South India Fam Tour - 2016

A Journey from land of Temples

to Gods own country …By - Shashank , Uday & Monika

History of Tamil Nadu Ancient History (1st to 9th centuries) – Tamil Nadu was

ruled by Early Cholas between 01st to 04th century. During later half of 04th century Pallavas emerged into prominence and dominated for 400 years

Medieval History (9th to 15th centuries) – Cholas rose as a strong power in 09th century. Pandyas emerged in early 14th century and in later 14th century a new kingdom was built called Vijayanagr empire .

Modern History (17th -19th century) -The British, under the British East India Company, established a settlement further south, in present day Chennai, in the year 1639.

Dravidian Architecture The principle part, the temple itself, is called the Vimana (or Vimanam). It is

always square in plan and surmounted by a pyramidal roof of one or more stories; it contains the cell where the image of the god or his emblem is placed.

The porches or Mandapa (or Mantapams), which always cover and precede the door leading to the cell.

Gate-pyramids, Gopurams - which are the principal features in the quadrangular enclosures that surround the more notable temples.

Major Dynasties contributed to Temple Architecture

Pallava (600-900) - Greatest accomplishments of Pallava architecture are the rock- cut of temples at Mahabalipuram

Chola (900-1150) - Chola architecture achieved its peak at Thanjavur. The temples have rising pyramid towers crowned with dome-like roofs. Sculptures and paintings adorn the walls. Bronze sculptures of this era are the finest in southern India. Cholas built temples such as Bridaeshvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram

Hoysala (1100-1350) – These temples are famous for most difficult work done in the temples. The soft soap-stone type material used by the Hoysala architects . Belur & Halebid Temples were built by this dynasty..

Vijayanagara (1350-1565) -The characteristic feature of this period is the development of the temple complex: concentric series of rectangular enclosure walls with the gopuras (towered gateways) in the middle of each side. Like Vittal & Virupaksha Temple in Hampi

Five Rathas, Mahabalipuram

Brideshawara , Thanjavur

Belur Vittal Temple, Hampi

About Tamil Nadu Capital : Chennai Monsoon : June, July & October & November No. of Districts : 32 Population : 67.86 Million Language : Tamil & English Main Crops : Rice, Maize, Cotton

Ranked Second largest Economy .Stands second in employment.

87 %Hindu, 6% Christians , 5.9% other Pongal is Main Festival .

Itinerary of the trip14 May– Arrive Chennai - Sightseeing. 15 May – Chennai + Dakshinchitra (12 Kms) – Crocodile Park + Mahabalipuram (24 Kms) + Sightseeing.16 May - Mahabalipuram – Sadaras fort + Salt making + Pondicherry (99 Kms) - Sightseeing + Heritage walk 17 May: Pondicherry – Chidambaram (60 Kms) – Gangai Kondacholapuram (50 Kms) – Darasuram (40 Kms) – Kalamkari - Kumbakonam - The Mantra Kumbakonam (15 Kms) 18 May – Kumbakonam village walk (Tribhuvanam Silk veaving village) Thanjavur (60 Kms) –+ sightseeing of Tanjore – Trichy (60 Kms)-19 May – Trichy s/s – Pudukottai Museum - Namnasumudaram ayanar Temples – village walk - Chettinad (146 Kms) - Walk + Atinagudi Tile factory – Madurai (90 Kms) Madurai20 May – Madurai (90 Kms) – Heritage walk - Hotels visit – Evening aarti ceremony at Meenakshi temple 21 May – Madurai – Coonoor (287 Kms) - Hotels visit - Ooty hotel visit (25 Kms) –

Itinerary of the trip22 May – Trekking (20 km) Ooty – Calicut hotel Kadavu 23 May – Calicut – Guruvayur elephant camp – drive to Munnar 24 May – Munnar trek through tea plantation – Tea Museum – 25 May – Munnar – Periyar (Spice village (Organic farm and paper making) – boat ride in Periyar – tribal dance26 May – Periyar – hotel visits in Periyar - Alleppey – houseboats and hotel visit Alleppey – Day cruise - Cochin27 May – Cochin – Manjira village Activities - Kumarakom28 May – Cochin Muzaris project + heritage walk - Kathakali dance and drama29 May – fly back to Delhi

