ADVENTURE INDIA

Delhi | Agra | Corbett | Ganga banks | Waterbanks




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CLASSICAL INDIA

Delhi | Agra | Khajuraho | Varanasi | Calcutta




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GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH SAMODE

Delhi | Agra | Jaipur | Samode | Delhi




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MALABAR MASALA

Chennai | Mamallapuram | Madurai | Periyar | Cochin | Delhi | Mumbai





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ROYAL RAJASTHAN

Delhi | Agra | Jaipur | Samode | Desert Camp | Mandawa | Waterbanks




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SANDALWOOD & SPICE

Bangalore | Hassan | Mysore | Ooty | Coonoor | Cochin | Goa





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THE HIMALAYAN SPLENDOUR

Delhi | Agra | Kathmandu | Chitwan | Kathmandu





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8 Days from USD 950

DELHI | AGRA | CORBETT | GANGA BANKS | WATERBANKS

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 1: DELHI

Assistance, reception at the airport and transfer to hotel.

DAY 2: DELHI

The group is taken over by Lt. Gen Gaur who takes you on a fascinating tour of New Delhi, starting by a visit to India Gate. This war memorial designed by Lutyens, commemorates more than 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I, with their names engraved on the arch and foundations. Next, visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Thememorial combines western and eastern styles and is a masterpiece of symmetry, discipline, silhouette and harmony. Northeast of the Viceroy's House is the Council House, now Sansad Bhawan. You are then taken to the Birla temple which is one of the most popular Hindu shrines in the city and one of Delhi's few striking examples of Hindu architecture. Dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of well-being, it is commonly referred to Orissan style with tall curved towers (sikharas) capped by large amalakas. Next follows a visit to the Qutab Minar considered to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world and the prototype of all minars (towers) in India. The inscriptions carved in kufi script tell that the tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over both east and west. The the Qutab Minar is 73m high and consists of five storeys. Next follows a visit to the Bahai temple, an architecturally remarkable building. Constructed in 1980-81, the latest of seven Bahai temples in different parts of the world, it is built out of white marble and in the characteristic Bahai temple shape of a lotus flower. Internally, it creates a feeling of light and space. It is a simple design, brilliantly executed and very elegant in form. Drive back to your hotel for a continental buffet lunch at the coffee shop. Commence with the post lunch tour of the old city from the memorial ghats (a series of memorials to India's leaders), the most prominent one being that of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. Visit the Red fort towering massively above the flat banks of the Yamuna on which it was built, the dominating impression of which is still immensely powerful. In front of the fort is a massive Maidan (open space) which has been used for political rallies ever since the time of the Independence movement. Next follows a visit to the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the last great architectural work of Shah Jahan, intended to dwarf all mosques that had gone before it. It also has the distinction of being one of the few mosques, either in India or elsewhere that was designed to produce a pleasing external effect. Drive back to the hotel in time for a brief rest and then gear up for the evening siesta of a Nepalese Food Festival specially created for you in the sprawling lawns of the hotel. Relish the traditional Nepalese food such as Tama (a dried bamboo shoot soup),momos (the Tibetan equivalent of ravioli), masko dal, dal bhat tarkari (comprising of lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables), sikarni (a sweet dessert made from curd ) and raksi (a local rice based brew of Nepal) India Gate, Delhi Tour.

DAY 3: DELHI/AGRA

Morningboard the superfast Shatabadi Express train to Agra. One of the great Mughalcities of South Asia. With minor interruptions, Agra alternated with Delhi as the capital of their empire.Check into the hotel and commence the city tour with the imposing Taj Mahal, built in memory of Shah Jehan's wife Mumtaz Mahal who died after 1 7 yr. of marriage. It is a monument which has drawn upon the creativity and skills of engineers and craftsmen from many parts of the world. It is said that besides great craftsmen and workers from India, artisans came from Central Asia and even Europe. The Taj stands on theYamuna river, and it is a monument that needs to be experienced and observed at different times of the day from far and near to get the feeling of sheer beauty that it evokes. Next,visit the Agra fort, started by emperor Akbar in 1565 and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan. It was conceived as a military structure when started but, by Shah Jahan's time it had become a palace. The fort is on the banks of the Yamuna river, and only one of its gates, the Amar Singh Gate, is open. There are a number of important buildings within the fort which are worth exploring. Later visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb built by Noor Jahan in memory of her father Ghias-ud-din Beg. Drive back to your hotel for a brief rest after which enjoy the delicacies of "Dum Pukht" cuisine in a sit down dinner at the hotel restaurant with the backdrop of the famous "Qawali" music involving group performers in traditional attire singing Urdu hymns an accordance with the fast beats of the tabla, harmonium and an array of other local musical instruments. Overnight at Agra.

