On arrival in Cochin, pickup from airport and transfer to room.
Overnight stay in Cochin.

Drive to Bharananganam. Bharananganam known as Lisieux of India after the birthplace of St. Theresa of Lisieux in France, is located on the banks of Meenachil river, 5 km east of Pala in Kottayam district in the state of Kerala. The thousand year old St. Mary's Church here is one of the famous pilgrim centers of the Christians in Kerala. Also known as Anakkallu Palli, it is the place holding the mortal remains of St.Alphonsa (1910-1946).

The death anniversary of Saint Alphonsa, which falls on the 28th July, is an important day for the devotees. Every year on this day, thousands of devotees visit this holy shrine and the Mortuary Chapel, next to the church where the mortal remains of the saint is preserved, to pray and seek her blessings. Saint Alphonsa lived a saintly life and was recognized as a saintly person during her lifetime. Even at a young age she showed a great zeal for suffering and she used to pray fervently and longed for sacrifice and fasting as and when possible. She believed that she must endure all things that tests her will and offer them to the Lord. It is said that in spite of her painful diseases, she was cheerful to the last.

credits : sangeeth vs

A major pilgrim centre for Christians, Church of Our Lady of Ransom is one of the oldest European Churches in India built by the Portuguese Missionaries. The church dedicated to the Holy Mary of Vallarpadam popularly known as 'Vallarapadath Amma', is located in the middle of Vallarpadam, a small idyllic island on the Vembanad lake, 1 km north from the mainland Kochi (Ernakulam), Kerala.

Today the church elevated to the status of a Basilica as well as a National shrine attracts more than five lakh people including pilgrims and tourists, annually. One of the three Basilicas in Kochi, the Church is under the diocese of Verapoly (Varappuzha). The church earlier accessible only by boat is now linked to the mainland Ernakulam, and the islands of Bolghatty, Mulavukad and Vypin by three adjacent bridges called the Goshree bridges. Vallarpadam island, about 3.9 km in length and 1.5 km in width is located between the islands of Mulavukad and Vypin, and to the east of Bolghatty island. Vallarpadam container Terminal, a proposed project here could make this small island one of the best hub ports in the world.

Cheari Beach

The sandy beaches, surrounded by coconut groves offer a romantic view. The sunset here is enchanting. The long golden beach is very clean and pristine. This is one of the few places where we can see the lagoon and ocean separated only by a few hundreds of metres.

Drop at Cochin airport.

On arrival in Cochin, pickup from airport and transfer to room.
Overnight stay in Cochin.

Drive to Bharananganam. Bharananganam known as Lisieux of India after the birthplace of St. Theresa of Lisieux in France, is located on the banks of Meenachil river, 5 km east of Pala in Kottayam district in the state of Kerala. The thousand year old St. Mary's Church here is one of the famous pilgrim centers of the Christians in Kerala. Also known as Anakkallu Palli, it is the place holding the mortal remains of St.Alphonsa (1910-1946).The death anniversary of Saint Alphonsa, which falls on the 28th July, is an important day for the devotees. Every year on this day, thousands of devotees visit this holy shrine and the Mortuary Chapel, next to the church where the mortal remains of the saint is preserved, to pray and seek her blessings. Saint Alphonsa lived a saintly life and was recognized as a saintly person during her lifetime. Even at a young age she showed a great zeal for suffering and she used to pray fervently and longed for sacrifice and fasting as and when possible. She believed that she must endure all things that tests her will and offer them to the Lord. It is said that in spite of her painful diseases, she was cheerful to the last.

One of the famous pilgrim centres in Kerala, Malayattoor is located on the slopes of the picturesque Western Ghats, 52 kms from Kochi beside the Periyar River. 'Malayattoor' literally means the meeting place of land, mountain and river. There are two churches in Malayattoor dedicated to St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ - one on top of the hillock (Kurishumudi) and the other below. Malayattoor St. Thomas Parish Church or Thazathe Palli (the church below) was built in AD 900. Near the Golden cross, a little below there are the footprints (Kaalpadam) of the great saint embedded in the hard rock. The footprints are protected in a glass encasing. Pilgrims pray here to receive favours and miracle cures from the saint. Towards the east the ruins (a wall )of an ancient chapel (Aana Kuthiya Palli) still remains, but one can find the bearings of the tuskers who tried to demolish it when the place used to be surrounded by thick jungle. This was the first building to be built on top of the hill in 1595. Now a new small shrine is erected in its place with the ruined wall of the ancient church protected in a glass encasing. A miraculous well situated near the ancient chapel is believed to be the spot from where St. Thomas quenched his thirst during his time of prayer. Legend says that the saint feeling thirsty, struck the rock from which fresh water started flowing. Pilgrims consider the water in the well to possess divine power to heal ailments. The distance from the foot to the top of the Kurishumudi at 1269 feet, is around 2.5km- 3km and takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours to climb.

