India and Maldives

Chennai – Mahabalipuram
Arrival in the morning at Chennai airport, meeting with our representatives outside the terminal and transfer to the hotel in Mahabalipuram to rest. Visit to DakshinaChitra, an NGO dedicated to preserving the arts, crafts and traditional architecture of South India. Two-hour guided tour of the historic houses in the complex, exploring every corner. Opportunity to enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional art or craft forms.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram (B).

Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, full day dedicated to discovering Mahabalipuram. Also known as Mamallapuram, the town dates back to the 7th–9th century during the reign of the Pallava dynasty. The buildings, almost entirely carved from granite, are among the earliest examples of Dravidian architecture. In the morning visit the Shore Temple, the oldest structure in the area, built in the 8th century; the Pancha Rathas (the Five Chariots), five monolithic pyramidal structures flanked by enormous animal sculptures, including an elephant; and the Thirukadalmallai Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, built by the Pallava king to protect the sculptures from the ocean. Afternoon at leisure to explore the village, walk along the beach or relax at the hotel by the pool.
Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram (B).

Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
With its seafront promenade, wide streets, evident French cultural and architectural heritage and the popular Ashram, Puducherry (its original name) is a truly unique Indian city. The former French colony was founded at the beginning of the 18th century as a colonial enclave, and over time the distinctive Indian style was overlaid with French influences, resulting in remarkable cultural and architectural richness. A guided tour will show you the main attractions such as the Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926 and later entrusted to his disciple “The Mother”; the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Bharti and Bharathidasan Memorial Museum. The Pondicherry district is also the birthplace of important personalities such as the poet Subramanya Bharathi and filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. Free time to visit the city, the beaches and the promenade, which is always kept clean to preserve its charming beauty.
Overnight stay in Pondicherry (B).

Pondicherry – Auroville – Pondicherry
Early morning transfer to Auroville, conceived as a universal town where men and women of all countries can live in peace and harmony, beyond religious, political and cultural differences. Founded in 1968, it is an ever-evolving project. At 8:30 am at the Visitor Centre you will watch an introductory video and then visit the heart of the town, the Matrimandir gardens, a modern architectural wonder featuring a 30-meter-high golden globe with lotus-shaped urns at its base. The program continues with a 2-hour session on Sri Aurobindo and Integral Yoga and a bicycle tour to discover the various areas of Auroville. During the visit, the Auroville Charter, which serves as a silent guide for its residents, and the different ongoing projects will be explained: architectural projects for its expansion, agricultural initiatives for self-sufficiency and financial experiments aimed at exploring new solutions for the future.
Overnight stay in 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)

Cochin – Maldives – Thinadhoo
Transfer to Cochin airport and departure on an international flight to Malé. Arrival at Malé International Airport and meeting with our representatives at the terminal. Then transfer by speedboat to the island of Thinadhoo. Thinadhoo has an official population of only 50 people and most of the island is developed for tourism. The hotel area together with a small village occupies about one third of the island; on the other side there is tropical vegetation and a beautiful 500-meter-long beach. The hotels and guesthouses of Thinadhoo pay great attention to the quality of the service provided and to the cleanliness of the beach and the island itself. Thinadhoo has a rich and beautiful coral reef where you can see a variety of colorful tropical fish, as well as sea turtles and rays. There are several uninhabited islands and sandbanks nearby. Compared to many other islands, Thinadhoo’s tourist beach is quite long (about 500 meters). Sunbeds, umbrellas and hammocks are provided for tourists. In Thinadhoo you can enjoy numerous activities, including Maldivian fishing, snorkeling, diving, water sports and other excursions to both inhabited and uninhabited islands, as well as trips to sandbanks. Thinadhoo is the ideal place for families with children, romantic couples and those who love private, comfortable and peaceful retreats.
Free time to rest and explore the island, or simply relax on the beach.
Overnight stay in Thinadhoo (B, L, D).

