Swadeshi Holidays
After clearing customs and immigration, you are met and transferred to the your hotel..
CHENNAI
You will have a leisurely start today to recover from your flight.
In the afternoon we will visit some of the highlights of Chennai. Madras served as the economic and political capital of the East India Company from the 17 century onwards. We will tour this city starting at Fort St. George that marks the beginning of Madras as an important center for trade. Within the fort are St Mary's Church, the first English church in India and the oldest British building to survive. We will spend sometime in the Mylapore temple area visiting the 16 century Kapleeswarar temple and the fruit and flower market. Of the museums, The Government Museum has an excellent collection of South Indian bronzes. Overnight at your hotel.
You will have a leisurely start today to recover from your flight.
In the afternoon we will visit some of the highlights of Chennai. Madras served as the economic and political capital of the East India Company from the 17 century onwards. We will tour this city starting at Fort St. George that marks the beginning of Madras as an important center for trade. Within the fort are St Mary's Church, the first English church in India and the oldest British building to survive. We will spend sometime in the Mylapore temple area visiting the 16 century Kapleeswarar temple and the fruit and flower market. Of the museums, The Government Museum has an excellent collection of South Indian bronzes. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 3
Ekabaresvara Temple At
Kancheepuram
CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM VIA KANCHIPURAM
Today after breakfast we drive out of city to Kanchipuram, which is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. The city dates from the 2 century BC, from the time of the early Chola reign. Successive dynasties built hundreds of temples, resulting in the name “The Golden City of a 1000 temples”, the earliest surviving temple dating from the 6 and 7 century. Apart from being a center of pilgrimage, Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk weavers who settled in this area in the 16 century.
After lunch at Fisherman's Cove, we tour Mamallapuram as it is known today is an extraordinary experience. This open-air museum of Tamil art in living rock is the work of students under the patronage of the Pallava rulers. Strewn along the coast are some outstanding examples of 7 century sculpture cave temples, an enormous bas-relief depicting scenes from the Indian epic the Mahabharata, and an amphitheater of chariot shaped temples. The landmark of this marvelous collection is the Shore Temple, a world heritage monument, and the only surviving one from a complex, the other's having been claimed by the sea. Overnight at the hotel.
Today after breakfast we drive out of city to Kanchipuram, which is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. The city dates from the 2 century BC, from the time of the early Chola reign. Successive dynasties built hundreds of temples, resulting in the name “The Golden City of a 1000 temples”, the earliest surviving temple dating from the 6 and 7 century. Apart from being a center of pilgrimage, Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk weavers who settled in this area in the 16 century.
After lunch at Fisherman's Cove, we tour Mamallapuram as it is known today is an extraordinary experience. This open-air museum of Tamil art in living rock is the work of students under the patronage of the Pallava rulers. Strewn along the coast are some outstanding examples of 7 century sculpture cave temples, an enormous bas-relief depicting scenes from the Indian epic the Mahabharata, and an amphitheater of chariot shaped temples. The landmark of this marvelous collection is the Shore Temple, a world heritage monument, and the only surviving one from a complex, the other's having been claimed by the sea. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4
Arjuna’s Penance - Mahaballipuram
MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERY
This morning we drive approximately for 3 1/2 hours to the former French colony of Pondicherry, which traces its origins to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the South.
Excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It was also the theatre of many a battle between the British and the French and was the capital of French India before it attained its independence. Our first stop will be a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by the poet philosopher Sri Aurobindo to help man to reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises and Yoga; Hand made paper factory where one can buy the most wonderful paper products In the evening we will join the local people and walk along the sea front to view the architecture, a legacy of the French, who governed this town until 1957. Overnight at Hotel.
This morning we drive approximately for 3 1/2 hours to the former French colony of Pondicherry, which traces its origins to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the South.
Excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It was also the theatre of many a battle between the British and the French and was the capital of French India before it attained its independence. Our first stop will be a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by the poet philosopher Sri Aurobindo to help man to reach the zenith of his evolution through spiritual exercises and Yoga; Hand made paper factory where one can buy the most wonderful paper products In the evening we will join the local people and walk along the sea front to view the architecture, a legacy of the French, who governed this town until 1957. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5
Sterling Swamimalai Resort
PONDICHERRY - SWAMIMALAI VIA CHIDAMBARAM, GANGAIKONDACHOLAPURAM
After breakfast we drive approximately for 75 Kms, one and half-hours to Chidambaram in time to be at the temple for 1000 hrs service. The capital of the Chola Empire, Chidambaram is one of Tamil Nadu's most important holy towns. The Nataraja Temple here is, dedicated to Shiva in his form as Lord of the Cosmic Dance. He was the patron god of the Chola kings.
This is a living and very active temple with priests at every shrine. The running of the temple depends purely on donations for the upkeep of the temple. They marry among themselves and the rituals here are more like family worship than normal temple ritual. All the married males have say in the running of the temple and travel around the district asking alms and offerings for themselves. Some shrines and inscriptions in the temple record its existence before the 10 century. From Chidambaram we drive approximately for 1 and a half hour to Gangaikondacholapuram.
Once the capital of the Chola King Rajendra (1012-1024), the town of Gangaikondacholapuram, which literally means “The City of the Chola who conquered the Ganga”, has now all but disappeared. The surviving temple makes a stop here very rewarding. This temple was built by King Rajendra to rival the Brihadisvara temple built by his father Rajaraja in Thanjavur. The two temples have important similarities in the their structure, but the highlight here are the sculptures and carvings, especially those of Shiva. Of particular note is the panel showing Shiva blessing Chandikesvara, a steward in this household. This is considered to be a masterpiece of Chola art. We drive approximately for 45 minutes to Kumbakonam. On arrival check-in at the Swamimalai Resort. After lunch visit Kumbakonam, which is noted for it's many temples and colorful semi erotic sculpture. There are 18 temples in the town center the oldest being the Nagesvara Swami Temple, a Saivite temple begun in 886 AD. The small Nataraja Shrine, which is a form of Shiva in the form of Lord of the Cosmic Dance, is designed to look like a chariot being pulled by horses and elephants. Superb statues decorate the outer walls and the walls of the inner shrine. Kumbakonam is also a place of pilgrimage, and every 23 years pilgrims from all over South India visit the Mahamakam Tank. It is believed that on a particular day, nine of India's holiest rivers manifest themselves in the tank. In 1992, the last year this festival was celebrated, over 2 million pilgrims converged on the tank. Overnight at the Swamimalai Resort.
After breakfast we drive approximately for 75 Kms, one and half-hours to Chidambaram in time to be at the temple for 1000 hrs service. The capital of the Chola Empire, Chidambaram is one of Tamil Nadu's most important holy towns. The Nataraja Temple here is, dedicated to Shiva in his form as Lord of the Cosmic Dance. He was the patron god of the Chola kings.
This is a living and very active temple with priests at every shrine. The running of the temple depends purely on donations for the upkeep of the temple. They marry among themselves and the rituals here are more like family worship than normal temple ritual. All the married males have say in the running of the temple and travel around the district asking alms and offerings for themselves. Some shrines and inscriptions in the temple record its existence before the 10 century. From Chidambaram we drive approximately for 1 and a half hour to Gangaikondacholapuram.
Once the capital of the Chola King Rajendra (1012-1024), the town of Gangaikondacholapuram, which literally means “The City of the Chola who conquered the Ganga”, has now all but disappeared. The surviving temple makes a stop here very rewarding. This temple was built by King Rajendra to rival the Brihadisvara temple built by his father Rajaraja in Thanjavur. The two temples have important similarities in the their structure, but the highlight here are the sculptures and carvings, especially those of Shiva. Of particular note is the panel showing Shiva blessing Chandikesvara, a steward in this household. This is considered to be a masterpiece of Chola art. We drive approximately for 45 minutes to Kumbakonam. On arrival check-in at the Swamimalai Resort. After lunch visit Kumbakonam, which is noted for it's many temples and colorful semi erotic sculpture. There are 18 temples in the town center the oldest being the Nagesvara Swami Temple, a Saivite temple begun in 886 AD. The small Nataraja Shrine, which is a form of Shiva in the form of Lord of the Cosmic Dance, is designed to look like a chariot being pulled by horses and elephants. Superb statues decorate the outer walls and the walls of the inner shrine. Kumbakonam is also a place of pilgrimage, and every 23 years pilgrims from all over South India visit the Mahamakam Tank. It is believed that on a particular day, nine of India's holiest rivers manifest themselves in the tank. In 1992, the last year this festival was celebrated, over 2 million pilgrims converged on the tank. Overnight at the Swamimalai Resort.
