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   Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom

   Alleppey - House Boat - Cochin

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12 days / 11 nights Group Tour

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ITINERARY

 

The mere mention of "India" conjures up myriad images - of sheer opulence, of rapid modernization and overwhelming traditions. Visitors to this land are spellbound by the awesome vista that unfolds before them. India is a land of beauty both natural and manmade. Snowcapped mountains and golden deserts in the north to irresistible blue lagoons and coconut palm beaches in the South, magnificent palaces, beautiful temples, haunting monuments, scintillating wildlife, diverse flora and fauna - this is a country that unfolds an unending panorama in every direction you travel. In the South, the focus of our tour, Kerala with its tranquil backwaters, numerous lagoons and verdant greenery is aptly named "God's own country". Spice plantations, Tea gardens, river cruises on traditional rice boats are all a part of the immense tour experience that Kerala has offer. Kerala is blessed with unique geographical and cultural features. Its overpowering tropical greenness, arcane rituals and spectacular festivals stimulate even the most jaded imagination. Strictly guarded by age-old traditions, this land at times seems almost 'unearthly'.

Our South India tour follows a temple trail, starting with the famous temples of Tamil Nadu - the Mahabalipuram, Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram, then on to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Madurai. From here we continue to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, a jewel of India's national parks in the south, a major attraction of which are indeed Elephants. On we go to Kumarakom, situated on the Vembanad Lake, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. The highlight of our tour and one of the most memorable experiences for any traveler, however, is the opportunity to take a boat journey on the backwaters of Kerala. This bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways, composed of lakes, canals, lined with dense vegetation preserves rural Keralan lifestyle that is completely cut off from the outside world. From here still Cochin awaits you, the town shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The blend of South India's grand temples, lush tropical vegetation and the European cultural influences promise to leave an unforgettable imprint upon your mind of what you forever remember of South India. Come and join us on a tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and the best of South India!

 

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

 

 

Arrive Chennai and transfer with assistance to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2: Chennai / Mahabalipuram

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Chennai visiting Government Museum and then drive to Mahabalipuram. Enroute visit Kanchipuram. On arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight.

 

Day 3: Mahabalipuram

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel Sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 4: Mahabalipuram / Chennai / Madurai

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel and the drive to Chennai to board flight IC 901 departing at 1715 hrsArrive Madurai at 1830 hrs. On arrival transfer with assistance to Hotel. Overnight.

 

Madurai : Madurai is the most famous of the temple towns of the south and is known for the Meenakshi Temple. Famed for its many carved and painted halls, this massive 16th century temple complex houses 12 towers of different sizes, the Temple Art Museum and a 1,000 pillared Grand Hall. Painted elephant’s parade, Brahmin priests perform ablutions, the devout make ritualized offerings amidst swirling incense, and a cacophonous row of merchants hawk their wares. It’s one of the most exotic scenes you are likely to encounter in your life. After an early dinner, we’ll witness the closing ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, where the idols of Lord Shiva and his consort Meenakshi are taken in a procession and confined to the bed chamber.

 

Day 5: Madurai / Periyar

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing of Madurai and then drive to Periyar. On arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight.

 

Periyar National Park : Located near the Western Ghats in the southern state of India, Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most exciting wildlife parks in this party of the world. The major attraction of Periyar is Elephants. The natural settings of Periyar are also beautiful. There is a picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary, which is the prime source of water for the animals.

 

Day 6: Periyar / Kumarakom

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing of Periyar and drive to Kumarakom. On arrival check in at Hotel. This afternoon is free to relax. Overnight Kumarakom Lake Overnight.

 

Kumarakom an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you’ll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes that will take you into the heart of the scenic lake.

 

Day 7: Kumarakom

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing of Kumarakom. Overnight.

 

Day 8: Kumarakom / House Boat

 

 

 

A memorable experience for any traveler is the opportunity to take a boat journey on the backwaters of Kerala. This labyrinth of shimmering waterways is comprised of innumerable lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, and the deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by canals that are a habitat for fish and fresh water jumbo prawns, the grounds grow coconut, nutmeg, cocoa, banana, pepper and many other fruits, vegetables and spices. Cows, geese, ducks and hens roam through the lush foliage. Return to the hotel this afternoon.

