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Spirit of South India - OLD Inclusions

Pre-departure information dossier on India
Return economy class flights from Australia to India
17 nights accommodation in a combination of modern and heritage hotels with private facilities (3-4 star)
1 night on board a traditional rice boat (kettuvallam) with private facilities, cruising through the backwaters of Kerala
18 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Pre-paid tips worth $144 (based on minimum numbers)
English speaking national guide (based on minimum numbers)
All airport transfers and touring in air-conditioned vehicles
A tour of Chennai including a visit to the Kapaleeswara, an ancient Shiva temple which is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Other highlights include the Santhome Cathedral Church built in the 14th and 15th centuries alongside the beach and Fort St George built by the East Indian Company in 1653.
A relaxing two night stay in the former French colony of Puducherry (previously known as Pondicherry) including a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram which specialises in craft workshops including weaving, embroidery, batik, pottery and incense-making
A fascinating visit to the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai with its 985 carved pillars
Experience a traditional Aarti ceremony, a sacred and dramatic Hindu ritual worshipping fire
A visit to a traditional aromatic spice plantation in Periyar
A relaxing two night stay at the coastal town of Varkala. Here you can experience the north cliffs, fantastic shopping and café scene, while watching a breathtaking sunset, with warm waters lapping the sandy shores. Optional activities in Varkala include yoga retreats, Ayurvedic treatments and water sports (not included in tour price).
A sightseeing tour of the coastal trading city of Kochi, known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Highlights of the tour include the Jewish Synagogue - destroyed by the Portuguese and then rebuilt by the Dutch, Fort Kochi - said to be the oldest European settlement in India, the St Francis Church and the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) originally built by the Portuguese as a gift to the Raja of Kochi.
A full day tour of Mysore, capital of the old royal Mysore province and known as the “City of Palaces.” Highlights include the Maharajah’s Palace with exquisite carvings and artwork from all around the world, the imposing Gothic-style St Philomena’s Church, Chamundi Hill and the tiny island of Srirangapatnam in the Kaveri River, a site of Hindu pilgrimage.