ATS Tours - Asia 2008 - (Page 37) INDIA Mumbai (Bombay) 1 Bangalore 2 Mysore Ooty 1 Cochin 2 Kerala Backwaters 1 1 Palakkad 2 Munnar 2 1 Madurai 1 Kumarakom Thekkady PLANE ROAD BOAT SPICE OF THE 15 days/14 nights Land only, Small Group Tour HIGHLIGHTS: An in-depth journey through Southern India— worlds away from the bustling cities and desert vistas of the North. This small group journey takes in vibrant Cochin, the Kerala Backwaters and abundant wildlife. DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGALORE Welcome to Bangalore! Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your group for welcome drinks and a briefing. Overnight: Bangalore, The Chancery Hotel for 1 night. DAY 2: BANGALORE – MYSORE This morning, tour the city of Bangalore, visiting the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Parliament buildings and the Bull Temple. Travel to Mysore, stopping at Srirangapatnam to visit the fort, ancient temple and summer palace of the Tipua Sultan. Overnight: Mysore, Metropole Hotel for 2 nights. (B) DAY 3: EXPLORE MYSORE Journey to the temple complex at Somnathpur, renowned for its detailed and well-preserved carvings. Continue on to explore the town, including the Maharajah’s Palace and Chamundi Hill. (B) DAY 4: MYSORE – OOTY Depart Mysore by road and journey to Ooty, situated in the scenic Nilgiri Mountains. Travel through Mudumalai and Bandipur national parks. On arrival, visit the Botanical Gardens, famous Pleasure Lake and St. Stephen’s Church. Overnight: Ooty, Savoy Hotel for 1 night. (B) DAY 5: OOTY – PALAKKAD This morning, take a ride on Ooty’s toy train to Coonor. Continue on to Palakkad by road, enjoying lunch en route. Explore the surrounds this afternoon, including a walk in the weaver’s village. Spend this evening with your homestay family to learn about Keralan traditions and culture. Overnight: Palakkad, Homestay for 1 night. (B,L,D) DAY 6: PALAKKAD – MUNNAR Journey to Munnar today — the center of South India’s tea trade. Stop at a family owned plantation to learn about crops that characterize the region. Arrive in Munnar around sunset. Overnight: Munnar, Blackberry Hills for 2 nights. (B,L) DAY 7: EXPLORING MUNNAR This morning explore the surrounding tea plantations. Afterwards, journey to the beautiful Eravikulam National Park and spend the afternoon exploring by foot, spotting wildlife. (B) DAY 8: MUNNAR – MADURAI Travel to Madurai. Visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Meenakshi temple. This evening, enjoy the temple’s famous night ceremony. Overnight: Madurai, Hotel Sangam for 1 night. (B) SOUTH Kerala Backwaters ^ DAY 9: MADURAI – PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK Travel from Madurai to Kerala. Visit a spice garden then the jungles of Periyar for a boat ride. Enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife at the water’s edge. Overnight: Thekkady, Spice Village for 1 night. (B) DAY 10: PERIYAR NAT’L PARK –KUMARAKOM Continue deeper into the heart of Kerala and enjoy a walking tour of a pineapple and rubber plantation. On arrival in Kumarakom, travel to your resort on Vembanad Lake. Overnight: Kumarakom, Coconut Lagoon Resort for 2 nights. (B,L) DAY 11: EXPLORE KUMARAKOM This morning, visit the local churches, temples and markets. Join a cooking class to learn about traditional Keralan cuisine. (B,L) DAY 12: KUMARAKOM – KERALA BACKWATERS Today, board a houseboat and cruise the famous backwaters of Kerala. Each cabin is fan cooled with a private ensuite. Overnight: Kerala Backwaters, Houseboat for 1 night. (B,L,D) DAY 13: KERALA BACKWATERS – COCHIN Wake up early to see the waterways come to life. Travel by road to Cochin, built on a series of islands, and enjoy a sunset cruise on Cochin Harbor. Overnight: Cochin, Arches Hotel for 2 nights. (B) DAY 14: COCHIN CITY TOUR This morning visit Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, the Dutch Palace museum and the Synagogue. Tonight, enjoy the Kathakali dance theater. (B) DAY 15: DEPART COCHIN Transfer to the airport for your onward flight (flight not included). (B) $4045 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE SPICE OF THE SOUTH PRICE INCLUDES: • • • • • 2007* Price per person US$ Spice of the South DOUBLE SINGLE 2008 FROM Tour Code: SPICES www.atstours.com *2007 itinerary departs on Sunday and varies slightly. Ask for details. 37 TUESDAYS Not Included: International flights, international and domestic departure taxes, entrance fees of approximately $15USD, meals other than those specified, visa fees, porters, insurance, gratuities, and items of a personal nature. Visa Requirements: A valid visa is required to enter India. Please obtain your visas before arriving in India as it cannot be obtained on arrival. Note: Prices are “from” and seasonal surcharges apply. Travel insurance is mandatory. Departs 12 nights hotel accommodation, 1 overnight Homestay, 1 overnight boat trip All road transport via air-conditioned vehicles Local English speaking guide & Western Tour leader Sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees) 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners $4045 $5050 Oct 14 Nov 11 Dec 9 Dec 30 Jan 15 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 19 Mar 11 Mar 25 Apr 8 Apr 22 Sep 2 Sep 16 Oct 7 Oct 21 Nov 11 Nov 25 Dec 2 Dec 23 http://www.atstours.com
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