Temples, Backwaters & Beaches

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Temples, Backwaters & Beaches - ASIN11

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Introduction: Southern India is renowned for its tranquil backwaters, tropical beaches, rich history and fascinating culture. We cruise by houseboat on the Malabar Backwaters - a network of waterways, to discover how the communities of the region live, and visit thriving and colourful temple complexes before relaxing on the beaches of Kovalam. From Chennai we drive to the French colonial town of Pondicherry, with a visit to the Ashram at Auroville. We explore the temples and palaces of Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai, including Trichy’s Rock Fort Temple. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to wild elephants, bison, spotted deer and the elusive tiger. Kumarakom lies in the heart of the Backwater Country, and is famous for its beautiful canals, backwaters and lagoons. We cruise to Alleppey on a traditional Kerala rice boat, staying overnight on board. As we watch local life sail by and experience the fascinating world of rice boats, we sample the delicious South Indian cuisine. Then on to Kovalam with its tropical beaches and coconut palms, before ending our tour in Kochi, with its Portuguese influence, and unique Chinese Fishing Nets.

Christmas and New Year supplements apply to tours departing during this season. Please see departures for applicable tour dates.

Tour Style:	Small Group Tour - What's this?	Click map to zoom
Start:	Chennai
Finish:	Kochi
Duration:	12 days
Cost:	US$1,435.00
Single Supplement:	US$750.00 - What's this?
Countries Visited & Visa Requirements:	India
Maximum Group Size:	16
Age Range:	18-65 years - Any flexibility?
Itinerary:	Click here for details
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DEPARTURE DATES:

Start	Finish	Price	Trip Status	Book
Sat 02 Oct 10	Wed 13 Oct 10	US$1,435	Closed
Sat 06 Nov 10	Wed 17 Nov 10	US$1,435	Guaranteed	BOOK IT
Sat 04 Dec 10	Wed 15 Dec 10	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
2011
Sat 08 Jan 11	Wed 19 Jan 11	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
Sat 05 Feb 11	Wed 16 Feb 11	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
Sat 05 Mar 11	Wed 16 Mar 11	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
Sat 08 Oct 11	Wed 19 Oct 11	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
Sat 05 Nov 11	Wed 16 Nov 11	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
Sat 03 Dec 11	Wed 14 Dec 11	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
2012
Sat 14 Jan 12	Wed 25 Jan 12	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
Sat 11 Feb 12	Wed 22 Feb 12	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT
Sat 10 Mar 12	Wed 21 Mar 12	US$1,435	Available	BOOK IT

ITINERARY:

Day 1		Join Chennai (Madras)
Day 2		Chennai – Kapaleeswarar Temple. Drive via Mahabalipuram Temples to Pondicherry. Visit Auroville Ashram
Day 3		Visit Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram. Tanjore - Bridadeshwara Temple, Nayakas Palace. Drive Trichy
Day 4		Trichy - Rock Fort Temple, Srinrangam Temple. Drive Madurai
Day 5		Madurai - Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayaka Palace. Free Afternoon. Optional Evening Indian Prayer Ceremonies
Day 6		Drive Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Free Afternoon, Spice Plantation
Day 7		Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephant Ride. Drive Kumarakom – Board Houseboat. Afternoon – Bird Sanctuary
Day 8		Rice Boat to Alleppey. Overnight Alleppey
Day 9		Drive Kovalam – Beach Stay
Day 10		Kovalam – Free Day to Relax on Beaches
Day 11		Drive to Kochi. City Tour - Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Net
Day 12		Kochi (Cochin) - Tour Ends After Breakfast

HIGHLIGHTS:

India

• Chennai • Kapaleeswarar Temple • Mahabalipuram Temples • Pondicherry • Auroville Ashram • Chidambaram • Gangaikondacholapuram • Brihadeshwara Temple • Nayakas Palace • Trichy • Rock Fort Temple • Srinrangam Temple • Madurai • Meenakshi Temple • Thirumalai Nayaka Palace • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary • Elephant Ride • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary • Malabar Backwaters • Rice Boat Cruise • Alleppey • Kovalam Beaches • Kochi (Cochin) • Fort Cochin • Dutch Palace • Jewish Synagogue • Chinese Fishing Nets

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners • All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary • Escorted Tour, English Speaking Tour Leader and/or Local Guides • Houseboat with Private Facilities and Crew • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT:

Accommodation

• Hotels (10 Nights)

• House Boat (1 Night)

Transport

• Private Vehicle

• House Boat

• Boat

• On Foot

GRADE:

Easy - suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility