Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant city Chennai denoted as the ‘soul of South India’.  Its role is as keeper of South Indian artistic, religious & culinary traditions.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3 - Chennai International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer the Group to the hotel. Assistance will be provided during Check-in & there will be a short briefing to discuss the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in but before that you will be accorded a traditional ‘Indian’ welcome.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

In India we say “Atthi Devo Bhava” which means “the guest is equivalent to God'. You will be greeted by flower garlanding & a tilak on your forehead.

Flower garlanding is generally offered as a mark of respect & honour to welcome visitors & also or in honour to the Gods &Goddesses. Tilak is a ritual mark put on the forehead as a form of blessing, greeting or auspiciousness. The Tilak is usually made out of a red vermilion paste (kumkum) which is a mixture of turmeric, alum, iodine, camphor, etc.

Chennai located on a 17 km stretch of the Coromandel Coast, popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South, is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu.

The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort St. George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns & villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil heritage & effectively blended it to create a unique synthesis of cultures.

Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year old city provides many a fascinating vignettes of southern heritage. In Chennai, you would find a modern metropolis with a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks & historic landmarks. It is a fascinating city with its ancient temples & unique culture and a marvelous tradition of music & dance. It is a city where the landscape of the past lives easily with recent history.

Among Chennai’s greatest assets are its people, infectiously enthusiastic about their home town; they won’t hit you with a lot of hustle & hassle. Recent years have thrown in a new layer of cosmopolitan glamour: luxe hotels, sparkling boutiques, quirky cafes & smart contemporary restaurants - but the best of Chennai remains its old soul

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax. (We shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

*Any free time may be utilised in giving you the opportunity to learn about the destination, accommodation choices & local attractions. T B A.

Overnight.  D 

The 400-sq-km Chennai (formerly Madras) is a conglomerate of urban villages & diverse neighbourhoods making up Tamil Nadu's capital & will pleasantly surprise you in its role as a keeper of South Indian artistic, religious & culinary traditions.

With its sweltering southern heat, roaring traffic & lack of outstanding sights, Chennai has often been seen as the dowdier sibling among India’s four biggest cities. But it is well worth poking around its museums & temples, savouring deliciously authentic South Indian delicacies or taking a sunset saunter along Marina Beach - the world's second-longest urban beach.

Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08:00 am & embark on a 3 hour sightseeing tour to discover the city.

First stop will be Fort St. George, which is presently is being used by the Tamil Nadu Government as offices. You will visit the first Government-sponsored Museum in the country that opened here in 1851& holds many mementos from the East India Company & the British period.  Its collection of Bronzes & Buddhist antiques is among the best. Especially impressive are the Arms gallery, its pre-historic collection, its philatelic collection, its antique jewellery & the musical instruments collection.

Stop by at the National Art Gallery,

Then, proceed to Mylapore, which was inhabited in the 16^th century by the Portuguese. Here, see the San Thome Church, named for the Christian disciple (“Doubting Thomas”) who lived & taught here in the first century.

You may see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley (Ferraris & Lamborghinis are for the evenings) amidst the chaos of the streets shared by cows & may be an elephant or a camel walking by.

Also visit the biggest temple in Chennai - the 13^th century Kapaleeswarar Temple, honoring Shiva. You will also drive past the Marina Beach, the second longest in the world, stretching for several miles.

Later continue your drive to Mahabalipuram, enroute stopping at Kanchipuram.

Along with Chennai & Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram is one of the towns of the famous Golden Triangle of the Coromandel Coast. Known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, it is one of India’s 7 sacred cities. The spectacular temple city was, successively, capital of the kingdoms of the Pallavas, Cholas & the rajas of Vijayanagar.

Many early styles of temple architecture may be seen here and the temples & gopurams are exquisite reminders of the beauty of Dravidian architecture, from the freshness & simplicity of the Pallavas' 7^th century Kailasanatha Temple through to the Vijayanagar Empire's 16^th century Ekambareshwara Temple.

