VACATION DETAILS

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

Excursions

French colonial architecture has a strong presence in Pondicherry (Puducherry), in South India, creating a unique mix of French and Indian influence on the city's sites and even language, though the exotic and unpredictable flair of India is very much present. Known for its cuisine, fine hotels and nearby yoga/meditation ashrams, Pondicherry draws visitors of many backgrounds. Stroll along the coast at the city's popular four beaches, one of which features a promenade, or indulge in ayurvedic massage treatments at the Prana Ayurvedic Massage center. Visit the Thirukaameeswarar Temple is in nearby Villianur, dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva and Kokilambigai; it is rumored the temple may be over 1,000 years old.

Mahabalipuram, an ancient seaport of India's medieval Pallava dynasty (circa 300-900), lies south of Chennai. The Pallavas left behind an astonishing heritage of Dravidian architecture in the form of huge monuments carved out of solid rock.

The Shore Temple close to the beach is remarkable: a twin-towered structure within a courtyard that's surrounded by a wall topped with rows of sitting bulls.

Equally impressive is Arjuna's Penance and the Descent of the Ganges, a huge bas-relief carved from one enormous monolithic rock between 670 and 715.

Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the capital of the great state Tamil Nadu and is one of four metropolitan cities in India. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted. Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, rich in historical treasures, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces. Chennai is also host to some cultural theatres that showcase various India traditional dances and plays on a regular basis. Chennai is also the center of the film industry in South India.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Hindi word khajur meaning date palm.

Orcha’s grandeur has been captured in stoneand frozen in time; a rich legacy to the ages. On this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Orcha was founded in 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap who chose this stretch of land along Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned with graceful Chhatries. From here you can have the spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs.

Kochi (Cochin) is the great, old Keralan spice city. It consists of mainland Ernakulam, islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancheri on the southern peninsula and Vypeen Island north of Cochin. Because of the area’s dense tropical forests, extensive ridges and ravines, it has been sheltered from invaders and the rest of India. This encouraged Keralites to welcome maritime contact, and therefore influence from the outside world. In Cochin there is still a small community of descendants from Jewish settlers who fled Palestine 2,000 years ago. When the Portuguese arrived here some 500 years ago, they were surprised to find Christianity already established along this coast. People from far-off lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Such long contact with people from overseas has resulted in the blending of various cultures and has given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook.

Excursions

A great capital that once traded with the Roman Empire, Madurai sits at the banks of the river Vaigai. It is known as one of the oldest cities in the world that is locally inhabited. Madurai is famous of its temples built by the Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings like the Shree Meenakshi Sudreshwara Temple, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Ghandi Memorial Museum.

Mysore a city of palaces in the region of Karnataka, is the second most popular travel destination of southern India. Legend deems the name Mysore comes from the demon king Mahishuru who was defeated by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Another name given to the area is Mysuru, once a capital city of the Kingdom of Mysore for nearly 6 centuries from 1399 – 1947 and ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty. Its rich heritage is prominent in art and culture only which the wealthy, the Wodeyars, were able to retrieve. Popular tourist attractions include: the 11th century Chamundeshwari Temple that sits on top of Chamundi Hills, the Mysore Palace a magnificent 3-storied Indo-Saracenic stoned palace that blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture, and the symmetric Brindavana Gardens built across the river Kaveri in 1924 with dancing fountains brought to life after sunset.

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy Ganga, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Banaras, which was in use till May 24, 1956 when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. At a distance of 12 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightment and Ultimate Nirvana.

In the mid 16th century and early 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy creating masterpieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India. Main shopping areas include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar. the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the Up Handlooms, UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the inner lanes can discover a whole new world not visible to the tourist-in-a-hurry.

Delhi is the third largest city and consists of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of India Between 17th and 19th centuries and now contains many mosques, monuments and forts relating to India's muslim history. The other Delhi is the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British. In addition to its historic interest and role as government center, Delhi is a major travel gateway. The architectural designs and sophistication that buildings in Delhi like Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Connaught Place and various administrative buildings like the South and North blocks along the breathtaking view available from Raj Path, show British influence. Modern Delhi has a cosmopolitan culture that nurtures festivals of all faiths and religions. Theatre, drama and entertainment of all sorts including discotheques are there.