credits : sangeeth vs

A major pilgrim centre for Christians, Church of Our Lady of Ransom is one of the oldest European Churches in India built by the Portuguese Missionaries. The church dedicated to the Holy Mary of Vallarpadam popularly known as 'Vallarapadath Amma', is located in the middle of Vallarpadam, a small idyllic island on the Vembanad lake, 1 km north from the mainland Kochi (Ernakulam), Kerala. Today the church elevated to the status of a Basilica as well as a National shrine attracts more than five lakh people including pilgrims and tourists, annually. One of the three Basilicas in Kochi, the Church is under the diocese of Verapoly (Varappuzha). The church earlier accessible only by boat is now linked to the mainland Ernakulam, and the islands of Bolghatty, Mulavukad and Vypin by three adjacent bridges called the Goshree bridges. Vallarpadam island, about 3.9 km in length and 1.5 km in width is located between the islands of Mulavukad and Vypin, and to the east of Bolghatty island. Vallarpadam container Terminal, a proposed project here could make this small island one of the best hub ports in the world.

Cheari Beach The sandy beaches, surrounded by coconut groves offer a romantic view. The sunset here is enchanting. The long golden beach is very clean and pristine.

This is one of the few places where we can see the lagoon and ocean separated only by a few hundreds of metres.

Drop at Cochin airport.

On arrival in Cochin, pickup from airport and transfer to room.
Overnight stay in Cochin.

credits : ArunaR

Guruvayur, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country', Trichur,Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world. The geographical and bio diversity of Kerala with the coastline beaches and stretches of backwaters lined with the swaying coconut palms on one side and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats with very rich wildlife on the other side makes it a real paradise to the alien traveler. The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA. These photos are of Krishna’s elephants in Punnathur Kotta. Punnathur Kotta is about 5 Km south of Guruvayoor temple. Guruvayoorappan has around 55 elephants. It was a delightful and unforgettable experience to visit Punnathur Kotta and listen to the stories of Krishna’s elephants. Overnight stay in Cochin.

The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Along with Lakshmi & Narayana there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal.

Drop at Cochin airport.

On arrival in Cochin, pickup from airport and transfer to room.
Overnight stay in Cochin.

Drive to Amritapuri. Built up on the very property where Amma was born, Amritapuri is now the headquarters of Amma's worldwide mission and the spiritual home for Amma's monastic disciples and hundreds of householder devotees. All the residents have dedicated their lives for realising God and serving the world. Everyday, Amma's children from across India and abroad flock here to have Amma's darshan. She sees each and every one, listens to their worries, consoles, encourages, provides new direction to their lives.

Amritapuri is the living example of the ancient Indian ideal "the whole world is one family" (vasudhaiva kutumbakam). Here you will find people from all parts of the world — speaking different languages and having different customs and religions — all living under one roof. In their quest for the meaning of life, each has forgotten their differences and become a child of Amma. Drive Back to Cochin and overnight stay.

Drop at Cochin airport.

On arrival in Cochin, pickup from airport and transfer to room.
Overnight stay in Cochin.

credits : ArunaR

Guruvayur, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country ' Trichur, Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world. The geographical and bio diversity of Kerala with the coastline beaches and stretches of backwaters lined with the swaying coconut palms on one side and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats with very rich wildlife on the other side makes it a real paradise to the alien traveler. The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA. These photos are of Krishna’s elephants in Punnathur Kotta. Punnathur Kotta is about 5 Km south of Guruvayoor temple. Guruvayoorappan has around 55 elephants. It was a delightful and unforgettable experience to visit Punnathur Kotta and listen to the stories of Krishna’s elephants. Overnight stay in Cochin.

credits : buggychip

The temple at Ettumanoor located in Kottayam, situated in Kerala, South India, is richly provided with a plethora of mural paintings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Ramayana, Bhagwata and other tales from Hindu Mythology. The Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu, is one festival, which is celebrated every year in the temple which witnesses the coming together of thousands of devotees to the Ettumanoor temple located in Kottayam. The shrine is inlaid with beautiful carvings of scenes from the Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Krishna Leela. The temple is also endowed with an exquisite collection of Mural paintings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology.

