Exquisite Temples and Tropical Landscapes
Treasures of South India
{"trip":{"TripID":10342,"Trip_Code":"SINDIA","Trip_Name":"Treasures of South India","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Kochi, India","End_Location":"Chennai (Madras), India","Number_Days":14,"Number_Nights":13,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"<p>South India is simply dazzling, with its spice ports, colonial towns, and magnificent temples nestled in a lush tropical landscape. Our hand-crafted journey delves deeply into this colorful realm as we watch an ancient dance-drama performance, explore by houseboat on tranquil Kerala waterways, and discover Tamil Nadu's sacred architecture, where carved temples soar high above palm forests. Along the way, we savor legendary cuisine, from coconut-infused fish curries to tangy rasam.<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p><\/p>","ActivityHighlight":"Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-SINDIA-chennai-hindu-temple-gopuram-tamil-nadu.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/sindia-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/India\/south-india-kerala-tour","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"Fall 2023 - Spring 2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$8,895 (13-15 members)<br>\n$9,295 (10-12 members)<br>\n$9,795 (6-9 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $2,595","PriceNextYear":"8895","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"<p><\/p>","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"<p><\/p>","PricingNotes":"<p><\/p>","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":3,"TripRatingName":"1+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":20,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Asia","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Kochi, India","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Arrive in Kochi (formerly Cochin) and transfer to the hotel. This intriguing old city in the green and tropical state of Kerala has a stunning location on a series of islands along the Arabian Sea as well as a long and colorful history as a trading city. Our accommodation in Kochi is the Brunton Boatyard, a boutique hotel with harbor-view rooms. We gather for a Welcome Dinner this evening.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Kochi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In our explorations today, we wander the old lanes of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace, where we come upon such incongruous sites as traditional Dutch architecture, the Pardesi Synagogue, and other oddities that reflect the European influence on Kochi. Tonight we attend a performance of Kathakali, the elaborate and ancient dance-drama native to Kerala. Overnight at hotel.\r\n\r\nKochi: The harbors of the Malabar Coast were a favorite port of call in the spice trade for two thousand years, attracting a mix of Arab, Christian, and Jewish settlers and traders from the Middle East. In the early 15th century, the Europeans arrived, and the Rajas of Kochi were keen to expand the spice trade and welcomed them. The British arrived thereafter and eventually took control of the lucrative spice trade. By 1800, Kochi was part of the British Madras Presidency. One of Kochi's old districts, Fort Kochi, is a quiet European enclave that still contains some fine old British mansions and a few Dutch cottages. Kochi's historic Mattancherry district bustles with traders in tea, jute, rubber, and spices, and is the area called Jewtown, where the Pardesi Synagogue, founded in 1568, still exists. Jews were a respected part of Keralan life until the arrival of the Portuguese, who brought the persecution of Jews with them. Many Jewish names are seen on houses and businesses in this district. Also in Mattancherry is the Mattancherry Palace, locally known as the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and given as a gift to the Rajas of Kochi.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Kerala Backwaters Cruise","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning drive bring us to the romantic port town of Alleppey (known now as Alappuzha), once one of the best known seaports of the Malabar Coast. Much of the colorful traffic on Alleppey's waterways is from the thriving coconut fiber industry. On arrival, we board our houseboat for a relaxing cruise and overnight in the tranquil “backwaters” of Kerala, a beautiful region nestled between the sea and the hills of Kochi where we see people working their fields with water buffaloes, fishing with nets from traditional longboats, and washing clothes at the water's edge. We may even see some school boats (no school buses here) transporting uniformed children. The natural setting ranges from brilliant green paddy fields to tropical canopies dense with banana trees and coconut palms. We can glimpse through the trees at small farms, homes, churches, and mosques that dot the canals and lakes. We take our meals on board, served by our on-board chef. Overnight aboard a traditional kettuvallam, our own private, air-conditioned 80-foot houseboat with comfortable double cabins and private bathrooms.\r\nDriving Time: About 2 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Cardamom Hills \/ Periyar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Disembarking from our houseboats, we drive across rugged country roads through tea, spice, and rubber plantations to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghat Mountains. At Periyar, set at a refreshingly cool altitude of around 3,500 feet, we stop in at a spice plantation and attend a performance of Kalairaputtu (a local martial art). Overnight at Spice Village, a collection of bungalows in a forested setting in Periyar.\r\nDriving Time: About 5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Periyar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Centered on an artificial lake created by the British in 1895, Periyar was formerly the private hunting ground of the royal family of Travancore. It became a reserve in 1933. We enjoy a morning forest walk to look for Periyar's rich birdlife, shop for spices at local markets, and enjoy an afternoon gameviewing excursion by boat on the lake. Overnight at hotel.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Periyar \/ Madurai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We head to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, set on the River Vaigai. After lunch at our hotel, we explore this lively metropolis, with its bustling bazaars and history dating back over two thousand years. We stroll through a labyrinthine market full of produce, flowers, incense, and aromatic herbs, and enjoy a sunset view of the fortress-like Shri Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple, breathtakingly baroque with its profusion of gods, goddesses, rearing horses, and mythical figures. Its 12 towering gopuras (gateways) are visible for miles around. Overnight at the Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, an elegantly refurbished colonial home overlooking the city.\r\nDriving Time: About 4 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Madurai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Madurai's Meenakshi temple is one of the largest in India, enclosed by 15-foot-high walls and almost a city within a city. We take ample time to explore it, listen to the traditional temple music, and appreciate the beauty of its Shiva shrines. It is said that each day more than 15,000 faithful visit this temple, and there are about 50 bare-chested Shaivite priests in attendance. The principal shrines are closed to non-Hindus, but there's plenty to see, including ongoing weddings, religious instruction, and the prostrations of devotees at innumerable shrines. Time permitting, we may also visit the Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, or watch the sleeping ceremony at Shri Meenakshi. Overnight at hotel.