Day 6
Nandi Bull at Brihadisvara
Temple Tanjore
SWAMIMALAI
One of the abodes of Lord Murugan as Shiva is known in South India; Swamimalai is also
famous for its school of iconography. The 18 century house in which you stay serves
traditional meals, has cultural shows and offers yoga and meditation. It is the perfect stop to
visit the temples of Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. Morning is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at
the resort.
Afternoon you drive approximately 40 Kms (1 hour) to Tanjore: The capital of the Great Chola
Empire, Tanjore also known as Thanjavur served as the capital for the Nayaka Empire and
Maratha rulers. The Chola kings who were great patron of the arts built most of the 93
temples, of which the Brihadisvara Temple is the showpiece. While they lavished their wealth
on the temples, they also encouraged the belief in the divine right of kings, and the practice of
donating a part of one's wealth to the temple for spiritual gain.
The Brihadisvara Temple also known as the “Big Temple” was built between 985 and 1012
AD by Rajaraja I and is a World Heritage monument. It is a magnificent structure with a 14
storey high vimana, a towered sanctuary that houses the main deity. A dome carved from an
80-ton single block of granite tops the vimana. An enormous Nandi bull, the traditional vehicle
for Shiva guards the entrance to the main sanctuary. According to legend, the Nandi Bull grew
every year until it was threatening to overwhelm the temple. Ultimately a nail was driven into
its back to prevent its growth. Built mainly of granite, the temple has superb inscriptions and
sculptures of Shiva, his consort Durga and Vishnu. There are also 81 carvings showing the
various poses of the classical Bharat Natyam poses, which is the first record of any classical
dance form in this manner. Early evening we return to Swamimalai. Overnight at the
Swamimalai Resort.
Day 7
Flower Market - Trichy
SWAMIMALAI - TRICHY
In the morning we drive approximately for two hours to Trichy. Mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2 century BC, Tiruchirapalli or Trichy as it is commonly referred to, was built mainly by the Nayaka kings who saw the advantage of its strategic position at the head of the delta of the Cauvery River. Its name is traced to a story about a demon Trisiras who terrorized man and gods until he was overpowered by Shiva at Tiruchi.
All the temples here are built along the Rock Fort, which stands on an 84m high rock. As you climb up the 437 rock cut temples to the Vinayaka Temple, you pass the original 11 century defense line and the remains of a 1000-pillared hall. Further up is a hundred pillar hall and at the end of the last flight is the Tayumanasvami Temple dedicated to Shiva, which has a golden vimana, which houses the main deity. There are also beautifully carved pillar and panels. It is worthwhile also to visit the old city on foot, particularly the Big Bazaar Street and China Bazaar. You will overnight at your hotel.
In the morning we drive approximately for two hours to Trichy. Mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2 century BC, Tiruchirapalli or Trichy as it is commonly referred to, was built mainly by the Nayaka kings who saw the advantage of its strategic position at the head of the delta of the Cauvery River. Its name is traced to a story about a demon Trisiras who terrorized man and gods until he was overpowered by Shiva at Tiruchi.
All the temples here are built along the Rock Fort, which stands on an 84m high rock. As you climb up the 437 rock cut temples to the Vinayaka Temple, you pass the original 11 century defense line and the remains of a 1000-pillared hall. Further up is a hundred pillar hall and at the end of the last flight is the Tayumanasvami Temple dedicated to Shiva, which has a golden vimana, which houses the main deity. There are also beautifully carved pillar and panels. It is worthwhile also to visit the old city on foot, particularly the Big Bazaar Street and China Bazaar. You will overnight at your hotel.