Ekambareshwar Temple covers nine hectares, has a 59-metre-high gopuram, a 1000-pillared hall and a sacred mango tree said to be 3500 years old.

Spend a couple of hours visiting Ekambareshwar, Kailashnatha, Kamakshi & Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all in the same complex.

Kanchipuram is also famous for the wonderful craftsmanship of the Kanchi weavers, the makers of what is perhaps the finest silk fabric in the world.

Continue on to Mahabalipuram.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

South of Chennai, Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram) is a world apart from that city's hustle & bustle. It was the major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom based at Kanchipuram. The Pallava dynasty of Southern India, one of the major lines of kings to rule in India after the Gupta period, made this lovely seaside village their second capital.

This unspoiled village on the Bay of Bengal has miles of beaches, fine Indian seafood, and exceptional art & intricately carved stone temples. In addition to ancient archaeological wonders, salty air & coastal beauty, there is also the traveller hub of Othavadai & Othavadai Cross Streets, where restaurants serve pasta, pizza & pancakes, and shops sell Tibetan trinkets. The town's buzzing, growing surf scene is another attraction.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

‘Mahabs’, as most call it, is laid-back & small enough to be explored on foot or by bicycle. A wander around the town’s magnificent, World Heritage listed temples & carvings, inflames the imagination, especially at sunset.

Morning, accompanied by the Tour-guide, embark on a 4 hour tour of the Temples.

Today, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shore Temple, the largest spectacularly carved bas-relief in the world called Arjuna's Penance and the famous & beautiful mandapams & a series of charming rathas, has made this town famous.

The magnificent Shore Temple, built by 7^th century king Rajasimha, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva & Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu - Varaha & Vamana - besides scenes of kings & queens.

The carved scene depicts Arjuna, a mythical Indian hero, doing penance to the Lord Shiva. Surrounding Arjuna is a multitude of images, including snakes coiled in battle, jesters with drums & elephants in procession. 

The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips. Other important attractions of Mahabalipuram include the Mahishasuramardini Cave, Kotikal Mandapam, Ramanuja Mandapam, & Dharmaraja Cave.

After spending time exploring the Temples, you will proceed to the City with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach & a lagoon - a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish & lobster!

Come back to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion & make arrangements). 

Morning, depart for Pondicherry (or Puducherry or Pondy as the locals call it).

Check-in at the hotel & relax for an hour.

The union territory of Puducherry used to be the capital of the French colonies in India since the 17^th century until the French finally left in 1954.

With a rich French cultural heritage, some people here still speak French (& English with French accents). The French legacy is visible in the well-planned town, neatly laid roads, wide & vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, architecturally imposing churches and public buildings & statues.

Hotels, restaurants & ‘lifestyle’ shops sell a seductive vision of the French-subcontinental aesthetic, enhanced by Gallic creative types and Indian artists & designers.

Split into two parts, Pondicherry is, on one hand a bustling Indian Market town, and on the other hand, towards the sea, the streets are emptier, cleaner and decidedly European. 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, South Indian.

The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram & 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.

The Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose. Tthe poet philosopher founded the Ashram to help man reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises & yoga, combined with physical activity & productive work.

Later in the afternoon, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to Auroville called the “City of Dawn' - a place that anyone with idealistic leanings will find compelling.

Founded in 1968 by 'the Mother', cofounder of Puducherry's Sri Aurobindo Ashram, it is an international community dedicated to peace, sustainability & 'divine consciousness', where people from across the globe, ignoring creed, colour & nationality, work together to build a universal, cash-free, non-religious township.

Tucked into the jungle are more than 100 scattered settlements, with about 2500 residents of 52 nationalities – some 60% of Aurovillians are foreigners.

Visiting the Ashram & the city, offers a glimpse into this self-styled utopia, where you can bliss out on the peaceful setting, the oddly beautiful Matrimandir & the easygoing friendliness.

