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Southern Part of India Gold Tour14 days duration (15 days including travelling time back to Australia)
On arrival in Chennai, formally known as Madras, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for a relaxing three night stay.
After a leisurely breakfast we will hold a very informative Tour Orientation Meeting in which we get to know each other better and outline the important aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Gold Tour. Following the meeting we have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and rest from the flights of the previous day. Our deluxe hotel is located near the peaceful fishing village of Covelong. Replete with an assortment of places of interest such as forts, churches, mosques, and a lovely beach, it gives those wishing to explore an overview of the history of Tamil Nadu Province.
In the evening we again gather for a special Welcome Tour dinner before settling down for the night. (BD)
Later this morning we undertake a tour to the unique heritage centre of Dakshinachitra where we have lunch, served in the traditional South Indian way. Following lunch we have the opportunity to observe the traditional craftsmen and women at work in the centre before driving to the seaside village of Mahabalipuram. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases several antique sculptural marvels which include the spectacular two-spired shrine, unique in that it houses the Gods Vishnu and Shiva in its sanctum. After the visit we return to our hotel. (BL)
This morning we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Bangalore where, on arrival, we are met and taken by road to Mysore. In the evening we undertake a visit to the Brindavan Gardens to view the “Dancing Fountains”, a fountain display incorporating a multitude of lights and music. (BLD)
Today we undertake a tour to the Chamundi Hills where we visit the Temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeswan. In the afternoon we visit Mysore Palace. The palace is the former residence of the ruler of Mysore and is a splendid structure in the Indo-Sarcenic style. Its museum has many interesting items from a bygone era which include a magnificent gold throne and some silver doors. St. Philomena's Church, one of the largest churches in India, is to be found here as well. (BL)
Following breakfast we drive to Srirangapattna on the Kaveri River. This island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Saltan contains a mosque and temple. Following the visit we continue by road to our hotel in Bangalore for a two night stay. (BLD)
Following breakfast we are taken on a city tour of Bangalore. During the tour we visit Bangalore Palace, which is set on eight hundred acres in the middle of the city. It was built in 1887 in the Tudor style and has similarities with Windsor Castle in England. For some floral beauty we visit Lal Bagh and the Cubbon Park Gardens. The name Lal Bagh was given to these gardens because of the wonderful red roses which bloom all year round. We also drive past Vidhan Soudha (Parliament Building) and visit the market. (B)
Today we return to the airport for our flight to Cochin where we are met and taken by road to Kumarakom. On arrival in Kumarakom we transfer to our houseboat for a relaxing two night cruise and stay on board. (BLD)
Today we enjoy a leisurely exploration cruise of the Kerala backwaters from the comforts of our private houseboat. Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Floating through these placid waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages we will be able to observe the locals going about their daily lives. Our houseboat or “Kettuvalom” as they are locally known, is a beautiful dwelling comprising of fully furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a sundeck, an open lounge and a full crew. We have our meals aboard the boat as we meander through this fascinating area. (BLD)
Following a breakfast on board we disembark at Alleppey and are taken by road to Cochin or “Kochi” as it is also known where we check into our hotel. Set on a cluster of islands and a narrow peninsula, Cochin is Kerala’s major port boasting one of the finest natural harbours in the world. In the afternoon we board a cruise boat and visit the Fort Cochin area where we see the famous Chinese fishing nets of Kochi and may encounter the afternoon catch being auctioned on the beach. We then reboard our boat and undertake an evening cruise which includes a lavish buffet spread of local Kerala cuisine accompanied by a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a synthesis of dance, drama and music which will amaze you with its colours and grace. We should have some great photo opportunities as the sunsets and we enjoy our meal and dance performance on board before returning to our hotel for the night. (BD)
This morning we visit an orphanage run by a Christian missionary trust where we meet some of the children. Following the visit we continue on for a tour to the local spice market. After lunch we will take a walk through the old town of Cochin, around Mattancherry Jetty which is located on the edge of Jew Town. From here we tour Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace) and visit the oldest synagogue in India. (BL)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Mumbai or “Bombay”, as it was formally known. On arrival we will be met and taken to our luxurious hotel located next to one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks, the Gateway of India, for a fabulous two night stay. There is time to rest and freshen up before we embark on a tour to savour the ambience of the Mumbai streets using the traditional mode of transportation, a horse drawn ‘tonga’ or “Victoria”, as it is known. The ride will take us from the Gateway of India between the illuminated buildings and monuments of this city that never sleeps, then along Chowpati Beach and the Marine Drive. After dinner we return to our hotel for the night. (BD)
Today we undertake a comprehensive city tour which includes visits to the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and Mani Bhawan, the house where the ‘Father of the Nation’, Gandhi, stayed on his early visits to the city. This afternoon you will have time to explore the local bazaars and take in some shopping. (BL)
Today we will be transferred to the airport for our flights home or onward. Here you will bid farewell to the other members of the India Gold Tour. If you are flying home to Australia you will transit via Singapore, where on arrival you will connect with your flight home. Tonight is spent inflight (B & Meals Inflight)
Those returning to Australia will arrive home in the late afternoon. (Meals Inflight)
All prices are subject to currency fluctuations, additional airline charges and changes in costs from ground suppliers. We reserve the right to vary any part of the tour at our sole discretion as circumstances may require.
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