Silk and Spices
12 Days
ITINERARY
12 Days: Bangalore, Shravanabelagola, Chikmagalur, Belur, Halebidu, Mysore, Cochin, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Madurai, Chennai
Tour Overview:
The sights, sounds and aromas of India await as you wind your way through the lush landscapes and colorful markets. Your tour begins in the “Garden City” of Bangalore from where you embark on a magical journey that includes the gardens, temples and waterways encompassing centuries of Indian mythology.
Day 1 – Arrive Bangalore
Spend your first day in Bangalore, India’s garden city. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 – Bangalore / Shravanabelagola / Chikmagalur
The morning tour includes a visit to Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts Center, the Bull Temple, and the colorful bustling markets. Later, depart for Chikmaglur, en route visiting Shravanabelagola. (B)
Day 3 – Chikmagalur / Belur / Halebidu / Mysore
Visit Belur this morning. The Chennakesaya Temple with its intricate sculptures is an outstanding example of medieval Indian art. Continue on to Halebidu, to see the Hoysaleshwara Temple, covered with a succession of friezes, the tableaus of everyday life in ancient times. (B)
Day 4 – Mysore Sightseeing
Explore Mysore, visiting the City Palace, a Hindu Temple and a monolithic sculpture of the bull Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Visit the beautiful Brindayan Gardens where you can admire the amazing topiaries and the illuminated, cascading fountains. (B)
Day 5 – Mysore / Bangalore / Cochin
Visit the island fortress and Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam before continuing on to Bangalore. Fly to Cochin in the state of Kerala. Enjoy an evening presentation of the colorful Kathakali dance drama. (B)
Day 6 – Cochin Sightseeing / Kumarakom
In Cochin, visit the Portuguese church built by St. Francis in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and learn about the Chinese fishing nets. Later, depart for Kumarakom to experience the backwaters and waterways, with the rich culture and active lifestyle of the region. (B)
Day 7 – Backwaters Cruise
Cruise along the canals and lagoons which create and maintain the ecological balance in this region. Take advantage of a free afternoon to experience an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage or enjoy a fishing expedition. (B)
Day 8 – Kumarkom/Thekkady
Depart for Thekkady this morning.This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and centered around an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 9 – Thekkady / Madurai
Enjoy the varied flora and fauna, cruising along the waterways of this tropical ecological reserve. Later drive to Madurai with it’s many pilgrims who throng the narrow streets. The Puja ceremony performed nightly at the Meenakshi Temple is an interesting activity this evening. (B)
Day 10 – Madurai Sightseeing / Chennai (Madras)
Visit Shree Meenakshi Temple, ThirumalaiNayak Palace, the Gandhi Museum, and MariammanTeppakkulam Tank, site of the annual Teppam, or Float Festival, held in January. Fly to Chennai this evening. (B)
Day 11 – Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Excursion
Journey to Kanchipuram, with its many temples and visit the three that exemplify this sacred town—Kailasantha and Ekambareshwara, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Travel to the ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram and visit the last surviving shore temple, stone chariots and a bas-relief depicting Hindu legends. (B)
Day 12 – Chennai (Madras) Sightseeing / Depart Chennai
The morning tour of Chennai includes stops at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. The Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your visit. After a relaxing afternoon, bid India farewell and board your International flight home. (B)
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DATES/PRICING/ACCOMMODATIONS
2024 | ||
Dates | Dbl Occ | Sgl Occ |
Jan 10 - Jan 21 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Jan 17 - Jan 28 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Jan 24 - Feb 04 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Jan 31 - Feb 11 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Feb 07 - Feb 18 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Feb 14 - Feb 25 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Feb 21 - Mar 03 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Feb 28 - Mar 10 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Mar 06 - Mar 17 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Mar 13 - Mar 24 | CAD 5895 | CAD 8695 |
Mar 20 - Mar 31 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Mar 27 - Apr 07 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Apr 03 - Apr 14 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Apr 10 - 21 Apr | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Apr 17 - Apr 28 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Apr 24 - May 05 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
May 01 - May 12 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
May 08 - May 19 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
May 15 - May 26 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
May 22 - Jun 02 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
May 29 - Jun 09 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jun 05- Jun 16 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jun 12 - Jun 23 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jun 19 - Jun 30 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jun 26 - Jul 07 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jul 03 - Jul 14 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jul 10 - Jul 21 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jul 17- Jul 28 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jul 24 - Aug 04 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Jul 31- Aug 11 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Aug 07 - Aug 18 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Aug 14 - Aug 25 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Aug 21 - Sep 01 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Aug 28 - Sep 08 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Sep 04 - Sep 15 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Sep 11 - Sep 29 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Sep 18 - Sep 29 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Sep 25 - Oct 06 | CAD 5345 | CAD 7625 |
Oct 02 - Oct 13 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Oct 09 - Oct 20 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Oct 16 - Oct 27 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Oct 23 - Nov 03 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Oct 30 - Nov 10 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Nov 06 - Nov 17 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Nov 13 - Nov 24 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Nov 20 - Dec 01 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Nov 27 - Dec 08 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Dec 04 - Dec 15 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Dec 11 - Dec 22 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Dec 18 - Dec 29 | CAD 6325 | CAD 9520 |
Note: Internal airfare not included. Please contact us for current applicable pricing. | ||
* Minimum 2 Passengers | ||
* It is possible to depart on this program on any day. Please check for prices. | ||
* Solo Travel Supplement available upon request. | ||
* Supplements may apply for special events and holidays. | ||
Hotels envisaged as per details: | ||
Bangalore | ||
The Oberoi (Deluxe) | ||
Chikmangalur | ||
The Gateway (Standard) | ||
Mysore | ||
Windflower Resort & Spa (Studio) | ||
Cochin | ||
Taj Malabar (Superior Tower Wing) | ||
Kumarakom | ||
Lake Resort (Luxury Pavilion Room) | ||
Periyar | ||
Spice Village (Standard) | ||
Mandurai | ||
Heritage Madurai (Deluxe Club) | ||
Chennai | ||
The Leela Palace (Deluxe SV) | ||
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INCLUSIONS
Inclusions & Highlights
- Deluxe Accommodation as listed (or similar) with private facilities
- Breakfast daily
- Arrival & departure transfers
- All sightseeing’s as per the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides for sightseeing
- Entrance fee to monuments and cultural events
- Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin
- Backwater Cruise in Kumarakom
- Baggage Handling
- Boat ride in Periyar
Exclusions:
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, phone bills, hard drinks etc
- Supplements charge towards Xmas & New Year
- Domestic Air-fare
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EMAIL US
We welcome hearing from you! Feel free to call or simply Email us with any questions you may have.