Kerala and the Southern Highlights

South India is vastly different from the north both culturally and geographically. This tour visits the city of Chennai, ‘the Gateway to the South’ to the ancient temples at Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram and Hassan to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Experience backwater cruising from Nedumudy, miniature train and lush mountain scenery in Mysore and Coonoor, splendid beaches in Kovalam, tea and spice plantations in Munnar and nature spotting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: New Zealand to Chennai

Fly to Chennai with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we are welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel.

Day 2: Chennai

Chennai, India’s fourth largest city, was developed as a British trading post and as such, most of its attractions have a distinct colonial influence. Today visit Marina Beach, which stretches for over 13 km making it the second longest beach in the world, Fort St George, built by the British around 1653 and see St Mary’s Church, India’s oldest surviving British church built in 1680.

Day 3: Chennai – Kanchipuram & Mamallapuram

This morning drive south to Kanchipuram, the ancient capital of the Pallavas. It is one of the seven sacred cities of India and attracts a large number of visitors, especially during the temple car festivals (January to May). Dating back to the 2nd Century, the region originally had 1000 of these unique temples, of which about 200 still exist. Here we also visit the Shreenivas Silk House. Next we drive to the Rock Carving of Mamallapuram before returning to Chennai.

Day 4: Chennai to Bangalore

Rise early to catch the Shatabdi Express train to Bangalore. Bangalore is known as the ‘Garden City’ because of its countless parks and avenues of Jacaranda, Gulmohur and Cassia. Enjoy a city tour of Bangalore including the Bull Temple, one of the city’s oldest, the palace of Tipu Sultan who ruled much of southern India during the 18th Century and Vidhaan Soudha, one of Bangalore’s most imposing buildings built in 1954 by convicts.

Day 5: Bangalore to Hassan

Head west to Hassan and visit Sravanabelagola, an important centre for Jain pilgrims, where we climb the 650 steps to the top of the temple. Outside of Hassan visit the famous temples of Belur and Halebid, one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

Day 6: Hassan to Mysore

Today we drive south to Mysore visiting Srirangapatnam Fort en route. Inside the fortress walls there is a mosque and the Sri Ranganathsway Temple. Upon arrival in Mysore visit the Maharaja’s palace, part of which is still in use. We then drive up to the 1062m high Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple with a panoramic view of Mysore.

Day 7: Mysore to Coonoor

This morning head to the hills and drive to Coonoor. Our hotel is situated beside the All Saints Church, located away from the town centre, enabling us to appreciate the peacefulness and beautiful scenery. Enjoy an evening walk around the hotel at Coonoor.

Day 8: Coonoor - Ooty (Ootacamund)

This morning take the ‘Toy Train’ to Ooty, known as the ‘Queen of the Blue Mountains’. It is famous for its hills which are covered in pine nd eucalyptus forests as well as its coffee and tea plantations. The town was developed as a hill station by the British in the early 19th Century. We visit the Botanical Gardens and take an optional 15 minute walk uphill to the local village, where we can gain an insight into the lives of the local people and enjoy the 
by coach.

Day 9: Coonoor to Munnar

Continuing our descent from the highlands we have a full day of driving to Munnar, the commercial centre for the area’s tea growing estates.

Day 10: Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)

Before leaving Munnar we visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the timeless cultivation of tea. We then drive to Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km and set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants.

Day 11: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Rise early to enjoy a morning boat ride on Lake Periyar, keep a look out for wildlife such as elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel, around the lake as we cruise along. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly to find. Later this morning visit a local spice village. This afternoon enjoy an optional 12 km walk through the park searching for the local wildlife.

Day 12: Thekkady to Nedumudy/ Houseboat

This morning we leave Thekkady and drive to Nedumudy, near Kumarakom, to board our houseboat. Popularly known as ‘kettuvallam’, the houseboats are converted from traditional rice barges. While cruising to Alleppey, witness the lives of the people living in villages around the backwater area of Kerala. Enjoy dinner as we spend the night on the houseboat.

Day 13: Alleppey to Kochi (Cochin)

Disembarking from our boat this morning we drive to Kochi. En route visit a local market in Alleppey, a coir factory and the Kokothamangalam Church. Enjoy an authentic Christian Kerala lunch before continuing to Kochin. Later this evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show.

Day 14: Kochi

Enjoy a full day tour of Kochi, visiting St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried, the Santa Cruz Cathedral with its pastel coloured interior and carved wooden panels and witness the unique cantilevered Chinese fishing nets nearby. Also visit the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town and stroll through the nearby markets.

Day 15: Kochi to Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam Beach this morning. The afternoon is free to relax, go for a walk on the beach and watch the local fisherman haul in their catch.

Day 16: Kovalam - Trivandrum

Enjoy a full day sightseeing around Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Visit the Sri Padmanbhaswamy Temple before continuing to the Zoological Gardens and Museums where we visit the Napier Museum with its bronze collection and the Chitralayan art gallery. Also visit the Observatory, the Kanakakannu Palace and Sree Moolamthirunal Shastri Purthi Memorial (State handicraft Institute).

Day 17: Depart Trivandrum (Kovalam)

Today is at leisure to relax at the resort or walk along the beach. After a late checkout transfer to Trivandrum airport and board our flight back home.

Day 18: Arrive New Zealand

Arrive home in New Zealand.
 

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Images from Kerala and the Southern Highlights