Tamil Nadu Map

Kerala Map

About Chennai-All dynasties ruled the region: Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas, Vijaynagara

- The City ruled by Portuguese, Dutch & Britishers

-04th largest city of India and leading commercial center of India

Sightseeing of Chennai

Andrew Kirk Flower Market Parthasarthy templeFish Market

Andrew Kirk

• Neo classical architecture. Constructed in 1821

Flower Market

Parthasarthy temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna.Constructed in 8th Century by Pallavas dynasty

Marina beach

2nd Longest Beach in the world : Marina Beach

Fish Market

Chennai Hotels……

History of Tamil Nadu

01st Hotel when you go from airport to city. Just 01 km from airport. Feels like a 04 star Hotel not a grand Hotel. Lobby is just Ok. Rooms are Ok with lot of wood work used in the rooms. Only 02 floors in the hotel due to close proximity to the airport

GRT Radisson

Domestic hotelWe do not recommend this to our guest

Vijay Park

Nice 03 star hotels.We can use this hotel to our guest Decent Lobby

Radha Regent

Just 01 km from airport. Very nice 05 star hotel

Hilton

Nice 05 star hotelBase category is OK However 1st higher category nice and specious

Taj Club

Radisson Blu Nice option in 05 star category near to airport.Next to Radisson. Nice ambience. Looks much better than Radisson. Nice wood work has been done. Pool area is also nice and better as compared to Radisson. Rooms are also good and brighter as compared to Radisson

Trident

It is closer to city center. 02 km from city center and 12km away from airport.Accessibility is a slight an issue with hotel. Bus cannot go up to the Hotel appx 200 meters due to metro work. Rooms are OK. I would rate this hotel as a 04 star hotel not more than that. NO swimming pool in the Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott

Decent 04 star Hotel.Marble used in LobbyCity centerRooms are nice with wooden flooring Nice South Indian restaurant

AccordThe Accord

Decent 03 star HotelRooms are OK. Wooden flooring is not in good shapeThey have pool but not operational Small restaurant

The Pride

Sarovar took this hotel 1 ½ yrs back.Lobby is much bigger than pride Room size is also bigger than prideOverall they need to concentrate on cleanliness of the Hotel. Recently renovation have done in the hotel This is a better product in 03 star category.

Abu Sarovar

Day 02: Chennai – Dakshinchitra (36 Kms) – Mahabalipuram 24 Kms

-A Unique Heritage center-27 Kms from MAA and 25 kms from Mahablaipuram-Offers authentic insight into lifestyle of the south Indian peoples-- Traditional houses from different regions have been purchased, dismantled and relocated here. -Promote Craft through hands. -Craft shops & Bazaar

Dakshinchitra

-A Unique Heritage center-27 Kms from MAA and 25 kms from Mahablaipuram-Offers authentic insight into lifestyle of the south Indian peoples-- Traditional houses from different regions have been prurchased, dismantled and relocated here. -Promote Craft through hands. -Craft shops & Bazar

-A Tamil Nadu House. The house belongs to a Chettiar family.-House dates back to 19th cnetury.

Kerala House Less Height as compared to Tamil Nadu . Open courtyard is not

there. More wood is used.

Crocodile Farm and Snake Park

Museum Timings8 am to 8 pm ( All Day Open )Entry ChargesMuseum - 50rs per person.

It is the largest Seashell Museum in India.It houses over 40,000 specimens of rare & unique seashells.

Mahabalipuram

Five Rathaas

07th century monolithic rock cut templesBuilt from one stone. World Heritage siteFive Rathas also called as Temple ChariotsNamed After Five Pandyas

One of the Simplest Ratha. It is in the hut shape. Dedicated to Durga

Draupadi Ratha

This chariot dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It has images of a Royal Couple, Shiva Leaning on his Nandi.

Arjuna Ratha

One of the Simplest Ratha. It is in the hut shape. Dedicated to Durga

Bhima RathaArchitecture like Buddhist Monastery. Named after Bhim for its strength. Lower part is unfinished. Decorations on external faces of Rathas

Dharmaraja Ratha

Most tallest & largest Ratha. Crowned by Octagonal domed roofSculptures like Harihara (vishnu / shiva)

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha

It is in curved shape. Appears like backside of Elephant. Large Elephant is next to Ratha . It is believed that temple may be diedicated to Lord Indra.

