 |
|
SOUTH INDIA
EXPLORER
with
Dennis & Jialin Cox
January 11 - 29, 2011
Group limited to 16 participants -- Only space for two more remaining.
Photos
© Dennis Cox / Photo
Explorer Tours
|
|
|
SOUTH INDIA
EXPLORER
with
Dennis & Jialin Cox
January 11 - 29, 2011
Group limited to 16 participants -- Only space for two more remaining.
Photos
© Dennis Cox / Photo
Explorer Tours
Our newest itinerary to India will feature a plethora of photo opportunities including Jallikatu, the Bull Festival, in Madurai; a martial art performance and Theyyam dance show in Calicut; Mohaniyattam dancing and a Panchavathyam Welcome at Kovalam; Duriyodhanavadham Kathakali at Trichur; a Bharatinatyam dance show in Chennai; exploring the famous Kerala Backwaters from Alleppey to Kumarakom with an overnight in luxury house boats; historic Cochin and its Spice Market; and the beaches of Goa. Plus see below for the special photo op spectacle of a private Trichur Pooram Festival Panchavathyam.
Land price for this tour is $4695 sharing double accommodations (single room supplement is $1525). The South India Explorer tour price includes all breakfasts and dinners (all meals during Kerala houseboat stay), quality hotel accommodations, air conditioned ground transportation in a 32 seat coach, five domestic flights in India from Mumbai and return, all admission fees, tips of a group nature including guides and drivers, and services throughout of English-speaking guides. Not included are lunches except on the houseboat, the visa for India, and international air to Mumbai and return home.
 |
 |
South India
Explorer Tour Itinerary
Tuesday, January 11 - Mumbai (Bombay) - Arrivals to be met at airport and transferred to the hotel for the first of two nights. Afternoon is free to rest or explore near the hotel. Accommodations for first of two nights at the Trident Nariman Point in a deluxe sea view room.
Wednesday, January 12 - Mumbai - Morning transfer to the Gateway of India to board a motor launch for cruise to Elephanta Caves. The rock-cut Hindu temples at Elephanta, an island 6 miles across the harbor provide exciting glimpses of Indian sculpture dating from 600 AD. Huge panels depict episodes relating to Lord Shiva, the central one being the most imposing one, a five meter bust of the god, represents his three aspects as creator, preserver and destroyer. Upon returning to Mumbai, the Flora Fountain, Victoria Terminus, St. Thomas Cathedral, Crawford Market, Malabar Hill and the Hanging Gardens, and Dhobi Ghat (Washerman's village) are some additional attractions to be photographed as time permits during the afternoon. A stop at the Central Railway Station at peak hours is another interesting spot for photographing.
Thursday, January 13 - Chennai - Fly this morning to Chennai (9:00-10:45AM). On arrival, transfer to the Taj Mount Road hotel for a two night stay. Afternoon sightseeing of Chennai, the capital city, popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. The places of interest are Kalakashetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing; Fort St. George built in 1653 during British reign in India, - now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu; St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India; Sri Parthasarathy Temple built by Pallavas in the 8th century AD; Kapaliswara Temple, Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica; and Theosophical Society - the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society formed to encourage the study of comparative religion philosophy and science.
Friday, January 14 - Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Chennai Morning visit to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), the ancient port of Pallavas, following the drive south of Chennai on the coast. The Pallavas have created many marvelous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas and temples. Krishna Mandapam, has a big bas relief, notable for its realistic representation. The world's largest bas relief measuring 27m x 9m, whale back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demi-gods, men .beasts, birds and representation of the entire creation. Shore Temple, one of the oldest in south dating back to 8th century AD is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The Five Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples, each created in different style. Afternoon/evening exclusive Dance Show of Bharatinatyam at Kala-ke-Shetra.
Saturday, January 15 - Flight to Madurai (6:50-8:10AM) Madurai, known as Athens of the East, is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vigai. The city us believed to be more than 2500 years old. The city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai, where the people wake up at the chant of hymns, is proud of magnificent The Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.8 m high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and has over 1500 sculptures. In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Hotel accommodation for the 2-night stay is at the Fortune Pandiyan.
