Kerala and Southern India Departures & Prices Airport Departing Time Returning Time Cost Availability Heathrow 12 Jan 18 14:00 29 Jan 18 13:10 £3850 3 spaces left Heathrow 02 Feb 18 14:00 19 Feb 18 13:10 £3880 9 spaces left Heathrow 23 Feb 18 14:00 12 Mar 18 13:10 £3850 Good Availability What's Included Return scheduled flights Internal flight 16 nights in your own spacious room in luxury hotels Early check-in on arrival day Room available until departure on final day All meals Porterage Personal audio guiding system Hosted welcome and farewell drinks receptions All visits and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary Lunch with a local family in Mysore Dinner and folklore display with a local family Safari drive in the Madumalai National Park Narrow gauge train ride from Ooty to Coonor Cruise on Lake Alleppy on a Keralan houseboat with lunch on board Small Keralan backwaters boat exploration Cruise on Lake Vembanad in Kerala Dinner and Keralan cooking lesson Kathakali dance show Two bottles of water daily Services of a local English-speaking guide throughout Comfortable air conditioned coach throughout Exclusive services of a One Traveller Tour Manager YOUR MEALS All meals are included. All breakfasts, most lunches and evening meals will be hot and cold multi-cuisine buffets, allowing you to sample local fare as well as a small range of European and international cuisines. A few meals will be taken outside the hotels and these will be of a good standard of Indian cuisine, with a reduced spice option. A range of fresh local fruits and sweet delights will always be available. Not Included Indian visa Holiday Insurance (you need to arrange your own but we can help). TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Entrance to India is by means of an electronic visa authorisation system (eTV) which is available to complete on line and costs approximately US$60 (payable by Visa or MasterCard). This must be completed from 120 days and no later than 5 days prior to travel. This is then valid for two visits, each up to 30 days within the same calendar year. The applicant, a family member or friend can apply for this on your behalf by logging on to the following web address: www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa When making the application you will need to scan in colour the photo page of your passport and electronically attach a recent colour photograph of yourself (passport photo size). The photo must be on a plain white background, head and shoulders visible, front facing and the head not cut off. If you would prefer us to obtain the eTV on your behalf, we are happy to do so for an additional administrative charge of £75 (including the eTV fee). You will still need to email us and attach the colour photo (passport photo size) and colour scan of your passport picture page. British subjects, British overseas citizens and holders of passports from countries other than the United Kingdom should contact the High Commission of India for full information on entry requirements. High Commission of India India House Aldwych London WC2B 4NA www.hcilondon.in Tel No: +44-(0)20-76323070 Passport details Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return. Itinerary Key: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Drink Afternoon Tea Longer walks and steps may be involved on this day 1 Travel to Bangalore Meet your Tour Manager and travelling companions at Heathrow Airport and fly direct to Bangalore. 2 Arrive Bangalore – Bangalore Early morning: arrival in Bangalore and meet your local guide. Transfer to the hotel, where your room will be ready for an early check-in allowing you to rest and sleep until meeting your fellow travellers for an included lunch. Afternoon: tour of the major city of India’s Deep South with its range of striking Victorian architecture. Sights include St Mark’s Church, the State Parliament, Central Library and High Court, Bangalore Palace and Cubbon Park with its 120 hectare garden, where the locals meet in their free time. A visit will also be made to the Bull Temple, one of the city’s oldest which draws devotes from across the country. Evening: welcome drinks by the hotel pool, followed by dinner. 3 Bangalore – Mysore Morning: morning visit to a local Sikh temple and a chance to see the community work together in the communal kitchen to serve the devotees. Afterwards continue to Mysore, pausing at the fort town of Srirangapatna built on an island straddling the Cauvery River, as the capital of much of southern India during the 18th century. Srirangapatna’s glory days ended when the British waged an epic war against Tipu Sultan in 1799. The ramparts, battlements and some of the gates of the fort still stand. Afternoon: arrive in Mysore for a late lunch with a charming local family where you will be invited into their home to spend time and meet various family members and learn about their day-to-day lives. Later check-in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Evening: dinner in the hotel followed by an evening visit to see the Maharaja’s Palace illuminated by 100,000 bulbs. Many come to see this marvellous sight and the palace courtyard in the evening has a festive atmosphere. 