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BEST OFSOUTHERN INDIABEACHES &FR$1,399 BACKWATERSFR$849Kochi Kochi 14 DAYS Kochi Kochi7 DAYSKerala BackwatersHighlights• Look for native wildlife and chattering birds in beautiful sanctuaries• Uncover ancient temples in the spiritual tourism resort of Mysore• Explore plantations of tea and exotic spices in ThekaddyVarkala, KeralaHighlights• Spend the night with a local family for an authentic cultural feel• Drift through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala on a boat cruise• Stretch out on the white sand beaches at laid-back VarkalaINDIAN SUB-CONTINENTDAYITINERARYDAYITINERARY01-0405Kochi / Wayanad (Kalpetta)Arrive into colourful Kochi where churches, mosques and synagoguesbear witness to its chequered history as a spice trading centre. Enjoyan orientation walk and a typical kathakali dance show. On Day 3,catch the morning train to Kozhikode, followed by a scenic drive tothe Wayanad region of Kerala where the rolling hills are covered inrainforests and tea, coffee and rubber plantations. Enjoy a naturetrail at a wildlife sanctuary and visit the Eddakal pre-historic caves.Mudumalai Wildlife SanctuarySpend the night at Mudumalai, one of the most important refugesfor elephant and bison in India. Look out for varied wildlife and morethan 120 species of birds including herons and falcons, on a safari.0102KochiArrive at any time and the day is yours to explore. There’s plenty todo in Kochi, this seaside Indian city with its Portuguese and Dutchhistory, architecture and style. Wander to the impressive fort orwatch the sun set as fisherman pull up their traditional Chinese nets.AlleppeyEnjoy an orientation walk of Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church and theChinese fishing nets before travelling to Alleppey, a golden streak ofland woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals. The area is famousfor its ‘snake boat’ (chundan vallam) races and for the fact it is oneof the few places where farming is done below sea level. Experiencelocal life with a homestay, and a guided walk along the lagoon. (L, D)06-0809-1112-14Mysore / MamallapuramVisit Mysore Palace and Chamundi Temple. Then catch an afternoontrain to Chennai on Day 7, and connect by bus to Mamallapuram tovisit the 7th Century Shore Temple.Pondicherry / MaduraiContinue to the former French territory of Pondicherry. Stroll theatmospheric boulevards of the French Quarter and learn about SriAurobindo Ghose at the ashram. Next day head to Madurai and,on Day 11, enjoy a cycle-rickshaw tour of the town and the SriMeenakshi temple complex.Thekkady / Kerala Backwaters / KochiDrive to Thekaddy for a tour of the spice plantations in the aptlynamedCardamom Hills. On Day 13, travel to Alleppey to board a boatalong the backwaters to an authentic village homestay. Travel back toKochi where the tour ends in the afternoon of Day 14. (B, L, 2D)0304-0506-07KollamKollam is the southern gateway to the Keralan backwaters and you’llenjoy a half-day boat cruise to observe its unique ecosystem. Later,embark an orientation walk of Kollam, a commercial centre whichonce did a roaring trade amongst British, Dutch and Portuguesesailors eager to get their hands on prized and valuable spices. (B, L)VarkalaKnown for its yoga, massage centres and awesome beaches, Varkalais the only place in southern Kerala where you find cliffs next to thesea. The quiet, isolated beach is perfect for relaxing, and you’ll havetime for an Ayurvedic massage and to visit the Varkala Temple.KochiTravel from Varkala to Kochi, where there’s free time to check out theJewish Quarter and the spice market, or take in a Kathakali, a showof local martial arts. Tour ends in Kochi at any time on Day 7.InclusionsTrip Style: Classic Service Level: StandardPhysical Grading: 2 Age Group: Any ageAccommodation: Hotels (12 nts), homestay (1nt, multishare) Transport: Train, charter bus,cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, ferry Meals: 1breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners Budget: Allow USD$280-340 for meals not included Group Leader:Chief Experience Officer (CEO), local guides GroupSize: Max 15, Avg 12 Tour Code: GAAHBSWayanadMysoreINDIAMamallapuramChennaiPondicherryMudumalaiWildlifeSanctuaryKochiInclusionsTrip Style: YOLO Service Level: Basic PhysicalGrading: 2 Age Group: Exclusively for 18-39s Accommodation: Simple hotels (5 nts),homestay (1 nt) Transport: Bus, boat, taxi, tuktuk Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinnerBudget: Allow USD $115-150 for meals notincluded Group Leader: Chief Experience Officer(CEO), local guides Group Size: Max 18, Avg 12Tour Code: GAAHBBMy Own Room Available: Fr $459 My Own Room Available: Fr $379Alleppey MaduraiThekkadyDepartures 2015 Departures 2015Jan-Mar Every MondayJan-DecSundays, typically with 2-4 departuresmonthly (additional departures in Jan)Apr-DecRegular Mondays(no departures 05May-30Aug)INDIAKochiAlleppeyKollamVarkala175