Day-to-day schedule
Day 1: Mamallapuram
Welcome in South India! Your tour starts in Mamallapuram, where you can use your hotel room from check in time (12.00 hrs at noon) on day 1. Mamallapuram is situated only 55 km (1 to 1½ hour drive) from the international airport of Chennai. Your travel companions will also arrive this first day, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will meet your English speaking tour leader at 08.00 hrs on day 2 in the lobby of your hotel in Mamallapuram.
Day 2: Mamallapuram
UNESCO World Heritage site, Mamallapuram is a wonderful place to enjoy Indian country life. Travellers are drawn here for its miles of unspoilt beaches and its famous stone carvings. You will have time to explore the famous Shore temple, the second most photographed monument in India after the Taj Mahal.
Day 3: Mamallapuram - Pondicherry
Today we drive to Pondicherry, a former French enclave known first and foremost for the mystic Sri Aurobindo, whose followers founded temples, Ayurvedic clinics and countless other organizations. North of the city lies Auroville, an ideal city planned by Aurobindo and his followers. This city should have become a model for the ideal society of the future, and when people started to build it, soil from 124 countries was brought together in a giant urn to stress the unity of mankind.
Day 4: Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Tiruchirappalli
Today you will first visit Thanjavur. Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola emperors, who ruled over Southeast Asia and Indonesia. The city and the surrounding lands are located in the fertile basin of the Kauvery. This river is considered by the Tamils as the southern Ganges, their sacred river. The great Shiva temple was built in the 10th century by Emperor Rajaraja I. It is one of the finest buildings in the world. The top of the richly decorated temple is formed by a block of stone of about 80 tonnes. For this capstone it was necessary to build a sloping path of over six kilometers, so that it could be dragged up by hundreds of oxen. On the temple grounds stands a huge statue of Nandi the bull, which Shiva rides. Inside a former palace is one of the finest collections of bronze statues in the country.
After a two hour drive we arrive in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). On the north side of this chaotic city, on an island in the Kauvery River is India’s largest temple complex, Srirangam. The main gate is more than ninety metres high and twenty thousand people live and work in this labyrinth where numerous pilgrims arrive daily. Around the main temple, there are seven temple walls with lots of small shops, as well as the houses of Brahmins and other temple folk. Only inside the fourth wall, does the temple begin to look like a temple and the holiest of the holy temples has an amazing gold roof. In the temple and along the riverside, festivals are celebrated almost continuously.
The total travel time for today is approximately six hours (275 km).
Day 5: Tiruchirappalli - Madurai
Today we travel to Madurai, the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. It still attracts thousands of pilgrims to its Meenakshi temple and is one of the larges and oldest of its kind in India. Priests here perform rituals, you can be blessed by an elephant and astrologers will offer to read your palm. There is also the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride through the city where a local guide will point out other points of interest.
Day 6: Madurai
Day at leisure. Continue to explore the Meenakshi temple where upon the grounds you will find a complete market full of religious trinkets. In the bath of the temple, bathe all believers. The temple also has a museum with beautiful bronze statues. In the evening, within the walls of the temple, sermons and concerts are often given in honor of the gods. Not to be missed is the evening ceremony where the god Shiva is headed to the bedroom of his wife Meenakshi. This takes place with great fanfare. Madurai is also an excellent place to look around at bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs. Optional sightseeing by rickshaw is also well worthwhile!
Day 7: Madurai - Periyar National Park
You will travel to an area where tropical rainforest still largely remains well maintained: the Periyar National Park. Just before the end of the ride you will pass a real border barrier at the border with the state of Kerala. You stay in a nice hotel in Thekkady on the edge of the reserve.
Wildlife in the Periyar National Park can best be observed by boat. There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison and wild boar troops who wander through the forest and often show at sunrise and sunset on the shores of the lake. There are also various types of monkeys that are often close to the hotel. The golden langur monkey who appears in the rest of South India is quite rare. Other animals in Periyar National Park include otters and porcupines. On timber stumps that protrude from out of the water you can often see turtles sunning themselves. Among the most important bird species in the area are the ospreys and Snake-necked birds. It is possible to arrange hikes through the jungle, accompanied by a guide.
