Day 08: Thanjavur / Trichy (59 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs Drive)
Morning, we will proceed on the tour of the Thanjavur Palace. It has huge halls, spacious corridors, observation & arsenal towers and a shady courtyard. Though many sections of the palace are in ruins restoration work has been taken up. The palace houses a library, a museum and an art gallery. The Royal museum displays many items from the kings who ruled the place in past. The eclectic collection of royal memorabilia can fascinate any visitor. The Royal cloths, hunting weapons, the head gears and many more such items are enough to catch the attention of any one. There are two Durbar halls where the rulers held public meetings. Though they have not been renovated, they are in good shape.
The Nayak hall of the palace is occupied by the Art Gallery. This gallery has an excellent collection of artifacts from the Chola dynasty during the 8th and 9th century. The bronze and granite statues reflect the height of craftsmanship obtained during those days. The bell tower which was put under restoration work, has emerged very different from the rest of the structure after renovation. But it is worth going up the tower to have a good view of the surrounding area. Next to the art gallery is the Saraswathi Mahal Library with an amazing collection of manuscripts on palm leaves and paper. The library is not open for the public. But one can always go in the museum to have a look at the full Ramayana written on Palm leaf or a set of explicit prints of prisoners.
We will also proceed for sightseeing of Tanjore. See the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadeeshwara. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp- an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. You will also visit the Palace and its Art Gallery, which contains several granite and bronze statues of the Chola period.
Following the tour we will drive to Trichy.
Upon arrival, check into hotel Grand Gardenia
Overnight at Hotel Grand Gardenia (Executive Room)
Day 09: Trichy / Madurai (138 Kms) (02 Hrs Drive)
Morning tour of Rockfort Temple. The 83m high Rock Fort is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3.800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. The sheer abruptness of its rise is a thrill in itself, but the actual centre of attraction is not the fort itself, of which very little remains, but the temple at the summit. 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where there are inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century.B.C. Hardly anything remains of the ramparts but the Main Guard Gate is still intact. The fort played an important part during the Carnatic wars and according to an inscription, mainly contributed to lay the foundations of the British Empire in India.
At the top of the rock is the Uchipillaiyar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirappalli. A flight of steps leads to the Mathrubutheswarar of Thayumanaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Siva where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself. Below the Siva temple are the two Pallava cave temples that have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries. At the foot of the Rock Fort are a tank and a pavilion which are used during the float festival of the temples. Near the tank is the house where Robert Clive lived when he was in Tiruchirappalli and there is an 18th century Church built by Reverend Schwartz of Denmark
The temple elephant in rock fort temple collects donations, giving a blessing and hands over the money to his "boss
Afternoon, we ride to Tirumayam, which is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Tirumayam has two cave temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, which are visited by large number of devotees. Mahendravarman and Narasimhavarman Pallava built the cave temples, which lie adjacent to each other.
Later, we will drive to Madurai
Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel Heritage Madurai
Afternoon we will walk along the main street leading to the temple. The well-organized confusion caused by pilgrims in traditional clothes, pavement shops of all shades, holy men in robes of different colours etc add an unmistakable colour and atmosphere to this fascinating Temple City.
Evening we will witness Bed Chamber Ceremony at Meenakshi temple.
Overnight at Heritage Madurai (Deluxe Club Room)
Day 10: Madurai / Cardamom House (85 Kms) (01½ Hrs Drive)
Morning we will proceed to the sightseeing of Madurai one of the oldest cities of southern India. It has been a center of pilgrimage, for centuries. The Meenakshi temple, the main architectural attraction here, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a profusion of multicolored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures.
However, besides the temple, our tour includes a walk along the main street leading to the temple. The well-organized confusion caused by pilgrims in traditional clothes, pavement shops of all shades, holy men in robes of different colors etc add an unmistakable color and atmosphere to this fascinating Temple City.
Afternoon, we will visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple.
From here we will drive to Cardamom House
It is situated in stunningly beautiful surroundings on a hillside of the Western Ghats over-looking a monsoon dependent 400-acre lake. Cardamom House is owned and managed by Dr. Chris Lucas, a retired English physician, ably assisted by 6 Indian staff. All rooms have either twin or separate double-bedded accommodation, face south, and have modern western style bathroom facilities en-suite with solar heated hot water. The water comes from deep bore wells and is potale. With just two guests to each staff member we can assure that you will, be personally looked after and "spoiled rotten" during your stay. The meals are prepared using only the freshest produce purchased daily from the local markets and the house takes great pride in the variety of food that they serve.
Besides experiencing a great, traditional accommodation in stunning natural settings, we also want you to experience a typical back of beyond unhurried Athoor village that has remained frozen in time. We suggest that you simply stroll through the village at your own pace, absorbing the atmosphere and watching as the rural life unfolds. On the track you will pass a Hindu Temple situated under a Banyan Tree, Continuing your stroll you will pass Banana Plantations, fields of Chilli and Groundnuts, and of course hundreds upon hundreds of Coconut Trees. The villagers whose Way of life is dependent on agriculture, are Very friendly and will welcome you. Some of the Cardamom House staff either hail from, or are living in Athoor and will ensure that they are there to help you, introduce you to people and help with the devilishly difficult Tamil language, Athoor is truly an unspoiled Indian Village waiting to be discovered.