You will find some excellent restaurants & cafes within Auroville & surrounding villages. The community benefits the area with a variety of projects, from schools & IT to organic farming, renewable energy & handicrafts production, employing 4000 to 5000 local villagers – but like most idealistic endeavours, it has a shadow, too & some outsiders accuse Auroville's inhabitants of self-indulgent escapism.

Enjoy fabulous shopping, French food (hello steak), beer (au revoir Tamil Nadu alcohol taxes), and plenty of yoga & meditation.

Return to the hotel by late evening.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, depart for Kumbakonam, stopping at interesting places enroute.

Stop at Gangakondacholapuram, which literally means "The City of the Chola who conquered the Ganga. The city has all but disappeared but the surviving temple makes a stop here very rewarding.

This temple was built by King Rajendra to rival the Brihadisvara temple built by his father Rajaraja in Thanjavur. The two temples have important similarities in the structure, but the highlight here are the sculptures & carvings, especially those of Shiva. Considered to be a masterpiece of Chola art, is the panel showing Shiva blessing Chandikesvara, a steward in this household.

Drive on to Darasuram where the Airavatesvara Temple is the third of the great Chola temples after Thanjavur & Gangaikondacholapuram. Built mainly of granite, the temple has pillars with beautifully carved apsaras and friezes of lively dancing figures & musicians. Each of the pillars within the temple illustrates mythological stories showing the penance of Parvati, Shiva's consort.

Continue on to Kumbakonam.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in.

Kumbakonam is a town in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu, popular for the Betal Leaf Combination & for the thick-strong coffee.

Every street, road, locality has a prominent temple. At first glance Kumbakonam, it looks like just another chaotic Indian junction town, but then you notice the dozens of colourful gopurams pointing skyward from its 18 temples - a reminder that this was once a seat of medieval South Indian power.

The town which was orginally a religious center which became an industrial center during the last quarter of the 19^th century & early period of 20^th century. Predominance was gained for silk Industries & metal manufacturing.  Stainless Steel utensils, exquisite brass ornamental Lamps (KuthuVilakku) & intricately carved panchaloha idols are manufactured in Kumbakonam.

Kancheepuram & Kumbakonam are also well known silk producers & Kumbakonam silk industry is the major supplier of silk sarees to the Indian market.

The Sankara Matam & associated institutions preserve & represent the Hindu ancient scholarly tradition. Some of India's world renowned scholars & intellectuals hail from Kumbakonam, including the genius mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujam.

The place, like many other sacred places, has a unique festival known as the Mahamaham festival, celebrated once in twelve years, coinciding with the entry of Sun & Jupiter into the constellation of Aquarius & Leo respectively. People from all walks of life have a ritual dip in the Mahamaham tank along with the presiding deities of the town.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for a full day 10 hour excursion to the nearby towns of Tanjore. & Trichy.

Reach Tanjore (Thanjavur), an important center of South Indian religion, art & architecture.

Here are the ochre foundation blocks of perhaps the most remarkable civilisation of Dravidian history, one of the few kingdoms to expand Hinduism beyond India, a bedrock for aesthetic styles that spread from Madurai to the Mekong.

The city first rose to prominence during the reign of Mutharaiyar when it served as the capital of the empire. After the fall of Cholas, the city was ruled by various dynasties like Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Thanjavur Marathas & finally the British Empire

A dizzying historical legacy was forged from Thanjavur - capital of the great Chola Empire during its heyday & most of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Chola Temples are located in & around Thanjavur.

The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the centre of the city. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region.

Today, Thanjavur is a crowded, hectic, modern Indian town - but the past is still very much present. Every day thousands of people worship at the Cholas' grand Brihadishwara Temple & the city's labyrinthine royal palace preserves memories of other, later powerful dynasties.

The tour here will start with visit to Brihadeeshwara Temple, built in the 10^th century by Raja Chola. It is considered to be artistically the most perfect of Dravida temples.

Next stop will be the Palace, most of which is in ruins. But it houses the Tamil University Museum, the Art Gallery, the Saraswati Mahal Library which is famous for its palm leaf & paper manuscripts.