Day 8
TRICHY - CHETTINAD
Today after breakfast you drive approximately for two and half-hours (140 Kms) to Chettinad.
The Chettinad region at one time represented the wealth of Tamil Nadu. The many villages were once the homes of fabulously wealthy merchant families known as the Chettiars. Today it is an area of mostly deserted magnificent mansions. It was estimated that just one of the Chettiar houses used 300 tonnes of satinwood and Burma teak in its construction. One of the specialties of these houses is the woodcarving especially on the doors. Traditionally in the jewelry and trading business, Chettiars now own a variety of companies and continue to funnel funds into this remote area. We will visit some of these mansions with our guide, and meet some of the families who have remained in this area. Overnight at The Bangala.
Today after breakfast you drive approximately for two and half-hours (140 Kms) to Chettinad.
The Chettinad region at one time represented the wealth of Tamil Nadu. The many villages were once the homes of fabulously wealthy merchant families known as the Chettiars. Today it is an area of mostly deserted magnificent mansions. It was estimated that just one of the Chettiar houses used 300 tonnes of satinwood and Burma teak in its construction. One of the specialties of these houses is the woodcarving especially on the doors. Traditionally in the jewelry and trading business, Chettiars now own a variety of companies and continue to funnel funds into this remote area. We will visit some of these mansions with our guide, and meet some of the families who have remained in this area. Overnight at The Bangala.
Day 9
CHETTINAD - MADURAI
This morning after breakfast we drive for one hour 30 minutes (85 Kms) to Madurai. Most cities in India have a legend surrounding its origins. Madurai is no exception, and the story tells how Shiva looked down on this city and drops of nectar fell from his locks and so it was named Madurai, or city of nectar. Ancient Madurai was a center of Tamil culture, famous for its writers and poets and the history goes back to the 6 century BC when it traded with Greece and Rome. The Nayakas laid out the old town in the pattern of a lotus with narrow streets
surrounding the Meenakshi Temple at the center.
The Meenakshi Temple is an outstanding structure dedicated to Meenakshi the “fish eyed goddess” and the consort of Shiva who also has a temple dedicated to him. Since Minakshi is the presiding deity, the daily ceremonies are first performed at her shrine. This is a living temple and each shrine has priests performing rituals in front of them and there is also a temple elephant. The temple is entered through massive gopurams or gateways profusely covered in very colorful carvings, which are believed to be an encyclopedia of Indian dance
poses. The mandapas surrounding the main shrine have exquisitely carved pillars and panels. Of note is the panel showing the marriage between Shiva and Meenakshi and another showing Shiva in these 24 forms.
This morning after breakfast we drive for one hour 30 minutes (85 Kms) to Madurai. Most cities in India have a legend surrounding its origins. Madurai is no exception, and the story tells how Shiva looked down on this city and drops of nectar fell from his locks and so it was named Madurai, or city of nectar. Ancient Madurai was a center of Tamil culture, famous for its writers and poets and the history goes back to the 6 century BC when it traded with Greece and Rome. The Nayakas laid out the old town in the pattern of a lotus with narrow streets
surrounding the Meenakshi Temple at the center.
The Meenakshi Temple is an outstanding structure dedicated to Meenakshi the “fish eyed goddess” and the consort of Shiva who also has a temple dedicated to him. Since Minakshi is the presiding deity, the daily ceremonies are first performed at her shrine. This is a living temple and each shrine has priests performing rituals in front of them and there is also a temple elephant. The temple is entered through massive gopurams or gateways profusely covered in very colorful carvings, which are believed to be an encyclopedia of Indian dance
poses. The mandapas surrounding the main shrine have exquisitely carved pillars and panels. Of note is the panel showing the marriage between Shiva and Meenakshi and another showing Shiva in these 24 forms.