4 Mysore Morning: visit the Devraja flower and produce market where local traders sell traditional items such as flower garlands, spices and conical piles of kumkum (coloured powder used for bindi dots), all of which make for some great photo opportunities. Later continue by coach to the summit of Chamundi Hill, on which stands the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, dominated by a towering 40m-high gopuram (tower over entrance gate) which offers spectacular views of the city below. Afternoon: after an included lunch you will see why Mysore is known for its glittering royal heritage and visit the palace the former seat of the Wodeyar Maharajas. The interior of this Indo-Saracenic marvel – a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors and gaudy colours – is lavish and undoubtedly over the top. The decor is further embellished by carved wooden doors, mosaic floors and a series of paintings depicting life in Mysore during the Edwardian Raj era. The way into the palace takes you past a fine collection of sculptures and artefacts as well as the armoury, with an intriguing collection of more than 700 weapons. Evening: dinner and a folklore display in the garden and home of a local family from the minority community from Kodagu district; a martial race with a fascinating culture based on ancestor worship. Enjoy an elaborate ethnic Kodava spread and talk with your hosts, dressed in their traditional Kodava attire. 5 Mysore – Ooty Morning: drive from Mysore to Ooty via the Bandipura State Forest, crossing into the state of Tamil Nadu and stopping in the Mudumalai National Park and Tiger Reserve to take a short safari. Whilst tiger sightings are not guaranteed, a range of other wildlife and flora can be observed. Afternoon: on arrival in Ooty check-in to your hotel for a three-night stay. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the cooler climate and facilities of your hotel overlooking the Nilgiri Hills. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 6 Ooty Morning: Ooty, also known as Ootacamund, is the queen of hill stations in the Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) and used to be a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. You will visit St Stephen’s Church and the botanical garden as well as enjoying views of Ooty Lake. Afternoon: included lunch in a local hotel followed by free time to explore the local market before returning to the hotel to relax. Evening: dinner in the setting of a local colonial hotel. 7 Ooty – Coonor Morning: take the scenic narrow gauge train to Coonor, travelling through tea plantations in the heart of the verdant hills of the Nilgiris. In Coonor you will visit a plantation and see the entire process and be able to sample a range of various teas. The region is known for its ‘chocolate tea’. Afternoon: enjoy a late lunch in original high tea/tiffin style before returning to Ooty in the mid- afternoon to relax in the hotel. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 8 Ooty – Cochin Morning: Overland drive through the Nilgiris hills to Coimbatore, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu on the banks of the Noyyal River. Here you will stop for lunch before continuing to Cochin, the largest port city in Kerala where you will arrive in the late afternoon and check-in to your hotel in the Fort area for a two-night stay. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 9 Cochin Morning: Cochin, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, was an important spice trading port occupied by the Portuguese in 1503 and the first of the European colonies in colonial India. It remained the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state. Your sightseeing today will include visits to the Dutch Palace, St Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. You will also see the Chinese fishing nets along the harbour mouth. Afternoon: included lunch in a local restaurant in the Fort Cochin area, followed by free time to walk and shop amidst the Dutch and Portuguese historical buildings or enjoy the view of the Fort area while relaxing on the roof top pool terrace of your hotel. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 10 Cochin - cruising Lake Vembanad Morning: a visit will be made to the Jewish Synagogue before the short drive to Alleppy, the gateway to the backwaters, to board your traditional Keralan houseboat where you will spend today cruising. You will have the opportunity to see the plethora of bird life and glimpse the lives of the local people along the banks of the Vembanad Lake. Afternoon: lunch and afternoon tea will be served on board as you relax and make your leisurely way to Kumarakom to check-in to your resort on the backwaters for a relaxing four-night stay. Evening: buffet dinner in the hotel. 11 Kumarakom – local village experience Morning: enjoy a local village experience starting with a tuk tuk ride and then a hand-rowed boat on the smallest of the backwaters. Your local guide will show you the village houses and various local skills such as the art of weaving coconut leaves and rope making as well as toddy tapping and watching the local fishermen cast their nets. This is a true insight into the local life of Kerala. Afternoon: return to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon to relax in the hotel or perhaps enjoy Ayurveda treatments in the hotel spa (at extra cost). Included afternoon tea is served in the resort’s garden overlooking the backwaters. Evening: buffet dinner in the hotel. 12 Kumarakom – small backwaters cruise Morning: after a relaxed breakfast board smaller boats for a morning’s cruising up and down the intricate maze of smaller backwaters where every turn offers further beauty and charm and the birdlife from the nearby Kumarakom bird sanctuary skim the waters. Afternoon: return to the hotel for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Included afternoon tea is served in the garden overlooking the backwaters, after which you will take an hour’s cruise on Lake Vembanad to enjoy the sunset. Evening: buffet dinner in the hotel followed by a display of local Kathakali dancing. 