A world away in 5 weeks - India to Sri Lanka and back
Jul 9th, 2019, 09:52 AM
#1
Original Poster
A world away in 5 weeks - India to Sri Lanka and back
It’s now several months since we returned from our 5-week trip to South India and Sri Lanka, and I thought I would finally (try!) do a brief report on the trip!
This was a post-retirement/30thwedding anniversary trip and we traveled to South India (Tamil Nadu & Kerala) for 16 nights, Sri Lanka for 15 nights, then returned to Mumbai for 3 nights and left late on the night of the 4thevening.
I worked with an agency in each country, which helped with the itinerary and provided drivers, and guides (in India). In India, I worked with Tim at Indian Panorama, and Chamila at Boutique Sri Lanka. Both were excellent and I will give the nod to Indian Panorama for its incredibly stellar staff and service. I can’t praise them highly enough. Truly. Vijay, our driver in South India, looked after us like we were his family; and Sindhu, the office manager, made everything come together perfectly. We celebrated our 30thanniversary on this trip, and thanks to them, we had several wonderful celebrations.
A driver met us at each of the airports. And In India, a company agent also met us at the major cities and accompanied us to the hotels, helping smooth the arrival and checking in process. I can’t tell you how helpful that is when you’re tired and somewhat befuddled upon arrival!
We flew British Airways (partly paid by points) from Newark to Chennai, with stopover in London. We arrived at 5:30 in the morning, so stayed briefly in a nice hotel just outside of the airport to nap and wash for a few hours.
The itinerary:
South India/Tamil Nadu
Jan 18 -Arrive Chennai, 5:30am, sleep in Trident Hotel for a few hours
Jan 18/19 – Pondicherry/Villa Shanti (2nights)
Jan 20/21 - Kumbakonam - Mantra Koodam (2 nights)
Jan 22/23 - Tanjore - Ideal River resort (2 nights)
Jan 24/25 - Chettinad - Saratha Villas (2 nights)
Jan 26/27 - Madurai - Marriott Madurai (2 nights)
South India/Kerala
Jan 28 - Kanjirapally - Kalaketty Estate (1 night)
Jan 29/30 - Alleppey - Emerald Isle (2 nights)
Jan 31/Feb 2 - Cochin - Old Harbour house (3 nights).
Sri Lanka
Feb 3 – Negombo/Villa Kupuru (1 night)
Feb 4/5 - Matale - Jim’s Farm Villa (2 nights)
Feb 6/7/8 Habanara - Cinnamon Lodge (3 nights)
Feb 9/10 - Kandy - Theva residency (2 nights)
Feb 14/15/16 - Galle - Mango House (3 nights)
Feb 17 - Colombo - Taru Villas (1 night)
Mumbai
Feb 18/19/20 – Mumbai (3 nights)
Depart home Feb 22 @ 2:15am
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In retrospect, it was an amazing trip, although the trip began less than ideally, with M getting the flu a week before we were to leave. I had almost rescheduled our start date, but our doctor gave him meds and said that it would be safe for him to travel. I then caught a bad cold and was coughing mercilessly for days before leaving, although fortunately, I managed to contain it for the trip.
In truth, we were both very tired for much of the trip, and I didn’t take notes for the entire time, a first for me, so this is all from memory – and looking at my many photos. I’ll post as many as possible – I think my photos can “report” this trip better than my words can right now.
We few British Airways, Premium Economy. Most of the flights were comfortable enough, and we managed to even take a nap at Heathrow airport. For those who don’t know, transiting from Heathrow is a bit cumbersome because you have to go through security again and they are very strict about liquids! They provide 2 little plastic bags for all the liquids and anything that doesn’t fit gets thrown away – that includes lots of things, including makeup (I don’t use), toothpaste and other squeeze-type items. All electronic devices need to be pulled out and checked. If they have any concerns, you’ll get pulled out of line and your baggage will be gone through carefully! They are serious!
We arrived at Chennai airport at 5:35am, and surprisingly, breezed through immigration. I had anticipated a long line – so it may’ve been our arrival at the early hour, but we had no problem whatsoever.
