|
INDIA'S
SOUTHERN HERITAGE w/DECCAN ODYSSEY
A
World Heritage Sites Tour of India |
 |
This
unique journey uncovers both Southern and Western India's
rich cultural heritage, evokes unforgettable images from
past centuries and leaves a lasting spell in our soul. Covering
some 8 of the 27 World Heritage Sites in India.. Welcome
aboard! The Deccan Odyssey is much more than a mere luxury
train cruise. It's a 'classical odyssey' of time beyond the
realms of the present. Itinerary has been thoughtfully tailored
to include the best of the sites that make up the Southern
Heritage of India. This journey provides an experience to
cherish for a lifetime. Combine this with our India's
Northern Heritage tour and one will have covered the best India has
to offer.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Arrive Chennai (Madras) |
|
02
|
Chennai |
| 03 |
Chennai / Madurai |
|
04
|
Madurai / Tanjore |
|
05
|
Tanjore / Pondicherry |
|
06
|
Pondicherry / Mahabalipuram |
|
07
|
Mahabalipuram |
|
08
|
Mahabalipuram / Chennai & Chennai
/ Goa |
|
09
|
Goa |
|
10
|
Goa / Badami |
|
11
|
Badami / Pattakadal / Hospet |
|
12
|
Hospet / Hampi / Hospet |
|
13
|
Hospet / Goa & Board Deccan Odyssey |
| 14 |
Kolhapur, Pune |
| 15 |
Aurangabad |
| 16 |
Ajanta & Nashik |
| 17 |
Mumbai (Bombay) |
| 18 |
Mumbai / Departure |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
India |
|
|
Mahabalipuram Shore Temples (1984) |
This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava
kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in
the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas
(temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries),
giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges',
and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the
glory of Shiva. |
| Great Living Chola Temples (1987) |
Two great Chola Temples of the 11th and 12th
centuries have been added to the 11th century Brihadisvara
temple of Thanjavur, inscribed in 1987. The Great Living Chola
Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched
over all of South India and the neighbouring islands. The site
now includes the three great 11th and 12th century Chola Temples:
the Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram
and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram,
built by Rajendra I, was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana
(sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward
curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe
tower at Thanjavur. It has six pairs of massive, monolithic
dvarapalas statues guarding the entrances and bronzes of remarkable
beauty inside. The Airavatesvara temple complex, built by Rajaraja
II, at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of
Shiva. The temples testify to the Cholas brilliant achievements
in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting. |
| Ajanta
Caves - Aurangabad (1983) |
The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date
from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period
(5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves
were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures
of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art,
have had a considerable artistic influence. |
| Ellora
Caves - Aurangabad (1983) |
These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over
more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high
basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora,
with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D.
600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life.
Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and
a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to
Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of
tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India. |
| Temples
at Pattadakal (1987) |
Pattadakal, in Karnataka, represents the high
point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries
under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of
architectural forms from northern and southern India. An impressive
series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary,
can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out
- the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi
to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the
South. |
| Hampi
Ruins (1986) |
The austere, grandiose site of Hampi was the last capital
of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its fabulously
rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won
the admiration of travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565, the city
was pillaged over a period of six months before being abandoned. |
| Old
Churches of Goa |
The churches and convents of Goa, the former capital of the
Portuguese Indies - particularly the Church of Bom Jesus, which
contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier - illustrate the evangelization
of Asia. These monuments were influential in spreading forms
of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries
of Asia where missions were established. |
| Elephanta
Caves (1987) |
The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close
to Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the
cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect
expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main
cave. |
| Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) |
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria
Terminus in Mumbai, is an outstanding example of Victorian
Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving
from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed
by the British architect F.W. Stevens, became the symbol of
Bombay as the 'Gothic City' and the major international mercantile
port of India. The terminal was built over ten years starting
in 1878 according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on
late medieval Italian models. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets,
pointed arches, and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional
Indian palace architecture. It is an outstanding example of
the meeting of two cultures as British architects worked with
Indian craftsmen to include Indian architectural tradition
and idioms forging a new style unique to Bombay. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Monday:
Arrival Chennai (Madras)
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands
clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities,
we are met and driven to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Chennai (2 Nights) (D)
Day 02: Tuesday: Chennai
Madras or Chennai, as it is now officially known, is the capital
of the state of Tamil Nadu and is the cultural Gateway to Southern
India. Chennai, in many respects, is unlike other Indian cities.
