C O L O U R S & F L A V O U R S O F S O U T H E R N I N D I A :

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1 E S C O R T E D T O U R C O L O U R S & F L A V O U R S O F S O U T H E R N I N D I A : F R O M T H E C O R O M A N D E L C O A S T T O T H E M A L A B A R H I L L S W I T H C H R I S A N D C A R O L Y N C A L D I C O T T F E B R U A R Y Pondicherry T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L C O M P A N Y E S C O R T E D T O U R S

2 C O L O U R S & F L A V O U R S O F S O U T H E R N I N D A W I T H C H R I S & C A R O L Y N C A L I C O T T F E B R U A R Y 2019 C O N T A C T Flora Scott-Williams Escorted Tours Consultant D I R E C T L I N E T E L E P H O N E E M A I L flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk C H R I S C A L D I C O T T Since travelling to some of the most remote parts of the world as Photographer-in-Residence to the Royal Geographical Society, Chris Caldicott has continued his globetrotting lifestyle as a freelance photographer, writer and lecturer specialising in food and travel. He has had several books published about food, travel and the spice trade and visited 108 countries in search of the perfect meal, finding most of the top contenders on his 72 trips to India. As a journalist he is a regular contributor to publications such as Vanity Fair, Conde Nast Traveller, The Sunday Times, Harpers Bazaar, Tatler, House and Garden and the Telegraph. Chris will offer a workshop at the beginning of the trip on how to take better travel photographs and get the best out of your camera covering exposure, focus and composition illustrated with examples of his own work. He will also be offering one to one tutorials during the journey. flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 2

3 C A R O L Y N C A L D I C O T T Carolyn owed and ran the World Food Café in London s Covent Garden for 20 years. She now works as an author and food writer and together with husband Chris has written several World Food Café recipe books about global cuisine. Her recent books including Vintage Tea Party, recreating the nostalgic world of traditional English teatime treats; Rosehips On a Kitchen Table, a manual for foragers, farmers market shoppers and allotment gardeners; Comfort, recipes to warm the heart and feed the soul; Bombay Lunch Box, about Anglo-Indian Tiffin with a contemporary twist; and Great British Cooking, covering everything from roast beef to making marmalade. Her next book Beside the Seaside, celebrating retro and contemporary seaside cuisine, is out this spring. She also a food and travel writer for Elle magazine. Carolyn will give a introduction to the regional cuisine and the dishes you will enjoy on the journey and be on hand to explain the mysteries of the wonderful spices and other ingredients on sale in the colourful markets along the way. Q U A L I T Y O F S E R V I C E We like to think that our success has been built on a simple formula - to deliver a high standard of service before, during and after each holiday, a duty of care and commitment to you, and value for money. We aim to be totally flexible in our approach, as this allows us to create the holiday that you want and one that is easy and enjoyable to plan. However, if you feel that there are areas in which we could improve our service to you, please do not hesitate to contact either our Managing Director Nick Van Gruisen, or Executive Director Rowan Paterson, on You can also them: nick@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk rowan@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 3