We were met by our Indian Panorama agent and driver, who immediately took charge and got us to our first hotel stop, The Trident Hotel, a short drive from the airport. We used it as a rest stop but didn’t stay the night. It was great as a stopover, as it was a wonderful hotel, great staff, with a great buffet breakfast.
A word here about Indian Panorama – they were amazing. Coordination could not have been better and the transitions were flawless; we were met at all major stops by an agent who took over the checking in process as well as our 2 flights, first when we were going to Sri Lanka and again, when we left Mumbai. And of course, we had our wonderful driver, Vijay, accompanying us.
On the way to Pondicherry/Puducherry
We left the Trident Hotel, and our first stop was the fascinating Mahabalipuram, a group of rock cut temples from the 7th& 8thcenturies, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Some have suggested that this site is not so worthwhile, as it is not in great shape, but we really enjoyed it. We were there on the weekend and it was filled with families, giving it a lot of life and energy. In contrast to the large temple complexes that we were to see later, this is much older and more rustic, and of course, not a living temple (or actively used for worship).
This was a post-retirement/30thwedding anniversary trip and we traveled to South India (Tamil Nadu & Kerala) for 16 nights, Sri Lanka for 15 nights, then returned to Mumbai for 3 nights and left late on the night of the 4thevening.
I worked with an agency in each country, which helped with the itinerary and provided drivers, and guides (in India). In India, I worked with Tim at Indian Panorama, and Chamila at Boutique Sri Lanka. Both were excellent and I will give the nod to Indian Panorama for its incredibly stellar staff and service. I can’t praise them highly enough. Truly. Vijay, our driver in South India, looked after us like we were his family; and Sindhu, the office manager, made everything come together perfectly. We celebrated our 30thanniversary on this trip, and thanks to them, we had several wonderful celebrations.
A driver met us at each of the airports. And In India, a company agent also met us at the major cities and accompanied us to the hotels, helping smooth the arrival and checking in process. I can’t tell you how helpful that is when you’re tired and somewhat befuddled upon arrival!
We flew British Airways (partly paid by points) from Newark to Chennai, with stopover in London. We arrived at 5:30 in the morning, so stayed briefly in a nice hotel just outside of the airport to nap and wash for a few hours.
The itinerary:
South India/Tamil Nadu
Jan 18 -Arrive Chennai, 5:30am, sleep in Trident Hotel for a few hours
Jan 18/19 – Pondicherry/Villa Shanti (2nights)
Jan 20/21 - Kumbakonam - Mantra Koodam (2 nights)
Jan 22/23 - Tanjore - Ideal River resort (2 nights)
Jan 24/25 - Chettinad - Saratha Villas (2 nights)
Jan 26/27 - Madurai - Marriott Madurai (2 nights)
South India/Kerala
Jan 28 - Kanjirapally - Kalaketty Estate (1 night)
Jan 29/30 - Alleppey - Emerald Isle (2 nights)
Jan 31/Feb 2 - Cochin - Old Harbour house (3 nights).
Sri Lanka
Feb 3 – Negombo/Villa Kupuru (1 night)
Feb 4/5 - Matale - Jim’s Farm Villa (2 nights)
Feb 6/7/8 Habanara - Cinnamon Lodge (3 nights)
Feb 9/10 - Kandy - Theva residency (2 nights)
Feb 14/15/16 - Galle - Mango House (3 nights)
Feb 17 - Colombo - Taru Villas (1 night)
Mumbai
Feb 18/19/20 – Mumbai (3 nights)
Depart home Feb 22 @ 2:15am
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In retrospect, it was an amazing trip, although the trip began less than ideally, with M getting the flu a week before we were to leave. I had almost rescheduled our start date, but our doctor gave him meds and said that it would be safe for him to travel. I then caught a bad cold and was coughing mercilessly for days before leaving, although fortunately, I managed to contain it for the trip.
In truth, we were both very tired for much of the trip, and I didn’t take notes for the entire time, a first for me, so this is all from memory – and looking at my many photos. I’ll post as many as possible – I think my photos can “report” this trip better than my words can right now.
