India and Maldives

Chennai- Mahabalipuram
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and you will transfer to the hotel for some rest. Visit to an interesting project of Dakshinachitra a NGO engaged in the preservation of arts, tradition and architecture of South Asia. 2 hours guided tour to discover the ancient palaces of the city. Opportunity for ‘hands-on experience of art or craft forms.
Overnight at Mahabalipuram (D)

Mahabalipuram
After breakfast full day for the discovery Mahabalipuram. Mamallapuram dates back to the Tamil Pallava dynasty in the 7th-9th century. The structures here, mostly carved straight out of granite, are among the oldest existing examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture. In the morning you will have a guided visit of sea Shore temple, five rathas and Thirukadalmallai temple. The Shore temple is the oldest structure in the area, build c. 700 AD. However, unlike Mamallapuram’s other monuments, the Shore Temple is a building (not carved from rock) and the bulk of the current structure is a reconstruction after it was struck by a cyclone. The Five Rathas (Pancha Pandava Rathas), literally chariots, dating from the 7th century are sculptures complemented by some enormous stone animals, including a large elephant. Thirukadalmallai, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was also built by Pallava King in order to safeguard the sculptures from the ocean.
Afternoon you will have free time to explore the village, walk on the beach or just unwind in the beautiful swimming pool of the resort…
Overnight in Mahabalipuram (B).

Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
TRansfer to Pondicherry. With its seafront promenade, wide boul¬evards, enduring pockets of French culture and architecture, and a popular ashram, Puducherry, the original name of the city, is unlike anywhere else in South India. Remains of French connection make this place distinct from other places in India. The former French colony was settled in the early 18th century as a colonial enclave and it retains a mildly Gallic air superimposed on a typical Indian background. Pondicherry is enriched with its architectural marvel and cultural wealth. Today a guided tour will allow you to discover the main tourist attractions. You will visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother spent their time for the upliftment of society, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial museum. In its credit it has the birth-place of Subramanya Bharathy, the great Tamil poet and also the birth place of world famous film director M. Night Shyamalan. Later you will have free time to explore the city, beaches and promenade. You might walk along the seashore, which is always clean, charming and amazing with its beauty.
Overnight in Pondicherry (B).

Pondicherry- Auroville- Pondicherry
Early morning transfer to Auroville. During the day you will have an introduction to life in Auroville, exploring a variety of sites and the soul of Auroville – Matrimandir. Lunch at visitor centre. After you will visit another project, a women’s empowerment initiative called WELL paper (Women’s Empowerment through Local Livelihood). The project was initiated in 2005 in South India as a tsunami relief effort, to provide alternative livelihood to affected families from the local areas. It gradually developed into a social enterprise model for women from neighbouring villages of Auroville and Pondicherry. The two main goals of WELL Paper are to provide self-empowerment and livelihood for women and to develop and promote products made of recycled materials.
Overnight in Hotel Pondicherry (B/L).

Pondicherry– Chidambaram- Kumbakonam
Departure to Chidambaram. Here we will visit an interesting development project of a local NGO called EKTA. The NGO promotes campaigns to end violence against women, facilitates networks for experiential sharing and collective action. It advocates and lobbies for gender sensitive policy changes to further the interest of women and address gender based violence in particular. In particular you will visit the Nambikkai Centre, which host 30 girls, providing them with maximum opportunity to explore their creative skills in different disciplines, sports, dance, music, etc. This Centre also acts as a drop-in centre for women and children in need. Lunch will be prepared by women of a local village.
In the afternoon you will visit Chidambaram temple, famous to be the only Indian temple of Shiva Nataraj. After the temple visit to Kumbakonam. On the way visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. The name Gangaikonda Cholapuram means the city of the Chola King who captured the Ganges. This religious village, which served as the capital for nearly 250 years, still holds the remains of the Chola Kingdom and the structures of architectural values.
Overnight in Kumbakonam (B/L).

Kumbakonam
After breakfast, visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, which means ‘the Chola who conquered the Ganga’. Today you will visit Kumbakonam and Dharasuram village, located 3 km from Kumbakonam, is known for the Airavateswara temple constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century A and is an exquisite symbol of the supremacy of Chola architectural style D. The temple is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage monument. Airavat is the holy White Elephant and the temple is dedicated to the Lord of Airavat. Evening performance of Bharathanatyam with traditional vegetarian dinner.
Overnight at Kumbakonam (B).

Kumbakonam – Tanjore – Madurai
Early morning departure to Madurai. On the way visit to Brihadishvara Temple in Thanjavur. Thanjavur, otherwise known as Tanjore, is a city of Chola rulers and it gained popularity during the Chola period between 11th and 14th centuries. According to a local legend, Thanjavur derives its name from Tanjan, an asura ruler, who was killed by Lord Vishnu and Sri Anandavalli Amman for devastating the neighbourhood and was granted his last request that the city be named after him. The Great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola built this famous Brahadeshwara temple or the Big Temple. This temple showcases the Indian architectural brilliance and is a favourite pilgrimage spot for many visitors visiting Tanjore. After lunch transfer to Madurai. Afternoon visit and sightseeing Madurai: Sri Meenakshi Temple. Palace, Alagar Koil. Madurai is a temple town of India which attracts people from several different part of the country for religious purposes. The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi.
Overnight in Madurai. (B)

Madurai – Periyar
If you wish you can have an early morning visit to Meenakshi temple. After breakfast transfer to Periyar- (5hrs drive). Arrive and proceed to Hotel in Thekkady. Periyar Tiger Reserve, sprawled over an area of 777 Sq.km, is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India and it is considered an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. People oriented and park centred community based ecotourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programmes are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. Spend some time to relax and walk around.
Overnight in Peryar. (B)