4 D E T A I L E D I T I N E R A R Y Begin in Mahablipuram to explore the impressive 7th century Pallava Dynasty shore temples and exquisitely hand carved cave and rock reliefs, before continuing on to Pondicherry, the French colonial town, with elegant tree lined avenues, boulangeries, cool bars, seaside boulevards and restaurants serving classic French dishes with a tropical twist. From Pondicherry drive south through the countryside to a lovely new rural retreat among local farms and villages and stay among the mango and jackfruit trees, with time to relax by a lovely outdoor pool between village walks and home cooked meals. In Tanjore see bronze statues still being made with the traditional lost wax method used over a thousand years ago in the Chola Dynasty and visit the stunning Brihadeswara Temple, built in the 11th century. Continue to the utterly charming vintage traditional Chettinad Mansion converted into a fine rural boutique hotel with a pool and cook school featuring the unique and delicious recipes of Chettinad cuisine including crab curries, pepper chicken and fish masalas. On the way to the hillside spice plantations and forests of the Western Ghats, where herds of wild elephants and other exotic fauna still roam on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala boarder, stop in Madurai to visit the epic Meenakshi Temple - the Taj Mahal of South India - India s largest, most impressive and atmospheric ancient living temple and have a gentle walking tour of the city s most visually exciting souks. Feast on Keralan cuisine, stroll among aromatic spice plantations and take a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot wild elephant (and maybe more) along the forested shore before descending towards the Arabian Sea for a backwater day cruise with a seafood lunch along the backwaters to Cochin. Here see the famous shore line cantilever fishing nets that were introduced by traders from the court of Kubla Khan, and many other legacies of Cochin s past as the greatest spice port of the Malabar Coast such as a Jewish quarter, Dutch Palace, Portuguese Cathedral - where Vasco de Gamma was buried - and many fine mansions of the spice merchants. During the trip Chris will be giving a rolling travel photography workshop for those that wish to partake. Food always plays a big part of Chris and Carolyn s trips and, again for those that wish, they will be happy to give an introduction to the traditional local specialities of the different regions. DAY 1: FRIDAY, 15 FEBRUARY LONDON / CHENNAI Early afternoon British Airways flight (14.20 hrs) from London Heathrow to Chennai. DAY 2: SATURDAY, 16 FEBRUARY CHENNAI / MAHALBALIPURAM / PONDICHERRY On arrival in the early morning (05.35 hrs), transfer to Mahalbalipuram, once the major seaport of the ancient Pallava Kingdom based at Kanchipuram and home to some magnificent UNESCO World Heritage temples and carvings. Breakfast at a wonderfully atmospheric local restaurant before a walking tour of all the impressive 7th century Pallava Dynasty temples and exquisitely hand carved cave and rock reliefs. Visit the flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 4

5 UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shore Temple, a complex of temples and shrines overlooking the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD and is one of the oldest stone temples of southern India. Continue to the French colonial city of Pondicherry and check into the beautifully restored colonial mansion, the Palais de Mahe CGH Earth Hotel, situated in the heart of the historic French Quarter, and where two nights are spent. Lunch at the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel s facilities including a swimming pool and Ayurvedic spa. Evening stroll along the sea front stopping for a drink at a typical colonial French bar. Return to the hotel for dinner. Shore Temple, Mahalbalipuram Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry DAY 3: SUNDAY, 17 FEBRUARY PONDICHERRY Enjoy a morning cyclo (rickshaw) tour of Pondicherry including the French Quarter with its elegant leafy avenues and chic boutiques and cafes as well as the Tamil Quarter with its colourful Grand Bazaar and Hindu temples. Stop at Maison Perumal CGH Earth Hotel, a former Tamil merchant s mansion, for a cooking demonstration using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Lunch at Maison Perumal CGH Earth Hotel. Afternoon walking tour of the Pondicherry French Quarter including the old colonial villas; Café des Artes, filled with colonial art and furniture; Domus, a wonderful café and boutique shop selling beautiful furniture, lamps and fabrics; the enchanting Cluny Embroidery Centre, a women s not-for-profit collective selling hand-sewn, exquisitely embroidered bed linen and table cloths; Artika Café Gallery, filled with paintings and wall murals; the 300 year old Catholic Church of Immaculate Conception; and finally a stop at Baker Street a French-style bakery offering tempting eclairs, oven-fresh croissants, tasty brioche, sumptuous quiches and fresh crepes. Dinner at a local art collector s house. flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 5

6 Chidambaram Shiva Temple Ayyanar at Ellangudipatti DAY 4: MONDAY, 18 FEBRUARY PONDICHERRY / CHIDAMBARAM / KUMBAKONAM Morning departure (with luggage) to Chidambaram to visit Nataraja Shiva Temple. Built in the 10th century this Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the lord of dance. Visit Gangaikondacholapuram Rural Temple on route to the 4-star eco-friendly Mantra Koodram CGH Earth Hotel in Kumakonam where one night spent. Lunch at the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel s swimming pool and Ayurvedic spa or optional village walk with bullock cart ride. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 5: TUESDAY, 19 FEBRUARY KUMBAKONAM / TANJORE Morning departure (with luggage) and visit a rural market and temple on the way to Tanjore. Check into the boutique Svatma Hotel a restored colonial home of a British trader, and where two nights are spent. Light lunch at the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon visit to Brihadishvara Temple, the grandest architectural achievement of the Chola era, which was erected in about 1010 by Rajaraja I, who personally donated the gilded pot finial at the summit of the tower. Enjoy the sunset at the temple. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 6: WEDNESDAY, 20 FEBRUARY TANJORE Morning visit to Nayaka Palace which stands surrounded by walls in the middle of the Old City. The royal complex was founded by Shevappa Nayaka, but was enlarged and altered many times. Admire the fine bronzes and depictions of Shiva which predominate in early Chola art. Also visit the Royal Museum which has a small collection of royal memorabilia. Continue to visit local artist studios and the city walls as well as the lost wax bronze city workshop where we will see bronze statues still being made with the traditional lost wax method used over a thousand years ago in the Chola Dynasty. flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 6