We few British Airways, Premium Economy. Most of the flights were comfortable enough, and we managed to even take a nap at Heathrow airport. For those who don’t know, transiting from Heathrow is a bit cumbersome because you have to go through security again and they are very strict about liquids! They provide 2 little plastic bags for all the liquids and anything that doesn’t fit gets thrown away – that includes lots of things, including makeup (I don’t use), toothpaste and other squeeze-type items. All electronic devices need to be pulled out and checked. If they have any concerns, you’ll get pulled out of line and your baggage will be gone through carefully! They are serious!
We arrived at Chennai airport at 5:35am, and surprisingly, breezed through immigration. I had anticipated a long line – so it may’ve been our arrival at the early hour, but we had no problem whatsoever.
We were met by our Indian Panorama agent and driver, who immediately took charge and got us to our first hotel stop, The Trident Hotel, a short drive from the airport. We used it as a rest stop but didn’t stay the night. It was great as a stopover, as it was a wonderful hotel, great staff, with a great buffet breakfast.
A word here about Indian Panorama – they were amazing. Coordination could not have been better and the transitions were flawless; we were met at all major stops by an agent who took over the checking in process as well as our 2 flights, first when we were going to Sri Lanka and again, when we left Mumbai. And of course, we had our wonderful driver, Vijay, accompanying us.
On the way to Pondicherry/Puducherry
We left the Trident Hotel, and our first stop was the fascinating Mahabalipuram, a group of rock cut temples from the 7th& 8thcenturies, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Some have suggested that this site is not so worthwhile, as it is not in great shape, but we really enjoyed it. We were there on the weekend and it was filled with families, giving it a lot of life and energy. In contrast to the large temple complexes that we were to see later, this is much older and more rustic, and of course, not a living temple (or actively used for worship).
Jul 9th, 2019, 10:33 PM
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Thank you Progol for posting this!!! I admire your energy!
Darn, I thought could skip India for a few years, but now seeing your photos, and mention of its wonderful people, makes me think I'll be back sooner rather than later.
Please keep the words, pictures and memories coming!!!
Darn, I thought could skip India for a few years, but now seeing your photos, and mention of its wonderful people, makes me think I'll be back sooner rather than later.
Please keep the words, pictures and memories coming!!!
Jul 10th, 2019, 02:21 AM
#11
Original Poster
Thank you tripplanner and CaliNurse!
tp, if I were to return, it would be to India (though no plans at the moment), as generally, I find the people warmer and the places & culture (s) fascinating. Sri Lanka, though, has much in a small area, so in one trip, it’s easier to get a wide variety of experiences.
CaliNurse, I hardly have the energy - but too much time on my hands! It’s either finally doing a trip report — or plan yet more trips!
tp, if I were to return, it would be to India (though no plans at the moment), as generally, I find the people warmer and the places & culture (s) fascinating. Sri Lanka, though, has much in a small area, so in one trip, it’s easier to get a wide variety of experiences.
CaliNurse, I hardly have the energy - but too much time on my hands! It’s either finally doing a trip report — or plan yet more trips!
Jul 10th, 2019, 10:47 AM
#14
Original Poster
Pondicherry/Puducherry & Villa Shanti
We then drove to Pondicherry/Puducherry, commonly known as Pondy, and stayed in the very stylish Villa Shanti. Pondicherry was under French rule until 1954, and while it does have the colonial flavor in its architecture, I wouldn’t contrast it to Europe at all. It does have a fun vibe, with the occasional new age, not surprising because of its nearness to Auroville and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram (didn’t visit).
I really liked the Villa Shanti. We stayed in one of the 2 suites, the Executive Suite, and it was amazing! My Manhattan apartment could’ve fit in it twice over! The service was excellent, breakfasts were really good – prepared to order, and good coffee, too! It’s got a good reputation for its restaurant, and we ate dinner there one night – we thought it good, but not great, and were a little disappointed as the shrimp were a bit mealy. But the frozen strawberry drink was fantastic!
The days are a bit of a blur as we were still dealing with jet lag and illness. We took it relatively easy those first few days, but were able to include a good amount of sightseeing.