13 Kumarakom – free day Morning: enjoy a relaxed day taking in the surroundings of the resort, the views of the backwaters and watching the local birdlife. Indulge in a spa treatment, an Ayurvedic massage or swim in the large hotel pool. Maybe take a tuk tuk with fellow travellers to the nearby village where the locals are welcoming and friendly. Afternoon: lunch is included in the hotel. In the late afternoon enjoy afternoon tea followed by a cookery demonstration of local Keralan specialities. Evening: buffet dinner in the hotel. 14 Kumarakom – Chennai (Madras) – Mahabalipuram Morning: say farewell to Kerala and depart for the drive to Cochin and your flight to Chennai (formerly Madras). Afternoon: transfer to Mahabalipuram, a beach resort with a tiny village situated on the Bay of Bengal and home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Check in for a four-night stay at your beachside hotel. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 15 Mahabalipuram – UNESCO Heritage Sites Morning: a morning’s gentle walking tour of the village, which is dwarfed by an open air museum of sculpture in living rock. The pièce de resistance is Arjuna’s Penance or the Descent of the Ganges - the world’s largest bas-relief measuring 764ft by 288ft. It is a beautiful composition of celestial beings, humans and animals all hurrying to a natural rock cleft that divides the giant stone. The best known landmark of Mahabalipuram is the Shore Temple with its twin spires which has stood by the sea for 12 centuries. Afternoon: lunch in the hotel followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the hotel and sands of the Bay of Bengal. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 16 Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram Morning: today you will drive to Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven most sacred cities. This ‘Golden City of a Thousand Temples’ dates back to the early Chola dynasty in the second century. Around 70 temples are still intact and the most famous is the Kailasanatha Temple built of sandstone in the early seventh century. Afternoon: lunch will be taken in a local restaurant followed by a visit to one of the city’s textile centres for which Kanchipuram is famous. A sari from here is a treasured part of every South Indian bride's trousseau. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 17 Mahabalipuram – free day Morning: today is free to enjoy your hotel and perhaps take a walk on the sands of the Bay of Bengal. A short distance away you can find the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust & Centre for Herpetology, or take an inexpensive tuk tuk ride into the village for those final souvenirs or handicrafts. Evening: farewell drinks and dinner in the hotel. 18 Depart for the UK Early morning departure from Chennai Airport and your return flight home. As you will be flying west your arrival in the UK will be later the same day. Included excursions Bangalore – City sights Bangalore, also called Bengaluru, is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka and is nicknamed ‘The Garden City’ for its gardens and parks and was once called ‘a pensioner's paradise’. After an early checkin on arrival and the chance to sleep until lunchtime your city tour will take in the major city sights with a range of striking Victorian architecture. Sights include St Mark’s Church, the State Parliament, Central Library and High Court, Bangalore Palace and Cubbon Park with its 120 hectare garden, where the locals meet in their free time. A visit will also be made to the Bull Temple, one of the city’s oldest which draws devotes from across the country. Mysore – Srirangapatnam On route from Bangalore to Mysore you will visit Srirangapatnam an egg-shaped island formed by the two subdivisions of the Cauvery River. The town has historic, cultural and religious importance. History says that Lord Buddha visited and remained on one of the islands near Srirangapatnam. This was the capital of Hyder Ali & his son Tipu Sultan. In the 18th century the Marathas assaulted Srirangapatna. Hyder pulled back the Marathas and thus saved the Kingdom. But in the year 1799 Tipu triggered a furious combat against the British and he fell down courageously thus supporting his capital. You will visit some of the many historical sights before continuing to Mysore. Mysore – Lunch with a local family Your welcome to Mysore will be in the home of a local family where you will be invited into their home to discuss their day to day life and meet several members of the family. This is a great insight into their daily lives and culture as they show you the art of wrapping a Sari and the various talents of some of the family members. They will even invite you to assist with cooking lunch that you will enjoy with your fellow travelling companions afterwards. Mysore – City Palace The palace was initially built by the Wodeyar kings in the 14th century. The current palace construction was commissioned in 1897 and was completed by 1912. Designed by the famous British architect, Henry Irwin, it was built for the twenty-fourth Wodeyar Raja. The current palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture. The palace also has several unique rooms. These include the public durbar, where the king would host major ceremonial gatherings. There’s also the Kalyana Mantapa, a spectacular octagonal shaped hall where all royal weddings, birthdays and ceremonial functions were celebrated. Your tour will take in all the stunning sections of this