Tour Description : This journey takes you to the two most important States of South India. Kerala God's Own Country and the Enchanting State of Tamil Nadu. The tour offers a combination of Natural and the Heritage beauty which South India has to offer. We start our journey with the God's Own Country Kerala by arriving into Cochin the Commercial Capital of Kerala and ending in Chennai the Cultural Capital of South India. One can see the vide contrasts between the two most popular destinations of South India Kerala and Tamil Nadu. At one end, Kerala offers peace, tranquility and is close to the mother earth. It's full of Natural beauty, lakes, Backwaters, Tea estates, spice plantations, beautiful beaches and one can unwind by venturing into the Ayurvedic therapies which are offered throughout the Kerala. A perfect way to unwind your mind, body and soul. Tamil Nadu is quite distinct and has a completely different contrast as compared to Kerala. We tour some of the oldest Hindu temples of the Dravidian culture, an ancient culture distinguished by unique customs. The cultural icons are everywhere - huge temples with towering gopurams(gateways), intricate rock carvings and the shore Temples of Mahabalipuram, a former French Colony - Pondicherry where French is still popular. Above all the tour offers great variety and a chance to experience the mouthwatering food of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Day 1: Arrive Cochin
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our Hotel. Rest of the day is free for rest Overnight: Casino Hotel (2 Nights)

Day 2: Cochin
Our morning tour of Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, with one of the finest natural harbors in the world, starts with visit to the oldest European Church in India "St. Francis Church". Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco De Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later. Next we visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral Built by the Portuguese in around the 16th century; this Roman Catholic Church is famous for the beautiful paintings on its ceiling. We visit the Jewish Quarter with its old synagogue, and the Dutch palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Cochin. Later we take a boat cruise to visit the Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action. In the evening we enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance. This dramatized presentation of a play usually based on the Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas and has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3: Cochin - Thekkady: (Drive: 195 Km / 5 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Thekkady. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry: 0600 to 1800 hrs): Lying close to plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. On arrival in Thekkady, we check in our Hotel. After lunch we visit a spice plantation. About 4000 Sq. KM of Idukki district is under spice plantations. The main occupations of the natives are spice farming and trading. The original produce was cardamom, pepper, ginger and turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all spice, tea etc. This will give an excellent opportunity to the visitor to see the spice plants and Ayurvedic medicinal plants and buy some garden fresh spices from the plantations. This is a guided Tour and it will take 1-1:30 hours. Later in the evening we return to our hotel. Dinner & Overnight at Thekkady Wild Corridor (2 Nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Thekkady
Our day starts with a Jungle walk at the Periyar Wild life Sanctuary. Later we comeback to our hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon we take boat ride over the Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat on the water's edge. While cruising on Lake Periyar, we are likely to see animals like Wild Boars, Sambars, Wild Dogs, Langur Monkeys, Wild Elephants and water birds; darter, grey heron, egret and kingfisher. Evening is free to explore the local bazaars at Thekkday and time to purchase some local spices grown in that area. Dinner and Overnight is at hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5: Thekkady - Kumarakom: (Drive: 150 Km / 3 ½ Hrs)
Today we drive to Kumarakom. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. On arrival in Kumarakom we board our traditional houseboat (rice boats - "Ketuvallam") and begin our journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquility of Kerala's beautiful scenery -Experience the way of life and activity of the local people. Overnight: A.C. Deluxe House Boat (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Alleppey - Kovalam: (Drive: 175 Km / 4 Hrs)
Breakfast on board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. A scenic comfortable drive conveys us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories make this beach an incredible paradise. Overnight: Uday Samudra Beach Hotel (2 Nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7: Kovalam
Day is free to relax on Beach. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8: Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Madurai : (Drive: 250 Km/ 7 Hrs)
After breakfast we leave for Madurai, en-route visiting Kanyakumari "Lands End" of India. Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. We visit the Temple of Goddess Kumari, Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the sea where Swami Vivekananda mediated. Later after lunch we continue our onward journey to Madurai. On arrival, we check in our Hotel. Overnight: Fortune Pandiyan -Madurai (2 Nights) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Madurai
Madurai situated in southern Tamil Nadu is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, is an important cultural and commercial centre. Today we visit Madurai. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi Temple, with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture and the four tall gopurams (pillars) with multicolored gods, goddesses, demons and deities. Madurai is famous for the imposing Meenakshi Temple, a structure in the Dravidian style of architecture. The history of the city dates back over 2,000 years when it was the capital of the Pandyas. The most interesting feature of the temple is its Hall of a thousand pillars some of which sound like metal when hit with an object. The metal stone or musical pillar, although made of stone, produces sounds of different metals. Other places of interest include the Tirumalai Nayaka Temple and the Temple Art Museum. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10: Madurai - Tanjore: (Drive: 195 Km / 4 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Thanjavur, popularly known as Tanjore, where lies the famous Brihadishwara Temple and its sprawling palace complex. The town is famous also for its distinctive style, a combination of raised and painted surfaces. "Krishna" is the most popular deity depicted, and in the Tanjore School his skin is white, rather than the traditional blue-black. Tanjore was the ancient capital of the Chola Kings whose origins go back to the beginning of the Christian era. Our afternoon tour of World Heritage Site of Tanjore includes in the Shri Brihadishwara temple built by "Raja-Raja" in 1010, which is the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. The temple, set in spacious grounds, has several pillared halls and shrines. Inscriptions record the names of dancers, musicians and poets a reminder of the significance of this area to the development of the arts. We end our tour of Tanjore with a visit to the Tanjore Palace & Museum which has an eclectic collection of regal memorabilia most of it dating from the early 19th century.
Overnight: Hotel Sangam (1 Night) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 11: Tanjore - Pondicherry: (Drive: 150 Km / 4 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Pondicherry. The Union Territory of Pondicherry is situated on the Coromandel Coast of South India, about 160 kms south of Chennai. Pondicherry traces its origin to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. It was also the site of many a battle between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India, before it attained its independence. Being a small and quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has imbibed Tamilian culture. Apart from the charming atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and cheap beer, what attracts most travelers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926, has brought international reputation to this coastal town. Tours of the ashram, the spiritual tenets of which combine yoga and modern science, are popular within India and abroad.
Overnight: Hotel Atithi (1 Night) (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 12: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai: (Drive: 160 Km / 4-5 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Mahabalipuram. We visit the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), Mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air relief's such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. After lunch, we continue our journey to Chennai. On arrival we check in our Hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax.
Overnight: The Pride (2 Nights) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13: Chennai
Our tour of Chennai starts with The National Art Gallery & Museum. The museum was established in 1857 and contains one of the best collections of bronzes in the country, including the famous icon of Natraja. Our Next stop is at St. Mary's Church-built in 1680. This was first English Church in Chennai and is India's oldest surviving British church. In the church there are reminders of Clive, who was married here in 1753, and Elihu Yale, the early governor of Madras. We end our tour with a visit to Peoples Park and the beautiful Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, and the clock towers.
(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 14: Chennai - Home:
The day is free to relax. Check out time 12:00 Noon. The day is free for shopping and other personal activities. In the evening we are hosted a farewell dinner before we are transferred to airport to connect our flight back Home. (Breakfast, Dinner)

