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A Journey from land of Temples
to Gods own country …By - Shashank , Uday & Monika
History of Tamil Nadu Ancient History (1st to 9th centuries) – Tamil Nadu was
ruled by Early Cholas between 01st to 04th century. During later half of 04th century Pallavas emerged into prominence and dominated for 400 years
Medieval History (9th to 15th centuries) – Cholas rose as a strong power in 09th century. Pandyas emerged in early 14th century and in later 14th century a new kingdom was built called Vijayanagr empire .
Modern History (17th -19th century) -The British, under the British East India Company, established a settlement further south, in present day Chennai, in the year 1639.
Dravidian Architecture The principle part, the temple itself, is called the Vimana (or Vimanam). It is
always square in plan and surmounted by a pyramidal roof of one or more stories; it contains the cell where the image of the god or his emblem is placed.
The porches or Mandapa (or Mantapams), which always cover and precede the door leading to the cell.
Gate-pyramids, Gopurams - which are the principal features in the quadrangular enclosures that surround the more notable temples.
Major Dynasties contributed to Temple Architecture
Pallava (600-900) - Greatest accomplishments of Pallava architecture are the rock- cut of temples at Mahabalipuram
Chola (900-1150) - Chola architecture achieved its peak at Thanjavur. The temples have rising pyramid towers crowned with dome-like roofs. Sculptures and paintings adorn the walls. Bronze sculptures of this era are the finest in southern India. Cholas built temples such as Bridaeshvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram
Hoysala (1100-1350) – These temples are famous for most difficult work done in the temples. The soft soap-stone type material used by the Hoysala architects . Belur & Halebid Temples were built by this dynasty..
Vijayanagara (1350-1565) -The characteristic feature of this period is the development of the temple complex: concentric series of rectangular enclosure walls with the gopuras (towered gateways) in the middle of each side. Like Vittal & Virupaksha Temple in Hampi
Five Rathas, Mahabalipuram
Brideshawara , Thanjavur
Belur Vittal Temple, Hampi
About Tamil Nadu Capital : Chennai Monsoon : June, July & October & November No. of Districts : 32 Population : 67.86 Million Language : Tamil & English Main Crops : Rice, Maize, Cotton
Ranked Second largest Economy .Stands second in employment.
87 %Hindu, 6% Christians , 5.9% other Pongal is Main Festival .
Itinerary of the trip14 May– Arrive Chennai - Sightseeing. 15 May – Chennai + Dakshinchitra (12 Kms) – Crocodile Park + Mahabalipuram (24 Kms) + Sightseeing.16 May - Mahabalipuram – Sadaras fort + Salt making + Pondicherry (99 Kms) - Sightseeing + Heritage walk 17 May: Pondicherry – Chidambaram (60 Kms) – Gangai Kondacholapuram (50 Kms) – Darasuram (40 Kms) – Kalamkari - Kumbakonam - The Mantra Kumbakonam (15 Kms) 18 May – Kumbakonam village walk (Tribhuvanam Silk veaving village) Thanjavur (60 Kms) –+ sightseeing of Tanjore – Trichy (60 Kms)-19 May – Trichy s/s – Pudukottai Museum - Namnasumudaram ayanar Temples – village walk - Chettinad (146 Kms) - Walk + Atinagudi Tile factory – Madurai (90 Kms) Madurai20 May – Madurai (90 Kms) – Heritage walk - Hotels visit – Evening aarti ceremony at Meenakshi temple 21 May – Madurai – Coonoor (287 Kms) - Hotels visit - Ooty hotel visit (25 Kms) –
Itinerary of the trip22 May – Trekking (20 km) Ooty – Calicut hotel Kadavu 23 May – Calicut – Guruvayur elephant camp – drive to Munnar 24 May – Munnar trek through tea plantation – Tea Museum – 25 May – Munnar – Periyar (Spice village (Organic farm and paper making) – boat ride in Periyar – tribal dance26 May – Periyar – hotel visits in Periyar - Alleppey – houseboats and hotel visit Alleppey – Day cruise - Cochin27 May – Cochin – Manjira village Activities - Kumarakom28 May – Cochin Muzaris project + heritage walk - Kathakali dance and drama29 May – fly back to Delhi
Tamil Nadu Map
Kerala Map
About Chennai-All dynasties ruled the region: Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas, Vijaynagara
- The City ruled by Portuguese, Dutch & Britishers
