25 Jan 2023

Trip - Discover the South of India! - South India

  • INDIA TRIP:

    For our third organized trip to India, we are visiting this time the South part of this wonderful country!

    We will beneath the green shade of this coastal paradise, witness the Kathakaly dance, meet with locals in their fishing villages, and even join them on pilgrimage in Madurai.

    From the vast landscape of Periyar to French-influenced Pondicherry and southern India's spirituality, friendly people, tea plantations and wild animal sanctuaries; all of this, make southern India, also known as Peninsular India, a highly fascinating part of the country to explore.

    Join us for this exciting trip!

    Day 1: January 25 – Cochin Airport
    You will arrive at night Cochin International Airport.
    Our representative will meet at the Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
    Proceed for check-in at Holiday Inn 5* Hotel or similar.

    Day 02: January 26 - Cochin
    In morning, after Breakfast, proceed for Cochin city tour visiting:
    - The Dutch Palace: it has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata & Ramayana.
    - The Jewish Synagogue: it is the oldest synagogue built in 1568.
    - St. Francis Church: it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India & Huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Kochi.

    Evening Witness the Kathakali Dance Show.
    Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala dates from the 17th century. Kathakali recitals are drama and danced with elaborate masks and costumes.
    Return to hotel. Overnight at at Holiday Inn 5* Hotel or similar.

    Day 03: January 27- Cochin – Munnar
    In Morning, after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Munnar, and check in at hotel. Munnar is located at the confluence of 03 rivers as the very name signifies. The sprawling tea plantations and picturesque towns make Munnar a popular hill resort town in South India.

    Sightseeing: Cheyyara waterfalls (photstop) and Valara waterfalls (photostop).
    Evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Vibe Munnar 5* Hotel or similar.

    Day 04: January 28 - Munnar Local sightseeing
    After Breakfast, start in the morning the Half Day Trekking and visit Eravikulam national park.
    In the afternoon, enjoy Tea Factory visit and Local Town Visit.
    Overnight stay at Vibe Munnar 5* Hotel or similar.

    Day 05: January 29 – Munnar - Thekkady
    Proceed to Thekkady to explore the Wildlife. Enroute visit Kambam Local Market and vine yards. Check in at Resort.
    Go for a Hike in Thekkady’s nature.
    Relax a bit and in the evening go for Spice Farm Visit.
    Thekkady offers a perfect romantic escapade into the soothing laps of Mother Nature.
    We will watch a Kalaripayattu show -the oldest of martial arts-is a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts, 3000-year old art.
    Overnight at Elephant Court 5* Resort Thekkady or similar.

    Day 06: January 30 – Thekkady
    Early Morning go for a boat ride at Lake Periyar.
    On this day, we will have 2 hours hike.

    Thekkady is located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense forests and savanna grasslands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978.
    The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari.

    Experience the Elephant ride in the plantation of Thekkady. A unique feel experience.
    Overnight at Elephant Court 5* Resort Thekkady or similar.

    Day 07: January 31 – Thekkady - Madurai
    After breakfast, checkout and proceed to Madurai. Arrive at Madurai- Check in and relax in resort.
    Later explore the town. Experience a tuk tuk ride and then in the evening again proceed to Meenakshi Amman Temple for witnessing the evening temple ceremony.

    Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple.

    Overnight at Poppys 4* Hotel or similar.

    Day 08: February 01 - Madurai Tanjore.
    After breakfast, checkout and proceed to Tanjore. Check in and relax for a while. Visit a World Heritage Site, the Brigadeeshwar Temple, built in 10th century. It is the grandest architectural achievement of the Chola era.
    Proceed to visit the Bronze Making Place, Veena – Musical Instrument making place and also the doll making place.

    Overnight at Svatma 5* Hotel or similar.

    Day 09: February 02 –Tanjore – Darasuram – Swamimalai - Pondicherry
    After Breakfast, Visit Darasuram and Saree Weaving Center.
    Visit Stone Carving Centre in Swamimalai.
    Reach Pondicherry – Check in and relax in the Hotel.
    Proceed for Cycle Rickshaw Ride a tri wheeler fabulous experience to see the French Settlement mansions of yester years.
    Overnight at Ocean Spray 4* Hotel or similar.