DAY 4: AGRA/CORBETT

Drive to Corbett, India's first national park and one of its finest. It is renowned not only for its rich and varied wildlife and birdlife but also for its scenic charm and magnificent sub-mountain and riverine views. The park comprises the broad valley of the Ramganga river backing onto the forest covered slopes of the Himalayan foothills. Check into the deluxe Tiger Tops Lodge. In the evening enjoy the environs of this riverside resort. Later dinner is served in the open amidst the jungle atmosphere and around a splendid bon4ire. Overnight at the Lodge.

DAY 5: CORBETT

Morning and evening visit the jungle on jeep and elephant back to view the varied flora, fauna and avifaura life in the evergreen forests of Corbett including the elusive tiger. Evening enjoy a tribal dance performance over a bon - fire while you relax with your "chhota pegs" and succulent bar- be- que specialities. Overnight stay in the Lodge.

DAY 6: CORBETT/GANGA BANKS (5 hrs)

Drive to Rishikesh, the town which nestles around the Ganges as it swiftly runs through the last hills of the Himalayas. An. evening boat ride on the Ganges to observe the way of life in the Garhwal Himalayas. Evening beach party on,the banks of the Ganga complete with bon - fire and live band in attendance. Overnight at the picturesque Ganga Banks Resort (20 kms upstream from Rishikesh ) built blending into the landscape, in synthesis with the environment with modern comforts and country style hues that reflect the colours and tints of the wilderness beyond. It is classified as India's most eco-friendly resort using solar heaters and other eco-friendly means. Overnight Ganga Banks.

DAY 7: GANGA BANKS

Full day tour of the ashrams, meditational centres and ancient temples. In the evening view sunset "aarti" at Haridwar. Gala theme dinner in which we take you back in time to a typical jungle hunting camp on the sprawling beach of the Ganges where you are welcomed by a tribal chieftain. The call of the wild and the sound of the jungle are complemented by folk singers and dancers. Torches and oil lamps lend a rustic charm to the tents pitched on the site. The food is cooked on pits over a camp4ire. An elaborate pyrotechnic display is mounted in front of the camp. A fire-cracker banner with the words SAVE WILDLIFE rounds off a magnificent evening. Overnight at Ganga Banks.

DAY 8: GANGA BANKS/WATERBANKS/DELHI

Drive to Waterbanks for a gala farewell dinner. Evening at leisure for nature walks, birding, horse riding and boating etc. Evenings relish your exotic cocktails and a lakeside bar-be-que while a western band entertains you. Dancing to the beats of the music on a unique lakeside dance floor ends with an extravagant fireworks display to round off a spectacular evening. Later departure transfer in time to connect the flight to international destination.

Options and Extensions

1) Overnight at Mussourie, known as the Queen of the Hills, just 2 hrs away from the Ganga Banks.
2) Ganga Banks, Haridwar Travel Guide.