Shore Temple

It is one of the oldest structural stone temple. It is five storied rock cut structural temple. Exclusive combination of history & nature splendor. World Heritage site. Three shrines – two dedicated to Shiva and one to Vishnu. First ray of sun falls on shivling

Arjuna’s Penance

Krishna Mandapa

It is one of the oldest cave cut temple. Here the Govardhan story is prescribed that how lord krishna save the villagers from the storm by lifting the mountain

It is a monolithic granitic rock. It weights over 250 feet and stands on a extremely slippery area on less than 04 feet area.

Krishna’s Butter ball

Hotels in Mahabalipuram…….

MGM Beach ResortIt is 30 ksm from Chennai

and 25 Kms from Mahabalipuram. Decent 03 star hotel. Rooms are in cottage style. Nice pool and beach area is also good

Budget hotel Washrooms are not good Not recommendable to our guest

Sea Breeze

Nice beach resort. Lobby is smaller as compared to Chariot. Rooms are in cottage style. Sit out area with every room.Very close to beach. It has got a nice feel & ambience of beach resort

Ideal Beach Resort….

Hotel looks abit flashy.. Looks like a domestic Hotel. Beach is away from the Hotel. Though hotel was neat & clean but did not seems to be the first choice for our clients.

Grand Bay resort….

Nice mix of luxury & traditional architecture. Wooden pillars in Kerala style They have 02 Lobbies. Largest Pool in Asia.

Radisson

Indeco Mahabalipuram

It was British camping sight in 1940 . Hotel looks very old and they need to improve on maintenance of the Hotel. They have used green theme, which was not gelling very well. Need to improve on cleanliness of Hotel. Only plus point is that it is closer to shore temple.

It is a nice resort. Lobby & Rooms are nicer as compared to Ideal. Beach of Ideal is much closer as compared to Chariot. Most of the rooms are in main buildings and not in cottage style.

Chariot Beach Resort

Nice hotelRooms are specious Restaurant is Okay

Confluence Hotel

It’s a very nice hotel Little far away from MahabalipuramThey have beach activities

Inter Continental

First floor renovated Second floor they are planning for renovationNo elevator in hotel

Mamalla Heritage

Day 03: Mahabalipuram – Sadaras (12 Kms) – Pondicherry 85 Kms

Sadras Fort

Dutch fort founded in 17th centauryBuilt for commercial purpose In 1818 was took over by British East India Company but later abandoned It is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India

Salt Making near Pondicherry

Puducherry99 Kms – 02 ½ Hrs from Mahabalipuram

Pondy came in to lime light after arrival of French in 1674 Francois Martine was administrative head .In 1750 there was war between French & Britishers. Pondy finally came back in to the hands of French in 1814 till 1954. In 1954 it became part of Republic of India.20 Sep 2006 named as Puducherry.

.Puducherry have mixed culture as Dutch, Britshe& French ruled here. Famous for old French buildings

Puducherry

Sightseeing in Puducherry

Auroville

Meaning city of dawn. It is an spiritual community set up with the objective of human unity. It was founded by mother in 1968. Total area of Aurovile is appx 2000 acres and appx 2100 are living from 43 countries. Matrimandir started in 1971 and completed I 2008. This temple is for those want to concentrate. 54 Kg of gold is used in 1500 gold panels. Inner chamber is completely white and a crystal glass globe.

Heritage Walk in Puducherry

Heritage Walk in Pondicherry02 ½ -03 hrs walkWalk through French quarters is a wonderful

experience. French quarter are also known as white town .French people continue to stay there and you can find lot of foreigners. This area includes French houses, Govt. buildings, café etc. Yellow & white colour buildings are French buildings. Grey & white colour buildings are AshramTotally white color buildings are govt. offices. Walk start from Ashram – Ganesha Temple – Governors' House – Ashram 'dinning hall – Recreational Club – Legislative Assembly - Ayi Mandapa – Gandhi statue – and walk ends at Le Café

Aurobindo AshramIn 1910 Aurobindo came to

Pondy. Mirra Alfassa (mother) came to Pondy and became follower of Aurobindo. She build Ashram in 1926 Ashram includes the house of mother & Aurobindo. It was build with propose to provide shelter who interested in Yoga and meditation

Ganesha Temple

It is one of the ancient temple of Pondy.. It was in existence before French came. French tried to demolish this temple many times. Beautiful paintings inside the temple .

Ganesha Temple

Ayi Mandapam

Gandhi statue

Le Café Restaurant

Hotels in Pondichery….

Approx 20 Kms from Pondicherry CityResort based on Sustainable TourismProvides 02 Cycles per Room for roaming around the resort.Not recommended for clients wanting to stay in Pondicherry.

The Dune, Eco Village Resort

Nice 04 star Hotel. Rooms & Lobby is nice. This is a much better product as compared to Chennai Accord

Accord

Not far from Le Pondy. It is appx 10 kms outside city. Bus cannot go to the Hotel.Beach is also bit far from the Hotel. Lake in between beach & Hotel

Windflower

Du Parc

Located in French Quarters Can be compared with 03 Star Hotel

Villa Shanti

Located in French Quarters Very nice boutique style hotel.Open Restaurant on the ground floorCan be used for FIT’s

Appx 13 Kms outside city. Beautiful Resort. Huge gardens and rooms are spread out in these gardens. Architecture is mix of French & Indian . Beach Hotel but beach is bit rough

Le Pondy

It is 130 year old House. CGH took over in 2007. Only 10 rooms. Perfect choice who is interested to stay in a small boutique old house and interested in Heritage. It is located in Tamil quarters of Pondicherry. Authentic stay….architecture of the hotel & rooms is Tamil

Masion Perumal

03 star 20 Year old Hotel, and it is visible too. Std rooms are basic and not up to the mark.New wing started recently. Rooms are beautiful.

Anandha Inn

A nice 03 star Hotel06 years old Hotel.Rooms are nice…Roof top poolBeautiful view of the city.Much better than Anandha inn

Atithi

Located in French quarters and Very Close toBeach Road. Buses cannot go to the hotel.Architecture is mix of French. Lobby level restaurant. Decent 04 Star hotelDeluxe Rooms are non Sea FacingOthers Rooms are Sea Facing

Promenade

Constructed in 18th century. Located in French quarters. Very small hotel with 09 rooms only. Rooms are nice overall the hotel is not that much charming.

Le Duplex

Located in French quarters. Beautiful hotel belongs to CGH. French architecture of the Hotel. Arches designed used in the Hotel. Rooms are BIG. Nice ambience…

Palais De Mahe

Fairly New Hotel , opened 03 years backLocated in Pondicherry City and very close to Atithi Hotel. Rooms are nice and spaciousNice ambience…Bus can go inside the porch

Shenbaga

Pondicherry – Chidambarm Approx – 62 Kms) Gangaikonadacholapuram (Approx - 50 Kms)– Darasuram (Approx -39 Kms)– Kumbakonam

istory of Tamil NaduKumbakonam hotelsFive Holy Shiva Temples

in India

Jambukeshwara Temple, Trichy , Tamil Nadu – WaterNatraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu - SkyArunachaleshwar Temple, Thiruvannamalai , Tamil Nadu - FireKalahastheeswar Temple, Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh - AirEkambarewar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - Earth

istory of Tamil NaduKumbakonam hotels

ChidamChidambaram Temple

Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva templesTemple is associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss)

Four most honoured Saivite Saints :Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manikkavacakar

All ritual duties in the temple are performed by Deekshithar

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple Rajendra Chola-

I (1012-1044 A.D) son of Great Rajaraja-I, build this temple The name means The town of the chola who brought Ganga

Darasuram Temple

Bulid by Rajaraja Chola II (1146-63), is a superb example of 12 Century Chola architecture.Stories from epics and Hindu mythology are depictedThe sanctum is in the form of a chariot

Kalamkari art Form

Village Visit

Art Workshop

Farm VisitInteraction with Locals

En route while going to

Kumbakonam

Kalamkari Village Activities

Kumbakonam Hotels

Quality InnIndeco SwamimalaiParadise HotelMantra Veppathur

Quality Inn

Nice 03 Star category hotelRooms are neat & clean No swimming poolLocated in Kumbaknom city

