SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH INDIA
A cultural tour of India

Lucknow(N.India) born, Cliff Richard and his popular hit “ We’re all going on a Summer Holiday.....” will be ringing along as we take one of these fascinating trips to the fascinating country of India. The long summer daylight hours are not only a photographer’s dream, it is also the time when we see peacocks dancing in Rajasthan, glaciers in the Himalayas melting into waterfalls and to add, evening entertainment. Certainly this is going to be your best Summer Holiday. An ideal opportunity for teachers and students.

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01-03 Mumbai (Bombay) 04 Mumbai / Bangalore 05 Bangalore / Mysore 06 Mysore / Bangalore / Cochin 07 Cochin 08 Cochin / Alleppey 09-10 Kumarakom 11 Kumarakom / Kovalam 12 Kovalam / Kanyakumari / Kovalam 13 Kovalam 14 Kovalam / Trivandrum / Home	Incredible !ndia

Day 01 (SUN): Arrival Mumbai
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Mumbai (3 Nights)

Day 02 (MON): Mumbai
After breakfast we take city tour of Bombay or Mumbai - The Gateway of and the chief entry port of India is the largest industrial center and is reputed to be the most cosmopolitan city in the east. With it's beautiful natural harbor, studded with emerald islands and palm - fringed shore that rises gradually to the mountain peaks. It is one of the finest waterfronts. We start our city tour from the Gateway of India. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. We then proceed to Hanging gardens, the bustling Crawford Market, Flora Fountain and the Dhobi Ghats - a vast outdoor laundry & the Prince of Wales Museum & Victoria Terminus, city’s most exuberant Gothic building look more like a lavishly decorated palace or cathedral rather then a railway station, it has recently been added to the world heritage site. (B)

Day 03 (TUE): Mumbai
Day is free at leisure for personal activities or shopping. (B)

Day 04 (WED): Mumbai / Bangalore (Flight)
Today we take a flight to Bangalore where, upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our Hotel. Our tour of this clean city covers the Botanical Garden, the Visveswariah Museum, and the famous Mysore Arts and Craft Center. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. It is called the Garden City due to its delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best feature, with pleasant summers and bearable winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, where a variety of cultures and customs thrive. Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537 - is today a bustling and diverse city with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India.
Overnight: Hotel in Bangalore (1 Night) (B)

Day 05 (THU): Bangalore / Mysore (Drive 139 kms)
Today we are taken on a scenic drive to Mysore. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerize with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Our tour includes the Maharajah's Palace, the Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi Shiva's Mount and a stroll through the city. Evening is free to enjoy the Vrindavan Garden and City Palace, which is beautifully lit on certain days.
Overnight: Hotel in Mysore (1 Night) (B)

Day 06 (FRI): Mysore / Bangalore / Cochin (Flight)
14 km northeast of Mysore on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway is Srirangapatnam, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior –kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. After visiting this historical fortress we make our way to Airport at Bangalore for our flight to Cochin. On arrival at Cochin we are met and transferred to Hotel in Cochin (2 Nights) (B)

Day 07 (SAT): Cochin
Today we tour the city, with one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred to as the Venice of the East. We visit the oldest European Church in India "St. Francis Church". Vasco Da Gama was originally buried here 14 years later his remains were taken back to Portugal. One can see the winding streets with mosques and 500 year old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community with ancient roots, a 16th century synagogue, and a palace built by the Portuguese. In the evening we also see Kathakali Dance with dinner. (B, D)

Day 08 (SUN): Cochin / Alleppey (Drive 60 kms)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Alleppey and watch the Boat races. In the afternoon we board the House Boat. Which takes us to the splendid tour of canals and lakes. People here are so adapted to the water that it is not unusual to see people talking for hours, while immersed up to their necks in water. Canoes with huge sails still transport people and you can find vegetable sellers, fisherman and other household materials being brought door to door by small wooden boats. The area is surrounded with coconut palms and lush green rice fields. The major crop is coconut and it is said that the name KERALA comes from the old name of coconut- KERA.
Overnight: House Boat (B, L, D)

Day 09 (MON): Kumarakom
In the morning our boat anckers at Kumarakom and we are transferred to our Hotel. Situated on the Vembanad Lake this unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. In this small water world is has plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes that take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, and meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming. Hotel in Kumarakom (2 Nights) (B)

Day 10 (TUE): Kumarakom
Today we visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the Sanctuary.
We start with a boat ride to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those adventurous enough may indulge in water sports such as windsailing and water skiing. For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters. (B)

Day 11 (WED): Kumarakom / Kovalam (Drive 180 kms)
After breakfast we take a scenic e drive to the beautiful Kovalam beach situated 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: Hotel in Kovalam (3 Nights) (B)

Day 12 (THU): Kovalam / Kanyakumari / Kovalam
Today we go for a day excursion to the "Lands End" of India: Kanya Kumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch the sun set while the full moon is rising in another part of the sea. (B)

Day 13 (FRI): Kovalam
Day is free to enjoy the beautiful beaches or Optional Ayurvedic treatments (B)

Day 14 (SAT): Kovalam / Trivandrum / Home
Today we are transferred to Airport for our flight to onward destination.

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures May 2, 16, Jun 6, 20, Jul 4, 18, Aug 1, 8 & 15
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. International airfare Daily buffet breakfast, Lunch and dinner as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner) Departure/Airport Taxes House boat at Alleppey is on all meals basis Insurances Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary Visa Fees Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites Drinks/Beverages with meals Boat Ride at Kumarakom Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Kathakali Dance show with Dinner, Cochin   Domestic Airfare for Mumbai/Bangalore & Bangalore/Cochin sector Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only All currently applicable taxes
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.
Departure - 2010 Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Option 1 US $ 2150 US $ 850 Option 2 US $ 2550 US $ 1075 General Conditions: The prices are on Per Person basis All prices are subject to any revision of tax and tariff structure Hotels City Option 1 Option 2 Mumbai (3 Nights) Hotel Godwin (Standard Room) The Ambassador (Executive Room) Bangalore (1 Night) Maple Whitefield (Deluxe Room) Hotel Regaalis (Superior Room) Mysore (1 Night) Hotel Regaalis (Superior Room) Hotel Regaalis (Superior Room) Cochin (2 Nights) Gokulum Park Inn (Superior Room) Casino Hotel (Standard Room) House Boat (1 Night) Rainbow Houseboat Rainbow Houseboat Kumarakom (2 Nights) Golden Waters (Superior Cottages) Coconut Lagoon (Bungalow) Kovalam (3 Nights) Uday Samudra Beach Resort (Extoica Atrium) Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort (Kerala House - Ordinary)
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada	N/A	USA	US $ 1800
Participants
This tour operates with a minimum of 02 participants.
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.