ultimate southern india journey

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1 Indian Sub continent ultimate southern trip highlights Discover the culture and cuisine of Southern India Enjoy the beautiful beach of Mahabalipuram Explore the backwaters of Kumarakom Time in Madurai and Pondicherry Sightseeing in the port of Cochin Wildlife safari in Periyar National Park Experience Mysore s Maharajah s Palace Trip Duration 16 days Trip Code: GSI Grade Adventure touring Activities Adventure Touring, Wildlife Safari, Day Walking Summary 14 nights hotel, 1 night sleeper train welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Ultimate Southern India Journey trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable trip in India. Every trip is accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as support staff that share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with you. Our guides and vehicles are the best available and to ensure the smooth operation of all trips, our partners in India continually work with us to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the paths less travelled. Our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience World Expeditions Travel Group - Greg Lee 9/20/2016 1:04:36 PM

2 India Mysore Chennai Pondicherry Coimbatore Cochin Madurai Sri Lanka trip cost Joining Chennai: $2630 All prices are per person options & supplements H - Supplement applies on 31 December: $110 : $260 Single Supplement: $760 World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. the trip Join this voyage of discovery through Southern India, the cradle of ancient Dravidian culture and home to the famous Indian temple architecture. The landscape is a living museum with spectacular temple complexes soaring above the markets of almost every town. South India was never subjected to the domination of the Mughal invaders of the north, leaving it with a truly Hindu and Tamil flavour. This tour provides an in depth exploration into this fascinating and lush tropical region with all its colour, vibrancy, spirituality and diversity. It also provides something for everyone, from the intricate stone carvings and beautiful beach of Mahabalipuram, to the idyllic backwaters of Kumarakom, the pilgrimage town of Madurai, the French influences in Pondicherry, and the grandeur of Mysore s Maharajah s Palace. We also take the time to explore the former spice trading port of Cochin with its intriguing mix of cultures, colonial architecture and mouthwatering cuisine; the verdant plantations and forests of the former British summer retreat of Udhagamandalam (Ooty) by the delightful narrow gauge Mountain Railway train; and the abundant wildlife at Periyar National Park, which is famous for its large elephant population. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAYS 4-5 DAYS 6-7 DAYS 8-9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 DAY 16 JOIN CHENNAI VISIT MAHABALIPURAM AND KANCHEEPURAM, AFTERNOON TRANSFER TO PONDICHERRY IN PONDICHERRY TRANSFER TO VILLUPURAM JUNCTION RAILWAY STATION, TRAIN TO MADURAI, SIGHTSEEING DRIVE TO THEKKADY, WILDLIFE SAFARI IN PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK TO COCHIN, DAY AT LEISURE SIGHTSEEING IN COCHIN EXPLORE THE BACKWATERS OF KUMARAKOM DRIVE TO COIMBATORE DAY WALK AND NARROW GAUGE MOUNTAIN RAILWAY TRAIN RIDE IN UDHAGAMANDALAM (OOTY) TO MYSORE IN MYSORE, OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO CHENNAI IN CHENNAI, TRIP CONCLUDES what s included 15 breakfasts and 15 dinners airport transfers (day 1 and 16 only) comfortable hotel accommodation on a twin share basis AC sleeper berth for between 4 6 persons between Mysore and Chennai AC chair berth from Villupuram Junction to Madurai wildlife safari and jungle walks private air conditioned vehicles sightseeing with local guides including entrance fees as specified Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments World Expeditions Travel Group - Greg Lee 9/20/2016 1:04:36 PM

