|
| PACKAGE OVERVIEW |
|
| South India offers every theme of holiday which tourist thinks of whether it's heritage observed in their ancient architecture of temples & forts, culture and rituals of the local people, workman ship of local artisans producing unique handicrafts and silk fabric, spiritual sites, wildlife parks, green areas, spice plantations, peace to the soul by meditations at the resort situated amidst of nature, inviting beaches with the stretches of blue waters and relaxation at houseboats sailing in verdant backwaters. |
|
| HIGHLIGHTS |
Region: South India
Themes:Heritage & Culture, Nature & Wildlife
Attractions of this program:
 Traditional meals on banana leaf at local family- Riceboat cruise on Kerala's beautiful backwaters.
- Viewing Traditional Kathakali dance performance
- Boat ride at Periyar Lake to have the view of Wild Tuskers
- Cashew plantations on the drive of Alleppey to Periyar.
- Rich heritage buildings at Madurai, Chettinad and the best this Brihadishvara Temple.
- Rich French culture at Pondicherry
- Excellent view of Craftsmanship at Madurai, Chettinad, and Mahabalipuram
- Unspoiled sunny beaches at Mammalapuram
|
|
| ITINERARY |
|
DAY 1 TO 2: COCHIN
On arrival at Cochin International Airport, our tour manager will meet you and transfer to hotel for check-in. After relaxing at hotel enjoy the boat ride on backwaters to watch Chinese fishing nets and enjoy the sightseeing of heritage city which was ruled by Portuguese, Dutch and English. Your sights will include The Dutch Palace with its murals from Ramayana, Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry, Jews Street, and St Francis Church in Fort Cochin. To see their culture from closeness enjoy the lunch on Banana leaf at local family and on another end enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. |
|
DAY 3: KUMARAKOM / ALLEPPEY (HOUSEBOAT)-
Kerala offers a unique mini - canvas to the traveler: the backwaters, which consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes & canals. Life on the backwaters has no roads, only waterways. In this world of simple pleasures, cruising along palm-fringed waterways in a houseboat or \'ketuvallom\' is the best way to experience \'Gods own country\'. Cruise along the backwaters to get an insight into the daily lives of the local people and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Spend the night on the houseboat - enjoying delicious local cuisine and soaking in the atmosphere. |
|
DAY 4 TO 5: KUMARAKOM / ALLEPPEY
TWelcome to an emerald backwater paradise where the typical Kerala lifestyle is in abundance. Alleppey rightfully stakes claim to its nickname \'Venice of the East\' with its network of inland canals and houseboat cruises along the tranquil backwaters. Kumarakom enchants with viewing Kerala at work and at play.
Explore on foot the quaint hamlets that surround your resort/hotel, visit the exquisite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Etumanoor, and be enchanted by its wall paintings and sculptures. Admire the renowned Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, enjoy a village walk along palm lined banks, or watch entranced as a Kathakali dancer is decorated and dressed for a performance.
|
|
DAY 6 TO 7: PERIYAR
Drive through rubber plantations over forested mountains and finally reach Periyar National Park - one of the best jungles in India to see wild elephants.
Next morning visit the National Park on boat over Periyar Lake where several wild animals congregate at different times.
|
|
DAY 8: MADURAI-
Drive out of the Kerala hills and reach the Tamil Nadu plains - the Dravidian heartland known as Madurai. Situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India. Known to be the epicenter of cultural activity, it has a history that is both dynamic and sometimes mind-boggling. Surrounded by glorious mountains on all sides, this city is famous for the jasmine flowers that are transported all over India. Visit the thousand pillared Madurai Meenakshi Temple and numerous other cultural and architectural attractions.
|
|
DAY 9 : CHETTINAD
The quaint village of Chettinad is located in the heart of Tami Nadu. Chettinad is famous for its temples, quaint hamlets, old palatial buildings, woodcraft, textiles and delicious cuisine. Home of the Nattukottai Chettiars called the Nagarathars in Tamil Nadu; this destination has temples, old palatial buildings, architecture, woodcraft, textiles, delicious cuisine as also a vivid history and culture. Visit traditional Chettinad homes, more importantly Kamban Mani Mandapam and Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandapam cultural centers; go on an excursion to the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple; visit the terracotta tile factory in Athangudi.
|
|
DAY 10: THANJAVUR
Driving down to the fertile rice growing plains of Cauvery, reach Tiruchirapally. Nearby visit the enormous Srirangam temple and then continue to the Chola citadel of Tanjore. Visit the World heritage Brihadishvara temple- simply unparalleled!.
|
|
DAY 11 TO 12 : PONDICHERRY
Pondicherry was a French possession and there are remnants of that colonial memory although these are beginning to fade a little around the edges. However with the famous ashram and the experimental commune of Auroville, Pondy is still hopping. French is spoken on the streets, the streets themselves are rues and the policemen wear kepis in the style of M\'sieu De Gaulle. The main attraction will be the boat ride with the sightseeing of dolphins. Explore this quaint French town, its colonial buildings and its most popular edifice - the Aurobindo Ashram; visit the famous temples of Vedapureswarar, Varadaraja Perumal and Manakula Vinayakar. EI Special Activities: Visit the famous 13th century Gingee Fort, located on 3 different hill summits. |
|
DAY 13: MAHABALIPURAM
Drive through the fertile Coromondal coastline and reach Mahabalipuram (Mammalapuram).
