Upon arrival, met by our representative and get transferred to your hotel. India Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine. Kochi Fort Cochin is an old port city and relic of the days of sailboats and spice trading. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, it is still a major port of India and regarded as Kerala’s commercial capital. Despite this, it is has a laid-back atmosphere and leisurely pace. Shipyards and heritage hotels are testament to over 600 years of traders and visitors stopping over, and the many influences in architecture and culture range from European to Chinese. Read more

Kochi , 2 nights

Enjoy an orientation tour of Kochi. Visit Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday) built in 1568. Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved here. The building was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later. Also visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555. The Palace was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. This was also known as the Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday), resulting from substantial renovation by the Dutch after 1663. The central hall was the Coronation Hall of the Rajas. Their dresses, turbans and palanquins and murals from Hindu mythology are all beautiful and worth seeing. On the beach near the church you will see the so-called Chinese Fishing Nets, strung out along the tip of the peninsula. These are used at high and low tides, but not whilst tides are ebbing or flowing, and operate by a system of counterweights. It is said that this style of net was introduced to Kochi by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Optional: watch Kathakali dance. The most spectacular forms of dance-drama in India, the origins of Kathakali go back 500 years, and full performances start in the evening and last through the night. The shorter shows put on for visitors last about one-and-a-half hours. Kathakali is much more than a dance: it includes music, yoga, mime, use of gestures and facial expressions. The performance is preceded by an intensive make-up process that uses only natural materials. Dancers use powdered minerals and tree sap for facial make-up, and burnt coconut oil for black paint. Overnight in the Hotel. Activities Pardesi Synagogue Chinese Fishing Net, Cochin Optional Enjoy a mesmerising Kathakali dance performance Pardesi Synagogue This Synagogue was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, Ephrahim Sala and Joseph Levi. It stands on the grounds of the Maharaja of Cochin's residence. It is the first Synagogue which came into existence in the commonwealth and is one of the oldest in the world Chinese Fishing Net, Cochin The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on the tourist map. Once just a fishing accessory, it is a now a big bait for tourists. Chinese fishing nets - Cheenavala in Malayalam - is believed to have been introduced in Kochi by Chinese explorer Zheng He, from the court of the Kubla Khan. The fishing net established itself on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD. The sight of the Chinese nets, suspended in mid air and standing in line on the beaches, when silhouetted against the sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. It is, undoubtedly, one of the most photographed sights in Kochi. For the best view of the nets, head to the Vasco da Gama Square, the narrow walkway that runs along the Fort Kochi beach. The Chinese nets, made of teak wood and bamboo poles, work on the principle of balance. Each structure, about 10m high, is fixed on the beach and has a cantilever with an attached net that is spread over an area of about 20 meters. Counterweights, usually stones about 30 cm in diameter, tied to ropes of different lengths, facilitate the working of the nets. Often, lights, attached to the teak posts. are suspended above the net to attract fish. Each fishing net is operated by more than four fishermen and is made in such a way that the weight of a man walking on the main plank is enough to cause the equipment to be pulled down into the sea. Fishing is usually done in the morning and early evening. The net is descended into the water for a short time and then raised delicately by pulling on the ropes. The slow rhythm and balancing of the net is spellbinding to a first-time viewer. Enjoy a mesmerising Kathakali dance performance Gear up for an enchanting and exhilarating experience as the Hi! Tours representative will arrange for a beautiful Kathakali dance performance for you in the port city of Kochi. As the dancers will enter the stage in colourful dramatic costumes, you will get amazed with the sheer grandeur and aura, the dancers bring along with them. The classical music being played in the backdrop will slowly soothe your mind, transforming your soul into some other world. The designated person from Hi! Tours will receive you in Kochi, the colonial name of which is Cochin. Situated on the south-western coast of peninsular India, the city has earned the sobriquet, ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. This is because of this strategic location that has served traders from ancient times. Owing to such strong trade relationship with the outside world, the architecture is reminiscent of various cultures like Dutch, Portuguese and British. As you reach the city, the representative will take you to witness a mesmerising performance by Kathakali dancers. A traditional dance form of the state of Kerala, Kathakali literally signifies story play. This means that the dancers enact a story with their hand movements and expressions, without any dialogue. Initially a dance form perform by only men, it has now accepted women dancers too. Since the entire focus of the dance is on acting or abhinaya, the costumes used are very dramatic, loud, huge and ornate. Another important aspect of this dance is the facial make-up. The make-up is done with fine detailing and is very intricate. It is so dense that it almost looks like a dancer is wearing a colourful mask. The dance performances are usually a narration of episodes from ancient mythological stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Read more