3 Feb - 19 Feb 25 Feb - 12 Mar 25 Mar - 09 Apr 21 Oct - 05 Nov 11 Nov - 26 Nov 02 Dec - 17 Dec 23 Dec - 07 Jan trip dates important notes H - High Season NB: - This trips involves a journey by train. Trains in India are a very popular mode of travel for visitors with only limited places available. These can book out up to 4 months in advance. To avoid disappointment we recommend booking early and providing the necessary details to your sales consultant. Note: - prices valid up to 30/09/2018. For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs. fast facts Countries Visited: India Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader *Ask our staff for more information. detailed itinerary DAY 1 Join Chennai Welcome to Chennai; gateway to your ultimate Southern Indian adventure! Our representatives will meet your scheduled flight and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Once these procedures are complete, you are free to relax, or spend the rest of the day sightseeing. There are some interesting landmarks, museums and galleries in Chennai, but 17km from the heart of the city you ll find the largest artists colony in India, the Cholamandal Artist s Village. The atmosphere here is quite serene, and chance meetings with some of the resident artists provide an opportunity to connect to India on a very personal level. meals: D DAY 2 Visit Mahabalipuram and Kancheepuram, afternoon transfer to Pondicherry After breakfast this morning we set off for a full day of touring; first stop: Mahabalipuram. The monuments you ll see here bare testimony to the Pallavas civilization of south-east India. They feature rathas (temples built to resemble chariots) mandapas (cave sanctuaries) and massive openair reliefs that pictorially reference a number of great religious stories and deeds. The importance of this collection together with Mahabalipuram s stunning Shore Temple, overlooking the ocean -- is recognised through World Heritage status. From Mahalabalipuram we venture to Kancheepuram, one of the 7 most sacred cities of India. This former capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rajas of Vijayanagar is considered to be one of India s most spectacular temple cities. After visiting key sites including the 1200 year old Kailasanatha Temple (dedicated to Shiva) we continue on to Pondicherry for the evening. (180 Kms: 4 Hrs drive) DAY 3 In Pondicherry Pondicherry is a former French colony, settled in the early 18th Century. Extensive restoration work in recent years has seen the foreign flavour of this town return, particularly in the streets between the old canal and the waterfront. Beyond that precinct however, the city is quintessentially Indian. DAYS 4-5 Transfer to Villupuram Junction Railway Station, train to Madurai, sightseeing Our train journey to Madurai is a long one (350 Kms: 7.5 Hrs), but with a two-night stay scheduled, we have ample time to explore this archetypal Hindu city a centres for learning and pilgrimage for centuries. We plan to visit Tirumal Nayak s Palace and the extraordinary sri Meenakshi Temple, which dominates the heart -- and soul - of the old town. Its Hall of a Thousand Pillars, filled with worshippers from dawn til dusk, is simply breath-taking. You could be forgiven for thinking the entire city is just one giant bazaar, and certainly those of you who like to shop will find plenty to tempt them! Textiles jewellery and a marvellous array of South Indian handicrafts. Hope you ve packed a spare bag, as you could be needing one here! World Expeditions Travel Group - Greg Lee 9/20/2016 1:04:36 PM

4 responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. DAYS 6-7 Drive to Thekkady, wildlife safari in Periyar National Park 165km from Madurai on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, amid the high ranges and Savannah grasslands of the Western Ghats, lies the realm of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the oldest protected areas in India. At the heart of the sanctuary there s a sizable, artificial lake, built by the British in It provides a permanent source of water for many free-ranging animals and birds. It is a great place to see elephants, as well as barking deer, Sambar, Gaur and Indian wild dogs. (165 Kms: 4 Hrs). Our stay here includes a guided jungle walk and jeep safari and with luck we might see a tiger. Other endangered species to look out for include the lion-tailed macaque, slender loris and Nilgiri marten. DAYS 8-9 To Cochin, day at leisure The road to Cochin winds it way slowly through the hills, past numerous picturesque tea and coffee plantations. It may well take several hours, but we will still have plenty of time to explore the wonderful port of Cochin. The Fort Cochin and Mattancherry districts are fascinating areas of the city to wander through, for they were shaped by an extraordinary history of foreign influences: Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Arabic, Jewish and British. This is most evident in the architecture, which includes a 400 year-old synagogue, India s first European church, a number of ancient mosques, a Portuguese palace, Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors, and more. If you are interested in live theatre, consider visiting the Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Cochin to see a performance of Kathakali an ancient, and uniquely Keralan form of dance-drama. Make sure you arrive well before the scheduled show so you can witness all the back-stage preparations, including the donning of elaborate costumes and the truly extraordinary process involved in the application of the actors make-up. For those who will be interested in cooking it is also possible to arrange a class and private dinner, hosted by a renowned local chef. (160Kms: 3.5 Hrs) DAY 10 Sightseeing in Cochin After breakfast we head to Alleppey, via the (extremely photogenic) cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that line the entrance to the harbour. In Alleppey we board a kettuvallam and begin our cruise through the languid backwater district. This is an enchanting landscape and our slow journey through it is sure to afford many intimate glimpses of every day life, as the locals go about their chores on and off the waterway. DAY 11 Explore the backwaters of Kumarakom With the aim of venturing further still into the back-waters of Kerala, we drive approximately 50km from our hotel in Alleppey to Kumarakom. This village is spread across a cluster of small islands, surrounded by coconut palms and rice paddies. Drifting across Vembanad Lake, we pause to witness the activities of local fishing and farming folk. Amateur ornithologists will also have plenty to see, for the lake edge is a popular haunt for species such as egrets, darters, wild ducks, herons, teals, and at the right time of year flocks of Siberian storks. Enjoy your stay this evening at your hotel in Alleppey, surrounded by the surreal beauty of Kerala s backwaters World Expeditions Travel Group - Greg Lee 9/20/2016 1:04:36 PM