Indeco Swamimalai

It is built in Village theme.They provide foot massage for clients03 Kind of room categories In restaurant they used antique thing 01.Heritage wing 02 .Palace wing03. Zagir dar wing

KubakonamParadise Hotel

Rooms are spacious and in traditional style.A Nice authentic Resort

Mantra Veppathur

It is located in Vepathur Village. Location of the Hotel is nice & quite. Spread around plantation Food is very nice but they do not service Non – veg. Traditional ceremony of breaking the coconut when clients depart from the Hotel

Day 05 – Kumbakonam – Tanjore (40 Kms – 01 hrs ) – Trichy ( 60 Kms – 1 ½ hrs)

Thribhuvanam silk Weaving Village Walk for an hour from

Mantra It has been silk weaving Village for Several Centuries Most of the weaver hailed from GujaratNo Machine only Hand Loom Famous for saree. Takes 15 days

Thanjavur SightseeingArt Gallery Brihadeeswarar Temple ( Big Temple) Bronze Factory Visit

Thanjavur Art Gallery

Nayak Ruler Palace Three Section - Pooja Mahal stone sculptures) Indira Temple (God stone Sculpture) & Rama Hall (Idols of bronze)The gallery represent the collection of stone sculpture from the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Nayaka periods 9 am -1 pm; 3 pm - 6 pm

Built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD Vimana height is 216 feet (66m) and it is one among the tallest towers in the worldThe big statue of Nandi present at the entrance. 0600-1230 & 1600-2030 hrs (Unesco world Heritage)

Brihadeeswara Temple ( Big Temple)

Vimana

Horse-drawn chariot structure

Bronze Factory Visit

Thanjavur Hotels Svatma

Ideal River View Sangam HotelStar ResidencyHotel ParisuthamLakshmi HotelTanjore Hi

Svatma

Boutique Good Food Best In ThanjavurTwo Block - Heritage uilding & new Wing

Ideal River View

02 Kms off the road .All the rooms have balcony area. Hotel organises the cycling tour from hotel to their Organic FarmWe can also give the visit of Organise Farm to our clients

Idea River View

Lakshmi Hotel

03 year old property39 roomsGood alternate for star residencyFew of the leading Travel Agents are already using this hotel for their series business.

Hotel Parisutham

Rooms are not much spaciousCan be used in 03 star category hotel

Sangam

Nice 03 + star hotel.Rooms, Lobby everything is OK.

Star Residency

03 Star Standard hotel , not up to mark Lobby area and Restaurant is not much clean. With Swimming pool

Tanjore Hi

Budget Hotel

Small but Neat & Clean

City Centre

restored 1920 colonial house

Day 05 – Tanjore – Trichy ( 60 Kms – 1 ½ hrs)

Trichy Hotels

Grand Gardenia Sangam Hotel SRM

06 year old property 03 star hotelNo swimming poolLocal Crowd for its Restaurant _ Famous for its Chettinad Food

Grand Gardenia

Good Hotel in 03 star (Alternate of Sangam)Huge lobby area Near to airport ( not in city centre)

Sangam

Nice 03 star plus hotelBest hotel in Trichy

Day 06 – Trichy – Chettinad (75 Kms –02 hrs ) - Madurai (90 Kms – 02 hours)

Sri Ranganathaswamy

Dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord VishnuLargest functioning temple complex in the world156 Acre- Largest Temple of India / Largest Religious Complex in the World Temple Complex has 21 Gopurams, 50 sub shrines, 9 sacred pools,

Rockfort Temple

Two Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, The UchchiPillaiyar Koil and The Siva Temple273-foot high rock.

