Day-by-Day Itinerary

January 7 DEPART NEW YORK
Wednesday
Meet our traveling companions this afternoon in New York’s JFK Airport. Jet Airways 9W229 departs this evening at 6:55 PM.

January 8 Arrive BRUSSELS
Thursday
Arrive Brussels at 9:30 AM and connect immediately to Jet Airways 9W225 departing at 11:30 AM.

January 9 CHENNAI
Friday ARRIVE INDIA
Arrive Chennai at 1:55 AM. Meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel where our rooms are waiting for immediate occupancy. Welcome to India!
Madras, now called Chennai, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and the Gateway to the rich and varied culture of South India. Originally a trading fort of the East India Company, the city is now the fourth largest in India and is South India’s commercial and cultural capital. This modern capital is a city that still retains the charm, and culture of ages past, a mix of British Raj-era monuments, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, a beautiful promenade and a string of waterfront Indo-Saracenic buildings.

TAJ COROMANDEL

January 10 CHENNAI,
Saturday DAKSHINACHITRA, MAMALLAPURAM
We start our morning at the 13th century Cathedral of San Thome, housing the grave of St. Thomas the Apostle, who brought Christianity to India in 52 AD. We continue with interesting landmarks of Chennai: Fort George, St. Mary’s Church within the fort, and the Chennai Museum, famous for its splendid collection of Chola bronzes. We’ll continue on to Kapaleeswarar Temple, with exquisite, intricately carved gopuram (gateways) depicting mythical legends. This ancient Shiva Temple is a wonderful introduction to Dravidian temple sculpture and architecture.

After lunch, drive to Dakshinachitra (3 miles) that encapsulates the rural lifestyle prevalent in South India. This typical village, with local workshops producing and exhibiting magnificent arts and crafts through the efforts of the Madras Craft Foundation, will immerse us in South India’s culture.
We then will drive to Mamallapuram (37 miles). Dating back to the 7th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the ancient seaport of the Pallavas, who carved out exquisite sculptures from rocks. This “City of Seven Pagodas” extends across a boulder-strewn landscape and is comprised of rock cut cave temples, a shore temple, monolithic rathas (rock-carved temple chariots) and huge bas-reliefs, among the world’s finest. Though ravaged by sea and wind, these unique temples and caves still bear testimony to the magnificent heritage of Dravidian architecture and the genius of the Pallavas.

GRT TEMPLE BAY

January 11 KANCHIPURAM,
Sunday Mahabalipuram
This morning we will journey to Kanchipuram (43 miles). Kanchipuram literally means the “City of Gold.” One of the seven sacred cities in India (7th-10th Century AD), Kanchipuram is dotted with soaring spires of hundreds of temples. Kanchipuram is also renowned for hand woven silk of matchless beauty. Visit local weavers and enjoy exploring the major temples.
In the afternoon we will return to Mahabalipuram to see the great bas-reliefs of the Penance of Bhagiratha, the Five Rathas, the Mahishasura Mardhini Krishna, the Varaha Mandapas (caves), and the spectacular Shore Temple, perched dramatically on a promontory by the sea.

GRT TEMPLE BAY

January 12 MAMALLAPURAM,
Monday PONDICHERRY
After breakfast, we will drive to Pondicherry (73 miles), the former capital of French territories in India, established in 1674. We will enjoy the old world charm of Pondicherry, which retains a distinct French flavor with elegant colonial mansions, tree lined boulevards, parks and cafes.

In the afternoon we visit Auroville. The “City of Dawn” was founded in the mid-20th century by Sri Aurobindo, a one-time Bengal revolutionary who later took to the spiritual path. The various craft units, paper manufacturing, silk batik and marble printing in the ashram are worth a visit.

Le Dupleix

January 13 PONDICHERRY,
Tuesday CHIDAMBARAM,
THANJAVUR
Leave Pondicherry for Chidambaram (42 miles). Here Shiva is believed to have performed his cosmic dance in this traditional temple town where history and mythology merge. We will visit the 9th century Nataraja Temple. The 108 Kranas (poses) of the classic dance movements are depicted in sculpture on the walls of the temple and are exquisite.

Drive to Thanjavur (70 miles), visiting Darasuram en route. The highlight is a spectacular four-tiered temple, built in the 12th Century which has a sanctum and three halls, one of which is conceived as a stone chariot drawn by caparisoned horses, with Brahma, the Creator, as its driver. The outer walls have fine friezes and carvings of musicians, dancers, acrobats and depictions from the mythical stories.

