India 2020-22 Brochure

37 www.somak.co.uk From the North to the South 2 nights Amritsar – 2 nights Dharamshala – 2 nights Shimla – 1 night Delhi – 2 nights Kochi – 2 nights Munnar – 2 nights Periyar – 1 night Kumarakom 14 nights from: £3195 If you are looking for a tour of India that perfectly highlights the contrasts of both the north and south of this amazing country, then this is the one for you! Cultural visits, and a wide variety of scenic landscapes abound, with a Himalayan train journey, as well as a combination of light adventure and relaxation, adding to this unforgettable experience. From the North to the South Day 1 Overnight flight from UK to Amritsar. Day 2 Amritsar Met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Hyatt Regency Amritsar Day 3 Amritsar Sightseeing of Amritsar, including visit to the Golden Temple. Overnight: Hyatt Regency Amritsar Days 4-5 Dharamshala Drive to Dharamshala through the narrow mountain roads. A beautiful and serene hill town that shot to fame after His Holiness, the Dalai Lama took shelter here. Overnight: Fortune Moksha Days 6-7 Shimla Drive to Shimla. Enjoy the lovely sights of Shimla with a journey on the Toy Train. Overnight: The Oberoi Cecil Day 8 Delhi Drive to Kalka and board the Shatabdi Express Train to Delhi. Overnight: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Days 9-10 Kochi Transferred for flight to Kochi. Overnight: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Day 11 Munnar Drive to Munnar, a hill station and a former resort for the British Raj elite. Overnight: The Windermere Estate Day 12 Munnar A full day of hiking with a local guide, walking through plantations and spice gardens. Overnight: The Windermere Estate Day 13 Periyar Drive to Periyar. In the evening see a Kalaripayattu (martial arts) performance at a local theatre. Overnight: Spice Village Day 14 Periyar Depart early morning for a half-day bamboo rafting experience lasting about three hours revealing a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. A variety of animals are usually seen close to the lake. Late afternoon tour of the spice plantation with a naturalist. Overnight: Spice Village Day 15 Kumarakom After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. Board a houseboat for a cruise around the backwaters on Vembanad Lake, catching glimpses of village life. Lunch and afternoon tea and snacks on board the houseboat. Overnight: Lake Resort Day 16 Depart Transferred to Kochi Airport for flight to UK. Shimla 1 Delhi 2 Shimla 2 Amritsar 2 Dharamshala What’s Included: ✯ Flights with all transfers ✯ Sightseeing and excursions based on use of exclusive vehicle ✯ Services of local English-speaking guide ✯ 14 breakfasts, 1 packed lunch in Munnar and 1 houseboat lunch ✯ Toy Train from Shimla to Taradevi ✯ Shatabdi Express Train from Kalka to Delhi ✯ Amritsar Sightseeing: Evening visit the Golden Temple and witness the Palki ceremony and see the Golden Temple illuminated at night. Next day second visit to the Golden Temple. Visit the Jalianwala Bagh. Afternoon visit the Wagah border to see the beating retreat ceremony. ✯ Dharamshala Sightseeing: Bhagsunath has an old temple, a spring and slate quarries. The Buddha temple is situated opposite the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Mcleod Ganj is well worth a visit to see the Tibetan monasteries and nunnery. ✯ Shimla Sightseeing: Visit the Jakhu temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Hindu Deity Hanuman, there is a steep but worthwhile hike of 1.2km to visit the temple. Visit the second oldest church in North India, situated at the ridge; and The Viceroy Lodge. In the evening stroll through Mall Road. ✯ Kochi Sightseeing: Visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, see the Chinese fishing nets, take a walk through Fort Cochin area, make a visit to Broadway – the local market and see a show of Kerala's performing arts at the local theatre. This is a private tour based on 2 sharing. 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 Kumarikom 1 Munnar 2 Kochi 2 Periyar 2