Sunday, January 16 -Witness bull fighting (Jallikattu) on third day of the Pongal festival held throughout Chennai.
Monday, January 17 - Madurai-Kanyakumari - A 5 hour drive of 260 km to Kanyakumari at the southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land's end of India or the point where the three seas meet at the Bay of Bengal, The Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Visits include the Kumariamman temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country. The temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Siva; Gandhi Memorial, constructed at the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept for public view in an urn before a portion was immersed into the three seas; and Vivekanand Memorial built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great Philosopher guide Swami Vivekananda went into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders. Lodging at the Sparsa Resort in Kanyakumari in a deluxe room.
Tuesday, January 18 - Kanyakumari-Kovalam - Drive this morning for 2 hours to Kovalam visiting enroute Padmanabhapuram, 45 km short of Trivandrum. The capital of Travancore until 1333, Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort which encloses, among other buildings, a palace and a temple. The palace has some important art relics while the Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana. On arrival in Kovalam, check-in at the hotel for a traditional welcome Panchavadhyam (five drums music) followed by a coconut welcome drink. Rest of the day free. First of two nights premium Mansion accommodations at the Travancore Heritage Resort located on the shore of the Arabian Sea at Chowara in heritage premium rooms.
Wednesday, January 19 - Kovalam - Morning sightseeing tour of Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, built over seven forested hills, including the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a seven storied stone structure is the most impressive landmark (his temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu contains several inscriptions and excellent murals an innumerable intricate stone carvings adorn the temple); Napier Museum of Arts and Crafts completed in 1880 (it was an early experiment in what became known as the Indo Saracenic style); It house, a priceless collection which includes 15th century wood carvings of Kerala, Gold necklaces and belts, ivory work, a carved temple chariot and wooden models of the famous temples of Kerala and 14th century Vijayanagar bronzes. Sri Chitra Art Gallery has collection of splendid paintings from the Rajput, Moghul and Tanjore school, as well as China, Tibet and Japan. The most impressive of all is beautiful treatment of Hindu mythological theme in the oil paintings of Raja Ravei Verma exhibited area. In the evening, photograph a two hour-long dance performance of Mohaniyattam by a troupe of girls in traditional Keralite costumes.
Thursday, January 20 - Kovalam-Quilon-Alleppey - After breakfast, drive to Alleppey stopping enroute at Quilon, the town famous for cashew nut, coir products and the backwaters of Kerala. Thereafter, proceed to Alleppey stopping enroute to visit Amma Ashram, treated as God mother in south India. She has a big Ashram and many social organizations and devotees worldwide. Upon arriving in Alleppey, check-in to deluxe rooms at the Lake Palace Resort located on Vembanad Lake.
Friday, January 21 - Alleppey-Kumarakom Backwaters Cruise - Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Alleppey Jetty for embarking on Kerala houseboats for a cruise of the famous backwaters. Cruise through the Punnamada lake, the venue for the famous Nehru trophy snake boat race. Then enter the enchanting waters of the Vembanad Lake to enjoy the panoramic views and the glimpses of life along the banks. Visit R-block, and C-block where the padddies are cultivated below sea level. Procede for a stop by the Pathiramanal island and visit Chavara Bhavan, the old wooden house where the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born. Stay tonight aboard the luxury one and two-bedroom houseboats at Kumarakom.
Saturday, January 22 - Kumarakom-Trichur - After a houseboat breakfast take the short cruise to the Kumarakom Jetty to disembark at 9:30AM for the drive to Trichur. Upon arrival in Trichur check-in at the Cheruthuruthy Eco Gardens Resort near the Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls on the Nila River.
Normally held as part of the Trichur Pooram Festival in April or May, this special Panchavathyam will include five decorated elephants with thirty artists in costume performing the musical arts of Kerala from different regions. The special venue for this spectacle will be inside the Cheruthuruthy Eco Gardens Resort and it will be performed just for our group. Could this be our best photo op ever?
Sunday, January 23 - Trichur-Calicut - Drive 102 km after breakfast to Calicut. Check-in for first of two nights at the Kadavu Resort with the rest of the day free to relax or explore. In the evening there will be a photo op during a 30 minute performance of Kallaripayattu, the mother of martial art, at the hotel.
Monday, January 24 - Calicut - Morning visit to Kappad, 30 km from the resort. This is the historic beach where Vasco-da-Gama set foot, on 27 May 1498 A.D., with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. The rock-studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old. Return to the resort for dinner and an evening 30 minute performance of Theyyam, the ancient form of Kathakali, practiced by special families on occasions of festivals only.
Tuesday, January 25 - Calicut-Cochin - Drive this morning 223 km to Cochin (Kochi). Upon arrival, check-in at the Taj Malabar Hotel on Willingdon (Wellington) Island overlooking Cochin Harbor for the first of two nights in a sea view room in the Tower wing of the hotel. Rest of the day free to explore around the harbor and seafront and to photograph the famous Chinese fishing nets at sunset.
Wednesday, January 26 - Cochin - Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin, Kerala's historic commercial center, located on a fine natural harbor. Cochin (Kochi) is the gateway for Kerala and is famous for Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church, Bolghatty Island, a Jewish synagogue and cemetary, and the photogenic Spice Market, one of the biggest in India.
Thursday, January 27 - Cochin-Goa (via Bangalore) - Transfer in the morning to the airport for flight to Goa. On arrival, transfer to accommodations for next two nights at the Bogmallo Beach Resort located on the white sand beach of Bogmalo Bay. Rest of the day free to enjoy the beach, explore the nearby village, or lose money in the casino.
Friday, January 28 - Full day sightseeing beginning with Panaji, the capital of Goa, a charming city on the left banks of silvery Mandovi River with beautiful red roofed houses. Next is a visit to Old Goa, 10 km east of Panaji, founded in the first decade of 16th century. Photo ops there include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in the 16th century, the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St, Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church, dedicated to infant Jesus, is now a World Heritage Monument.
Additional sights in Goa include: Se Cathedral, most imposing of all churches at Old Goa, its vaulted interiors overwhelm visitors by sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world; Church of St. Francis of Assissi with the entrance and the choir in Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind in the East. The interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings; Church of Our Lady of Rossary is one of the earliest built in Goa, bears an inscription about the conquest of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510; Shri Bhagavati Temple, 28 km from Panaji situated by the side of main road, is said to be more than 500 years old. Two life size images of elephants in standing position made of black stone on either side at the entrance welcome visitors. The Goddess Bhagvati Asthbhuja in a standing position on a high pedestal, is very imposing; Brahma Temple, 7 km from Valpoi, in the village of Brahma Carambolim, belongs to 5th century and one of the temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India; Shri Chandranath temple, situated on the top of a 350 meter high hill of Chandranath, Paroda, Quepem, Chandreshwar was the titular deity of Bhoja kings who ruled South Goa before the Christians till the middle of 8th century. The temple is so designed that Linga receives moonlight on every full moon; Jama Masjid, 26 km from Margao at Sanguem, built in the last century, was completely renovated in 1959. The new structure is remarkable for its harmonious proportions and elegant simplicity. It has four minarets whilst the entrance facade is flanked by two elegant towers; Mapusa, 13 km from Panaji, on the national highway, is at the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of Northern Goa. A weekly market on Friday is attended by large crowds.
Saturday, January 29 - Goa-Mumbai - Transfer in the afternoon for the flight to Mumbai (4:15-5:15PM) connecting at Mumbai's international airport for evening flights home.
2506 Country Village, Ann Arbor MI 48103-6500 USA
Phone 800-315-4462 or 734-996-1440 Fax 734-996-1481
Email DECoxPhoto@aol.com
Direct Link to Reservation
Form.
May all your journeys be care free,
And may all your days be filled with wonder.