-04th largest city of India and leading commercial center of India
Sightseeing of Chennai
Andrew Kirk Flower Market Parthasarthy templeFish Market
Andrew Kirk
• Neo classical architecture. Constructed in 1821
Flower Market
Parthasarthy temple
Dedicated to Lord Krishna.Constructed in 8th Century by Pallavas dynasty
Marina beach
2nd Longest Beach in the world : Marina Beach
Fish Market
Chennai Hotels……
History of Tamil Nadu
01st Hotel when you go from airport to city. Just 01 km from airport. Feels like a 04 star Hotel not a grand Hotel. Lobby is just Ok. Rooms are Ok with lot of wood work used in the rooms. Only 02 floors in the hotel due to close proximity to the airport
GRT Radisson
Domestic hotelWe do not recommend this to our guest
Vijay Park
Nice 03 star hotels.We can use this hotel to our guest Decent Lobby
Radha Regent
Just 01 km from airport. Very nice 05 star hotel
Hilton
Nice 05 star hotelBase category is OK However 1st higher category nice and specious
Taj Club
History of Tamil Nadu
Radisson Blu Nice option in 05 star category near to airport.Next to Radisson. Nice ambience. Looks much better than Radisson. Nice wood work has been done. Pool area is also nice and better as compared to Radisson. Rooms are also good and brighter as compared to Radisson
Trident
History of Tamil Nadu
It is closer to city center. 02 km from city center and 12km away from airport.Accessibility is a slight an issue with hotel. Bus cannot go up to the Hotel appx 200 meters due to metro work. Rooms are OK. I would rate this hotel as a 04 star hotel not more than that. NO swimming pool in the Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott
History of Tamil Nadu
Decent 04 star Hotel.Marble used in LobbyCity centerRooms are nice with wooden flooring Nice South Indian restaurant
AccordThe Accord
History of Tamil Nadu
Decent 03 star HotelRooms are OK. Wooden flooring is not in good shapeThey have pool but not operational Small restaurant
The Pride
History of Tamil Nadu
Sarovar took this hotel 1 ½ yrs back.Lobby is much bigger than pride Room size is also bigger than prideOverall they need to concentrate on cleanliness of the Hotel. Recently renovation have done in the hotel This is a better product in 03 star category.
Abu Sarovar
Day 02: Chennai – Dakshinchitra (36 Kms) – Mahabalipuram 24 Kms
-A Unique Heritage center-27 Kms from MAA and 25 kms from Mahablaipuram-Offers authentic insight into lifestyle of the south Indian peoples-- Traditional houses from different regions have been purchased, dismantled and relocated here. -Promote Craft through hands. -Craft shops & Bazaar
Dakshinchitra
-A Unique Heritage center-27 Kms from MAA and 25 kms from Mahablaipuram-Offers authentic insight into lifestyle of the south Indian peoples-- Traditional houses from different regions have been prurchased, dismantled and relocated here. -Promote Craft through hands. -Craft shops & Bazar
-A Tamil Nadu House. The house belongs to a Chettiar family.-House dates back to 19th cnetury.
Kerala House Less Height as compared to Tamil Nadu . Open courtyard is not
there. More wood is used.
Crocodile Farm and Snake Park
Museum Timings8 am to 8 pm ( All Day Open )Entry ChargesMuseum - 50rs per person.
It is the largest Seashell Museum in India.It houses over 40,000 specimens of rare & unique seashells.
Mahabalipuram
Five Rathaas
07th century monolithic rock cut templesBuilt from one stone. World Heritage siteFive Rathas also called as Temple ChariotsNamed After Five Pandyas
One of the Simplest Ratha. It is in the hut shape. Dedicated to Durga
Draupadi Ratha
History of Tamil Nadu
This chariot dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It has images of a Royal Couple, Shiva Leaning on his Nandi.
Arjuna Ratha
One of the Simplest Ratha. It is in the hut shape. Dedicated to Durga
Bhima RathaArchitecture like Buddhist Monastery. Named after Bhim for its strength. Lower part is unfinished. Decorations on external faces of Rathas
Dharmaraja Ratha
Most tallest & largest Ratha. Crowned by Octagonal domed roofSculptures like Harihara (vishnu / shiva)
Nakula Sahadeva Ratha
It is in curved shape. Appears like backside of Elephant. Large Elephant is next to Ratha . It is believed that temple may be diedicated to Lord Indra.