The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Along with Lakshmi & Narayana there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal.

Drop at Cochin airport.

On arrival in Cochin, pickup from airport and transfer to room.
Overnight stay in Cochin.

credits : ArunaR

Guruvayur, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country Trichur', Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world. The geographical and bio diversity of Kerala with the coastline beaches and stretches of backwaters lined with the swaying coconut palms on one side and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats with very rich wildlife on the other side makes it a real paradise to the alien traveler. The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA. These photos are of Krishna’s elephants in Punnathur Kotta. Punnathur Kotta is about 5 Km south of Guruvayoor temple. Guruvayoorappan has around 55 elephants. It was a delightful and unforgettable experience to visit Punnathur Kotta and listen to the stories of Krishna’s elephants.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

credits : kcbimal

Morning: Drive to Munnar (04½ hrs).This ride takes you through sprawling tea gardens with lots of picnic spots at each bend . Enjoy the scenic beauty, the marvelous waterfalls and high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by.

Pallivasal water falls: Known for its elegant beauty and is quite a refreshing experience. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.

Pothamedu view point: offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the cool mountain and the breathtaking scenery makes it is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Tea Tasting: The Museum takes you to the bygone era and history of this Tea Country. The star attraction of the museum is the Mini Tea Factory located inside. Not only one could see the entire tea making process but also taste the different varieties of tea made here.

Overnight stay in Munnar

 

credits : mckaysavage

Madurai's Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, which stands today as one of India's great cultural and architectural landmarks, was originally built by the early Pandya King Kulasekara. The ancient city of Madurai supposedly was laid out in a lotus-like formation, with the temple at the center and streets and main thoroughfares layered one after the other concentrically, outward from the center. One legend says that on the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people while divine nectar showered on the city from his matted locks. The city hence came to be known as Madhurapuri meaning The City of Divine Nectar. The legend is likely a late tale attempting to Sanskritise the otherwise-Dravidian derivative of Madurai. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Madurai airport drop or Cochin

On arrival in Cochin, pickup from airport and transfer to room.
Overnight stay in Cochin.

credits : ArunaR

Guruvayur, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country’ ; Trichur Kerala . This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world. The geographical and bio diversity of Kerala with the coastline beaches and stretches of backwaters lined with the swaying coconut palms on one side and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats with very rich wildlife on the other side makes it a real paradise to the alien traveler. The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA. These photos are of Krishna’s elephants in Punnathur Kotta. Punnathur Kotta is about 5 Km south of Guruvayoor temple. Guruvayoorappan has around 55 elephants. It was a delightful and unforgettable experience to visit Punnathur Kotta and listen to the stories of Krishna’s elephants.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

credits : buggychip

The temple at Ettumanoor located in Kottayam, situated in Kerala, South India, is richly provided with a plethora of mural paintings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Ramayana, Bhagwata and other tales from Hindu Mythology. The Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu, is one festival, which is celebrated every year in the temple which witnesses the coming together of thousands of devotees to the Ettumanoor temple located in Kottayam. The shrine is inlaid with beautiful carvings of scenes from the Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Krishna Leela. The temple is also endowed with an exquisite collection of Mural paintings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology.

The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Along with Lakshmi & Narayana there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal.

credits : kcbimal

Morning: Drive to Munnar (04½ hrs).This ride takes you through sprawling tea gardens with lots of picnic spots at each bend . Enjoy the scenic beauty, the marvelous waterfalls and high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by.

Pallivasal water falls: Known for its elegant beauty and is quite a refreshing experience. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.

Pothamedu view point: offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the cool mountain and the breathtaking scenery makes it is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Tea Tasting: The Tea Museum takes you to the bygone era and history of this Tea Country. The star attraction of the museum is the Mini Tea Factory located inside. Not only one could see the entire tea making process but also taste the different varieties of tea made here.

Overnight stay in Munnar

credits : mckaysavage

Madurai's Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, which stands today as one of India's great cultural and architectural landmarks, was originally built by the early Pandya King Kulasekara. The ancient city of Madurai supposedly was laid out in a lotus-like formation, with the temple at the center and streets and main thoroughfares layered one after the other concentrically, outward from the center. One legend says that on the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people while divine nectar showered on the city from his matted locks. The city hence came to be known as Madhurapuri meaning The City of Divine Nectar. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Madurai airport drop or Cochin