Thinadhoo
During the next four days on the island of Thinadhoo you will be able to take part in the activities that the selected resort organizes daily with a weekly program such as:

• Visit sandbanks and deserted islands for a half-day or full-day tour;
• Watch dolphins while sailing on a typical Maldivian Dhoni;
• Practice snorkeling on the island’s coral reef or on other reefs near the island;
• Swim with nurse sharks, harmless, calm and very common in Thinadhoo and the nearby islands;
• Enjoy a fishing experience, departing by boat early in the morning or in the evening and using a hand line, a typical Maldivian fishing method;
• Visit different local islands and immerse yourself in Maldivian culture.

Depending on the weekly schedule, you will be able to take part in all the activities planned by the selected resort during your stay. Alternatively, if you prefer to remain on the island, you will always have snorkeling equipment, kayaks, SUP boards and access to the resort’s boat to watch sunsets, enjoy evening aperitifs or go dolphin watching.
Overnight stay in Thinadhoo (B, L, D).

Thinadhoo
During the next four days on the island of Thinadhoo you will be able to take part in the activities that the selected resort organizes daily with a weekly program such as:

• Visit sandbanks and deserted islands for a half-day or full-day tour;
• Watch dolphins while sailing on a typical Maldivian Dhoni;
• Practice snorkeling on the island’s coral reef or on other reefs near the island;
• Swim with nurse sharks, harmless, calm and very common in Thinadhoo and the nearby islands;
• Enjoy a fishing experience, departing by boat early in the morning or in the evening and using a hand line, a typical Maldivian fishing method;
• Visit different local islands and immerse yourself in Maldivian culture.

Depending on the weekly schedule, you will be able to take part in all the activities planned by the selected resort during your stay. Alternatively, if you prefer to remain on the island, you will always have snorkeling equipment, kayaks, SUP boards and access to the resort’s boat to watch sunsets, enjoy evening aperitifs or go dolphin watching.
Overnight stay in Thinadhoo (B, L, D).

Thinadhoo
During the next four days on the island of Thinadhoo you will be able to take part in the activities that the selected resort organizes daily with a weekly program such as:

• Visit sandbanks and deserted islands for a half-day or full-day tour;
• Watch dolphins while sailing on a typical Maldivian Dhoni;
• Practice snorkeling on the island’s coral reef or on other reefs near the island;
• Swim with nurse sharks, harmless, calm and very common in Thinadhoo and the nearby islands;
• Enjoy a fishing experience, departing by boat early in the morning or in the evening and using a hand line, a typical Maldivian fishing method;
• Visit different local islands and immerse yourself in Maldivian culture.

Depending on the weekly schedule, you will be able to take part in all the activities planned by the selected resort during your stay. Alternatively, if you prefer to remain on the island, you will always have snorkeling equipment, kayaks, SUP boards and access to the resort’s boat to watch sunsets, enjoy evening aperitifs or go dolphin watching.
Overnight stay in Thinadhoo (B, L, D).

Thinadhoo
During the next four days on the island of Thinadhoo you will be able to take part in the activities that the selected resort organizes daily with a weekly program such as:

• Visit sandbanks and deserted islands for a half-day or full-day tour;
• Watch dolphins while sailing on a typical Maldivian Dhoni;
• Practice snorkeling on the island’s coral reef or on other reefs near the island;
• Swim with nurse sharks, harmless, calm and very common in Thinadhoo and the nearby islands;
• Enjoy a fishing experience, departing by boat early in the morning or in the evening and using a hand line, a typical Maldivian fishing method;
• Visit different local islands and immerse yourself in Maldivian culture.

Depending on the weekly schedule, you will be able to take part in all the activities planned by the selected resort during your stay. Alternatively, if you prefer to remain on the island, you will always have snorkeling equipment, kayaks, SUP boards and access to the resort’s boat to watch sunsets, enjoy evening aperitifs or go dolphin watching.
Overnight stay in Thinadhoo (B, L, D).

Thinadhoo – Malé
Transfer to Malé airport by speedboat and departure on an international flight.