\r\n\r\nNote: During Days 7-9, we may be lucky enough to come across a celebration of Pongal, a festival of thanksgiving during the year's harvest. Women decorate the ground entrance of their homes, and\/or their central courtyards, with beautiful “kolams,” artistic designs drawn with brightly-colored rice flour, while people dress up in their best and gather in the villages for festivities like bull running, bike racing, and “uriyadi” (using a pole when blindfolded to smash a hanging pot).","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Karaikudi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A scenic drive brings us through the “rice bowl” of Tamil Nadu, a lush, green landscape of paddy fields, coconut palms, and tiny, ancient villages. This region we pass through is known as Chettinad, cultural home of the Chettiars, a community that dates back to the Cholas and made its fortune as merchants and jewelry dealers. Not many Chettiars reside in Chettinad now. Most migrated in the 19th and 20th centuries to Sri Lanka, Singapore, Burma, and elsewhere, but they sent back lavish furnishings for their magnificent ancestral mansions. We will visit intriguing off-the-beaten-path sites along the way, including a few Chettinad mansions and the ancient wayside Ayyanar temple, decorated with huge pottery figures of animals. We continue to the bustling town of Karaikudi, the district headquarters. Overnight at the Bangala Hotel in the heart of Chettinad country.\r\nDriving Time: About 2-3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Thanjavur \/ Chola Temples \/ Kumbakonam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Beginning around the 9th century, the Chola kings constructed huge, elaborate Shiva and Vishnu temples all over Tamil Nadu—no other state of India is so dominated by temples and so famed for its temple architecture (more than 90 temples still exist!). Chola bronze sculptures are an art form known throughout the world, especially the variations on the famous “dancing Shiva,” posed standing on one leg and surrounded by flames. The Cholas cast these images in bronze using the “lost wax” process known to have been used in India for thousands of years. The Tanjore (Thanjavur) school of painting, with its painted images decorated by semi-precious stones and gold leaf, originated in this town in the 18th century. We begin today with a two-hour drive to visit these stunning temples of Thanjavur, including the Brihdishwara temple, built by King Rajaraja I as a site of Shiva worship, which dominates the city's skyline. Local specialty shops have an amazing array of antique brass pots, old coins, copper plates, Tanjore paintings, and Thanjavur crafts. After lunch, we visit the bronze gallery at the museum and continue our drive to Kumbakonam, a former center of the Chola kings and the main commercial area for the Thanjavur region. Overnight at the Mantra Koodam, a peaceful retreat with a garden setting.\r\nDriving Time: About 4-5 hours, with stops","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Kumbakonam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We visit fascinating sites including the spectacular Airavateshwara Temple at Darasuram. This superb and little visited monument, a wonderful introduction to the Chola period sculpture, has fine black basalt images adorning its wall niches and inner shrines, including images of Nagaraja, the snake king, with his cobra hood, and Dakshinamurti, an image of Shiva as a teacher expounding under a banyan tree. We also visit the 17th century Kubareshwara Temple, which towers over the town. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Pondicherry","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the tiny village of Gangaikonda Cholapuram (its long name means “the town of the Chola who took the Ganges”), we explore a magnificent temple built by the Chola king Rajendra I in the 11th century. We then head to Pondicherry, the former capital of French India. The French relinquished their control of “Pondy” some 50 years ago, but reminders of the colonial days remain and the Tricolor flies over the grand French consulate. We'll enjoy a stroll through the beachside French Quarter, where we see richly ornamented Catholic churches and hear French spoken. Overnight at hotel.\r\nDriving Time: About 5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Mamallapuram","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive to the small seaside town of Mamallapuram this morning and check into our hotel. Mamallapuram is known for its extraordinary rock-cut art, a legacy of the maritime Pallava Kingdom, for which Mamallapuram was a major port between the fifth and ninth centuries. Stone carving is still a thriving tradition here. This afternoon, we head out to visit the temple and cave complexes at Mamallapuram, with their open-air bas-reliefs and rathas (chariots) carved from single boulders. Our visits include the beautiful Shore Temple towering above the sea and the famous low-relief carving known as Arjuna's Penance. All of these creations, made between the 5th and 9th centuries when the Pallava Kingdom was at its zenith, are beautifully detailed and depict gods, animals, and scenes of everyday life in a natural and engaging style. The temples are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the outdoor museum of Dakshinachitra, a center for South India's living traditions of art, architecture, crafts, and performing arts. Overnight at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay.\r\nDriving Time: About 3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Mamallapuram","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We spend the day exploring more temples in Mamallapuram before gathering in the evening for a festive Farewell Dinner. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Chennai \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport in Chennai (1-1.5 hour-drive) and depart on homeward-bound flights.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Kochi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In Kochi (formerly Cochin), with its stunning location along the Arabian Sea, our walks reveal the legacies of its European past, from British mansions and Dutch cottages to a 16th century synagogue.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Kerala Houseboats \/ Periyar \/ Madurai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"As we glide by deluxe private houseboat, Kerala's picturesque rural scenes are all around us. Our journey on waterways through this quiet region reveals the life of people working their fields with water buffaloes and fishing with nets from traditional longboats. We may even see some school boats (no school buses here). After heading through tea plantations to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills, we continue to Madurai. The vast, fortress-like Shri Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple dominates this city, and we immerse ourselves in the fascinating temple scene, with its Shaivite priests and ongoing weddings.