India Coastal Journey

Itinerary

Day 1 Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the evening you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Check the notice board to see what time and where the group meeting will be held. Dominique Lapierre's 'City of Joy', the city of Kolkata is an amalgamation of the past and present. It unites the traditional and the modern culture. Kolkata is the present capital of the West Bengal, was established in 1686 and it was the first capital of the British in India. Kolkata has an exceptional culture and heritage, which is relatively dissimilar of any other city in India. A visit to Kolkata is the unforgettable experience.Indian food is famous around the world. But some of the best food is Bengali food. And the best place to taste it is in Kolkata. We recommend Kewpies or Oh Calcutta. Bengali sweets famous all over the country are at their very best in Kolkata – try Rasagolla (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), Pantua (a fried variant of the same), Rasomalai (the same cheese balls this time dipped in creamy sweetened milk) and Mishti Dahi (sweet yogurt). And no visit to Kolkata will be complete without a coffee and pastry at a Kolkata institution - Flury's on Park Street.

Day 2 Kolkata

Early this morning we will head out to discover this city as it wakes, beginning with a visit to the flower market, then on to explore some of the city's ghats. Crossing the Howrah Bridge discover the beautiful old colonial buildings, al legacy left by the British - visit Dalhousie Square and the magnificent Victoria Memorial. Your afternoon is free.In the afternoon you could explore Kali Temple, where innumerable devotees throng at everyday. Or one of the many museums or galleries that make Kolkata the cultural capital of India. The Indian Museum, established in 1878, this museum is built in Italian architectural style and is considered as the largest museum in the country. The Asiatic Society founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 contains a library that has approximately 20000 tomes including 8000 rare Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian and Hindi manuscripts. The Birla Academy of Art and Culture, patronized by the eminent industrial family of India , it has an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures. Alternatively discover the joys of shopping for a Bengali sari or just catch one of the old trams for an incredible journey through the streets of Kolkata. If walking is more your thing, then walking across the Howrah Bridge crossing the river Hooghly is an experience not to miss. It is the most famous symbol of not only Kolkata but also West Bengal.In the evening of we make our way over the Howrah bridge, say goodbye to Kolkata and board our overnight sleeper train to Puri (approx 10 hrs).

Day 3-5 Puri/Chilika Lake

Wander the old streets of Puri with its thousands of pilgrims. Discover the ancient secrets of the nearby Sun Temple at Konark. And unwind on the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake, the llargest brackish water lake in Asia.Arriving ealry in the morning we will transfer to our hotel. During our time here we will discover more about this wonderful part of Orissa including wandering through Puri, one of India's most important pilgrimage centres. The seaside town is dominated by teh towering Jaganath Temple (not open to non Hindus). The Jaganath temple was built in the 12th century and is surrounded by a 6m high wall. The main gate is guarded by a pair of painted stone lions.We will visit the great Sun Temple of Konark, one of India's World Heritage sites. The temple built in the 13th century is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and is constructed as a giant chariot with 12 pairs of wheels to carry the Sun God on his daily journey through the sky.Head out to Chilika Lake, just 50kms SW of Puri, is the largest brackish water lake in Asia. It is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because of the phenomenal variety of aqutic and birdlife it supports. Hopefully you will get to see one of Chilikas most famous attractions, the dolphins which are often spotted at the confluence of the lake and the sea. Late in the afternoon on Day 5 we catch an overnight train for our journey through Orissa and on to Vijayawada, in Andhra Pradesh.

Day 6 Vijayawada

Arriving in the morning we have time to enjoy this rarely visited city. Vijayawada, although being one of the countries largest railway junctions, sits on a picturesque spot on the northern bank of the Krishna river, bounded on three sides by the Indrakiladri Hills. There is the Kanakadurga Temple within the city, which is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi.Just outside the city, there is a pretty village, Kondapalli, which is dominated by an 8th century old Fort. Though this is not what maks this village famous..it is famous for its painted wooden toys. The craft of toy-making has been passed down for many generations. And the wood is fashioned into distinctive figures of gods and goddesses. Each part is carved separately tthen glued together using a glue made from tamarind seed.

Day 7-8 Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Continuing south to the small village of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), site of the 7th century Shore Temple, another of India’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the site by bicycle or on foot on our guided tour, and relax with a cold Indian beer (one of the British’s best legacies was good beer) at the end of the day on the beach.The impressive group of monuments at Mamallapuram was sculpted by the Pallava kings during the 7th and 8th century A.D. Of these, the Shore Temple stands out in particular, owing to its extraordinary location abutting the sea. Actually a twin-temple dedicated both to Vishnu and Shiva, it was built by Narasimhavarman II (circa 690-715). The Five Rathas, sculpted in granite and situated nearby, were created by his predecessor Narasimhavarman I. Also known as Mamalla (A.D. 630-668), the great wrestler, it is from him Mamallapuram gets its name.After the tsunami that resulted from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, the force of the water removed sand deposits that had covered various rocky structures, revealing parts of a previously unexcavated temple. Still submerged, the Archaeological Survey of India sent divers to begin underwater excavations of the area in February 2005, still presently underway.Aside from its draw as a temple site, Mamallapuram is also a favourite shopping haunt for South Indian artefacts, both wooden and granite-based.

Day 9 Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Travelling down the fertile coastal road through scenic rice paddies and corn fields to the charming seaside town of Puducherry. Formerly Pondicherry, it is a Union Territory of India, consisting of four non-contiguous enclaves, or districts, and named for the largest, Pondicherry. In September 2006, the territory changed its official name from Pondicherry to the vernacular Puducherry, which means "New village” in the Tamil language.Once a French colony, there are still reminders of the French influence in the architecture, the town squares and even in the policemen's uniforms. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is very prominent in the town and a few kilometres north is an experiment in international living - Auroville - with its 80 settlements and over 1500 residents, more than half of whom are foreign nationals. Auroville also houses the world's largest crystal.

Day 10-11 Thanjavur (Tanjore)/Tiruchirapalli (Trichy)

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is famous for the Brihadeeswara Temple (or simply Big Temple), built in the 10th century by Rajaraja Chola, the first sailor king of India. Enclosed within a fort, the temple is surmounted by a lofty vimana (central tower), designed so that it never casts a shadow at noon at any time of the year. The temple is part of the Great Living Chola Temples UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the three great 11th and 12th century Chola Temples. These were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of South India and the neighbouring islands. The other two temples included are the temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram, although the Big Temple stands as the first great example of the development of the architecture of the Chola Empire and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India.Tanjore is also the name of Air India One, the special aircraft of the President of India and the Prime Minister of India.The Rock Fort of Trichy, built into a huge outcrop of rock 83m high, sits on the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. As a result, the view from the Ucchi Pillayar Koil (Temple to Ganesh) on top is clear and panoramic. The rock itself is approximately 3,800 million years old, as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas.The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) is among the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in South India. The temple is built on an island in the middle of the Kaveri River and covers a staggering 2.5km². Enclosed by seven rectangular walled courtyards, this temple has 21 gopurams (towers), the largest of which was completed in 1987 and stands 73m high.

Day 12 Madurai

Continuing into the state of Tamil Nadu we travel to the busy and colourful Madurai. At the heart of the city is Meenakshi temple, making Madurai as popular with pilgrims as it is with tourists. Duck into the cool shade of the huge, covered, stone tailor’s market, where for a few rupees rows of expert tailors will whip you up a custom shirt in a manner of minutes, all done on antique foot-pump sewing machines.Madurai has been an important commercial centre since as early as 550 AD, but it is as a temple town that it most strongly identifies itself. Although there are many temples sprinkled throughout the city, none compares to the size and detail of Meenakshi temple, named after Shiva’s consort, a princess from Hindu mythology. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (towers, actually monumental gateways covered with sculpture) which distinguish the temple loom high above. The temple’s tallest spire rises as high as 60 meters, and was for many years the tallest structure in its category in Asia.Join a guided tour of the temple complex, shop for handicrafts or tailored clothing, and be sure to try one of Madurai’s popular sweet drinks, including carumbu (sugarcane) juice.

Day 13-14 Periyar Tiger Reserve

Travel a bumpy road through plantations of spice, tea, rubber and coffee before entering the realm of one of India’s most enduring symbols, the tiger. One of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in India (and indeed, the world) Periyar National Park is part of Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation project designed to protect Royal Bengal Tigers from extinction.Set high in the mountains of the Western Ghats, this protected area covers an area of 777 km², out of which a 350km² part of the core zone was made into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Famous for its picturesque (though artificial) lake and of course tiger (which number about 40), the park is also home to 62 different kinds of mammal. The most well known of these are the park’s famous herds of wild Indian elephants, which often come to bathe in Periyar lake. Other mammals found here include gaur, sambar (horse deer), barking deer, mouse deer, Dholes (Indian wild dogs), mongoose and leopards. Also living in the park, though rarely seen, are the elusive Nilgiri tahr. Join a naturalist-led walk in search of wildlife, or take a boat ride around the lake for a more relaxing view of the park.

Day 15 Kerala Backwaters Homestay

Today we take a mixture of local bus transport and boat to reach our Backwaters Homestay just out of Alleppey. Accommodation is on a multi-share basis and all the families live within a few hundred metres of each other, with at least one person in the family speaking a reasonable standard of English. Food is traditional Keralan home cooking and is superb.This afternoon we explore the island with a local English-speaking guide to observe the different facets of local life - a great chance to meet and talk with the people who live here. Strolling under the palm trees, we weave in between the rice fields that cover the island and learn more about the lifestyles of the locals. Just before sunset we jump on a small boat and journey along with the locals to enjoy sunset on the winding backwaters. There is may be time to kick back and enjoy the local toddy (alcoholic drink made from coconut).

Day 16-17 Kochi

We take a walking tour of Fort Cochin in the morning, with free time in the afternoon. In the evening we will take in a performance of kathakali dancing (the Keralan tradition dance form), and you can even watch the performers put on their makeup beforehand. There are plenty of things to do in Kochi, this seaside Indian city with its Portuguese and Dutch history, architecture and style. Kochi is renowned for its exquisite gold designer jewellery and is also home to the Dutch Palace, Jew Town with its synagogue, and the Fort itself. The oldest church in India sits near mosques and synagogues, and Portuguese housing sits side by side with English manor homes. Vasco de Gama's tombstone is still here, even if his remains are back in Lisbon, and the Dutch cemetery is worth a quick look. Watch the sunset from the tip of Fort Kochi where you ill spot the old cantilevered fishing nets, common here in Kerala. Originally brought from China, in Malayalam they're called 'cheena vala', and used mainly at high tide.An important stop on the spice trading route due to its strategic location near the tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kochi (Cochin) has been a melting pot of influences since the 14th century. The city’s history stretches back much farther: by 1102, Kochi was already the seat of an eponymous princely state that traced its lineages to the Kulasekhara empire. Ancient travellers and tradesmen made references to Kochi in their writings, and in 1503 Kochi became the first European colonial settlement in India when it was occupied by the Portuguese. Also of interest is the fact that Vasco da Gama, the first European explorer to set sail for India, was initially buried in Kochi’s St. Francis Church until his remains were returned to Portugal in 1539. Later, both the Dutch and British occupied Kochi, resulting in the variety of architecture, food and other influences typical of today’s Kochi.Today Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala state, and a growing centre of information technology, tourism and international trade. However, like other large cities in the developing world, Kochi continues to struggle with urbanisation problems like poor sanitation and traffic congestion.Considered one of the oldest dance forms in India, Kathakali is a combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharatha and Ramayana.Kathakali whose name derives from the Malayalam words "katha" (meaning story) and "kali" (meaning play) is a form of Indian dance-drama. It originated in Kerala during the 17th Century. A Kathakali actor uses immense concentration, skill and physical stamina, gained from training that can last for between 8-10 years. The “story” is enacted purely by the movements of the hands (called mudras or hand gestures) and by facial expressions (rasas) and bodily movements. One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. The make up is made from various mineral ores and pigments. They are ground on a stone and mixed with coconut oil before being applied on the face. In the evening of Day 17 we transfer to the train station for our overnight train journey to Mangalore.

Day 18 Mangalore

This thriving port on the estuary of the Netavati and Gurpur rivers is famous for its coffee, cashewnut and pepper plantations. Rich harvests of these crops have attracted traders through the ages. Arab merchants first came here in 13th and 14th century and were followed by the Portugese and then the British.Mangalore today, presents a panorama of terracotta-roofed houses, whitewashed churches, temples and mosques, nestling amid groves of coconut palms and the aroma of spicy coconut curries. It has preserved its old world charm and it is rarely visited by tourists which makes it another wonderful adventure and a pleasant stop between Kerala and Goa. If time permits you may be able to visit a pineapple farm and a cashew nut processing plant.

Day 19 Gokarna

Spectacularly situated by the Arabian Sea, Gokarna has now become a favourite destination of those in search of sun, sea and sand. A charming little town with a few main streets and a cluster of traditional tile-roofed brick houses. Now an important centre of Sankrit learning. At the western end of the main street is the ancient Mahabaleshvara temple which was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 1714 and then rebuilt later in the 18th century.Gokarna is famous for its long stretches of beautiful unspoilt beaches, extending from Gokarna to Karwar in the north, some 60kms in distance. Gentle curving bays, fringed by palms are still occupied by small fishing villages. Evocative names such as Half Moon beach and Paradise beach justify Gokarna's position as the "new Goa". Discover why for yourself.

Day 20 Goa

We have a journey today to get to one of the best beaches of Goa, Calangute.Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the 15th century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese ‘overseas territory’ (not technically a colony) existed for about 450 years, until it was captured by India in 1961. Internationally renowned for its beaches, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of foreign and domestic tourists each year, and has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for European travellers. Goan cuisine is unique and recognised throughout India and the world for its fiery punch and strong coastal and Portuguese influencesRelax on a beach, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the Old Churches of Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and take in as much of the incredible Goan food as you can—it’s your last chance!

Day 21 Depart Goa

You are free to depart at any time on Day 21, though remember check out from the hotel is 12.00 midday.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Guesthouses/hotels (17 nts), sleeper train (3 nts)
Brochure Notes	Trips starting January 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008 follow 2007 season brochured itinerary.Trips starting August 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 follow the 2008 brochured itinerary.
Departure	Departs on selected Sundays, September-March.
DepEnd	Sun-Sat
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	-Early morning walk through flower markets-Kalighat Temple-Cycling around the temples at Mamallapuram-Homestay with family in Kerala-Chinese Fishing nets at Fort Kochi
Local Payment	USD300
Meals Included	No meals are included.
StartFinish	Kolkata to Goa
Transport	Train, local bus, charter bus, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, small river boat
Brochure Intro	From the streets of Kolkata to the temple towns of South India to the Kerala backwaters to some well-deserved beach time in Goa. This epic journey is a fantastic intro to all that is India.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-09-14	2008-10-04	7+
2008-10-05	2008-10-25	7+
2008-11-16	2008-12-06	7+
2008-12-07	2008-12-27	7+
2009-01-18	2009-02-07	7+

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