Pudukottai Museum 53 Kms from Trichy.105 Year Old The museum has different sections including art and craft gallery, painting gallery, armory gallery, anthropology, stone sculptures, and wood-carving galleries. Sections Oil Painting of Raja Ravi Varma is Famous

ChettinadDistance – 75 Kms from Trichy The Chettinad region is well known for its 18th century mansions, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are build with marble and teak wood. Construction materials, decorative items and furnishings were mostly imported from East Asian countries and Europe

Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a powerful banking and business community. It is also known for its local cuisine & architecture

Heritage visit in Chettinad Village

Chettinad Hotels

Chidambra VilasChettinad Mansion

110 Years old House converted in to a Hotel. Restoration took 03 year It is a authentic experience of staying in a old & royal Chettinad House .Rooms are big & spacious. Private property leased by Sangam Group

Chidambra Vilas

Chettinad Mansion 110 year old property Property look bit oldOnly 12 rooms operational

Antangudi Tiles Factory

Day 07: Madurai – City of Temples / Athens of the East

Daily routines of local people – cow milking, kollam making, morning aarti ceremony at local temple, small local restaurants bazaars: Flower market & Banana marketThe walk start from Meenakshi Temple and ends in Nayak Palace

Heritage walk

Nayak Palace

Meenakshi Temple

Temple is dedicated to Lord Sundershwara & Meenakshi. Lord Shiva appeared on earth to marry Meenakshi incarnation of Parvati.

Total 14 Gopurams. Tallest is the southern one with height of 170 Feet. Each gopuram have thousand of sculptures. In every 12 years these are painted.

Shiva shrine located in middle of temple. Both the shrines have golden vimana

Shiva & Meenakshi shrines

es Aarti ceremony at MeenakshiTemple

Aarti takes place at appx 09 to 0930 PM Hrs except Fridays when it takes place at appx 10 to1030 PM

Hotels in Madurai..

67 Rooms. 18 months old. A very nice & modern 03 star + Hotel.Pool area is small. Located 06 kms out of the city. Much better than many other hotels in city

Poppy’s Madurai

Std. Rooms are not up to the mark. Washrooms needs renovation. They are upgrading std rooms to club rooms. Std room of poppy are much better than of Fortune. Pool area is nice

Fortune Pandiyan

Lobby looks very flashy. Rooms are still OK. Restaurant was not clean. Still better than Thanjavur Hotel.

Star Residency

Nice 03 star HotelGolden theme used in the Hotel. No swimming PoolRooms are beuatiful.

Royal Court

03 star new and neat & clean HotelOrange colour theme in the public area. rooms & washroom are bit smaller but very nice.SITA / TWX are already working with the hotel

Astoria by Sparsa

It is a beautiful Resort. Architecture is in Chettinad style. Ambience of the rooms is very nice. Lot of wood work is used in the rooms Luxury villa rooms have pvt. Pool in the roomsAvoid using Std. club rooms, which they generally avoid giving to travel agents.

Heritage Madurai

It is located on hill so offers nice view of the city. It has colonial touch. Std room are not up to the mark. Old furniture is there in the rooms Superior (first higher) OK

THE GATEWAY HOTEL PASUMALAI MADURAI

Nice Hotel. Lobby & rooms are decent. Marble flooring in the rooms. One has to come outside the main building to reach a small pool.

GRT Regency

A nice 03 star Hotel13 years old hotel but well maintained. Rooms are OK with wooden flooring. Clients staying in the left wing of the hotel has to cross through small passage to reach the restaurant. This passage is facing the main road.

Germanus

Huge Lobby. Rooms are nice.

Sangam

Day 08: Madurai – Coonoor - Ooty (310 Kms- 10 Hrs drive)

Hotels in Coonoor…

Small inventory : Total 10 roomsBase (suite): 06

MGM Coonoor

Ooty….

Ooty Hotels

Taj Savoy Fortune Sulivan CourtGem ParkAccord Highland Monarch

Fortune Hotel

Nice 03 Star plus hotelNo swimming poolLooks very nice & beautiful European design in the lobby area

Taj Savoy

Best Hotel in Ooty Heritage Hotel. Exterior in colonial style. Beautiful white color cottages.

Gem Park

A very nice 3 Star hotel with swimming pool.