Vijay took us to 2 very small temples a short drive from Pondy. The first, a very small temple, the Prithiyankara Devi Kali Temple, was one of the most remarkable temples I have ever seen. Imagine the most garishly-colored figures, that are bizarre and frightening in a comic-like style. There were no tourists so we were amazed by the experience. Of course, you’re not supposed to take photos inside, though Michael took a shot before he realized that. The second temple was somewhat larger, but not yet the large complexes that we are to see later in Tamil Nadu.
After the drive, Michael rested at the hotel while I went out for a while, and shopped a bit at Anokhi, one of the lovely shops known for its textiles. I got a lovely scarf that became my signature piece for the rest of the trip!
Michael and I also strolled the town, taking it fairly easy, enjoying the busy waterfront, and wandering past some of the colonial architecture. We had a really good meal at a busy local place – if I can figure out which one it is, I’ll note it here later.
Vijay also picked us up in the late afternoon and took us to the large food market.
We then drove to Pondicherry/Puducherry, commonly known as Pondy, and stayed in the very stylish Villa Shanti. Pondicherry was under French rule until 1954, and while it does have the colonial flavor in its architecture, I wouldn’t contrast it to Europe at all. It does have a fun vibe, with the occasional new age, not surprising because of its nearness to Auroville and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram (didn’t visit).
I really liked the Villa Shanti. We stayed in one of the 2 suites, the Executive Suite, and it was amazing! My Manhattan apartment could’ve fit in it twice over! The service was excellent, breakfasts were really good – prepared to order, and good coffee, too! It’s got a good reputation for its restaurant, and we ate dinner there one night – we thought it good, but not great, and were a little disappointed as the shrimp were a bit mealy. But the frozen strawberry drink was fantastic!
The days are a bit of a blur as we were still dealing with jet lag and illness. We took it relatively easy those first few days, but were able to include a good amount of sightseeing.
Vijay took us to 2 very small temples a short drive from Pondy. The first, a very small temple, the Prithiyankara Devi Kali Temple, was one of the most remarkable temples I have ever seen. Imagine the most garishly-colored figures, that are bizarre and frightening in a comic-like style. There were no tourists so we were amazed by the experience. Of course, you’re not supposed to take photos inside, though Michael took a shot before he realized that. The second temple was somewhat larger, but not yet the large complexes that we are to see later in Tamil Nadu.
After the drive, Michael rested at the hotel while I went out for a while, and shopped a bit at Anokhi, one of the lovely shops known for its textiles. I got a lovely scarf that became my signature piece for the rest of the trip!
Michael and I also strolled the town, taking it fairly easy, enjoying the busy waterfront, and wandering past some of the colonial architecture. We had a really good meal at a busy local place – if I can figure out which one it is, I’ll note it here later.
Vijay also picked us up in the late afternoon and took us to the large food market.
Jul 10th, 2019, 10:52 AM
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It’s now several months since we returned from our 5-week trip to South India and Sri Lanka, and I thought I would finally (try!) do a brief report on the trip!
This was a post-retirement/30thwedding anniversary trip and we traveled to South India (Tamil Nadu & Kerala) for 16 nights, Sri Lanka for 15 nights, then returned to Mumbai for 3 nights and left late on the night of the 4thevening.
I worked with an agency in each country, which helped with the itinerary and provided drivers, and guides (in India). In India, I worked with Tim at Indian Panorama, and Chamila at Boutique Sri Lanka. Both were excellent and I will give the nod to Indian Panorama for its incredibly stellar staff and service. I can’t praise them highly enough. Truly. Vijay, our driver in South India, looked after us like we were his family; and Sindhu, the office manager, made everything come together perfectly. We celebrated our 30thanniversary on this trip, and thanks to them, we had several wonderful celebrations.
A driver met us at each of the airports. And In India, a company agent also met us at the major cities and accompanied us to the hotels, helping smooth the arrival and checking in process. I can’t tell you how helpful that is when you’re tired and somewhat befuddled upon arrival!
We flew British Airways (partly paid by points) from Newark to Chennai, with stopover in London. We arrived at 5:30 in the morning, so stayed briefly in a nice hotel just outside of the airport to nap and wash for a few hours.