After spending a couple of hours & having lunch in the city, depart for Trichy, famous for its rich cultural & architectural heritage.

Ancient Trichy has a strong character with a long history, and a way of overturning first impressions. Tiruchirappalli (universally called Trichy or Tiruchi) is a huge, crowded, busy city with a heaving bazaar & some major temples.

Trichy may have been a capital of the early Cholas in the 3^rd century BC. It passed through the hands of the Pallavas, medieval Cholas, Pandyas, Delhi Sultanate & Vijayanagars before the Madurai Nayaks brought it to prominence, making it a capital in the 17^th century & building its famous Rock Fort Temple.

The battle between British (East Indian Company) & French with the help of locals, decided the beginnings of British Empire in southern part of India. Under British control, it became an important railway hub known as Trichinopoly.   

Trichy is the gateway to many eminent temples. A fine blend of tradition & modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges & Missions dating back to the 1760s.

The Kaveri & Kollidam rivers flow around Srirangam Island, which is known for sacred Hindu sites Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, with intricately carved gopurams (towering gateways), & Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Rock Fort Temple complex towers over the city center.

The complex encompasses many temples. Thayumaanavar, Uchchi pillayar & Maanikka vinayagar are the most important.

The Temple, perched 83m high on a massive outcrop, lords over Trichy with stony arrogance. The ancient rock was first hewn by the Pallavas & Pandyas, who cut small cave temples on its south side, but it was the war-savvy Nayaks who later made strategic use of the naturally fortified position.

You walk between small shops before entering the temple precinct itself.  You might meet the temple elephant on the way.

Reaching the top requires climbing over 400 stone-cut steps. You can feel the icy chill of the wind when standing at the top of the rock and catch a splendid bird's eye view of the city & the Cauvery river & its surroundings, from the top.

Then it is 180 steps up to the Thayumanaswamy Temple, the rock's biggest temple, on the left (closed to non-Hindus); a gold-topped tower rises over its sanctum.

Further up, you pass the 6^th century Pallava upper cave temple on the left (usually railed off); inside, is a famous Gangadhara panel showing Shiva restraining the Ganges with a single strand of his hair.

From here it is another 183 steps to the summit's small Uchipillaiyar Temple, dedicated to Ganesh. The views are wonderful, with eagles wheeling beneath and Trichy sprawling all around.

Back at the bottom, check out the 8^th century Pandya lower rock-cut cave temple, with particularly fine pillars.

Note: The stone steps get scorching-hot in the midday sun & it is a barefoot climb, so time your visit carefully.

After exploring the Temple complex, it is time to return to Kumbakonam.

Reach the hotel by late evening.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

Early morning, depart for Madurai.

Arrive by noon & Check-in at the hotel.

Chennai may be the capital of Tamil Nadu, but Madurai claims its soul. Madurai is Tamil-born & Tamil-rooted, one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with ancient Rome & was a great capital long before Chennai was even dreamed of.  The city is also mentioned in Megasthenes' Indica, a travelogue by an ancient Greek diplomat & envoy to India in the 3^rd century BC, who wrote praises about this temple city. Madurai's glory reached its peak, during the reign of the Cholas & then during the Pandyas' regime in the 13^th century.

Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, it derives its name from the divine nectar (Madhu) that was showered from the locks of Lord Shiva according to a popular legend. The city has been one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, in existence since about 4^th century BC & is mentioned in ancient texts of Greeks, Romans & Arabs.

It was the capital of the Pandyan kingdom around 600 BCE, and was moved to Koodal (present-day Madurai) during the reign of Nedunj Cheliyan I. The city is famous for is rich heritage & promoting Tamil language through "Sangams" and for its temples built by Pandyan & Madurai Nayak kings.

It captures many of India’s glaring dichotomies: a centre dominated by a medieval temple & an economy increasingly driven by IT, all overlaid with the hustle, energy & excitement of a big Indian city & slotted into a much more manageable package than Chennai’s sprawl.

Madurai was an important cultural & commercial center even as early as 550 AD. Today, Madurai is a well-known producer of some of the finest textiles in India & some of the best harvests of jasmine flowers. Madurai is also called as City of Junction (Koodal nagaram), City of Jasmine (Malligai maanagar), Temple city (Koil maanagar), City that never sleeps (Thoonga nagaram).

It is also one of India's most outstanding Hindu pilgrimage centres & is famous for its temples, especially the celebrated Meenakshi Amman Temple, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture in the heart of the old town, dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers), covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of bright carvings & multi-colored images of Hindu gods, goddesses, animals & mythical figures. 

Tourists, Indian & foreign, come here for the celebrated Meenakshi Amman Temple, a dazzling mazelike structure ranking among India's greatest temples. The temple town is unique in that all its temples remain a major religious centre attracting pilgrims the year round. 

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a 4 hour visit to the Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, synonymous with the Sri Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The five gopurams that surround the temple are known for stuccowork, and the 48.8 meter high southern gopuram is the tallest.

Spend time wandering in the Temple & marveling at the fine carvings. The temple complex is a city within a city & one can spend days exploring its labyrinthine corridors & halls.

Next, move to the 300-year-old Mangammal Palace to see the Gandhi Museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life & work. It has a collection of Gandhi’s personal memorabilia, books & letters, a fine exhibition of South Indian village industries, handicrafts & a huge open-air theatre.

Also, stop at Tirumalai Nayak Palace a gracious building restored by Lord Napier in the Indo-Saracenic style famous for the stuccowork on its domes & arches. Dance drama concerts are performed daily.   

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

Early morning, depart for Periyar, crossing the border into Kerala nick-named “Gods Own Country”. Savour the scenic uphill drive, passing through a panorama of cardamom, coffee & pepper plantations.

Arrive by early afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

South India’s most popular wildlife reserve, Periyar, encompasses 777 sq km, including a 26 sq km artificial lake created by the British. This vast expanse - which became Kerala's first Tiger Reserve in 1978 (though founded as a Sanctuary in 1934) - shelters 2000 elephants & 35 to 40 hard-to-spot tigers.

Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve, has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though it is a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution & playfulness by the Periyar lake.

Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur & Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill & racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. You may also see a few Pythons & many King Cobras.

Periyar is firmly established tourist circuit & known for its scenic lake cruise. But if you dig deeper, perhaps on a trek with a tribal villager or an ex-poacher, Periyar's hilly jungle scenery takes on a really wild, magical feel.

Later in the afternoon, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to the Park for an afternoon of wildlife viewing.

On arrival at the Entrance, you will meet a Naturalist who will talk more comprehensively about the Park & the animals within. Enjoy a ‘nature’ walk on the Trail amidst picturesque scenery, towards the loading dock. Here, you will board a bamboo raft (or a Launch) & embark on 2 hour cruise through the scenic Periyar Lake passing through many delights of the Sanctuary.

Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, it still provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural surroundings. You will surely spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boars & Sambar Deer by the water's edge.

Come back to the shore & disembark.

On the way back to the hotel (depending on the time & sunlight), you can avail the opportunity to visit a neighbouring Pepper Plantation to see traditional plantation techniques, walking amidst the rows of vines creeping upwards. Also, a Spice market (it still open).

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax.

Morning, depart on a drive downhill towards the backwaters of Kumarakom, en-route stopping at a working rubber estate to see rubber tapping technique.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel.

Situated in the Kottayam district of Kerala, Kumarakom, or the 'Venice of the East' is a veritable paradise in the lush backwaters of the vast, beautiful Vembanad Lake, laced with canals, where Houseboats & traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) ply the waters. It is an unhurried backwater village with a smattering of dazzling top-end resorts & a renowned bird sanctuary.

The name Kumarakom was derived from the deity of its oldest temple Kumaran. Kumaran's Akam or place became Kumarakom. It was part of Vadakkancore kingdom. But in 1750 Marthanda Varma the King of Travacore conquered & annexed it to Travancore. The first Christian Church was built here in the year 1769 in the land granted by the King of Travancore.