Shore Temple
It is one of the oldest structural stone temple. It is five storied rock cut structural temple. Exclusive combination of history & nature splendor. World Heritage site. Three shrines – two dedicated to Shiva and one to Vishnu. First ray of sun falls on shivling
Arjuna’s Penance
Krishna Mandapa
It is one of the oldest cave cut temple. Here the Govardhan story is prescribed that how lord krishna save the villagers from the storm by lifting the mountain
It is a monolithic granitic rock. It weights over 250 feet and stands on a extremely slippery area on less than 04 feet area.
Krishna’s Butter ball
Hotels in Mahabalipuram…….
History of Tamil Nadu
MGM Beach ResortIt is 30 ksm from Chennai
and 25 Kms from Mahabalipuram. Decent 03 star hotel. Rooms are in cottage style. Nice pool and beach area is also good
Budget hotel Washrooms are not good Not recommendable to our guest
Sea Breeze
History of Tamil Nadu
Nice beach resort. Lobby is smaller as compared to Chariot. Rooms are in cottage style. Sit out area with every room.Very close to beach. It has got a nice feel & ambience of beach resort
Ideal Beach Resort….
History of Tamil Nadu
Hotel looks abit flashy.. Looks like a domestic Hotel. Beach is away from the Hotel. Though hotel was neat & clean but did not seems to be the first choice for our clients.
Grand Bay resort….
History of Tamil Nadu
Nice mix of luxury & traditional architecture. Wooden pillars in Kerala style They have 02 Lobbies. Largest Pool in Asia.
Radisson
History of Tamil Nadu
Indeco Mahabalipuram
It was British camping sight in 1940 . Hotel looks very old and they need to improve on maintenance of the Hotel. They have used green theme, which was not gelling very well. Need to improve on cleanliness of Hotel. Only plus point is that it is closer to shore temple.
History of Tamil Nadu
It is a nice resort. Lobby & Rooms are nicer as compared to Ideal. Beach of Ideal is much closer as compared to Chariot. Most of the rooms are in main buildings and not in cottage style.
Chariot Beach Resort
Nice hotelRooms are specious Restaurant is Okay
Confluence Hotel
It’s a very nice hotel Little far away from MahabalipuramThey have beach activities
Inter Continental
First floor renovated Second floor they are planning for renovationNo elevator in hotel
Mamalla Heritage
Day 03: Mahabalipuram – Sadaras (12 Kms) – Pondicherry 85 Kms
Sadras Fort
Dutch fort founded in 17th centauryBuilt for commercial purpose In 1818 was took over by British East India Company but later abandoned It is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India
Salt Making near Pondicherry
History of Tamil Nadu
Puducherry99 Kms – 02 ½ Hrs from Mahabalipuram
Pondy came in to lime light after arrival of French in 1674 Francois Martine was administrative head .In 1750 there was war between French & Britishers. Pondy finally came back in to the hands of French in 1814 till 1954. In 1954 it became part of Republic of India.20 Sep 2006 named as Puducherry.
History of Tamil Nadu
.Puducherry have mixed culture as Dutch, Britshe& French ruled here. Famous for old French buildings
Puducherry
Sightseeing in Puducherry
History of Tamil Nadu
Auroville
Meaning city of dawn. It is an spiritual community set up with the objective of human unity. It was founded by mother in 1968. Total area of Aurovile is appx 2000 acres and appx 2100 are living from 43 countries. Matrimandir started in 1971 and completed I 2008. This temple is for those want to concentrate. 54 Kg of gold is used in 1500 gold panels. Inner chamber is completely white and a crystal glass globe.
Heritage Walk in Puducherry
Heritage Walk in Pondicherry02 ½ -03 hrs walkWalk through French quarters is a wonderful
experience. French quarter are also known as white town .French people continue to stay there and you can find lot of foreigners. This area includes French houses, Govt. buildings, café etc. Yellow & white colour buildings are French buildings. Grey & white colour buildings are AshramTotally white color buildings are govt. offices. Walk start from Ashram – Ganesha Temple – Governors' House – Ashram 'dinning hall – Recreational Club – Legislative Assembly - Ayi Mandapa – Gandhi statue – and walk ends at Le Café
History of Tamil Nadu
Aurobindo AshramIn 1910 Aurobindo came to
Pondy. Mirra Alfassa (mother) came to Pondy and became follower of Aurobindo. She build Ashram in 1926 Ashram includes the house of mother & Aurobindo. It was build with propose to provide shelter who interested in Yoga and meditation
History of Tamil Nadu
Ganesha Temple
It is one of the ancient temple of Pondy.. It was in existence before French came. French tried to demolish this temple many times. Beautiful paintings inside the temple .