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Karaikudi \/ Thanjavur \/ Kumbakonam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Crossing a green landscape of rice paddies and coconut palms, we discover Chettinard mansions and ancient temples in wayside villages. Bustling Karaikudi, with its antique shops, and famed Thanjavur, a center for art and music, are wonderful highlights. On Day 10, we explore, Kumbakonam, the main commercial area for the Thanjavur region and home of the 17th century Kubareshwara Temple, which towers over the town.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Pondicherry \/ Mamallapuram \/ Chennai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In Pondicherry, the former capital of French India, we walk the lanes of the French Quarter. From our beach resort, we marvel at Mamallapuram's rock-cut temples by the sea and visit an open-air museum of traditional Tamil culture. Depart on Day 14.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/treasures-of-south-india-itinerary-2023-24.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/treasures-of-south-india-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Ancient trading port of Kochi on the Arabian Sea","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":27682,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Private houseboat with an on-board chef","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":27682,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Madurai's colossal temple, French colonial Pondicherry by 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He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled extensively as his father was posted in various remote regions of India. His first big Himalayan trek was at age 12, with his school group, and during college, he headed into the Himalaya to take mountaineering courses. A passionate traveler, Hashmat has been instrumental in designing new adventures for us throughout Asia. The profession of Trip Leader combines several of his interests—hiking, exploring the mountains, photography, and meeting new people. He's a favorite of WT travelers—as one of them put it, “Hashmat is a longstanding member of the guiding hall of fame.” He lives in Delhi with his wife and two children.","BioLong":"Hashmat Singh has led over 180 journeys on three continents for us since 1990. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled extensively as his father was posted in various remote regions of India. His first big Himalayan trek was at age 12, with his school group, and during college, he headed into the Himalaya to take mountaineering courses. “Big mountains of the world, whether they are in the Himalaya, Alps, or the Andes, hold a special fascination for me, as do the people living amongst them, holding on to their ancient cultures in a world where everything is rapidly changing.” A passionate traveler, Hashmat has been instrumental in designing and leading adventures for us throughout Asia, and in summer, he joins our team of Trip Leaders leading hikes in the Alps. The profession of Trip Leader combines several of his interests—hiking, exploring the mountains, photography, and meeting new people. He's a favorite of WT travelers—as one of them put it, “Hashmat is a longstanding member of the guiding hall of fame.” He lives in Delhi with his wife and two children."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Carol G.","GuestLocation":"Boulder, CO","GuestReview":"Seeing the festivals in the small villages was a highlight of the trip."},{"GuestNames":"Joanne C.","GuestLocation":"Pittsboro, NC","GuestReview":"One of the best trips my husband and I have taken—a feast for the senses and the intellect. Fabulous temples, beautiful countryside. I especially appreciated our many glimpses into village life, religious practices, and traditions."},{"GuestNames":"Joe K.","GuestLocation":"Mission Hills, CA","GuestReview":"One of the best trips we’ve ever been on."},{"GuestNames":"Judith L.","GuestLocation":"San Jose, CA","GuestReview":"One of the best trips we've ever taken."},{"GuestNames":"Roberta R.","GuestLocation":"Woodstock, VT","GuestReview":"Hashmat's enthusiasm for his country is infectious, his enjoyment of people unending, and his work and efficiency unbelievable. I'm looking forward to another trip with him."},{"GuestNames":"Virginia V.","GuestLocation":"Salem, OR","GuestReview":"This was my first trip to India and I cannot imagine a better introduction. Because of the care with which the trip had been planned and organized, I was able to relax, enjoy, and try to fully absorb the experience without spending even a moment concerned about the quotidian details of the trip. What a luxury."},{"GuestNames":"William N.","GuestLocation":"Long Beach, CA","GuestReview":"An extremely well thought out and well executed itinerary and the best Trip Leader I’ve ever had."}],"Extensions":[{"TripID":10342,"ExtensionTripID":10284,"Trip_Code":"KANHA","Trip_Name":"Kanha National Park Extension"},{"TripID":10342,"ExtensionTripID":10270,"Trip_Code":"TAJMAHAL","Trip_Name":"Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension"},{"TripID":10342,"ExtensionTripID":10286,"Trip_Code":"VARANASI","Trip_Name":"Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension"}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10342,"SimilarTripID":10588,"Trip_Code":"PJINDIA","Trip_Name":"India Private Journey"},{"TripID":10342,"SimilarTripID":10335,"Trip_Code":"RAJASTHA","Trip_Name":"Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India"},{"TripID":10342,"SimilarTripID":10249,"Trip_Code":"PJSINDIA","Trip_Name":"South India Private Journey"},{"TripID":10342,"SimilarTripID":10364,"Trip_Code":"SRILANKA","Trip_Name":"Sri Lanka"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73384,"ProductID":84110,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Exotic Journeys","Address1":"Office No. 7, 2nd Floor, Local Shop","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"110 070","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Kanha National Park Extension","Day":-3,"Sequence":3,"Duration":4,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73384,"ProductID":84109,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Exotic Journeys","Address1":"Office No. 7, 2nd Floor, Local Shop","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"110 070","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension","Day":-2,"Sequence":3,"Duration":3,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73384,"ProductID":84112,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Exotic Journeys","Address1":"Office No. 7, 2nd Floor, Local Shop","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"110 070","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension","Day":-2,"Sequence":3,"Duration":3,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71468,"ProductID":84596,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Brunton Boatyard","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Cochin","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Brunton Boatyard (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Set by the water's edge in Fort Kochi, the Brunton Boatyard is a 19th century shipyard that was converted into a charming 22-room hotel that captures the ambience of a bygone era. 