Over a period of 16 days (16 nights), this tour focuses on the traditional aspect of India. The program will be more focused on cultural visits and in other circuits. Part of the time will be devoted to crafts and Indian culture. Performances are also planned.
You will discover during this trip the best sites and temples of Tamil Nadu, the jewels of the Hindu sculpture. You will also see the most beautiful landscapes of India in the region of Munnar is a magical land of Kerala and green washed by lakes that will fascinate you, its rice fields and coconut trees ..
Enjoy the sweetness of its many canals on board a traditional boat. Then you discover the charm of Cochin, its fragrant spices and wakes the pleasures of the beach at Mararikulam. This route provides a more "intimate". In addition, we have preferred accommodation in colonial mansions and charming.
Day1
Day 1: Airport Chennai – Mamallapuram
Start early in the afternoon to Chennai (Madras) on a scheduled flight. Arrival in the evening and welcome by your guide. You will then be taken to Mahabalipuram. which was two centuries ago a famous port. Check into your hotel at the seaside
Day 2 : Mamallapuram
Discovery of bas-relief representing the "Descent of the Ganges" known Phoenician merchants, Arab and Greek. Walk in the fishing villages around. Once there, you can enjoy body treatments or enjoy the Ayurvedic massage. This traditional medicine, herbal natural, is now revitalized. In the afternoon and dinner are free
Day2
Day3
Day 3 : Mamallapuram – Pondicherry
You can see the temple of Rivage, watered by the waves for thirteen centuries and Rathas South, temples shaped floats procession. Departure for Pondicherry, a former French colony. Visit the ashram of Sri Aurobindo and the cenotaph of the "mother". Rickshaw ride in the old French Quarter. Installing the villa Orphelia or Ophelia? beautiful colonial mansion by the sea, decorated with great refinement
Day 4 : Pondicherry – Swamimalai
Route to visit Chidambaram, major training center for Brahmins and temple dedicated to Shiva Nataraja, the god of the cosmic dance. In the Nataraja shrine, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, were carved in the twelfth century including the 108 poses of traditional sacred dance of Shiva. Continue to Swamimalai, a village where many are still working on bronze sculptors using the technique of lost wax. Home Installation "inheritance" of the early century nestled amidst a coconut grove and specializes in Ayurvedic treatments. A massage with essential oils is provided for you
Day 4
Day5
Day 5 : Swamimalai – Tanjore
Departure for 9 hours and a half to Tanjore. On the road, visit the village of Darasuram and a silk weaving center specializes in the manufacture of saris to traditional marriage. A visit to a factory bronze statues is also planned. Installation in your hotel Ideal River Resort on the banks of the river.
Day 6 : Tanjore – Chettinadu
Departure to visit the temple of Tanjore. Top of 65 meters, was built by King Raja in the tenth century. You will then visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery where you will find bronzes, ancient coins, ancient statues and a library. You can also see the Archaeological Museum in the city. Then you will continue your drive to Chettinadu. Arrival in the afternoon at the village of Chettinadu and installation in a royal palace local Chettiar.
Day6
Day7 & 8
Day 7 & 8: Chettinadu
Visits in the morning. Chettinadu region was inhabited by a community of rich merchants, Chattiars, who built the baroque houses quite unique. The visit of the palace-museum and its houses abandoned sometimes, but often still inhabited, will give you a very complementary approach to the rich culture of Tamil Nadu in parallel with its religious shrines.
A craft tradition is still very much alive in this region and you can visit the workshops where people work silver, wood and textiles which is an important activity, visiting remote villages very traditional. The meals will be traditional. Installation in the palace of Chettiar.
Day 9 : Chettinadu – Madurai
Starting around 9 am to Madurai. Installation in a hotel on the side of a hill. Walk through town and end of the afternoon in the temple of Minaskshi Sundareshvara-Vijayanagar style. This sanctuary is one of the most popular in South India. This region was inhabited by very rich merchants, visit the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak Mahal. This is one of the most characteristic buildings of the art Nayak. It was built in the sixteenth century and has a royal residence, a sanctuary, an arsenal and splendid gardens. Of sound and light shows are held daily. Visit a traditional garment factory.
Day9
Day10 & 11
Day 10 & 11: Madurai – Munnar
Drive to Munnar located more than 1500 m in the most spectacular mountain scenery of South India, the Windamere Estate, is a charming cottage of eight rooms located in the middle of tea. The next day: visit picturesque tea plantations and spices, rivers, lakes and dense forests. This is an opportunity to share some moments with the Indians and enjoy different landscapes. The afternoon is free. Rest and in installing a new hotel but built like manufactured by the old time
Day 12 : Munnar - Alleppey
Departure to 8 hours to take a houseboat in Alleppey. Lunch in the boat and visit the "Venice" of Kerala furrowed channels. In turn you will discover what is special about this charming town: manufactures traditional coconut fiber, fruit market, jewelry manufacturer, temples, old houses that line the canals. The visit will conclude with a tea tasting in a family. Installation on a "houseboat", a traditional sampan now has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen (with cook), living room, to discover Kerala in the fascinating maze of canals. Off during navigation to visit villages, temples, and walks through the rice fields. Dinner, bed and breakfast on board and included in the price.
Day12
