Hindu and Christian in South India
India's South has a unique character. Hindu monuments of great antiquity
survive, where you can experience probably the world's most ancient
living faith.
You will explore some of these ancient soaring temples, dedicated to
Shiva or Vishnu, and stand shoulder to shoulder with their devotees.
India has ancient Christianity, too. St. Thomas is said to have visited in
AD 52, and established the faith here. You will be able to join pilgrims at the
San Thome shrine containing his relics, and meet Syrian Orthodox Christian
communities which predate the first European church in India by 1200 years.
Day 1
Afternoon departure from Heathrow on direct British Airways flight.
Day 2
Early morning arrival at Chennai (Madras). Stay at Radha Park Plaza
Hotel (3*). Afternoon visit to 7th century Kapaleeshwara Temple.
Day 3
Visit San Thome Cathedral, and St. Thomas Mount.
Day 4
All day visit to the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram (90
minutes' drive along the coast road) to see the extraordinary
10th century rock sculptures and shore temple.
Day 5
Train to Tiruchirapalli (Trichy). Stay at Jenny's Residence
(4*).
Day 6
Climb the spectacular Rock Fort, and see the huge Ranganathaswamy
temple of Lord Vishnu.
Day 7
1 hour drive to Kulitalai, to Bede Griffiths' Shantivanam Ashram, for
a whole day in the meditative environment and routine of the ashram.
Day 8
Drive or train to Madurai. Stay at Taj Garden Retreat (4*). Visit the
Gandhi Museum.
Day 9
Explore the great temple of Shree Meenakshi, said to contain 33 million
sculptures.
Day 10
Meander through Madurai's exciting bazaars, textile and craft markets.
Day 11
Drive to Munnar, hill station and centre of tea production. Stay at
Royal Retreat Hotel (3*). Visit tea plantations and enjoy the hill air.
Day 12
Return to sea level, to the ancient port of Cochin. Stay at the Taj
Residency Ernakulam (4*)
Day 13
Visit the cathedral, and the oldest European church in India. See Cochin's
famous synagogue, dating from 1568.
Day 14
All day visit to Kottayam, an important centre of the ancient Syrian
Orthodox Church.
Day 15
Day for shopping and leisure in Cochin.
Day 16
Early afternoon flight to Mumbai (Bombay), for late night homeward flight on
British Airways.
Day 17
Early morning arrival at Heathrow.
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