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For more information, please see the \"Visas\" section of your Pre-Departure Information.","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-21T14:58:16 --><p>Extra Service Request Form <\/p><p>TOFTigers Information<\/p>","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-21T09:51:56 --><p>Optional Donation: Your invoice includes an optional donation of $50 per person to the environmental organization <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/donation\/tour-operators-for-tigers.pdf\">Tour Operators for Tigers<\/a>. You can learn more about this worthy project on our website. Wilderness Travel actively collaborates with the environmental organizations and communities of the special places we visit, and we invite you to join us in supporting this effort. If you would prefer to opt out, just let us know.<\/p>","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/beautiful-portraits-of-south-india\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our own at the Berkeley office, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/beautiful-portraits-of-south-india\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our own at the Berkeley office, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>India<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"<strong>DAYPACK: <\/strong>To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want with you.","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<strong>\nARRIVING IN KOCHI<\/strong><br>\nYou will be met at the Kochi Airport and transferred to The Bruton Boatyard. After passing through immigration and customs, please exit through Gate 5 and look for our transfer agent just outside the Exit Gate. The agent will be holding up a sign that says \"Wilderness Travel\" and will have your name on a passenger manifest. They will assist you and direct you to the vehicle that will take you to your hotel.<br><br>\nIf you are arriving earlier than Day 1, we will still provide a private transfer to The Brunton Boatyard or the pre-trip hotel booked on your own. You will be met and transferred in the same manner as above.<br><br>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<strong>\nDEPARTING CHENNAI<\/strong><br>\nYou will be transferred from the Radisson Temple Bay for the 1.5 hour drive to the Chennai Airport in time for your departing flight. 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Overview
South India is simply dazzling, with its spice ports, colonial towns, and magnificent temples nestled in a lush tropical landscape. Our hand-crafted journey delves deeply into this colorful realm as we watch an ancient dance-drama performance, explore by houseboat on tranquil Kerala waterways, and discover Tamil Nadu's sacred architecture, where carved temples soar high above palm forests. Along the way, we savor legendary cuisine, from coconut-infused fish curries to tangy rasam.
Arrive: Kochi, India
Depart: Chennai (Madras), India
Highlights
- Ancient trading port of Kochi on the Arabian Sea
- Private houseboat with an on-board chef
- Madurai's colossal temple, French colonial Pondicherry by the sea
- South India's savory cuisine, from curries to dosas
Itinerary
Download Itinerary
Expand All Days
In Kochi (formerly Cochin), with its stunning location along the Arabian Sea, our walks reveal the legacies of its European past, from British mansions and Dutch cottages to a 16th century synagogue.
As we glide by deluxe private houseboat, Kerala's picturesque rural scenes are all around us. Our journey on waterways through this quiet region reveals the life of people working their fields with water buffaloes and fishing with nets from traditional longboats. We may even see some school boats (no school buses here). After heading through tea plantations to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills, we continue to Madurai. The vast, fortress-like Shri Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple dominates this city, and we immerse ourselves in the fascinating temple scene, with its Shaivite priests and ongoing weddings.
Crossing a green landscape of rice paddies and coconut palms, we discover Chettinard mansions and ancient temples in wayside villages. Bustling Karaikudi, with its antique shops, and famed Thanjavur, a center for art and music, are wonderful highlights. On Day 10, we explore, Kumbakonam, the main commercial area for the Thanjavur region and home of the 17th century Kubareshwara Temple, which towers over the town.
In Pondicherry, the former capital of French India, we walk the lanes of the French Quarter. From our beach resort, we marvel at Mamallapuram's rock-cut temples by the sea and visit an open-air museum of traditional Tamil culture. Depart on Day 14.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
$600 due at time of reservation
90 days prior to departure: Balance
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Included
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in first-class hotels and private houseboat
- All meals
- A glass of wine or beer with dinner
- All ground transportation and baggage handling from arrival until departure
- All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Not Included
- Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
- Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Visa fees
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Brunton Boatyard
Days 1-2 (2 nights)
Set by the water's edge in Fort Kochi, the Brunton Boatyard is a 19th century shipyard that was converted into a charming 22-room hotel that captures the ambience of a bygone era. All the guest rooms are beautifully furnished in colonial-style antiques and have balconies with stunning views of the bustling Kochi harbor.
Traditional Houseboat
Day 3 (1 night)
The beautiful houseboats of Kerala, called kettuvallams, were once used to transport rice, spices, and other goods to the port of Cochin. Today these delightful 80-foot barges make fantastic overnight accommodations for a journey along the lagoons of Kerala. The private, air-conditioned houseboats come in a variety of shapes and sizes but all are still constructed using the traditional method of tying boards together with rope (not a single nail is used!). Each houseboat has an open-air sitting area and deck, double sleeping cabins with private bathroom and showers, and a crew of four including a chef who prepares Keralan specialties. Floating along the scenic waterways aboard a beautiful private kettuvallam is the quintessential experience of tropical South India.
Spice Village Hotel
Days 4-5 (2 nights)
A marvelous eco-friendly hideaway, Spice Village has about 60 thatched bungalows scattered in a park-like setting. The bungalows aren't air-conditioned but the altitude, breezes, and forested surroundings make them very comfortable. The bar, once the park headquarters for Periyar, has a charming atmosphere and the feel of an old colonial club in the middle of a jungle. The grounds are full of fragrant spice plants and the garden supplies vegetables for the hotel's two restaurants, which offer authentic Keralan dishes as well as other options. There's a lovely swimming pool.
Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Days 6-7 (2 nights)
This restored colonial home, with its unique hilltop location overlooking the temple city of Madurai, is full of character and charm. Built atop Pasumalai Hill amid 62 acres of tranquil gardens, it is a former governors' residence that feels more like a house than a hotel. The old-fashioned rooms blend colonial touches with modern amenities, and if you sit on the patio terrace to take in the views, you might be able to hear the chanting coming from the temples in the city below. You couldn't ask for a more peaceful refuge after a day of exploring Madurai's bustling bazaars and towering temples. The pool, spa, and attentive staff add to a pleasant stay.