Another way to explore this beautiful green area is to sign up for a so-called "spice tour". You will go by jeep and visit a number of plantations in the countryside of Thekkady, where you will usually stop at one or more of the small villages along the way. Our guides can tell you all about it.
The total travel time for today is approximately 4 ½ hours (160 km).
Day 8: Periyar National Park - Alleppey (Backwaters)
Today you drive to the famous "backwaters", a beautiful area full of canals, lakes and creeks. The whole life of the population takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe there. They use it to do their laundry and dishes too. Their homes are by the water and it is quite common to see people talking for an hour, while standing with all but their heads submerged. Boats will carry supplies and the main mode of public transport is by water. You'll stay in Thrikkunnapuzha. Farmers are mainly living in this area of Kerala. The agricultural areas are all located below sea level. Various migratory birds also take up temporary residence here.
The total travel time for today is approximately five hours (145 km).
Day 9: Alleppey (Backwaters) - Alappuzha - Kochi
After breakfast travel to the busy market place of Alappuzha. After lunch we board the ferry for a 3 to 4 hour journey through the famous 'backwaters', a beautiful territory full of channels, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the deck or watch the landscape go by from the shelter of the boat. This trip is included.
Then you travel in 1 ½ hours (65 km) further to the ancient city of Kochi on the Arabian Sea. Kochi is the center of the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterized by grotesque gestures, gorgeous costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are usually drawn from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. First, a little dance is performed that the public remains hidden from, behind a white sheet. This is a special dance for the gods. At every performance there is an oil lamp on the front edge of the stage. This lamp symbolizes the presence of the divine.
Day 10: Kochi
Kochi (also known as Cochin) is situated on a number of islands and peninsulas linked by ferries. Kochi is the setting for the famous dance-drama of Kerala, the Kathakali, with elegant costumes and extensive and varied make up. Firstly, a dance is performed behind a white sheet, hidden from the audience, this dance is intended for the gods and at every performance, an oil lamp burns at the front of the stage representing the presence of the gods. Visit the ‘Dutch Palace’ and admire its attractive wall paintings which portray episodes from Hindu mythology or the 16th century Jewish synagogue in the only Jewish community in India. The Bolgatty Palace on the island of the same name is a stately home where the former Dutch colonial governor of Kochi lived, and is also a great place to enjoy your lunch under the tall tropical trees around the lagoon.
Day 11: Kochi - Punnathurkotta - Mettupalayam
On the way to Mettupalayam we make a nice stop in Punnathurkotta, where more than 60 elephants have been donated by devoted believers of Lord Guruvayurappa. Some of these giants operate in endearing elephant temples honoring the Hindu god Krishna. Then you travel to Mettupalayam, beautifully situated at the foot of the plateau and also departure point of the famous toy train.
The total travel time for today is about 6 ½ hours (265 km).
Day 12: Mettupalayam - Coonoor - Mudumalai
Early this morning you step aboard the famous Toy Train for a scenic drive to Coonoor, which had a prominent place in the film 'A passage to India'. Slowly the steam train is whistling, puffing and steaming as it toils its way through a landscape of the Nilgiri Mountains, dominated by tea plantations, dense forests, long rows of eucalyptus trees, small waterfalls and a beautiful view of the lowlands. The rhythmic sound of the train wheels on the track, the many hairpin bends and panoramic views make this an unforgettable trip. The train ride is included. After arriving in Coonoor the bus takes you to the Mudumalai reserve.
The total travel time for today is about 3 ½ hours (30 km).
Time for some wildlife! The Mudumalai reserve is part of a vast nature reserve on the border between the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and has one of the largest elephant populations of all India. There are also tigers and panthers, although you will be quite lucky to catch one on camera. But there is usually opportunity enough to spot other wildlife such as deer, wild boar, "Gaur" (Indian bison), buffalo, monkeys and sloth bears. In Moyarrivier live otters and crocodiles. The park sits at an altitude of about 1000 meters and so there is a huge variety of vegetation, including tropical rain forest, swamp, grassland, and teak-rich forests. In Mudumalai you can take a jungle trek. The entrance to the reserve is included in the fare.
