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Imagine yourself witnessing the magically carved temples, breathing a whiff of incense, walking through markets dazzling with silks and sandalwood items and of course opening your eyes to a landscape embroidered with banana leaf, paddy fields and coconut groves. Welcome to South India !! This may not be a land of forts and palaces but surely dominated by Temples, Stupas and natural beauty ! Whether its Chennai, Bangalore or Mysore, whether the beautiful Cochin or the wild Periyar the entire journey is made memorable with wonderful events like Elephant Pooja, Kathakali performance, a boat trip at Park and the enchanting boat cruise at Alleppey. |
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Tour Itinerary: |
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DAY 01: CHENNAI TO MAMALLAPURAM (65km / 1.5h).
Upon arrival in Chennai, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel. (Overnight stay in Mamallapuram). |
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DAY 02: MAMALLAPURAM.
After breakfast depart for the sightseeing of Mamallapuram covering The Arjuna`s Penance (Bass Relief) and onward visiting monuments of Five rathas (symbolises equality of men & women) & the famous Shore temple. Apart from the monuments we also visit to a Sculpture studio. After Sightseeing, you will enjoy & experience the traditional lunch of South Indian special's served on Banana leaf. Evening leisure on the beach. (Overnight stay in Mamallapuram) |
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DAY 03: MAMALLAPURAM TO KUMBAKKONAM (250km / 5.5h).
Checking out from hotel after breakfast at 07.30am we drive to Kumbakonam - a small typical Indian town. Enroute visit Dharasuram temple (built in memory of the White elephant - AIRAVATH from the gods family), the temple has its original name as "Airavatheshwar temple". Further more you will be taken for a special visit to the Silk Weaving at a near by place (walk able distance). Untouched by regular tourist & no hassle of shop keepers/sellers, this visit will give you glimpse on weaving industry & the hard work behind it. Onward drive to Kumbakonam. (Overnight stay in Kumbakonam). |
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DAY 04: KUMBAKKONAM / DAYESCURSION TO TANJORE.
Morning after breakfast proceed to visit Tanjore - the world famous Brahadeshwara temple (houses one of Asia's biggest Nandi -the bull). The temple built by the cholas is very special for its architecture. The most exiting is that the temple does not have a shadow falling on ground at any time of day but falls on its own body. Then on visit the Bronze gallery at palace museum. Depending on Your interest we also take you on a special visit to the near by village to experience the art of Statue making & Glass painting. You can watch people at work clarify all your doubt related. You also have the possibility of trying it out practically at the work spot in the village. Later return to hotel. (Overnight stay in Kumbakonam). |
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DAY 05: TANJORE TO MADURAI / Via TRICHY (195km /4h).
Check out from hotel after early breakfast at 07.30am and drive to Trichy - a town situated on the banks of river Cauvery. A Journey of 1.15hrs will bring you to Trichy and on arrival visit the famous " Sriranganathaswami temple" at Srirangam - The most revered of the 108 pilgrimage shrines of Vishnu, and the largest temple complex in all India, it is surrounded by seven concentric walls (the outermost wall having a perimeter of over 3 kilometers) and 21 towers called "Gopurams". The most attractive among the Gopuras is the one at the entrance with lot of colors and stands one of the tallest amongst many other temple towers in Tamilnadu. Srirangam enshrines a statue of Vishnu reclining on a great serpent. Then on visit the local market (Gandhi Market) at the main town and onward drive for less than 03hrs to reach the old city of Tamilnadu - Madurai. On arrival check in to hotel and in the evening visit to Meenakshi temple for the night ceremony where God Shiva (Meenakshi`s husband) is taken in a palanquin to the bedroom of Meenakshi. This is a daily procession and next day early morning before sunrise God Shiva is brought back to his shrine with in the temple complex. God Shiva here is known as Sundareshwar. The temple has its full name as " Meenakshi Sundareshwar " temple. (Overnight stay in Madurai) |
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DAY 06: MADURAI / Cycle Rickshaw tour.
Morning after breakfast sight seeing tour of Madurai by Cycle Rickshaw. The Bi-Cycle Rickshaw tour of Madurai offers you a memorable experience of being in this old city. It takes you to the interesting narrow streets & lanes of Madurai showing the typical life of people in here. The Rickshaw pullers of Madurai were getting very unpopular with the locals, as the locals preferred the more modern mode of transport. The Cycle Rickshaw - the most eco friendly form of transport was fast being phased out, and the hundred and twenty rickshaw pullers of Madurai were being deprived of a lively hood as they were unable to buy the modern forms of transport like the auto rickshaw/taxi etc. To give these pullers another lease of life we at Hi-tours have designed this tour as part of our commitment to promote responsible tourism. By taking this tour you are supporting the rickshaw pullers and at the same time, encouraging the locals to use the rickshaws and all of this in a very eco friendly way. By Cycle Rickshaw we visit - Meenakshi temple (one of the largest temple complexes in south India), Flower/Fruit & Spice Market, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, Small scale Industry like Vessel making & Cloth making. (Overnight stay in Madurai). |
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DAY 07: MADURAI TO PERIYAR/THEKKADY (170km / 4h).
