South India and Sri Lanka 20 Days

Welcome to India!  Arrive in Cochin Airport. Upon arrival you will be required to clear immigration and customs; after you clear customs you will be welcomed by our representative holding sign with your names on it. You will be then escorted to your hotel for check in.

Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before your India tour begins.

Kochi is the ideal starting point to know more about Kerala’s unique global exchange, both economic and cultural that goes back to two millennia. Whist the Camel Caravans on the Silk Route plodded through the Thar Desert in India’s distant Northwest cornerbraving extreme conditions; in the Southern part of India, the sea traders on the Spice Routes reached Kerala facing treacherous sea voyages looking for black pepper. It was an import so prized and such was its prominence as a luxury commodity that in 410 CE when the Huns lay siege of Rome, 3000 pounds of black pepper was demanded as ransom. Just like Jaisalmer, Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt and Turkey along the Silk Route, several ports and trade centres emerged worldwide along the Spice Routes including Muzuris, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Kozhikode in Kerala.

MEAL: None

Morning check out of the hotel and proceed on a half day city tour, visiting the Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays and Jewish Holidays), also known as Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. At no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Continue to visit Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish Holidays) was built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest.

Later drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board the houseboats called Kettuvallam for a navigation on the "backwaters", which will peacefully take you stroll through the tropical countryside inland along the shady shores of coconut palms and emerald rice fields irrigated by a maze of canals and lagoons, where traditional boats glide. Raise your head and take the time to observe one of the 320 species of birds and observe the wealth of tropical vegetation such as orchids, succulents, palm trees, etc.

Dinner on board the “house-boat” (Air condition in the room will be working during the night time only, once the ship will be docked).

MEAL: Breakfast

Morning, head into the lush hills of the Western Ghats to the hill-town of Munnar. Strategically located at the confluence of three rivers, the town sits high amongst the cool highlands, surrounded by tea plantations and the mist shrouded hills of the Western Ghats. Look out for some wonderful waterfalls on your way up to the tea country. 

On arrival, check in for your stay.

Located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1,524 metres, Munnar is close to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. The surrounding Nilgiri Hills are covered in a dense carpet of tea and a visit to the town’s Tea Museum reveals how the plant was first introduced and cultivated in the area. As a former colonial hill station, the British would retreat here from the heat of the plains in the summer months and the refreshing climate and stunning hill scenery continue to make it a popular escape.

Rest of the day is at leisure. Relax, breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the views of the rolling tea gardens.

MEAL: Breakfast

Morning, explore the surrounding tea plantations with an interesting trek to one of the plantations. At the plantation, a guide will explain you different types of tea, the plucking and manufacturing process and partake in tea tasting session.

Rest of the day is free for your own exploration; revel in the low-lying clouds and mists filled valleys, grab your camera and snap away as you admire the dramatic shades of setting sun over the rolling tea plantations.

MEAL: Breakfast

Post breakfast, drive to Madurai. – one of South India’s most famous temple town. On arrival, check in for your stay.

Madurai, the second largest city of Tamil Nadu, is an important cultural and commercial center. With a history going back to the 6th century BC, it was once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form. The old city was planned in the shape of a lotus with the Meenakshi temple, the town’s main attraction, at the centre. Madurai has long been a center of learning and pilgrimage.

Late evening visit the lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai- the famous Sri Meenkashi temple

for its ‘going to bed’ ceremony where the deities are put to bed.

MEAL: Breakfast

This morning, set out again to see the centre piece of Madurai – the Sri Meenakshi temple. Famed for its brilliantly painted halls, expertly carved pillars and the world’s tallest gopuram (temple gateway), this magnificent temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva and is a fine example of the Dravidian sculpture.

Note: Non Hindus are not allowed inside the Inner Sanctum of the temple.

Next visit Tirumalai Nayak Mahal – an Indo-Saracenic palace built on a grand scale with a beautifully sculpted dance hall. Walk through the bustling city. It is chaotic and crowded but nevertheless offers some remarkable sights and a fascinating taste of Tamil culture.

MEAL: Breakfast

This morning, continue by road to Thanjavur, once the seat of the Chola Kings from 300 BC to 1279 AD. 

Thanjavur – is located on the eastern coast and has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas, one of the greatest dynasties of the south. The Cholas were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this, being dotted with no fewer than 74 temples, the most famous of which is the Brahadeeswara temple, a World Heritage Monument. The city is also known for its bronzes, silks and the famous Tanjore paintings. 

Continue to Thanjavur and on arrival, check in.

In the afternoon, visit the imposing Brihadeshwara Temple Complex dated 1010 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most outstanding temple complexes. Also witness a bronze casting demonstration by a master artist. The bronze sculptors of Tanjore have not only kept a millennium-old tradition alive but also thriving. 

