Itinerary

Our adventure begins in Chennai (formerly Madras) with an exploration of Dakshina Chitra, a Heritage Village that provides a fascinating glimpse into the homes and lifestyles of the people and culture of South India. We’ll also visit Kanchipuram, a spectacular temple city that is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus. This area is also well-known for its exquisite silk weaving industry. 

Next we’ll travel to Mahabalipuram, a World Heritage Site famous for its 12th-century rock temples. Then we’re on to Pondicherry, a quaint coastal town and former French Colony settlement. Here we stay at The Dune, a chic and eco-friendly beach hotel with its own organic gardens. It is also an Ayurveda village, a base for artists in residence, and it supports the Tsunamika Project, which helps fisherwomen who were traumatized by the Tsunami disaster. Initially, the Tsunamika Project trained women from six coastal villages to channel their energy into making small “Tsunamika” dolls from waste fabric. The project team then bought the dolls from the fisherwomen and began distributing them around the world as gift items. Ultimately, the project became a means of livelihood for nearly 180 women. We will spend an afternoon learning about this project from some of these women and make a large donation of material that will allow them to expand their livelihood.

Our adventure takes us on a ride through the lush delta of the Kaveri River to Thanjavur, World Heritage site of the Brihadishwara Temple, Chola architectural marvel. Then we’re on to Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) to view its spectacular and famous landmark, the Rock Fort perched on a 300-foot-high outcrop above the town. Karaikudi and the Elephant Valley are our next stop. Here we’ll learn about a unique project that promotes conservation of traditional varieties of vegetables and grains.

In Madurai, we explore the cradle of Tamil culture and one of Southern India’s most ancient temple cities. Our drive to Thekkady, the Spice Capital of India, takes us to a different world: the tropical and lush area of Kerala, Spice Village, and the Periyar Wilderness. In the “land where pepper grows,” our stay at Spice Village allows us to discover an area of Kerala formerly settled by voyagers and adventurers, mercenaries and empire builders, kings and merchant princes, all drawn here by the romance and wild beauty of the land. Fertile rainforests, spice plantations, and unique wildlife attract modern visitors. We’ll walk through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger

Reserve with poachers-turned-guides; view wildlife (elephant, bison, antelopes, langurs, sambar) from a boat on Periyar Lake; and explore the myriad spice plantations from our fabulous accommodations. 

We next check in to our luxury Ayurveda resort in Kumarakom for a day of rest and optional Ayurveda treatments. From Kumarakom we travel a short distance to one of the most enchanting experiences that Kerala has to offer: a backwater cruise on a luxury “rice boat” that floats through villages set among lush vegetation, allowing us to catch a glimpse of Kerala’s unique rural lifestyle. We’ll spend a day and night on a relaxing cruise through the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. 

Then it’s on to Cochin, a trading port since ancient Roman times and one of the most interesting towns in Southern India. Silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets, the perfect symbol of the eclectic charm of Cochin, dominate the timeless views along beautiful canals and the harbor.

The dynamic, cultural, and historic charm of our adventure is heightened by our remarkable accommodations: 5-star hotels, fabulous beach bungalows, quaint and luxurious Heritage Hotels, Ayurveda spa resorts, an organic eco-resort, a luxury houseboat, the world renowned Spice Village, and a small boutique hotel.

Southern India is a dazzling collection of impressionistic moments, unbelievably gorgeous temples, spice scented cities, brilliantly colorful markets, and rainbow-colored silk. There are flowers everywhere, energetic dancers and musicians, glittering blue waters, and lush green valleys. The food is flavored with a variety of spices unique to each region. But, above all, this is a land of gentle and welcoming people. It is indeed a cultural kaleidoscope and a banquet for the senses!

Day 01 Arrival Chennai

Met and transferred to our hotel by air-conditioned coach.

Day 02 Dakshina Chitra Crafts

After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the day visiting Dakshina Chitra, a centre for the living traditions of art, folk performing arts, crafts, and architecture of India with an emphasis on the traditions of South India.

The word Dakshina means “South” and Chitra means “Art.” Dakshina Chitra is a non-profit project of the Madras Craft Foundation created to showcase and preserve the culture of the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Foundation organizes direct marketing opportunities for craftspeople through the craft bazaar and the craft shop. And, traditional craft and textiles are exhibited throughout the centre.

Each South Indian state's unique architecture, crafts, art, and lifestyle are showcased in an authentic setting with stone pathways leading to each State's section. For instance, in the Tamil Nadu section there are various types of houses which have been painstakingly re-created using original parts from an authentic house. There are potters, weavers, and Brahmin houses. The central piece is a beautiful Chettinad mansion with its ornate wood door, carved pillars, and a central courtyard.

Day 03 Kanchipuram and the Women Weavers

After breakfast we drive to Kanchipuram, the spectacular “City of a Thousand Temples” that reflects the glorious traditions of South India.

Also known as Kanchi in the past, this ancient city was once the capital and principal port of the Pallavas who ruled between the 6th and the 9th centuries A.D. Today, it is a major Hindu pilgrim centre, one of the seven most sacred in India.

Kanchipuram is also well-known for its handloom industry. The exquisite silk saris and cloths made from pure mulberry silk yarn are world famous and the best in the country.

Day 04 Chennai - Famous Rock Temples of Mahabalipuram to the Dune Hotel 

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Chennai and travel to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), the World Heritage Site of the famous rock temples of the Pallava Emperors. 

In the 7th century, Mahendravarma Pallava built this seaport for ships to sail from India to Southeast Asia. The spectacular Shore Temple, perched dramatically on a promontory by the sea, has survived the ravages of time and erosion. Inland from the Shore Temple is the celebrated bas-relief, Bhagirathi’s Penance. These early rock temples, shrines, and huge bas-reliefs are considered the greatest examples of

Pallava art. We continue on to Pondicherry and our next very special destination: the Dune Eco Hotel. Overnight in twin-bedded, double-occupancy rooms at the Dune Hotel. 

The Dune cherishes the spirit "to live in harmony with nature and man." For ages, swamis (Holy Men) and pilgrims from the nearby temples of Mahabalipuram would come to this area for retreat. Today, set on 30 acres along the stunning Coromandel Coast, the Dune is a chic and eco-friendly beach hotel that reflects the sense of innovation and style of modern India. Its beach bungalows are spaciously spread across palm-filled grounds and they are uniquely designed for their commitment to reduce the impact on the environment. They were built from reclaimed building material from South Indian Colonial houses and Chettinad palaces and are mostly equipped with solar hot water systems. Each bungalow has a unique theme, furniture, and private garden.

There is both a flavour of luxury and a commitment to green awareness at the Dune, particularly at the restaurant, which serves wonderful food and organic produce grown in the hotel’s own garden. Other amenities include a raised freshwater swimming pool, an Ayurveda spa, and free yoga sessions at 1 and 5 P.M.

Most importantly, however, the Dune is a place for creative experiments and cultural exchanges. The Artists in Residence program is dedicated to creativity and culture. It acts as a hub for international artists to live, meet, work, and to discover India. The hotel is also actively involved with local education and capacity building. An Indian trust called “Children of The World India,” in association with "Enfants du monde,"

which is based in France, administers these activities.

The Dune also supports the Tsunamika Project, which helps fisherwomen who were traumatized by the Tsunami disaster. Initially, the Tsunamika Project trained women from six coastal villages to channel their energy into making small “Tsunamika” dolls from waste fabric. The project team then bought the dolls from the fisherwomen and began distributing them around the world as gift items. Ultimately, the project became a means of livelihood for nearly 180 women. 

Day 05 Provincial Pondicherry to Thanjavur, the Ancient Capital of the Chola 

Kings

After breakfast, we travel a short distance to Pondicherry, a former French Colony settled in the 18th century. Pondicherry is a quaint, provincial, and coastal town where French is still spoken among the older residents. The police wear Red kepis (caps) and belts, French cuisine is still served in some restaurants, and the houses, buildings, gardens, and churches reflect a French influence. We’ll visit the Pondicherry Museum, which has an outstanding collection of artefacts from the French colonial period. It also displays rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola periods. Next, we’ll visit the Ashram founded by Shri Aurobindo, a firebrand Bengali poet-philosopher, who took refuge in the French territory of Pondicherry to escape from the British. It was here that he was drawn into the spiritual realm and studied and wrote about the principles of yoga. His disciple, Mirra

Alfassa, known later as “the Mother,” was instrumental in the establishment of the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual and physical centre of the community.