awe-inspiring palace. Mysore – Dinner and folklore with a local family The Achaiahs are a Kodava family a minority community from Kodagu district; a martial race with a fascinating culture based on ancestor worship. They will welcome you into their home in traditional dress and share their home, with its beautiful garden, in an evening of traditional home cooked cuisine and homely atmosphere. After dinner ten male dancers perform a vibrant and colourful folk dance from northern Karnataka. This requires a high level of passion, stamina and skill by the dancers making it a definite highlight. Madumulai – National park safari To break the journey from Mysore to Ooty we include a short safari at the start of the Nilgiri (Blue Mountains). Besides the park’s many herds of elephants (around 400) it is also home to langurs (Common and Nilgiri), Monnet Macaques, gaurs (Indian Bison), chital, sambar, hyenas, jackals, dholes (wild dogs), Wild Boar and Sloth Bears. Meanwhile, muntjacs, or barking deer, can be spotted in the moist-deciduous areas of the park, where the undergrowth is denser. Tigers and leopards are also known to roam the reserve though sightings are infrequent. Over 300 species of birds have been observed here, prominent among them being woodland species. Regularly spotted are the Malabar, Grey Hornbill and the White-bellied Woodpecker, Ooty – Local sightseeing At the height of 2,600m stands Udhagamandalam (Ooty) The Queen of Hill Stations. Once the cooling summer retreat of the British the colonnial influences are still visible. Your visits in Ooty will include the Stephens Church, botanical gardens and Ooty Lake. Afterwards wander the downtown area and linger in the market and explore with fellow travellers. The hotel is just a short tuk tuk ride away for pennies and these are readily available and fun! Ooty – Toy train to Coonor The construction of this line was a big challenge as the terrain is rather tricky. It was in 1854 that the first plans were drawn to build a mountain railway from Mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills. But it was a good 45 years later in 1899 that the first train chugged up this track. This railway is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering and is an experience. Once in Coonor you will visit a tea plantation and try the local ‘chocolate tea’ then enjoy lunch in a colonial hill station hotel. Kerala - Cochin city sightseeing Fort Kochi; ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, ‘Cradle of the ancient Spice Route’, ‘Sanctuary for seafarers and adventurers’. These are some of the many titles given to the city. From your hotel in the heart of the Fort area you will visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis church and the Santa Cruz Basilica before taking a drive to wander by the harbour mouth to see the Chinese fishing nets. Later after lunch you will enjoy free time in the Fort Kochi area (close to your Hotel) to wander the boutique shopping area, art galleries and coffee houses amidst the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Kerala – Houseboat cruise Today your journey from Cochin to your backwaters resort in Kumarakom will be on a traditional Keralan houseboat. Alleppey, where you board your houseboat is often called "Venice of the east" because of its numerous waterways. These huge networks of lagoons, canals, and lakes are the lifeline of Alleppey. Once boarded, sit back, relax and enjoy the local countryside at its best, passing arrays of coconut trees and endless paddy fields. Lunch will be served on board by the friendly crew and a stop will be made to wander in a local village. You will arrive at your backwaters resort perfectly relaxed. Kerala – Local village experience This morning’s excursion is a fun little insight into local life. From the hotel you will travel by tuk tuk to take a hand rowed boat on the smallest of the backwaters where your local guide will show you the dwellings of the local community and watch various local skills such as the art of weaving coconut leaves, rope making as well as toddy tapping and watching the local fishermen cast their nets. Unspoilt and simple, this is a great insight into a simple but charmed way of life before returning to the hotel for lunch and the afternoon to relax. Kerala – Small backwaters cruise In smaller boats explore the smallest backwaters on a two hour boat ride. This area is a birdwatcher's haven, the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary ensures that a large variety of different birds can be seen at any given time. Numerous migratory birds even from places like Siberia visit the area. It is common to see Golden-backed Woodpeckers, Night Herons, kingfishers, Paradise Fly-catchers and egrets. Mahabalipuram – UNESCO heritage sites Your hotel is situated just a few hundred yards from a group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, carved out of rock in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its temples in the form of chariots, cave sanctuaries and giant open-air reliefs such as the famous ‘Arjuna’s Penance’ dating from the 7th century which has exquisite detail and depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayan mountains as well as scenes from Indian daily life. Afterwards you will stop by the Shore Temple, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva, the decorative beauty of the temple is impressive. Kanchipuram – Temples and textiles A full day excursion to the temple city of Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India. In its heyday, Kanchipuram was a centre of culture, seat of learning and one of the holy places that pilgrims flocked to. On your visit to Kanchipuram, you can see all its past glory in the magnificent temples. The temples have fascinating stories behind them and are outstanding examples of Dravidian architecture. Kanchipuram is also world famous for its woven silk fabrics. Today, shoppers from all over recognize Kancheevaram silk sarees for their lustre, durability and intricately patterned motifs. 