JEWELS OF SOUTH INDIA
This exciting two week tour features the very best of the south - historical monuments- cultural towns, spice plantations, and calming waterways. From the historical colonial environs of Chennai you journey through the lively temple towns of Tamil Nadu, past culturally rejuvenating cities such as Pondicherry and Auroville, by the sea and both associated with The Mother and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Then you travel on to Tanjore, present-day Thanjavur, with its stunning temple and gilded religious art, then Karaikudi with its fabulous wealthy merchant houses. Heading out for jasmine-scented Madurai and over the Western Ghats, we slip into the forested environs of the Periyar before wending our way into the glorious backwaters of Kumarakom and exploring the ancient harbor city of Cochin.
Highlights of the tour: • UNESCO World heritage sites – Temples in Mahabalipuram and Tanjore • Visit - The great living Chola’s temples • Little France – Pondicherry • Off the beaten track – Chettinad • Spice garden visit, Elephant ride in Periyar • Serene and tranquil backwaters of Kerala • Stay in the traditional Kerala houseboats • Cooking demonstration and traditional dinners • Stay in charming hotels having lots of character