 

Breakfast at hotel. Embark House boat till Alleppey. Lunch & Dinner at Houseboat. Overnight on house boat.

 

Day 9: Alleppey / Cochin

 

 

 

Breakfast on House boat. Arrive Alleppey and drive to Cochin. On arrival check in at Hotel. Evening witness Kathakali Show. Overnight.

 

Kochi or Cochin has an eventful and colorful history. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural influences is seen in the many examples of Indo European architecture that still exists here. This morning you’ll proceed on a sightseeing tour of the Dutch Palace Museum and St. Francis Church. Walk through the Jewish Town and visit the Synagogue. Bargain in the lovely antique shops in the old part of the town. This afternoon will be at your leisure to stroll around town.

 

Day 10: Cochin

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel. This morning you’ll proceed on a sightseeing tour of the Dutch Palace Museum and St. Francis Church. Walk through the Jewish Town and visit the Synagogue. Bargain in the lovely antique shops in the old part of the town. This afternoon will be at your leisure to stroll around. Overnight .

 

Day 11: Cochin / Mumbai

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel at transfer with assistance to Airport to board flight 9W 406 for Mumbai departing at 0830 hrs. Arrive Mumbai at 1015 hrs and transfer with assistance to Hotel.

 

City tour of Mumbai . Overnight in Mumbai.

 

Mumbai revels in its reputation as one of India’s most dynamic and trendy cities. Crammed onto a narrow strip of land that curls from the coast into the Arabian Sea, Mumbai has metamorphosed from being a fishing settlement into a sprawling megalopolis of 16 million people. Mumbai, the capital city of the state of Maharashtra stands as the western gateway to India. With its endless stream of daily commuters, brimming local trains and back-to-bonnet cars and buses, this city always seems as if it is bursting at the seams. But this entire hustle bustle hides behind it a multicultural and multiethnic lifestyle.

 

Day 12: Depart Mumbai

 

 

 

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to International Airport to board onward flight.

 

End of Services

 

PRICING INFORMATION

 

Basis of Cost (06 –12 Pax traveling together)

Price in US$ (Ney Per Person)

 

 

Land Costs

US$2408 Net Per Person

 

 

Air fare Supplements flying by Economy Class for sectors Chennai/Madurai  &  Cochin/ Mumbai

US$363 Net Per Person

 

 

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSION TO THE QUOTE

 

Inclusion:

 

1) All sightseeing excursions and surface transportation as per the itinerary by Air-conditioned Vehicle as per itinerary.

2) Accommodation in Hotels as per the itinerary Sharing Double or Twin Room with all meals.

3) Services of local ENGLISH Speaking Guides for all sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary.

4) Entrance fees to the monuments.

5) Kathakali Show

6) Sunset Harbour Cruise at Cochin

 

Exclusive of: -

a) All airfares both domestic and International.

b) All supplements as indicated above.

c) Tips at Restaurants during meals and to Chauffeurs and Guides.

d) All other items of purely personal nature.

e) All costs related to insurance, medical repatriation.

 

List of Hotels with Type of Rooms

 

CITY

Hotels

Category

Chennai

Hotel Savera

Regular Room

Mahabalipuram

GRT Temple Bay

Cottage

Madurai

Taj Garden Retreat

Superior Room

Periyar

Spice Village

Standard Cottage

Kumarakom

Coconut Lagoon

Bunglow

Houseboat

Houseboat

Houseboat

Cochin

Taj Malabar

Superior Room in Tower Wing

Mumbai

Taj Mahal

Superior Room in Tower wing

 

 

 

 

DATES
Set Departures:

Feb 15 - 26, 2007

Mar 8 - 19, 2007

Tour Costs

Set Departures:

Price Net Per Pax:

Price Per Person US$ 2771.-

Detail below itinerary!

Private Tours:
If you'd like to customize this itinerary & run it as your own Private Tour on dates you select, email us!

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