Kerala Spices Holidays

The Caravanserais of Ancient South India were established to facilitate the barter of spices, precious jewels and silk between the Kingdoms of the Cholas, Pandyas, Vijaynagars and the Nations of Europe in the West.

From the 4th century Spice Trade of Madurai, the Silk Traders of Chettinad and Kanchipuram to the Naval and sea trading might of the Cholas and Pandyas, Tamil Nadu has been, for centuries, the trading partner to the Greeks, the Arabs and Mughals of the Middle East and North, the Dutch, the French and finally the British.

Name of Program : Kerala Spice Holidays (KSH)
Places Visit: . Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Pondichery-Thanjavur-Chidambaram-Trichi-Chettinad-Madurai-Cochin.
Duration : 10 Nights
Best Time : Oct-March.

Day 1: Arrival Chennai-Mahabalipuram :
Upon arrival at Chennai (Madras) meet to our representative later drive 2 hrs to Mahabalipurm, the beach city, once the ancient capital of the Pallava Kings in the 7th century, rest of the night at hotel.

Day 2 : Mahabalipuram :
Morning, leisure for get more relax, after lunch commence sightseeing around the region visit a Heritage Village allowing you to dwell among re-creations of traditional houses, sample the cuisines and experience the art, crafts and dances of the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

Day 3 : Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Pondichery :
(By road, 4-5 hrs drive) After breakfast visit the magnificent rock cut caves and stone carved temples of Mamallapuram. While in Mamallapuram, we also interact with the local stone carvers and visit the Sculpture Museum that displays their work in stone, metal, brass and wood. Afternoon drive to Pondichery via Kanchipuram, silk town of Kanchipuram. The first half of the day we spend exploring the town's oldest temple complexes from the 7th and 8th centuries, built by the last great Pallava Kings. We tour the silk weaving industry in the afternoon, the village it supports and generally gaining an insight into the process of manufacturing the famous Kanchipuram Silk Saree; tempting your wardrobe in the process. On arrival at Pondichery check in hotel.

Day 4 : Pondicherry-Thanjavur (By road, 4-5 hrs drive):
Morning visit Pondichery, French colony we visit Auroville or ā€œThe City of Dawn'' as envisioned by its creators. We peek into the lifestyle of a community that hails from all over the world living and working in peace and harmony for the past 40 years. We also visit the Matri Mandir, a meditation center and the highlight of the visit to Auroville. Aurobindo Ashram and its influence on the city;;s citizens, their lifestyle, arts and crafts. Late afternoon drive to Thanjavur, on arrival check in hotel.

Day 5 : Thanjavur-Trichi (By road, 3-4 hrs):
After breakfast we ahead further south to the heart of Tamilnadu, using this ancient capital of the Chola Kings at Thanjavur as base for the next four days. Stopping en-route at the sacred town of Chidambaram, we get to experience how often history and mythology are interlinked in religion. We visit the 9th century Chola Nataraja Temple; where Shiva is believed to have performed the ''Tandava Nritya'' the ancient representation of the Bharatanatyam dance form as is known today. On arrival check in hotel fo overnight.

Day 6 : Trichi :
After breakfast w spend the Trichi, as it gets referred to sometimes, is a veritable treasure store of history and architectural marvels. We feel that true justice to this ancient Chola kingdom is only done if one spends the whole day exploring it.

Day 7: Trichi-Chettnad (By road, 4-5 hrs) :
Proceeding further south and inland into Tamilnadu, we arrive at the ancient town of Chettinad the ancestral land of the Chettiars. The Chettiars were astute businessmen who traveled through Europe and Asia making fortunes through trade. This wealth they poured back into ornate and lavishly styled mansions here in Chettinad. We attempt at experiencing a part of that bygone lifestyle by living in a perfectly restored Chettinad mansion home-stay. We not only sample the unique cuisine but explore the town's history and culture.

Day 8 : Chittinad-Madurai :(By road, 4-5 hrs):
After breakfast drive to Madura, we spend the near end of our journey at this famed temple city of Madurai which for centuries has been the repository of Tamil literature and knowledge. The prosperity of the city flourished under the Pandya Kings owing to the trade of spices and silks with Rome and China during the 7th through 13th centuries. We visit the Meenakshi temple complex; a tribute by the Pandyas to the culture and religion of this ancient literary city, spending the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9: Madurai-Cochi : (By train):
No journey through India can be capped without a train ride. We end your trip with us with one such ride that sees you through from Madurai to the Malabar coastal port city of Cochin. Morning leiusre time for shopping etc. afternoon train to Cochin, on arrival meet to our representative, check in hotel. rest of the time leisure for explore the Malabar beach site.

Day 10: Cochi :
Full day sightseeing visit Mathanchery Palace, Synagogue, Chines fishing net and local market. Late after noon visit the place where you will see the "Kathakali dance" in time dep. transfer to onward destination.

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