Also visit Tanjore museum with a collection of around 250 Chola bronze statues and 150 stone statues dating back to the 9th and 12th century, these belong to the many groups like the Bhairava, Umasahita Shiva, Kali and Rama Lakshmana. 

MEAL: Breakfast

This morning, continue by road to Pondicherry, stop enroute to admire the magnificent Hindu temples of Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram and Kumbakonam – three out of the four temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites built by the Kings of the Chola dynasty who ruled from 300 BC to 1279 AD.

Continue the drive to Pondicherry, On arrival, check in for your stay.

Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions. Its history can be traced back to Agastya, the revered sage of the south who built his hermitage here in 1500 BC. It became a part of India in 1954, but traces of its history as a French colony still remain in its churches, cuisine, grid-pattern streets and some colonial buildings. An added attraction is the town of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

MEAL: Breakfast

After leisurely breakfast visit the Auroville, located 14 km from Pondicherry, based on the vision of the Mother of Aurobindo, it was established in 1966 with the mutual support of the Indian government and UNESCO. 

Also visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram was founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926 to put into practice his ideals of a peaceful community. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is also his final resting place. Also visit the Pondicherry museum, which has sculptures, archaeological finds, and memorabilia of the French colonists. See the Sacred Heart Church with its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

Evening walk along the sea front to view the architecture, a legacy of the French, who governed this town until 1957. 

MEAL: Breakfast

Post Breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, a small sea side village that was once the ancient port for the Romans. Upon arrival, check-in for your stay.

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram as it was called earlier was the port city of the Pallavas in the 7th century. In this picturesque setting, amidst sand beaches and the sea can be seen some of the most important temple forms that influenced temple architecture in Tamil Nadu for centuries to follow. There are seventy monuments, rock-cut monoliths displaying fine sculpture. The most important group is the Five Rathas, named after the five heroes of the epic Mahabharata. Some are unfinished, and in them can be seen the carving technique used to form temples out of living rock. Visit the famous Shore Temple and the Arjuna's Penance with its plethora of sculpture on pure rock face. Return to the resort after sightseeing.

MEAL: Breakfast

Explore Mahabalipuram famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient shore temples, surreal in their location and unsurpassable in craftsmanship of that era. In the 7th century, this port city on the Bay of Bengal was the capital of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram. Now a small seaside village, this quaint town is famous for its extraordinary rock-cut temples, emblematic of the early stages of Dravidian architecture. The carvings are of particular note for depicting scenes of daily life and ordinary people, in contrast to the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where carvings generally depict only gods and goddesses.

MEAL: Breakfast

After early breakfast, drive to Chennai. Upon arrival in Chennai, start on a guided tour of Chennai. Visit some of the main sights of Chennai such as the San Thome Basilica Drive through the flower and fruit market, past the High Court built in Indo-Saracenic style and Marina Beach.

In time, transfer to the airport and fly to Colombo.

Assistance on arrival and transfer to Negombo, popularly known as fishing village. On arrival, check in for your stay.

MEAL: Breakfast

Post Breakfast drive to Dambulla.

Located in the Matale District, Central Province the city of Dambulla is famous for the Dambulla Cave Temples. This is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a unique 660-foot column of rock rising up in the middle of dense green tropical forest. Another fabulous site you can visit from here is the ancient city of Polonarruwa, which was built between the 11th and 12th centuries CE and is a World Heritage Site.

Enroute visit one of the ancient capital – the 4th century Anuradhapura which was later abandoned in the 10th century and again was rediscovered in 1817.

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital founded in the 4th century B.C. Over 100 Sinhalese kings ruled here for over 1000 years. This ancient civilization is credited with inventing one of the earliest and most advanced irrigation systems in the world (a set of channels and reservoirs known as ‘tanks’), enabling their society to flourish amidst the harsh aridity of their land. Set in rolling parklands, Anuradhapura is a complex of many fascinating monuments, including two UNESO World Heritage sites.

Continue to Dambulla and on arrival, check in for your stay.

MEAL: Breakfast

Begin your exploration of Dambulla with a visit to Sigiriya (‘Lion Rock’), a striking sandstone monolith which rises a sheer 200 metres from the ground. It is surrounded by the remnants of an ancient city with a series of moats, ramparts and water gardens, and a pair of giant stone lion’s paws guards the staircase that leads to the summit, which was once occupied by a royal palace.

Afternoon, visit Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese kingdoms and one of the best planned archaeological sites in the country. In the 11th century it became a magnificent walled city with an extensive irrigation system of channels and lakes.

Return to the hotel.