You are greeted by lush mangrove forests, paddy fields & massive coconut trees lining up on the shores with the wind dictating their course - a perfect tropical touch to the landscape. National Geographic listed it among the select destinations in the world that one must visit at least once in their lifetime.

The landscape basically consists of a cluster of island villages in & around the large "Vembanad Kayal", Kerala’s heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes, inter-linked with hundreds of narrow canals, with the typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice & coconuts to the milkman & newspaper boy, local politicians & priests to wedding parties, winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields & the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals.

Nearby, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays wooden sculptures. In the lake, Pathiramanal Island is a haven for rare migratory birds. Ancient Thazhathangady Mosque is east of Kumarakom.

The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna & flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) & many more. 

There are quite a few ways to relax here - cruising on a Houseboat or one of the Rice Barges or fishing in the backwaters canals amidst panoramic coconut groves. 

Shortly after, proceed for a guided visit to the Sanctuary.

The legendary Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary here, spread over 14 acres, is an Ornithologist's paradise & a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Many migratory species like the Siberian Stork & Wild Duck can be seen here along with darters, herons, egret, waterfowls & cuckoos.

The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, Check-out & proceed to the Jetty to board a Rice Boat for a 3 hour cruise along the canals & backwaters to Alleppey.

It took great skill & meticulousness to construct these Houseboats by tying huge planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single nail. It usually has one or two bath rooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook & guide. These boats offer a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of God's Own Country.

The backwaters of Kerala form the lifeblood of beautiful Kerala & played a main role in the economy of the state. Rice Boats & small ships used to ply in these waters, carrying coconut, rubber, rice & spices to various trading centers of Kerala. Even today, these waterways link remote villages & islands with the mainland. .It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of the villages.

The boat cruise along the backwaters of Kumakom Alleppey gives one first-hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years. Sail along the winding network of Kerala backwaters, see the unique water world & experience its myriad charms.

Travelling through palm-fringed backwaters, you can see local villages located on the side of the canals. You may stop by & visit the village bazaars that are flooded with coir products, coconuts & other village produce.

As the boat glides along the backwaters one can see the daily life in the villages. On the narrow strips of land, fisherman fishing, children swimming & playing in the water, women doing their daily chores, mobile shops in tiny canoes, the cultivation of paddy & it's harvesting (during harvest season), huge country barges ferrying the coconuts, rice, coir etc.

You can also interact with the local population see their lifestyle. Although practically surrounded by water, they still manage to keep cows, pigs, chickens & ducks and cultivate small vegetable gardens, prawns & fish.

You will enjoy Lunch on board. Traditional Kerala food, including spiced & baked rice cakes, will be served.

Reach Alleppey & disembark.

Alleppey along with Kumarakom, is  one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east" (with Kumarakom). These large network of canals provide Alleppey with its lifeline & it was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries & prawn farming.

Alleppey is an ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.

You will be met by the Journeys Rep who will transfer you to Cochin, a short drive away.

Check-in at the hotel & relax for an hour.

Cochin's history is a bright tapestry - many coloured threads woven through centuries together present the fabric of the present. 

Popularly known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, Cochin (now known as Kochi) was traditionally a potpourri of various Indian & international communities and was highly influenced by historical trading partners, Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese & Japanese and was controlled by many empires over the centuries.

Set on a magnificent estuary, serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers & travellers to its shores for over 600 years. It was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch & British and this resulted in a unique mix & match of traditional as well Western architecture & lifestyle. But despite being ruled by so many different domains, it still maintains its cultural identity & is fiercely proud of it.

The result is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal & Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast.

Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant Chinese fishing nets, a 450 year old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese & Dutch era houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. Kochi is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala & has many Catholic churches & followers.

