TAMIL NADU AND KERALA - 12 DAYS
TAMIL NADU AND KERALA
Hindu culture at its high, primitive Christians, Jewish communities. South India is a melting pot of influences resulting in a blossom of cultures in a lavish environment. From the impressive temples of Tamil Nadu, to the wild riversides of Kerala, discover the bastion of hindu traditions, the home of Ayurveda. Connect with the origins of your body in this enrooted medical science that brings wellness through pure natural medicines, massages, yoga and retreats.
The Adjustable Itinerary
Enjoy complete flexibility with a customizable itinerary, allowing you to adjust destinations, activities, and pace to perfectly match your travel preferences.
01
ARRIVAL TO CHENNAI - MAHABALLIPURAM
We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the selected hotel
02
MAHABALLIPURAM
Mahaballipuram is a beautiful enclave in the sea shore of the Gulf of Bengal. The impressive temples carved in the rocks and the Shore Temple, facing the sea, are some of its major interests. Mahaballipuram was the fa?ade of the southern kingdom in the 10th Century to attract the merchants of the maritime silk routes. In the evening, we could walk on the beach and eat some fresh seafood. Overnight at hotel.
03
MAHABALLIPURAM - THIRUVANAMALAI
After breakfast, we start our drive to Thiruvanamalai, on the feet of Arunachala, the holy mountain of Shiva. We will find here the ashram of Ramana Maharishi, a Hindu Guru with a big impact in the 20th Century. In the evening, we could attend the ceremonies in the temple during the sunset. Overnight at hotel.
04
THIRUVANAMALAI
We can wake up early to trek to the Arunachala peak, a couple of hours walk with amazing views of the city. Later we will go to Gangapuram where we will meet the educational project of the NGO AjutSi, a Spanish NGO who works in collaboration with local projects to fund schools in remote areas. On our way back, we can join the evening prayers in the ashram of Ramana Maharishi. Overnight at hotel.
05
THIRUVANAMALAI - THANJAVUR
5 hours of driving will take us to Thanjavur, the capital of the Chola Dinasty. This kingdom was famous for its bronze sculptures, still reproduced in India as the greatest representation of Hindu gods. But, the city also has a World Heritage temple almost 1000 years old and the palace of Tanjore, the seat of the kings up to the Maratha dynasty, which portrays the splendour of the south for many centuries. Overnight at hotel.
06
THANJAVUR - MADURAI
Today, we will go to Madurai, one of the main religious cities in India. On the way, we will visit the project of Exit Trust that works with rural women groups to offer know-how in some fields in order they can be self sufficient. In the evening,we will reach Madurai, the cultural and commercial centre of this part of South Tamil Nadu. Overnight with local families.
07
MADURAI
Considered the Vatican of Hindus for some people, Madurai hosts the must see temple of Sri Meenakshi. It might seem a bit kitsch with all the colourful paintings in the stone carvings, but the fresh painting shows that this temple is alive. The atmosphere in the temple is amazing, unique. Surrounding it, a market of flowers where you get the necessary for the rituals. Later, we can visit the palace of Tirumalai Nayak. In the evening, we will come back to the temple to see the rituals before closing the sancta sanctorum. Meenakshi and Shiva must sleep together every night, so there is a procession to put them together asleep. Overnight at hotel.
08
MADURAI - MUNNAR
Early morning we will proceed to Kerala to visit the tea plantations in Munnar. We will cross the Ghats, a mountain region with impressive landscapes and wild greenery. In the afternoon we will reach the tea hills of Munnar. Overnight at hotel.
09
MUNNAR
Tea lovers Munnar is a place for you to indulge. Indian tea is worldwide famous, and here you can find one of its best varieties. For those who prefer nature, Munnar gives a chance to walk in the forests. We will visit a cooperative of workers and a tea factory. Overnight at hotel.
10
MUNNAR- KOCHI
After breakfast, we will drive to Kochi, a former European colonial city. Fort Kochi, the oldest part of the city, preserves all the atmosphere and charm of its history. The old houses have been occupied by intellectuals and artists, and a small Jewish community still lives here. The Chinese fishing nets on the shore gives a touch to this unique multicultural enclave in Kerala. Overnight at hotel.
11
KOCHI - BANGALORE (FLY)
After Breakfast transfer to Airport to catch onward flight to Bangalore. city tour of Bangalore and in the evening transfer to Airport.
12
BANGALORE - YOUR COUNTRY
End of services. “Happy Journey”
Hear From Our Happy Travellers
Our India trip was absolutely incredible! Everything was perfectly organized from hotels to local experiences. The team made our journey smooth and stress free. Highly recommended!