It is the fourth-largest city in India and has a long history
of attracting and nurturing the region's finest thinkers, artists,
and crafts people. It is also the focal point for India's 2000
year of Christian history. Christ's Apostle Thomas is said
to have preached, died and buried in Chennai. The little mount,
St. Thomas' Mount and Santhome Cathedral commemorate these
epochal events. In the north, near the harbor, is George Town.
Its narrow streets contain shipping agencies, bazaars and the
main post office. Today we tour Chennai start first with The
National Art Gallery & Museum. The museum was established
in 1857 and contains one of the best collections of bronzes
in the country, including the famous icon of Natraja. Our Next
stop is at St. Mary's Church-built in 1680. This was first
English Church in Chennai and is India's oldest surviving British
church. In the church there are reminders of Clive, who was
married here in 1753, and Elihu Yale, the early governor of
Madras. We end our tour with a visit to Peoples Park and the
beautiful Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world,
and the clock towers.In the evening we enjoy diiner with classical
South Indian dances. (B, D)
Day 03: Wednesday: Chennai / Madurai (Flight)
Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Madurai.
Madurai, situated in southern Tamil Nadu is the second largest
city in Tamil Nadu, is an important cultural and commercial
centre. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi Temple,
with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture and the
four tall gopurams (pillars) with multicolored gods, goddesses,
demons and deities. Madurai is famous for the imposing Meenakshi
Temple, a structure in the Dravidian style of architecture.
The history of the city dates back over 2,000 years when it
was the capital of the Pandyas. The most interesting feature
of the temple is its Hall of a thousand pillars some of which
sound like metal when hit with an object. The metal stone or
musical pillar, although made of stone, produces sounds of
different metals.
Overnight: Hotel in Madurai (1 Night) (B, D)
Day 04: Thursday: Madurai / Tanjore
In the morning we drive to Tanjore. In the afternoon we visit
Thanjavur, popularly known as Tanjore. The town is famous also
for its distinctive style, "Krishna" is the most
popular deity depicted, and in the Tanjore school his skin
is white, rather than the traditional blue-black. Tanjore was
the ancient capital of the Chola Kings whose origins go back
to the beginning of the Christian era. Our afternoon tour of
World Heritage Site of Tanjore includes in the Shri Brihadishwara
temple built by "Raja-Raja" in 1010, which is the
crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. The temple, set
in spacious grounds, has several pillared halls and shrines.
Inscriptions record the names of dancers, musicians and poets
a reminder of the significance of this area to the development
of the arts. We end our tour of Tanjore with a visit to the
Tanjore Palace & Museum which has an eclectic collection
of regal memorabilia most of it dating from the early 19th
century.
Overnight: Hotel in Tanjore (1 Night) (B, D)
Day 05: Friday: Tanjore / Pondicherry
Today we drive to Pondicherry. This former French Colonial
city in Tamil Nadu didn’t come under Indian rule until
1954. Pondicherry otherwise known a Puducherry means a “New
Hamlet” which is located on the Coromandal Coast. Here
people speak 55 different languages reside and inspite of Linguistic
plethola there is no restlessness but absolute harmony. Its
main attraction is actually outside of town: the ashram at
Auroville, built by followers of Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher/prophet
born in 1870. The International town where people of different
countries reside belongs to humanity as a whole. Matrimandir
the famous monument is constructed by the Auroville Society
which represents the flower Lotus. Also visit 400 years old
Manakula Vinayagar Temple which has several fresco paintings
on the walls telling the life story of half human and half
animal lord. You shall also visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram named
after Sri Aurobindo, who was a National Leader, famous for
his integral Yoga and philosophical literary works. A French
Lady, Madam Mirr Richard, followed his spiritual path and the
Samadhi of both Sri Aurobindo and Mother are situated at main
premises of the Ashram.
Overnight: Hotel in Pondicherry (1 Night) (B, D)
Day 06: Saturday: Pondicherry / Mahabalipuram
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Mahabalipuram. Arrive
Mahabalipuram and check in Hotel. Rest of the day is free for
personal activities.
Overnight: Hotel in Mahabalipuram (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 07: Sunday: Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is best known for its shore temples. A UNESCO
World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of
Pallava King of Kanchipuram. The 7th century town is famous
for its rock-hewn temples, sculptures and the world's largest
stone bas-relief. We also visit the "Five Rathas",
a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures carved out
of solid rock, almost like an artist's experiment in variety
of form. Mamallapuram is a sculptors delight. Among the noteworthy
sites in the vicinity of the town are Arjuna's Penance, Krishna
Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, and Mahishasurmardhini Caves. Evening
is a walking tour of the bazaars and narrow lanes to see the
city’s activities at dusk time (B, D)
Day 08: Monday: Mahabalipuram / Chennai ( Drive) / Chennai
/ Goa (Flight)
Today are transferred to Chennai airport for our flight to
Goa. Arrive Goa and check in Hotel. Rest of the day is free.