Mammalapuram: A magical realm of historical beauty Virtuous Mamallapuram\'s claim to fame lies in the exquisite Pallava architecture seen in its temples, caves, rathas and monuments along with unspoiled sunny beaches, casuarina trees and handmade crafts. The famous Dance Festival is conducted every January and February.
Tour the stunning Shore temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; the temple of Anantasayana or 'Reclining Vishnu'; Arjuna\'s Penance, Pancha Pandava Rathas, the Varaha Cave, Krishna\'s Butterball; relax by the beach.
|
|
DAY 14 To 15: CHENNAI
Drive towards Chennai and en route visit Dakshinchitra - an art and craft heritage center.
Gateway to the South Chennai, the gateway to South India, is only about 350 years old. Particularly charming features of Chennai are its allegiance to ancient traditions no matter how modern it has become, and its willingness to spread out further rather than develop into a multi-story concrete jungle.
Begin by visiting the popular sites in the Gandhi Memorial followed by Kala Kshetra, Mylapore Temple, Marina Beach, St. Thomas Church and Fort St. George; stroll the area around the Kapeeleshwar Temple and the Bazaar of the Royapettah Quarters.
|
Possible Extensions or insertions
i) Extension to Bangalore & Hampi
ii) Insertion of Thiruvananthapuram ex Alleppey
iii) Extension to Portblair
|
|
|
 |
|
| HOTEL DETAILS |
|
| Locations | Hotels Used (Deluxe / Superior) |
| Cochin | Malabar House / Casino Hotel |
| Kumarakom / Alleppey | House Boat / Punnamada Resort / East End |
| Periyar | Spice Village / Wild Corridor |
| Madurai | Heritage Madurai / GRT Regency |
| Chettinad | Visalam / Chettinadu Mansion |
| Thanjavur | Ideal River View Resort |
| Pondicherry | Maison Perumal / Atithi
|
| Mahabalipuram | Ideal Beach Resort |
| Chennai | Taj Coromandel / GRT Hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ITINERARY MAP |
|
|
 |
|
|
| PRICE |
|
| Package Rates |
|
|
| Package Category | Luxury | Deluxe: | Superior |
| Rates | Price on Demand | GBP 1570 | GBP 1235 |
|
|
Above mentioned prices are per person on twin sharing basis valid from around the year
|
Services Included
Accommodation including breakfast & taxes, internal fights within India on economy class, all airport and hotel transfers, private air-conditioned car with driver throughout trip English-speaking local tour guides, sightseeing and activities excluding all entrance fees, 24 hour point of contact.
Rates do not include:
- New year and Christmas charges / Supplement
- International flights and Visa charges
- Any extras like table drinks, telephone calls, any tips, laundry etc or any other items of personal nature
- Still camera or video camera fees
- Entrance Fees at the place of visit.
- Tips at Restaurant \ Hotels
- Any tips to driver \ guide \ escort
|
|
|
|
|
| TERMS AND CONDITIONS |
|
Conditions
- All rooms are Base Category Rooms until Unless specified
- All hotels given above or similar depending upon availability at the time of booking.
- Check In Time 1400 Hrs-Check out timing 1200 Hrs at all hotels ( strictly)
- International, Domestic flights & Railway tickets are non refundable
- Deposit amount Non Refundable
- 50% of package Non Refundable if cancelled 45 days Prior to Departure
- 75% of package Non Refundable if cancelled up to 30 Prior to Departure
- 100% of package Non Refundable if cancelled anytime later than 30 days prior to Departure
- We strongly recommend you to purchase your fully comprehensive overseas travel insurance before undertaking your trip.
- Any compulsory meal supplements during festive season
- All services are subject to availability at the time of booking as we are not holding any reservations for you at this point of time.
- Balance to be paid 2 months prior to departure from your home country.
- Delay in payment is subject to $100 Per Person as penalty.
- 3% surcharge on payments thru Master & Visa Credit Cards. Debit Cards, bank Transfers & Cheque payments are without any surcharges.
- Change of schedule/cancellation of flights at last moment will not warrant any compensation and should be claimed thru your respective insurance companies.
|
|
|
Heritage and Culture