Hotel Parisutham

January 14 THANJAVUR,
Wednesday TRICHY, MADURAI
Thanjavur, “the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu,” is set amidst lush rice fields in the delta of the River Cauvery. Known for its magnificent temples and palaces, this great town dominated the political history of the region as the capital of three powerful dynasties for nearly 1000 years. We will start our tour at the magnificent granite Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1010 AD. This temple epitomizes the sculptural and architectural excellence of the Cholas.

Following we will visit the majestic Thanjavur Palace, a museum and library exhibiting a beautiful collection of rare manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions and books. The bronze, silk and handicrafts of Tanjore are one of the highlights of any tour to South India.

Later, drive to Trichy (34 miles). Trichy, in the Cauvery delta, was a Chola citadel in 2 BC. The present town dates back to the 16th century.

We will visit the ancient temples dedicated to Ganesha on the magnificent Rock Fort—437 steps cut into the rock and interspersed with shrines, leading to the temple. The view of the countryside from the temple is superb.

After lunch, a 93-mile drive to Madurai, visiting villages en route to participate in the fabulous Pongal festival—one of the highlights of this trip! The Pongal is a thanksgiving festival in praise of the sun, land, and the cattle, celebrated throughout Tamil Nadu for three days in mid-January. Festivities begin with specially prepared harvest rice, symbolizing good fortune and offered to the Sun God with festivity and joyous celebration. The last day is devoted to honoring their valuable cattle. Bulls are decorated with garlands, bells and balloons — their horns brightly painted before taken in procession throughout the villages.

Taj Garden Retreat

January 15 MADURAI
Thursday
Madurai is one of South India’s great temple towns with a rich cultural heritage dating from the Tamil era from the 3rd century BC. Today, religion and culture remain a vibrant part of the city’s daily life. We will have a morning visit to the Tirumal Nayak Palace constructed in 1639 AD. The remains of this once-grand palace has some beautiful buildings and a magnificent courtyard, surrounded by massive circular pillars. The curved dome in the Throne Room, standing without the support of a girder or rafter, is an architectural marvel. We will pass by the Mariamman Teppakulam, a pavilion with steps flanked by animal- and bird-shaped balustrades leading to rippling waters below.

In the afternoon, we will attend the Jallikattu Festival. During this festival, Kanya Pongal, colored balls of pongal are made and offered to the birds. A type of bullfight, called the ‘Jallikattu’ is held, in which bundles of money are tied to the horns of ferocious bulls, which villagers try to wrest from them. Bullock cart races, cockfights, folk dancing, dramatic performances and traditional songs make the Jallikattu an exciting, exotic experience.

After dinner we will attend the night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple to witness the procession of the temple bronzes of Shiva and his consort, Meenakshi, carried to the bedchamber, accompanied by candlelight, religious prayer, ceremony and temple music.

Taj Garden Retreat

January 16 MADURAI,
Friday PERIYAR
Our Madurai morning begins with the Meenakshi Temple, famed for its carved and painted halls. This 16th century temple houses twelve breathtaking, carved gopuras (towering gateways), the temple art museum and the 1000-pillared Grand Hall. The splendidly carved complex has colorful stucco images of gods, goddesses, animals and tales from Hindu mythology. In one of the most exotic settings to be found anywhere, we will see Hindu pilgrims performing timeless rituals and merchants hawking their wares. Visit to the Madurai Museum housed in the “Hall of a Thousand Pillars.”
After lunch, leave Madurai for Periyar (85 miles). The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary of 482 square miles, set in a rich deciduous forest with open areas of tall grass. Periyar’s man-made lake provides an eco-friendly environment for water birds: darter, grey heron, egret and kingfisher. It is one of the finest habitats for the Asiatic Elephant.

Spice Village

January 17 PERIYAR,
Saturday KUMARAKOM
In the early morning we will explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by boat. It’s possible to also view tiger, leopard, sambar, wild dog, barking deer, the unique Nilgiri Langur and Lion-tailed Macaque on an exciting boat ride.
After lunch, we’ll leave Periyar for Kumarakom (71 miles), a typical Kerala village located on the edge of Vembanad Lake and along the backwater cruising route.
The unique backwaters of Kerala are a network of lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas comprising over 559 square miles of navigable waterways that drain into the Arabian Sea, an ecosystem teeming with aquatic life. Canals connect villages and are used for local transportation. En route, one may stop at small settlements to talk with villagers while enjoying a cup of tea. This is one of South India’s most picturesque sights.