History of Tamil Nadu
Ganesha Temple
Ganesha Temple
History of Tamil Nadu
Ayi Mandapam
History of Tamil Nadu
Gandhi statue
Le Café Restaurant
Hotels in Pondichery….
Approx 20 Kms from Pondicherry CityResort based on Sustainable TourismProvides 02 Cycles per Room for roaming around the resort.Not recommended for clients wanting to stay in Pondicherry.
The Dune, Eco Village Resort
History of Tamil Nadu
Nice 04 star Hotel. Rooms & Lobby is nice. This is a much better product as compared to Chennai Accord
Accord
History of Tamil Nadu
Not far from Le Pondy. It is appx 10 kms outside city. Bus cannot go to the Hotel.Beach is also bit far from the Hotel. Lake in between beach & Hotel
Windflower
Du Parc
Located in French Quarters Can be compared with 03 Star Hotel
Villa Shanti
Located in French Quarters Very nice boutique style hotel.Open Restaurant on the ground floorCan be used for FIT’s
History of Tamil Nadu
Appx 13 Kms outside city. Beautiful Resort. Huge gardens and rooms are spread out in these gardens. Architecture is mix of French & Indian . Beach Hotel but beach is bit rough
Le Pondy
History of Tamil Nadu
It is 130 year old House. CGH took over in 2007. Only 10 rooms. Perfect choice who is interested to stay in a small boutique old house and interested in Heritage. It is located in Tamil quarters of Pondicherry. Authentic stay….architecture of the hotel & rooms is Tamil
Masion Perumal
History of Tamil Nadu
03 star 20 Year old Hotel, and it is visible too. Std rooms are basic and not up to the mark.New wing started recently. Rooms are beautiful.
Anandha Inn
History of Tamil Nadu
A nice 03 star Hotel06 years old Hotel.Rooms are nice…Roof top poolBeautiful view of the city.Much better than Anandha inn
Atithi
Located in French quarters and Very Close toBeach Road. Buses cannot go to the hotel.Architecture is mix of French. Lobby level restaurant. Decent 04 Star hotelDeluxe Rooms are non Sea FacingOthers Rooms are Sea Facing
Promenade
History of Tamil Nadu
Constructed in 18th century. Located in French quarters. Very small hotel with 09 rooms only. Rooms are nice overall the hotel is not that much charming.
Le Duplex
History of Tamil Nadu
Located in French quarters. Beautiful hotel belongs to CGH. French architecture of the Hotel. Arches designed used in the Hotel. Rooms are BIG. Nice ambience…
Palais De Mahe
Fairly New Hotel , opened 03 years backLocated in Pondicherry City and very close to Atithi Hotel. Rooms are nice and spaciousNice ambience…Bus can go inside the porch
Shenbaga
Pondicherry – Chidambarm Approx – 62 Kms) Gangaikonadacholapuram (Approx - 50 Kms)– Darasuram (Approx -39 Kms)– Kumbakonam
istory of Tamil NaduKumbakonam hotelsFive Holy Shiva Temples
in India
Jambukeshwara Temple, Trichy , Tamil Nadu – WaterNatraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu - SkyArunachaleshwar Temple, Thiruvannamalai , Tamil Nadu - FireKalahastheeswar Temple, Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh - AirEkambarewar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - Earth
istory of Tamil NaduKumbakonam hotels
ChidamChidambaram Temple
Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva templesTemple is associated with Nataraja, or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss)
Four most honoured Saivite Saints :Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manikkavacakar
All ritual duties in the temple are performed by Deekshithar
History of Tamil Nadu
Gangaikondacholapuram Temple Rajendra Chola-
I (1012-1044 A.D) son of Great Rajaraja-I, build this temple The name means The town of the chola who brought Ganga
History of Tamil Nadu
Darasuram Temple
Bulid by Rajaraja Chola II (1146-63), is a superb example of 12 Century Chola architecture.Stories from epics and Hindu mythology are depictedThe sanctum is in the form of a chariot
