East To West – A Small Group Tour To Southern India

Following on from the very successful multi-faith trip to northern India in 2018, we offer another excellent opportunity to explore India’s heritage of religious diversity and co-existence. Beginning in Chennai and environs on the coast of Tamilnadu, we will visit sites of historical significance to Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Jains.

We will examine the spectacular ruins of ancient temples and rock reliefs on the beach at Mahabalipuram and then Kumbakonam and Madurai, the setting of the most elaborate Hindu temple in India. From there, we will journey to experience nature in the forest of Periyar National Park and the cultivation of adjacent cardamom, coffee, and tea plantations.

We will then enjoy a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. After these exposures to rural life, we will stroll through historical Cochin and environs where very early and beautiful examples of churches, synagogues, and a mosque are located. Our journey will end with time for relaxation at a very comfortable resort in the hills of Kerala. As on our previous trip to northern India, the cuisine and range of photographic possibilities will be superb at all stages.

After working as a freelance photographer and teacher, Frank Dabba Smith trained to be a Liberal Rabbi and has served since 1997 at Mosaic Liberal Synagogue in London. His Ph.D. dissertation is concerned with the behavior of the renowned camera manufacturer Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar during the Holocaust. Publications include My Secret Camera and Elsie’s War, and solo photographic exhibitions include Leica Gallery (New York) and SAK-Art Museum (Denmark). Frank serves on the International Advisory Committee of EcoPeace-Middle East, as Vice-Chair of the Brent Multi-faith Forum, on the Independent Advisory Group of the Metropolitan Police in the London Borough of Brent, and as a trustee to Berakah-Arts.

DAY 1: TO CHENNAI

Fly from London Heathrow to Chennai via Dubai on Emirates Airlines EK002 at 13:40. Departures from regional UK airports are available on request. If you are planning on joining the tour in India from any other country other than UK please see land only prices for the tour.

DAY 2: TO MAHABALIPURAM

Arrive in Dubai at 00:40 and change for your flight to Chennai Emirates EK 544 which leaves from Dubai at 02:50 and arrives in Chennai in the morning at 08:15. Meeting, assistance on arrival, and transfer to Mahabalipuram 50km south of Chennai. Mahabalipuram was the major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom based at Kanchipuram. Check-in at the Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort

DAY 3: CHENNAI SIGHTSEEING

Today will drive out to Chennai - about two hours driving each way-- and enjoy half-day sightseeing tour including a visit to the San Thome Basilica, one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus, and St. Thomas’s Mount, the hill on which Thomas was martyred. In the late afternoon return back to Chariot Beach Resort for the overnight stay.

(This Tour is optional those who are too tired from the flight journey can rest at the hotel.)

Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort

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DAY 4: VISIT MAHABALIPURAM & DAKSHINACHITRA

After breakfast, we will have a guided tour of the 7th-century granite monuments of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This whole area served as a ‘proving ground’ for the stone masons learning to master techniques for cutting and carving the huge granite formations. The carvings of divinities and animals are simply incredible.

After this tour and excellent dosas for lunch at a local restaurant we will visit Dakshina Chitra, an ethnographic museum and park that is devoted to all aspects of life in Tamilnadu and the other three states in south India, including economic, social, religious and crafts aspects. The evening will consist of an optional visit to a crocodile sanctuary run by an NGO (flashlights provided!). Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Chariot Beach.

Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort

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DAY 5: TO KUMBAKONAM

Morning drive to Kumbakonam (approximately 6 hours journey) stopping en route at Pondicherry for lunch and sightseeing. Check in to the peaceful Mantra Koodam hotel where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight at Mantra Koodam Hotel by CGH Earth

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DAY 6: KUMBAKONAM SIGHTSEEING

Morning sightseeing through Kumbakonam where most of the temples are dedicated to Shiva or Vishu. The tour will also include a visit to the Ramanujan Museum dedicated to this famous mathematician.

After lunch, an optional visit to a legendary Vedic school in old Kumbakonam Town. The Raja Veda Kavya Patasala has produced renowned scholars and pandits since its establishment in 1542 and one can witness students of Vedic studies partaking in Vedic chants, a traditional meditative practice. As the chorus of voices fills the hall, the ancient words reverberate through the room, resulting in an elevating effect even for the casual listener as the gurus pass on generations-old wisdom to aspirants about life, social skills, art and culture.