Accord Highland

3 star hotelRooms are ok The view of the valley from the hotel

02-03 star hotel .Rooms are very basic

Monarch

Neat and clean budget hotel

Rose field Heritage

Trekking in Ooty

Highlights:

• Tea Estate• Wildlife• Toda Tribe• Walk through

jungle• Eucalyptus oil

making

CalicutOoty – Calicut (Approx 152 Kms / 05 hrs drive)

Calicut The Raviz Kadavu

Very nice resort.Rooms are spacious Services are very good

CalicutNattika Beach Resort

Beautiful Ayurveda ResortVery Nice locationVery close to the beachRestaurant serves Ayurvedic meals only

Day 10: Calciut – Munnar (Approx kms 279/ 08 hrs)

Sightseeing in Munnar…

Trekking in Letchmi Hills

Tea Museum Visit

Country’s first ever Tea MuseumClosed on MondayVery nice experience with 45 mins Video on Munnar and introduction of Tea plantation in MunnarA must experience in Munnar Ticket cost INR 95 Per Person

Hotels in Munnar…

Abad Copper Castle

Nice 03 Star HotelSuperior Rooms recently renovatedRestaurant is OKAY.

Ambadi Estate

A Resort, located approx 10 kms from City CentreNice Rooms They have in-house activities such as Trekking, Spice Plantation

Deshadan Mountain Resort

03 Star HotelBuses and Tempo cannot go to the hotelFelt that this hotel is not for our clients as rooms are not very clean Restaurant is pretty basisNo activities provided by the hotel

Tall Tree

Nice 03 Plus Category ResortBuses can go to the hotelRooms are neat and cleanActivities provided by the hotel including spice plantation and trekking

Best hotel in MunnarBeautiful RoomsThey have many activities in houseThey are building swimming pool as well which will be operational from coming season

Windamere Hotel

East End Munnar03 Star hotelTwo Wings: Old and New WingTwo Restaurants: Breakfast is served in New Wing and Lunch, Dinner in Old WingRooms are niceRestaurants need facelift as it seems like a marriage hall

Day 12: Munnar - Periyar (Approx 100 kms / 3 hrs)

Sightseeing in Periyar…

Periyar Boat Ride

Spice Garden Visit

Hotels in Periyar…

Abad Green Forest Hotel

Basic Hotel. Can be compared with 03 star hotelRooms were being renovatedHotel have two categories. Base Category is with out AC. Public Areas are okay. But rooms need more renovation

Very nice Hotel. Rooms are very nice and clean.Very good public areas, reception and restaurant

Cardamom County

Beautifully made resort. Lot of wooden workTraditional Kerala Style Rooms are very nice and cleanCan be compared to 4 Plus category hotel.

Elephant Court

Greenwoods

03 Plus category hotelRooms are neat and cleanRestaurant is niceGives feeling of closeness to nature

Very nice Hotel with good viewsThis hotel is not really in Munnar but 05 kms before entering Periyar.Rooms are nice and clean. Can be used as 04 star if rates are good.

Poetree Sarovar Portico

Spice Village

Very beautiful resortRooms are spacious and niceGuests can visit In House Organic FarmGuests can also see in house Paper making and cooking demonstration without any additional chargesLocated very close to National Park

Tree Top

Very Nicely built HotelCan be compared with 03 Plus CategoryRooms are niceRestaurant will be under a bit of renovation to increase Covers

Wild Corridor

Hotel is located on the hill top. Thus one has to walk, hike to get to the restaurant, reception, swimming pool and roomsStaff not very professionalRooms are nice and clean

Day 13 – Periyar – Allepey – Cochin (180 Kms / 4 hrs )

Alleppey Day Cruise

Alleppey House Boat

Ever GreenXandari Houseboat (Muthoot)Marvel Cruise

Ever Green House Boat

Good House Boat Deluxe & Premium House Boats

Xandari Muthoot House Boat

Best House Boat 10 House Boats – 01 /02/ 03 Bedrooms

Marvel House Boat 9 House Boats – 01 Bedrooms – 2 / 02 Bedroom-06 / 03 BR - 02

Ramada – Allepey Nice 04 Hotel / 121 Rooms (50 Sup) Good RestaurantOne Physically Challenged Room

Day 14 - Kumarakom

(Manjira village walk and activities) Country Boat

Village Life Coir Making Weaving Coconut leaves Farming Toddy Tapping Net Fishing Taste of Tender Coconut

Activities Begins with Country Boat

Village Activities

Coir Making

Coconut Leaves weaving

Toddy Tapping

Taste of Tender Coconut

Net fishing

Kumarakom Hotel Visit

Backwaters RiplesAveda Resort & Spa Zuri Kumarakom Resort & SpaEastend Lakesong Kumarakom Lake Resort

Backwater Ripples Nice 3 + star Third Cat. Got Lake view Nice Restaurant Total 34 Rooms(1 Physically Ch.)

