Santos King

SOUTH INDIA

GOA

KARNATAKA

ANDAMAN AND TAMIL NICOBAR ISLANDS NADU LAKSHADWEEP

SOUTH OF INDIA world and one of the UNESCO World Heritage. SANTOS KING The region is home to one of the largest Santos King is an independent tour operator with is a peninsula in the shape of an populations of endangered Indian elephants and offices in and specializing in all inverted triangle bound by the Arabian sea on the Bengal in India. South India Holiday Packages, Houseboat cruises west, by the Bay of Bengal on the east and Vindhya and Satpura ranges on the north. The Western South India consists of five southern Indian states and Adventure tour activities. Founded in 2009 by a Ghats run parallel along the western coast and a of , , , Tamil group of professionals with rich experience in the narrow strip of the land between the Western Nadu and Kerala with union territories of tourism industry, Santos King aims to provide Ghats and the Arabian sea forms the Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & excellent service to its clients and hassle-free region. The continue south until Nicobar Islands. operations for the tour operators. Kanyakumari. The Eastern Ghats run parallel along the eastern coast and the strip of land The traditional music of South India is known as We have provided our service to a lot of between the Eastern ghats and the Bay of Bengal Carnatic music. South India is home to several international groups in the last 7 years with most of forms the Coromandel coast. Both ranges meet at distinct dance forms such as , the FIT and GIT from Germany, United Kingdom, the .The low lying coral islands of , , , Kerala USA, Middle East, Bulgaria, Italy and France. We Lakshadweep are situated off the south western Natanam, , , , have an experienced and dedicated team to coast of India. The Andaman and Nicobar islands Ottamthullal, , and manage the guests as per their requirements and as lie far off the eastern coast of India. The .The dance, clothing, sculptures of per the guidelines of international tour agents. We southernmost tip of mainland India is at South India exemplify the beauty of the body and have a strong presence in South India which helps Kanyakumari where the Indian Ocean meets the motherhood. us with easy accessibility across all destinations at all Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea. times. We have a good collection of Houseboats, The region enjoys an equitable climate with long Geared Bikes, Kayaks, Support Vehicles and well The region has a tropical climate and depends on shoreline of serene beaches, lush hills with experienced Tour Leaders and Guides. Also, we use monsoons for rainfall. There is a wide diversity of mesmerizing views, tranquil stretch of emerald brand new cabs and coaches for every trip driven by plants and animals in South India, resulting from backwaters, tropical forests with abundant flora English speaking professional chauffeurs. Team its varied climates and geography. Deciduous and fauna, historical monuments and places of Santos sails by the motto of providing 100% forests are found along the Western Ghats while worship, rich culture and traditions, marvelous art customer satisfaction to it’s clients. tropical dry forests and scrub lands are common in and architecture, attractive fairs and magical the interior Deccan Plateau. The Western Ghats is festivals, friendly people and mouth watering This brochure covers some of our tailor-made one of the eight hottest biodiversity hotspots in the cuisine. itineraries of South India. Please start exploring.

CONTENTS Explore The Kerala Page 3 Life in a Kerala Houseboat Page 4 The and Beaches Page 5 Temples of South India Page 6 Footprints of Saint Thomas Page 7 Exotic Culture and Food of Kerala Page 8 Exotic Culture and Food of Kerala Page 9 Enchanting Kerala by Cycle Page 10 Essence of South by Cycle Page 11 Mountains and Valleys, Trek Page 12 Exuberant South India Page 13 Kerala Fairs and Festivals Page 14 Kerala Fairs and Festivals Page 15

www.santosking.com Explore The KERALA

A canal view in Alappuzha

Day 4: MUNNAR Full day sightseeing tour of Munnar. INDIA Places to see: Tea Museum, Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai. Overnight: Munnar.

“Ascend to the tea plantations of Munnar. Recently featured to great affect in Life of Pi, the lush hill station of Munnar is a centre of the coffee, tea and KERALA spice gardens of Kerala. A great place to find cooler Kochi Munnar weather and to commune with the natural beauty of Kerala Backwaters the region.” - Mariellen Ward, Breathedreamgo remarkable feature of long stretch of red laterite cliffs fringing the beach. Overnight: . Day 5: MUNNAR - THEKKADY Alappuzha Morning drive through the scenic Western Ghats, Day 9: VARKALA - KANYAKUMARI jungles and spice trails to Thekkady. Enroute, we will Transfer to hotel at Kanyakumari, the southernmost stop by a Spice Garden and you will be shown tip of the peninsular India where the Arabian Sea, cardamoms, peppers, coffee, ginger, cocoa, Bay of Bengal & the Indian Ocean meet. AMIL NADU Varkala T nutmeg growing. Transfer to your resort in Places to see: Trivandrum Thekkady. Rest of the day is free to relax in resort. Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Rock. Optional Activities: Overnight: Kanyakumari. Elephant Ride, Spice Market, Kathakali and show at theatre. Day 10: KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM Kanyakumari Overnight: Thekkady. Morning transfer to Kovalam with enroute visits to Duration: 11 nights / 12 days Suchindram Temple and Padmanabhapuram Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - “South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, palace. Kovalam meaning grove of coconut trees is Alappuzha (Houseboat) - Varkala - encompasses 777 sq km and a 26-sq-km an internationally renowned beach with lot of Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Trivandrum artificial lake created by the British in 1895. The vast leisure options including sunbathing, swimming, region is home to bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, herbal massages, cultural programmes and catamaran cruises. Check-in to resort. Overnight: Day 1: KOCHI 900 to 1000 elephants and 35 to 40 hard-to-spot Kovalam. Arrival in Kochi airport. Meet and greet with Santos . Firmly established on both the Indian and King representative and transfer to hotel. In the foreigner tourist trails, the place can sometimes feel Day 11: evening, we will go for a sunset cruise around the a bit like Disneyland-in-the-Ghats, but its mountain Morning, after breakfast, half day city sightseeing Kochi harbour area with views of the Marine Drive, scenery and jungle walks make for an enjoyable visit.” tour of Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Cochin shipyard, container terminal, - Lonely Planet Places to see: and the spectacular Chinese nets in , Museum and Sri the pink haze of the sunset. Overnight: Kochi. Day 6: THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM Early morning boating in Periyar Lake to see wild Overnight: Kovalam. Day 2: KOCHI animals. Later you will be transferred to your Today we will go for a half day sightseeing tour of backwater resort in Kumarakom, a popular Day 12: DEPARTURE Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. backwater destination set in the backdrop of the Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Places to see: picturesque lake. Rest of the day at Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town, St. leisure. Overnight: Kumarakom. Francis Church, , Indo- Portuguese museum, Kathakali show at theatre. Day 7: HOUSEBOAT Overnight: Kochi. Afternoon, transfer to Houseboat at Alappuzha. Check-in to your floating houseboat (), Day 3: KOCHI - MUNNAR boat with bedroom and en-suite rest room for your Transfer to resort at Munnar. Munnar, a hill station comfort. Afternoon and Evening cruise through situated at the confluence of three mountain Vembanad lake. Overnight: Houseboat. streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar, at 1600 metres above sea level is filled with Day 8: ALAPPUZHA - VARKALA sprawling tea plantations and picture book towns Early morning check-out from the houseboat and and was once the summer resort of the British transfer to your resort in Varkala through the coastal Government in South India. Overnight: Munnar. road. Varkala is known for its stunning beach with a

