Shop – this will be your home for the next few days.
This evening we have planned a walking exploration of Pondicherry. Pondicherry’s colonial past comes alive as we take you through its quaint boulevards and sleepy streets. Quirky twists of history and unforgettable characters are just some of the things you will hear about. A general bravely fighting a battle when the war itself was over. Revolutionaries hiding from the law. Free-flowing liquor that glued everything together. All this is a part of Pondicherry’s lively past.
You will explore the architecture and the ironies, the contradictions and the culture, the things Pondicherry did right and many things that didn’t work out. Surrounded by the British in India, the French here were gritty, stubborn, and refused to disappear. Behind every charming façade, you will find incredible stories.
Overnight will be in Puducherry.
Puducherry is also known for its beaches, food and deep-sea diving. In fact, it is one of the only dive sites on the eastern coast of India. The waters in this area are characterized by natural coral reefs, rocky pop-ups, man-made folds, and a plethora of marine organisms. The marine life includes corals, lionfish, grouper, kingfish, moray eels, eagle, manta rays, parrot fish, sea snakes, triggerfish, angelfish, bannerfish, and crustaceans. Diving here is done by PADI certified operations. So, if you are interested in exploring some marine life off the coast of India do get us to modify the program and add a couple of days dedicated for diving.
We have kept most parts of today at leisure to explore on your own the beach / the neighbourhood or to just unwind. You will have a vehicle at disposal to get to different places.
In the evening we have planned a short food trail to showcase what else Pondicherry is known for. On this trail we will talk about the people who made Pondicherry such a vibrant city, and we’ll taste the foods that tagged along with them when they travelled. As you discover the food that Pondicherry loves, you will uncover forgotten stories and histories of the people who make up this town. For centuries, Pondicherry has been a place of refuge and reinvention, and all of this is reflected in its vibrant food.
Overnight will be in Puducherry.
This morning after an early breakfast you make your way to your next destination – Thanjavur. The drive to Thanjavur (previously known as Tanjore) takes about 4.5hrs. En route explore one of the great living Chola temples - Airavatesvara Temple. The great living Chola temples are a UNESCO world heritage site that was completed between the 11th and 12th century CE. There are three temples that form a part of the world heritage
site though such temples were built by Chola rulers all over south India. The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.
You should arrive at Thanjavur at about 1400.
Thanjavur is one of the ancient cities of India in the Southern State of Tamil Nadu. The prosperous agrarian city was ruled by various dynasties like Cholas (850-1279 AD), Pandyas (1279-1311 AD), Vijayanagaras (1535 AD), Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Marathas (1674 AD) and later the British Colonists (1799 AD). Historically, an important centre of art, architecture, culture and spirituality, most of the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments – great Living Chola temples – are located in and around Thanjavur.
Thanjavur rose to prominence as a Chola capital in 850 AD and the finest specimen of Temple architecture, Brihadeeswarar temple stands majestic, built in the first decade of the eleventh century. The Famous Saraswati Mahal Library, housing over 30000 Indian and European manuscripts, the Palace and prominent temples proximal to Thanjavur make it an ideal spot to explore Thiruvaiyaru, Srirangam, Kumbakonam – the region which is the confluence of the arts.
Home of the famous Thanjavur style of Bharatanatyam, India’s predominant classical dance form, Thanjavur also witnessed the codification of Carnatic Music and the evolution of the famous Cire Perdue or lost wax sculpture technique of Chola Bronzes. Thanjavur offers a rich legacy and the ultimate experience of the fine arts of India.
Overnight will be at Svatma.
After an early breakfast this morning you make your way to the next destination – Pollachi. The journey to Pollachi will take 5.5hrs by road. Ensconced in a coconut grove by the serene countryside of Pollachi, your resort portrays elegance and serenity with its graceful ambiance and opulent amenities. You will be staying at the Coco Lagoon Resort. Arrive at the resort by lunchtime. Take some time in the afternoon to rest. Towards late afternoon we recommend an easy-going bird walk not too far from the resort.
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Sethumadai is a world of lush green coconut farms, shrub jungle, mountains, trails, and canals, just adjacent to Anamalai Tiger Reserve – A paradise for bird watching! Flagship Species you can expect to sight: Blue-faced Malkoha, Sirkheer Malkoha, Emerald Dove, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Blue-bearded Bee Eater, Vernal Hanging Parakeet, Brown Fish Owl, Flame Throated Bulbul, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Brown Headed Barbet Winter migrants here are species such as Grey Wagtail, Asian Brown Fly-catcher, Indian Paradise Fly-catcher, Golden Oriole, Blue Throated Blue Flycatcher and Indian Blue Robin to name a few.
Overnight will be at Coco Lagoon.
Today we have planned a day visit to Valparai. This is a combination of birding, wildlife, and a tea tour. Valparai is a hill station in the Anamalai Hills at an elevation of about 4500ft. It is part of the Western Ghats and is largely a tea-growing region in southern India. The journey to Valparai is scenic with winding roads of the western ghats. Valparai lies about 2 hr away from Coco Lagoon. Valparai receives among the highest rainfall in the region during the monsoons (around June). The plantations in the town are surrounded by evergreen forests. The region is an elephant tract and is known to have many leopards. The drive to Valparai from Pollachi passes through the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary noted for Bengal tiger, elephants, boars, lion-tailed macaques, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, and giant squirrels. The area is also rich in birds, including the great hornbill, and hosts seasonal migrant birds such as the grey wagtail. It is the Lion-tailed Macaque that we seek the most on this trip as these unique primates are endemic to this region.
