| |
South India
Travel from Cochin to Bangalore on a leisurely exploration of India’s Southern States, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Visit an array of glorious monuments that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and colourful colonial past; Maharaja’s palaces, colonial mansions and ancient temples. Enjoy the lush wilderness and the magic of Kerala's waterways, explore the life style and the bustilng markets, while each day savouring the delights of Southern India’s distinctive heritage and particularily its delectable cuisine.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Nilgiri Hills, lakes, waterfalls, spice, coffee and tea plantations. The areas mild climate made it popular as a summer retreat for the coloniial gentry during the days of the British Raj. Travel by toy train to Ooty, the Queen of the Hill Stations. A beautiful experience of rural India.
- 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.
- Kovalam Beach - South India's premier beach location, palm fringed, with white sands and warm waters, a wonderful place for some mid-trip R and R.
Sri Lanka ~ "Buddha's Island"
A tropical gem that in recent years has been overlooked by tourists due to a extended civil war and the devastation of the 2004 tsunami. Today, with peace at last, Sri Lanka's resilient residents are keen to showcase their island’s diverse attributes. You will be so surprised and constantly enchanted. Sri Lanka has a long, rich and intriguing history, awesome ancient monuments including thousands of man-made lakes called tanks, dating from the 3 rd century and still being used today to irrigate the paddies. There is a distinctive blend of Dutch and British colonial heritage, as well as a rich mix of Hindu and Buddhist cultures to be experienced. Perhaps one its greatest attractions is the varied and prolific wildlife - reptiles, birds, butterflies, and some real biggies, such as leopards, and elephants, turtles and whales. At the end of every photo-filled day there are air conditioned hotel complexes, with sparkling pools, gourmet meals and gorgeous gardens to relax in. You won’t be disappointed.
- The Cultural Triangle – temple complexes and palaces dating from the Golden Age of the Sinhalese civilization, 4th Century BC to 10th Century AD; Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa, and spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya.
- Kandy – Sri Lanka’s 2nd city, the Botanical Gardens are magnificent, displaying trees and plants from all over the world.
- The Hill Country – take a scenic train ride into the hilly tea plantations of Nuwara Eilya and hike to World’s End, a dramatic viewpoint in the Horton Plains National Park. Stay in Colonial Heritage hotels of a bygone era.
- Yala National Park – prolific wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, eagles and peacocks, huge monitor lizards, chameleons and even leopard. Yes, we saw one! It was a most exciting safari.
- Galle – huge sea walls surround the Old Dutch Fort, which today is home to artisans and antique shops. A great place to browse for keepsakes.
- Colombo - Sri Lanka's dynamic capital.
Draft Itinerary Outline (subject to adjustment)
Day 1. Auckland to Colombo – fly early morning, overnight at Negombo Beach.
Day 2. Anuradhapura - a world heritage site, an impressive reminder of an ancient civilisation
Day 3. Habarana - visit Mihintale, climb the ancient Dagoda where in 247BC Buddhism came to Sri Lanka, elephant ride
Day 4. Sigiriya - rural walk, boat ride in the wetlands, great bird life, lunch with a local family, just delicious. Batik factory,
Day 5. Kandy - climb of Lion Rock (Sigiriya), a World Heriatage site, it's construction and location rivals Machu Picchu!, Spice Gardens
Day 6. Kandy - sightseeing, the Tooth Temple ceremonies and the amazing Botanical Gardens.
Day 7. Nuwara Eliya - scenic train to the Highlands, visit a tea plantation, overnight in colonial hill station town.
Day 8. Bandarawela - early morning hike to Worlds End, dramatic lookout of the Horton Plains NP, wilderness walks from 1-3 hours.
Day 9. Yala - the standing Buddhas of Buduruvagala, afternoon safari in the Yala NP, the wildlife is just amazing - leopards, elephants, birds galore
Day 10. Galle - along the southern coast, renown for its traditional pole fisherman, the historic Dutch walled town of Galle.
Day 11. Galle - free day to explore the old Gallee, wonderful shopping
Day 12. Colombo - turtle hatchery, Colombo sightseeing
Day 13. Cochin - fly to Cochin in South India, an historic city on the Arabian coast.
Day 14. Cochin - walking tour of the historical center of Fort Kochi, tonight a traditional Kathakali dance show.
Day 15. Cochin - visit Kallancherry island, hosted by local family
Day 16. Houseboat - overnight cruise on the Malabar Backwater canals
Day 17. Backwater Retreat - indulge in a massage, go fishing local style, walk or cycle the shaded pathways of the canals.
Day 18. Kovalam Beach - free afternoon to relax at Kovalam, Sth Indias premier beach location
Day 19. Over night train - a full day to enjoy this beautiful coastal location
Day 20. Madurai - visit the enormous and colourful temple complex of Meenakski, attend the evening ceremonies
Day 21. Pollachi - stay at an eco farm the hills of Tamil Nadu
Day 22. Nilgiri Hills - Conoor, the plantation area of Sth India
Day 23. Nilgiri Hills - train excursion to Otty, the Queen of the Hill Stations
Day 24. Mysore - a fascinating countryside drive
Day 25. Mysore - sightseeing, the magnificent Mysore Palace and the Brindavan Water Gardens
Day 26. Flight - afternoon drive to Bangalore, for our evening flight back to NZ.
Day 27. Arrive Auckland
Madurai - reach this ancient centre of learning and pilgrimage since 6th Century BC
Trip Style
An In-Depth Experience . Observe artists and craftsmen at work; visit home industries, villages, farms and plantations; enjoy countryside walks, Naptional Parks, and wilderness hikes. Delve into the culture and customs with dance, music and cooking demonstrations. Local guides provide an insight the 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. A flight between Sri Lanka and South India, and a variety of water craft. One overnight train may be used.
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.
Meals
Breakfasts included at all the hotel stays and during the houseboat cruise all meals are included. This region 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), all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 9 dinners, hotels, transport, flight Colombo to Cochin, group based tipping for guides and drivers, a full programme of sights/activities/entries as per itinerary.
2012: Sri Lanka Only - a NZ summer trip!
Code Number:
|
SL 121 (Sri Lanka only) |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
27 Dec 2012 |
| Est Price: |
$7,550 to be confirmed |
| Minimum Number: |
11 |
| Days: |
19 days |
| Trip Status: |
Open, Prelim Registration, $100 refundable |
|
