False 42 Call our travel experts on 08456 345 114 “ In a country as vast as India the differences between the north and south encompass notable cultural and geographical variations. After visiting the highlights of north India, the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are a natural progression for many. However for first time visitors, for whom the country is a daunting prospect, it is worth considering that the laid- back south has a slower pace. At the same time, temple- lovers will not be disappointed as the south is also home to some of the subcontinent’s most spectacular and little- explored temples such as Belur and Halebid with their exquisite carvings.” Paul Taylor, Bales India Specialist Suggested Itinerary 15 days from £ 2470 ( per person twin share) Chennai ( 2 nights), Mysore ( 2 nights), Cochin ( 2 nights), Kumarakom ( 1 night), Periyar ( 1 night), Madurai ( 2 nights), Trichirapalli ( 1 night), Pondicherry ( 1 night) and Chennai ( 1 night) This itinerary is designed to give a flavour of this region and can be adapted to further suit your needs. South India is a wonderful cultural mix of dance, tradition, religious diversity and spectacular temple complexes, where India’s rich Dravidian heritage has created a vibrant culture of beautiful temple towns such as Madurai and Tiruchirapalli. The diversity is further enhanced by the colonial charms of Pondicherry lying on the Bay of Bengal and the rich cultural heritage of the Chettinads. Splendours of the south FISHERMAN’S COVE, COVELONG, NEAR CHENNAI Located just to the south of Chennai, on the site of an old Dutch fort, this elegant setting presents guests with one of the finest beach resorts in the country, offering 88 luxuriously appointed cottages and rooms, that perfectly combine a full range of modern amenities, along with timeless rustic charm. Each room comes with an impressive array of comforts, whilst the cottages afford spacious privacy and uninterrupted views of the gardens or the ocean. In addition the hotel also boasts a wide choice of restaurants and bars serving a range of Indian and international cuisine, a Taj Spa and fitness centre, a large outdoor freshwater swimming pool and an extensive range of recreational activities. Fisherman’s Cove is located approximately 2 hours by road from Chennai. TAILOR MADE OPTIONS PONDICHERRY Lying besides the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry, the former capital of France’s Indian territories, still retains something of its captivating Gallic charm. Wandering past the colonial mansions of its French quarter, down tree- lined streets where you can still hear spoken French and watch the odd game of boules, evoking an overwhelming feel of colonial grandeur, whilst the rich chaos of its centre is essentially India. KANCHIPURAM & MAMALLAPURAM Once the capital of the Pallavas, Kanchipuram is one of India’s 7 most revered Hindu sites, sacred to both Shiva and Vishnu and filled with temples to both gods, as well as the important Devi temple of Kamakshi. Home to a vast array of shrines, temples and huge bas- reliefs, the UNESCO site of Mamallapuram can also trace its ancestry back to the Pallavas and is the site of some of the finest examples of their art anywhere. CHENNAI ( MADRAS) The state capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is India’s fourth largest city and the gateway to southern India’s rich cultural diversity. Established as a trading post for the British East India Company, the city grew from a collection of fishing villages into one of the most important settlements of the Raj. Today it is a rich mix of colonial grandeur and modern enterprise, where Tamil culture thrives in its performing arts and impressive sights. Mamallapuram EBSpaNEW FOR 2009 EBRRSpaHHUANEWCMSF FOR 2009 RRHHUACMSF

False or visit www. Balesworldwide. com43 TAJ GARDEN RETREAT, MADURAI Set amidst 62 acres of landscaped gardens on top of Pasumalai Hill, this colonial hotel offers fabulous views of the famous temple city of Madurai and the Kodai Hills. Infused with history, the 63 air- conditioned rooms and suites are decorated throughout in gentle colours, colonial charm and local fabrics, offering comfort and elegance in equal measures. Boasting a swimming pool, Ayurvedic centre and a range of recreational activities, the hotel exudes distinction and with its relaxing ambience is ideally situated for visiting the revered Meenakshi Temple and the city centre. MADURAI One of India’s oldest cities, Madurai is famed for its temples, including the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareswarar, around which the entire city is built. Considered one of southern India’s great temple cities, it has a rich Tamil heritage that stretches back some 2,500 years. Gaining prominence during the reigns of the Chola and Pandya dynasties, the city developed around the great temple, taking on the shape of a lotus and filling up with a wealth of ancient monuments. During festival periods the temple elephants take pride of place in the parades, decorated with regal finery and a blessing from one of these magnificent animals is considered good luck. TEMPLES OF TRICHY & TANJORE Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, Trichirapalli, ( known as Trichy for short) is Tamil Nadu’s fourth largest city, an engaging blend of tradition and enterprise lying in the shadow of the spectacular Rockfort Temple. Dominating the landscape from its rocky outcrop and dedicated to Ganesh and Shiva, it is a combination of two famous 7th century temples. Tanjore meanwhile was once the cultural capital of the great Chola kings. Known as the ‘ Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu’, it is famed throughout the country for the architectural majesty of the 11th century Brahadeeswarar Temple, considered by many to be one of the finest temples in southern India. VISALAM, CHETTINAD REGION Home to a once prosperous community, Chettinad is an area steeped in the tradition and heritage of the Chettiars, a group famed for the richly decorated palaces built to showcase their immense wealth. Lying off the main tourist routes, this little- visited region is highly recommended and an ideal destination to discover something of the art, cuisine and architecture of the area. Recently opened near the village of Kannadukathan in Karaikudi, Visalam is part of the CGH Earth group of hotels and offers excellent levels of both service and comfort combined with almost yogic simplicity. This delightful art- deco style villa offers 15 beautifully appointed heritage suites that provide a perfect haven for exploring the cultural diversity of the region. Ask our India experts for their suggestions on incorporating this area into your itinerary. Somewhere special Trissur SF