After lunch we drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore), the ancient Capital of the Chola kings of the 10th century. The city is located in the fertile Kaveri Delta, a region often referred to as the “rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.” The magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, a World Heritage Monument, is the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. It stands 216 feet tall and is topped by a monolithic cupola made from a granite block that weighs about 80 tons.

We’ll also visit the Art Gallery to see its fabulous collection of Chola bronzes, and the Saraswati Mahal Library Museum, one of the most important reference libraries in India.

Day 06 The Pilgrim City of Tiruchirapalli

After breakfast we drive to Tiruchirapalli (Trichy). Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, it is a pilgrim centre with a fine blend of temples and monuments. Dominating the town is the massive granite Rock Fort, an impregnable fortress perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop that rises 272 feet above flat plains. At the summit of the fortress is a small Ganesha Temple. From there, we’ll have spectacular views of verdant rice fields and the sacred island of Srirangam. Overnight Hotel Sangam (Trichy) in twin-bedded, double-occupancy rooms.

Day 07 Karaikudi and the Mansions of Chettinad

Today’s drive takes us through the fertile Delta of the Kaveri River to Karaikudi, the principal town of the Chettinad region. This is home to the Natukkotai Chettiars, a prosperous banking community whose inhabitants amassed great fortunes after they ventured overseas to South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries. Their legacies are the grand mansions of Chettinad, which are splendid architectural delights.

These houses have to be seen to be believed! Built in the early 20th century, the houses reflect the social, ritual, and kinship needs of the community, as well as its economic status. Now unoccupied for most of the year, they are still used for family celebrations. Chettiars are still prominent bankers and industrialists based in Chennai and Bangalore. 

Apart from the houses, Karaikudi offers extensive antique shopping, weekly shandy (village market); a number of temples; visits to craftsmen working with wood and metal; silversmiths and goldsmiths; attractive textiles; and most important and exciting, the Chettinad cuisine.

For the next two nights, it is a treat to stay at the "Bangala," (the Tamil pronunciation of “The Bungalow”), a quaint Heritage Hotel restored by the Meyyappan Chettiar family. Once a beautiful Chettinad home, the Bangala is now an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Chettiar country that has been restored to its original Art Deco style. It is a charming white painted bungalow with dark green mango tipped wooden eaves. Now in its sixth year as a Heritage Hotel, it is the favourite of visitors to Chettinad and is gaining fame for its genuine home-cooked Chettinad food. This evening we will enjoy an authentic dinner of highly specialized Chettinad cooking in the dining room of The Bangala. Chettinad cuisine is one of the spiciest and most aromatic cuisines in India.

Although the Chettiars (the local traders) are well known for their delicious vegetarian preparations, their repertoire of food items also includes fish, fowl, and meat. Chettinad cuisine also includes carefully preserved sun-dried legumes and berries that the Chettiar ladies make into curries. Oil and spices are liberally used in cooking and most dishes have generous amounts of peppercorn, cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom, nutmeg, and green and red chillies. Some of the popular dishes on a Chettinad menu are varuval (a dry dish fried with onions and spices), pepper chicken, poriyal (a curry), and kuzambu, which is a stew in a gravy of coconut milk and spices.

Day 08 Exploring Karaikudi

After breakfast we’ll spend a leisurely day exploring Karaikudi and its environs. We’ll explore the famous mansions of Chettinad; the town’s many temples, and numerous antique shops. We’ll visit a Santhai, (a village market) and crafts workshops, where we’ll watch silversmiths fashion silver utensils and artisans create handicrafts of metal and wood. We may also have the opportunity to learn about Chettinad cuisine through a cooking demonstration at our hotel.

Day 09 The Unique Elephant Valley Farm

After breakfast, we say goodbye to “The Bungalow” and depart for an interesting and unique visit and overnight at Elephant Valley Farm. A 100-acre nature reserve, organic farm, and Ecolodge in the Palni hills of the Western Ghats area of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Elephant Valley is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots on the planet. It is the last settlement on the border of the National Forest, which extends into the wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala, and is uniquely situated on an ancient elephant migration route. This remote land, and the rivers that flow through it, has escaped the ravages of modern chemical agriculture.