Overnight at Mantra Koodam Hotel by CGH Earth

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DAY 6: KUMBAKONAM SIGHTSEEING

Overnight at Mantra Koodam Hotel by CGH Earth

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DAY 7: TO MADURAI, VISITING TANJORE ENROUTE

After breakfast, we will drive to Madurai (approximately 5 to 6 hours journey) stopping en route in Thanjavur and visiting the unrivaled World Heritage Brihadeeshwara temple, the masterpiece of Chola architecture Art Gallery, Museum, and the Palace Library. After lunch continues driving to Madurai. Check in to the Heritage Madurai for 2 nights.

Overnight at Heritage Madurai Hotel

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DAY 8: MADURAI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, we’ll visit Madurai’s bustling flower market. Our guide will then take us to the Shri Meenakshi Temple which is regarded as the finest and most fascinating Hindu temple complex in India and is a major pilgrimage destination in the south. Dedicated to Meenakshi, the ‘fish-eyed goddess’, the site houses several shrines surrounded by fourteen large colorful gateway towers adorned with 33,000 sculptures. (As photography is not allowed inside, we’ll be able to leave our cameras safely with a trusted shop owner across the road from the main entrance.) Only a mile away, we also stop to see the architecturally impressive 17th-century king’s palace of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. After lunch, we’ll wander through the tailoring market (opposite the East Tower of the Shri Meenakshi Temple) which is a photographer’s paradise. There will also be an opportunity to be measured up for high-quality tailored clothing that can be delivered in the evening. After dinner, there is an optional late evening return visit to the Shri Meenakshi Temple to witness the ‘going to bed’ ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi. Overnight at the Heritage Madurai.

Overnight at Heritage Madurai Hotel

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DAY 9: TO THEKKADY

We will set off after breakfast to drive 135km (about 4 hours) to Thekkady, on the edge of Periyar National Park, where we will check in to the Cardamom County Hotel.

In the afternoon we’ll tour Deepa Spice World, to see the varied spice plants in the plantation and have an opportunity to purchase gifts, if desired. Evening, options will include a fantastic martial arts performance at the Kalari Centre. Overnight at Cardamom County Hotel, Thekkady.

Overnight at Cardamom County Hotel

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DAY 10: TO VAGAMON, VISITING TEA PLANTATION

We will have a spectacular Drive (about 3 hours) to Vagamon via the lush hilly scenery with its tea plantations and other crops. On the way, we’ll visit a tea plantation. After arriving and checking in to the Vanilla County, an elegant plantation house, we can stroll through spice gardens and, for those wishing to do so, hike to a nearby waterfall and rock pool for swimming. Dinner and overnight at the Vanilla County.

Overnight at Vanilla County Heritage Plantation House

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DAY 11: TO HOUSEBOAT, DRIVE TO COCHIN

After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Alleppey for our day cruise with lunch on board the peaceful and scenic backwaters of Kerala. After 3 to 4 hours of cruising along the backwater, we will disembark from our houseboat and drive to the harbor town Fort Cochin –with its wonderfully chaotic mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and English colonial architecture-- check-in in to the Old Light House Hotel Bristow.

Overnight at Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel

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DAY 12: COCHIN SIGHTSEEING

This day will reflect the faith diversity and coexistence of Cochin throughout the centuries as we visit the St Francis CSI church, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, the Jain Temple and the rarely used Sephardi-Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town plus the home of Abraham Barak Salem (1882-1967), a low-caste Jew who trained to be a lawyer and a renowned advocate for his social group. In the late afternoon, an optional Kathakali theatre performance, including observing the actors applying elaborate makeup before the performance; photography encouraged! Overnight in the Old Light House Hotel Bristow.

Overnight at Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel

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DAY 13: TO CHERAI, VISITING JEW TOWN, CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID & CHENDAMANGALAM SYNAGOGUE

To Cherai, Visiting Jew Town, Cheraman Juma Masjid & Chendamangalam Synagogue
There will be an optional very early morning rickshaw and walking tour of Fort Kochi to explore the lively markets by visiting a newspaper sorting centre, Thirumala Devaswam Temple, cow shedding unit, open yoga centre, Manja Bhagavathi Temple, Cherlaikadavu 24-hour restaurant, pappadam making unit, road side fresh morning snacks making unit, fishing harbour, Zumba training centre, martial arts (Kalaripayattu) training centre, Dhobi Khanna (a historic laundry centre) and finally we will finish this tour with Kolam (Rangoli) designing at a local Brahmin house with a cup of black tea of Kochi.