Coconut Lagoon

January 18 KUMARAKOM
Sunday
Today is a free day to enjoy the beauty of this resort and the lagoon. Nature walks can be arranged for anyone who so desires. In the evening we will attend a cultural program.

Coconut Lagoon

January 19 KUMARAKOM,
Monday ALLEPPEY, COCHIN
This morning we will embark on a houseboat to cruise through Vembanad Lake to Alleppey. We will skim past palm-fringed lakes studded with ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, temples and coconut groves. What an extraordinary opportunity to observe village life and Kerala’s unique rural lifestyle —where water and land intertwine! En route, stop at small settlements to come ashore and walk around the village watersides, where local residents will happily stop to talk to us.

Lunch on board our houseboat.

Disembark at Alleppey and drive on to Cochin (40 miles).

Cochin is a cosmopolitan city of many cultures —Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian. Set on a cluster of islands and peninsulas, Cochin has enchanted visitors for decades with its old world charm, quaint narrow streets, Indo-European architecture and a natural harbor surrounded by inland lakes and backwaters. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India.

This evening we attend a Kathikali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathikali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes, with faces painted to depict various characters of these epics, making fascinating body movements.

Brunton Boatyard Hotel

January 20 COCHIN,
Tuesday TRIVANDRUM,
Kovalam
Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin. We start our visit at the synagogue built in 1568 AD. This Jewish community is one of the oldest in the world, tracing its history back almost 2000 years. We will visit the magnificent Paradesi Synagogue, which contains the Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The narrow lanes around the synagogue are crammed with Dutch style residences, which today house antique shops.

Mattancherry Palace is the home of the former Rajas of Cochin. Built by the Portuguese in 1557, today it is a museum with a rare collection of murals and royal artifacts — some of the most beautiful and extensive to be seen in India. Visit St. Francis Church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and believed to be the oldest church in India.

Transfer to railway station to board train for Trivandrum, 2075 Jan Shatabdi Express departing 5:50 PM. A local train in India exposes us to fascinating scenes and is more than just a means of transportation... it’s an experience in itself! On arrival, we’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in nearby Kovalam.

Leela Kovalam Beach Resort

January 21 KOVALAM
Wednesday
The beautiful seaside city of Kovalam, on the southern tip of India, is known for its spectacular beach, beach resorts and crystal clear waters.

In the morning, visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located within the fort that encircles the old town. This temple has a towering seven-story gopura (gateway), dedicated to the god Vishnu, a sacred place of the Hindus from antiquity. Visit Kutharai Malligai, a palace museum and the Napier Government Arts and Crafts Museum, exhibiting a rare collection of bronzes, stone sculptures, exquisite gold ornaments, ivory carvings and a temple chariot.

Afternoon free to explore on your own!

Leela Kovalam Beach Resort

January 22 KOVALAM,
Thursday TRIVANDRUM,
MUMBAI
This morning you are free to relax or explore on your own before transferring to the airport to board our flight to Mumbai (Bombay). We will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day is free.

Mumbai, the “Gateway of India,” is India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan and crowded city, and is home to the country’s financial center, manufacturing hub, busiest port and “Bollywood.”

Taj Mahal Palace & Tower

January 23 MUMBAI
Friday
We take a morning excursion to the Elephanta Caves by boat. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 7th century cave temples are chiseled into a rocky cliff that contains some of the great masterpieces of Indian sculpture. The beauty and power of the sculptures depicting the manifestations of Shiva is sublime.

After checking out of our hotel at noon, we will tour Mumbai. Four rooms will be held for storing luggage and freshening up this evening before our flight.

Mumbai has imposing multi-storied buildings, crowded thoroughfares, busy markets, shopping centers and beautiful tourist spots. As we tour the city, we will visit the mystical 19th century Jain Temple with its silver doors, the Kamala Nehru Park, the Hanging Gardens of Bombay and the Towers of Silence where the Parsis dispose their dead. Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Museum for insight into his life and work. Also, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, which has an excellent collection of miniatures.

Enjoy dinner and then transfer to the airport to board our international flight with memories of a journey that has been a rich, exciting adventure.

January 24 MUMBAI,
Saturday BRUSSELS,
NEW YORK
Our Jet Airways flight 9W228 departs Mumbai at 2:15 AM this morning, arriving in Brussels at 7:10 AM. Connect in Brussels and board flight 9W230 departing at 9:20 AM. Arrive New York, JFK at 11:45 AM the same day.
Welcome home!

Flight schedules subject to change.