7 Lunch under own arrangements. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel s facilities including swimming pool and spa. Early evening cooking demonstration at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel with musical performances. Banana Market Madurai Elephants at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary DAY 7: THURSDAY, 21 FEBRUARY TANJORE / KANADUKATHAN Early morning option to experience Vedic chanting before breakfast. Depart (with luggage) and visit the Ayyana horse shrines at Ellangudipatti. Ayyanar is a village god associated with the bounty of the earth and thought to grant the village bountiful rains or a good harvest. The shrines are often found in sacred groves located a little way outside the village and whilst various types of figures can be found, the most common forms are horses, which represent the mounts of Ayyanar and his army. Shrines generally consist of rows of large, vibrantly decorated terra cotta figures ranging from 4 to 20 feet in height. Continue to the Vislam CGH Earth Hotel in Kanadukathan where two nights are spent. Light lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon visits to local mansions built by the globe-trotting Hindu merchant and banking clan called the Nattukottai Chettiars that thrived during colonialist expansion. Also visit the shopping streets with antique and enamel shops. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 8: FRIDAY, 22 FEBRUARY KANADUKATHAN Morning tour of Kanadukathan, one of 9 villages of the prominent Chettiar, where majestic villas, imposing colonial style bungalows and other stately ruins of a bygone era still stand with their stature and grandeur. Visit the local tile makers. Enjoy a Bagala cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Afternoon visit to the town market and mansions followed by free time for shopping. Return to the hotel. Cooking demonstration followed by dinner at the hotel. flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 7

8 Chinese fishing nets, Cochin Jew Town, Cochin DAY 9: SATURDAY, 23 FEBRUARY KANADUKATHAN / MADURAI / THEKADY Morning departure (with luggage) to Madurai and experience the 17 acre compound of the Meenakshi Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in Southern India. Visit one of the many textile and tailoring outlets around the temple, the souk as well as the vegetable and banana market where 16 varieties of bananas are sold. Packed lunch. Continue to Thekady and check into Spice Village CGH Earth Hotel where two nights are spent. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 10: SUNDAY, 24 FEBRUARY THEKADY Morning spice tour of local plantation. Various kinds of spices are cultivated in Thekady including pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves Lunch at the hotel of local Keralan dishes. Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covered in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Not only an elephant and tiger reserve, it is also home to rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna. The vast region is inhabited by bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, elephants and tigers. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 11: MONDAY, 25 FEBRUARY THEKADY / COCHIN Morning departure with luggage and enjoy a morning cruise on a traditional houseboat along the magical backwaters, a network of lakes, rivers and narrow palm-fringed canals. During the journey watch life go by on the waters edge and see the many small boats ferrying goods and people. The local economy is reliant upon the coconut and its many derivative products, which can be seen amongst the goods being transported on the canals. Traditional Keralan lunch on board. Transfer to Brunton Boatyard CGH Earth Hotel where two nights are spent. Late afternoon walk along the shore to see the Chinese Fishing Nets, which were first erected flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 8

9 between 1350 and Made of Teak and Bamboo poles they resemble sculptures, but are in fact working nets. Dinner under own arrangements. DAY 12: TUESDAY, 26 FEBRUARY COCHIN Morning at leisure for shopping. Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon city tour of Cochin, which dates from ancient times and has been an important trading post for centuries. The legacy of this is a diverse culture and many fascinating buildings. Begin at the old docks and merchants houses in Mattancherry, before continuing to visit the 16th century Dutch Palace, which was actually built by the Portuguese but given to the Raja of Cochin and later restored by the Dutch, hence the name, which is set in walled gardens and has exquisite interiors with Hindu wall-paintings and teak carvings. Visit Fort Cochin, lying at the tip of the isthmus, now a heritage site, where the fine houses formerly inhabited by British merchants can be seen, together with the 16th century church of St. Francis and the neighbouring Basilica Santa Cruz with its vivid décor and the former Parade Ground with its surrounding buildings. Farewell dinner at the hotel. DAY 13: WEDNESDAY, 27 FEBRUARY COCHIN / MUMBAI Morning visit to Jew Town with its striped warehouses, shuttered houses and fine synagogue, which originally dates from 1567 although later rebuilt. The interior has Chinese willow-pattern floor tiles, Belgian chandeliers and gold crowns gifted over the centuries. Explore the city s spice markets before returning to the hotel to check out (a small number of day rooms to share amongst the group have been arranged to store luggage and also so the group can shower and/or change before they depart for the airport). Lunch at the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Early evening transfer to Cochin airport for a domestic flight to Mumbai arriving in the late evening. DAY 14: THURSDAY, 28 FEBRUARY MUMBAI / LONDON Depart early morning British Airways flight (02.15hrs) to London Heathrow arriving in the early morning (06.50hrs). flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 9

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11 T O U R P R I C E C O S T Single Supplement Visa Fees 5, P E R P E R S O N 1,445 per person TBA Premium Economy supplement: from 269 including the airport taxes subject to availability Business Class supplement: from 1,437 including the airport taxes subject to availability P R I C E I N C L U D E S economy class international scheduled flights air passenger duty, passenger service charge, airline security charges, airport taxes and fuel surcharges where applicable currently 340 (based on January 2019) for Economy Class (liable to change without notice) domestic flights as shown in the itinerary accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary breakfast daily; 10 lunches; 10 dinners all entrance fees, visits and excursions as per the itinerary all transportation as detailed in the itinerary local English-speaking guide/s gratuities to driver/s; gratuities to guide/s; gratuities in restaurants; porterage the services of your tour leaders throughout P R I C E E X C L U D E S travel insurance items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.) visa fees opera ticket government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 04/05/18 A I R L I N E T I C K E T S As a tour operator we have access to special airfares. While these offer good value, they do carry certain restrictions applied by the airline. Please ask us for details. flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 11

12 Note: If you are thinking about using air miles to upgrade to a premium cabin on the flights, please check with us first as fare restrictions might not permit this. A I R L I N E S E A T I N G The rules governing the pre-booking of seats vary from airline to airline. Some allow us to pre-book seats immediately and without charge, some only once the tickets are issued but with charge, and others only when you check in either on line or at the airport. We will clarify the rules for your specific carrier(s) with our confirmation documents. In the event that seating cannot be arranged until tickets are issued (normally six weeks prior to departure) and you prefer not to wait, we can issue your tickets earlier provided you are happy to pay in advance for the flight costs in addition to the required deposit for the holiday. However, please be mindful that the majority of our discounted fare tickets, once issued, are non-refundable and will attract fees should you wish to make any date changes. Nor will you be allowed to change the actual flight routing. P E A C E O F M I N D You will probably be aware of the difficulties many travellers faced with obtaining refunds when their holidays were disrupted or cancelled as a result of such events as ash cloud, strike, snow and political unrest. By booking both your flights and land arrangements with us, not only are you guaranteed the peace of mind that comes with full financial protection but also all the round the clock assistance we are able to offer, should the need arise. C H A N G E S T O T H E I T I N E R A R Y Please note, that certain elements of this itinerary, and/or the order of events, may well be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control F I T N E S S T O T R A V E L Whilst we do not impose any age limitations on joining a tour, participants must be reasonably fit. The very nature of the sightseeing involved in our tours (and the difficulties of direct access by coach in various places) means that a considerable amount of walking and standing is unavoidable on almost all tours. We regret that our tours are not suitable for people who have difficulty in walking, may require wheelchair assistance at any time, or are unable to keep pace with the group. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a tour, please make this known to us before you book and we will advise you accordingly. The Ultimate Travel Company reserves the right to decline a reservation without necessarily giving a reason. Your tour leader may also refuse to take participants on particular excursions if they feel that the rest of the group will be held up. A C C O M M O D A T I O N Hotels are chosen on the basis of category, character and location. The majority will be at least 4 star, otherwise the best available. The projected size of the group will often rule out the use of luxury boutique flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 12

13 hotels. Sometimes the style of hotel will mean that not all rooms are of the same size or have the same outlook. H E A L T H R E Q U I R E M E N T S No vaccinations are required for entry into India however if you have travelled within a yellow fever infected area during the previous six days prior to arrival you will require proof of inoculation. The following inoculations are recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio. Malaria is present throughout most of India so anti-malaria prophylactics are advised. Please check recommended practice with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic. P A S S P O R T A N D V I S A I N F O R M A T I O N British Nationals require a visa for India. This can be obtained through the new online e-tourist Visa service (currently the easiest and cheapest option), through CIBT (our recommended visa service provider) or directly through one of the Indian Visa Application Centres located throughout the UK. Passengers should hold a full passport, which should be valid for six months after you return to the UK and should also have at least three empty pages for the visa. Nationals of other countries should consult their local Indian Embassy. F C O A D V I C E We recommend that you periodically review the travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, which relates to all aspects of your destination, at flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 13

14 W H Y C H O O S E U S? We have been organising bespoke, tailor-made holidays and escorted group tours around the world since the early 1990s. The opportunity that we identified then was for a travel company with the knowledge and enthusiasm of a smaller specialist, but with the range and buying power of a much larger organisation, and we like to think that we have maintained this balance over the years. More importantly, we try to be an easy and friendly company to deal with, and because most of us have had the good fortune to work abroad, we are able to approach travel in a sensitive and intelligent way. W H A T W E O F F E R? First-hand knowledge and personal service is at the core of what we offer. Our consultants travel to all the destinations that we feature on a very regular basis, so that the advice you receive is accurate and up-todate. They will also look after you from the outset and assume full responsibility for ensuring that your travel plans are designed and delivered as requested. Planning a holiday should be an enjoyable and effortless experience, and we will do all that we can to ensure that this is the case. O U R R E P U T A T I O N We have grown largely through personal recommendation and repeat business, and so we treat our reputation with care. The directors and owners of the company, led by Nick Van Gruisen, are very much hands on so immediate decisions can be taken to ensure the standard of service that our clients have come to expect is maintained. L O C A L R EPRES E N T A T I O N Equally crucial is the quality of our local associates and suppliers. It is they who look after you on holiday and it is their guides, vehicles and general support service that will determine your enjoyment of it. We therefore take great care to ensure that our ground handlers have the requisite expertise, efficiency and creativity, and also the ability to deal sensitively and swiftly with any situation that might arise. The fact that we have worked together for many years and know each other well is a further bonus. R E S P O N S I B L E T R A V E L As a company with a passion for travel, we understand the vital support that tourism can provide to communities and fragile habitats throughout the world. At the same time, we are aware that tourism can have a negative impact and are committed to doing what we can to minimise this risk. flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 14

15 In 2007, an independent body completed an Environmental Audit on all aspects of The Ultimate Travel Company. This covered not only our own practices but those of our worldwide suppliers, thereby ensuring that we all met the necessary environmental and employment criteria. The audit also measured the carbon footprint produced by our London office and by our international travel, and we now offset this with an annual donation to Social Change and Development, a small but dynamic tree planting initiative in India. Further initiatives include a charity donation scheme, whereby we ask clients for a voluntary contribution of 10 which we then match. As a result of this initiative, a handful of small overseas charities, and the healthcare, environmental and educational projects that they run, now share an annual donation of more than $100,000. If you want further details of these initiatives, please ring Nick Van Gruisen on E X T R A V A L U E It can be difficult at times to recognise the extra value promised by travel companies. Generally speaking, we all offer the same flight, the same hotel, the same excursion, the same excursion, the same sunset, and at similar prices.indeed in many ways, the same holiday experience! Here, at The Ultimate Travel Company, we strive to go further. While we believe that the diversity of destination, intimate product knowledge and personal service we offer already sets us apart, we supply all our clients with detailed information on all aspects of their forthcoming journey, a 10% discount voucher at Daunt Books (described by The Daily Telegraph as the most beautiful bookshop in London designed for travellers who like reading ) and a welcome home surprise. Honeymooners can also look forward to a wedding gift on arrival at their chosen destination. Moreover, we continually monitor your movements while you are away so that we can offer any assistance that might be required, effectively and without delay. And if genuine problems do arise as a result of any error on our part (few as these may be!), we will not shy away from our own responsibilities and our commitment to you. flora@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 15