Worldwide brochure 2022-2023

Madurai
Ancient & bustling city • Meenakshi Temple
Madurai is an ancient city set on the banks
of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu. Legend has
it that a few drops of nectar fell from Shiva’s
locks onto the city, giving rise to its name,
which is thought to derive from an old Tamil
word for ‘sweetness’. The cultural focal point
of Madurai is its main temple, the Meenakshi-
Sundareswarar. One of India’s liveliest temples,
it serves as a significant place of Hindu
pilgrimage and is covered in a profusion of
brightly coloured stucco figures.
Puducherry
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
French legacy • Colonial-era mansions
Mysore
Ornate architecture • Exquisite temples of
Somnathpur
Rickshaw, Puducherry
The charming seaside town of Puducherry
(Pondicherry) is a former French enclave south
of Chennai. The French relinquished control
in 1954, yet the unusual mixture of French
and Tamil traditions remains. The French
influence is especially evident in many of the
town’s grand colonial-era mansions, tree-lined
boulevards, numerous restaurants and chic
boutiques. Other sites of interest include the
Sri Aurobindo Ashram; the Government Park;
and the Gandhi memorial.
Mysore is the former capital of an important
princely state. Magnificent palaces and royal
gardens offer a glimpse of its past grandeur.
The ornate Mysore Palace, designed by Henry
Irwin, is embellished with murals. Its 100,000
light bulbs are illuminated over weekends and
public holidays for an ethereal air. Mysore is
also an excellent base to visit the island citadel
of Srirangapatna and the intricate temples of
Somnathpur.
Mysore Palace, Mysore
A suggested itinerary...
Highlights of Kerala
14 days & 12 nights
from £2,375 (incl. flights)
Category • Superior
A striking contrast to other regions of
India, Kerala is the ultimate destination
for relaxation. Explore the highlights of
the state before a three-night stay on the
golden sands of the Keralan coastline.
Day 1: Fly to Kochi (N)
Day 2: Kochi
Arrive and transfer to the Eighth Bastion for 2
nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (N)
Day 3: Kochi
Visit the highlights of this enchanting port,
taking in architectural styles that reveal Arab,
Jewish and European influences. Later, visit
the Kathakali dance studio. (B)
Day 4: Munnar
Travel to Munnar and stay 2 nights at the
Windermere Estate in the hill country. (B, D)
Day 5: Munnar
Guided walk through Windermere Estate,
taking in the impressive mountain scenery
and extraordinary flora and fauna. (B, D)
Day 6: Thekkady
Morning drive through the Western Ghats
to Thekkady. The region is home to moist
deciduous forests and marshy grasslands,
offering excellent opportunities to spot birds
and other wildlife as well as tropical plant life.
Stay 2 nights at Spice Village. (B)
Day 7: Thekkady • Periyar
Morning walking tour of a plantation to learn
about the cultivation, growth and processing
of spices. This afternoon, head to Periyar
National Park for a guided forest walk. (B)
Day 8: The backwaters
Drive to the backwater region of Kerala. Stay
2 nights at the Coconut Lagoon. (B)
Day 9: The backwaters
Morning at leisure. Afternoon backwaters
cruise in a traditional shikara boat through
narrow canals. (B)
Day 10: Overnight on a houseboat
Board a private kettuvallam, a traditional
Keralan houseboat. (B, L, D)
Days 11-13: Mararikulam
Enjoy the relaxed local culture and sandy
beaches of Mararikulam, staying for 3 nights
at the Marari Beach Resort. (B)
Day 14: Fly home (B)
Tailor-made travel
Contact our experts
020 3930 5073
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