www.santosking.com 3 Life in a Kerala Houseboat

Santos Luxury One Bedroom Houseboat

Day 3: PULLANGADY - KARUVATTA anchor at the picturesque Kayamkulam lake. Duration: 4 nights / 5 days Cruise through the backwaters of Thayamkary, Overnight: Houseboat at Kayamkulam. Kochi - Alappuzha - Marthandam Kayal - Mannar, Thakazhy, Karichal and Veeyapuram. Pullangady - Karuvatta - Kayamkulam - Overnight: Houseboat near Karuvatta. Day 5: KAYAMKULAM - ALAPPUZHA - KOCHI Alappuzha - Kochi Cruise to Alappuzha and check-out from Day 4: KARUVATTA - KAYAMKULAM houseboat. Transfer to Kochi airport. Day 1: KOCHI - ALAPPUZHA Cruise continues to Thottappally backwaters. Visit to Arrival in Kochi airport. Meet and greet with Santos the Thottappally beach and Thrikkunnapuzha SANTOS HOUSEBOAT CUISINE King representative and transfer to your houseboat where we can see the coir retting process. Later The traditional food is served in Banana Leaf in the in Alappuzha. Our trip begins with cruise through proceed to Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja temple, Houseboat. The Banana Leaf experience has been the Vembanad lake, Rani kayal, Chithira kayal, very ancient center of pilgrimage for the devotees of redefined by the traditional ‘Sadya’ or banquet in Kumarakom backwaters and R-Block. Overnight: serpent gods (Nagaraja). In the evening, we will Kerala. All the food items are part of the local cuisine Houseboat at Marthandam kayal. of Kuttanad region and carry a lot of significance. KAYAL RAJA MURICKEN Day 2: MARTHANDAM KAYAL - PULLANGADI Kayal Raja or the ‘King of Lake’ is the title lovingly The rice is grown in Kuttanad, popularly known as the Cruise continues to the backwaters of Kainakary, bestowed on ‘Murikkummoottil Thommen Joseph’ for ‘Rice bowl of Kerala’, noted for its farming below sea Chennamkary, Nedumudy and . his herculean contribution in transforming Kerala’s level. Pure coconut oil is used for cooking which Visit to St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane marshy Kuttanad Vembanad Lake region into the enhances the taste of Kerala cuisine. A number of Church in Champakulam, one of the oldest prolific ‘rice bowl’ while concurrently offering large water bodies and vast stretches of paddy chuches in India constructed in 427 AD and was an employment opportunities to numerous natives. associate parish of the Niranam church which was growing in wet lands make it ideal for rearing and ducks other than the paddy. The Kuttanad ducks are believed to have been founded by Saint Thomas. During the food crisis of 1930’s in , released on paddy fields after harvest and they feed Overnight: Houseboat at Pullangadi. Muricken responded to the desperate calls of then on paddy grains, wild rice, snails and small and Travancore Raja , Sree Chithira Thirunal to enhance in the process enhance soil fertility through their food production. The food scarcity pained him and he droppings. The land owners receive duck eggs in set out to reclaim the marshy area for rice cultivation remuneration. Similarly, the culture of fish in paddy in a mammoth scale. Muricken asked for freedom of fields which remains flooded after paddy harvest also operation and Raja granted it readily following which serves as an off-season occupation and additional he employed around 3000 people and identified the income to the farmers. Kuttanad region is also shallow fertile region at the conjugation of rivers and considered the ‘’ (family home) of constructed a rounded bund of around 15 feet width, ‘Karimeen’ or Pearl spot, named as the official state using coconut logs, bamboo poles and river silt. Then, fish of Kerala in 2010. The natural dwelling place of from inside the rounded bund the water was drained Karimeen is ponds, rivers, backwaters, lagoons, (initially manually and in later years using motors) reservoirs, paddy fields and low lying wet lands of and on the clear fertile lake bed farming was done. Kerala. The bund was further strengthened using rocks and A village man in a country boat coconut trees and tillers lived in the small huts built Other food items served in houseboat - Varal fish on the bunds. Thus he created around 2152 acres of (Banded snakehead), Kaari (Stinging Catfish), Vala cultivable lake bed divided into three - Chithira, Rani KERALA BACKWATERS fish (Belt or Ribbon fish), ‘Chakka Varuthathu’ and Marthandom, each one named after the royal The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish (Jackfruit chips), ‘Ethakka Upperi’ (Banana chips), member of the Travancore Palace who inaugurated it. lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea Cashew nuts, ‘Manga Achar’ (Mango pickle), Kuttanad has not known famine since the time of coast (known as the ). The backwaters ‘Naranga Achar’ (Sweet and sour Lime pickle) all Muricken. were formed by the action of waves and shore come from the local cuisine of Kuttanad region. currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the He achieved impressive success in his endeavour and Western Ghats range. The network of interconnected his economic vision was appreciated by the then canals, rivers, lakes and inlets is a labyrinthine system Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru who formed by more than 900 km of waterways conferred upon him as ‘Krishi Rajan’ title which he is extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. In also known as. the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end Muricken was a devout Catholic who built seven points of backwater cruises. churches in his home state of Kerala. On 6th June 1960, Muricken was one of the few who had the rare Vembanad Kayal, India’s largest lake covering an opportunity to have an audience with the Pope in his area of 2033 km² is bordered by Alappuzha private chambers. Muricken breathed his last on 9th (Alleppey), Kottayam, and districts. to the December 1972 and was laid to rest at Trivandrum’s St. Mary’s Church Cemetry. Arabian Sea. Kuttanad Rice Paddy Fields

4 www.santosking.com The KERALA Backwaters and Beaches

A village woman in a country boat

Optional Cycle Tour - Alappuzha to Marari

INDIA After check-out, ride through the coastal road along the Arabian sea crossing town markets, villages, beaches, churches and temples.

Marari Beach, rated as one of the world’s top five hammock beach by National Geographic survey, is a pristine palm-fringed white sand beach lined with boats .

Houseboat in Kerala Backwaters Kochi “Every now and then we’d float passed a small village where people were busy going about their daily activities, and often a small canoe would float by transporting some crops or people. Occasionally we’d come across a fisherman, but other than that it was a KERALA time for reflection and relaxation. The very best thing about the houseboat? Hands down the incredible food that was delivered to our plates every meal from Kumarakom the tiniest of kitchens in the back of the boat.” Marari - Barry , Worldly Nomads “Marari isn't a tourist beach but rather a peaceful Alappuzha Day 4: HOUSEBOAT place to relax and unwind. Those who visit Marari Cruise continues to Kuttanad backwaters. look forward to the slow pace of life, and soaking up Duration: 6 nights / 7 days the serenity and tranquility on the deserted sandy Kochi - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Alappuzha - Optional Kuttanad Cycle Tour beaches.” Marari - Kochi Morning ride through the lush paddy fields of - Sharell Cook, About Travel Kuttanad overlooking villages, canals, toddy Day 1: KOCHI - KUMARAKOM tapping, boat construction, country boats, old Optional Village Walking and Cooking Tour Arrival in Kochi airport. Meet and greet with Santos temples, churches and migratory birds in this trip. The tour will give you a chance to experience the King representative and transfer to your backwater Kerala village life from close quarters. You will learn resort facing the vast and picturesque Vembanad about the traditional values and patterns of life lake at Kumarakom. Rest of the day at leisure to followed and the best part of the tour is that you will relax in your resort after a long flight journey. get a chance to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine Overnight: Kumarakom. with the local people. Day 2: KUMARAKOM Overnight: Marari. Day at leisure in your backwater resort. Day 6: MARARI Optional Bird Watching Tour Day at leisure in your beach resort. Walking Tour in , a favourite haunt of many migratory birds and an Kuttanad Cycling Tour Optional Day with a Fisherman Tour ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, The tour will give you a real-time experience of life teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory Optional Evening Kayak Tour of a fisherman and the challenges they face to bring birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks. Paddle through narrow canals and backwaters us our . You must have experience in sea where you will get a chance to see the local village swimming and should be ready for a real Overnight: Kumarakom. life along these canals from close corners. Pass by adventure. country boats, toddy shops, migratory birds, water Day 3: HOUSEBOAT lilies and paddy fields. Take a break at typical tea Optional Cycle Tour Transfer to your floating houseboat (Kettuvalam), a shop with delicious Kerala snacks. Visit to the old churches, temples, traditional coir boat with bedroom and en-suite rest room for your making, cloth weaving and pottery making units. comfort. Enjoy unlimited surfing on backwaters, sip Overnight: Houseboat. a coconut, get disturbed by only the chirping of Overnight: Marari. birds, occasional ripples in water and savor Day 5: MARARI mouthwatering delicacies prepared in front of you Check-out from houseboat at Alappuzha and Day 7: DEPARTURE by your kitchen crew. Overnight: Houseboat. transfer to your beach resort in Marari. Transfer to Kochi Airport.