Inclusion:

Accommodation in 5 Star Hotels + All meals + Luxury transportation

 



6 Days from USD 1199 onwards.

DELHI | AGRA | JAIPUR | SAMODE | DELHI

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 1: ARRIVAL DELHI

Assistance on arrival. Traditional welcome with garlanding and "aarti" ceremony. Transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2: DELHI

After breakfast gear up for the morning city tour to include Humayun's tomb, Bahai temple, Qutab Minar, India Gate and Mughal gardens at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Post lunch tour of the historic city of Old Delhi to include the magnificent Red fort, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque and Rajghat - memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Evening depart for the Bistro restaurant for a welcome dinner at the Hauz Khas village, the original site chosen by Ala-ud- din - Khilji in 1303 for a "Madras" - a place of learning. Deepening horizons, gentle breeze, panoramic view of the Madras and royal reservoir, lilting folk music and "Dances of India" show along with finger licking bar - be- qued delights makes for a perfect evening. Overnight Delhi.

DAY 3: DELHI / AGRA

Morning drive to Agra. Check into your five star hotel. Relax with a Garden theme lunch which conjures up the spirit of a Mughal camp set up to celebrate a battle victory, on the lush green lawns of Taj Khema which is a table-land overlooking the picturesque Taj Mahal. Colourful "khemas" (decorated tents) are set up. Guests are welcomed by soldiers in the costumes of the Mughal dynasty amidst fanfare that befits a victorious warrior. Relax on mattresses laid out on the lawns while Mughlai delicacies are served. Local artisans display their skill while folk dancers and singers exude excitement. Post lunch tour of the magnificent Taj Mahal and Agra fort. Later in the evening enjoy a delightful evening set in a "bazaar chowk" (street market) with all its colorful attractions. Street-side dishes are cooked right in front of you. Discover "kadai" and "tawa khana"- hot, tasty, vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies with snacks and Indian breads. For dessert, visit the "mithaiwala" (the Indian sweet-maker), and the "thelawala' who tempts you with fresh fruits. There is a "paan" shop which also sells "bidis" (freshly rolled, Indian cigarettes). Paan, essentially a digestive taken after meals is also considered a mild stimulant and consists of chopped betel nuts wrapped in a leaf prepared with katha (a redpaste),chuna(slaked white lime), mitha masala(a mix of sweet spices) and gulukand (dried rose petals sweetened with honey). A "mehendiwalli" traces intricate designs in red colour on the hands of each of the ladies. This is traditionally done at all Indian weddings. A bangle-seller offers a glittering array of glass bangles in vibrant hues. Overnight Agra.

DAY 4: AGRA / JAIPUR

Arrive by lunch after a whirlwind tour of the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. A stunning tableau of decorated camels and elephants is mounted on the lawns of the palace to welcome the group on arrival at your five star hotel. Ladies in Rajasthani costumes perform the traditional garlanding "aarti" and "tika" ceremonies while the music of the "shehnai" welcomes you.A floral logo of your company is prominently displayed in the lobby. Afterwards, relax with a gin-based welcome drink. Evening get caught in an extravaganza of customs, prayers and of course the revelry in the contrasting styles of Indian weddings displayed specially for you in a private banquet hall of your hotel. Follow the Parsi rituals right from the formal engagement,the" Vagnishchaya" ,where the parents of the bride and the bridegroom worship the couple to be , right to the wedding day when the couple donning their wedding garbs and embellishments drink "taro",the urine of the holy cow and eat pomegranate leaves to purify their internal organs. Later the Parsi bride wearing a white sari and her groom a "dagli"-white long coat, and a black "topi" on his head,separated by a white sheet in front of them, hold hands as the priest ties their bond seven times with a thread. As the curtain is dropped,the couple shower each other with rice and the one who throws the first fistful is supposed to be the more authoritative amongst them! Next follows a typical Bengali wedding in all its gusto with the Bengali bride sitting cross-legged on a low wooden stool borne by her maternal uncle,all in red with an exquisite shola (pith) crown on her head, two betel nuts on each side in her mouth , a betel leaf covering her lovely face and the groom too in all resplendence in a shimmering white "dhoti" and a stole draped over his shoulders.The bride is then carried around her husband seven times followed by the grand finale when the betel leaf and nut are consumed in tandem. Leaving behind an imposing red colour symbolizing prosperity for both. We go down south to Tamil Nadu next,where the groom holds the bride's toe with one hand and her hand with his other. He helps her thus,take seven steps,while her one foot rests on a stone slab. They exchange garlands six times after which the bridegroom ties the "mangalsutra" around the bride's neck. After the final recitations the bride and the groom throw unhusked rice on each other wishing for each other's prosperity whilst eligible youngsters stand behind the couple gathering this rice in their laps,standing up on blessings and hoping for an early marriage for themselves. Overnight Jaipur.

