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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
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Breakfast at
hotel Sightseeing of Mahabalipuram. Overnight at hotel.
Day
4: Mahabalipuram / Chennai / Madurai
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Breakfast at
hotel and the drive to Chennai to board flight IC 901
departing at 1715 hrs. Arrive 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Breakfast at
hotel. Transfer to International Airport to board onward
flight.
End of Services
PRICING INFORMATION
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Basis of Cost (06 –12 Pax
traveling together) |
Price in US$ (Ney Per Person) |
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Land Costs
|
US$2408 Net Per Person |
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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
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CITY |
Hotels |
Category |
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Chennai |
Hotel Savera |
Regular Room |
|
Mahabalipuram |
GRT Temple Bay |
Cottage |
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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 |
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