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.

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.

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