DAY 5: JAIPUR / SAMODE

Morning elephant ride to the Amber fort followed by a tour of the City Palace,Palace of Winds and the observatory. Evening drive to Samode Palace. On arrival at the village entrance, decorated camel carts await the group. All delegates will be transported to the palace by camels (approximately 40 mm. ride) whilst the baggage will be taken up by coach. The camel caravan will be escorted by two torch bearers to each cart. Local musicians will lead the camel caravan through the cobbled streets and villages. The group will be timed to arrive at the palace gates at sunset. On arrival they will be received by the village elders in full local attire showering the group with rose petals. On entering the palace a huge floral company logo will be carved out on the floor. Enjoy cocktails with Prince Yadavendra Singh at the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors). After cocktails proceed to the Durbar hall for a cultural evening extravaganza. The ambience created goes back 600 years when the king and his lieutenants would Sit on the cushioned floor and the dancers would perform. During dinner local dancers and musicians will entertain the group. After dinner coffee is served on the terrace whilst a wonderful fireworks display takes place against the naked mountain landscape. The grand finale for the evening is the company logo lit up in the sky with fireworks. Overnight Samode Palace.

DAY 6: SAMODE / DELHI

Drive to Delhi and check into your hotel. Day at leisure for shopping followed by an exclusive bar- be- cue dinner at the 150 yr. old Delhi Gymkhana Club where a "tandoor", a clay oven which imbibes the food cooked in it with a unique flavor and a sizzling array of Indian tandoori delights which are cooked over glowing coals, are served with a choice of "tandoori rotis" (Indian breads). The elegant Army pipes and drums are in attendance throughout .Departure transfer in time to connect to the flight to international destination.

Options and Extensions

1) Half day balloon cum camel or horse cum jeep safari. Overnight at your palace hotel.
2) Overnight Farewell theme dinner at the Waterbanks lakeside resort.
3) Visit to the Bharatpur bird sanctuary near Agra.
4) Hot air balloon ride to view the Taj Mahal from a unique angle.
5) Horse safari at Samode into the interiors of the desert.
Possible Variations

Delhi - Mukundgarh - Jaipur - Samode - Agra – Delhi

Inclusions:

Accommodation in 5 Star Hotels + All meals + Luxury transportation

 



6 Days from USD 1100

DELHI | AGRA | KHAJURAHO | VARANASI | CALCUTTA

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 1. DELHI

Assistance . reception at the airport and transfer to hotel.

DAY 2. DELHI

Morning commence a unique tour of the "Bazaars of Delhi" ,where you are taken back to those times when the majority of the trading in Delhi was carried out from the huddled shops of these lively markets. Visit the" Chor Bazaar" behind the old ramparts of the Red fort and the "Kinari bazaar" where shops overflow with bridal finery, including garlands made of rupee notes, turbans for grooms, rosettes and other glistening tinsel used in marriage ceremonies of the Hindus. Visit the "Naya bazaar", the spice market on Khari Baoli, clouded with a thick dust of flour and spices, at the same time fragrant with their cuisine and sip your cocktails at the "Thugs bar". Post lunch, combined city tour of Old and New Delhi including the Red fort, Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati
Classical India
Bhawan, India Gate, Qutab Minar and Bahai temple. In the evening enjoy bar-be-que dinner and relax by a crackling bonfire in the sprawling lawns of a private farm house with professional performers from Rajasthanperforming the characteristic "Ghoomar", "Kachhi Ghodi" and "Fire" dances. Ghoomar is basically a community dance for women where the ladies move gracefully in circles. Kachhi Ghodi is a dance performed on well decorated dummy horses by men in equally elaborate costumes, holding naked swords and moving rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes The fire dance, performed by tribes of Bikaner, renowned for their tantrik powers, involves men jumping on to the fire, prepared with charcoal and live wood to the accompaniment of drum beats.