History of Tamil Nadu
Yali
History of Tamil Nadu
Kalamkari art Form
Village Visit
Art Workshop
Farm VisitInteraction with Locals
En route while going to
Kumbakonam
Kalamkari Village Activities
Kumbakonam Hotels
Quality InnIndeco SwamimalaiParadise HotelMantra Veppathur
Quality Inn
Nice 03 Star category hotelRooms are neat & clean No swimming poolLocated in Kumbaknom city
History of Tamil Nadu
Indeco Swamimalai
It is built in Village theme.They provide foot massage for clients03 Kind of room categories In restaurant they used antique thing 01.Heritage wing 02 .Palace wing03. Zagir dar wing
History of Tamil Nadu
KubakonamParadise Hotel
Rooms are spacious and in traditional style.A Nice authentic Resort
History of Tamil Nadu
Mantra Veppathur
It is located in Vepathur Village. Location of the Hotel is nice & quite. Spread around plantation Food is very nice but they do not service Non – veg. Traditional ceremony of breaking the coconut when clients depart from the Hotel
Day 05 – Kumbakonam – Tanjore (40 Kms – 01 hrs ) – Trichy ( 60 Kms – 1 ½ hrs)
Thribhuvanam silk Weaving Village Walk for an hour from
Mantra It has been silk weaving Village for Several Centuries Most of the weaver hailed from GujaratNo Machine only Hand Loom Famous for saree. Takes 15 days
Thanjavur SightseeingArt Gallery Brihadeeswarar Temple ( Big Temple) Bronze Factory Visit
Thanjavur Art Gallery
Nayak Ruler Palace Three Section - Pooja Mahal stone sculptures) Indira Temple (God stone Sculpture) & Rama Hall (Idols of bronze)The gallery represent the collection of stone sculpture from the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Nayaka periods 9 am -1 pm; 3 pm - 6 pm
History of Tamil Nadu
Built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD Vimana height is 216 feet (66m) and it is one among the tallest towers in the worldThe big statue of Nandi present at the entrance. 0600-1230 & 1600-2030 hrs (Unesco world Heritage)
Brihadeeswara Temple ( Big Temple)
Vimana
Horse-drawn chariot structure
Bronze Factory Visit
Thanjavur Hotels Svatma
Ideal River View Sangam HotelStar ResidencyHotel ParisuthamLakshmi HotelTanjore Hi
Svatma
Boutique Good Food Best In ThanjavurTwo Block - Heritage uilding & new Wing
Ideal River View
02 Kms off the road .All the rooms have balcony area. Hotel organises the cycling tour from hotel to their Organic FarmWe can also give the visit of Organise Farm to our clients
Idea River View
Lakshmi Hotel
03 year old property39 roomsGood alternate for star residencyFew of the leading Travel Agents are already using this hotel for their series business.
Hotel Parisutham
Rooms are not much spaciousCan be used in 03 star category hotel
Sangam
Nice 03 + star hotel.Rooms, Lobby everything is OK.
Star Residency
03 Star Standard hotel , not up to mark Lobby area and Restaurant is not much clean. With Swimming pool
Tanjore Hi
Budget Hotel
Small but Neat & Clean
City Centre
restored 1920 colonial house
Day 05 – Tanjore – Trichy ( 60 Kms – 1 ½ hrs)
Trichy Hotels
Grand Gardenia Sangam Hotel SRM
06 year old property 03 star hotelNo swimming poolLocal Crowd for its Restaurant _ Famous for its Chettinad Food
Grand Gardenia
Good Hotel in 03 star (Alternate of Sangam)Huge lobby area Near to airport ( not in city centre)
SRM
Sangam
Nice 03 star plus hotelBest hotel in Trichy
Day 06 – Trichy – Chettinad (75 Kms –02 hrs ) - Madurai (90 Kms – 02 hours)
Sri Ranganathaswamy
Dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord VishnuLargest functioning temple complex in the world156 Acre- Largest Temple of India / Largest Religious Complex in the World Temple Complex has 21 Gopurams, 50 sub shrines, 9 sacred pools,
Rockfort Temple
Two Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, The UchchiPillaiyar Koil and The Siva Temple273-foot high rock.
