Coast to Coast

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    I warmly invite you to join a small group to explore and experience a coast-to-coast tour across southern India.

    We will be visiting many significant religious and cultural sites, experiencing the devotions of different faith communities, passing through spectacular scenery, seeing a wide range of wildlife, maybe even tigers in the wild and also having great fun; all at the same time.

    It really is a spectacular itinerary with unforgettable experiences and delights. This Tour is a mix of the Holy and Holiday with time for reflection and also time for fun and relaxation, exploring and shopping. I do hope you will come along and be part of this fascinating Pilgrimage.

    The Itinerary

    Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Trichy – Dindigul – Madurai – Munnar – Kumarakom – Cochin

    Meal Code: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner

    Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

    DAY 1: FLY UK TO CHENNAI

    We meet at Heathrow Terminal 3 to board Emirates flight EK0002 from Heathrow (14:15) to Dubai (00:15). Change at Dubai to board connecting Emirates flight EK0544 from Dubai (02:45) to Chennai (08:25) the next morning.

    DAY 2: CHENNAI

    On arrival in Chennai we transfer to the Hotel Accord. After freshening up, we head out for our first encounter with the city, visiting two of Chennai’s most interesting places of worship. First we make our way to St Mary’s Anglican Church, the oldest British building in India (fondly known to locals as the ‘Westminster Abbey of the East’), before visiting the Hindu temple of Kapaleeshwarar, a grand and impressive example of Tamil temple architecture with thousands of trademark colourful carvings.

    • Overnight in Hotel Accord, Chennai

    DAY 3: CHENNAI

    Today we ascend St Thomas’ Mount, where it is believed that the apostle was martyred, and later visit his tomb in the Roman Catholic Basilica of San Thome.

    • Overnight in Hotel Accord, Chennai

    DAY 4: PONDICHERRY

    This morning we leave Chennai and drive south along the Coromandal Coast to Mahabalipuram, the ancient and stunning ‘temple by the sea’. After lunch we continue south on the coastal road down to the French colonial seaside town of Pondicherry. There will be an opportunity to take an evening stroll along the famous beachfront promenade.

    • Overnight in Hotel Heritage Maison, Perumal

    Punducherry

    DAY 5: PONDICHERRY

    Full-day guided sightseeing of Pondicherry.

    • Overnight in Maison Perumal, Pondicherry

    DAY 6: TUESDAY 2ND AUGUST 2022 - TRAIN TO TRICHY

    Morning transfer to Pondicherry railway station to board “Pdy Cape Express”, train number 16861 from Pondicherry (11:45) to Trichy (17:05) in 2-Tier AC Class. Journey time: 5h 20m. Please note Pondicherry’s new name is Puducherry, and Trichy’s long-form name is Tiruchchirappalli.

    • Overnight in Hotel Breeze Residency, Trichy

    DAY 7: TRICHY TO DINDIGUL

    This morning we will visit some of the famous Hindu temples of Trichy, including the magnificent Rock Fort and the colorful Ranganathaswamy temple. After lunch we will set off for our 100km to Dindigul to check into the Vivera Grande.

    • Overnight in Vivera Grande, Dindigul

    Trichy, Tamil Nadu

    DAY 8: DINDIGUL

    Today we will meet with the Friends of the Poor to learn more about their work.

    • Overnight in Vivera Grande, Dindigul

    DAY 9: FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST 2022 - DINDIGUL TO MADURAI

    After breakfast we will set off to drive 70km to the ancient city of Madurai to explore its famous temples. The Shri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is arguably the finest and most fascinating temple complex in India, and is a major pilgrimage centre in the south. Dedicated to “the fish-eyed goddess” Meenakshi, the site houses several shrines surrounded by 14 large colourful gateway towers. Just a mile down the road, we also stop to visit the impressive 17th-century king’s palace of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The afternoon is at leisure.

    • Overnight in Hotel Heritage, Madurai

    DAY 10: MADURAI TO MUNNAR

    Today we leave the frenetic city of Madurai and head to the cooler climes of Munnar, the old British hill station surrounded by tea estates and green hills. The 155km drive will take 4-5 hours. Here we check in to Fragrant Nature for two nights.

    • Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Munnar

    Munnar, Kerala

    DAY 11: MUNNAR

    Spend the day enjoying the tranquil surroundings and plantations. We will also visit the British-era CSI Christ Church and Catholic Mount Carmel Church.

    • Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Munnar

    DAY 12: MUNNAR TO KUMARAKOM

    This morning we visit the Tea Museum, as close as you can get to a working tea factory around Munnar, and then we descend to 150km to Kumarakom in the backwaters of Kerala.

    • Overnight in Cocobay, Kumarakom

    DAY 13: KUMARAKOM

    Relax at the resort and enjoy a cruise on the backwaters. Later we will drive 60km to the old harbor town of Fort Cochin.

    • Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Cochin

    Cochin, Kerala

    DAY 14: COCHIN

    Today we have a day sightseeing in Cochin where we visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Jewish synagogue and St Francis Anglican Church. We also make a visit to the Mattancherry palace with its Keralan style murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibitions of the Rajas of Kochi. In the evening we will witness traditional Keralan dances before returning to the hotel for dinner and a well-deserved overnight rest.

    • Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Cochin

    DAY 15: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

    Early morning transfer to Cochin airport to board Emirates flight EK0531 from Cochin (10:30) to Dubai (12:55). Change at Dubai to board connecting Emirates flight EK0003 from Dubai (14:15) to London Heathrow (18:40).

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