Day 10
Evening Service at
Meenakshi Temple
The Thirumalai Nayaka Palace was built in 1636 in the Indo Mughal style; its 15 domes and
arches are adorned with stuccowork. Its Celestial Pavilion, an arcaded octagonal structure,
is curiously constructed in brick and mortar without supporting rafters. The original complex
had an armory, a theatre, royal quarters and a shrine. Only a quarter remains since
Thirumalai's grandson removed sections to build another palace in Tiruchirapalli.
In the evening you return to the Meenakshi temple to watch the evening service, a ritual when
Shiva or Sundeswrar as he is known here, is taken to Meenakshi's sanctuary for the night
Overnight at the hotel.
MADURAI - THEKKADY
Leaving behind the splendor of the temples of Tamil Nadu, you drive four hours (185 Kms) to Thekkady and Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park is one of the premier parks in India for the Asian elephant. Dominated by Lake Periyar, fringed with the thick forests, the place has a picture postcard beauty. In the afternoon with your naturalist you visit the spice plantation followed by boat ride on Lake Periyar.
MADURAI - THEKKADY
Leaving behind the splendor of the temples of Tamil Nadu, you drive four hours (185 Kms) to Thekkady and Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park is one of the premier parks in India for the Asian elephant. Dominated by Lake Periyar, fringed with the thick forests, the place has a picture postcard beauty. In the afternoon with your naturalist you visit the spice plantation followed by boat ride on Lake Periyar.
Day 11
Sailing through the backwaters of
Nedumudi - nearby villages
PERIYAR - NEDUMUDI
After breakfast drive four hours to Nedumudi Jetty and board a Kettuvallom or houseboat for an overnight stay in the Kerala backwaters.
A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a visit to the backwaters. A series of canals, which thread their way through the state to the sea, it allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to get from road transport. Along the way you will pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school and farmers transporting their produce to the market, and women completing household tasks such as laundry and washing utensils. You will disembark from the boat to wander in the villages and talk to the people. At night the boat will anchor mid stream, and your meals will be specially prepared by the crew from freshly bought produce. Overnight on the houseboat.
After breakfast drive four hours to Nedumudi Jetty and board a Kettuvallom or houseboat for an overnight stay in the Kerala backwaters.
A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a visit to the backwaters. A series of canals, which thread their way through the state to the sea, it allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to get from road transport. Along the way you will pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school and farmers transporting their produce to the market, and women completing household tasks such as laundry and washing utensils. You will disembark from the boat to wander in the villages and talk to the people. At night the boat will anchor mid stream, and your meals will be specially prepared by the crew from freshly bought produce. Overnight on the houseboat.
Day 12
ALLEPPEY KOCHI ( Cochin )
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey jetty and drive one hour to Cochin. The day is at leisure until late afternoon when you visit the theatre to watch a performance of Kathakali. Kathakali is a classical dance form that has its origins in Theyyam a ritual tribal dance of north Kerala and Kalaripayyattu the martial arts which goes back 1000 years. The dancers use dramatic costumes and exaggerated facial make up, and to accompaniment of drums and cymbals, use stylized movements to relate episodes from the Mahabharata and
Ramayana. We arrive early at the theatre to watch the dancers prepare for their performance. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey jetty and drive one hour to Cochin. The day is at leisure until late afternoon when you visit the theatre to watch a performance of Kathakali. Kathakali is a classical dance form that has its origins in Theyyam a ritual tribal dance of north Kerala and Kalaripayyattu the martial arts which goes back 1000 years. The dancers use dramatic costumes and exaggerated facial make up, and to accompaniment of drums and cymbals, use stylized movements to relate episodes from the Mahabharata and
Ramayana. We arrive early at the theatre to watch the dancers prepare for their performance. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13
KOCHI
An ancient harbor town, Cochin reflects the influence of the many foreign traders who visited the city. The Jewish synagogue, one of the oldest in India, is set in the heart of the area known as “Jew Town” surrounded by an aromatic spice market, and interesting shops selling antiques. The synagogue is decorated with blue ceramic Chinese tiles, each distinct in their design. We spend time in the surrounding markets and walk to the Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the raja of Kochi in exchange for trading
rights. The palace is two storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as nalukattu (four buildings). The palace exhibits memorabilia from the raja of Kochi' collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the wooden walls. The royal bedroom has ceilings and walls covered with forty-five 16 century paintings illustrating the Ramayana.