The itinerary:
South India/Tamil Nadu
Jan 18 -Arrive Chennai, 5:30am, sleep in Trident Hotel for a few hours
Jan 18/19 – Pondicherry/Villa Shanti (2nights)
Jan 20/21 - Kumbakonam - Mantra Koodam (2 nights)
Jan 22/23 - Tanjore - Ideal River resort (2 nights)
Jan 24/25 - Chettinad - Saratha Villas (2 nights)
Jan 26/27 - Madurai - Marriott Madurai (2 nights)
South India/Kerala
Jan 28 - Kanjirapally - Kalaketty Estate (1 night)
Jan 29/30 - Alleppey - Emerald Isle (2 nights)
Jan 31/Feb 2 - Cochin - Old Harbour house (3 nights).
Sri Lanka
Feb 3 – Negombo/Villa Kupuru (1 night)
Feb 4/5 - Matale - Jim’s Farm Villa (2 nights)
Feb 6/7/8 Habanara - Cinnamon Lodge (3 nights)
Feb 9/10 - Kandy - Theva residency (2 nights)
Feb 14/15/16 - Galle - Mango House (3 nights)
Feb 17 - Colombo - Taru Villas (1 night)
Mumbai
Feb 18/19/20 – Mumbai (3 nights)
Depart home Feb 22 @ 2:15am
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In retrospect, it was an amazing trip, although the trip began less than ideally, with M getting the flu a week before we were to leave. I had almost rescheduled our start date, but our doctor gave him meds and said that it would be safe for him to travel. I then caught a bad cold and was coughing mercilessly for days before leaving, although fortunately, I managed to contain it for the trip.
In truth, we were both very tired for much of the trip, and I didn’t take notes for the entire time, a first for me, so this is all from memory – and looking at my many photos. I’ll post as many as possible – I think my photos can “report” this trip better than my words can right now.
We few British Airways, Premium Economy. Most of the flights were comfortable enough, and we managed to even take a nap at Heathrow airport. For those who don’t know, transiting from Heathrow is a bit cumbersome because you have to go through security again and they are very strict about liquids! They provide 2 little plastic bags for all the liquids and anything that doesn’t fit gets thrown away – that includes lots of things, including makeup (I don’t use), toothpaste and other squeeze-type items. All electronic devices need to be pulled out and checked. If they have any concerns, you’ll get pulled out of line and your baggage will be gone through carefully! They are serious!
We arrived at Chennai airport at 5:35am, and surprisingly, breezed through immigration. I had anticipated a long line – so it may’ve been our arrival at the early hour, but we had no problem whatsoever.
We were met by our Indian Panorama agent and driver, who immediately took charge and got us to our first hotel stop, The Trident Hotel, a short drive from the airport. We used it as a rest stop but didn’t stay the night. It was great as a stopover, as it was a wonderful hotel, great staff, with a great buffet breakfast.
A word here about Indian Panorama – they were amazing. Coordination could not have been better and the transitions were flawless; we were met at all major stops by an agent who took over the checking in process as well as our 2 flights, first when we were going to Sri Lanka and again, when we left Mumbai. And of course, we had our wonderful driver, Vijay, accompanying us.
On the way to Pondicherry/Puducherry
We left the Trident Hotel, and our first stop was the fascinating Mahabalipuram, a group of rock cut temples from the 7th& 8thcenturies, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Some have suggested that this site is not so worthwhile, as it is not in great shape, but we really enjoyed it. We were there on the weekend and it was filled with families, giving it a lot of life and energy. In contrast to the large temple complexes that we were to see later, this is much older and more rustic, and of course, not a living temple (or actively used for worship).
This was a post-retirement/30thwedding anniversary trip and we traveled to South India (Tamil Nadu & Kerala) for 16 nights, Sri Lanka for 15 nights, then returned to Mumbai for 3 nights and left late on the night of the 4thevening.
I worked with an agency in each country, which helped with the itinerary and provided drivers, and guides (in India). In India, I worked with Tim at Indian Panorama, and Chamila at Boutique Sri Lanka. Both were excellent and I will give the nod to Indian Panorama for its incredibly stellar staff and service. I can’t praise them highly enough. Truly. Vijay, our driver in South India, looked after us like we were his family; and Sindhu, the office manager, made everything come together perfectly. We celebrated our 30thanniversary on this trip, and thanks to them, we had several wonderful celebrations.