We accept payment in GBP / EURO or equivalent USD (for clients from North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honor that rate. For Clients making payment in USD, please visit http://www.xe.com to check the conversion rate. The conversion rate on the payment due date will be applicable. For Complete payment procedures please visit http://www.travelling-in-india.com/payinfo.html

PRICES OF THE ABOVE TOUR -
(All Prices on Per Person Basis in GBP / EURO)

Departure Dates		Price in GBP		Price in EURO
Tour Start Date	Tour End Date	Per Person Cost on Twin Sharing	Single Room Supplement	Per Person Cost on Twin Sharing	Single Room Supplement
26-Sep-2011	09-Oct-2011	GBP 784	GBP 392	EURO 912	EURO 456
24-Oct-2011	06-Nov-2011	GBP 850	GBP 424	EURO 985	EURO 492
14-Nov-2011	27-Nov-2011	GBP 850	GBP 424	EURO 985	EURO 492
19-Dec-2011	01-Jan-2012	GBP 923	GBP 497	EURO 1070	EURO 577
23-Jan-2012	05-Feb-2012	GBP 850	GBP 424	EURO 985	EURO 492
27-Feb-2012	11-Mar-2012	GBP 850	GBP 424	EURO 985	EURO 492
26-Mar-2012	08-Apr-2012	GBP 830	GBP 407	EURO 965	EURO 472

City	Hotel Name	Category of room	No. of nights
Cochin	Casino Hotel by CGH Earth	Standard Room	02
Thekkady	Thekkady Wild Corridor	Deluxe Room	02
Kumarakom - Alleppey	Deluxe A.C. Houseboat	Houseboat	01
Kovalam	Uday Samudra Beach Hotel	Exotica DBL	02
Madurai	Fortune Pandiyan		02
Tanjore	Hotel Sangam	Standard Room	01
Pondicherry	Hotel Atithi	Standard Room	01
Chennai	The Pride	Deluxe Room	02
Jaisalmer	The Gateway Hotel Rawal Kot	Standard Room	02
Bikaner	Lallgarh Palace	Standard Room	01
Mandawa	Castle Mandawa	Standard Room	01

Inclusions	Exclusions
Accommodation on twin share basis in the mentioned hotels for 13 Nights with daily buffet Breakfast as per the itinerary.	Any personal expenses such as laundry bills, telephone bills, alcoholic / Non Alcoholic beverages
(Total 29 Meals) 13 Breakfasts, 13 Dinners & 3 Lunches as per the itinerary	Tips and other such cost which is to be paid to the drivers, guides, porters etc.
Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned Vehicle.	Visa fees or International flight tickets and insurance.
All entrances to Monuments of visit as per the itinerary, excluding camera / Video Camera Charges.	Any other services not mentioned in the cost inclusions.
Road tax, Toll Charges, parking fees and driver's overnight wages.
Services of an English speaking resident tour Manager.
Harbor Cruise in Cochin (Common Boat)
Kathakali Dance performance - Cochin
Boat Ride at Lake Periyar - Thekkady
Guided Jungle Walking Tour - Thekkady
All presently applicable taxes.