After an exciting 4-1/2 drive caught amongst the chaotic traffic and it’s drivers we have arrived at the Arabian Sea, and our accommodation for the next 2 nights at Somatheeram Ayurveda Spa Resort. Somatheeram is located on a hillock 9klms south of the famous Kovalam Beach with over 15 acres of greenery all round. This first Ayurveda Resort in the world is unique in every aspect. A complete resort with tradition, culture, history, yoga, Ayurveda, beach and nature. Ayurveda is considered an alternative medicine system. First we had a consultation by a doctor who gave us advice on which type of treatments to have, advise on food and lifestyle. Yoga and meditation is also a big part of the programme. The resort is situated facing the beach to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and flaming red sunsets.
Today was a long drive from Kovalam to Madurai on the way we visited Kanyakumari, the “Lands End” of India where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal meet. Our 74 year old guide was very entertaining on our boat trip to visit the Temple of Goddess Kumari and the Vivekananda Memorial which is where Swami Vivekananda came daily to meditate. Sadly most of this town was destroyed in the 2004 Tsunami and many lives were lost. The statue of Kumari standing 200 feet high survived the devastation as the waves went as high as the statue itself.
After a delicious seafood lunch we continued our drive to Madurai the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Our Heritage hotel is situated on 85 hectare amongst a forest of trees and beautiful gardens. Madurai revolves around the Meenakshi Amman Temple built on 1623 and took 3 years to build the massive structures and 33,000 sculptures within the temple. Due to the heat we spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
The following day we travelled by plane to Chennai where we visited the National Gallery and Museum, ending our trip of Southern India at the People’s Park and the lovely Marina Beach. We celebrated our last night in India at famous Spice restaurant