Modern day Kochi may be a busy port and shipping centre but it has many attractions for ordinary tourists. A delightful place to explore, laze in arty cafes & relax at some of India’s finest homestays and heritage hotels. It is also an important centre for Keralan arts (traditional & contemporary) and a standout place to see Kathakali & kalarippayat.

Shortly thereafter, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a 3 hour sightseeing tour of this historic city.

You will walk & drive across the Cochin Harbour to Fort Cochin, stopping by at the Dutch Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana & the Mahabharata, and portraits of Cochin's erstwhile rulers and the dresses & palanquins used by them.

Proceed to visit the oldest active Jewish Synagogue in India & Commonwealth of Nations, built in 1568; it was destroyed by the Portuguese & rebuilt by the Dutch a century later with Chinese willow-patterned tiles & gold crowns and with ancient scrolls & a large number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script. This Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Visit St Francis Church in Fort Kochi, the oldest one to be constructed by Europeans as a testament to European colonization.in India, dating back to 1503 with its Santa Cruz Basilica boasting beautifully painted frescoes on the ceiling.

But the unofficial emblems of Kerala’s backwaters, & perhaps the most photographed, are the half-dozen giant cantilevered symbolic Chinese Fishing Nets on Fort Cochin's northeastern shore, known locally as cheena vala, near the harbour's entrance.

The famous Chinese Fishing Nets are a legacy of traders from the AD 1400 court of Kublai Khan. These spiderlike nets for fishing are 10 metre tall & 20 metre wide contraptions fixed on land, resting on teak or bamboo poles & requiring five or six people to operate their counterweights at high tide.

Modern fishing techniques are making these labour-intensive methods less & less profitable, with nets like these slowly disappearing from Kerala's coastline. Smaller fishing nets are dotted around the shores of Vembanad & Ashtamudi lakes; some of the best are just east of Cherai Beach on Vypeen Island.

The sightseeing ends but we are not finished yet.

You will then proceed to the Cochin Cultural Centre to enjoy a 90 minute performance of traditional Kathakali Dance form of Kerala and the impressive facial expressions, hand gestures & dance moves will leave one spellbound.

A Kathakali performance, like all classical dance arts of India, is a blend of music, vocals, choreography, hand and facial gestures to tell familiar stories in Indian culture. Kathakali performances tell stories in an artistic manner. It is one of the most complex and highly stylized Indian art forms.

The story in ‘Kathakali’ is communicated to the audience through amazing footwork & impressive gestures of face and hands complimented with music and vocal performance

It is basically a dance drama, noted for its heavy & attractive larger-than-life make up, elaborate costumes, detailed body movements synchronized movements, synchronized eye-hand movements & thematic presentation of stories.

Traditionally performed by male dancers, the art developed in courts & palace dance halls of Nair noble households & temple festivals, contrary to other Indian classical dances which predominantly developed in Hindu temples & monastic schools.

The dancers wear intricate & vivid makeup, unique face masks & costumes that reflect the age-old martial arts and athletic conventions prevalent in Kerala and surrounding regions.

Before the performance (if we are able to reach there early enough by 4.30 pm) you will have the opportunity to see the preparation & dressing of the artists, which is an experience in itself. You can watch the elaborate make-up session for an hour (usually these sessions can take up to 3 hours!) followed by an introductory lesson (15 minutes) when each facial & hand movement is explained (welcome, anger, love, envy, joy).

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax.

Finally, the experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the hotel facilities & to  leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.  B

 * Please note that to familiarize you with the destination, we will arrange to showcase, based on the available time & Logistics, multiple attractions & visits to hotels of different classification / categories, including, Heritage & Modern, that will make you more confident in promoting incredible India.  Consequently, there may not be much ‘free’ time available (even though mentioned in the Itinerary).

Final personalized Program will have more details about ‘official’ engagements. However, please be aware that the changes, if any, may be advised the night before failing, before leaving the hotel in the morning. However inspite, we reserve the right to change the sightseeing components, without any prior intimation, if required, at the discretion of the Tour-guide for logistical reasons. 

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