It is rich in thriving vegetation and animal species, including birds, leopards, deer, bison and elephants. The residents of Elephant Valley promote the conservation of traditional varieties of vegetable and grain seeds that are tasty and rich sources of nutrition. The philosophy at Elephant Valley is that in today’s India, much of its flora and fauna is threatened and India faces a quick depletion of its fresh water resources.

Its current agriculture uses heavy amounts of chemicals, machinery, and hybrid seeds, which destroy the soil fertility and pollute the underground water.

The old wisdom of traditional agriculture has been neglected, and original seeds are disappearing little by little. In addition, the food that Indians eat contributes to the growth of new diseases.

Environmental awareness and environmental education are important tools to provide for Indian children, enabling them, in their adult life, to make conscious choices, to influence political decisions, and act as guardians and caretakers of their environment.

During our stay, we’ll visit Elephant Valley’s organic demonstration coffee plantation, vegetable gardens, and re-forestation project. We’ll eat in their fabulous restaurant which serves a fusion of Indian and Continental cooking that uses fresh vegetables and fruits from the organic farm. There are also horses to ride and trails to hike!

The accommodations at Elephant Valley are in beautiful estate cottages built with local granite and recycled Burma teak that was salvaged from demolished old houses. Each is equipped with solar lights, kerosene lanterns, western-style dry/composting toilets, and firewood-fuelled hot water showers. Colonial and art deco furniture are part of the interiors. Each cottage has the privacy of its own garden overlooking the perennial Gangavaar River and the coffee plantation.

Solar Energy is used to provide electricity for each room. Hot water is provided by a centralized low consumption wood boiler. The wood used to power the boiler is provided through the shade looping of the coffee demonstration plantation. Natural cross ventilation keeps the room aerated and cool.

Day 10 The Great Temple Town of Madurai – Athens of the East

After breakfast we drive to Madurai, often referred to as the Athens of the East and one of South India’s great temple towns. The cradle of Tamil culture, Madurai is known to have had links with Greece as far back as the 4th century B.C. By the 14th century A.D., it had become a major centre for writers, builders, and academicians, while art and trade with China and Rome flourished.

Madurai’s main attraction is the labyrinthine complex of temples within the Sri Meenakshi Temple. This colourful temple contains friezes, stone and brass images, and a fabulous exhibit of Hindu deities in its 1000-pillared hall. Its soaring towers rise from solid granite bases and are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals, and monsters all painted in vivid colours. Outside the temple are the Musical Pillars which, when tapped, produce the entire scale of “swaras,” or musical notes. In the evening we’ll see the Sound and Light show at the Tirumal Nayak Palace and the sunset darshan (viewing) at the Meenakshi Temple.

Day 11 Thekkady

Spice Capital of India and Home to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Today we drive to Thekkady, the Spice Capital of India, renowned for its sprawling spice and tea plantations. Our drive takes us over rolling highlands and through carpets of tea bushes, estates of tall rubber trees, and gardens of coffee, cardamom, and pepper.

Ancestors of the Portuguese and Jewish population of Cochin once visited as traders before turning the natural bounties of the area into wealth. Pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace, and anise became nature's taste factory in the 14^th century, as Cochin became nature's harbour, the port of lading for a spice-hungry world. Later, the area came under the Kingdom of Travancore and many of its plantations, orchards, and hunting lodges date from that time.

The aroma of spices fills the pristine air as we cross the countryside to reach the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, one of the premier reserves of Southern India and home to the wild elephant, bison, antelope, monkeys, and many other animals.

This afternoon we take a boat ride on 100-year-old Periyar Lake to view the Reserve’s wildlife. The Periyar Wildlife Reserve, now one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India. Today the 300-square-mile sanctuary is one of the most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

Since the only way to travel through the sanctuary is by boat, we can cover large areas in a short time and experience the wilderness from a unique perspective. There may be no other sanctuary in the world where elephant behaviour can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety. This is also home to wild dogs, sloths, Indian bison, wild pig, deer, four types of monkeys, the occasional tiger, and a multitude of colourful birds.