Overnight: Hotel in Goa (2 Nights) (B, D)
Day 09: Tuesday: Goa
Although best known for its 65 miles / 105 kms of magnificent,
palm lined beaches along the Arabian Sea, Goa holds other more
important attractions. The churches of Old Goa are so unique
that they have, collectively, been recognized as a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO. We will cover, amongst others, the Portuguese
Catholic Church of Old Goa and the Basilica of Bom Jesus (most
of the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is exhibited there
on some occasions). Old church is also known as The Basilica
of Bom Jesus, built in the 16th century, where the mortal remains
of St. Francis Xavier are enshrined; the Se Cathedral, which
is the most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted
interior overwhelms the visitors by its sheer grandeur. The
cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden
bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the World.
(B, D)
Day 10: Wednesday: Goa / Badami
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Badami. The capital
of the Early Chalukyas, Badami (also known as Vatapi), is situated
at the mouth of a Ravine between two rocky hills. Rock-cut
cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions, sculptures that
seem to come alive in front of our eyes. Climb a flight of
steps to reach the ancient caves all hewn out of sand stone
on the precipice of a hill. Badami offers an interesting small
town setting.
Overnight: Hotel in Badami (1 night) (B, D)
Day 11: Thursday: Badami / Pattakadal / Hospet
At the riverside village of Pattakadal, 20 Kms from Badami,
lie some of the most interesting temples which have been recognized
as World heritage site. Pattadakal was the second capital of
the Chalukyan Empire after Badami. It was also the ceremonial
center where kings were crowned and commemorated. The earliest
temples of Pattadakal are from the 4th century AD. The latest
architecture is a Jain temple of the Rashtrakuta period (9th
century). The temples of Pattadakal display the blending of
the Rekha Nagara Prasada and the Dravida Vimana styles of architecture.
Later we visit the famous caves at Badami. There are four caves
here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth
cave is the only Jain temple in Badami. From here we drive
to Hospet. Hospet is famous for caves, temples and shrines
that bring back the memories of the 6th and the 7th century
architecture and religious outlook. As we get to Hospet we
see life of bygone days.
Overnight: Hotel in Hospet (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 12: Friday: Hospet / Hampi / Hospet
A full day excursion of Hampi - the magnificent city of ruins.
A World Heritage Centre, Hampi is the most beautiful and evocative
of all the ruins in Karnataka. This capital of the Vijaynagar
Empire boasts some exquisite examples of temple architecture.
The Vittala Temple, here is noted for its sculpted stone chariot
and carved pillars that produce musical notes when struck.
The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically and is the only temple
at Hampi that is still used for worship. The Hazararama Temple,
ornate with intricate carvings depicts scenes from the Ramayana.
The other places of interest are Lotus Mahal: Elephant Stables
is a huge stable and a beautiful example of Hindu-Muslim style
of architecture, housing 11 elephants in separate compartments.
Pushkarini Tank, Mahanavami Dibba, and Mustard Ganesh: In the
evening we return to Hospet. (B, D)
Day 13: Saturday: Hospet / Goa (Drive) and Board Deccan Odyssey
Today we drive to Goa to board the Deccan Odyssey train from
Madgaon railway station.
Overnight: On Board – Deccan Odyssey Train – 4
nights (B, D)
Day 14: Sunday: Kolhapur, Pune
Morning - Arrival at Kolhapur City, known as Karveer or Dakshin
Kashi of Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of river Panchaganga.
_Board the bus to visit; New Palace, a royal palace partly
converted into museum, Bhawani Mandap (The Town Hall) witness
traditional Martial Art locally known as "Mardani Khel",
An exquisitely carved Mahalaxmi Temple a temple of goddess
Ambabai visited by millions pilgrims, Shalini Palace built
of intricately carved black stone & Italian Marble stands
on the west side of lake Rankala, watch cultural programme
and visit to handicraft stalls for perfect memorabilia. At
noon board the train at Kolhapur station to depart for Pune.
at Pune. Board the bus to visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum.
Dinner onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Monday: Aurangabad
Morning arrival at Aurangabad station. Then drive to fort Daulatabad,
Ellora caves, a world Heritage site, having 34 cave temples
dedicated to three different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism.
Lunch & Cultural programme at Hotel Taj. After lunch visit
to; Shivaji Museum. Aurangabad Caves No. 7 & 8, Bibi-ka-Maqbara,
a replica of Taj Mahal is a grand piece of Moghul architecture.
