| Spices of the South |
 Introduction
To appreciate the diversity of India, a visit to the south is essential. Here Hindu religious beliefs and culture have continued almost undisturbed for more than 2,000 years. Dravidian art & cultural expression is characterized best by its amazingly ornate temples and soaring towers. But besides these impressive temples, warm sandy beaches and lush tropical scenery combine to make this tour a winning combination. |
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ITINERARY:
Day 01 - Madras
Arrive Madras
Check into hotel.
PM visit the National Art Gallery and Museum which houses the famous 10th century bronze. "Siva Nataraja". Visit other famous local sights.
Day 02 - Madras
AM. Drive along palm fringed roads to the "golden city" of Kanchipuram and its medieval temples. Kanchipuram is also a premier silk weaving centre. Proceed to Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal town near Madras. Against a backdrop of blue ocean are rock cut temples and glorious friezes. Enjoy white, sandy beaches - some of the finest in India. As you leave Mahabali-puram later in the evening see local fishermen returning with their day’s catch.
Day 03 & 04 Madras/Mysore
Transfer to Railway Station to board Intercity Express for Mysore.
Mysore still retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant visitors.
Check into the grand Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel and receive a royal welcome.
In the evening visit the beautiful Brindavan Gardens.
AM. Visit Mysore Palace, the largest of its kind in India and one of the most splendid.
Spend the afternoon shopping (Mysore is famous for sandalwood and silk).
This evening is very special - your host is the Maharaja of Mysore. Enjoy a Royal Dinner with members of the Royal Family.
Day 05 - Mysore
AM Drive to Coonoor. With its profusion of flowers and pleasant climate Coonoor is a welcome change. Check in at the tastefully designed Hotel Taj Garden Retreat.
PM Visit the sights of Coonoor.
Day 06 - Coonoor/Madurai
AM. Drive to Madurai the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Check into the Hotel Taj Garden Retreat with its panoramic views of the Temple city and the Kodai hills.
PM Visit the sights of Madurai.
Day 07 - Madurai/Periyar
AM. This morning drive to Periyar.
Cradled in mist shrouded mountains. Check in at Spice Village Resort a Nature Habitat - and modern tribal community set in a fragrant spice garden. Relax or take a slow stroll down to Periyar Lake or go on a boat safari and view local wildlife.
Day 08 - Periyar/Kumarakom
AM. Visit nearby tea plantations and share a cup of morning tea with local workers.
Later depart for Kumarakom.
Check in at Coconut Lagoon. Relax amidst picturesque surroundings. In the evening take a sunset cruise followed by a sumptuous sea food BBQ by poolside.
Day 09 - Kumarakom/Cochin
AM. Enjoy a unique cultural boating experience beginning at Kumarakom through pleasant backwaters. Arrive at Alappuzha hailed as the Venice of the East, because of its intricate maze of backwaters, canals & bridges.
Drive to Cochin. Cochin has a delightfully cosmopolitan look. A Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, mosques & hindu temples co-exist amicably.
Check into the Taj Residency located on the waterfront in Cochin’s busy commercial centre.
Day 10 - Cochin
AM. Take an early morning boat ride and watch a spectacular sunrise.
Later visit the sights of Cochin. Glimpse chinese fishing nets silhouetted against an amber sunset. In the evening witness a Kathakali dance performance.
Day 11 - Cochin/Kovalam
AM Drive to Kovalam a delightful beach resort and a must on every tourist route.
Check in at Somatheeram Beach Resort.
Relax on the Beach.
Day 12 - Kovalam
At the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre in Somatheeram enjoy a rejuvenation massage with herbal oils. Spend the day at leisure
Day 13 - Kovalam
AM: Spend an another leisurely day with a medicated steam bath.
Day 14 - Kovalam/Trivandrum/Mumbai
Transfer to Trivandrum & board a flight for Bombay before you board your international flight home. End of tour |
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Rates
| Hotel |
2 Persons |
3 or more |
Air Fare |
| Deluxe |
$2335 |
$2160 |
$1395 |
| Tourist / Economy |
$2170 |
$1998 |
$1395 |
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Hotels
In order to make the travel experience more convenient and confortable, we have selected the following hotels in the various stops.
| Cities |
Deluxe |
Economy |
| Agra |
Taj View |
Hotel Trident |
| Aurangabad |
Taj Residency |
same |
| Bombay |
Taj Mahal |
Ambassador |
| Bandhavgarh |
Nature Camp |
Tiger Trails |
| Cochin |
Malabar |
Taj Residency |
| Delhi |
Taj Mahal |
Ambassador/Hans Plaza |
| Daspan |
Castle |
same |
| Jaipur |
Ram-Bagh Palace |
Trident Hotel |
| Jaisalmer |
Gorbandh |
same |
| Jodhpur |
Umaid Bhawan |
Bal Samand |
| Khajuraho |
Jass Oberoi |
Holiday Inn |
| Kumarakom |
Coconut Lagoon |
Taj Retreat |
| Kumarakom |
Coconut Lagoon |
Taj Retreat |
| Madras |
Taj Coromandal |
Hotel Savera |
| Madurai |
Taj Garden |
same |
| Mysore |
Lalitha Mahal Palace |
same |
| Nagarhole |
Jungle Lodge |
same |
| Periyar |
Spice Village |
Taj Gardens |
| Rantambhor |
Sawai Madho Lodge |
same |
| Rohet |
Castle Rohert |
same |
| Udaipur |
Lake Palace |
Laxmi Vilas |
| Varanasi |
Taj Ganges |
Clarks |
Cost includes Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast. All transfers between airport-hotel-airport. Sightseeing & English speaking guides.
Cost does not include Expenses of a private nature ie, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, meals (unless specified), insurance, airport taxes, excess baggage charges and all manner of gratuities. |
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Optional Tours
Based on minimum of two persons- Costs are per person
| Bhutan |
4 nights/5 days |
$1360 |
| Glimpses of the Himalayas ( Darjeeling/Sikkim ) |
4 nights/5 days |
$995 |
| Chitwan Jungle Safari |
3 nights/4 days |
$385 |
| Mountain Flight ( closeup views of the Himalayas ) |
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$135 |
| Tibet |
4 nights/5 days |
$675 |
NOTE: Airfares quoted are estimates only and are based on West Coast departures (Los Angeles or San Francisco). A High season surcharge of $200 will be charched for departure during the following months:
June-July-August & December 1- January 15. |
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| For Further Information: Enquire here now |
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