Chennai is Tamil Nadu's coastal capital and one of India's financial, cultural and tourism hubs. Attractions include the city's beaches, museums and historical sites. For shopping lovers, it is nothing less than bliss to shop in this city of amazing shopping places. From world famous silk sarees to wooden carvings to exquisite handicrafts to traditional gold jewellery to best of international brands, there is ample of choices available in Chennai at places such as Phoneix Mall, Pondy Bazaar, Ranganathan Street, Express Avenue Mall and Burma Bazaar.
Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi, is an ancient city in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state. Considered a holy pilgrimage site by Hindus, it is home to many temples. The 8th-century Kailasanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a vast complex with intricate sandstone carvings. Ulagalanda Perumal Temple houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu. A mango tree in the Ekambareswarar Temple courtyard is thought to be sacred.
Lying on the Coromandel Coast, the city of Mahabalipuram nestles on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The city is studded with both, natural and ancient beauty. It has the honour of being home to a group of monuments which are acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grandeur architecture of the Shore temple, Panch Rathas, and Descent of the Ganges 1s endearing. And the glittering Mahabalipuram beach provides for all kinds of beach activities attracting thousands of tourists. Other major attractions here are the luxurious beach resorts, the crocodile bank, snake venom extracting centre, schools of art and sculpture.
Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial.
Chidambaram is a town and municipality in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the headquarters of the Chidambaram taluk. Pitchavaram wetlands, the second largest mangrove forests in the world has a large presence of the ancient Tillai Trees, surrounding the temple town. Tillai ambalam literally meaning the open stage of Tillai.It is the location of the popular CHIDAMBARAM NATARAJAR temple also called as Thillai Natarajar Temple.
Tanjore or Thanjavur is a city of great prominence in terms of art, religion, and architecture. The cradle of the Tanjore style of paintings, the city is one of the most visited ones in Tamil Nadu It has many monuments, and the Brihadishwara Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, is the most spectacular. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace gives a great insight into the cultural history. Other major tourist drawing places include the Gangaikonda Cholapuram, The Serfoji Sarasvati Mahal Library, and Swami Malai Temple.
Set on the banks of the Kaveri River in the state of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli, also known as Trichy, is an ancient southern Indian city famed for its impressive architecture.
The soulful city of Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India. Known as the Athens of the east, Madurai is the city which was planned with a temple as its center and has a treasure of culture. It is believed that Lord Siva appeared on the naming ceremony of the city and blessed it. The divine nectar (madhu) from the tangled locks of Siva fell on the blessed city; hence the city came to be known as "Madhurapuri". It witnesses many tourists arriving to relish the calm beauty. The major tourist attraction here is Meenakshi Amman Temple; dedicated to goddess Parvati and lord Shiva. Other places to visit are: Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine, Gandhi Museum, and Aayiram Kaal Mandapam.
Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake with its numerous canals, streams and distributaries that weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. Its undisturbed tranquillity makes it a favourite with a vast number of migratory birds. Vantage points all along the shore provide excellent bird-watching opportunities which makes Kumarakom a popular destination for enthusiasts.
From the iconic Chinese Nets in the harbour, which are a reminder of the port town's long time maritime relations with the Far East to the famous Pepper Exchange, whose 'black gold' had all of ancient Rome hungry for more of this exotic spice. Pop along to the graceful Dutch Palace, and marvel at the fusion of Dutch, Portuguese and English influences that sharply define this popular tourist attraction.
Departure from your home country with flight to Madras, with change aircraft. Meals on board. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Overnight.
In the morning, excursion to Kanchipuram for the visit to the ancient temples of Kailasanatha and Ekanbaranathar. In the afternoon, panoramic visit of the Marina Drive promenade with its buildings and visit of the church of San Tommaso. Overnight.
Departure for Pondicherry. Along the journey, stop in Mahabalipuram to visit the famous Temples on the beach. In the afternoon, visit of the ancient French colony of Pondicherry with the Sri Aurobindo ashram. Overnight.
Transfer to Tanjore with stop to visit the great temple of Chidambaram. Swamimalai. Arrival in Tanjore. In the afternoon: Visit of the temple of Brihadeshwara dedicated to the god Shiva and the Museum that houses the precious collection of bronzes of the chola dynasty Chola. Overnight.
Transfer to Trichy for the visit of the temple complex of Srirangam, where the pilgrims celebrate ancient rituals on the banks of the Kaveri River. Continue to Madurai. In late evening, we will go back there to the temple to attend the suggestive ceremonyof the dormition. Overnight.
In the morning, visit the royal palace of Tirumalai Nayak and the temple dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, "fish-eyed" with his colourful bazaar. In the afternoon, transfer to Periyar, location located in the Nilgiri Mountains, the “mountains blue ”that separate the state of Tamil Nadu from that of Kerala. Overnight.
Transfer from the mountains to the plain of Kerala, characterized in its central part from an immense tropical lagoon. Stop along the journey to visit a luxuriant plantation of spices. Hotel accommodation in the heart of the lagoon. Free afternoon for relaxation or treatments Ayurvedic. Overnight.
Departure for Cochin. Along the journey, kettuvallam excursion in the backwaters, the series of artificial canals, rivers and natural lakes that crosses the Kerala region like a spider's web. In the late afternoon, show by traditional Kathakali dance-theater. Overnight.
Visit of the most cosmopolitan city of South India: the Chinese networks, the Dutch Palace a Mattancherry, the church of San Francesco which preserves the tombstone of Vasco de Gama, the synagogue with the neighbourhood Hebrew and the way of the antique dealers. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Rooms are booked till 1200 hours. Later, in time transfer to the airport to board your onward destination flight.
Revel in the splendour of the Chettinad dynasty and experience this tribute to the empire’s majestic palaces. Spanning 4.8 acres along the seashore, this expansive property will leave you spell bound with its decorated walls, enviable collection of art and artefacts and picturesque view of the tranquil waterfront.
See HotelAn address in the French Quarter with a distinct colonial stamp. Palais de Mahe lies close to the sea side promenade, barely 50 metres from the cool breezes and gentle rumblings of the Bay of Bengal.
This signature hotel - with its majestic courtyard, deep verandahs, attractive pillars and period furniture - combines south Indian fire and flavor with French intensity and fervor to bring you an experience that is in every way unforgettable.
The SVATMA experience is designed as a voyage of discovery of the mind indulging in the luxury of leisure, dabbling with the arts, in a beautiful home environment. At every spot, SVATMA has a personality and there are unique spots to match every mood of every person.
A feel of rich fullness and wholesomeness is what you experience in all the comforts provided under one roof. The SVATMA is all about self-surrender to the abundant charms of ancient Tamil Nadu – its arts, architecture culinary heritage and culture.
See HotelHeritage Madurai rings with historic charm that echoes in every hallway and every room. Lounge by the Olympic-sized temple tank pool, or luxuriate in a plunge pool in your own private villa. Dine under a 200 years old banyan tree, serenaded by bird calls while enjoying the perfect meal prepared by your own personal chef, perfectly tempered to your particular taste buds. Take a leisurely ‘historic’ walk through the corridors where every stone has a story to tell. There is more to Heritage Madurai.
See HotelSpice village for us is a work of nature as much as it is a lofty expression of the imagination. We conceived the resort as a village and approached its building the way you would a village - with local materials, native artisans, mountain spirit and traditional wisdom in its creation. Though traditional in its conception, this is a ‘village’ that offers you all the comforts of a city minus the noise, pollution and other urban ills that you can do without. Our interaction with the ecology of these hills is symbiotic, influenced by the native people of these parts who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for generations. They taught us about self-sustaining systems and also steward our organic gardens that put fresh vegetables, fruits and spices on your tables every day.
See HotelAn interplay of coconut groves and backwater canals, with old wooden Keralan homes transplanted, preserved and cherished.
Coconut Lagoon is located in a sheltered and enchanting cove in Kumarakom, this resort reflects the diversity and magnificence of Vemband Lake. A CGH Earth experience that respects the rich but delicate ecosphere and the vibrant culture of Kuttanad region. Where old agrarian homes are reconstituted to offer you an entry into a charming world following the gentle pulse of the backwaters.
See HotelA jewel nestled in Cochin’s exquisite beauty, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin enchants you with its lovely old-world charm combined with world class luxury services. Perched at the tip of the Willingdon Island, overlooking the harbour, you get the feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world, peacefully floating out towards the horizon. Open views of the harbour with the Chinese Fishing nets in the distance, make you feel welcomed; a beautiful start to a journey that only gets better at our 5 star hotel in Kochi.
See HotelJourney to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