Late in the evening board the train. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Tuesday: Ajanta & Nashik
Morning arrival at Jalgaon railway station. Then drive to Fardapur
resort. After breakfast proceed to visit renowned Buddhist
caves of Ajanta a World Heritage Site to witness some of the
finest paintings and sculptures of the second century AD. At
noon board the train at Bhusawal railway station. Arrival at
Nashik railway station. Departure to visit Panchawati Ghat
and Sula Winery Yard. Wine & dine at the winery yard. (B,
L, D)
Day 17: Wednesday: Mumbai (Bombay)
Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over the commercial
capital of India. On arrival in Bombay we are transferred to
our Hotel. Later we take an excursion to the world famous Elephanta
Caves. Little is known about their origins, but they are thought
to have been created between AD 450 and 750, when the island
was known as Gharapuri (Place of Caves). The Portuguese renamed
it Elephanta because of a large stone elephant near the shore.
In the afternoon we tour Bombay city. Highlights of our tour
include the Gateway of India- Mumbai’s most famous monument.
We also visit Hanging gardens, the bustling Crawford Market,
Haji Ali Dargah - the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant who
renounced all his worldly belongings before embarking on a
pilgrimage to Mecca. The tomb itself is over 800 years old
and throngs of worshippers paying respects to the remains that
lie in an exquisite silver frame engraved with all the ninety-nine
names of Allah. We then visit Dhobi Ghat – the world’s
largest outdoor laundry & the Prince of Wales Museum followed
by the Victoria Terminus – a recent addition to UNESCO's
World Heritage Sites.
Overnight: Hotel in Mumbai (1 Night) (B, D)
Day 18: Mumbai / Departure
Today we bid farewell to India after what will have been a
fascinating study of Southern India’s Heritage. We are
transferred to airport for our flight to onward destination.
(B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 21,
Feb 18,
Mar 17, Apr 14,
May 19, Jun 16,
Jul 21, Aug 18, Sep
22, Oct 20,
Nov 17 & Dec 22
2009
Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16 & Apr 20
|
| Prices |
| Hotel
Category |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| First
Class |
5195 |
1880 |
| Superior |
6165 |
2530 |
| Deluxe |
6380 |
2555 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
on twin-share basis in hotels as
selected.
- Daily
buffet breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- 4 Nights – Deccan Odyssey
with all meals.
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all
sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers
as per the itinerary.
- Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's
fee at the airport and railway station only
- Entrance Fees to museums and other sites
- Local English speaking guides at each destination
- All currently applicable taxes
|
- International
Airfare & Airport Taxes
- Travel
Insurances
- Visa
Fees
- Beverages
/ Gratuities
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price (Subject
To Change) |
Chennai
/ Madurai and Chennai / Goa
|
|
City
|
First
Class
|
Superior
|
Deluxe
|
Chennai
|
Savera
Hotel
(Standard Room)
|
Trident
Hilton
(Superior Room)
|
Taj
Connemara Hotel
(Superior Room)
|
Madurai
|
Hotel
Sangam
(Standard Room)
|
Taj
Garden Retreat
(Superior Room)
|
Taj
Garden Retreat
(Superior Room)
|
Tanjore
|
Hotel
Sangam
(Standard Room)
|
Hotel
Sangam
(Standard Room)
|
Hotel
Sangam
(Standard Room)
|
Pondicherry
|
The
Promenade
(Deluxe Non Sea Facing Room)
|
Le-Dupleix
(Deluxe Suite)
|
Le-Dupleix
(Deluxe Suite)
|
Mahabalipuram
|
Fortune
Chariot Beach Resort
(Standard Room)
|
Fishermans
Cove
(Standard Room)
|
Fishermans
Cove
(Standard Room)
|
Goa
|
Cidade
De Goa Beach Resort
(Premium Room)
|
Fort
Aguada Beach Resort
(Superior With Sitouts)
|
Taj
Exotica
(Garden Villa)
|
Badami
|
Badami
Court
(Standard Room)
|
Badami
Court
(Standard Room)
|
Badami
Court
(Standard Room)
|
Hospet
|
Hotel
Malligi
(Standard Room)
|
Hotel
Malligi
(Standard Room)
|
Hotel
Malligi
(Standard Room)
|
Deccan
Odyssey
|
Deccan
Oddyssey
|
Deccan
Oddyssey
|
Deccan
Oddyssey
|
Mumbai
|
The
Ambassador
(Executive Room)
|
Taj
President
(Executive Room)
|
Taj
President
(Executive Room)
|
|
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1395 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1495 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
|
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