INCREDIBLE SOUTH INDIA A cultural tour of India

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Cochin
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our Hotel. Rest of the day is free for rest
Overnight: Casino Hotel (2 Nights)

Day 02: Cochin
Our morning tour of Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, with one of the finest natural harbors in the world, starts with visit to the oldest European Church in India "St. Francis Church". Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco De Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later. Next we visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral Built by the Portuguese in around the 16th century; this Roman Catholic Church is famous for the beautiful paintings on its ceiling. We visit the Jewish Quarter with its old synagogue, and the Dutch palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Cochin. Later we take a boat cruise to visit the Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action.
In the evening we enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance. This dramatized presentation of a play usually based on the Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas and has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. (B, D)

Day 03: Cochin – Thekkady (Drive: 195 Km / 5 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Thekkady. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry: 0600 to 1800 hrs): Lying close to plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. On arrival in Thekkady, we check in our Hotel. After lunch we visit a spice plantation. About 4000 Sq. KM of Idukki district is under spice plantations. The main occupations of the natives are spice farming and trading. The original produce was cardamom, pepper, ginger and turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all spice, tea etc. This will give an excellent opportunity to the visitor to see the spice plants and Ayurvedic medicinal plants and buy some garden fresh spices from the plantations. This is a guided Tour and it will take 1-1:30 hours. Later in the evening we return to our hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at Thekkady Wild Corridor (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Thekkady
Our day starts with a Jungle walk at the Periyar Wild life Sanctuary. Later we come back to our hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon we take boat ride over the Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat on the water's edge. While cruising on Lake Periyar, we are likely to see animals like Wild Boars, Sambars, Wild Dogs, Langur Monkeys, Wild Elephants and water birds; darter, grey heron, egret and kingfisher. Evening is free to explore the local bazaars at Thekkday and time to purchase some local spices grown in that area. Dinner and Overnight is at hotel. (B, D)

Day 05: Thekkady – Kumarakom (Drive: 150 Km / 3 1⁄2 Hrs)
Today we drive to Kumarakom. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. On arrival in Kumarakom we board our traditional houseboat (rice boats - "Ketuvallam") and begin our journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquility of Kerala's beautiful scenery -Experience the way of life and activity of the local people.
Overnight: A.C. Deluxe House Boat (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Alleppey -Kovalam (Drive: 175 Km / 4 Hrs)
Breakfast on board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. A scenic comfortable drive conveys us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories make this beach an incredible paradise.
Overnight: Uday Samudra Beach Hotel (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Kovalam
Day is free to relax on Beach. (B, D)

Day 08: Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Madurai (Drive: 250 Km/ 7 Hrs)
After breakfast we leave for Madurai, en-route visiting Kanyakumari "Lands End" of India. Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. We visit the Temple of Goddess Kumari, Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the sea where Swami Vivekananda mediated. Later after lunch we continue our onward journey to Madurai. On arrival, we check in our Hotel.
Overnight: Fortune Pandiyan -Madurai (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 09: Madurai
Madurai situated in southern Tamil Nadu is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, is an important cultural and commercial centre. Today we visit Madurai. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi Temple, with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture and the four tall gopurams (pillars) with multicolored gods, goddesses, demons and deities. Madurai is famous for the imposing Meenakshi Temple, a structure in the Dravidian style of architecture. The history of the city dates back over 2,000 years when it was the capital of the Pandyas. The most interesting feature of the temple is its Hall of a thousand pillars some of which sound like metal when hit with an object. The metal stone or musical pillar, although made of stone, produces sounds of different metals. Other places of interest include the Tirumalai Nayaka Temple and the Temple Art Museum. (B, D)

Day 10: Madurai – Tanjore (Drive: 195 Km / 4 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Thanjavur, popularly known as Tanjore, where lies the famous Brihadishwara Temple and its sprawling palace complex. The town is famous also for its distinctive style, a combination of raised and painted surfaces. "Krishna" is the most popular deity depicted, and in the Tanjore School his skin is white, rather than the traditional blue-black. Tanjore was the ancient capital of the Chola Kings whose origins go back to the beginning of the Christian era. Our afternoon tour of World Heritage Site of Tanjore includes in the Shri Brihadishwara temple built by "Raja-Raja" in 1010, which is the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. The temple, set in spacious grounds, has several pillared halls and shrines. Inscriptions record the names of dancers, musicians and poets a reminder of the significance of this area to the development of the arts. We end our tour of Tanjore with a visit to the Tanjore Palace & Museum which has an eclectic collection of regal memorabilia most of it dating from the early 19th century.
Overnight: Hotel Sangam (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 11: Tanjore – Pondicherry (Drive: 150 Km / 4 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Pondicherry. The Union Territory of Pondicherry is situated on the Coromandel Coast of South India, about 160 kms south of Chennai. Pondicherry traces its origin to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. It was also the site of many a battle between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India, before it attained its independence.
Being a small and quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has imbibed Tamilian culture. Apart from the charming atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and cheap beer, what attracts most travelers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926, has brought international reputation to this coastal town. Tours of the ashram, the spiritual tenets of which combine yoga and modern science, are popular within India and abroad.
Overnight: Hotel Atithi (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 12: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram - Chennai (Drive: 160 Km / 4-5 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Mahabalipuram. We visit the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), Mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air relief’s such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. After lunch, we continue our journey to Chennai. On arrival we check in our Hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax.
Overnight: The Pride (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Chennai
Our tour of Chennai starts with The National Art Gallery & Museum. The museum was established in 1857 and contains one of the best collections of bronzes in the country, including the famous icon of Natraja. Our Next stop is at St. Mary's Church-built in 1680. This was first English Church in Chennai and is India's oldest surviving British church. In the church there are reminders of Clive, who was married here in 1753, and Elihu Yale, the early governor of Madras. We end our tour with a visit to Peoples Park and the beautiful Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, and the clock towers. (B, D)

Day 14: Chennai – Home
The day is free to relax. Check out time 12:00 Noon. The day is free for shopping and other personal activities. In the evening we are hosted a farewell dinner before we are transferred to airport to connect our flight back home. (B, D)

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GUARANTEED GROUP DEPARTURE DATES
2012 English Speaking Departures Please call for details - 1-800-663-0844 / 1-604-264-7378
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation on twin share basis in the mentioned hotels with daily buffet Breakfast as per the itinerary. International airfare & airport/departure taxes Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) Insurance / Visas Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned Vehicle. Tips / Gratuities Road tax, Toll Charges, parking fees and driver’s overnight wages.   Services of local English speaking guide   Entrances to museums and sites included in the itinerary   Harbor Cruise in Cochin (Common Boat)   Kathakali Dance performance –Cochin   Boat Ride at Lake Periyar –Thekkady   Guided Jungle Walking Tour –Thekkady
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departures 2012 Double Occupancy Single Supplement Please call for details - 1-800-663-0844 / 1-604-264-7378
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast US $ 1200 USA - East Coast US $ 1000
Participants
N/A
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.