The Pride Hotel, Chennai

216 E V R Periyar Salai,

Poonamallee High Road,

Kilpauk,

Chennai 600 010

Tel: +91 44 43989898

Fax: +91 44 43989888

Southern India is renowned for its tranquil backwaters, tropical beaches, rich history and fascinating culture. We cruise by houseboat on the Malabar Backwaters - a network of waterways, to discover how the communities of the region live, and visit thriving and colourful temple complexes, before relaxing on the beaches of Kovalam. From Chennai we drive to the French colonial town of Pondicherry, with a visit to the Ashram at Auroville. We explore the temples and palaces of Tanjore, Trichy and Madurai, including Trichy’s Rock Fort Temple. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to wild elephants, bison, spotted deer and the elusive tiger. Kumarakom lies in the heart of the Backwater Country, and is famous for its beautiful canals, backwaters and lagoons. We cruise to Alleppey on a traditional Kerala rice boat, staying overnight on board. As we watch local life sail by and experience the fascinating world of rice boats, we sample the delicious South Indian cuisine. Then on to Kovalam with its tropical beaches, and coconut palms, before ending our tour in Kochi, with its Portuguese influence, and unique Chinese Fishing Nets.

Chennai to Pondicherry. This morning we depart Chennai for a days drive to Pondicherry. 

We begin our sightseeing in Chennai with a visit to the Mylapore Kapaleeswara Temple, and from here we continue towards the town of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram. Fifty-eight kilometres from Chennai on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny seaside village is set in a boulder-strewn landscape. People are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture, here, is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to-day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses. 

Mahabalipuram art can be divided into four categories: open air bas - relief, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas ('chariots' carved from single boulders, to resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions). The famous Bhagirathas penance, also known as Arjuna’s penance, and the Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple, a world heritage monument, towers over the waves behind a protective breakwater.

We also make a visit to the Mandapams, or the 10 Cave Temples. They are very distinctive architecturally and show a progression in the Dravidian temple style. They were influenced by the Buddhist architecture in resembling the monastery. 

Later we continue our drive to the French colonial town of Pondicherry, and in the afternoon we visit the Ashram at Auroville.

Trichy to Madurai.  After breakfast we visit the Rock Fort Temple, which stands on an 84 m high rock in the centre of the town. In the eighteenth century the British fought and defeated the French at Trichy for possession of the fort. Cave-shrines and temples are built on the rock - look out for the Hall of a Thousand Pillars and the shrine of Shiva. At the top we can relax and enjoy the panoramic views of Trichy.

Our next stop is the enormous Ranganathswamy Temple, also known as Srinrangam Temple, 3kms north of the Rock Fort Temple. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple was known as a theological seat of learning as far back as the 11th century and as a sacred site it dates back two thousand years. As it is today, the temple comprises of a series of walled courts with 21 towers – the tallest of which reaches up 72 meters. It is a busy place with street sellers offering sweets, garlands and holy images to worshippers and tourists alike. If you have binoculars, take them with you and climb one of the terraces for a fine view of the inner courtyards and religious centre of the temple.

Then we drive on to Madurai, which is one of Southern India’s oldest cities. It is home to much of Tamil culture, and today it is also a thriving university city. Madurai is famed for its tailors. If you fancy some custom made clothes, the tailors can run them up and deliver them to your hotel overnight, or, if you order early enough, at the end of the day.

Madurai to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After breakfast we continue our journey into the state of Kerala to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkaddy. The journey takes us through wonderful countryside past tea and coffee plantations, which are crucial to the region’s economy. 

The afternoon is free for walking around the spice plantation gardens. Dinner is included.

Kerala Backwaters Cruise - Alleppey. The Backwaters are made up of lagoons, lakes and estuaries. Our Houseboat cruises from Kumarakom to Alleppey. This has to be a major highlight of your trip to Kerala. As you travel through the backwaters you will pass spice and jute plantations, mangroves, coconut palms and rice paddys. You will be able to see how people live there. There are fishermen working their dipping nets or throwing hand-nets out into the waters for a catch. The lagoons are dotted with islands and islands villages where women come down to the water’s edge to wash shrimp. We will pass children on their way to school in this peaceful place and fishermen passing by in their traditional vallams or local boats.

On arrival into Alleppey, we check into our hotel, and the remainder of the day is free. Alleppey was once described as the "Venice of the East" due to its beautiful canals. There is a beach at Alleppey which you may like to visit.

Kochi (Cochin). Our tour ends after breakfast at the hotel.

Some international flights leave from Cochin; alternatively flights are available back to Chennai or Mumbai to link with international flights to your onward destination.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler.

You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx  for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

India: All nationalities require a visa to enter India. There is invariably a charge for this Visa. Regulations and costs change frequently and differ according to nationally. For the latest information on your specific visa requirements you should contact the local Indian Embassy or Consulate. Visas are usually valid for either 3 months from the date of entry to India or 6 months from the date of Issue and are generally valid for multiple entry.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.   

Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!Due to its size and varied topography, India experiences great extremes of climate.

Most of India has three seasons:

Cool – October to April (north India), November to March (south India) The most pleasant time to travel IN Sub Himalayan India. Generally warm clear sunny days and cool nights.

Hot – April to June Hot and Humid by days and night.

Wet - July to September (north India) July to October (south India) Humid and Wet

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs.  Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site.

Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available.

Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

One of the great myths about travelling in India is that the food is poor. We are delighted to inform you that on our trips this is definitely not the case. Indeed many people find the delicious food to be one of the highlights of a visit to India. Another myth is that Indian food is always hot. In fact North India food, whilst often very rich in flavour, usually does not contain very many spices. These are found more in Southern Indian food. South Indian food is also predominately vegetarian whereas North Indian food is more often based around meat, although there are always vegetarian options available even here. A further surprise is that many of the dishes familiar to you from Indian restaurants at home cannot be found in India (there is no such thing as a Madras) as they have been created to cater to foreign tastes. Finally there is no such thing as curry. This term is rarely, if ever, used in India as each dish is made with different individual spices. As these have to be mixed specifically for each order you should expect to have to wait at least 30 minutes for a-la-carte food orders in India.

In major cities there will usually be a number of excellent restaurants available serving a wide variety of dishes to order. In more remote places hotels often prepare an evening buffet, again with a wide range of food, much of it vegetarian.

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for, however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different areas. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.

Pre-booked transfers - If you have booked an arrival transfer, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with your name or Kumuka once you have cleared Customs and Immigration.

Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival and are therefore making your own way to the Meeting Point it is best upon arrival at to take a metered taxi. Drivers may want to negotiate a price before leaving the airport. Do not agree to this, insist that they switch on the meters and pay the amount that it displays when you arrive at your destination.

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.

Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com