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Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
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Munnar
Thanjavur
Also known as Thanjai or Tanjore, this city is considered as the "granary and rice bowl" of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This city was once an ancient capital of the Chola Kingdom between the 10th and 14th centuries. It's best known for the magnificent landmark of Brahadeeswara Temple (Big Temple). Today, Thanjavur is an agricultural town with a mix of religious beliefs.
Pondicherry (Puducherry)
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.
Kochi (Cochin)
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
Cochin: Highlights - 7.5 hours
9AM- 10:30AM
Disembark the ship drive for 45 minutes to Tripunithura and visit the Hill Palace which was the official residence of the Cochin Royal family built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and in surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park. A fully fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage Museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside are 19th century paintings, murals sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.
Cooking demonstration and lunch can be arranged at a local home ( on direct payment basis)
2PM- 4PM
In the afternoon, before returning to the ship which is towards the Silk Route trading post of Fort Cochin, these days a `Heritage Zone’. Beginning with the Chinese and Arabs in the 13th century, the Portuguese arrived in 1500 A.D. followed by the domination of the Dutch and British. See St. Francis Church originally built in 1510 and the first to reflect European influenced tradition. Portuguese hero Vasco Da Gama died on the site and was buried in the cemetery.
At Matancherry, there’s the Dutch Palace built in 1557 by the Portuguese as a gift for the Maharaja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. The Palace houses royal costumes, palanquins, furniture and weapons but its striking feature is a series of murals painted on wooden walls. Later, stop by the Pardesi synagogue, at the heart of what is locally called Jew town. (Closed for a visit on Fridays and Saturday)
4PM - 4:30PM Thereafter return to the pier.
Added Value:
- Great introduction to Cochin city.
- The Tour covers the main highlights of the city i.e Depart the Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace and later Jew Street (or Spice Street) in Jew Town.
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- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No
Closing dates : Fridays - Dutch Palace in Mattancherry and Fridays & Saturdays – Jewish Synagogue.
Inclusions:
- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Credit card and bank charges.
- All the prevailing taxes.
Madurai
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.
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
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
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.
Also known as Thanjai or Tanjore, this city is considered as the "granary and rice bowl" of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This city was once an ancient capital of the Chola Kingdom between the 10th and 14th centuries. It's best known for the magnificent landmark of Brahadeeswara Temple (Big Temple). Today, Thanjavur is an agricultural town with a mix of religious beliefs.
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.
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
Cochin: Highlights - 7.5 hours
9AM- 10:30AM
Disembark the ship drive for 45 minutes to Tripunithura and visit the Hill Palace which was the official residence of the Cochin Royal family built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and in surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park. A fully fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage Museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside are 19th century paintings, murals sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.
Cooking demonstration and lunch can be arranged at a local home ( on direct payment basis)
2PM- 4PM
In the afternoon, before returning to the ship which is towards the Silk Route trading post of Fort Cochin, these days a `Heritage Zone’. Beginning with the Chinese and Arabs in the 13th century, the Portuguese arrived in 1500 A.D. followed by the domination of the Dutch and British. See St. Francis Church originally built in 1510 and the first to reflect European influenced tradition. Portuguese hero Vasco Da Gama died on the site and was buried in the cemetery.
At Matancherry, there’s the Dutch Palace built in 1557 by the Portuguese as a gift for the Maharaja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. The Palace houses royal costumes, palanquins, furniture and weapons but its striking feature is a series of murals painted on wooden walls. Later, stop by the Pardesi synagogue, at the heart of what is locally called Jew town. (Closed for a visit on Fridays and Saturday)
4PM - 4:30PM Thereafter return to the pier.
Added Value:
- Great introduction to Cochin city.
- The Tour covers the main highlights of the city i.e Depart the Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace and later Jew Street (or Spice Street) in Jew Town.
-
- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No
Closing dates : Fridays - Dutch Palace in Mattancherry and Fridays & Saturdays – Jewish Synagogue.
Inclusions:
- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Credit card and bank charges.
- All the prevailing taxes.
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.
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.