Periyar-Kochi
After breakfast go for nature walk (max 5 person in a group). Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The programme starts at 7.00 am and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers. After lunch transfer to Cochin (approx. 4 hrs drive). Arrive in Cochin and check into Hotel in Fort Cochin. Fort Cochin is a jewel in the crown of Kerala with its European heritage and true cosmopolitan temperament. A leisurely walk through its streets is one of the best ways to discover all that the city has to offer – its natural harbour and historical sites. Free for walks around…
Overnight in Cochin. (B)

Fort Kochi
Morning: Join our guide for a half day guided tour of Fort Cochin exploring the Jew town, Synagogue, Spice Markets, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing nets. Return to the hotel by afternoon. Rest of the time free for shopping, cycling or just pure history walks (Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays; Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays). In the evening attend a cultural art performance at the theatre of Greenix village. The Village, Kerala’s only cultural art village is a pioneer establishment in the promotion of art & culture since 2006. The village covers an area of 45,000 sq. ft. and is dedicated to present various facets of Kerala’s rich culture. The evening cultural programme (starts at 5 pm and ends at 7,30 pm.) comprises of 7 different art forms: traditional Welcome dance of Kerala, Mohiniyattom, the classical dance of Kerala, Bharathanatayam, the south Indian classical dance; Martial arts of Kerala, Kalaripayattu; Demo as well as the episode of Kathakali; Theyyam, a temple ritual; final programme with a fusion of all the dance forms.
Overnight in Kochi. (B)

Fort Kochi-Kumarakom-Kochi
Early morning transfer to Kumarakom (1hr drive) for a daily cruise in backwaters. Kumarakom is about 10kms from Kottayam and it is one of most beautiful backwater stretches of Kerala. Besides the tourism activities in the backwaters, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which extends over 14 acres is a major tourist attraction. Agriculture, fishing and tourism are the major economic activities of Kumarakom. Hence, it is declared as a Special Tourism Zone by Government of Kerala in 2005. Today you will experience a daily responsible tourism initiative, called “Village life experience”. It is a half-day tour package, to give you an authentic experience of village life. This is a good example of an itinerary linking the community-based tourism products and services, as envisaged by the Responsible Tourism programme (Government of Kerala). View the village life while on boat cruise. After lunch return to Cochin. Rest time or possibility of Ayurvedic treatment. Return to Cochin for an evening walk.
Overnight in Cochin. (B/L)

Kochi – Malé – Dhuni Kolhu
Transfer to Cochin airport and for your international flight to Male. Arrival at Malé international airport and meet with our representative at the terminal. Then transfer to the Dhuni Kolhu Island by seaplane (please note that connection to the island with the seaplane is operative from, 6am to 3:30pm so your international flight should arrive in Malé before 3:30pm). Dhuni Kolhu island lies in the stunning southern waters of the Baa Atoll: the 30-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport will be a great opportunity to admire a stunning bird’s eye view of the Maldives before you land at your island home. After landing, check in at the resort. This unique resort, embodies the Maldives as it should be: nourishing, charming, inspiring and enchanting. The style and feel are rustic yet luxurious, organic yet elegant. It is a perfect way to experience a different kind of comfort, surrounded by wonderful coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and an impressive marine biodiversity.
Free time to rest and to discover the island, or just to relax on the beach.
Overnight in Dhuni Kolhu (B)

Dhuni Kolhu
During your week stay on the island, you will have the possibility to unwind on the wonderful beach, swim or join any of the mentioned activities at the resort:

• Responsible snorkeling
• Coral Nursing
• Meet with the crafters
• Afternoon tea with a Maldivian family
• Garden cuisine experience
• Embudhoo escape

Overnight in Dhuni Kolhu (B)

Dhuni Kolhu
During your week stay on the island, you will have the possibility to unwind on the wonderful beach, swim or join any of the mentioned activities at the resort:

• Responsible snorkeling
• Coral Nursing
• Meet with the crafters
• Afternoon tea with a Maldivian family
• Garden cuisine experience
• Embudhoo escape

Overnight in Dhuni Kolhu (B)

Dhuni Kolhu
During your week stay on the island, you will have the possibility to unwind on the wonderful beach, swim or join any of the mentioned activities at the resort:

• Responsible snorkeling
• Coral Nursing
• Meet with the crafters
• Afternoon tea with a Maldivian family
• Garden cuisine experience
• Embudhoo escape

Overnight in Dhuni Kolhu (B)

Dhuni Kolhu
During your week stay on the island, you will have the possibility to unwind on the wonderful beach, swim or join any of the mentioned activities at the resort:

• Responsible snorkeling
• Coral Nursing
• Meet with the crafters
• Afternoon tea with a Maldivian family
• Garden cuisine experience
• Embudhoo escape

Overnight in Dhuni Kolhu (B)

Dhuni Kolhu
During your week stay on the island, you will have the possibility to unwind on the wonderful beach, swim or join any of the mentioned activities at the resort:

• Responsible snorkeling
• Coral Nursing
• Meet with the crafters
• Afternoon tea with a Maldivian family
• Garden cuisine experience
• Embudhoo escape

Overnight in Dhuni Kolhu (B)

Dhuni Kolhu – Malé
In the morning, it will be time to leave the island. Your connection by seaplane to Malé will be the kast opportunity to admire the beautiful view of the islands from the sky. Once in airport, departure with international flight.