    Day 10: February 03 – Pondicherry
    Breakfast at Hotel.
    Experience the treasure and rich history of colonial buildings, churches, temples and statues.
    Our tour will take you to the must see sights:
    - Admire Auroville Ashram, famous promenade beach.
    - Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam Temple.
    - Mahatma Gandhi Statue.
    - French war memorial.
    - Aurobindo Ashram.
    Overnight at Ocean Spray 4* Hotel or similar.

    Day 11: February 04 – Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram
    Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Mahabalipuram.
    Proceed to explore the city of Mahabalipuram. You will visit the following and our guide will elaborately convey the history and facts based on below places of visit:
    - Arjuna's Penance
    - Krishna Mandapam, Mahishasuramardini Cave
    - Shore Temple, Sea Shore Temple
    - Monuments At Mahabalipuram
    - Pancha Pandava Rathas and Krishna's Butter Ball.
    Evening Visit Chennai City. Last minute shopping
    At night, drop at Chennai airport for your flight back to Beyrouth.

    TICKETS:
    1 EY 538G 25JAN W BEYAUH*HK20 1345 1920 /E
    2 EY 280G 25JAN W AUHCOK*HK20 2120 0240 26JAN Q /E
    3 EY 269G 05FEB S MAAAUH*HK20 0420 0700 /E
    4 EY 535G 05FEB S AUHBEY*HK20 0920 1200 /E

    HOTELS:
    -Cochin: Holiday Inn Hotel – 5* Hotel - 02 Nights B&B.
    -Munnar: Vibe Munnar– 5* Hotel - 02 Night B&B
    -Thekkady: Elephant Court Resort – 5* Hotel - 02 Nights B&B.
    -Madurai: Poppys Hotel – 4* Hotel - 01 Night B&B.
    -Tanjore: Svatma Tanjore – 5* Hotel - 01 Night B&B
    -Pondicherry: Ocean Spray Hotel – 4* Hotel - 02 Nights B&B

    WHERE: South India

    WHEN: January 25 till February 05.

    WHAT TO GET: Overnight essentials, change of clothes, towel and swimsuit, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, jacket, comfortable shoes such as hiking shoes…..and PASSPORT.

    MEETING PLACE: Wednesday, January 25 at 10:45am, Beirut International Airport.

    PRICE: $ 2480 per person (Check above for the inclusions).

    Price includes:
    • Meal Plan – BB.
    • English speaking guide from arrival till departure.
    • Entrance fees to Monuments and Palaces.
    • Kathakali show in Cochin.
    • Chinese net Fishing experience.
    • Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls photostop.
    • Half Day Trekking in Munnar.
    • Tea Factory visit in Munnar.
    • Local Town Visit in Munnar.
    • Eravikulam National Park Entrance ticket.
    • Spice Plantation visit in Thekkady.
    • Kalarippayattu show in Thekkady.
    • Boating in Lake Periyar.
    • Elephant Ride experience in Spice plantation.
    • Tuktuk Ride in Madurai.
    • Cycle Rickswah ride in Pondicherry.
    • Shore Temple Visit in Mahabalipuram.
    • Auroville Visit in Pondicherry.
    • All the mentioned site visits in the itinerary.
    • Daily 2 x 500ml packaged drinking water per person per day for tours & transfers
    • All Transfers, Tours and Sightseeing by Ac 26 Seater Coach per the Itinerary and Cochin Airport to Chennai Airport
    • All Toll, Parking Fee, Driver Bata & Fuel Cost, all charges related to vehicle.
    • All applicable taxes

    Price does not include:
    • Personal expenses.
    • Meals not specified in itinerary.
    • Anything Not Mentioned in The Inclusions.
    • Only Non Ac Rooms Are Provided in Munnar and Thekkady as They Are Hill Stations.
    • TIPS for Guide and Driver.
    • Nepal visa fee.
    • Insurance.

    PAYMENT TERMS:
    • Last day for registration is December 20.
    • An extra 900 $ will be charged if you want a single room all to yourself.
    • The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

    CANCELATION POLICY:
    • If you cancel your reservation before December 02, 70% of the amount will be refunded.
    • If you cancel your reservation before December 20, 50% of the amount will be refunded.
    • If you cancel your reservation before January 08, 50% of the amount will be refunded.
    • Cancelation after January 08 will not be refunded.

    RESERVATION:
    Upon registration, the following must be provided:
    1- The full amount of the trip.
    2- A copy of your passport.
    For reservation, call us on 03-917190 or 79-115001.

    Regards,
    Vamos Todos
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