Southern Journeys (S India)
South India offers a fascinating blend of architectural splendour, rich wildlife, stunning white sandy beaches and palm-fringed canals. Markedly different from the North in terms of culture and climate, the tropical South has a wealth of hidden treasures for you to explore.
KERALA
The complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers
and canals fringing the coast of Kerala forms the basis of a
distinct regional lifestyle, and travelling by boat along these
backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to the state. The
most popular backwater trip is between Kollam and Alappuzha.
The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with
Chinese fishing nets, and travel along narrow, shady canals where
coir, copra and cashews are loaded on to boats. Stops are made at
small settlements for the chance to see traditional boats with huge
sails, and prows carved into the shape of dragons.
Rising up from these coastal waters, the hills
of Kerala are rich with densely forested valleys, game sanctuaries
such as Periyar National Park and spice plantations of pepper and
cardamom.
Cochin, documented since Roman times, is the oldest
European settlement in India. From the lively Jewish quarter to the
bustling spice bazaars, it has a seamless blend of diverse
architectural and religious influences. The former name for
Kerala's capital city, Trivandrum, may be easier to pronounce,
but the present official name, Thiruvananthapuram, is closer to its
mythological origins. 'Thiru-Anantha-Puram' means the place
of the sacred serpent Anantha or Adisesha, on which Lord Padmanabha
(Vishnu), the presiding deity of the town, reclines. It is a
beautiful seaside city built on seven hills and it still retains
some of the ambience characteristic of old Kerala - including
pagodashaped buildings with red tiled roofs and narrow winding
lanes.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a large and scenic park that has been developed around a large artificial lake. The park is famous for its elephant population which can easily be seen by boat from the lake. The other wildlife here includes otters, large tortoises, langurs and flights of hornbills.
Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.
For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk
Special note:
This tour can be adapted to suit your particular travel
preferences. For tailor-made itineraries please contact Essential India Travel to
discuss your individual requirements.
You can download and print our booking form and our detailed day by day tour itineraries with accommodation photographs and service details.
Travel Tariff Information
Duration: 16 Days
Peak Season : £N/A
High Season October to May. Top range (Deposit £300 per person) Final payment is due 8 weeks prior to your departure.: £1665 Airline: Qatar Airways (Land only £1185)
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A
- The listed price is per person and based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together on your preferred departure and return dates, sharing a car and double/twin room.
- For Indian visa and passport information please follow this Link:
- Indian Government luxury taxes are included in the price of your tour.
- In-country Domestic flights are not included in the listed price. Our flight providers are one of the UK's leading independent travel companies, offering access to airfares from more than 130 of the world's leading airlines to 1500 destinations. Please contact us for a price quote. To convert Pounds Sterling into Euro's or any other currency please click on this link:
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- Please follow this link to read our terms & conditions.
- Prices for tailor-made tours on application.
- Top range prices are based on your staying in Government approved 5 and 4 star hotels and Mid range prices are based on your staying in 4 star and 3 star en-suite accommodation.
- Train travel is in 1st Air-con carriage (fifties style 4 & 6 berth compartments) or the best available.
- During Christmas and the New Year period, Airlines and many hotels charge a peak season rate. You will also need to be prepared to join in (and pay for locally) any entertainment that may be arranged.
- The busiest periods for the airlines are Christmas/New year and Easter, July and August. If you take your holiday during these periods then please book your tour as early as possible.
- It is essential that you take out adequate travel insurance if you are travelling to Asia. Essential Travel Insurance Ltd offers wordwide insurance cover at competitive rates.
- The meal plan is based on B&B and on full board in the Tiger reserves.