Check out from hotel after breakfast at 08.00am and drive to Periyar (also known as Thekkady). The name Periyar comes after the Dam made here by the English in 1895. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices. On arrival check on to hotel and at 16.00hrs leave for a guided plantation tour to the nearby garden where in various species of spices and other aromatic plants are cultivated. The guide explains & clarifies your doubts on this tour. Followed by Elephant ride for 20 Minutes. Depending on the day's opportunity you will also taken to visit a tea factory nearby. (Overnight stay in Thekkady). |
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DAY 08: PERIYAR/THEKKADY.
Early morning at 06.00am you go on a Guided Jungle walk at the Periyar tiger reserve/national park. This 03hrs walk (not very hard) is very interesting and gives you the chance to see the wildlife life at a very close distance. If you are lucky you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards & tigers. Afternoon OPTIONAL tour (Boat ride tickets will cost additional). BOAT RIDE at the National Park - the best way to observe game in wild is by boat. There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison's and packs of wild boars that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see also different species of apes. The golden langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India. Other animals in Periyar are otters and porcupines. Water turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on the pieces of wood that stick out of the water. Osprey and Cormorants belong to the most important species of birds in this area. (Overnight at hotel in Thekkady).
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DAY 09: PERIYAR TO ALLEPPEY /BACKWATERS (140km / 4h)
[House Boat Cruise: Alleppey Round Trip]
Depart from hotel at 08.00am and we drive down hill through the beautiful landscape of tea gardens to reach the land of backwaters - Alleppey. On arrival check in to a private House Boat at 12.00noon that is waiting to take you on a tour through the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin. The population's whole life takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. They do their washing and their washing up. They are so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour, while they are 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. This whole area is surrounded with coconut palms and, lush green Rice fields. The major cropping here is of coconut and it is said that the name for this place KERALA was from the old name of coconut as KERA. This trip enables you to learn/ know more on life of people who are dependent on backwaters. (Overnight onboard House Boat). |
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DAY 10: ALLEPPEY TO COCHIN (65km / 1.5h).
Disembark from Houseboat at 10.00am and drive to Cochin - a cosmopolitan city in the federal state of Kerala. An hour's drive from here will reach you to Cochin. On arrival sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting - The St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. After sightseeing in here check in to hotel around 14.30hrs. Evening at 16.30hrs visit the Chinese fishing nets - huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Onward at 17.30pm we visit to the famous dance drama of Kerala, the "Kathakali". This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Evenings by the Chinese fishing area are very lively with the daily fish market in here. All the live catch from time to time comes to sale. If you are a person who likes to eat fish, then you can buy very fresh fish from here and ask the nearby restaurant to cook the same for you. (Overnight stay in Cochin)
Jewish synagogue & Dutch palace are closed on Friday & Saturday |
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DAY 11: DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO COCHIN AIRPORT.
Check out from hotel according to flight timing and the tour ends today with a departure transfer to Cochin airport. |
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(END OF OUR SERVICES) |
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| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
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Accommodation on twin sharing room with daily breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent. |
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Transportation/Transfers by Air Conditioned Car for entire tour as per itinerary. |
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Service of English speaking local tourist guide at sightseeing spots at places Mamallapuram, Tanjore, Madurai, Periyar and Cochin only. |
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Traditional Lunch In Mamallapuram |
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Bi Cycle Rickshaw tour at Madurai |
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Trekking In Periyar |
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Plantation tour in Periyar |
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Entrances fees to the sightseeing spots. |
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Elephant ride in Periyar. |
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One night stay in House Boat on full board basis |
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Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin |
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Last day farewell dinner at residing hotel in Cochin |
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All applicable taxes. |
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| TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
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Meals at hotels except those listed in above inclusions. |
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Camera fee and tips |
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Additional expense which may arise due to strikes and natural calamities etc... Situation beyond control of Indus Travels. |
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All things of personal nature like laundry, telephone etc. |
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Inland & international flight ticket any And all other than those listed in above inclusions. |
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| PRICE INFO AND VALIDITY: |
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The above quote Summer rates are valid from 01April 30Sep 2010 |
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Winter rates are valid from 01st Oct 2010 to 31st March 2011 only (not valid for peak season( 15Dec -15Jan 2010) |
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Additional compulsory Christmas and New Year eve supplements will be applicable |
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The above quote is valid for the mentioned paying persons only. |
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The above quote is subject to change with a proviso that incase of hike in price of fuel/tax, the given quote may vary accordingly. |
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| Tour Length |
10 Nights/11 Days |
| Visit |
Chennai (Arrival) - Mamallapuram - Kumbakonam - Madurai - Periyar - Alleppey - Cochin (Departure) |
| Prices |
Starting At US $ 1,026* Only. |
| Dates |
Check Dates below. |
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| - One night on House Boat on full board basis. |
| - Kathakali dance performance at Cochin. |
| - Bi Cycle Rickshaw tour at Madurai. |
| - Elephant ride in Periyar. |
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TOUR PRICE SUMMER:
VALID FROM 01st April to 30th September 2010 |
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| Standard Category |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1026 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 1910 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 405 Per Single |
| Superior Category |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1289 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 2457 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 689 Per Single |
| Deluxe Category |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1559 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 2916 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 898 Per Single |
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TOUR PRICE WINTER:
VALID FROM 01st October 2010 to 31st March 2011 (EXEPT PEAK SEASON*) |
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Standard Category |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1121 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 2045 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 473 per Single |
Superior Category |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1404 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 2680 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 803 Per Single |
Deluxe Category |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1863 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 3483 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 1154 Per Single |
| ** Prices are Based on Per Person on Twin Share Basis. |
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