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Southern India, is vibrant and colourful, a lush tropical land where life is taken at a slower pace. From Cochin to Mumbai, travel by train and bus to enjoy a leisurely exploration into the culture and heritage of these fascinating southern states, Kerala, Tamil Nadu , Karnataka and Goa.
Meander through the lush Malabar Backwaters on a house boat and walk in the countryside through wilderness and well tended plantations, for this is the land of spices, tea, coffee and rubber. Visit an array of glorious monuments that reflect the regions rich cultural heritage and colourful colonial past; Maharaja’s palaces, colonial mansions, temples, hill stations, nature reserves and ancient cities..... while each day savouring the delights of Southern India’s distinctive cuisine.
Itinerary Highlights
- The Malabar Backwaters, are a network of palm fringed canals, lakes, and estuaries, a beautiful and serene environment. Stilt house villages with hibiscus dotted gardens line the shore and the waterways are alive with river craft. One night on a rustic canal boat, the other at a heritage home retreat where you can cycle or walk the shaded lanes for a closer look into the daily lives of the backwater communities
or if you wish indulge yourself with an ayurvedic massage. In the evening attend a Keralan cooking demonstration.
- Hampi, the magnificent 16 th Century Vijayanagar Ruins are considered to be the most fascinating historical site in Southern India.
- Coonoor and Ooty, summer resorts of the British Raj located in the picturesque Nilgiri region and surrounded by tea plantations. A train excursion to Ooty, which in colonial times was celebrated as the "Queen of India's Hill Stations.
- Vythiri - the Western Ghats, rainforests, lakes, waterfalls, ancient ruins, mysterious mountain caves, exotic wildlife, spice plantations and remote villages.
Many of the sights can only be reached by jungle trails. A great day in the outdoors.
- Madurai, is the very heart of Tamil Nadu where the gigantic gopuram’s of the Meenakshi Temples tower above the surrounding markets. A visit to the temple to observe the evening ceremonies is highly recommended.
- Mysore, one of the finest cities in Southern India, famous for sandal wood. The cities magnificent Maharaja’s Palace with its stained glass ceilings and exquisite paintings is a must see.
- Cochin, has been a spice trading port since Biblical times. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the Chinese, the English each have come and left their mark
on this most enchanting city.
Visit Kumbhalanghi village where you will be hosted by a traditional Christian extended family of fisherman and farmers. Enjoy a home cooked Keralan lunch. Observe and participate in a variety of activities such as coir and copra processing, mat making and some rather unusual fishing methods.
- Periyar Wildlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary, guided walk in the spice gardens.
- Mumbai, India's largest city is home to the country's cine and television industry, Bollywood.
- Goa’s, its palm-fringed beaches are rated amongst the most beautiful in the world, relax and swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. This is R and R time.
Draft Itinerary Outline
Day 1. Auckland to Cochin – fly, depart early morning, arrive evening
Day 2. Cochin -
walking tour of the historical center of Fort Kochi, tonight a traditional Kathakali dance show.
Day 3. Cochin - visit
Kumbhalanghi island,visit hosted by local family
Day 4. Cochin to Malabar Backwaters (Houseboat) -
overnight cruise on the backwater canals
Day 5. Houseboat to Backwater Retreat -
indulge in a massage, go fishing local style, walk or cycle the shaded pathways of the canals.
Day 6. Backwaters to Periyar - guide Spice Plantation walk
Day 7. Periyar to Madurai - morning boat cruise on Periyar Lake, a wildlife sanctuary
Day 8. Madurai - an ancient centre of learning and pilgrimage since 6th Century BC
Day 9. Madurai to Coonoor - located in the Nilgiri Hills
Day 10. Coonoor - visit Otty, the Queen of the Hill Stations
Day 11. Coonoor to Vythiri -
located in the rainforest wilderness of the Western Ghat Hills
Day 12. Vythiri - wilderness hikes and sightseeing
Day 13. Vythiri to Mysore -
Day 14. Mysore - sightseeing .
Day 15. Mysore to Bangalore to overnight train
Day 16. Hampi - arrive
Day 17. Hampi -
a full day to explore the amazing Ruins of Hampi
Day 18. Hampi to Goa
Day 19. Goa - R and R on the Arabian coast
Day 20. Goa
Day 21. Goa to Mumbai - fly
Day 22. Mumbai - sightseeing
Day 23. Mumbai to flight
Day 24. Arrive Auckland
Trip Style
An In-Depth Experience . Observe artists and craftsmen at work; visit home industries, villages, farms and plantations; enjoy countryside walks and wilderness hikes. Delve into the culture and customs with dance, music and cooking demonstrations. Local guides provide an insight into South Indian culture and daily life, as well as social, political and economic issues.
Transport
Essentially a private mini coach charter trip so that we can stop and “investigate” as the whim takes us. However, we will also use an overnight sleeper train, a domestic flight and a variety of water craft.
Accomodation
Where possible the Tourist grade hotels will reflect the ambience of the region, twin share with private facilities being the norm, with breakfast included. One night on a delightful houseboat with all facilities and for the three nights at Goa we hope to use a beach resort “tent” village, just perfect for relaxing into Goa's charming laid back atmosphere.
Meals
Breakfasts included at all the hotel stays and during the houseboat cruise all meals are included. This region of India is reknowned for it’s wonderful cuisine particularly its vegetarian dishes and use of exotic spices. Our itinerary includes many opportunities to enjoy and observe local produce and cooking styles, “eating” will be a real highlight and an adventure in itself. For non included meals and water you should allow NZ$35+ per day.
The Party
Group size 11 to 17 plus leader. The trip is open to active people of all ages,
single travellers are most welcome. If you are willing to cope with
the unusual, the unpredictable, cultural differences and some local
inadequacies you will be rewarded with a very memorable travel experience.
Trip Data
Price will include, flights AKL/AKL (any additional tax is charged separately)*, meals - all breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, hotels, transport, 1 internal flight Goa to Mumbai, a full programme of sights/activities/entries as per itinerary.
Code Number:
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IS 91 |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
3 Nov 09 |
| Estimated Price: |
$7,800 -$8,300, TBC |
| Minimum Number: |
11 |
| Days: |
24 |
| Trip Status: |
Preliminary Registrations, $100 refundable |
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