5 DAY 12 Drive to Coimbatore We have a 270km drive ahead of us today, so sit back, relax and enjoy the view! Located in the foothills of the Nilgiri, Coimbatore is an industrial city of Tamil Nadu. The city, an important textile-manufacturing centre, is sometimes refered as Manchester of South India. There are over a hundred textile mills in the Coimbatore region apart from numerous other manufacturing units of engineering equipment and electronic items. Coimbatore s history dates back to the 2nd century AD when it was a small tribal village called Kongunad. The first of the early Cholas, Karikalan brought Kongunad under Chola control. The Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas. Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara have all ruled over the city. British changed its name to Coimbatore. The city s proximity to the Nilgiri hills imparts a pleasant climate. Summers are hot and winters are mild. Coimbatore experiences rains in October-November, brought about by the north-eastern monsoon. Tourist Attractions in Coimbatore Nestled in the glooms of the Western Ghats and endowed with a enjoyable climate throughout the year, Coimbatore is one of the fascinating tourist spots of South India. The city has a diverse range of flora and fauna and its landscape is speckled with magnificent temples. The city also has a major agricultural university. Some other attractions include VOC Park, Marudhamalai Temple, Perur Temple and Forest College. (250 Kms: 5.5hrs) DAY 13 Day walk and narrow gauge Mountain Railway train ride in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) We continue our road journey today, driving to Udhagamandalam the Queen of the Blue Mountains. This town was first established by the British, during the early 19th Century a summer retreat, jeeringly nicknamed Snooty-Ooty. We take a walking tour through the Botanic Gardens and Raj Bhaven, then transfer to the train-station for a thrilling ride on the toy train to Metalapalayum. The miniature train itself is marvellous the scenery it passes through, even more delightful! Through tea plantations and lush forests via tunnels and bridges if you get a feeling of déjà vu, it s highly likely you ve seen A Passage To India! (110 Kms: 3hrs) DAY 14 To Mysore Travelling a distance of 130km brings us to Mysore a city well-known for its charm, heritage and architecture. For 6 centuries it was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, and is, to this day, considered the cultural capital of the entire State of Karnataka. At the top of our sightseeing list is Mysore Palace, home to a succession of Wodeyar Maharajahs who ruled the then princely state, from 1399 to Mysore is also well known for its silk, sandalwood and incense, all of which can be readily purchased in the city s bustling bazaar aka Devaraja Market. (160Kms: 4hrs) DAY 15 In Mysore, overnight train to Chennai We continue exploring Mysore today, then in the evening, board our scheduled overnight train to Chennai. DAY 16 In Chennai, trip concludes When our train arrives in Chennai, we will transfer you to the airport for your international departure. Bon yatra! meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control World Expeditions Travel Group - Greg Lee 9/20/2016 1:04:36 PM

6 suggested extensions We have a range of options including short customised itineraries and group departures to other areas of India and beyond. country information India has fascinated travellers for thousands of years. It s exotic, chaotic, romantic and wild a garam masala like mix of moods, textures, fragrances and colours that will delight and challenge your senses and quite possibly your sensibilities. It really is a land of contrasts, home to more than a billion people, 18 officially recognized languages and more religions and sects than any other place on earth. More than half the regal state of Rajasthan is taken up by the Thar desert, a subtle landscape of pastel hues completely overwhelmed in its towns and cities by India s love of vibrant colour. At times you ll feel as if you are a tiny glass bead, floating inside the world s largest kaleidoscope. Tribal dresses, saris and turbans, forts, palaces and havalies there is no such thing as a blank canvas in Rajasthan! Every surface is embellished or colourfully adorned. The history of Rajasthan is equally enchanting, defined by a wealth of regal monuments built by the proud Rajputs and their princely descendents the celebrated Maharajahs of India. Many of their forts and palaces are mere shadows of their former selves, but others are still bedazzling with medieval splendor. Indeed six are collectively inscribed on UNESCO s World Heritage List as a site of great cultural importance. climate Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees on average. In the hills the temperatures fall by around 5 10 degrees Celsius and you will need a fleece/warm jumper for the evenings. Whilst rainfall is at a minimum it is worth bringing a rainjacket for the odd shower you may encounter. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze, etc. equipment required A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information supplied on booking. vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have World Expeditions Travel Group - Greg Lee 9/20/2016 1:04:36 PM

7 seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as tuk tuk s could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times. what s not included International airfares and departure taxes Visas Travel Insurance (compulsory) Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Tips and gratuities Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc Optional activities and sightseeing during free time Still/video camera fees at monuments visas Visas are required to enter India and visitors from some countries including Australia and New Zealand can obtain an online visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arrival. For stays of less than 30 days, travellers can apply for an ETA online (US$60) at the official website no less than five days and no more than 30 days before the date of travel. At present other nationalities including the UK and Canada and those clients regardless of nationality visiting Sikkim and other restricted areas must have an Indian visa stamp in their passport prior to arrival in India. Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest you check with your travel agent or World Expeditions reservations consultant. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas. info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, or contact our office World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/24/ :58:02 AM

8 social networking Follow us on Facebook at trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/24/ :58:02 AM