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Trip Length : 21 days Trip Code : EDCS
Start Point : Kochin End Point : Mahabalipuram
Start Date : Saturday End Date : Friday
 
 

Tour Overview

This leisurely journey through Kerala ,Tamil Nadu and Karnataka encompasses all the highlights of South India. Starting from the harbour city of Cochin, with its diverse architectural and religious influences. We travel deep into lush tropical land of Kerala with wildlife and palm-fringed Backwaters and lovely beaches. We further explore the splendid temples of Madurai and Tanjore and the historic 'French' town of Pondicherry. From here we travel to the tea growing areas, the typical British hill-station of Ooty and the palace city of Mysore. southern India our journey finally culminates on The beach side retreat of Mamallapuram

 

   
 
  Tour cost: USD $ 1350 + $ 250
 
 

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kochin
Welcome to Fort Kochi. This busy islands full of Portuguese and Dutch history has always been the centre for spice trade. Today is an arrival day and no activities are planned. A pre-departure meeting takes place this evening at the hotel. Afterwards we have the opportunity to go out for an optional group dinner.

Day 2: Kochin city tour
House to the oldest church in India , synagogues and English manor homes, Fort Cochin is certainly an interesting place. Today morning we have a city tour to explore the wonders of Fort Cochin. In the evening, there is an option of watching a performance of Kathakali dancing.

Day 3 & 4: Munnar
This beautiful Hill station on the Western Ghats was once a summer resort of the British Government in south India. The town is a walker's paradise with surrounding lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates.

Day 5 & 6: Pariyar
Surrounded by lake this National park One of the largest in India. There are plenty of Elephants, spotted deers, wild pig, flying squirrel and over 250 species of birdlife. We take a cruise around the lake for a more relaxing view of the park and wildlife spotting or you can also join for naturalist-led walk in search of wildlife or visit the spice plantation around.

Day 7 & 8:  Backwaters
Experience Keralan life on an island homestay. a great way to meet the local families ,feast on traditional Keralan food and Slip silently through sleepy canals on a boat, as the timeless landscape of Kerala’s backwaters slides by

Day 9 & 10: Kovalam
Covered with white sand and fringe line of palm trees, Kovalan is Kerala’s most famous beach resort. Watch the fishermen pulling out the net or relax and soak the sun. it’s a great place to unwind yourself

Day 11 & 12: Madurai
Travel to Madurai. This colourful bustling city jam-packed with rickshawallas, pilgrims and traders, and bazaar. Join the guided tour to magnificent Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Shiva and his consort Meenakshi.

Day 13: Tanjore
Home to UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple, the bustling city of Tannjore once served as capital of Chola empire and is famous for its impressive art and architecture. , climb the Rock Fortress for a view over the city and river or visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) and gaze over the largest temple complex in the world.

Day 14 & 15: Nilgiri Hills
Explore the Toda tribespeople habitating the surrounding hills and stay in a charming jungle retreat set against the backdrop of the misty Nilgiri Mountains. Head deep into Bandipur National Park to spot elephants, deer and maybe even tigers.

Day 16 & 17: Mysore
Visit the colourful vegetable and fruit markets and the Maharajah's Palace with its glittering interiors. You also have the option of taking a drive up Chamundi hill for fabulous views over Mysore, or shop for silks and sandalwood. Mysore is also a popular destination for spiritual tourism.

Day 18 & 19: Pondicherry
This former French colony still retains much of its old flavor sand architecture .Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram where you can embark on spiritual realization and soak the atmosphere while having coffee in many of its wonderful relaxing cafes.

Day 20: Mahabalipuram
Discover another of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 7th centure Shore Temple by bicycle or on foot. Later, relax with a cold Indian beer on the beach.

Day 21: Tour end
Tour finishes after breakfast. The check out time is 12:00. Please make sure that you vacate your rooms by 12 Noon .If you require a departure transfer to Chennai airport please ask your tour leader or front office manager for this.