www.santosking.com 5 Temples of SOUTH INDIA

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Places to see: Shore Temple, 's Penance, Five “North India, with its famous Moghul era palaces Rathas. INDIA and forts, might be the country’s most popular tourist Overnight: Mahabalipuram. destination, but in the south has an equally rich and undiscovered history. The state is Day 4: MAHABALIPURAM - where India’s major temple cultural complexes are, Morning drive to the of Pondicherry and some are so large that they’re considered which became part of the Indian union in 1954. The minicities. There’s Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, a city carries a strong whiff of the French presence in sprawling complex dedicated to a powerful female India. deity, Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, built by Chennai Places to see: , Basilica of the Sacred Heart the ancient Cholas, one of India’s greatest dynasties, Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram of Jesus, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Our and several hundred other temples dotting the Lady of Angels Church, Promenade Beach. countryside and brimming with art carvings dating Pondicherry Overnight: Pondicherry. back as far as the 9th century. - Shivani Vora, The New York Times TAMIL NADU Chidambaram KERALA Day 5: PONDICHERRY - THANJAVUR Trichy Morning drive to Chidambaram, famous for the Day 9: RAMESWARAM - KANYAKUMARI Thanjavur Temple with the roof of the sanctum Morning drive to Kanyakumari, an important pilgrim centre and southernmost tip of the Madurai sanctorum covered with golden plates located in the centre of the town. In this temple, postures from the peninsular India where the waters of the Arabian Bharatanatyam form of dance are depicted in the Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. Rameswaram sculpture. Nataraja is Lord as the cosmic To its South-East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock memorial, dedicated to Indian saint Vivekananda, Thiruvananthapuram dancer. Later we will proceed to Thanjavur, an important centre of South Indian religion, art and who meditated on this rock before he proceeded to architecture. Many temples of Thanjavur termed as west to propagate . Kovalam Kanyakumari “Great Living Chola Temples” have been classified Places to see: Vivekananda Rock, Devikanya temple. Duration: 11 nights / 12 days as the World Heritage Monuments by the UNESCO. Places to see: Brihadeeswarar Temple. Overnight: Kanyakumari. Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Overnight: Thanjavur. Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Thanjavur - Day 10: KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM Trichy - Madurai - Rameswaram - Kanyakumari - After viewing the the beautiful sunrise, drive to Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram Day 6: THANJAVUR - TRICHY Morning drive to Trichy, situated on the banks of Kovalam with enroute visits to Suchindram and river Cauvery and ruled by the Cholas, Pandyas, Padmanabhapuram Palace. Overnight: Kovalam. Day 1: CHENNAI Nayaks, Marathas, Carnatic Nawabs, French and Arrival in Chennai (”Madras”) airport. Meet and British. The city around rock fort is a fine blend of Day 11: THIRUVANANTHAPURAM greet with Santos King representative and transfer tradition, heritage and modern environment. Morning visit to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital to hotel. Overnight: Chennai. Places to see: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at city of Kerala. Srirangam, Rock Fort Temple. Places to see: Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Day 2: CHENNAI Overnight: Trichy. Museum and Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Full day sightseeing tour of Chennai, the capital city Overnight: Kovalam. of Tamil Nadu. Chennai, also known as the Day 7: TRICHY - MADURAI “Gateway to the South India” was established in Day 12: DEPARTURE Morning drive to Madurai, an ancient city around 1639 and represents a distinctive culture in sharp Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram airport. contrast with North India. 2600 years old situated in the banks or River Vaigai Places to see: St. Thomas Mount, Kalakshetra, where ancient Tamil classics recorded the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, Meenakshi temple as the centre of the city and the Marina Beach. surrounding streets appearing like lotus and its Overnight: Chennai. petals. Historically, Madurai is also called as the “Athens of the East”. Day 3: CHENNAI - KANCHIPURAM - Places to see: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, MAHABALIPURAM Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. Morning drive to Kanchipuram, the ancient capital Overnight: Madurai. of the Pallavas popularly known as the 'City of Thousand Temples' and still has 126 shrines. The Day 8: MADURAI - RAMESWARAM city is also well known for its hand woven silk sarees. Morning drive to Rameswaram, the most sacred Places to see: Ekambarnathar Temple, Kailasa- temple town of India, an island hallowed by the epic nathar Temple. Ramayana. Later we will drive to Mahabalipuram, a port city of Places to see: Ramanathaswamy Temple. Pallava dynasty built in 7th century. Overnight: Rameswaram.