Bangala Hotel
Day 8 (1 night)
The Bangala is a family-run heritage hotel in Karaikudi, the main town in Chettinad country. It has been in the same family for 100 years and was transformed into a 34-room hotel about 12 years ago, centered around the original colonial garden. It has a relaxed ambience and a traditional kitchen that serves authentic Chettinad cuisine.
Mantra Koodam
Days 9-10 (2 nights)
This eco-friendly hotel is spread over landscaped acres along the banks of the Veera Chozha River. It has comfortable air-conditioned guest cottages, a pool, and a restaurant that serves classic South Indian vegetarian cuisine prepared the traditional way. Ayurvedic spa treatments and yoga sessions are available.
Palais de Mahe
Day 11 (1 night)
The boutique Palais de Mahe is set in the colonial area of Pondicherry near the seaside promenade. Guest rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, and the hotel's verandas, courtyard, and period furniture give it a French Colonial atmosphere. The poolside café is good place to relax and there a lovely rooftop bar and restaurant. All the attractions of the French Quarter are within walking distance.Alternate Hotel: Grand Hotel D’Europe
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay
Days 12-13 (2 nights)
Spread across 46 acres along a stretch of private beach, this resort complex has spacious, well-kept rooms, either beachside or poolside, as well as a huge swimming pool, spa services, and multiple dining options. It's an easy walk to many of the shops and monuments at Mamallapuram.1/8
Trip Leaders
Hashmat Singh
View ProfileWhat the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, according to our trip grading system. It is a vehicle-based cultural and natural history adventure. Accommodations are in hotels and lodges.
Although this is not a difficult trip, please remember that travel in India is an intense experience. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.
Review Trip Level Details
We expect temperatures to be warm to hot, ranging through the mid-70Fs to 80Fs. During this season, the average high temperature on the coast at Kochi is recorded as 86°F. At higher elevations, such as at Periyar, it is much cooler. The south of India has two distinct monsoon seasons: one in summer and another from October to mid-November. We don't expect heavy rain to be a problem on our trip, but there can be occasional showers at any time between November and February.
Extend Your Trip
Client Testimonials
"Seeing the festivals in the small villages was a highlight of the trip."
Carol G.
Boulder, CO
"One of the best trips my husband and I have taken—a feast for the senses and the intellect. Fabulous temples, beautiful countryside. I especially appreciated our many glimpses into village life, religious practices, and traditions."
Joanne C.
Pittsboro, NC
"One of the best trips we’ve ever been on."
Joe K.
Mission Hills, CA
"One of the best trips we've ever taken."
Judith L.
San Jose, CA
"Hashmat's enthusiasm for his country is infectious, his enjoyment of people unending, and his work and efficiency unbelievable. I'm looking forward to another trip with him."
Roberta R.
Woodstock, VT
"This was my first trip to India and I cannot imagine a better introduction. Because of the care with which the trip had been planned and organized, I was able to relax, enjoy, and try to fully absorb the experience without spending even a moment concerned about the quotidian details of the trip. What a luxury."
Virginia V.
Salem, OR
"An extremely well thought out and well executed itinerary and the best Trip Leader I’ve ever had."
William N.
Long Beach, CA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
{"trip":{"TripID":10342,"Trip_Code":"SINDIA","Trip_Name":"Treasures of South India","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Kochi, India","End_Location":"Chennai (Madras), India","Number_Days":14,"Number_Nights":13,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"<p>South India is simply dazzling, with its spice ports, colonial towns, and magnificent temples nestled in a lush tropical landscape. Our hand-crafted journey delves deeply into this colorful realm as we watch an ancient dance-drama performance, explore by houseboat on tranquil Kerala waterways, and discover Tamil Nadu's sacred architecture, where carved temples soar high above palm forests. Along the way, we savor legendary cuisine, from coconut-infused fish curries to tangy rasam.<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p><\/p>","ActivityHighlight":"Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-SINDIA-chennai-hindu-temple-gopuram-tamil-nadu.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/sindia-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/India\/south-india-kerala-tour","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"Fall 2023 - Spring 2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$8,895 (13-15 members)<br>\n$9,295 (10-12 members)<br>\n$9,795 (6-9 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $2,595","PriceNextYear":"8895","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"<p><\/p>","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"<p><\/p>","PricingNotes":"<p><\/p>","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":3,"TripRatingName":"1+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":20,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Asia","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Kochi, India","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Arrive in Kochi (formerly Cochin) and transfer to the hotel. This intriguing old city in the green and tropical state of Kerala has a stunning location on a series of islands along the Arabian Sea as well as a long and colorful history as a trading city. Our accommodation in Kochi is the Brunton Boatyard, a boutique hotel with harbor-view rooms. We gather for a Welcome Dinner this evening.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Kochi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In our explorations today, we wander the old lanes of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace, where we come upon such incongruous sites as traditional Dutch architecture, the Pardesi Synagogue, and other oddities that reflect the European influence on Kochi. Tonight we attend a performance of Kathakali, the elaborate and ancient dance-drama native to Kerala. Overnight at hotel.\r\n\r\nKochi: The harbors of the Malabar Coast were a favorite port of call in the spice trade for two thousand years, attracting a mix of Arab, Christian, and Jewish settlers and traders from the Middle East. In the early 15th century, the Europeans arrived, and the Rajas of Kochi were keen to expand the spice trade and welcomed them. The British arrived thereafter and eventually took control of the lucrative spice trade. By 1800, Kochi was part of the British Madras Presidency. One of Kochi's old districts, Fort Kochi, is a quiet European enclave that still contains some fine old British mansions and a few Dutch cottages. Kochi's historic Mattancherry district bustles with traders in tea, jute, rubber, and spices, and is the area called Jewtown, where the Pardesi Synagogue, founded in 1568, still exists. Jews were a respected part of Keralan life until the arrival of the Portuguese, who brought the persecution of Jews with them. Many Jewish names are seen on houses and businesses in this district. Also in Mattancherry is the Mattancherry Palace, locally known as the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and given as a gift to the Rajas of Kochi.