Kochi , 2 nights

After breakfast drive to Alleppey and board the House-boat (Kettuvallom) on the World famous Backwaters of Kerala. Kettu literally means to tie up and Vallom means boats;. The boats played a major role in the economic development of ancient. Kerala, moving cargo and men from the very nook and corner of otherwise unreachable area, cutting across the length and breadth of the land. Boats cruise around the backwaters. Fringing the coast of Kerala and far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. These backwaters represent a unique geological formation and the basis of a distinct lifestyle. Traveling on backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to Kerala. The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. You can see people live on narrow spits of reclaimed land only a few meters wide. Although practically surrounded by water, they still manage to keep cows, pigs, chickens and ducks and cultivate small vegetable gardens, prawns and fish. Overnight in Houseboat Alappuzha Commonly known as Alleppey, the Alappuzha district is a tourist destination of Kerala, with the backwaters being its popular tourist attraction. Tourists often explore this region through various houseboat cruises. This area is also known as the 'Venice of the East' as its a region featuring canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons. Activities Alleppey Deluxe Houseboat The Kerala houseboats takes tourists on a cruise along the emerald waterways. Modified to meet a novel concept of holidaying, the kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably furnished with an open lounge, one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco-friendly, merging smoothly into the panorama. Every houseboat is manned by a crew of 3 men, usually a cook, guide and oarsman. The Deluxe Houseboat has 2 bedrooms containing one bed that caters to a maximum of 2 passengers per room. Then there's another 2 bedrooms with 2 beds in each catering to 4 passengers per room. And lastly, there's 1 bedroom that features 3 beds catering to a maximum of 6 passengers. Read more

Alappuzha, 1 night

Disembark the houseboat and drive to Thekkady. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India and is amongst the most picturesque wild life sanctuaries in the world despite the tragic loss of the richly vegetated valley due to the dam and the 21 sq. mile reservoir. Since boat travel is the only way of travelling through this sanctuary, one can cover large areas in a short time and experience the wilderness like never before. There is probably no sanctuary in the world where elephant behaviour can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight in the Hotel Thekkady A tourist attraction in Kerala, Thekkady is a district located at the Periyar National Park. Thekkady comprises of evergreen forests and savanna grass lands. This area is known for its natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. Wild life creatures found in this region include elephants, tigers and sambar to name a few. Included Bed & Breakfast Read more

Thekkady, 2 nights

After breakfast enjoy a visit to Spice Plantation. See various species of spices and other aromatic plants/herbs. The guide will explain about the usage of different spices in Indian cuisine. OPTIONAL - Later enjoy the game viewing by boats in Periyar National Park, which is a unique wildlife sanctuary and is about 780 sq. km centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. The boats will carry you through the jungle along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephant, bison and deer. There are trees more than 100 years old and over 50 m high Overnight in the Hotel. Activities Take a trip to the aromatic spice plantations of Thekkady Optional Periyar National Park Take a trip to the aromatic spice plantations of Thekkady Take a trip to the fragrant spice plantations of Thekkady to get acquainted with the best-quality spices of the entire world. Organised by Hi Tours, the tour will incorporate a walk through these lush green spice plantations, which you will find all over the place in the district. As you will enter the spice estate, a lingering aroma of spices will surely rejuvenate your senses. Thekkady is a small district in the verdant state of Kerala, which is known for its natural reserves, captivating hills and lush green spice plantations. The verdurous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary falls under this region. This national park is mostly known for its elephant safaris, which take you deep inside the wilderness for that thrilling experience. Besides, the region also provides opportunities for adventurous treks and mountain walks owing to the hilly terrain around. However, the most important facet of this district is that it dons a rich green blanket encompassing picturesque spice plantations. Considered to be the heartland of spices, Thekkady has around 50 sq. km area in and around Periyar Tiger Reserve, which draws tourists with its fresh spice aroma. From cardamom, clove, pepper, nutmeg to vanilla, a huge variety of spices is cultivated here. While you are here, do not miss out on a tour of these aromatic spic plantations. Hi Tours representative will take you to one of these spice plantations where you can breathe in the aroma and fragrance of these robust fresh spices. As you take a walk through the entire estate, you will get a chance to witness the local workers who indulge in various cultivation and production activities to make these best-quality spices available at your door step. If you wish you can also buy souvenir spice packets for your loved ones at various souvenir shops available at these spice plantations. Periyar National Park The southernmost of India’s tiger reserves and a key wildlife attraction, Periyar National Park sprawls for miles around a vast manmade lake. It’s a scenic wonderland of tangled jungle, evergreen forests and lush grasslands – surrounded by mountains and interspersed with lakes and river systems – that supports a wealth of animal and plant life. Best known for its sizeable population of wild elephants and endangered (and often elusive) Bengal tigers, Periyar also encompasses myriad other mammals, reptiles and botanical varieties, as well as approximately 265 avian species. Included Bed & Breakfast Read more

