Kerala and South India - Deluxe Familiarization Tour - 13 Days
Chennai (Madras) • Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry • Tanjore • Trichy • Periyar Wildlife Preserve • Kumarakom • Cochin
(Tour Number: EJI's KSI FAM - APR 2019)
2019 |
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Activities / Itineraries |
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APR 16 |
Chennai |
Arrive Chennai (Madras). Meeting and transfer to hotel. |
Taj Connemara / Taj Coromandal |
APR 17 |
Chennai (Madras) |
Morning at leisure.
City tour of Chennai, visiting the Art Gallery, the Bronze Gallery, Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, San Thome Basilica and the Kapaleeswarar Temple.(B)
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Taj Connemara / Taj Coromandal |
APR 18 |
Chennai / Mamallapuram |
Excursion to Mamallapuram, formerly known as Mahabalipuram. Stop en route to visit Kanchipuram, the “ A City of Thousand Temples,” which is also renowned for its exquisite silks. (B)
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Taj Fisherman's Cove /
ITC WelcomHotel |
APR 19 |
Mamallapuram |
This morning, visit the rock-cut shore temples and the magnificent bas-relief depicting the “Penance of Arjuna.” The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the beach and enjoy an invigorating swim in the Bay of Bengal. (B) |
Taj Fisherman's Cove /
ITC WelcomHotel |
APR 20 |
Pondicherry |
Drive along the coast to the former French settlement of Pondicherry, which still bears testimony to 281 years of French Colonial influence. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, a community established to kindle a lasting kinship and exchange of ideas among the diverse citizens of the world. (B) |
Hotel Duplex / St. James Court Beach Resort |
APR 21 |
Chidambaram / Tanjore |
Travel to Chidambaram. Visit Chidambaram Temple, with its fabulous sculpture of “Nataraja,” or Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer, is considered by Hindus to be the cosmic center of the universe. Continue on to Tanjore and visit the Brahadeeswarar Temple, whose central tower is considered a unique feat of architecture. (B) |
Hotel Sangam /
Ideal River View Resort |
APR 22 |
Trichy |
Continue your journey to Trichy. Visit the Rock Fort and the Srirangam Temple. Located on an island in the Cauvery River, Srirangam, with its seven enclosures, is the largest temple dedicated to Vishnu.
(B) |
Hotel Sangam /
Femina Hotel |
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APR 23 |
Madurai |
Proceed to Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. Visit the celebrated Meenakshi temple, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Mariamman Teppakulam. Later this evening, return to the Meenakshi Temple to witness the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi. (B) |
Vivanta by Taj Madurai /
Heritage Madurai
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APR 24 |
Periyar |
Drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This tranquil sanctuary located on the border of Tamilnadu and Kerala is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This afternoon, enjoy a game-viewing cruise on the Periyar River. (B,L, D) |
Spice Village /
Elephant Court |
APR 25 |
Kumarakom
(Backwaters) |
After an early morning game-viewing cruise, continue west to Kerala and the ecological backwater reserve of Kumarakom. The Kerala backwater system is considered among the most ecologically balanced regions on the planet. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
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Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom /
Vasundhara Sarovar Premier |
APR 26 |
Kumarakom
(Backwaters) |
This morning, enjoy a backwaters cruise, including a visit to the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. The afternoon is at leisure.
Optional:
This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. (B)
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Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom /
Vasundhara Sarovar Premier |
APR 27 |
Cochin |
Depart for Cochin in the morning. Visit the Portuguese-built St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and see the use of Chinese fishing nets - ingenious devices requiring little human attention.
Optional: Tonight, enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. (B) |
Taj Malabar /
Crowne Plaza |
APR 28 |
Cochin |
Transfer to airport.
Depart on your onward journey. |
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Tour Price: Per Person |
Travel Agents |
Companions |
Single Supp. |
Land Tour Only |
$ 2195.00 |
$ 2495.00 |
$ 990.00 |
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Round Trip Sample Airfare:
ORD / EWR / JFK / SFO - Economy
Call for current airfares |
$ 700.00
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$ 850.00
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Air Fare from Canada and South America are available upon request.
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| Tour Price Includes: Five / four star deluxe Taj hotels as listed or similar, room taxes, daily breakfast, food and beverage taxes, private airport transfers, private city tours and excursions, English speaking local guides, entrance fee to monuments, air-conditioned coach / car transportation for inter city and across the Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, Parking, Gasoline and mileage.. |
Airport Security Fees: Air Inclusive - $ 555.42 (subject to change till ticketed / paid) |
Government Tourist Service Tax: $ 273.71
(subject to change till paid) |
To Book: Log on to Reservation Form on our website, www.exoticjourneys.com contact us by phone or e-mail. Return completed form, a business card, copy of current IATAN list. Land only booking requires $ 500.00 deposit. Balance is due on 75 days prior to departure or when requested. Air inclusive booking requires full payment.
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Eligibility: IATAN / ARC / CLIA/ TRUE - Industry ID required.
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Notes and Conditions: Companions are permitted. Limited seats available for air inclusive bookings at the sole discretion of the designated airline. IATAN Reduced Rate Application must be submitted to airlines when requested. Deposits are refundable if space cannot be confirmed. Visa for India is participants’ responsibility. For online visa forms, click on Resources for Travelers. Tripp Insurance is mandatory. Return flight deviation fee is $100.00. Post FAM extensions to northern India, Sri Lanka are available. Select from Personal and Private Modular Tours on our website. Additional nights in Chennai and Cochin are available at the time of booking for $125.00 per person double. If traveling on your own air, obtain tickets to Chennai and return from Cochin. Bulk air available on most airlines upon request. Proof / waiver of Trip Insurance is required. See cancellation policy. Prices reflect discounts for cash/check payments. Credit Card payments will have foreign exchange conversion fees. Itinerary and hotels remain subject to change without notice. Any changes to original booking by requires $ 75.00 change fee. |
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Extensions to Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Sikkim are available.
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For additional tour packages, visit www.exoticjourneys.com
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