6 www.santosking.com Footprints of SAINT THOMAS

Thiruvithamcode Arappally

Day 4: ALAPPUZHA - THEKKADY Day 10: FORT KOCHI - MARARI Check-out from houseboat and visit to the church in Transfer to Marari, one of the finest beaches in INDIA Nilackal. Later we will pass by Gavi in an open jeep Kerala. With its vast coastal line fringed with or van. Gavi, part of Periyar Tiger Reserve is rich in coconut trees, white sand and the clean water, this flora and fauna. The place is surrounded by hills, beach is the perfect place to unwind and relax. valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, Overnight: Marari. sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Transfer to resort in Thekkady, one of Day 11: MARARI the finest wildlife reserves in Kerala. Overnight: Morning visit to the churches in Kokkamangalam Thekkady. and Arthunkal. Optional visit to St. Kuriakose Elias Chennai Chavara Church. Rest of the day at leisure. Day 5: THEKKADY - MUNNAR Overnight: Marari. Early morning boating in Periyar Lake to see wild animals. Later, you will be transferred to resort in KERALA Pondicherry Munnar. Munnar, situated at a height of 1600 metres above sea level was once the summer resort of the British Government in South India. The beauty TAMIL NADU of the place lies in the endless stretch of manicured Kochi tea gardens spread all across the region. Munnar Overnight: Munnar. Fort Kochi Marari Thekkady Day 6: MUNNAR Alappuzha Today we will go for a sightseeing tour of Munnar. Places to see: Thiruvananthapuram Tea Museum, Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, Kanyakumari Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai. Overnight: Munnar. Duration: 13 nights / 14 days St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Champakulam Thiruvananthapuram - Kanyakumari - Kollam - Day 7: MUNNAR - THRISSUR Day 12: CHENNAI Houseboat - Gavi - Thekkady - Munnar - Morning transfer to hotel in Thrissur, the “Cultural Transfer to Kochi airport to catch the flight to Thrissur - - Fort Kochi - Marari - Capital of Kerala”. Afternoon visit to the church in Chennai. Meet and greet service by Santos King Kochi - Chennai - Pondicherry - Chennai Palayoor and the elephant camps in Anakotta and representative at the airport. Visit to San Thome Punnathurkotta. Overnight: Thrissur. Basilica, built in the 16th century by Portuguese Day 1: TRIVANDRUM - KANYAKUMARI explorers over the tomb of St. Thomas. Later we will Arrival in Thiruvananthapuram airport. Meet and Day 8: THRISSUR - MUZIRIS - FORT KOCHI proceed to St. Thomas Mount, where St. Thomas greet with Santos King representative and transfer Visit to the church in Paravur. Later you will be was believed to have been martyred. Transfer to to hotel in Kanyakumari. Rest of the day at leisure to transferred in an air-conditioned boat which will resort in Pondicherry. Overnight: Pondicherry. relax in your hotel after a long flight journey. take you across the Muziris region, an ancient Overnight: Kanyakumari. seaport and urban centre on the Malabar Coast of Day 13: PONDICHERRY Tamilakam (modern-day Indian state of Kerala) that Today we will go for a sightseeing tour of Day 2: KANYAKUMARI - KOLLAM dates from 1st century BC. According to tradition, Pondicherry, a French colony until 1954, which has We will start our day early morning to view the St. Thomas reached Muziris in AD 52. Visit to the retained a number of colonial buildings from the beautiful sunrise in Kanyakumari and then proceed historic sites in Muziris region and the church in old era. to Kollam. Enroute visit to the Padmanabhapuram . Transfer to hotel in Fort Kochi. Places to see: Palace, a fine specimen of Kerala’s indigenous style Overnight: Fort Kochi. Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of architecture. Later, we will visit one of the “Seven of Jesus, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Our and a half churches” established by St. Thomas in Day 9: FORT KOCHI Lady of Angels Church, Promenade beach. Thiruvithamcode. Transfer to resort in Kollam. We will go on a sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi and Overnight: Pondicherry. Kollam, also known as Quilon, was one of the Mattancherry. oldest ports in the Arabian sea. Evening visit to the Places to see: Day 14: DEPARTURE church in Kollam. Overnight: Kollam. Indo-Portuguese Museum, St. Francis Church, Transfer to Chennai aiport. Chinese Fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Day 3: KOLLAM - ALAPPUZHA (HOUSEBOAT) Synagogue and Jew Town. Morning visit to the church in Niranam. Later you will be transferred to your houseboat in Alappuzha. In the evening, we will watch Kathakali show in Cruise through the picturesque backwaters passing theatre. Kathakali, a 300 year old classical art form by rustic villages, coconut groves, paddy fields and of Kerala is a spectacular blend of dance, drama, exotic birds. Visit to the church in Champakulam. mime and song. Overnight: Houseboat. Overnight: Fort Kochi.

www.santosking.com 7 Exotic Culture and Food of KERALA

Day 3: - Day 5: - THRISSUR Today we will drive down to Kannur, formerly known Morning drive to Cheruthuruthy to visit the Kerala INDIA as Cannanore and popularly known as the land of Kalamandalam, a major centre for Kathakali Loom and Lore, because of the loom industries training and other performing art forms like functioning in the district and ritualistic folk arts held Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Ottamthullal and in temples. Check-in to resort. In the evening we will Nangiarkoothu. Then we will proceed to the the watch ‘Theyyam’. Overnight: Kannur. temple town of and visit the Elephant Camps at Anakotta or Punathurkotta. Later you will Udupi THEYYAM be transferred to resort at Thrissur, the ‘Cultural Mangaluru Theyyam also known as Kaliyattam, is a ritual dance capital of Kerala’. Overnight: Thrissur. popular in North Kerala. Theyyam incorporates Bekal KARNATAKA dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments MALABAR CUISINE of ancient tribal cultures which attached great Malabar Cuisine or cuisine is a reminder of KERALA Kannur importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits the Mughal-Arab cultural influence in North Kerala of ancestors. Theyyam is performed in front of and is an ample insignia of the Islamic cultural Kozhikode shrines, sans stage or curtains, by persons belonging influence in the region. The popular dish “ TAMIL NADU Biriyani”, a rice-based dish blended with spices and Thrissur to the Vannan, Malayan and other related castes. The headgear and other ornamental decorations are chicken, “Kozhikode Halwa”, a famous Kerala style spectacular in sheer size and appearance. wheat halwa and the traditional evening snacks are Munnar all part of the Mappila cuisine. The snacks include Fort Kochi Kumarakom Day 4: KANNUR - KOZHIKODE Chatti Pathiri, Irachi Pathiri, Unnakkaya, Thekkady Alappuzha Morning drive to resort in Kozhikode (Calicut), Kallummakkay, Samosa, Poricha pathiri, Cutlet, earlier known as the “City of Spices”. Vasco da Mutta mala and Pinjanathappam, Mutta surka and Kollam Gama landed on its shores in 1498, catapulting the Pazham nirachathu. Varkala Thiruvananthapuram region to global fame. Later we will go for a sightseeing tour of Kozhikode covering the beaches Day 6: THRISSUR - CHERAI Duration: 18 nights / 19 days and the popular snacks of the Mappila cuisine. Today we will drive down to the resort in Cherai, a Mangaluru - Udupi - Bekal - Kannur - Overnight: Kozhikode. picturesque beach located on the north end of Kozhikode - Thrissur - Cherai - Athirappilly - Vypeen island. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Valparai - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Cherai. Alappuzha (Houseboat) - Kollam - Varkala - Thiruvananthapuram Day 7: FORT KOCHI Half day sightseeing tour of the island of Fort Kochi Day 1: MANGALURU - UDUPI and Mattancherry covering the historic sites and the Arrival in Mangaluru airport. Meet and greet with exquisite cuisines. In the evening we will watch Santos King representative and transfer to resort in Katahaki performance in the theatre. Overnight: Udupi, an ancient temple city in the Karnataka state Cherai. notable for its age-old Mutt and serene beaches. Day at leisure. Overnight: Udupi. KATHAKALI Kathakali, the classical art form of Kerala is a UDUPI CUISINE spectacular blend of dance, drama, mime and song Udupi cuisine forms an important part of the cuisine and is over 300 year old. One of the most exotic of of Karnataka which adheres strictly to the Satvik the India's performing arts, Kathakali demands tradition of Indian vegetarian cuisine, using no onions years of rigorous training and lays great emphasis on or garlic. complex body movements and facial expressions. Therefore oil massages and a separate folio of The ubiquitous Indian dish masala dosa has its exercises for the eyes, lips, cheeks, neck and the body origins in Udupi. Saaru, a spicy pepper water, is form an integral part of the training, aiming at another essential part of the menu, and so are making the body supple. jackfruit, colocasia leaves, raw green bananas, mango pickle, red chillies, and salt. In addition to postures, movements and facial expressions the Kathakali artiste narrates his story Day 2: UDUPI - BEKAL through hand gestures or mudras. There are twenty Morning transfer to beach resort at Bekal, part of four basic mudras in Kathakali, some of them having the Kasargod district, renowned as the land of upto thirty or forty interpretations. The Kerala Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. Kalamandalam is the most renowned centre for Evening visit to the historical , the largest Kathakali training besides others like Margi. fort in Kerala. Overnight: Bekal. Ghee Roast

8 www.santosking.com Exotic Culture and Food of KERALA

Day 8: CHERAI - ATHIRAPPILLY Day 12: MUNNAR - THEKKADY Day 15: HOUSEBOAT Today we will go for a drive to Athirappilly, the Morning drive to the wildlife reserve of Thekkady Transfer to Houseboat at Alappuzha where you can largest waterfall in Kerala and nicknamed “the through the scenic spice trails in the Western Ghats. enjoy the scenic backwaters and Kerala rural life Niagara of India”. The scenic beauty of the Enroute we will visit Spice Garden where you can from close corners, while relishing on the most has been used as a location for see various spices and herbs growing. Day at delightful cuisine from the Kuttanad region. The several films. Transfer to resort. Day at leisure. leisure. Overnight: Thekkady. specialities are Kuttanadu duck roast and Evening visit to Athirappilly and . Karimeen. Overnight: Houseboat. Overnight: Athirappilly. Day 13: THEKKADY Early morning boating at the Periyar Lake to see the Day 9: ATHIRAPPILLY - VALPARAI wild animals. Rest of the day at leisure. In the Drive to Valparai in the Annamalai hills of the evening we will watch Kalaripayattu in the theatre. Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu where you can enjoy Overnight: Thekkady. the presence of many streams, tea gardens, valleys, waterfalls, high mountains, grass lands, flora and KALARIPAYATTU fauna. There is a high chance of spotting wild Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala is animals crossing the road in this scenic route. regarded as the oldest and most scientific of its kind Transfer to resort. Overnight: Valparai. in the world. The word kalari first appears in Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena. The word kalari tatt denoted a martial feat, while kalari kozhai meant a coward in war. Training in combat is given at the Kalari (training school) which aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind Day 16: ALAPPUZHA - KOLLAM and body. Check-out from houseboat at Alappuzha and drive down to Kollam (earlier name “Quilon”) through the coastal road. Kollam, one of the leading trade Day 14: THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM capitals of the old world, is also the centre of India’s Morning drive to the picturesque Kumarakom, set in cashew trading and processing industry. If you love the backdrop of the serene Vembanad lake. seafood, Kollam is just the right place for you. Kumarakom is also known for the traditional toddy Thali meal Transfer to resort. Evening food tour at Kollam. shops. Overnight: Kumarakom. Day 10: VALPARAI - MUNNAR Overnight: Kollam. Today, we will re-enter Kerala crossing the wildlife SHAP FOOD sanctuary of Chinnar and the sandalwood forests of VALLASADYA Shap food is the authentic tasty food served in the Marayoor which is also known for its vast sugarcane The Aranmula Vallasadhya is a ritual offering to the toddy shops in Kerala. Toddy or palm wine is a mild farms. We will arrive at our resort in Munnar, a deity Lord Parthasarathy in which the oarsmen of the alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm and popular hill station of Kerala filled with manicured snake boats are offered a feast. With over 70 dishes it coconut trees. Toddy is served in clay pots and the tea plantations. Overnight: Munnar. is probably one of the largest vegetarian feasts in well-flavoured curries served are known for their India. An event that combines ritual offerings, sports tanginess and spiciness. Appams, mashed Tapioca, Day 11: MUNNAR and music, the elaborate feast lasts for more than Fish curry, Crab curry, Mussels fry, Pearl Spot baked in Full day sightseeing tour of Munnar covering the Tea two hours. The oarsmen perform special songs for Museum, Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, banana leaf, Frog leg curry, Duck roast, spicy pickles the feast beginning by praising Lord Parthasarathy of Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden and Rajamalai and various delicious meat preparations are Aranmula. Their songs then become more playful and known for the endangered species . available in most of the toddy shops. The Shap food include demands of particular dishes that they wish Overnight: Munnar. served in toddy shop is distinct from the food served to be served. in restaurants. SYRIAN CHRISTIAN CUISINE Day 17: KOLLAM - VARKALA Kerala Chicken stew or Nadan Kozhi curry is a Today we will drive down to your beach resort at traditional and popular dish of Syrian Christian Varkala, a popular destination in Kerala with a community of Kerala. Other main dishes include beautiful beach surrounded by red laterite cliffs, Piralen (chicken stir-fries), Beef thoran (dry dish with mineral water springs and the 2000 year old shredded coconut), Sardine fish fry (Netholi), Duck Janardanaswamy temple. Day at leisure to relax at roast, and Fish Molee (spicy stewed fish). This is the resort. Overnight: Varkala. eaten with Appam. Appams, ‘Kallappams’, or ‘Vellayappams’ are rice flour pancakes which have Day 18: VARKALA soft, thick white spongy centres and crisp, lace-like Day at leisure. Overnight: Varkala. edges. "Meen Mulakittathu" or "Meen vevichathu" Day 19: DEPARTURE (fish in fiery red chilly sauce) is another favourite Time to say goodbye after a wonderful experience item. Njandu roast (crab roast) is also popular with with the exotic culture and food of Kerala. Transfer the Nazrani Christians. Appam and Chicken curry to Trivandrum airport.

www.santosking.com 9 Enchanting KERALA by Cycle

Ghat, traditional Chinese Fishing nets, Church of Places to see: and Lake, Elephant our Lady of Life, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Camp, Echo Point, Kundala Lake. INDIA Jew Town and Spice Market. In the evening, we will Later you will be transferred to your camp at watch Kathakali show in the theatre. Overnight: Fort Ellapatti. Overnight: Camp at Ellapatti. Kochi. Day 8: ELLAPATTI - THEKKADY

T Day 3: FORT KOCHI - PARAVUR Morning ride through the scenic Western Ghats AMIL NADU Morning ride through the connecting islands covered with tea and spice plantations to Periyar overlooking picturesque backwaters, traditional wildlife reserve. Enroute we will stop by a Spice KERALA chinese fishing nets, rustic villages and busy town Garden to see various spices growing. Evening markets. You will also have a wonderful experience check-in to hotel. Later watch Kerala’s martial arts - Kochi of crossing some of the islands by ferry. Afternoon Kalaripayattu in theatre. Overnight: Thekkady. Illithode Top Station we will go for a Kayak trip in the backwaters of Paravur Munnar Paravur where you will experience the life of people Day 9: THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM living along these narrow canals. Overnight: Early morning boating at Periyar lake. Later ride to Fort Kochi Cherai. Kuttikanam, a picturesque plantation town and an up-market resort under . Enroute visits to Vandiperiyar market, Tea factory to see tea Kumarakom processing and Parunthumpara (Eagle Rock) to see Marari Thekkady a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forest land and low-lying areas. Transfer to Kumarakom, Alappuzha a popular backwater destination set in the backdrop of the vast picturesque Vembanad lake. Overnight: Kumarakom.

Day 10: KUMARAKOM (HOUSEBOAT) Afternoon check-in to your floating houseboat Duration: 13 nights / 14 days Day 4: MUZIRIS (Kettuvallam). Cruise through the backwaters of Fort Kochi - Paravur - - Munnar - Sightseeing ride in Muziris covering old temples, Vembanad lake. Overnight: Houseboat. Top Station - Ellapatti - Thekkady - churches, , synagogues, museums, forts Kuttikanam - Kumarakom (Houseboat) - and historic markets. Day 11: HOUSEBOAT Alappuzha - - Kochi Places to see: Paravur and Chendamangalam Morning ride through the paddy fields of Kuttanad. synagogues, Paliam Palace Museum, Kottapuram Rest of the day is free to relax in the houseboat. Average Distance: 40 to 50 kms per cycling day Fort and Market, Cheraman Juma Masjid, Overnight: Houseboat. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, Pallippuram Fort, Day 1: KOCHI The Manjumatha Church, Sahodaran Day 12: ALAPPUZHA - MARARIKULAM Arrival in Kochi airport. Meet and greet with Santos Museum. Check-out from houseboat at Alappuzha and ride King representative and transfer to hotel in Fort Transfer to hotel near Kochi Airport. Overnight: through rustic villages past markets, old lighthouse, Kochi where you will receive the bike and final tune Kochi. beaches, temples and churches to Mararikulam, a up will be done. Overnight: Fort Kochi. with the pristine palm-fringed white Day 5: KOCHI - MALAYATTOOR sand Marari beach lined with fisherman boats. Rest “Serene Kochi has been drawing traders and Morning ride to Thattekkad to visit the famous of the day is free to relax in beach resort. Overnight: explorers to it shores for over 600 years. Nowhere ‘Salim Ali bird sanctuary’, home to over 322 species Marari. else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: of birds. Later ride to Kodanad to visit one of the giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year old largest elephant training centres in Kerala. Evening Day 13: MARARIKULAM synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and go for Kayaking in River Periyar, Fishing and Day at leisure. Overnight: Mararikulam. the crumbling remains of the British Raj. The result is Ayurvedic massage. Overnight: Malayattoor. an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and Day 14: DEPARTURE an English Village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Day 6: MALAYATTOOR - MUNNAR Time to say good bye from Kerala after a long Cycle coast” Early morning ride to Adimali via tour. Transfer to Kochi airport. - Lonely Planet town. Later go for a challenging uphill ride to Munnar, the popular hill station in Kerala. Evening check-in to resort. Overnight: Munnar. Day 2: FORT KOCHI Today, we will go for a sightseeing ride in Fort Kochi Day 7: TOP STATION and Mattancherry. Ride uphill to Top Station, offering panoramic views Places to see: Santa Cruz Basilica, Indo-Portuguese of the majestic Western Ghats and the valley of Museum, Dutch Cemetry, St. Francis Church, Dhobi district of Tamil Nadu.

10 www.santosking.com Essence of SOUTH by Cycle

Axis Deers at

Day 4: MUDUMALAI - OOTY Day 12: ALAPPUZHA - VARKALA Uphill challenging ride to Ooty, a popular hill Early morning check-out from Houseboat and ride INDIA station in the Nilgiri hills. Rest of the day at leisure. to Varkala through coastal road of Kerala. Evening Overnight: Ooty. check-in to resort at Varkala. Overnight: Varkala.

Day 5: OOTY “Varkala is a wonderful place to relax and Day is free to explore Ooty with the main attraction rejuvenate. It's well known for its dramatic sunsets. Ooty Botanical Gardens, established in 1847 with Settle into one of the beach shacks with a drink, and thousand species of exotic and indigenous plants. you'll have an uninterrupted view of the sun as it Bengaluru KARNATAKA Overnight: Ooty. slowly sinks down the horizon. The mineral spring that flows from the cliff at the southern end of the Mysuru Day 6: OOTY - GURUVAYUR beach is believed to have medicinal properties. You'll Today we will go for an amazing dowhill ride to also find plenty of places specializing in yoga and Mettupalayam along the scenic tea plantations. Ayurvedic therapies” Mudumalai Ooty Later, you will be transferred to Guruvayur, one of - Sharell Cook, About Travel the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of TAMIL NADU Kerala with its main attraction - the Shree Krishna Day 13: VARKALA - KANYAKUMARI . Overnight: Guruvayur. Ride through the coastal road passing by fishing KERALA villages and beaches. Later you will be transferred Fort Kochi Day 7: GURUVAYUR to your hotel in Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip Morning ride to Anakotta and Punnathurkotta, of peninsular India and the confluence of the Bay of Alappuzha elephant camps belonging to Guruvayur temple Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. where elephants are taken care of and trained to Places to see: Vivekananda Rock, Devikanya Varkala serve and participate in many festivals that occur temple, Gandhi Memorial. Thiruvananthapuram throughout the year. Rest of the day at leisure. Kovalam Overnight: Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari Overnight: Guruvayur. Day 14: KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM Duration: 16 nights / 17 days Day 8: GURUVAYUR - FORT KOCHI After watching sunrise, ride to Kovalam, an Bengaluru - Mysuru - Mudumalai - Ooty - Ride through the coastal roads, villages and internationally renowned beach. Enroute visit to Mettupalayam - Guruvayur - Fort Kochi - connecting islands to Fort Kochi. Check-in to hotel. Padmanabhapuram palace. Overnight: Kovalam. Alappuzha (Houseboat) - Varkala - Overnight: Fort Kochi. Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram Day 15: THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Day 9: FORT KOCHI Morning ride to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital Average Distance: 40 to 50 kms per cycling day Sightseeing ride in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry city of Kerala. covering the historic sites. Places to see: Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Day 1: BENGALURU Places to see: Santa Cruz Basilica, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Arrival in Bengaluru airport. Meet and greet with Museum, Dutch Cemetry, St. Francis Church, Dhobi Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Kovalam. Santos King representative in the airport and Ghat, Chinese Fishing Nets, Church of our Lady of transfer to hotel in Mysuru. Day at leisure. Life, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town Day 16: KOVALAM Overnight: Mysuru. and Spice Market. In the evening, we will watch Day at leisure. Overnight: Kovalam. Kathakali show in the theatre. Overnight: Fort Day 2: MYSURU Kochi. Day 17: DEPARTURE Sightseeing ride in Mysuru. Mysuru, situated on the Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram airport. base of Chamundi Hills, also known as the “The Day 10: FORT KOCHI - ALAPPUZHA City of Palaces” is a city with rich architectural history Early morning ride to Alappuzha passing by sandy and is one of the most prominent tourist areas of beaches, old churches, temples, villages, markets India. and the picturesque backwaters. Afternoon, check- Places to see: Mysore Palace, Jayachamrajendra in to your floating houseboat (Kettuvallam). Art Gallery, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. Afternoon and evening cruise through the Overnight: Mysuru. picturesque Vembanad lake passing by paddy fields and rustic villages. Overnight: Houseboat. Day 3: MYSURU - MUDUMALAI Early morning ride to Mudumalai, a declared tiger Day 11: HOUSEBOAT reserve on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri hills Morning ride in Kuttanad through paddy fields. and a protected area to several endangered and Kuttanad, popularly referred to as “The Rice bowl of vulnerable species including , Kerala” is one of the few places in the world where , and Leopard. Rest of the day is farming is carried below sea level. Rest of the day is free for Jeep safari ride to see wild animals. at leisure to relax in the houseboat. Overnight: Overnight: Mudumalai. Houseboat.

www.santosking.com 11 Mountains and Valleys, MUNNAR Trek

Duration: 10 nights / 11 days Day 6: CHOKRAMUDI - - - KURANGINI Kochi - Cumbammettu - Pushpakandam - Trek to Suryanelli through the tea planations. We Mathikettan Shola - Chokramudi - Suryanelli - will come across the picturesque Anaerangal lake. Kolukkumalai - Kurangani - Top Station - Anaerangal means “The place where the elephants Ellapatti - Pampadum Shola - Vattavada - climb down”. Later we will proceed to Meesapulimala - Silent Valley - Kochi Kolukkumalai, home to the highest tea plantations in the world. Trek to our camp in Kurangini. Day 1: KOCHI Overnight: Kurangini. Arrival in Kochi airport. Meet and greet with Santos King representative and transfer to hotel in Kochi. Day at leisure. Overnight: Kochi.

Day 2: KOCHI - CUMBAMMETTU Transfer to your camp at Cumbammettu from where the eight day long trek will begin. Overnight: Day 9: VATTAVADA - MEESAPULIMALA Cumbammettu. Today, we will proceed for an enchanting trek to our Meesapulima base camp area. Overnight: Meesapulima base camp.

Day 10: MEESAPULIMALA TREK Trek through sholas, mountain streams, high altitude grasslands and rich wildlife popular for elephants, sambars, sloth bears and the Nilgiri Tahr Day 7: KURANGINI - TOP STATION - ELLAPATTI to Meesapulimala, the second highest peak in the Challenging trek to Top Station through dense Western Ghats at 2640 metres. Enroute enjoy the woods and plain grasslands of Kurangini hills with panoramic views of the vast plains of Tamil Nadu to panoramic views of deep valley and mountains your east and never ending Sahyadri to your west. covered with low and slow moving clouds. Top Later trek back from where you will be transferred to Station was a transhipment point for delivery of tea Silent Valley. Overnight: Silent Valley. from Munnar to and the name is derived from its being the upper terminus of the Day 11: DEPARTURE Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway. Later we will proceed to Morning transfer to Kochi Airport. our camp in Ellapatti. Overnight: Ellapatti. Day 3: CUMBAMMETTU - PUSHPAKANDAM Trek through jeep trail to Ramakkalmedu, a hamlet Day 8: ELAPPETTY - PAMPADUM - VATTAVADA in at a height of 3500 ft, popular for Trek through the evergreen wild forests of the large statue of Kuruvan and Kurathi offering Pampadum Shola National Park, the smallest panoramic views of Tamil Nadu. Later we will trek national park of Kerala, rich in variety of flora and through rustic villages, farmlands and spice fauna including elephants, Nilgiri Langurs, hamlets to our camp in Pushpakandam. Overnight: Leopard, Indian Wild Dogs, Nilgiri wood pigeon Pushpakandam. and Nilgiri marten. Later we will proceed to the hilly tract of Vattavada, filled with slopes of vegetable Day 4: PUSHPAKANDAM - MATHIKETTAN fields. Overnight: Vattavada. Trek in and around Mathikettan Shola National Park. The name Mathikettan derives from the Tamil word meaning “mind confuser”, as the local people say that one forgets the path once he enters the park. A part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve, this park is an excellent habitat for wild variety of flora and fauna including endangered species like spotted deer, Sambar, Sloth bear and Hanuman langur. Overnight: Mathikettan.

Day 5: MATHIKETTAN - CHOKRAMUDI Today we will go for a challenging trek to Chokramudi peak from the Gap road through the misty clouds, dense shola forests and lush green grasslands. Overnight: Chokramudi.

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Exuberant SOUTH INDIA Disability is not a barrier to see the world Our team is ready for you

(divine stages) where Lord Shiva performed the “Kumarakom, 16km west of Kottayam and on the cosmic dance. The architecture of this temple is INDIA shore of vast Vembanad Lake – Kerala's largest lake – unique and dedicated to the art of Bharatha is an unhurried backwater village with a smattering Natyam, a classical dance form of state of Tamil of dazzling top-end sleeping options and a renowned Nadu. Transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. bird sanctuary. Arundhati Roy, author of the 1997 Overnight: Chidambaram. Booker Prize–winning The God of Small Things, was Day 6: CHIDAMBARAM - THANJAVUR raised in the nearby Aymanam village.” Morning drive to Thanjavur and visit to the famous - Lonely Planet Chennai Brihadeeswarar temple, built by the great Chola king Rajaraja Chola 1 during the 10th century. Day 15: KUMARAKOM Mahabalipuram Later, you will check-in to the hotel. Overnight: Day at leisure. Overnight: Kumarakom. Thanjavur. Pondicherry Day 16: HOUSEBOAT DAY CRUISE KERALA Chidambaram Day 7: THANJAVUR - MADURAI Check-in to houseboat at Kumarakom and cruise Morning drive to Madurai, an ancient city around through the picturesque backwaters passing by TAMIL NADU 2600 years old situated in banks or River Vaigai. paddy fields and coconut groves of Kuttanad region Thanjavur Check-in to hotel. Overnight: Madurai. and the rustic villages along the canals and Kochi Munnar backwaters. In the evening you will check-out from houseboat and will be transferred to resort in the Fort Kochi Day 8: MADURAI - MUNNAR Kumarakom Madurai Today, we will be saying bye to Tamil Nadu and pristine palm-fringed Marari beach. Overnight: Marari enter the state of Kerala popularly known as the Marari. Thekkady “God’s Own Country”. Drive through the Western Ghats to the hill station of Munnar known fo its Day 17: MARARI sprawling tea plantations and picture book towns. Day at leisure. Overnight: Marari. Check-in to resort. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Munnar. Day 18: MARARI Duration: 20 nights / 21 days Day at leisure. Overnight: Marari. Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Day 9: MUNNAR Chidambaram - Thanjavur - Madurai - Munnar - After breakfast, we will go for a half day sightseeing Day 19: FORT KOCHI Thekkady - Kumarakom - Houseboat - tour of Munnar. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Morning drive to Fort Kochi, the first European Marari - Fort Kochi - Kochi Munnar. township in India with each and every nook of the island steeped in history. Rest of the day at leisure. Day 1: CHENNAI Day 10: MUNNAR Overnight: Fort Kochi. Arrival in Chennai airport. Assistance by porter at After breakfast, we will go for half day sightseeing the airport and transfer to hotel in Chennai. Rest of tour of Munnar. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Day 20: FORT KOCHI the day at leisure. Overnight: Chennai. Munnar. Day at leisure. In the evening we will go for Explore Fort Kochi tour. Overnight: Kochi. Day 2: CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM Day 11: MUNNAR - THEKKADY Morning drive to Mahabalipuram, a port city of Morning drive through the scenic Western Ghats, Day 21: DEPARTURE Pallava dynasty built in 7th century. Check-in to the passing by tea, cardamom, pepper, coffee and Transfer to Kochi airport. beach resort in Mahabalipuram. Rest of the day at rubber plantations to your resort in Thekkady, one leisure. Overnight: Mahabalipuram. of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Check-in to INCLUSIONS: your resort. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: - Wheelchairs Day 3: MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY Thekkady. - Wheelchair friendly rooms and vehicles Morning drive to the union territory of Pondicherry, a - Male / Female support staff / escort former French colony since 1674 which became Day 12: THEKKADY incorporated into Indian union in 1954. Check-in to Day at leisure. In the evening, we will watch hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala in Pondicherry. theatre. Overnight: Thekkady.

Day 4: PONDICHERRY Day 13: THEKKADY Day at leisure. In the evening we will go for a short Day at leisure. Overnight: Thekkady. tour with visit to the main places in Pondicherry. Overnight: Pondicherry. Day 14: THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM Morning drive to Kumarakom and check-in to the Day 5: PONDICHERRY - CHIDAMBARAM backwater resort facing the picturesque Vembanad Morning drive to Chidambaram and visit to the lake. Rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and relax famous Natarajar Temple, one of the Five Sabhas at the resort. Overnight: Kumarakom. Aranmula Vallamkali

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Thrissur

ONAM ARANMULA VALLAMKALI GURUVAYUR ANAYOTTAM

Place: Aranmula Month: August / September Noted for its grandeur and long tradition, the Aranmula Uthrittathi boat race is considered as a ritual than a race that takes place on the Uthrittathi asterism during the festival.

Legend has it that a devout vowed to offer all the requirements for the thiruvona sadya (the grand traditional feast on the day of Thiruvonam) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Once, the boat known as Thiruvona Thoni carrying these offerings was attacked by enemies. In order to protect the Thiruvona Thoni people from Onam Pookalam Guruvayor Anayottam (Elephant Running Race) neighbouring areas sent their snake boats. Later Month: August / September on, this practice evolved into an offering to Lord Place: Guruvayur Month: February / March Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in Parthasarathy in the form of a snake boat race, held As per the history, Guruvayur was once under the modern times. Onam is the Kerala's rice harvest on the Uthrittathi day which eventually became Trikkana Mathilakam temple and did not own any festival and the festival of rain flowers which fall on popular as the . elephants. The practice was for the elephants which the month of Chingam. were paraded in the Trikkana Mathilakam temple festival to be loaned to the Guruvayur temple where Onam celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual the festival was usually held a couple of days later. visit from Patala (the underworld). Onam is unique There was once some misunderstanding between since Mahabali has been revered by the Hindu Place: Thrissur Month: August / September the authorities of the two temples and Trikkana people of Kerala. The King is so much attached to Pulikali, or the fun and frolic of tigers, is an event Mathilakam temple authorities wanted to teach the his kingdom that it is believed that he comes that has become synonymous with the festival of smaller Guruvayur temple a lesson by not sending annually from another world to see his people living Onam in Kerala, held at the Swaraj Round in the elephants for the festival. The elephants were happily. It is in honour of King Mahabali that Onam of Kerala. The tigers are not real tethered at the Trikkana Mathilakam temple after is celebrated. ones but men dressed and painted as tigers. the festival there. Apparently, the elephants managed to break the iron chains at night and ran As part of the performance, groups of local men all the way to Guruvayur temple, with their bells would have their bodies and faces painted to clanging and reached the temple well before the resemble tigers. Apart from the true colours of a time for the ezhunnallathu (the ceremonial Place: Thrissur Month: April / May tiger, one would also come across other colours and procession of the deity). Thrissur is best known for its mammoth Pooram patterns and even the facial features of lion on the festival held in the month of Medam. It is the most bodies of performers. The make-up is time- In order to commemorate this event, an elephant consuming and it is quite a labour to undo the colourful and spectacular temple festival of India. race is conducted on the first day of the annual make-up, which is mostly done with oil paints. The Devotees and spectators from all parts of the state festival in Guruvayur. Trikkanamathilakam and even outside throng the Pooram. theme of the performance is playing hide-and-seek with a hunter wielding a gun. The event generates a temple was destroyed by the Dutch in 1755 and Introduced during the reign of the Raja of Kochi, great deal of excitement both for the spectators it was no longer a rival to Guruvayur which (1775-1790), Pooram is an from near and far and for the performers. prospered by the day and has now more than 50 assemblage of suburban deities before the elephants housed in the majestic Punnathoor presiding deity at the Vadakkumnathan (Siva) Kotta. temple in down town Thrissur. The Pooram celebration is held at the the Thekkinkadu grounds. As part of the race, elephants have to run for half a kilometre till the eastern entrance of the Traditionally, two groups representing the main temple. The winning elephant gets the honour of geographic divisions of Thrissur, Paramekkavu carrying the Thidambu (the replica of the idol of Temple and Thiruvambadi Temple, rival to add to Lord Guruvayoorappan) on all special occasions the Pooram's grandeur. Both teams field face to face for one year. arrays of richly caparisoned elephants accompanied by ‘elinjithara melam’, the largest live orchestra of musical instruments in the world. The event is followed by 'Kudamattam', a competition in the swift and rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequinned parasols is conducted. Pulikali

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Thrissur Pooram Chamayam

horses and the smaller ones as chariots, and provides an occasion to enjoy some of the colourful KODUNGALLUR BHARANI cultural performances are the highlights of this folk arts of this place such as Kummatti, Karivela spectacular pageant. The chariots proceed from and Andivela. On the twentieth day of the festival different points in the village, representing that magnificent processions with caparisoned particular region, and demonstrate the harmony elephants are taken out from the two villages to the that is there in these hamlets. Nellikulangara temple. When the procession reaches the temple the two deshams present ‘’, the traditional percussion KADAMMANITTA orchestra in a competitive spirit. The fireworks let loose their fantabulous colours which illuminates not just the night sky but the minds of all those who witness the event standing in the dry paddy fields.

SABARIMALA Velichappads at Kodungallur Bharani

Place: Kodungallur Month: March / April The legendary Bharani festival is noted for the spectacular event called ‘kaavu theendal’ in which thousands of sword wielding oracles both men and women called ‘velichappads’ wearing vermilion costumes swarm the temple premises of Kadammanitta Padayani Kodungalloor Bhagavathy temple. The oracles run in a trance around the temple and smite their crown Place: Kadammanitta Month: April / May with sword, proclaiming their communion with the Kadammanitta is famous for the Padayani Mother Goddess. Meanwhile the devotees strike the performance at the Devi temple here, which is a temple rafters with sticks and hurl offerings over the burst of colour, energy and passionate devotion. Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, roof and on to the inner quadrangle. Following the Enjoy the spirit of a magnificent ritualistic art form Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, is a Hindu festival, the temple would remain closed for a week. that is rooted in legends and myths. Padayani is pilgrimage centre located at the Periyar tiger reserve The doors will open after the purification rituals are such an annual ritual, performed in Bhadrakali in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of performed to clean the stains of ‘kavu theendal’. temples of Central Travancore that astonishes the District. It is one of the largest audience with its splendid theatrical values. annual pilgrimages in the world, with an estimated CHETTIKULANGARA BHARANI over 100 million devotees visiting every year. CONVENTION Sabarimala is believed to be the place where the God Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demoness Mahishi. Ayyappan's temple is situated Place: Maramon Month: February amidst 18 hills, surrounded by mountains and Every year, the sand beds of River Pamba at dense forests. The dense forest around the temple is Maramon in Kerala plays host to Maramon known as Poomkavanam. Sabarimala is Convention, the largest Christian congregation in predominantly for men of all ages. Females who Asia. The congregation, which has a tradition of menstruate are not allowed to enter the temple, over a century, is attended by renowned Bible because Ayyappan is a Bramhachari (celibate). preachers from across the globe. The convention is There is a place near the temple; east to organised by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Sannidhanam, dedicated to the Vavar (a sufi and Association, the missionary wing of the Mar Thoma friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called Chettikulangara Bharani Church. The week-long event attracts around twenty 'Vavarunada', an epitome of religious harmony. The million believers from within and outside the journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult Place: Chettikulangara Month: February / March country. Chettikulangara Bharani is the annual festival held paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to at the Chettikulangara temple during the month of Pampa. Kumbham. The festival and the temple are NENMARA VELA dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. Place: Nenmara Month: April What makes the festival stand out among the other An astounding festival of colours, art forms, Front Cover: Snake Boat Race festivals of Kerala is a spectacular event called fireworks and elephants, Nenmara Vallangi Vela, Back Cover: Tea Gardens, Munnar ‘Kettukazhcha’, a ceremonious procession of organised by two deshams or counties namely Photo Courtesy : Santhosh Thayil brightly decorated structures. The dazzlingly Nenmara and Vallangi, is pumped up by the decorated structures, the bigger ones assumed as friendly rivalry of these two regions. The festival

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