HIGHLIGHTS: An in-depth journey through Southern India— worlds away from the bustling cities and desert vistas of the North. This small group journey takes in vibrant Cochin, the Kerala Backwaters and abundant wildlife.

DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGALORE
Welcome to Bangalore! Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your group for welcome drinks and a briefing. Overnight: Bangalore, The Chancery Hotel for 1 night.

DAY 2: BANGALORE – MYSORE
This morning, tour the city of Bangalore, visiting the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Parliament buildings and the Bull Temple. Travel to Mysore, stopping at Srirangapatnam to visit the fort, ancient temple and summer palace of the Tipua Sultan. Overnight: Mysore, Metropole Hotel for 2 nights. (B)

DAY 3: EXPLORE MYSORE
Journey to the temple complex at Somnathpur, renowned for its detailed and well-preserved carvings. Continue on to explore the town, including the Maharajah’s Palace and Chamundi Hill. (B)

DAY 4: MYSORE – OOTY
Depart Mysore by road and journey to Ooty, situated in the scenic Nilgiri Mountains. Travel through Mudumalai and Bandipur national parks. On arrival, visit the Botanical Gardens, famous Pleasure Lake and St. Stephen’s Church. Overnight: Ooty, Savoy Hotel for 1 night. (B)

DAY 5: OOTY – PALAKKAD
This morning, take a ride on Ooty’s toy train to Coonor. Continue on to Palakkad by road, enjoying lunch en route. Explore the surrounds this afternoon, including a walk in the weaver’s village. Spend this evening with your homestay family to learn about Keralan traditions and culture. Overnight: Palakkad, Homestay for 1 night. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: PALAKKAD – MUNNAR
Journey to Munnar today — the center of South India’s tea trade. Stop at a family owned plantation to learn about crops that characterize the region. Arrive in Munnar around sunset. Overnight: Munnar, Blackberry Hills for 2 nights. (B,L)

DAY 7: EXPLORING MUNNAR
This morning explore the surrounding tea plantations. Afterwards, journey to the beautiful Eravikulam National Park and spend the afternoon exploring by foot, spotting wildlife. (B)

DAY 8: MUNNAR – MADURAI
Travel to Madurai. Visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Meenakshi temple. This evening, enjoy the temple’s famous night ceremony. Overnight: Madurai, Hotel Sangam for 1 night. (B)

DAY 9: MADURAI – PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Travel from Madurai to Kerala. Visit a spice garden then the jungles of Periyar for a boat ride. Enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife at the water’s edge. Overnight: Thekkady, Spice Village for 1 night. (B)

DAY 10: PERIYAR NAT’L PARK –KUMARAKOM
Continue deeper into the heart of Kerala and enjoy a walking tour of a pineapple and rubber plantation. On arrival in Kumarakom, travel to your resort on Vembanad Lake. Overnight: Kumarakom, Coconut Lagoon Resort for 2 nights. (B,L)

DAY 11: EXPLORE KUMARAKOM
This morning, visit the local churches, temples and markets. Join a cooking class to learn about traditional Keralan cuisine. (B,L)

DAY 12: KUMARAKOM– KERALA BACKWATERS
Today, board a houseboat and cruise the famous backwaters of Kerala. Each cabin is fan cooled with a private ensuite. Overnight: Kerala Backwaters, Houseboat for 1 night. (B,L,D)

DAY 13: KERALA BACKWATERS – COCHIN
Wake up early to see the waterways come to life. Travel by road to Cochin, built on a series of islands, and enjoy a sunset cruise on Cochin Harbor. Overnight: Cochin, Arches Hotel for 2 nights. (B)

DAY 14: COCHIN CITY TOUR
This morning visit Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, the Dutch Palace museum and the Synagogue. Tonight, enjoy the Kathakali dance theater. (B)

DAY 15: DEPART COCHIN
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight (flight not included). (B)

Spice of the South (Tour Code: SPICES)
Price per person US$	Double	Single
Spice of the South	$4045	$5050

Not Included: International flights, international and domestic departure taxes, entrance fees of approximately $15USD, meals other than those specified, visa fees, porters, insurance, gratuities, and items of a personal nature. Visa Requirements: A valid visa is required to enter India. Please obtain your visas before arriving in India as it cannot be obtained on arrival. Note: Prices are “from” and seasonal surcharges apply. Travel insurance is mandatory.

Departs Tuesdays

2007*
Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9, Dec 30

2008
Jan 15, 29
Feb 5, 19
Mar 11, 25
Apr 8, 22
Sep 2, 16
Oct 7, 21
Nov 11, 25
Dec 2, 23

*2007 itinerary departs on Sunday and varies slightly. Ask for details.