Thekkady, 2 nights

After breakfast drive to Madurai. drive to Madurai,a city shaped like a lotus - is the destination of thousands of pilgrims. Madurai is the oldest and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. The legend has that the Pandyan King, Kulasekhara, built a great temple and a lotus shaped city around it. On the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva appeared to bless the people nectar flowed from his matted locks. So it was called ‘Madhurapuri’ and later it became ‘Madurai. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony at the temple. Madurai Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is the oldest existing city on the Indian peninsula, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a recorded history spanning more than 2500 years. It is known as ‘the city of temples’ due to its countless ancient Hindu shrines, including the great Meenakshi-Sundareswar Temple, spread over 6 hectares and featuring a series of 50-metre-high gateway towers that can be seen from afar. The best time to visit Madurai is between October and March, when temperatures are between 20-35 degrees. Read more

Madurai, 2nights

This morning visit the beautiful Meenakshi Temple. Its enormous domes covered with gaily-colored statues dominate the landscape and are visible from all over Madurai. This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and Goddess Meenakshi. Designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak, the present temple was built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak from 1623 to 1655 AD, but its history goes back 2000 years, when Madurai was the capital of the Pandya Kings. There are 4 entrances to the temple and 12 towers ranging from 45m to 50m. The temple is famous for its 1000 pillar corridor. Optional: Afternoon get right under the skin of this fascinating city and take a leisurely rickshaw ride, with a friendly wallah driving you, through the maze of streets. Take in the sights and smells that surround you; pass through vegetable markets and see the locals haggling over the price; and spend time in the Gandhi Museum which charts India's freedom struggle. Activities Enjoy a paddle rickshaw ride through the temple by lanes of Madurai Embark on a joyous paddle rickshaw ride, organised by Hi! Tours, through the bustling bylanes of Madurai’s local markets. As you pass through these busy lanes, you will get an opportunity to witness the hustle-bustle of onion and vegetable markets. The way local vendors of this city indulge in their business to earn livelihood will surely intrigue you. Besides, the freshness and aroma of vegetables will particularly draw your attention. A cultural tour of the southern part of India is absolutely incomplete without visiting the revered city of Madurai. Referred to as one of the popular temple towns of South India, the sacred city is located on the banks of River Vaigai. Boating of a cultural history and heritage of more than 2500 years, the city once served as the capital under the great Pandya rule. Hi! Tours representative will help you begin your journey from the historic edifice of Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Lying about two km away from the revered Meenakshi Amman Temple, the majestic Thirumalai Nayak Palace dates back to 1636. Build by the great ruler, Thirumalai Nayak, the architectural marvel is known for its stuccowork on its domes and arches. Reflecting Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the palace’s celestial pavilion called Sorgavilasam is constructed using brick and mortar without the support of rafter. What draws more attention towards the architectural brilliance of this structure is its huge white pillars lining the courtyard and connected by ornate arches. En route take a close look at the colourful local markets of the city and how small vendors indulge in vegetable selling to earn their livelihood. These vibrant markets are also dotted with myriad food stalls selling regional delicacies. The aroma of these fresh preparations is surely going to make you hungry. As you reach the revered Meenakshi Amman Temple (the place where your ride ends), explore the stalls nearby. Here you would get a variety of knick-knacks used in puja ceremonies. Meenakshi Amman Temple is the lifeline of this temple city. Also referred to as the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin temple, the shrine has beautiful idols of Sundareswarar (incarnation of Lord Shiva) and his fish-eyed better half, Meenakshi (incarnation of Shakti). Be it the huge gateways, thousand-pillar hall, intricate carvings on pillars or musical pillars, the architecture of this temple is worth beholding. The hour-long ride ends at this holy shrine but the entire event duration can be extended up to two hours on prior request of guests. This would include a ride through other facets of the city like banana market, bamboo bazaar, flower market and Dhobi ghat. Included Bed & Breakfast Read more

Madurai, 2nights

After breakfast drive to Tanjore. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Visit Sri the Brihadeshwara Temple built by the great Chola king, Raja Raja I in the 10th century AD; this temple is an outstanding example of the Chola architecture. Guarding the inner shrine of the temple is the gigantic statue of Nandi, the Bull, while the walls of the sanctum are covered, with the wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods. This superb monument has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Optional: Visit Royal Museum. A remarkable collection of South Indian sculptures and paintings is housed in the old palace buildings at Thanjavur (Tanjore). Thanjavur has been an art centre of great importance throughout almost the entire history of Tamil Nadu. Overnight in the Hotel. Thanjavur Situated between Trichy and the coast of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is an important centre of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. It is also an agricultural hub, fondly known as the ‘rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’. It’s most visited monument, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located at the centre of the city and a style of painting, called Tanjore, which is unique to the region, can be seen here. The temple forms part of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in and around Thanjavur. Thousands of people still worship at the Cholas' grand Brihadishwara Temple every day. Activities Brihadeeswarar Temple Brihadeeswarar Temple Peruvudaiyar Kovil, which is also famous as Brihadeeswarar Temple, Rajarajeswaram and RajaRajeshwara Temple, is located at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu state of India. It is one Hindu temple, which they dedicate towards Lord Shiva. It is one luminous example of major heights, which Cholas achieves within Tamil architecture. This temple is one tribute and one reflection of power of its supporter Raja Raja Chola I. this temple remains as India’s largest and Indian architecture’s one of greatest glories. It is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site as “Great Living Chola Temples”. This great temple is India’s one of most prized site for its architecture. It stands in middle of fortified walls added probably in sixteenth century. There is one temple tower, which people call as Vimana. It is 216 feet or 66 meters high. It is also one among tallest tower in whole world in its kind. Kumbam, Chikharam or Kalasha, which is bulbous, or apex structure on top of temple, people believe that it is made out of a single stone carving. Read more