MEAL: Breakfast

This morning, explore the Dambulla caves complex, including the Golden Temple of Dambulla. One of the very icons of Sri Lanka, this spectacular cave monastery is still home to Buddhist monks, and is covered with exquisite 2,000-year-old murals, while the shrines also house a collection of statues of Buddha, including a 15-metre-long reclining Buddha.

Then visit a spice garden - Sri Lanka's most celebrated exports. Spices such as such as cinnamon, ginger, vanilla,           pepper, cardamom are   grown   in home gardens as home industry and      used not only  to flavor food but also as home remedies.  A visit to the Spice Garden is a wonderfully relaxing experience.

Next visit a batik factory nearby. Batik has been an ancient procedure of painting cloth and today Sri  Lanka is among          the world leaders in the design of batik. You see the various  phases of batik manufacture and witness truly quality design, artistry and workmanship.

Continue on your drive to the wonderful hill station of Kandy, capital of the venerated 16th century Kandyan Kings. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, who fiercely and successfully defended their kingdom against Portuguese and Dutch invaders for 300 years until it eventually fell to the British in 1815. Despite British rule, Kandy has maintained its position as the Sinhalese cultural epicenter and important spiritual pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive here. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On arrival, check in for your stay.

Afternoon, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth. The temple houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics – the left canine tooth of the Buddha himself. Today, the Temple of the Tooth attracts Buddhist devotees from all over the world. The Royal Complex, situated around the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake, represents the zenith of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

MEAL: Breakfast

Morning, check out of the hotel and visit the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya, home to nearly 4,000 species of plants and encircled by a river, the gardens boast an impressive avenue of coconut palm trees, a fragrant spice garden, giant bamboo plants, an orchid collection and a gargantuan Javan fig tree

Continue drive for Nuwara Eliya, situated around 2,000 metres above sea level, high in the tea country of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Founded as a hill retreat for the British during colonial times, several buildings and parks here retain features from a bygone era of fox hunting, polo and cricket

On arrival check-in at the Hotel

In the afternoon, visit a tea plantation and tea factory to discover the intricacies of the tea-making process. Since the introduction of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) by the British in the 19th century, Nuwara Eliya has become the capital of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, and the rolling mountains of the district, carpeted in the fresh green of ripening tea, are the very quintessence of ‘Ceylon tea country’.

Enjoy some time for exploration on your own

MEAL: Breakfast

Morning, get transferred to Nanuoya to board your train to Ella, the most beautiful region of Sri Lanka. Appreciated for its scenic landscape, tea plantation, magnificent waterfalls, beautiful hills.

On arrival check-in for your stay

MEAL: Breakfast

This morning drive to Yala. Enroute visit Kataragama, known for its historical sites.

On arrival, check in for your stay.

Afternoon, leave the hotel at 3 pm for evening safari at Yala National Park. This will include a safari tour by jeep with a jungle tracker, where you can see animals in their natural habitat. Some of the animals you could see are elephant, bear, wild boar, leopard, crocodile, buffalo, monkeys and many others; if you are lucky, leopards too. You also could see different species of birds.

MEAL: Breakfast

Post Breakfast drive to Galle, which was the island's first commercial port, a 17th century Dutch fortress. 

Galle - the capital of the southern province of Sri Lanka is acclaimed for its Dutch Fort, intricate Galle lace, ebony, woodcarvings, and polished gems. Persians, Arabs, Chinese, Malays, South Indians, Portuguese, Dutch, and English appear to have stamped their mark on Galle, deeming this historical and multi-cultured melting pot as one of the world’s remaining historical treasures. Your time in Galle will be spent leisurely exploring within the crumbling fort walls of the Old City. The 16th century Galle Fort is a World Heritage Site. Spanning over 90 acres, it is Asia’s best preserved and largest surviving fort built by European occupiers. It was originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and extended to its present glory by the Dutch in 1663

On arrival check in for your stay.  

Afternoon visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest surviving European-built fortress in Asia. Explore the fort, overflowing with landmarks, strolling past the Dutch church, the governor’s house, the spice warehouses, court square, the Kacheri or Town Hall, the lighthouse and ramparts. Near the old Arab mosque are streets leading to cricket fields and the district Judge’s house, surrounded by ancient frangipani trees. There’s a variety of exclusive boutique stores to explore.

Rest of the evening is at your leisure to relax and/or explore the pleasant town of Galle on your own. There are many shops, cafes, and of course the beach for those who want to take a dip in the Indian Ocean.

MEAL: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure.

Check out 12 noon

Afternoon, visit a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda established in 1981 to conserve the population of turtles that are reaching extinction.

Continue to Colombo (approximately 2 hour drive, depending on the traffic) and get transferred to the Airport for the return flight home.