Later, we’ll visit ‘Jew Town’ located in the newer section of the city known as Ernakulam and also see the Kadavumbagam Synagogue museum for ‘Black Jews’ (those who arrived in India as early as 2,500 years ago), a hidden treasure in the back of an aquarium and tropical fish shop. Elias Josephai is the owner of the adjoining shop and was the only one left in the Jewish community who was able to take the responsibility for restoring and maintaining the synagogue and his Muslim, Christian and Hindu friends were all helpful and supportive. The roads in Jew Town are crowded with all manner of retail and wholesale shops and great for strolling. We’ll then drive to the fully used Cheraman Juma Masjid, the oldest mosque in India, built-in 629, before Prophet Mohammed died. The mehrab is a unique blending of Islamic and Hindu motifs. We’ll also visit two beautifully restored synagogues, now museums, in the nearby villages of Paravur and Chenadamangalam. Dinner and overnight at the Club Mahindra Resort Hotel at Cherai Beach.

Overnight at Club Mahindra Cherai Beach Resort

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DAY 14: TO WAYANAD

After breakfast, a long drive to the Vythiri Resort Hotel located in the scenic hills of Wayanad. En route stop for lunch. This hotel is remote and offers superb accommodation and food plus the gracious staff is warmly hospitable. Each evening after dinner, there are performances, such as traditional Hindu dancing.

Overnight at Vythiri Resort

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DAY 15: WAYANAD

For the hearty, there is an optional vigorous 7.45am rain forest-nature walk for one hour which may be followed by cycling. Other free time choices include: a cooking demonstration, visiting a coffee plantation, hiking to a lake or something especially relaxing such as a spa treatment, yoga or meditation. In the mid-afternoon, an optional visit to see Abraham Benhur, a Jewish-Christian historian and a great character whose home is situated on a lush farm with prehistoric tombs. Overnight at the Vythiri Resort.

Overnight at Vythiri Resort

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DAY 16: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

Very early morning drive to Kozhikode airport --about 2 hours journey-- to board Emirates flight EK 2164, departing from Kozhikode at 8:00 and arriving in Dubai at 11:00. We will then board flight EK003 departing at 14:30 and arriving at London- Heathrow at 18:20.

TOUR COST

The cost per person sharing a twin or double room

£2990.00

Single room supplement

£960.00

Email: enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

Please send us an e-mail at enquiries@soulofindia.com or call us 020 8901 7630. We will send you a booking form to complete. You can also complete a booking form on our website for this tour.
A deposit payment of £500.00 is payable at the time of booking. Balance payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Read our Booking Terms and Conditions

Email: enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

It includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
It provides cover for your whole trip
It covers you for all activities
It covers all your pre-existing medical conditions
Keep your Policy Number and Insurer’s 24-hour Emergency Number handy with you

If you wish to book this tour, please complete the booking form, sign and e-mail it to us. A non-refundable deposit of £500.00 per person is needed at the time of booking. Balance payments will be due 8 weeks before departure. You can make the deposit payment by debit or credit card or electronic transfer to our bank. Our Bank details are on the booking form.

To get a competitive quote for comprehensive travel insurance click here

The cost per person sharing a twin or double with flights: £2990.00
The cost per person sharing a twin or double without flights: £2350.00

Cost Includes

International flights in economy class as per itinerary on Emirates Airlines.
Air-conditioned accommodation in hotels with private facilities as per itinerary, sharing twin or double room (Check-in is 1400 hrs and check-out 12 noon. Early check-in late checkouts are subject to availability).
Daily breakfast and dinner at all hotels. Lunches will be provided at local restaurants.
All arrival, departure transfers, long drives, and sightseeing by a chauffeur-driven private air-conditioned coach.
Services of a local English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at the airports.
Services of English-speaking guides and local specialists during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
Services of Frank Dabba Smith as a trip leader
Complimentary mineral water while traveling & sightseeing.
100% protection of your monies by our ATOL and ABTA licenses.

Cost Does Not Include

India visa fee. E-tourist visa is now available for citizens of most countries. On confirmation of booking, we will send you a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the visa.
Any expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, etc.
Tips and Gratuities.
Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
Tickets for optional evening activities, as applicable.
Travel Insurance: It is essential to have adequate travel insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting. To get a competitive quote for comprehensive travel insurance click here