We drive through tea gardens dotted with shade trees where the work force (typically women) dressed in vivid saris skill-fully pluck the rows of bushes, with a deft use of the fingers and thumbs. The walk around the tea estates will also allow you to experience local culture by interacting with the planters. You will then be driven to a fully operational Tea factory to understand the processing of tea. Here, the machinery and different processes involved in producing the finished leaf of both Orthodox and CTC (Crush, Tear and Curl) manufactured tea is explained. We will then visit the Tea tasting room where you will learn about the range of flavours of the different grades of tea produced by one of the most exquisite single-estate Tea.
Overnight will be at Coco Lagoon.
This morning we have planned to showcase a very different facet of southern India. We have a 3-hour tour called the Cotton Trail planned for you. This is a half day cotton familiarization trail. Get a behind the scenes look at the value chain of cleaner organic cotton. Visit the workshop where this dying art of weaving is being revived through a farm to fashion model. You return to the resort for lunch.
This afternoon we want to showcase some local arts & crafts. We visit a man who leads a simple yet content life and follows the philosophy of “less is more”. His magical hands work deftly on palm leaves to create beautiful work of art in a jiffy. Colourful parrots, fishes, flowers and torans which are used as decors for festive occasions and marriages by the zamins of the villages carry his stamp. You will also be showcased the process of drying, moistening and dyeing the harvested palm leaves which are pre-requisite for crafting these wondrous creations. He sure is one busy man who finds life’s pleasure in simple things as making these curios. On this experience we shall also get an insight into palm jaggery making.
Overnight will be at Coco Lagoon.
This morning we have planned to showcase a very different facet of southern India. We have a 3-hour tour called the Cotton Trail planned for you. This is a half day cotton familiarization trail. Get a behind the scenes look at the value chain of cleaner organic cotton. Visit the workshop where this dying art of weaving is being revived through a farm to fashion model. You return to the resort for lunch.
This afternoon we want to showcase some local arts & crafts. We visit a man who leads a simple yet content life and follows the philosophy of “less is more”. His magical hands work deftly on palm leaves to create beautiful work of art in a jiffy. Colourful parrots, fishes, flowers and torans which are used as decors for festive occasions and marriages by the zamins of the villages carry his stamp. You will also be showcased the process of drying, moistening and dyeing the harvested palm leaves which are pre-requisite for crafting these wondrous creations. He sure is one busy man who finds life’s pleasure in simple things as making these curios. On this experience we shall also get an insight into palm jaggery making.
Overnight will be at Coco Lagoon.
From this day forward our focus shifts more towards wilderness found within the Nilgiri hills and the surrounding forests. We check-out early in the morning and make our way to Masinagudi (a journey of about 5hrs). Your home in Masinagudi will be Jungle Hut – a family run property in the situated at the foothills of the picturesque Nilgiri Hills in the hamlet of Bokkapuram, near Masinagudi.
In 1986, after 25 years of working in the tea plantations, Joe and Hermie Mathias chose to settle down in the foothills of the Nilgiris - Jungle Hut was born as a quaint family-run homestay in the wilderness. Over the years, Jungle Hut has gently metamorphosed into the cozy resort that it is today, under the care of the next generation Mathias' - Anushri & Vikram.
This area constitutes the buffer area of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve which is home to a wealth of wildlife including the Bengal Tiger, Leopard (panther), Asian Elephants, Indian Gaur (Bison), Sloth Bear, Hyena, Wild Boar, Cheetal and many others. Jungle Hut and the surrounding areas are a hot spot for bird life so much so that we are referred to as a bird watchers paradise. They are 20Km from Bandipur Tiger Reserve and 35Km from Ooty. You should arrive well in time for lunch. Later this afternoon spend the day doing short walks around the property looking for birds with the naturalist.
Overnight will be at Jungle Hut.
Today the first half of the day you spend bird watching around the Bokkapuram area. Hike to the hills following a perennial stream, amidst mixed evergreen forests and bamboo patches. The habitat is ideal for Woodpeckers, Minivets, Barbets and a number of species of Raptors. There is also a chance of seeing the mammals of the area. This afternoon after an early lunch transfer by road to Bandipur Tiger Reserve and enjoy a game drive in Bandipur/Mudumalai National Park. Bandipur is a 40min drive from the lodge whereas entrance of Mudumalai is about 10min away.
Overnight will be at Jungle Hut.
Spend the day watching birds in and around Masinagudi. Explore the forested tracts, looking for species like the Sun birds, Flowerpeckers, Nuthatches, Kingfishers, Swallows and Warblers. There is also a little farmland in the surrounding area that is home to Pipits, Larks, Lapwings and Robins. These areas can be explored on foot and can be surprisingly productive.
Overnight will be at Jungle Hut.
This morning after an early breakfast transfer by road to Coimbatore from where you will fly to Chennai / Bengaluru and connect on to your international flight back home.
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End Of The Tour