75% of Kanchipuram’s population depends on the silk sari industry. Kanchipuram specializes only in handloom weaving. Weaving is a cottage industry, and the skills are handed down from one generation to the next. If you’re looking to buy silk fabric - cushion covers, scarves, saris - then this is the place for it. Hotels Throughout your holiday you will have a spacious superior room to yourself in the following hotels: Bangalore – The Lalit Ashok (5 star) Nestled amidst ten acres of sprawling landscaped and manicured lawns The Lalit Ashok is also home to the Gandhi Smarak, where Mahatma Gandhi used to conduct evening prayer meetings in the garden whilst staying in Bangalore in the late 1920s. Complementing its splendid legacy with contemporary ambience and trendy guest amenities including an on-site patisserie, large outdoor pool and fully equipped gym. All rooms are fully air conditioned with shower cubicles, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, safe, iron and ironing board, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, two bottles of complimentary water daily and complimentary WiFi. Ooty – The Gem Park Hotel (4 star) Overlooking the beautiful Nilgiris Mountains, Gem Park is located just a very short tuk tuk or coach ride from the heart of the town, key tourist attractions and shopping area. The large indoor heated swimming pool is the ideal place for you to relax and rejuvenate and provides the perfect way for you to stay fit whilst enjoying your holiday. Whilst older in style than other hotels on this holiday the views across the hills from the rooms, restaurants, public areas as well as the friendliness of the staff make this a memorable stay. All Deluxe rooms used by One Traveller guests are fully air conditioned/heated with walk-in showers complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, safe, two bottles of complimentary water daily and complimentary WiFi. Cochin Fragrant Nature (5 star) Fragrant Nature, Kochi—a boutique hotel—features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the erstwhile office of the East India Company, the majestic facade with a clock tower is a local landmark. The hotel features period trompe-l'œil art work by two popular English artists in the lobby—emphasising importance of art elements in the boutique design. Lose yourself to the breath-taking luxury, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Watch your stress and little niggles seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—or enjoy a swim overlooking the fort area from the pool. All ‘Duke’s Chambers’ rooms used by One Traveller guests are fully air conditioned with colonial interiors and bath-tubs and large walk-in rain showers. The Fragrant Nature provides complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, safe, two bottles of complimentary water daily and complimentary WiFi. Mysore – The Grand Mercure (5 star) Minutes away from Mysore Palace, The Grand Mercure Mysuru is located in the heart of the city on the famous Dasara Procession pathway. The hotel offers 146 rooms and suites, a rooftop swimming pool, gym, all day dining restaurant, in-house bar and a gift shop. All Deluxe rooms used by One Traveller guests are fully air conditioned with walk-in showers complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, safe, iron and ironing board, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, two bottles of complimentary water daily and complimentary WiFi. Kumarakom – The Zuri Resort and Spa (5 star) The Zuri Kumarakom, a luxury resort, spa and luxury hotel, cradles on the banks of India's longest lake, the Vembanad Lake. Spread across a magnificent 205 square kilometers, the lake traverses several districts of Kerala. Set on the backwaters of Kumarakom the Zuri Resort and Spa offers you an 18-acre piece of paradise. Enjoy a swim in the sun-kissed pool or an afternoon at Maya spa for some authentic Ayurvedic therapies, take your pick! All Deluxe rooms used by One Traveller guests are fully air conditioned with bath-tubs and walk-in showers, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, safe, iron and ironing board, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, two bottles of complimentary water daily and complimentary WiFi. All rooms have a terrace or balcony overlooking the lagoon. Mahabalipuram Radisson BLU Temple Bay (5 star) Steps from the enticing shoreline of the bay, the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mahabalipuram creates an oasis of calm and is situated almost next door to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the region such as the Shore Temple. All chalets are set in 44 acres of manicured gardens. The spa, Ayurvedic therapy centre and 27,000square-foot meandering pool are just a few of the perks that you will enjoy during your stay. Adding to the soothing atmosphere, every chalet and villa features a private patio or balcony, All Garden View chalets used by One Traveller guests are fully air conditioned with private patio or balcony with walk-in showers complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, safe, two bottles of complimentary water daily and complimentary WiFi.
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