Day 13: Mudumalai - Mysore
Today we travel to Mysore, situated at a pleasantly cool height on the Decca Plateau. Mysore is the city of sandalwood, the basis for making such incense. In the streets, the sweet smell of incense and perfume sometimes greets you from afar. The Devaraja market, where vegetables and fruit are displayed in cleverly constructed stacks, is one of the most photogenic markets in the country. The people are very friendly and before you know it you're in the perfume sellers’ booth sniffing their most exotic scents.
The total travel time for today is about 2 ½ hours (110 km).
Day 14: Mysore
Today you are free to explore. An essential highlight of any visit to Mysore is the palace of the Maharaja. The breathtaking building is an excellent example of the overwhelming splendor in which the former princes lived. Huge wooden doors lead into rooms with giant columns and mosaic floors. The bright colours and many frills make the whole even more overpowering. Aside from the palace, visit Mysore city to enjoy a wonderful stroll around the shady lanes and along the many beautiful buildings. You can also go to Chamundi Hill, from where you have a lovely view over the city. Halfway up the stairs you will find a five meter high statue of Nandi the bull to which pilgrims often take puffed rice grains that serve as a sacrifice – These are offered to the officiating priest. Nandi itself features an orange garland around his neck.
You may make an excursion to Somnathpur. The Kesava temple is located on the outskirts of the village and lies about 33 miles east of Mysore. The temple was built in 1268, during the heyday of the Hoysala's. The walls of this stunning building are filled from top to toe with exuberant sculptures of scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. The ceilings display very intricate patterns and beautiful pictures of many different Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism and you can really see the craftsmanship of the artists.
Day 15: Mysore - Sravanabelagola - Halebid - Hassan
The end point of today is Hassan, but before you reach there, you will first witness another highlight of the program: Sravanabelagola (2 ½ hours drive). It is one of the oldest and most important pilgrimage sites for Jains in India. High above the village on a hill stands the 17 meters high colossal nude statue of Lord Gomateshvara (Bahubali); he represents the holy symbol of learning. Pilgrims from all over India come here. You can go barefoot, just like the pilgrims and climb up the stairs. In the summer it can be a problem because the stone steps sometimes get very hot, but you can keep your socks on. People of higher castes or infirm, may also be carried up in specially adapted sedans. Sravanabelagola is a very special holy site and the simplicity and serenity of the place will definitely appeal to everyone.
Jainism is a separation from Hinduism. Mahavira (599-527 BC), the great guru of Jainism. He was the son of the king of Bihar. He meditated twelve years and then reached the highest form of knowledge. He preached a doctrine which stated it was absolutely taboo to use violence against any living creature. Jains are thus vegetarians and some supporters even go so far as to wear a cloth over their mouth so as not to unnecessarily kill insects. The water is filtered and the seating is first wiped clean, so you do not accidentally sit on an ant. The saints of Jainism are called "Tirthankaras", the pioneers, of which Mahavira was the twenty fourth and last. The Tirthankaras have led an exemplary life. Ones’ way of life is very important: one must not be attached to persons or property. Jainism has two directions. The 'Digambara's' have renounced everything, even their clothes. They are the 'air clad' and walk around naked. The 'svetambara's' are clothed in all white. The Jains should not kill animals and humans. As Bahubali was the son of the first Tirthankara, Adinath, to the Jains, Sravanabelagola is one of the holiest places in India.
The trip continues to Hassan, the starting point for visiting the beautiful Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid. The temples date from the period 1073-1327. They are "top" of Indian architecture with intricate and detailed carvings, that can be admired for their excessiveness. The sculptures tell epic stories like the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Bhagavath Gita, and the story of the rulers of Karnataka and their interest in dance and music. The temples are built on a high terrace in the shape of geometric figures (star shaped). They have a high base with friezes that run around the temple. The temple of Belur Chennakeshara dates from 1117 and the building of the temple was started in 1141 Hoysaleshvara. After 40 years, construction was halted so the temple has no tower like the Hoysala temple of Somnathpur near Mysore. The sculptures of Halebid are more sophisticated than those of Belur. The best known and most impressive temples of Halebid are the Kedareshvara Hoysaleshvara temples.