Pudukottai Museum 53 Kms from Trichy.105 Year Old The museum has different sections including art and craft gallery, painting gallery, armory gallery, anthropology, stone sculptures, and wood-carving galleries. Sections Oil Painting of Raja Ravi Varma is Famous
ChettinadDistance – 75 Kms from Trichy The Chettinad region is well known for its 18th century mansions, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are build with marble and teak wood. Construction materials, decorative items and furnishings were mostly imported from East Asian countries and Europe
Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a powerful banking and business community. It is also known for its local cuisine & architecture
Heritage visit in Chettinad Village
Chettinad Hotels
Chidambra VilasChettinad Mansion
110 Years old House converted in to a Hotel. Restoration took 03 year It is a authentic experience of staying in a old & royal Chettinad House .Rooms are big & spacious. Private property leased by Sangam Group
Chidambra Vilas
Chettinad Mansion 110 year old property Property look bit oldOnly 12 rooms operational
Antangudi Tiles Factory
History of Tamil Nadu
Day 07: Madurai – City of Temples / Athens of the East
Daily routines of local people – cow milking, kollam making, morning aarti ceremony at local temple, small local restaurants bazaars: Flower market & Banana marketThe walk start from Meenakshi Temple and ends in Nayak Palace
Heritage walk
Nayak Palace
Meenakshi Temple
Temple is dedicated to Lord Sundershwara & Meenakshi. Lord Shiva appeared on earth to marry Meenakshi incarnation of Parvati.
History of Tamil Nadu
Total 14 Gopurams. Tallest is the southern one with height of 170 Feet. Each gopuram have thousand of sculptures. In every 12 years these are painted.
History of Tamil Nadu
Shiva shrine located in middle of temple. Both the shrines have golden vimana
Shiva & Meenakshi shrines
es Aarti ceremony at MeenakshiTemple
Aarti takes place at appx 09 to 0930 PM Hrs except Fridays when it takes place at appx 10 to1030 PM
Hotels in Madurai..
History of Tamil Nadu
67 Rooms. 18 months old. A very nice & modern 03 star + Hotel.Pool area is small. Located 06 kms out of the city. Much better than many other hotels in city
Poppy’s Madurai
History of Tamil Nadu
Std. Rooms are not up to the mark. Washrooms needs renovation. They are upgrading std rooms to club rooms. Std room of poppy are much better than of Fortune. Pool area is nice
Fortune Pandiyan
Lobby looks very flashy. Rooms are still OK. Restaurant was not clean. Still better than Thanjavur Hotel.
Star Residency
Nice 03 star HotelGolden theme used in the Hotel. No swimming PoolRooms are beuatiful.
Royal Court
History of Tamil Nadu
03 star new and neat & clean HotelOrange colour theme in the public area. rooms & washroom are bit smaller but very nice.SITA / TWX are already working with the hotel
Astoria by Sparsa
History of Tamil Nadu
It is a beautiful Resort. Architecture is in Chettinad style. Ambience of the rooms is very nice. Lot of wood work is used in the rooms Luxury villa rooms have pvt. Pool in the roomsAvoid using Std. club rooms, which they generally avoid giving to travel agents.
Heritage Madurai
History of Tamil Nadu
It is located on hill so offers nice view of the city. It has colonial touch. Std room are not up to the mark. Old furniture is there in the rooms Superior (first higher) OK
THE GATEWAY HOTEL PASUMALAI MADURAI
History of Tamil Nadu
Nice Hotel. Lobby & rooms are decent. Marble flooring in the rooms. One has to come outside the main building to reach a small pool.
GRT Regency
History of Tamil Nadu
A nice 03 star Hotel13 years old hotel but well maintained. Rooms are OK with wooden flooring. Clients staying in the left wing of the hotel has to cross through small passage to reach the restaurant. This passage is facing the main road.
Germanus
History of Tamil Nadu
Huge Lobby. Rooms are nice.
Sangam
Day 08: Madurai – Coonoor - Ooty (310 Kms- 10 Hrs drive)
History of Tamil Nadu
Hotels in Coonoor…
Small inventory : Total 10 roomsBase (suite): 06
MGM Coonoor
History of Tamil Nadu
Ooty….
Ooty Hotels
Taj Savoy Fortune Sulivan CourtGem ParkAccord Highland Monarch
Fortune Hotel
Nice 03 Star plus hotelNo swimming poolLooks very nice & beautiful European design in the lobby area
Taj Savoy
Best Hotel in Ooty Heritage Hotel. Exterior in colonial style. Beautiful white color cottages.
Gem Park
A very nice 3 Star hotel with swimming pool.
