A Taste of South India - 11D/10N

India templeTour the peninsular part of India, the land of colors and diversified cultures. From green plantations of tea, spices and rain forests to the most exotic virgin sea beaches, South India has it all. Enjoy backwater cruising, visit historical monuments, indulge in wildlife safaris, explore verdant green spice plantations, pamper yourself with Ayurvedic therapies, enjoy the beachess or simply soak in the rich culture of South India that charms every visitor for life.

India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which fi nd expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India is undoubtedly one of the most diverse nations in the world. It is a land of credible paradoxes and yet underlying the contrasts, there are patterns of continuity, an indefi nable essence that is quintessentially Indian. Much of India’s fascination perhaps lies in the fact that it is both a young nation and an ancient country rolled into one where past and present co-exist in a beautiful mosaic. A land of myriad images, the Indian subcontinent takes you from the towering snow capped Himalayas to the great Indo-Gangetic plains, the blazing Thar desert to the placid backwaters of Kerala, the enchanting walking trails of Kathmandu to the sapphire blue seas and miles of golden beaches of Goa. Travelling through the country is not just a journey but an experience of a lifetime. The rich tapestry that is India cannot be captured in a single word or expression. At times unbelievable, at times overwhelming and always Incredible! For a fi rst time visitor, India can be overwhelming at first, but she gradually unfolds her rare delights. You may fi nd it in the centuries old temples, tombs and forts, in the exquisite crafts still made in traditional ways, in the riot of colours and aromas of its bazaars or in the sudden glimpses of its serene beauty that fi lters through the hustle and bustle of daily life. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

This is a Guaranteed Seat In Coach Tour traveling with a minimum of 2 passengers.

HIGHLIGHTS

India is an awakening of the senses, a feast for the eyes, music to the soul and a celebration of the spirit. And how to better experience than with one of these Guaranteed Departure Tours. We offer everything from the awesome Taj Mahal, the capital fascinations of Delhi, the stupendous majesty and royalty of Rajasthan, the master pieces of Khajuraho, the spirituality of Varanasi, the rejuvenating backwaters of Kerala and all the grandeur of the fascinating South.

DEPARTURES: (Dates are the date of arrival in India): May 07th - July 16th, 30th - August 13th, 27th - October 08th , 22nd - November 12th , 26th, 2007 January 14th , 18th - February 11th , 25th - March 10th , 24th - May 05th - July 14th , 28th - August 11th , 25th, 2008

ACCOMODATIONS: You can choose from Superior or from Economy value hotels and both can justifiably boast of quality and convenient locations. All rooms listed are air-conditioned, single/twin or double bedded with a private bath or shower. All prices include hotel taxes.
Chennai : Superior Class - Trident Hilton Radha Park Inn or Similar.
Mahabalipuram: Superior Class - Fisherman’s Cove. Economy Class - Ideal Beach Resort or Similar.
Pondicherry: Superior Class - Promenede.Economy Class - Ananda Inn.
Tanjore : Superior Class - Parishutam. Economy Class - Parishutam.
Madurai : Superior Class - Taj Garden Retreat. Economy Class - Fortune Pandyan.
Thekkedy: Superior Class - Spice Village. Economy Class - Tree Top.
Kumarkom: Superior Class - Coconut Lagoon. Economy Class - Backwater Ripples.
Cochin : Superior Class - Le Meridien. Economy Class - Avenue Regent / Gokulam Park Inn.

INCLUDED: 8 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis at hotels mentioned above or similar.Accommodation on daily buffet breakfast at all the hotels mentioned. All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned vehicle as per the services mentioned in the itinerary.Entrance fee at all monuments, road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes, porterage at all hotels and airports. Services of English speaking local guide for all sightseeing tours and excursions. Rickshaw- ride at Delhi. Local representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers. All currently applicable taxes including 4.9% Government service tax (subject to increase).

NOT INCLUDED: Any airfare.Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc. Meals other than those specified.

NOTE: Check In / Check Out time will be 12 NOON.On Triple occupancy basis One child up to 12 years can stay in the same room where a roll in mattress/extra bed will be provided. Prices are subject to change with any increase in the local costs and tax changes. Please be advised that during the summer period (May to August), the Lal Mahal Palace in Jaipur is not operational. Rates are not valid for the Christmas & New Year Period, incase clients would like to travel during that period we shall advise the cost of the same on case to case basis.

SKETCH ITINERARY:

  • Day 1: Chennai: You will arrive in the morning at Chennai International Airport.
  • Day 2: Chennai - Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram: Guided panoramic city tour of Chennai. Drive to Kanchipuram enroute to Mahabalipuram.
  • Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondichery: Visit the highlights of the sea port of the Pallavas in Mahabalipuram before continuing on to Pondicherry.
  • Day 4: Pondicherry – Swamimalai – Tanjore: Drive to Tanjore, en route visit the temple town of Swamimalai.
  • Day 5: Tanjore: Visit the the Sri Brihadeeshwara Temple and the Tanjore Palace and Museum.
  • Day 6: Tanjore - Trichy – Madurai: Drive to Madurai, en route visiting Trichy
  • Day 7: Madurai: Visit to the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak, Meenakshi Temple.
  • Day 8: Madurai - Thekkady: Journey to Thekkady.
  • Day 9: Thekkady – Backwater Cruise - Kumarakom: Drive to Kumarakom.
  • Day 10: Kumarakom – Cochin: Drive to Cochin. Optional evening visit to a Kathakali Dance Centre.
  • Day 11: Departure Cochin: Flight back home.

Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Asia, India, Cultural, Special Interest, Groups, Join-In Tour, Module


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