Located in the Periyar Wilderness and set in the heart of Cardamom Hills of Kerala, the breathtaking Spice Village is located just a stone’s throw from Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Offering a rare opportunity to enjoy South India's wildlife and beauty, this world-renowned resort has consistently won acclaim for its service, cuisine, and the unique experiences it offers. Spread over eight acres of dense forests, its traditional thatched roof cottages are surrounded by soothing green forests. This is an ideal place to experience 5000-year old healing Ayurveda therapies. Each cottage features ethnic Kerala décor. This is a place for everyone who loves nature: a place to fill your lungs with fresh mountain air, to savour the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves, and to watch young elephants drinking at the water's edge.

The multi-cuisine restaurant at Spice Village offers an enchanting menu that serves everything from traditional Kerala cuisine to Chinese, Continental, and special herbal vegetarian delicacies.

Cooking Demonstrations. For those who want more than just a taste of the delicious Kerala cuisine, cooking classes are held by the Chef every evening. You get to see for yourself how the dishes are made. 

The Healing touch at Spice Village Ayurveda Centre. Ayurveda, the Science of Life, is almost as old as the Indian civilization. Its holistic approach, the efficacy of its therapies, and the absence of distressing side effects are some of its more salient features. Health in the Ayurveda view represents the harmony of body, mind, and soul. It is based on natural principles that inform and animate human life. The Spice Village offers therapies at its Ayurveda Centre under the guidance of an expert "vaidyan" (physician) that you may consult for a fuller understanding of symptoms and appropriate treatment.

Day 12 Periyar Wildlife Hike and Kumarakom Lake Resort

This morning we have a special treat—an early morning guided walk (carrying our packed breakfast) through the forest. Led by highly experienced guides (reformed poachers!), we’ll hike into cool, green forests and out again into vast, sunny meadows. This is an area populated by an astounding array of wildlife including elephants, sambar deer, the brilliant blue kingfisher, the great pied hornbill, and more than 100 species of butterflies. Maybe, if we’re extremely lucky, we’ll catch a glimpse of one of Periyar’s 41 protected tigers. Our guides, who now protect the forests and its creatures, will regale us with adventure stories about their former lives as poachers.

This afternoon we check into the luxury Kumarakom Lake Resort for rest, relaxation, and optional Ayurveda treatments. The Resort is on the banks of Lake Vembanad, near the confluence of the Pampa and Meenachil Rivers. The villas, suites, and cottages at the Resort are a perfect blend of Kerala's traditional architectural charm and luxurious, modern amenities. Some offer a view of the luminous Vembanad Lake and some offer a dazzling view of exquisitely landscaped gardens and clear lotus strewn canals.

Day 13 Kumarakom Lake Resort to Backwaters Houseboat Cruise

Late this morning, we depart for an overnight “backwaters cruise” on a traditional and elegant houseboat, also known as Kettuvallam, or rice boats. This is of the most enchanting experiences Kerala has to offer. In the earlier days these boats carried rice bags. Today they are designed for guests and tastefully outfitted using local materials such as bamboo poles and mats, coconut fibre ropes, and local Indian carpets. We’ll spend the rest of today and tomorrow morning cruising by villages set in lush vegetation and glimpsing Kerala’s unique rural lifestyle. Each boat has comfortable rooms that are fully furnished with attached bathrooms, living rooms with panoramas, a kitchen, and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is a fabulous way to enjoy and explore the fascinating beauty of Kerala’s backwaters!

Day 14 To Cochin – The Queen of the Arabian Sea

This morning we have breakfast on our houseboat and continue cruising through the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Our coach is waiting for us and after saying good-bye to the wonderful houseboat staff; we drive to Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala and one of the most interesting cities in Southern India. A trading port since ancient Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Cochin occupies the South promontory on the seaward side of the bay where Willingdon Island was created in the 1920s by dredging the bay to increase the depth of the entrance to the harbor. The rich history of Cochin is represented by such landmarks as a 16th century Dutch Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish synagogue in Mattancherry.

Silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets, the perfect symbol of the eclectic charm of Cochin, dominate the timeless views along beautiful canals and the harbour. It is worth a visit at dusk to see the cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the mouth of the harbour.

Located near Fort Cochin and on Willingdon Island, this hotel combines modern facilities with a relaxed ambience. Nice rooms, a cheerful bar overlooking the beautiful landscaped gardens and swimming pool, and traditional Kerala cuisine.

Day 15 Cochin departure 

More information from Ibex Expeditions:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.ibexexpeditions.com/culture_and_special_interest.htm…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips