Travel to Incredible India by Deepi Mehta
AMAZING VACATION IN SOUTHERN INDIA
A unique, exclusive tour to India by Deepi Mehta
Total Duration 17 days
India represents a land of tremendous contrasts in culture, cuisine, geography, and people. Therefore a single tour can not do justice to India’s diversity. Deepi has been recognized by the National Geographic Magazine as India travel expert and she organizes focused tours that cover the most interesting destinations in selected regions with a reasonable time period. Deepi has sent many clients from all over USA to North India (Delhi, Agra and Rajastan), Bombay, Goa, and South India. In this blog Deepi’s focus will be three Southern states: Karnataka (former princely state of Mysore), Kerala (which includes the former princely states of Travan-core and Cochin), and Tamil Nadu (Chenai). These states represent diversity of India very well and the tour can be relaxing and educational. Karnataka is rich in beautiful natural landscapes and some of India’s best historic sites. Kerala coastal region has incredible lush vegetation, with palm trees and unique and peaceful backwaters creating an unforgettable experience. Historically, for many centuries, Kerala’s rich resources have attracted foreign invaders and traders from the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and the British. All of them have left their influences on the state of Karnataka. Tamil Nadu, India’s very vibrant, green, and fertile state is well-known for its beautiful temples that were built during the sixth through fourteenth centuries. The tour can include in addition to the main tourist attractions, many special events highlighting local foods and cultures. A dinner with the Maharajah (the King) in his private palace can also be arranged as a special event!
The first stop of the tour is generally Bangalore in the state of Karnataka. Bangalore, once the tranquil Garden City of India, is now a busy, bustling city with hi-tech industries. It is now the Silicon Valley of India. The next stop is Mysore, the capital of the former State of Mysore. En route, you will visit some of the most spectacular sites: Shravana Belgola with its colossal 10th century statue of Gomateshvar, worshipped by the Jains; and the exquisite 11th and 12th century temples of Belur and Halebid. These temples, built by the Hoysala kings, are renowned for their intricate carvings and ornate, Rococo style. The stay in Mysore includes a visit to the picturesque Brindavan Gardens. After Mysore, you return to Bangalore, visiting the elegant, Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore at Srirangapatnam en route.
From Bangalore, on to Cochin in exotic Kerala, the land of palm trees, spices and picturesque backwaters. The Taj Malabar Hotel, or many other five star hotels located at the mouth of the harbor offer very comfortable stay with total Indian experience! The view of the sea is busy with never-ending water traffic of all kinds and all sizes of boats and ships, and the characteristically Kerala Chinese fishing nets in the setting sun are some of the unforgettable sights you will enjoy from your hotels.
In Cochin one must include visits to the first Indian built European Church in India and the oldest Jewish Synagogue outside Israel. From Cochin, you either drive to Athirappilly waterfalls
or drive to Trichur, where you can be treated to colorful folk dances. If in season one can see the Great Elephant show during which highly decorated elephants are paraded to the accompaniment of ancient Indian music. While visiting Kerala one must visit the fantastic resort of Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom, which is situated on the vast Vembanand freshwater lagoon. It is an experience of lifetime to be a guest at the Kumarakom resort.
The guest room doors at the resort are beautifully carved, just like many antique Kerala homes. The serenity of the location, very comfortable rooms, and exceptional service of the resort staff make this resort truly unique lifetime of an experience. From Kumarakom, one can visit Allepey, a small market town built around a maze of bridges and canals. Some have called Allepey the Venice of the East. At Allepey, one can during season witness the dramatic snake boat races. Sixty men generally peddle these 90 feet long boats with full gusto and power!
After visiting Kumarakom, drive to Madurai in Tamil Nadu state. In Madurai, you can visit one of the biggest temple complexes in India, the great Meenakshi Temple. The temple was constructed by the Pandyan Kings of India. In modern India, his temple is more like a community center – bustling with religious services, singing and dances. After visit to Madurai, you are driven to Trichy, where you can visit the famous Rock Fort Temple. While on your way to the next destination stop, you can visit Tanjore. Here you visit the 13th to 14th century Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam. Tanjore was the seat of the Chola Kings, who ruled this area from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Tanjore is famous for the exotic Brihadeshwar Temple and the Lakshmi Museum with its spectacular collection of Chola bronzes. While in Tanjore, a traditional dinner at the Tanjore Palace can be arranged with the welcome by the Maharajah of the old ruling family of Tanjore! After Tanjore, your next destination can be the resort of Kovalam, with a visit to the historical city of Pondicherry. Pondicherry, for those who are not familiar with colonial Indian history, was a former French colony. The city still has exhibits its French influence, which is distinctly different from the rest of India. While at Kovalam, a visit to the ancient town of Mahabalipuram is a must. The city has seventh century Shore Temple and the world’s largest stone bas-relief, The Descent of the Ganges. The temple was submerged in the sea water for a long time and has only recently been reclaimed from the sea. From Kovalam, you proceed to Chenai (Madras), and must not fail to stop at Kanchipuram on the way. This place represents one of the oldest towns in India and is famous for its numerous temples (1000 in all) and its hand-woven silks. From Chenai, you can have excellent connection to fly back to the USA.