A driver met us at each of the airports. And In India, a company agent also met us at the major cities and accompanied us to the hotels, helping smooth the arrival and checking in process. I can’t tell you how helpful that is when you’re tired and somewhat befuddled upon arrival!
We flew British Airways (partly paid by points) from Newark to Chennai, with stopover in London. We arrived at 5:30 in the morning, so stayed briefly in a nice hotel just outside of the airport to nap and wash for a few hours.
The itinerary:
South India/Tamil Nadu
Jan 18 -Arrive Chennai, 5:30am, sleep in Trident Hotel for a few hours
Jan 18/19 – Pondicherry/Villa Shanti (2nights)
Jan 20/21 - Kumbakonam - Mantra Koodam (2 nights)
Jan 22/23 - Tanjore - Ideal River resort (2 nights)
Jan 24/25 - Chettinad - Saratha Villas (2 nights)
Jan 26/27 - Madurai - Marriott Madurai (2 nights)
South India/Kerala
Jan 28 - Kanjirapally - Kalaketty Estate (1 night)
Jan 29/30 - Alleppey - Emerald Isle (2 nights)
Jan 31/Feb 2 - Cochin - Old Harbour house (3 nights).
Sri Lanka
Feb 3 – Negombo/Villa Kupuru (1 night)
Feb 4/5 - Matale - Jim’s Farm Villa (2 nights)
Feb 6/7/8 Habanara - Cinnamon Lodge (3 nights)
Feb 9/10 - Kandy - Theva residency (2 nights)
Feb 14/15/16 - Galle - Mango House (3 nights)
Feb 17 - Colombo - Taru Villas (1 night)
Mumbai
Feb 18/19/20 – Mumbai (3 nights)
Depart home Feb 22 @ 2:15am
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In retrospect, it was an amazing trip, although the trip began less than ideally, with M getting the flu a week before we were to leave. I had almost rescheduled our start date, but our doctor gave him meds and said that it would be safe for him to travel. I then caught a bad cold and was coughing mercilessly for days before leaving, although fortunately, I managed to contain it for the trip.
In truth, we were both very tired for much of the trip, and I didn’t take notes for the entire time, a first for me, so this is all from memory – and looking at my many photos. I’ll post as many as possible – I think my photos can “report” this trip better than my words can right now.
We few British Airways, Premium Economy. Most of the flights were comfortable enough, and we managed to even take a nap at Heathrow airport. For those who don’t know, transiting from Heathrow is a bit cumbersome because you have to go through security again and they are very strict about liquids! They provide 2 little plastic bags for all the liquids and anything that doesn’t fit gets thrown away – that includes lots of things, including makeup (I don’t use), toothpaste and other squeeze-type items. All electronic devices need to be pulled out and checked. If they have any concerns, you’ll get pulled out of line and your baggage will be gone through carefully! They are serious!
We arrived at Chennai airport at 5:35am, and surprisingly, breezed through immigration. I had anticipated a long line – so it may’ve been our arrival at the early hour, but we had no problem whatsoever.
We were met by our Indian Panorama agent and driver, who immediately took charge and got us to our first hotel stop, The Trident Hotel, a short drive from the airport. We used it as a rest stop but didn’t stay the night. It was great as a stopover, as it was a wonderful hotel, great staff, with a great buffet breakfast.
A word here about Indian Panorama – they were amazing. Coordination could not have been better and the transitions were flawless; we were met at all major stops by an agent who took over the checking in process as well as our 2 flights, first when we were going to Sri Lanka and again, when we left Mumbai. And of course, we had our wonderful driver, Vijay, accompanying us.
On the way to Pondicherry/Puducherry
We left the Trident Hotel, and our first stop was the fascinating Mahabalipuram, a group of rock cut temples from the 7th& 8thcenturies, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Some have suggested that this site is not so worthwhile, as it is not in great shape, but we really enjoyed it. We were there on the weekend and it was filled with families, giving it a lot of life and energy. In contrast to the large temple complexes that we were to see later, this is much older and more rustic, and of course, not a living temple (or actively used for worship).
