India 2020-22 Brochure

35 www.somak.co.uk South India Splendour South India Splendour What’s Included: ✯ Flights with all transfers ✯ Sightseeing and excursions based on use of exclusive vehicle ✯ Services of local English-speaking guide ✯ 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch on houseboat, 1 cooking demonstration dinner at Periyar ✯ Mahabalipuram Sightseeing: Visit the Shore temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance rock structures. ✯ Tanjore Sightseeing: Visit Brihadishvara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage site) in Tanjore and the Srirangam temple at Trichy. Also enjoy a visit to a brass idol and traditional musical instrument making factory. ✯ Chettinad Sightseeing: Explore the magnificent old mansions and visit the local market. ✯ Madurai Sightseeing: Visit the famous Meenakshi temple and Thirumalai Nayak palace. Take a walk through the local flower market. ✯ Periyar Sightseeing: Afternoon visit the spice market at Kumily. In the evening, witness Kalaripayattu martial arts show. ✯ Kochi Sightseeing: Visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, see Chinese fishing nets, walk through Fort Kochi area. Witness a show of Kerala's performing arts at Greenix Theatre. This is a private tour based on 2 sharing, including return flights (regional departures available). This itinerary can be tailor-made to your own specifications with a choice of alternative accommodation, and duration, please call our friendly and helpful team on 020 8423 3000 or email india@somak.co.uk Why not extend your tour to the beautiful beaches of Marari or Kovalam. Day 1 Overnight flight UK to Chennai. Day 2 Mahabalipuram Met and transferred to Mahabalipuram. Overnight: Chariot Beach Resort Day 3 Mahabalipuram Morning sightseeing with afternoon to explore the local backpackers market. Overnight: Chariot Beach Resort Day 4 Pondicherry Leisurely drive to Pondicherry. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing. Later relax at one of the cafés in Old Pondicherry for a cup of tea or coffee. Overnight: Villa Shanti Day 5 Tanjore Drive to Tanjore and visit Chidambaram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram en route. Overnight: Sangam Hotel. Day 6 Tanjore Sightseeing of Tanjore with leisure time. Overnight: Sangam Hotel. Day 7 Chettinad Drive to Chettinad and enjoy sightseeing. Chettinad is famous for its cuisine which you may wish to try. Overnight: Chettinadu Mansion Day 8 Madurai Drive to Madurai and visit the local sights. Overnight: GRT Regency Day 9 Periyar Drive to Periyar. Overnight: Sarovar Poetree Resort Day 10 Periyar Early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar. Walk through the spice plantations. Watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy a freshly cooked meal. Overnight: Sarovar Poetree Resort Day 11 Kumarakom Drive to Kumarakom. Afternoon to relax, or choose from activities such as an Ayurvedic massage, village walk, row a country boat through the backwater canals, or a visit to a coir making unit. Overnight: Eastend Lakesong Day 12 Kumarakom In the morning join a houseboat cruise. Sail through the backwaters. Lunch on board. Option to canoe through narrow channels to observe local life. Tea and coffee will be served onboard. Disembark the houseboat and overnight at your hotel. Overnight: Eastend Lakesong 13 Kochi Drive to Kochi and enjoy sightseeing of this wonderful city. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Day 14 Depart Transfer to the airport for flight home. Kumarakom 2 nights Mahabalipuram – 1 night Pondicherry – 2 nights Tanjore – 1 night Chettinad – 1 night Madurai – 2 nights Periyar – 2 nights Kumarakom – 1 night Kochi 12 nights from: £3099 Noted for its tranquil, unspoilt backwaters and waterways, beautiful beaches, lush forests and delicious cuisine, south India really is an absolute delight. Combine all this with visits to temples and vibrant markets, and add a dash of self-indulgence in the form of an Ayurvedic massage, and you have the perfect holiday. Mahabalipuram 2 1 Pondicherry 2 Tanjore 1 Madurai 2 Periyar 1 Kochi 2 Kumarikom 1 Chettinad