Accord Highland
3 star hotelRooms are ok The view of the valley from the hotel
02-03 star hotel .Rooms are very basic
Monarch
Neat and clean budget hotel
Rose field Heritage
Trekking in Ooty
Highlights:
• Tea Estate• Wildlife• Toda Tribe• Walk through
jungle• Eucalyptus oil
making
History of Tamil Nadu
CalicutOoty – Calicut (Approx 152 Kms / 05 hrs drive)
History of Tamil Nadu
Calicut The Raviz Kadavu
Very nice resort.Rooms are spacious Services are very good
History of Tamil Nadu
CalicutNattika Beach Resort
Beautiful Ayurveda ResortVery Nice locationVery close to the beachRestaurant serves Ayurvedic meals only
Day 10: Calciut – Munnar (Approx kms 279/ 08 hrs)
Sightseeing in Munnar…
Trekking in Letchmi Hills
Tea Museum Visit
Country’s first ever Tea MuseumClosed on MondayVery nice experience with 45 mins Video on Munnar and introduction of Tea plantation in MunnarA must experience in Munnar Ticket cost INR 95 Per Person
Hotels in Munnar…
Abad Copper Castle
Nice 03 Star HotelSuperior Rooms recently renovatedRestaurant is OKAY.
Ambadi Estate
A Resort, located approx 10 kms from City CentreNice Rooms They have in-house activities such as Trekking, Spice Plantation
Deshadan Mountain Resort
03 Star HotelBuses and Tempo cannot go to the hotelFelt that this hotel is not for our clients as rooms are not very clean Restaurant is pretty basisNo activities provided by the hotel
Tall Tree
Nice 03 Plus Category ResortBuses can go to the hotelRooms are neat and cleanActivities provided by the hotel including spice plantation and trekking
Best hotel in MunnarBeautiful RoomsThey have many activities in houseThey are building swimming pool as well which will be operational from coming season
Windamere Hotel
East End Munnar03 Star hotelTwo Wings: Old and New WingTwo Restaurants: Breakfast is served in New Wing and Lunch, Dinner in Old WingRooms are niceRestaurants need facelift as it seems like a marriage hall
Day 12: Munnar - Periyar (Approx 100 kms / 3 hrs)
Sightseeing in Periyar…
Periyar Boat Ride
Spice Garden Visit
Hotels in Periyar…
Abad Green Forest Hotel
Basic Hotel. Can be compared with 03 star hotelRooms were being renovatedHotel have two categories. Base Category is with out AC. Public Areas are okay. But rooms need more renovation
Very nice Hotel. Rooms are very nice and clean.Very good public areas, reception and restaurant
Cardamom County
Beautifully made resort. Lot of wooden workTraditional Kerala Style Rooms are very nice and cleanCan be compared to 4 Plus category hotel.
Elephant Court
Greenwoods
03 Plus category hotelRooms are neat and cleanRestaurant is niceGives feeling of closeness to nature
Very nice Hotel with good viewsThis hotel is not really in Munnar but 05 kms before entering Periyar.Rooms are nice and clean. Can be used as 04 star if rates are good.
Poetree Sarovar Portico
Spice Village
Very beautiful resortRooms are spacious and niceGuests can visit In House Organic FarmGuests can also see in house Paper making and cooking demonstration without any additional chargesLocated very close to National Park
Tree Top
Very Nicely built HotelCan be compared with 03 Plus CategoryRooms are niceRestaurant will be under a bit of renovation to increase Covers
Wild Corridor
Hotel is located on the hill top. Thus one has to walk, hike to get to the restaurant, reception, swimming pool and roomsStaff not very professionalRooms are nice and clean
Day 13 – Periyar – Allepey – Cochin (180 Kms / 4 hrs )
Alleppey Day Cruise
Alleppey House Boat
Ever GreenXandari Houseboat (Muthoot)Marvel Cruise
Ever Green House Boat
Good House Boat Deluxe & Premium House Boats
Xandari Muthoot House Boat
Best House Boat 10 House Boats – 01 /02/ 03 Bedrooms
Marvel House Boat 9 House Boats – 01 Bedrooms – 2 / 02 Bedroom-06 / 03 BR - 02
Ramada – Allepey Nice 04 Hotel / 121 Rooms (50 Sup) Good RestaurantOne Physically Challenged Room
Day 14 - Kumarakom
(Manjira village walk and activities) Country Boat
Village Life Coir Making Weaving Coconut leaves Farming Toddy Tapping Net Fishing Taste of Tender Coconut
Activities Begins with Country Boat
Village Activities
Coir Making
Coconut Leaves weaving
Toddy Tapping
Taste of Tender Coconut
Net fishing
Kumarakom Hotel Visit
Backwaters RiplesAveda Resort & Spa Zuri Kumarakom Resort & SpaEastend Lakesong Kumarakom Lake Resort
Backwater Ripples Nice 3 + star Third Cat. Got Lake view Nice Restaurant Total 34 Rooms(1 Physically Ch.)