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Kerala Backwaters Cruise","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning drive bring us to the romantic port town of Alleppey (known now as Alappuzha), once one of the best known seaports of the Malabar Coast. Much of the colorful traffic on Alleppey's waterways is from the thriving coconut fiber industry. On arrival, we board our houseboat for a relaxing cruise and overnight in the tranquil “backwaters” of Kerala, a beautiful region nestled between the sea and the hills of Kochi where we see people working their fields with water buffaloes, fishing with nets from traditional longboats, and washing clothes at the water's edge. We may even see some school boats (no school buses here) transporting uniformed children. The natural setting ranges from brilliant green paddy fields to tropical canopies dense with banana trees and coconut palms. We can glimpse through the trees at small farms, homes, churches, and mosques that dot the canals and lakes. We take our meals on board, served by our on-board chef. Overnight aboard a traditional kettuvallam, our own private, air-conditioned 80-foot houseboat with comfortable double cabins and private bathrooms.\r\nDriving Time: About 2 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Cardamom Hills \/ Periyar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Disembarking from our houseboats, we drive across rugged country roads through tea, spice, and rubber plantations to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghat Mountains. At Periyar, set at a refreshingly cool altitude of around 3,500 feet, we stop in at a spice plantation and attend a performance of Kalairaputtu (a local martial art). Overnight at Spice Village, a collection of bungalows in a forested setting in Periyar.\r\nDriving Time: About 5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Periyar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Centered on an artificial lake created by the British in 1895, Periyar was formerly the private hunting ground of the royal family of Travancore. It became a reserve in 1933. We enjoy a morning forest walk to look for Periyar's rich birdlife, shop for spices at local markets, and enjoy an afternoon gameviewing excursion by boat on the lake. Overnight at hotel.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Periyar \/ Madurai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We head to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, set on the River Vaigai. After lunch at our hotel, we explore this lively metropolis, with its bustling bazaars and history dating back over two thousand years. We stroll through a labyrinthine market full of produce, flowers, incense, and aromatic herbs, and enjoy a sunset view of the fortress-like Shri Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple, breathtakingly baroque with its profusion of gods, goddesses, rearing horses, and mythical figures. Its 12 towering gopuras (gateways) are visible for miles around. Overnight at the Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, an elegantly refurbished colonial home overlooking the city.\r\nDriving Time: About 4 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Madurai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Madurai's Meenakshi temple is one of the largest in India, enclosed by 15-foot-high walls and almost a city within a city. We take ample time to explore it, listen to the traditional temple music, and appreciate the beauty of its Shiva shrines. It is said that each day more than 15,000 faithful visit this temple, and there are about 50 bare-chested Shaivite priests in attendance. The principal shrines are closed to non-Hindus, but there's plenty to see, including ongoing weddings, religious instruction, and the prostrations of devotees at innumerable shrines. Time permitting, we may also visit the Nayak Palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, or watch the sleeping ceremony at Shri Meenakshi. Overnight at hotel.\r\n\r\nNote: During Days 7-9, we may be lucky enough to come across a celebration of Pongal, a festival of thanksgiving during the year's harvest. Women decorate the ground entrance of their homes, and\/or their central courtyards, with beautiful “kolams,” artistic designs drawn with brightly-colored rice flour, while people dress up in their best and gather in the villages for festivities like bull running, bike racing, and “uriyadi” (using a pole when blindfolded to smash a hanging pot).","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Karaikudi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A scenic drive brings us through the “rice bowl” of Tamil Nadu, a lush, green landscape of paddy fields, coconut palms, and tiny, ancient villages. This region we pass through is known as Chettinad, cultural home of the Chettiars, a community that dates back to the Cholas and made its fortune as merchants and jewelry dealers. Not many Chettiars reside in Chettinad now. Most migrated in the 19th and 20th centuries to Sri Lanka, Singapore, Burma, and elsewhere, but they sent back lavish furnishings for their magnificent ancestral mansions. We will visit intriguing off-the-beaten-path sites along the way, including a few Chettinad mansions and the ancient wayside Ayyanar temple, decorated with huge pottery figures of animals. We continue to the bustling town of Karaikudi, the district headquarters. Overnight at the Bangala Hotel in the heart of Chettinad country.\r\nDriving Time: About 2-3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Thanjavur \/ Chola Temples \/ Kumbakonam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Beginning around the 9th century, the Chola kings constructed huge, elaborate Shiva and Vishnu temples all over Tamil Nadu—no other state of India is so dominated by temples and so famed for its temple architecture (more than 90 temples still exist!). Chola bronze sculptures are an art form known throughout the world, especially the variations on the famous “dancing Shiva,” posed standing on one leg and surrounded by flames. The Cholas cast these images in bronze using the “lost wax” process known to have been used in India for thousands of years. The Tanjore (Thanjavur) school of painting, with its painted images decorated by semi-precious stones and gold leaf, originated in this town in the 18th century. We begin today with a two-hour drive to visit these stunning temples of Thanjavur, including the Brihdishwara temple, built by King Rajaraja I as a site of Shiva worship, which dominates the city's skyline. Local specialty shops have an amazing array of antique brass pots, old coins, copper plates, Tanjore paintings, and Thanjavur crafts. After lunch, we visit the bronze gallery at the museum and continue our drive to Kumbakonam, a former center of the Chola kings and the main commercial area for the Thanjavur region. Overnight at the Mantra Koodam, a peaceful retreat with a garden setting.\r\nDriving Time: About 4-5 hours, with stops","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Kumbakonam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We visit fascinating sites including the spectacular Airavateshwara Temple at Darasuram. This superb and little visited monument, a wonderful introduction to the Chola period sculpture, has fine black basalt images adorning its wall niches and inner shrines, including images of Nagaraja, the snake king, with his cobra hood, and Dakshinamurti, an image of Shiva as a teacher expounding under a banyan tree. We also visit the 17th century Kubareshwara Temple, which towers over the town. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Pondicherry","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the tiny village of Gangaikonda Cholapuram (its long name means “the town of the Chola who took the Ganges”), we explore a magnificent temple built by the Chola king Rajendra I in the 11th century. We then head to Pondicherry, the former capital of French India. The French relinquished their control of “Pondy” some 50 years ago, but reminders of the colonial days remain and the Tricolor flies over the grand French consulate. We'll enjoy a stroll through the beachside French Quarter, where we see richly ornamented Catholic churches and hear French spoken. Overnight at hotel.\r\nDriving Time: About 5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Mamallapuram","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive to the small seaside town of Mamallapuram this morning and check into our hotel. Mamallapuram is known for its extraordinary rock-cut art, a legacy of the maritime Pallava Kingdom, for which Mamallapuram was a major port between the fifth and ninth centuries. Stone carving is still a thriving tradition here. This afternoon, we head out to visit the temple and cave complexes at Mamallapuram, with their open-air bas-reliefs and rathas (chariots) carved from single boulders. Our visits include the beautiful Shore Temple towering above the sea and the famous low-relief carving known as Arjuna's Penance. All of these creations, made between the 5th and 9th centuries when the Pallava Kingdom was at its zenith, are beautifully detailed and depict gods, animals, and scenes of everyday life in a natural and engaging style. The temples are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the outdoor museum of Dakshinachitra, a center for South India's living traditions of art, architecture, crafts, and performing arts. Overnight at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay.\r\nDriving Time: About 3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Mamallapuram","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We spend the day exploring more temples in Mamallapuram before gathering in the evening for a festive Farewell Dinner. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Chennai \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport in Chennai (1-1.5 hour-drive) and depart on homeward-bound flights.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Kochi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In Kochi (formerly Cochin), with its stunning location along the Arabian Sea, our walks reveal the legacies of its European past, from British mansions and Dutch cottages to a 16th century synagogue.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Kerala Houseboats \/ Periyar \/ Madurai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"As we glide by deluxe private houseboat, Kerala's picturesque rural scenes are all around us. Our journey on waterways through this quiet region reveals the life of people working their fields with water buffaloes and fishing with nets from traditional longboats. We may even see some school boats (no school buses here). After heading through tea plantations to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills, we continue to Madurai. The vast, fortress-like Shri Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple dominates this city, and we immerse ourselves in the fascinating temple scene, with its Shaivite priests and ongoing weddings.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Karaikudi \/ Thanjavur \/ Kumbakonam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Crossing a green landscape of rice paddies and coconut palms, we discover Chettinard mansions and ancient temples in wayside villages. Bustling Karaikudi, with its antique shops, and famed Thanjavur, a center for art and music, are wonderful highlights. On Day 10, we explore, Kumbakonam, the main commercial area for the Thanjavur region and home of the 17th century Kubareshwara Temple, which towers over the town.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Pondicherry \/ Mamallapuram \/ Chennai","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In Pondicherry, the former capital of French India, we walk the lanes of the French Quarter. From our beach resort, we marvel at Mamallapuram's rock-cut temples by the sea and visit an open-air museum of traditional Tamil culture. 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He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled extensively as his father was posted in various remote regions of India. His first big Himalayan trek was at age 12, with his school group, and during college, he headed into the Himalaya to take mountaineering courses. “Big mountains of the world, whether they are in the Himalaya, Alps, or the Andes, hold a special fascination for me, as do the people living amongst them, holding on to their ancient cultures in a world where everything is rapidly changing.” A passionate traveler, Hashmat has been instrumental in designing and leading adventures for us throughout Asia, and in summer, he joins our team of Trip Leaders leading hikes in the Alps. The profession of Trip Leader combines several of his interests—hiking, exploring the mountains, photography, and meeting new people. He's a favorite of WT travelers—as one of them put it, “Hashmat is a longstanding member of the guiding hall of fame.” He lives in Delhi with his wife and two children."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Carol G.","GuestLocation":"Boulder, CO","GuestReview":"Seeing the festivals in the small villages was a highlight of the trip."},{"GuestNames":"Joanne C.","GuestLocation":"Pittsboro, NC","GuestReview":"One of the best trips my husband and I have taken—a feast for the senses and the intellect. Fabulous temples, beautiful countryside. I especially appreciated our many glimpses into village life, religious practices, and traditions."},{"GuestNames":"Joe K.","GuestLocation":"Mission Hills, CA","GuestReview":"One of the best trips we’ve ever been on."},{"GuestNames":"Judith L.","GuestLocation":"San Jose, CA","GuestReview":"One of the best trips we've ever taken."},{"GuestNames":"Roberta R.","GuestLocation":"Woodstock, VT","GuestReview":"Hashmat's enthusiasm for his country is infectious, his enjoyment of people unending, and his work and efficiency unbelievable. I'm looking forward to another trip with him."},{"GuestNames":"Virginia V.","GuestLocation":"Salem, OR","GuestReview":"This was my first trip to India and I cannot imagine a better introduction. Because of the care with which the trip had been planned and organized, I was able to relax, enjoy, and try to fully absorb the experience without spending even a moment concerned about the quotidian details of the trip. 