Overnight at Cardamom House (Twin Bedded A/C)
Day 11: Cardamom House / Periyar (141 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)
Morning, we will drive to Periyar through the scenically vibrant valley of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady in Kerala, is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India. About a century ago, a British engineer, Col. J. Penn ycuick, chalked out a plan to dam the Periyar River, subsequently, a dam was constructed in 1895. This resulted in the adjoining forests being granted protection, by the Maharaja of Travancore. The 55 sq km reservoir and the surrounding forests, provide protection to the animals within. Today, Periyar is undeniably, one of the most impressive wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
Upon arrival check into the Poetree Sarovar Portico
The spice plantation in Periyar is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation.
The spice plantation in Periyar is a prime attraction of this beautiful land. Though sprawling tea estates cover much of the landscape of Periyar, plantations of cardamom, rubber, vanilla and coffee are also aplenty.
We have the option for nature walks, bird watching, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air while exploring the spice plantation in Periyar. Pick up a few packets of the tea and spices grown here that make for a good buy.
There are various kinds of spices cultivated in Periyar. The most abundantly found spice in Periyar is pepper. However, there is a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves on the slanting slopes of the spice plantation in Periyar. We will also visit the Sahyadri Organic tea factory in Peermade, a recent venture of the PDS. There are specially designed vantage points for you to view this factory housed in a white-washed building.
Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Portico (Club Room)
Day 12: Periyar
Following breakfast this morning we would take a short trek inside the forest. The birdlife comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfishers, great hornbills (the great Malabar hornbill) and racket-tailed drongoes. The reptilian population boasts of monitor lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore, especially in the cooler months. Pythons, king cobras, flying lizards, flying squirrels, flying snakes and to top it all, flying frogs are the other inhabitants of this amazing sanctuary.
There are a few fascinating tribal villages around the Periyar, primarily the Manan and Oorali tribes. The Mana ns are ace fishermen, and a few of them still indulge in the traditional, if dangerous, practice of collecting the honey of large and deadly hill bees. The Ooralis build tree dwellings, though not as residences, but watchtowers to keep wild pigs, and elephants from ruining their crops.
After the trek, we board rafts made of bamboos for a rafting experience through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rafting is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake.
The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5 pm. An armed guard and guides will accompany us. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served Enroute
Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Portico (Club Room)
Day 13: Periyar / Munnar (98 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs. Drive)
Morning, we will drive to Munnar.
On arrival, check into Spice Tree Resort, a luxury boutique Resort and Spa center. The latter is the perfect destination for those wanting to get away from it all. At Spice Tree, you have everything that you expect from Munnar, but much more by way of peace, freshness, tranquility, and, total privacy. Each room of the resort is just wonderful and offers a soothing feel with energy saving warm lights, wooden floor, a sofa cum bed by the window, a balcony with a coffee table; all add up to make for a cozy warm experience.
Afternoon we will visit the Anayirangal Dam - Surrounded by the Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. The view of this imposing dam can also be enjoyed by taking a boat trip. The scenic beauty of this place is simply astounding. Lots of wading birds can also be seen here.
Later, we will visit the remnants of the stone-age, just to the right of the Resort. These Dolmens are believed to be the dwelling places of the inhabitants of this area during the stone-age. These now stand as monumental witness of a pre- historic era. Little is known about them through written history; but they were apparently the rulers of this beautiful land. Ideal for photography, one can experience some great views of the mountains covered in lush green vegetation from here.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
Day 14: Munnar (Plantation Walk and Bison Valley Village Tour)
Morning, we proceed on an excursion to Bison valley – a small village overlooking the SpiceTree Resort. This village is one of the oldest migrations for the high range region of the central part of Kerala. We are offering a tour to explore Bison Valley to reveal its ‘Spice’ tradition using the guidance of a trained team of experts who have an in-depth knowledge about this area and its valuable place in history. During the tour of this place you will get a chance to take a glimpse into the life and cultural activities of the people living in this village valley who are mainly spice growers and farmers. Down below, in the valley you will also witness paddy fields that again adds yet another uniqueness to this area. These paddy fields are perhaps the rarest at this very high altitude. Guests also visit a variety of plantation to witness their day to day working, and also interact with the locals. Prominent plantations would be that of tea and cardamom. If willing, you may also indulge in soft treks, or nature walks. This beautiful valed village depicts a different culture and has a totally different story to tell compared to Munnar’s colonial plantation culture.
As we return after our beautiful village experience, learn some authentic South Indian dishes. Kerala has always been famous all over the world for its spices. The best Kerala dishes are a clever blend of exotic spices and delicate herbs. The chef will introduce you to some of the popular and traditional recipes of Kerala, and make it look easy for you. This would be an ideal activity if you wish to experience the true flavors and preparations of Kerala food in an easy and relaxed manner.
Afternoon we will visit the Tea Museum inaugurated by Tata Tea a major producer of packaged tea so as to keep the history of tea plantation in India intact. The Munnar Tea Museum houses some of the exclusive artifacts like the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant, the original Tea roller, and, an ancient rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley that shuttled men and material between Munnar. Besides this Museum is a tribute to the efforts of all the unsung heroes who were determined to make Munnar a major tea plantation center in Kerala, India.
Optional For those who are interested, a detailed tea tasting experience can be conducted at SpiceTree upon prior request. You will be briefed on the production of tea, and introduced to the different varieties of tea available in Munnar. The session ends with high tea.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
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