A Sketchbook Journey to Southern India
Tour Factbox
£2,650 excl. flight
- Sketch the vivid colours of Kerala
- Spend time at, and contribute to the work of Social Change and development in Thirunelveli
- Explore temples, local villages and the Keralan backwaters on foot, by elephant and by house boat
This very special journey to southern India has been designed for those who wish to experience a fascinating culture with sketchbook in hand. During your first week, focus on developing and practising your drawing skills, whilst based at the college campus of SCAD (Social Change and Development). Equally welcome are those who would prefer to stick to photography, or who simply enjoy sitting back and absorbing the endlessly fascinating sights and sounds around.
This environment has been chosen as it provides wonderful opportunities for drawing and fascinating insights into SCAD’s impressive work with the rural communities of Tamil Nadu. Part of the cost of your trip will make an important contribution to their work.
In contrast the second week is not so focussed on sketching but allows you to travel through the beautiful region of Kerala, experiencing dramatic mountains and river scenery which will hopefully continue to inspire you to practise your drawing skills. The journey ends with a few days to relax on Keralan Backwaters.
Day 1 London/ Dubai/ Trivandrum – Fly overnight.
Day 2 Trivandrum/ Kovalam – Transfer to nearby Kovalam with the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 Kovalam/ Thirunelveli – Travel to Thirunelveli stopping en route to sketch and photograph the beautiful landscape. Arrive at Social Change and Development (SCAD) a Non-Governmental Organisation with a dedicated team helping the underprivileged people of the district.
Day 4 Thirunelveli – This morning spend time at SCAD visiting the various projects. In the afternoon visit the town of Thirunelveli and its sari emporium.
Day 5 Thirunelveli – Visit one of SCAD village projects with the afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 Thirunelveli – Visit a tiny 7th century ruined Hindu temple surrounded by paddy fields and banana plantations. Stop at Cheranmadevi to experience the small and bustling town.
Day 7 Thirunelveli – Meet local entrepreneurial women, helped by SCAD and learn about the process of sari weaving. Spend your afternoon at leisure.
Day 8 Thirunelveli/ Madurai – Drive to Madurai and spend the afternoon wandering the Great Temple thronged with pilgrims, wedding parties, stalls and shrines.
Day 9 Madurai/ Thekkady – Cross from Tamil Nadu into the state of Kerala with plenty of photo opportunities. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 10 Thekkady – Explore the fragrant spice plantations by elephant with time to relax and an evening performance of the ancient martial arts of Kerala.
Day 11 Thekkady - Day at leisure to explore the area at your own pace.
Day 12 Thekkady/Backwaters of Alleppey – Travel to the backwaters of Kerala and join your house boat to gain a privileged insight into a way of life that has changed little over the years.
Day 13 Backwaters of Alleppey – Spend the day cruising the backwaters stopping at local villages.
Day 14 Backwaters of Alleppey / Cochin – Discover Cochin in your own time, a fascinating city set on a cluster of islands and that encompasses the eclecticism of Kerala.
Day 15 Cochin/ Dubai / London Heathrow – Fly back to London.
Maxine Relton
Maxine is a full-time, independent artist. She lives and works in Gloucestershire, teaches and lectures at home and abroad and exhibits widely. Her paintings, prints, drawings and travel journals can be viewed at her studio gallery any time by arrangement. She is an elected Academician at the Royal West of England Academy.
''This for me marked the difference between travelling and tasting the real spirit of the country. It was packed full of new experiences, emotional challenges and visual riches. It is impossible to choose a highlight - there were so many.''
Kate May, February 2012
''I can't recommend Maxine's trip highly enough. She was skilled as an artist, teacher, leader and communicator.''
Pamela Corney, February 2012
If you like this tour but our specific tour dates don't suit you we can arrange the same itinerary or similar on a tailor-made basis, please contact us to discuss.
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