Thanjavur, 1night

Drive to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram, the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. This tiny sea side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder strewn landscape. The sculpture, here, is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of dayto day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses. On arrival at Mahabalipuram, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight in the hotel Tamil Nadu The southern state of Tamil Nadu is a land of many charms, renowned for its age-old Hindu temples, elaborate Dravidian architecture, delicious Southern Indian cuisine and breathtaking scenery, among other assets. The capital, Chennai, is one of the most visited destinations in India, and the gateway to South India; the 4000-year-old city of Madurai is the location of the country’s most venerated temples – the ancient Meenakshi temple; and the union territory of Pondicherry is distinctly French in atmosphere and culture – a legacy of its colonial past. The state’s natural attractions include the Mundanthurai-Kalakad wildlife sanctuary – stretching over more than 800 square kilometres and home to rich array of wildlife, including several endangered species; the cascading waterfall of Courtallam; the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary; and the Pichavaram mangrove jungle – the second largest of its kind in the world. Read more

Tamil Nadu, 2 nights

After breakfast visit the historical sites of the seaside resort of Mahabalipuram - City of Seven Pagodas.. The ancient Pallava port of Mamallapuram and its 7th century rockhewn monuments, magnificent rock temples and carvings transport you to the yesteryears. Visit the Five Rathas (chariots) ceremonial chariots, rockcut monoliths, named after the 5 Pandavas heroes of the Mahabharata epic and Draupadi their wife. Next proceed to the Shore Temple by the sea surrounded by gardens designed according to descriptions of the original layout from ancient times. Built in sandstone in the 7th century. Also visit Bhagirathas Penance which is a bas relief (27m X 9m) sculptured on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks. It depicts the penance of Arjuna along with myraid characters from the Mahabharata, realistic lifesize figures of animals, gods and saints watching the descent of the river goddess Ganga to Earth. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Activities The Shore Temple The Shore Temple It is believed that there were seven magnificent temples what are known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea share. But the lonely survivor is the shore temples. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it was Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha) completed the skilled work in his rule. This is one of the oldest of the south Indian Temples which were structural temples constructed in the nature Dravidian style. This shore temple has gained popularity and tourists gather here because it has been listed among the world heritage sites of the UNESCO. The temple is full of designs made by carvings. There are three temples of which two Shiva Temples face east and west respectively. The other one is the Vishnu Temple. The Vishnu temples were built by Narasimha Varman I and the other two were built by Narasimha Varman II. One can find the beautifully carved twin Dwarka Palaks (gate keepers) at the entrance of the east facing Shiva Temples. On both sides of the temple inside are the marvelous sculptures of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu with their better halves. The top part of the Shivalinga figure inside the temple is found damaged. There are sculptures of Somaskanda - lord Shiva with his better half, Parvati, and his sons, Skanda and Ganesha are found on the near wall. Apart from Lord Shiva’s sculpture, one can find the sculptures of Narasimha and Goddess Durgha also. The central shrine is in the form of a rectangle. It has a magnificent statue of lord Vishnu which is known as Sthala Shayana Perumal or Ananthasayana which means sleeping Vishnu. The peculiarity about this particular temple is - Vishnu reclines on the floor listening silently the sounds of names. The figure of Vishnu is found in segments which are to be looked through various doors. The other sculpture is portrayed in such a may that Lord Vishnu seated in mount Garuda helping Gajendra, the elephant, found in the southern wall and the northern wall is the portrayals from the life of lord Krishna. The grand temple is surrounded by mandapas and compound walls. There is a rock-cut of a lion rode by two young women. The lion has a small cut, a square shaped cut in its belly. A Huge rock near by the temple has been the target of the waves to touch it from the ancient days. There is also a carving of a buffalo demon running with a stick in his hand, located in the northern side. The temple looks beautiful due to the lights during weekend evenings. Included Bed & Breakfast Read more

Tamil Nadu, 2 nights

Check out the hotel, and go to the airport. Goodbye India