DAY 3. AGRA

Morning, drive to Agra, the multisplendoured city of "khushamadeed" as they say to joyous welcome, of "adaab" and gracious hospitality, of checkered history and discerning arts, of "thumbs" and "dum pukht" or the art of slow cooking, of fabled monuments and kite flying competitions and above all a land steeped in history and glory. One of the great Mughal cities of South Asia, with minor interruptions, Agra alternated with Delhi as the capital of their empire. Check into the hotel and commence the city tour with the imposing Taj Mahal, built in memory of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died after 17 years of marriage. It is a monument which has drawn upon the creativity and skills of engineers and craftsmen
Amar Vilas Palace, Agra
from many parts of the world. It is said that besides great craftsmen and workers from India, artisans came from Central Asia and even Europe. The Taj stands on the banks of the Yamuna river and is a monumentthat needs to be experienced and observed at different times of the day from far and near to get the feeling of the sheer beauty that it evokes.
Next, visit the Agra fort. It was conceived as a military structure when started, but by Shah Jahan's reign, it had become a palace. The fort is on the banks of the Yamuna river. The fort walls, stretching over 2.5km, are surrounded by a 10 Mtrs. wide moat. There are a number of important buildings within the fort which are worth exploring. Later visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb built by Noor Jahan in memory of her father Ghias-ud-din Baig.
Drive back to your hotel for a brief rest after which enjoy a village fair theme dinner where a village setting is created with bamboo huts, benches and stalls.Villagers mingle with guests and display their traditional skills such as doll-making, puppet-making, pottery, "pichwai" painting and other crafts. Entertainment includes a "bandarwala" staging a monkey show, palmist, snake charmer, "kachi ghodi" and "dhamil" (a performance with a dummy horse, dancers and singers). After a splendid dinner, a fascinating display of fireworks brings another memorable evening to an end. Overnight Agra.

DAY 4. AGRA / KHAJURAHO

An early morning hot air balloon ride over the Taj Mahal and the fort. Board the afternoon flight to Khajuraho. Transfer to hotel. The temples of Khajuraho, among the world's top most tourist attractions, represent source of the most exquisite specimens of Hindu architecture and sculpture of medieval India. The Khajuraho temples were raised and sculpted elaborately to the finest of details about a thousand years back, between 900 and 1050 AD. Of all 85 temples built, only 22 remain today to speak of the grandeur of conception of the rulers and architects of that era, and the extraordinary creativity and skills of the times. The intimate scenes of the whole range of human emotions and relationships sculpted in graceful
Khajuraho Temple
forms appear to represent the rulers' exultation in the richness of man-woman relationship. The temples are covered with carvings of griffins, nymphs, and humans in consummate passion. A visit to the western group of templesis arranged in the evening followed by the Royal Chandela theme dinner at the sprawling lawns of the Taj Chandela. The evening takes you back to the fabled world of the Chandela dynasty, with the appropriate decor, cuisine and entertainment, recreating the grandeur of the past. Hostesses clad in silk, shower flowers and "ittar" (perfume) in the traditional style and flamboyant folk dances herald a sumptuous spread of Chandela delicacies, served in a manner befitting royalty. Overnight Khajuraho.

DAY 5. KHAJURAHO / VARANASI

Morning tour of the eastern group of temples and then board the flight to Varanasi. Assistance at the airport and transfer to your five star hotel. Evening boat cruise on the Ganges to view the ghats. An experience which can astonish anyone. When temple bells begin pealing across the city by the Ghats on the river Ganga, the waters whisper slowly past, carrying garlands of marigold, earthen oil lamps long downed out by the waves, religious offerings, and those made in full faith. The chiming of bells rises to a crescendo and down the narrow lanes of Varanasi come marching the faithful. Those who will bathe here on the holy banks of the Ganga, where the boatmen sing haunting lyrics, where a nation bows its head in homage, and where the old choose to die and be cremated. Return to your hotel and enjoy a typical Brahmin theme dinner served in thalis. Men attired in a typical 'dhoti" complete with "janeu" and women in cotton sarees sit cross-legged on a "chowki" whilst relishing the totally vegetarian brahmin "thali" sans even the onion and garlic. Overnight Varanasi