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For more information, please see the \"Visas\" section of your Pre-Departure Information.","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-21T14:58:16 --><p>Extra Service Request Form <\/p><p>TOFTigers Information<\/p>","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-21T09:51:56 --><p>Optional Donation: Your invoice includes an optional donation of $50 per person to the environmental organization <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/donation\/tour-operators-for-tigers.pdf\">Tour Operators for Tigers<\/a>. You can learn more about this worthy project on our website. Wilderness Travel actively collaborates with the environmental organizations and communities of the special places we visit, and we invite you to join us in supporting this effort. If you would prefer to opt out, just let us know.<\/p>","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/beautiful-portraits-of-south-india\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our own at the Berkeley office, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/beautiful-portraits-of-south-india\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our own at the Berkeley office, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>India<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"<strong>DAYPACK: <\/strong>To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want with you.","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<strong>\nARRIVING IN KOCHI<\/strong><br>\nYou will be met at the Kochi Airport and transferred to The Bruton Boatyard. After passing through immigration and customs, please exit through Gate 5 and look for our transfer agent just outside the Exit Gate. The agent will be holding up a sign that says \"Wilderness Travel\" and will have your name on a passenger manifest. They will assist you and direct you to the vehicle that will take you to your hotel.<br><br>\nIf you are arriving earlier than Day 1, we will still provide a private transfer to The Brunton Boatyard or the pre-trip hotel booked on your own. You will be met and transferred in the same manner as above.<br><br>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<strong>\nDEPARTING CHENNAI<\/strong><br>\nYou will be transferred from the Radisson Temple Bay for the 1.5 hour drive to the Chennai Airport in time for your departing flight. If you are doing an extension with us, your transfer will also be provided.<br><br>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to your Trip Leaders and Local Agent (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground. <br><br>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<strong>\nEXOTIC JOURNEYS<\/strong><br>\nKochi: Mr. Kannan<br>\n(+91) 963-333-6600<br>\nkannan@exoticheritagegroup.com<br>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"Delhi: Ambujam<br>\n(+91) 901-346-8855<br>\n(+91) 987-182-2882 ? Mobile<br>\nambujam@exoticheritagegroup.com <br><br>Trip Leader: Hashmat Singh<br>\n(+91) 981-110-3380","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"<strong>VISA:<\/strong> A visa is required for all US citizens visiting India. If you have not yet obtained your Indian visa, you must do so prior to your arrival in India. Indian visas cannot be obtained at the Delhi Airport upon arrival and you will be denied entry into India if you do not have a visa prior to arrival. Please send us a copy of your passport and India visa, as well as a copy of your passport photo page—if you have not done so already.","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<strong>LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> On the internal flights for this departure, each passenger can bring one piece of checked luggage with a weight limit of 33 lbs., as well as one carry-on of 15 lbs. If your baggage exceeds this weight limit, you may be required to pay excess baggage fees on the spot.","Custom_Carry-On":"<strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.","Custom_name_slug":"south-india-kerala-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Cultural tour of South India exploring beautiful temples, exotic spice ports, and tea plantations, while enjoying local festivals and a houseboat cruise in Kerala.","Custom_List_Description":"A fascinating cultural tour of South India exploring beautiful temples, exotic spice ports, and tea plantations, while enjoying local festivals and a houseboat cruise on Kerala backwaters.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Treasures of South India Tour | Wilderness Travel","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-21T16:15:01 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport<\/strong>: Cochin International Airport (COK)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time<\/strong>: Day 1, afternoon<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place<\/strong>: A complimentary transfer is provided from the Cochin International Airport to our group hotel, no matter when you arrive. Our WT representative will meet you outside the customs area and will be holding a Wilderness Travel sign. In the evening we gather for a Welcome Dinner. <br \/><br \/>The transfer from Cochin International Airport to the group hotel can take up to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-21T16:15:43 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport<\/strong>: Chennai International Airport (MAA)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time<\/strong>: Day 14, anytime<br \/><br \/>A complimentary transfer is provided from the group hotel to the Chennai International Airport, no matter when you depart. <br \/><br \/>The transfer from the group hotel to the Chennai International Airport can take up to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-21T16:23:49 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from India. There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US. <br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_Passport":"","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"","Custom_Money":"","Custom_Tipping":"","Custom_Food":"","Custom_Communications":"","Custom_Electricity":"","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Reading_List":"","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"","Custom_Luggage":"","Custom_Clothing":"","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"","Custom_Optional_Items":"","Custom_Also_Reccomended":"","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Exquisite Temples and Tropical Landscapes","Custom_Lodging":"12 nights first-class hotels, 1 night aboard private houseboat","Custom_Meals":"All meals included","Custom_Activity":"","Custom_Difficulty":"Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"This trip is rated <strong>Level 1+, Easy<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. It is a vehicle-based cultural and natural history adventure. Accommodations are in hotels and lodges.\n\nAlthough this is not a difficult trip, please remember that travel in India is an intense experience. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"We expect temperatures to be warm to hot, ranging through the mid-70Fs to 80Fs. During this season, the average high temperature on the coast at Kochi is recorded as 86\u00b0F. At higher elevations, such as at Periyar, it is much cooler. The south of India has two distinct monsoon seasons: one in summer and another from October to mid-November. We don't expect heavy rain to be a problem on our trip, but there can be occasional showers at any time between November and February.","Custom_Accommodations":"","Custom_Cuisine":"","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the "Dates & Prices" tab on our Pilgrim's Way webpage:<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}