Aveda Resort & Spa Rooms were sold out Nice Lobby 4 star
Zuri Kumarakom
Nice 4 * 72 Rooms Physically Challenged room 01 in higer cat. Pool villa
East End - Lakesong
3 * 69 Rooms NO Physically Challenged room Not Maintained Base cat. Very basic
Kumarakom Lake Resort 5 *
66 Rooms Physically Challenged room Yes Renovation Pool access rooms
Cochin Heritage Walk Chinese fishing netFish Market St. Francis Church Dutch Cemetery Santa Cruise Basilica Fort Immanuel Vasco De Gama House
Fort Immanuel
Vasco Da Gama House
1724
Cochin Heritage Walk
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)Constructed 1557 by Dutch & Presented to Veera King. Bhagwati Temple inside Kerala Style Mansion – Nalukettu (Aristrocrate Family)
Closed on Friday
Jewish SynagogueConstructed 1567Closed on Friday & Saturday
Cochin Hotel Visit( Hotels Ernakulum)Abad Atrium
Le MeridianCrowne Plaza
Le Meridian Nice Lobby 05 Star Rooms are good & Spacious .
Crown Plaza Nice Lobby / 05 Star / Spacious / Gardens/ 04 Restaurant Rooms are good & Spacious/ .
Abad Atrium Good Three Star Property Approach is not good Rooms are good.
Cochin Hotel Visit( Hotels fort Kochi) Malabar House
Spice FortKodar HouseEight BastionOld HarborBrunton BoatyardHotel 18Killians HotelTissa’s inn Hotel
Malabar House
Nice Rooms 17 Rooms / 11 DeluxeOn Renovated / August onward Operational01 Room Physically Handicapped
Spice Fort
Nice HotelSmall LobbyCan be used in 03 starTV set is just on the corner of Bed .
Koder House
Small HotelNo LobbyNot for IA Client
Eight Bastion
CGH Property Small however Nice roomsSwimming Pool
Old harbour
Nice Lobby / sold out
Brunton Boatyard
Best in Fort CochinCGHHeritage style Cannot be compared with Modern Hotel
Hotel 18 Budget Hotel28 Rooms Can be used for DjosarCoach Parking
Killians
Hotel is OK Rooms are Good/ No view
Tissa’s Inn
Small Hotel Restaurant Small Rooms are OKOnly 9 rooms Not for IA clients
Cochin Hotel Visit (Hotel in Wellington)Casino CGH
Cochin (Kathakali Dance and drama)
Make up at 17.30 / show at 1830Stories of Mahabharat & Ramayan & Purans Originated in Kerala during 17th Cent.
Old Silk Route vs Old Spice Route
History of Tamil Nadu
Cochin (Moziri Project)
• Muziris is said to be from native Tamil name “Muciri”, which was said to be in the region, Periyar river perhaps branched into two like a cleft palate.
• As per Greek Travel Book, Periplus of the Erythraen Sea (01st Century AD) gives an elaborate description of the Chera Kingdom.
• Muziris disappeared from every known map of antiquity, and without a trace, presumably because of “Cyclone and Floods” in the Periyar in 1341 AD.
Importance of Muziris
Excavations done to find Muziris
• In 1945, excavations conducted at Kodungallur yielded nothing that went back to before the 13th century.
• Another excavation was carried out in 1969 by ASI at Ceraman Parambu, 02 kms from Kodungallur. Only antiquities of 13th and 16th century was recovered
• In 983, a large hoard of Roman coins was found at a site around six miles from Pattanam (Muziris).
• From 2007, Kerala Council for Historical Research uncovered a large number of artefacts.
Discoveries from Pattanam
• Mediterranean (100 BC to 400 BC)• West Asian, South Arabain & Mesopotamian (300 BC to 1000 BC)• Chinese (100 BC to 400 BC)• Urban Life (100 BC to 400)• Tree Tamil Brahmi Scripts were also found, which are dated to 02nd AD,
probably reading “A – MA – NA”, meaning “ A JAINA” in Tamil. This indicates Jainism was prevalent on the Malabar Coast at least from 02nd Century
THANK YOU…..