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Highlights:
-
Dutch (Mattencherry) palace
- Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town
- Kathakali performance
- Home stay at Backwater
- Safari into Madumalai National Park
- Mysore Palace, Chaumundi Temple
- Excursion to Somnathpur
- Mamallapuram Shore Temples
- Pondicherry
- Srirangam Temple (Trichy)
- Brihadeeswara Temple (Tanjore)
- City tour of Madurai and Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Boat cruise at Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Tour of Spice Garden
Start/ Finish point:
Start in Kochin / Finish in Mahabalipuram
Max Group Size: 16
Staffing: Fully escorted by “Escape Voyages” Tour Leader & services of local guides.
Transport: Private vehicles ,public bus , train, , boat and tuk-tuks
Accommodation: 17 nights tourist class hotels, 2 nights home stay , 1 jungle lodge , 1 nights sleeper train
Activities: Boat ride in Backwater and Pariyar National park, Jungle safari at Nilgiri Hills
Meals: 20 breakfast , 2 dinners, 2 lunches , Please allow US$10-15 per day for additional meals
Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary. This does not include camera fees and other entrance fees on optional excursions.
Trip Grade Moderate: A generally low stress tour but there may be occasional remote lodging, market meals and language barrier. . These trips generally involve some physical activities and occasional long travelling days. Accommodation and travel conditions may be more basic.
         

 

 
Trip Details
 

Local Payment: There is a local payment of USD 250 attached to this trip. It should be paid on day 1 of the tour to your trip leader in Cash/Travellers Cheque in US $ or INR.

Fitness level (1):
These trips are a normally relaxing break. These trips does not involve any activities which are physically demanding but still need to be in good health as intensive walking is engaged while sightseeing and other optional activities.

Combination Trip:
  This tour is a combination trip with “Backwater and villages of Kerala” . Pax on tour will leave the trip in Kovalam on day 11.


Included sightseeing and activities

Cochin- city tour to Dutch palace , Jewish Synagogue and Church; Munnar- excursion to evalikum national park; Backwater- boat ride on local boats; Pariyar- boat ride for wildlife sighting; Madurai- guided visit to nayak palace and Meenaxshi temple; Tanjore- guided visit to temples; Mersegundi- jungle safari; Mysore- guided viist to place and excursion to chamundi hills; Pondichery- visit to Aruvilla ashram; Mahabalipuram- guided visit to shore temples.

Optional extras and sightseeing
Kathakali performance and excursion to tilipana palace; Munnar- various hiking options, Pariyar- short trek in the forest and viist to spice plantation; Backwater- boat trip and village walk, Kovalam- visit to fishing village; Madurai- closing ceremony in Meenaxshi temple and visit to Gandhi museum; Mysore- visit to Devraja market and excursion to Chamundi hills; Mersgundi- jungle and elephant safari; nilgiri hills- excursion to toda tribal villages; Mahabalipuram- excursion to kanchipuram

If you wish to visit a wide range of these mentioned sites and take part in a variety of optional activities please allow approx US$60.


Joining Instructions

Hotel Abad Chullikal
Fort Cochin
Cochin ( Tel No) + 91-484-228211

Hotel Abad Chullikal is centrally located on the Ernakulam- Fort Cochin main road. It is conveniently accessible from any part of Ernakulam and Fort Cochin .Distance from Cochin International Airport is 30 Km (Approx. Taxi fare INR600) , 8 Km from Ernakulam Train station ( Approx. Taxi fare INR250)


Single travellers

As part of Escape Voyages core philosophy, we do not charge a single supplement. You'll probably be sharing your accommodation with a travelling companion of the same gender, your tour will probably have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some great new friends
 

Trip Inclusion and Exclusion

Price Includes
• Experienced Tour Leader, Monument Guides and other supporting staff.
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, sightseeing, activities and excursion as per itinerary
• Entrance fees to all sites listed as a part of itinerary
• Transfer to hotel on arrival

Price does not Included
• International Flights
• Drinks, tips, laundry and other item of personal nature
• Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
• Price of optional sightseeing and activities
• Departure transfer
• Visa cost
• Border Taxes
 

Travel Extra

Pre and post tour accommodation
If you wish to book some pre or post tour accommodation please mention it in your booking details. Following are the supplement price for extra accommodation:

Kochin USD 65 for Double occupancy room USD 60 for Single occupancy room
Mahamallipuram USD 55 for Double occupancy room USD 60 for Single occupancy room

Note: while booking pre & post tour accommodation , it is compulsory for single travelers to book a single room supplement.

City breaks/ Short Escapes
If you wish to extend your holiday, we offer a variety of exciting short break options. You can attach one or more of these “Add-On Tour” in the beginning or at the end of your Escape Voyages tour . For more details, please refer to our Add- On/City breaks section.

Goa extension ( 5 days/ 4 nights)
Aurvedic Retreat ( 7days/ 6 nights)

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