The total travel time for today is about 3 ½ hours (145 km).
Day 16: Hassan - Hospet/Hampi
After breakfast you will leave for Hospet. The total travel time for today is approximately eight hours (340 km). Hospet is situated 13 km from Hampi and is the place where we spend the night because in Hampi itself there are no places to stay. This afternoon you can go by bus to Hampi for a first exploration.
For many, the favorite place on this trip is Hampi or Vijayanagar. Until the year of its destruction it was one of the finest and largest cities of India and its wealth and splendor has been written about extensively by many a visitor. From the beginning of the 14th century Hampi was the capital of the mighty Hindu Vijayanagar empire which stretched from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east. Long did the Vijayanagar kingdom reign, only to be halted by the rise of Islam to the south. At least until 1565, when in just two days the city was reduced to the ground by the combined forces of the Muslim sultanates of the Deccan (Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar and Berar) and all its inhabitants were massacred. Only a few temples withstood the subsequent looting. Since then Hampi relies on small numbers of pilgrims and priests.
Hampi is situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra, in a rocky environment. Huge boulders of granite are punctuated with green banana plantations. Just because this landscape is so surreal it is advisable to get up early to go and see the first red rays of the sun splintering down onto the mighty granite rocks.
Hampi Bazar is dominated by the Virupaksha temple with its’ Gopuram standing fifty-two meters high and rises proudly above the ruins. In the morning the pilgrims go to pay homage to the god Shiva. From the other end of Hampi Bazar leads a path to the main attraction of the ruins, the temple Vitthala. This unfinished temple dating from the 16th century has a one-piece stone chariot, eight meters in height. This beautiful sculpture is in very good condition. Vitthala temple is dedicated to Vishnu. The building is now on the list of UNESCO s’ World Heritage Monuments.
On the north side of downtown, near the river, lie the great temples of Vijayanagar. The main one, the Vithoba temple, is undoubtedly the most northerly of the three. In the entrance hall are fourteen columns with "Yali's' (elephant-lion sculptures), together with their riders. The temple was built between 1529 and 1542, but was also never quite finished and the image of Vithoba - an incarnation of Vishnu - has never been completed. According to legend, the wild-Vijayanagar ruler of the Vithobabeeld Pandharpur - the most important pilgrimage center of the Deccan, had it removed. A more likely theory is that the defense against the Muslims took so much money, that the completion of the temple was postponed and ultimately the fall of the city came about and completion dint happen.
South of the Sule Bazar are the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables. The Lotus Mahal is an elegant pavilion designed in a walled complex known as the Zezana (Harem). The building takes its name from the lotus bud in the center of the dome ceiling. The Elephant Stables consist of two large buildings with eleven domed rooms for the accommodation of the state elephants.
Hospet itself has little to do, so going to sleep early is an option, especially because when day breaks, it is best to already be in Hampi because you can experience the magic of this special place at its best
Day 17: Hospet/Hampi
Today is at leisure. The area of Hampi is very large and the monuments are scattered over an area of about twenty-five square miles. You will want to spend today taking more time to enjoy this special place. After sunset, the bus will take you back to the hotel in Hospet, where in the garden of the restaurant you can embrace this wonderful day.
Day 18: Hospet/Hampi - Goa
Goa, the smallest state of India is known for its endless beaches. But what is often forgotten is that this former Portuguese colony in many aspects contains interesting differences with the rest of India. There's definitely more to offer than just sun, sea and sand. The interior has a varied landscape and everywhere you will find reminders of the Portuguese rule. The vast majority of inhabitants are Roman Catholic and that is the style of dress: for example, the traditional sari of the women will mostly give way to a smooth floral dress instead. Everywhere there is a tropical feeling and many markets and shops stop to take a siesta in the afternoon, to escape the heat. They consider this a real privilege. Besides the national Hindu festivals in Goa are the many Catholic festivals and celebrations. They are always colourful highlights of the year. Benaulim is located in the central part of Goa, almost hidden among the greenery. Tourism is still relatively small here, but for the enthusiast, there is plenty of entertainment in the nearby Colva. Further away are more beautiful beaches, all accessible by public transport or taxi. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places is Palolem Goa, where you have the paradisiacal image of a tropical palm beach, approximately one hours drive south.
The total travel time for today is approximately eight hours (340 km).
Day 19: Goa
You have the next couple of days free. Given the central location you can easily make excursions from Benaulim to other parts of Goa. There is a weekly flea market in north Anjuna, where the old hippie era still seems to live on. Closer still is the capital Panaji, a quaint town with a distinct Mediterranean feel. Strolling through the narrow streets with overhanging balconies and many churches, you find yourself more in Portugal than in India.
Day 20: Goa
Continue to enjoy the wonderful beaches or you could visit the former capital of Old Goa, a few kilometers east of Panaji - once Lisbon's eastern rival - which does have some impressive churches and cathedrals to admire. The architecture of the two places reminds us of a rich past.
Day 21: Goa - Mumbai
After one last breakfast on the beach you leave early to Madgaon, where you get the express train to Mumbai. It's a long ride of 12 hours (765 km), but you can enjoy all of that beautiful scenery that we have covered, for the last time. And do not forget that rail travel in India is so exciting. After arriving at the immense Victoria Station in Mumbai, it's still an exciting ride by taxi to our hotel.
Note: Sometimes it is possible that this train is overbooked and so we take a night train on day 20 from Madgaon to Mumbai instead. Particularly during busy periods such festivals, it may even be that our local agent, despite great efforts, fails to get train tickets at all. In that case, the route to be traveled by bus.
Day 22: Mumbai
Mumbai is the fastest growing city in India. It's an impressive metropolis full of contrasts. In addition to magnificent colonial buildings and bustling markets, the city has enormous slums. In this economic heart of the country rich and poor live side by side. In the district of Colaba is the Gateway of India. This is a remarkable triumphal arch at the spot where once the English first stepped onto Indian shores. Along the quiet and shady avenues of Colaba you can find beautiful colonial buildings. Under the arcades along the Colaba Causeway, rush hour seems to last all day long in the endless market stalls that are erected on the sidewalks. You will still see the red English double-deckers driving through the streets of Colaba. This district is also home to the giant Taj Mahal International, the most expensive hotel in India.
If you make a trip to the coast, just offshore lies the island Elephanta where you have a beautiful view of the skyline of this part of town. Other attractions include the Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens and the Towers of Silence on Malabar Hill, the sea mosque of Haji Ali, Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat and the municipal open air laundry, where about 5,000 men work together as a giant human washing machine! You can take a city train to visit different parts of the city, but it is certainly advisable to go on foot from there. Walk to Victoria Station to see the staggering crowds and to Crawford Market to engage in some last minute shopping. In the evening you have the choice of restaurants and cozy cafes to end this trip in a dignified manner.
Please bear in mind that your group will normally depart late this evening/early tomorrow morning.
Day 23: Mumbai
The last day of your tour. You can use your hotel room in Mumbai until check out time (most times at 12.00 hrs noon) But you can of course leave luggage with the hotel until your departure if necessary.
We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of South India.
Your personal ‘my.shoestring’ page on our website is the perfect way to make contact with other travellers before and after your trip. You can read and create journals from trips and upload your photos onto the photo gallery. Visit my shoestring today.
When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (day 23) is not included
Note: The above journey time per day is of course approximate.
Note: Groups up to 4 passengers be accompanied by a local driver, there is no tour guide there. Our drivers are very sympathetic, but their knowledge of English may be broken. The drivers do not sleep in the same accommodation throughout the group. Groups of 5 persons are accompanied by an English speaking tour guide.
FESTIVAL TOURS
During the trip departure date to January 9, 2012 visit FESTIVAL Pongal in Madurai.
During the trip departure date to October 5, 2012 visit the DUSSHERA FESTIVAL Mysore.