Later we walk in the heritage zone, which has preserved the original architecture of the city.
We visit St Francis's Church and the Chinese fishing nets, which line the mouth of Cochin
harbor.
An ancient harbor town, Cochin reflects the influence of the many foreign traders who visited the city. The Jewish synagogue, one of the oldest in India, is set in the heart of the area known as “Jew Town” surrounded by an aromatic spice market, and interesting shops selling antiques. The synagogue is decorated with blue ceramic Chinese tiles, each distinct in their design. We spend time in the surrounding markets and walk to the Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the raja of Kochi in exchange for trading
rights. The palace is two storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as nalukattu (four buildings). The palace exhibits memorabilia from the raja of Kochi' collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the wooden walls. The royal bedroom has ceilings and walls covered with forty-five 16 century paintings illustrating the Ramayana.
Later we walk in the heritage zone, which has preserved the original architecture of the city.
We visit St Francis's Church and the Chinese fishing nets, which line the mouth of Cochin
harbor.
Day 14
Mysore
Mysore is the former capital of the princely state and is the second largest city in Karnataka.It is a city of royal palaces with five plus a dozen mansions. Of these the City Palace, designed by Henry Irwin and built in 1897 is the most extravagant and interesting in terms of art. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, seen so prevalently in Northern India, the palace is enormous with domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars. It is one of the largest palaces in the country and has some priceless art treasures. Other areas of interest include Chamundi Hill, which has a temple dedicated to Durga celebrating her victory over the buffalo God and a giant Nandi bull.
Later we visit the tiny village of Somnathpur is worth a visit while in Mysore. It has one best-preserved and only complete one of the 80 Hoysala temples in the Mysore region. This small Kesava Temple built in the late 13 century is a jewel. Excellent work on the ceilings shows the distinctive features of the late Hoysala style. It has three sanctuaries and stands in the middle of a rectangular courtyard with cloisters containing 64 cells around it. A walk around the temple will allow you admire the bands of sculptured figures that are particularly fine. The lowest band shows a line of elephants symbolizing strength and stability, the next horsemen for speed followed by a floral scroll. The band at eye level is particularly fascinating and tells stories from the great Indian epics. Overnight at the hotel.
Mysore is the former capital of the princely state and is the second largest city in Karnataka.It is a city of royal palaces with five plus a dozen mansions. Of these the City Palace, designed by Henry Irwin and built in 1897 is the most extravagant and interesting in terms of art. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, seen so prevalently in Northern India, the palace is enormous with domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars. It is one of the largest palaces in the country and has some priceless art treasures. Other areas of interest include Chamundi Hill, which has a temple dedicated to Durga celebrating her victory over the buffalo God and a giant Nandi bull.
Later we visit the tiny village of Somnathpur is worth a visit while in Mysore. It has one best-preserved and only complete one of the 80 Hoysala temples in the Mysore region. This small Kesava Temple built in the late 13 century is a jewel. Excellent work on the ceilings shows the distinctive features of the late Hoysala style. It has three sanctuaries and stands in the middle of a rectangular courtyard with cloisters containing 64 cells around it. A walk around the temple will allow you admire the bands of sculptured figures that are particularly fine. The lowest band shows a line of elephants symbolizing strength and stability, the next horsemen for speed followed by a floral scroll. The band at eye level is particularly fascinating and tells stories from the great Indian epics. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15
Mysore - Chikmagalur via Belur & Halebid
This morning we drive to Chikmagalur visiting en-route the famous Belur and Halebid temples. Belur, was the first capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temples are all clustered in a courtyard. The one of particular interest is the Chennakesava Temple dating to the early 12 century and took nearly a century to complete. It celebrates the Hoysala victory over the Cholas and is dedicated to Krishna. The winged figures of the Garuda, the winged carrier of Vishnu guards the entrance. The whole is unimpressive on first sight since the superstructure has been lost. However, the exquisite sculptures that cover the exterior with friezes are amazing. 650 elephants, each unique surround the base, with rows of figures and foliage. The detail of the 38 female figures, young musicians and dancers are perfect. The interior once again has superb carvings on the hand lathe turned pillars and figures on the ceilings. The unique Narasimha pillar at the center of the hall is particularly fine, and at one time could be rotated. The detail on this temple is astounding. To the west of this temple is the Viranarayana Temple, which also has some fine sculptures and smaller shrines, and the Jain Bastis a few km away are also worth visiting.