Aveda Resort & Spa Rooms were sold out Nice Lobby 4 star

Zuri Kumarakom

Nice 4 * 72 Rooms Physically Challenged room 01 in higer cat. Pool villa

East End - Lakesong

3 * 69 Rooms NO Physically Challenged room Not Maintained Base cat. Very basic

Kumarakom Lake Resort 5 *

66 Rooms Physically Challenged room Yes Renovation Pool access rooms

Cochin Heritage Walk Chinese fishing netFish Market St. Francis Church Dutch Cemetery Santa Cruise Basilica Fort Immanuel Vasco De Gama House

Fort Immanuel

Vasco Da Gama House

Cochin Heritage Walk

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)Constructed 1557 by Dutch & Presented to Veera King. Bhagwati Temple inside Kerala Style Mansion – Nalukettu (Aristrocrate Family)

Closed on Friday

Jewish SynagogueConstructed 1567Closed on Friday & Saturday

Cochin Hotel Visit( Hotels Ernakulum)Abad Atrium

Le MeridianCrowne Plaza

Le Meridian Nice Lobby 05 Star Rooms are good & Spacious .

Crown Plaza Nice Lobby / 05 Star / Spacious / Gardens/ 04 Restaurant Rooms are good & Spacious/ .

Abad Atrium Good Three Star Property Approach is not good Rooms are good.

Cochin Hotel Visit( Hotels fort Kochi) Malabar House

Spice FortKodar HouseEight BastionOld HarborBrunton BoatyardHotel 18Killians HotelTissa’s inn Hotel

Malabar House

Nice Rooms 17 Rooms / 11 DeluxeOn Renovated / August onward Operational01 Room Physically Handicapped

Spice Fort

Nice HotelSmall LobbyCan be used in 03 starTV set is just on the corner of Bed .

Koder House

Small HotelNo LobbyNot for IA Client

Eight Bastion

CGH Property Small however Nice roomsSwimming Pool

Old harbour

Nice Lobby / sold out

Brunton Boatyard

Best in Fort CochinCGHHeritage style Cannot be compared with Modern Hotel

Hotel 18 Budget Hotel28 Rooms Can be used for DjosarCoach Parking

Killians

Hotel is OK Rooms are Good/ No view

Tissa’s Inn

Small Hotel Restaurant Small Rooms are OKOnly 9 rooms Not for IA clients

Cochin Hotel Visit (Hotel in Wellington)Casino CGH

Cochin (Kathakali Dance and drama)

Make up at 17.30 / show at 1830Stories of Mahabharat & Ramayan & Purans Originated in Kerala during 17th Cent.

Old Silk Route vs Old Spice Route

Cochin (Moziri Project)

• Muziris is said to be from native Tamil name “Muciri”, which was said to be in the region, Periyar river perhaps branched into two like a cleft palate.

• As per Greek Travel Book, Periplus of the Erythraen Sea (01st Century AD) gives an elaborate description of the Chera Kingdom.

• Muziris disappeared from every known map of antiquity, and without a trace, presumably because of “Cyclone and Floods” in the Periyar in 1341 AD.

Importance of Muziris

Excavations done to find Muziris

• In 1945, excavations conducted at Kodungallur yielded nothing that went back to before the 13th century.

• Another excavation was carried out in 1969 by ASI at Ceraman Parambu, 02 kms from Kodungallur. Only antiquities of 13th and 16th century was recovered

• In 983, a large hoard of Roman coins was found at a site around six miles from Pattanam (Muziris).

• From 2007, Kerala Council for Historical Research uncovered a large number of artefacts.

Discoveries from Pattanam

• Mediterranean (100 BC to 400 BC)• West Asian, South Arabain & Mesopotamian (300 BC to 1000 BC)• Chinese (100 BC to 400 BC)• Urban Life (100 BC to 400)• Tree Tamil Brahmi Scripts were also found, which are dated to 02nd AD,

probably reading “A – MA – NA”, meaning “ A JAINA” in Tamil. This indicates Jainism was prevalent on the Malabar Coast at least from 02nd Century

THANK YOU…..

South India Fam Tour - 2016

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