DAY 6. VARANASI / CALCUTTA

Board the flight to Calcutta. Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The group is escorted for a half day sight-seeing tour of the city of Calcutta to include the Victoria Memorial. Built between 1906 and 1927, this gleaming white marble palace is a reminder of the might of the British Empire in India. Inside this garden laid monument, the finest collection of memorabilia relating to British India are contained under one roof. Later visit to Mother Teresa's mission. Return to the hotel for a brief rest to gear up for an evening at one of the city's famous nightclubs. Overnight Calcutta.

DAY 6. DEPARTURE CALCUTTA

Transfer in time to connect flight to international destination.

Options and Extensions

1) Extension to Kathmandu from Varanasi.
2) Extension to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
3) Day excursion to Sarnath from Varanasi.

Inclusions:

Accommodation in 5 Star Hotels + All meals + Luxury transportation

 



7 Days from USD 1350.

CHENNAI | MAMALLAPURAM | MADURAI | PERIYAR | COCHIN | DELHI OR MUMBAI

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 1: CHENNAI (MADRAS )/ MAMALLAPURAM

Arrive Chennai. Transfer to Mamallapuram. Check into the Fishermen's Cove beach resort. On arrival, as you step into the hotel, ladies in authentic local costumes greet you with garlands of flowers and perform the "aarti" ceremony. They also anoint your forehead with the traditional red "tikka." Afterwards relax with a non-alcoholic welcome drink. Post lunch tour of the 7th century Pallava cave temples and monoliths, stone temples and sculptured rock panels. Malabar MasalaLater visit to "Dakshina Chitra", set on a ten- acre site, overlooking the Bay of Bengal between Chennai and Mahabalipuram, the 7th century sea port. The center comprises four sections which represent the distinct cultures of the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This is achieved through authentic reconstructions of traditional architecture, demonstrations by artisans at work, exhibitions and workshops, programmers by performing artists, an archive, a craft shop, and a restaurant which offers regional fare. The Tamil Nadu section has a charming exhibition on Tamil culture. 150 yr old agriculturist's' house from the fertile delta region of Thanjavur, a potter's house from Tiruvallur with its terracotta exhibition. Step into the humble abode and thatched huts of the basket-weavers, and on to the shrine of Ayyanar, the village guardian deity. The weaver's house from Kanchipuram, the famed silk-town of India, is the next stop. An exhibition hall with displays of Tamil Nadu textiles, is annexed to this house. Other exhibits on Tamil culture, folk and classical craft, kitchen utensils, demonstrations of artisans at work in their traditional environments, also form part of the experience. The Kerala section has reconstructions of domestic architecture in the distinct styles of north and south Kerala. A 200 yr. old wooden Hindu house from Travancore, a Syrian Christian house from Kottayam and a double-storeyed Hindu house from Calicut. These houses also have contextual exhibits displayed in them. Overnight Mamallapuram.

DAY 2: MAMALLAPURAM / KANCHIPURAM / CHENNAI

Morning drive to Kanchipuram, the erstwhile capital of the Pallavas Mahabalipuram Temple, South India Temple Tourand Cholas. \'i5it its numerous temples dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses. It is also home to the weavers of the famed Kanchipuram silks. Arrive Chennai in the afternoon. Check into hotel. Evening tour of Fort St.George, St.Mary's church, the oldest Anglican church east of the Suez and the Basilica of San Thomas, believed to have been built by St. Thomas, the apostle. Also visit the Snake Park and the Parthasarathy temple. Evening view the traditional martial arts performance believed to have originated in South India. "Kalaripayatu" ,a local traditional martial arts form which derives its name from "Kalari" (gymnasia) in which this martial arts form was first practiced. The performance includes various authentic forms of armed and unarmed combat. Next follows "Silambam" the ancient art of staff fencing believed to be originated by the body guards of the Tamil kings which has now developed into a refined art form of self-defense and physical exercise which make for a brilliant spectacle. Overnight Chennai.

