Spice of the South

OUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES

Visit to DakshinaChitra – Which showcases “A Picture of the South“. It is an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles and crafts of South India. Walk through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, which will leave you spellbound whilst experiencing the French architecture in India. Walk through some of the lush green plantations to experience the beauty of this beautiful place known as Munnar.

Udaipur Vegetable Market

Cochin Munnar

Kumarakom Pondicherry

Chidambaram

Kumbakonam

Thanjavur

Chettinad

Madurai

Day 1 Chennai Welcome to Chennai! Our representative will meet and greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Crowne Plaza Chennai (or similar).

Day 2 Chennai/Mahabalipuram Visit the Fish Market, Fort St. George, and Marina Beach one of the most magnificent beaches in India. DakshinaChitra is an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, and lifestyles. Overnight at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay (or similar). (B)

Day 3 Mahabalipuram Experience village life at Kokilamedu Village. Visit the Five Rathas, a set of rock temples and Arjuna’s Penance, a famous stone carving. Later visit a beautiful, charming temple. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay (or similar). (B)

Day 4 Mahabalipuram/Pondicherry Visit Auroville, “the City of Tomorrow.” Walk through Pondicherry, ruled by the French for more than 3 centuries, once the largest French colony in India. Overnight at Maisons Perumal (or similar). (B)

Day 5 Pondicherry/ Chidambaram/Kumbakonam On the way to Kumbakonam, visit Nataraj Temple a unique amalgamation of architectural styles. Later, visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram from the outside. Overnight at the Mantra Koodam (or similar). (B)

Day 6 Kumbakonam Visit Mr. Ramamohan’s house where he is keeping alive the ancient art form of Kalamkari. Explore a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening enjoy a ride on a bullock cart through the small villages. Overnight at the Mantra Koodam (or similar). (B)

Day 7 Kumbakonam/Thanjavur/ Chettinad World-heritage site Brihadeswara Temple & Fort is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. See Chettinad, a region of 75 villages. In the evening enjoy visit to Chettinad Mansions and local houses. Overnight at Chidambra Vilas (or similar). (B)

Day 8 Chettinad/Madurai Visit 2,000-year-old Meenakshi Temple in the heart of the old town, and the palace built by the greatest of the Nayakkar kings of Madurai. Enjoy an evening ceremony ‘Bedtime of the God’ at Meenakshi Temple, with musicians, temple singers and priests. Overnight at Courtyard by Marriott Madurai (or similar). (B)

Day 9 Madurai/Munnar Drive to the queen of hill stations, Munnar which has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi which towers 2695 meters above sea level. Munnar has unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys, mountains and forests. Overnight at Fragrant Nature (or similar). (B)

Day 10 Munnar Begin your day with a walking tour through the tea plantation in Munnar, followed by a visit to a tea factory and the Srishti welfare centre. Overnight at Fragrant Nature (or similar). (B)

Day 11 Munnar/Kumarakom Enjoy lunch in a local home stay followed by a farm visit and spice/rubber plantation walk. Kumarakom offers a scenic view of lush green surroundings and emerald green backwaters of Kerala flanked by rich vegetation, long lazy boats and miles of solitude and peace. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon (or similar). (BL)

Day 12 Kumarakom Today is free at leisure. Experience the day cruising in backwaters followed by traditional lunch in the House boat. In the evening enjoy cooking demonstration at the hotel followed by Sundowners activity at Coconut Lagoon. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon (or similar). (BL)

Day 13 Kumarakom/Cochin A walk through Allapuzha (Alleppey) Town includes lunch at a local home. Drive to Cochin, known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance performance. Overnight at Xandari Harbour (or similar). (BL)

Day 14 Cochin A walk around Fort Cochin gives you a glimpse into Cochin’s rich Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that make the city unique. Visit St. Francis Church which is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. See the beautiful ceiling paintings of Santa Cruz Basilica, followed by the Dutch Cemetery. See the Chinese fishing nets which are unique to Cochin. Enjoy a cruise around Cochin Harbour to witness the picturesque sunset. In the evening enjoy a nice farewell dinner. Overnight at Xandari Harbour (or similar). (BD)

Day 15 Cochin After breakfast, drive to Cochin airport to board flight for onward journey/back home (or similar). (B) SPICE OF THE SOUTH

15 DAYS FROM

£ 2,188 PER PERSON*

PRICE PER PERSON*

2022 DAY TWIN SINGLE

FEBRUARY 14 2512 3771 28 2437 3625 MARCH 21 2437 3564 SEPTEMBER 12 2188 3135 OCTOBER 17 2480 3709 NOVEMBER 7 2480 3709 21 2480 3709

DECEMBER

2023

5 2480 3709

DAY TWIN SINGLE

JANUARY 16 2501 3739 FEBRUARY 13 2607 3951 MARCH 6 2501 3739 20 2501 3739 All Departures Guaranteed

Tour prices includes

• 14 nights hotel accommodation • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Entrance Fees • English-speaking Tour Leader • All tips on tour • Return arrival and departure transfers (conditions apply) • Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch,

D = dinner)

Domestic airfares will be calculated at time of booking

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