The ancient capital of Hoysala Empire, Halebid was founded in the 11 century. It was destroyed twice by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate, first in 1311 and then in 1327, after which it was abandoned and later named Halebid, which means old capital. Fortunately the temples survived. It is worth visiting the 12 century Jain Bastis or temples. Several of these temples stand in a garden enclosure and have carved ceilings. These temples are quiet without the crowds that flock the main Hoysalesvara temple. The Hoysalesvara Temple also set in lawns
has two shrines both dedicated to Shiva with Nandi bull, the traditional vehicle of Shiva facing each. The largest of these temples was started in 1121 but remained incomplete for 86 years. There are extraordinary life size statues of Hindu deities with minute details surrounding the temple, whilst the six bands of sculpture below, show the attention to detail and skill of the artisans' craft. On arrival we will check-in at the hotel Taj Chikmagalur.
This morning we drive to Chikmagalur visiting en-route the famous Belur and Halebid temples. Belur, was the first capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temples are all clustered in a courtyard. The one of particular interest is the Chennakesava Temple dating to the early 12 century and took nearly a century to complete. It celebrates the Hoysala victory over the Cholas and is dedicated to Krishna. The winged figures of the Garuda, the winged carrier of Vishnu guards the entrance. The whole is unimpressive on first sight since the superstructure has been lost. However, the exquisite sculptures that cover the exterior with friezes are amazing. 650 elephants, each unique surround the base, with rows of figures and foliage. The detail of the 38 female figures, young musicians and dancers are perfect. The interior once again has superb carvings on the hand lathe turned pillars and figures on the ceilings. The unique Narasimha pillar at the center of the hall is particularly fine, and at one time could be rotated. The detail on this temple is astounding. To the west of this temple is the Viranarayana Temple, which also has some fine sculptures and smaller shrines, and the Jain Bastis a few km away are also worth visiting.
The ancient capital of Hoysala Empire, Halebid was founded in the 11 century. It was destroyed twice by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate, first in 1311 and then in 1327, after which it was abandoned and later named Halebid, which means old capital. Fortunately the temples survived. It is worth visiting the 12 century Jain Bastis or temples. Several of these temples stand in a garden enclosure and have carved ceilings. These temples are quiet without the crowds that flock the main Hoysalesvara temple. The Hoysalesvara Temple also set in lawns
has two shrines both dedicated to Shiva with Nandi bull, the traditional vehicle of Shiva facing each. The largest of these temples was started in 1121 but remained incomplete for 86 years. There are extraordinary life size statues of Hindu deities with minute details surrounding the temple, whilst the six bands of sculpture below, show the attention to detail and skill of the artisans' craft. On arrival we will check-in at the hotel Taj Chikmagalur.
Day 16
Chikmagalur - Bangalore - Chennai
Today you will drive to Bangalore airport in time for your flight to Chennai. On arrival you are met and transferred to the GRT Radisson hotel where rooms have been booked for you for wash and change. Late evening you will be transferred to the international airport for your onward flight.
Today you will drive to Bangalore airport in time for your flight to Chennai. On arrival you are met and transferred to the GRT Radisson hotel where rooms have been booked for you for wash and change. Late evening you will be transferred to the international airport for your onward flight.