DAY 3: CHENNAI / MADURAI

Morning flight to Madurai. Transfer to your hotel. Later proceed on city tour visiting the temples which are a city within a city built in the Dravidian style, one for Shiva and other for spouse Meenakashi. Also visit Teepa Kulu, a tank with an island temple. Evening relish the glimpses of Indian classical dance performances over a sumptuous south indian dinner. Bharat Natyam, considered the oldest form of classical dance. in lndia,is essentially a highly stylized solo feminine dance which combines movement,music and mime with "nritta" and "nritya", on the theme of spiritual love. Kathakali, originating from Kerala,in which the dancers appear rather strange and exaggerated with the highly elaborate make-up in green ,red and white,with styled beards made of rice paste and head dress giving the expression of a mask. Mohinlyattam , a secular dance of an enchantress with combined elements of both Kathakali and Bharatnatyam. A typical Udipi meal served on green plantain leaf rounds off an enchanting evening.Overnight Madurai.

DAY 4: MADURAI / PERIYAR

Proceed by road to Periyar. Check into Spice Village, a beautiful resort situated amongst spice gardens and pepper vines. Rest of the day free to relax with a Ayurvedic massage carried out by expert masseurs and visit close by plantations. Ayurvedic medicine ( science of life / health) is the ancient Hindu system of medicine - a naturalistic system depending on diagnosis of the body's 'humours' (wind, mucus, gall and sometime, blood ) House Boat Tourto achieve a balance. In the early form, Gods and demons were associated with cure and ailments, treatment was carried out by using herbs, minerals, formic acid (from and hills) and water, and hence was limited in scope. Ayurveda classified substances and chemical compounds in the theory of panchabhutas or five 'elements'. It also noted the action of food and drugs on the human body. Ayurvedic massage uses aromatic and medicinal oils to tone up the nervous system and has~been practiced in KeraI~ for centuries. Overnight Spice Village.

DAY 5: PERIYAR

Tour of Periyar wildlife sanctuary by boats / elephants to view a rich variety of wildlife - Tiger, elephants, wild boar, deer and monkeys. Evening jungle theme dinner which requires the group to be dressed in a jungle attire. The call of the wild and the sound of the jungle are complemented by folk dancers and singers. Exotic theme cocktails with bon - fire and bar- be-cue rounds off a magnificent evening. Overnight Spice Village.

DAY 6: PERIYAR/COCHIN

Drive to Cochin. Check into your hotel and gear up for a day's boat journey on the backwaters of Kerala discovering an array of shimmering waterways, composed of lakes, canals, rivers rivulets ,lined with dense tropical greenery and mysteriously preserving the rural Keralan lifestyle completely hidden from the outer world where day to day life is lived on and beside the river. Relish the changing views of narrow canals, green paddy fields, homes, farms, churches, curved bridges and temples amidst the shades formed by coconut trees growing along the river at surprisingly improbable angles. Evening sunset cruise to view Chinese fishing nets and the Bolghatty island. Along the stretch of the beach a bar-be- cue is set up. Dine under starlit sky On succulent lobsters, jumbo prawns and Other local seafood delicacies and round off the evening with an exotic moonlight boat cruise with the band in attendance on board. Overnight Cochin.

DAY 7: COCHIN/DELHI, MUMBAI OR CHENNAI

Departure transfer to connect the flight to international destination.

Options and Extensions

1) Itinerary can commence from either Delhi or Mumbai also.
2) Extension to Pondicherry from Chennai to visit Mothers' Ashram at Aurovi lie.
3) Extension from Cochin to Kumarakom to stay at the heritage Coco nut Lagoon situated in the backwaters.
4) Extension to Kovalam.
5) Fishermen village theme dinner at Cochin.
6) Boat cruise with band in attendance at Cochin.

Inclusions:

Accommodation in 5 Star Hotels + All meals + Luxury transportation