1 November 2016 to 19 November 2016
Gourmet Explorer India Enjoy a South Indian Gourmet Food Adventure from Chennai to Kovalam.
India – home to some of the most diverse and incredible cuisine, sights, smells and history – is begging to be explored by the daring and eager. Discover tastes like never before with spicy street food, decadent restaurant banquets, and a home-cooked meal with a local farmer on his spice plantation. Only $4,080.00 per person departing Adelaide. Flights included from Adelaide
Days 2-3 / Wednesday 2 - Thursday 3 November 2016
You will continue on your journey to reach the united territories of Pondicherry. This region is distinctively French. It is charming and romantic, replete with a Hotel de Ville, French consulate and a police force dressed in traditional red kepis hats and belts. Pondicherry also houses the famous Sri Aurobind Ashram. It was founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926, and has become one of the most popular ashrams for tourists and ex-pats alike. It is also one of the most affluent in India. Pondicherry is a duty free zone, reputed for its quality leather and hand crafted paper products, you will notice the French influence of the area extends to the European feel of the shopping. You will wander through the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and also explore some local temples and the old French quarter.
Chennai
Accommodation: Hotel Atithi or similar
Today is free for you to explore Chennai.
Meals included: breakfast & dinner
Day 1 / Tuesday 1 November 2016 Depart Adelaide at 10.25am with Singapore Airlines, via Singapore, to arrive into Chennai at 10.00pm. Upon arrival to Chennai you will be collected at the airport by a Peregrine representative for your hotel transfer. Accommodation: My Fortune Hotel or similar
Chennai, formerly Madras, is the fourth largest city in India. It was the first major settlement of the East India Company in 1639. While it is exceptionally hot, and forever abuzz with activity and noise, Chennai is comparatively orderly; by Indian standards, it is considered to be quite efficient. The Government Museum is an excellent place to develop an understanding of the history of the city. Simply wandering the streets, exploring the lively local markets and beautiful temples is another lovely way to wile away the day.
Included Activities: Auroville, Walking tour and Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Cooking class
Day 6-8 / Sunday 6 - Tuesday 8 November 2016 Madurai
Day 4 / Friday 4 November 2016
Today you will take an afternoon train to Madurai. This six-hour journey will be in air-conditioned comfort, with western toilets available to ensure your trip is enjoyable. Fascinating ancient temples and heritage sites punctuate Madurai’s landscape, with the city’s recorded history dating back to the 3rd century BC. You will wander the tailors markets and bazaars before visiting the Sri Meenakshi Temple, which lies at the heart of the city. Still active today, this ancient temple is a maze of lamplit corridors. The corridors lead to shrines where mysterious rituals take place. A visit to the National Gandhi Museum will expose you to the life and achievements of the 'Father of the Nation'; a wonderful chance to learn about the remarkable man behind India's fight for independence.
Mamallapuram
Accommodation: Germanus Hotel or similar (3 nights)
From Chennai, you will escape the busy city and head for the sprawling, laidback beaches of Mamallapuram. You will drive along the scenic East Coast Road for two hours to reach this scenic fishing village. You might like to visit the Shore Temple, or see the abundant mandapams (carved pillars in front of temples). You can also watch stone carvers, see the fishing fleet, or just unwind and absorb the atmosphere of the town from a beachside restaurant.
Meals included: 3 x breakfast, 1 x lunch, 1 x dinner
In the evening of Day 2 you will meet your tour leader at 6 pm for a tour briefing. Accommodation: My Fortune Hotel or similar (2 nights) Meals included: 1 x breakfast, 1 x dinner Included Activities: Kapileshwar Temple, Government Museum
Accommodation: Grand Bay or similar Meals included: breakfast & lunch Included Activities: Shore Temple, Home cooked lunch at a fisherman’s house
Day 5 / Saturday 5 November 2016 Pondicherry You will drive on to Pondicherry today, briefly stopping at Auroville to experience an incredible experiment in international living (driving time: approx. 3 hours). Auroville is home to 1,500 residents across 80 rural settlements. Half of the population are foreign nationals, and the purpose of the settlement is human unity. Auroville is also known for housing the world’s largest solid crystal.
Included Activities: Walking tour, Sri Meenakshi Temple, Gandhi Museum, Chettinad cooking demonstration, Street food tour Day 9-10 / Wednesday 9 - Thursday 10 November 2016 Periyar Today you will drive to Thekkady, passing flourishing rubber and pineapple plantations (approximately 4 hours). Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park (Periyar Tiger Reserve), which is perched high in the ranges of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary surrounds a beautiful lake. The lake formed as result of a dam that was built in 1895. It ambles through the contours of the wooded hills, and is a permanent source of water for local wildlife. A guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary will offer you the chance to experience the wilderness and maybe glimpse some wildlife. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, but if luck is on your side you may see some Indian elephants or gaur - the world's largest species of buffalo. You are more likely to see Bonnet macaques who are often found near the entrance to the reserve, or the Malabar giant squirrel, a species native to India. Next, you will be taken on a tour of a local spice plantation before sitting down to a delicious meal prepared by the owner’s family.
In your free time, you can enjoy an ayurvedic massage or attend an exciting demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalaripayattu) at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre. Accommodation: Ranger Wood Hotel or similar (2 nights) Meals included: 2 x breakfast, 1 x dinner Included Activities: Spice farm tour & dinner, National Park Green Walk
Day 11-12 / Friday 11 - Saturday 12 November 2016 Munnar You will be driven to Munnar today (approximately 4 hours). Munnar is an old British hill station that is cradled in a picturesque valley. Sitting higher up at 1525 metres (4575 feet) you will notice a dramatic drop in temperature here, so be sure to pack appropriate clothing to accommodate this. You will visit a nearby tea garden, where you can bask in the luscious, green surrounds, and if the erratic scheduling of the museum allows, you will visit the tea museum. Next you will journey out to Mattupetti Dam, a town known for its Indo-Swiss livestock project. It is situated 13 kilometers from Munnar and sits 1700 meters above sea level. Accommodation: Deshadan Mountain Resort or similar (2 nights) Meals included: 2 x breakfast Included Activities: Mattupati Dam, Tea Musuem, Town Walk
Day 13-14 / Sunday 13 - Monday 14 November 2016 Kochi After your stay in the hills, you drive on to Kochi (approximately 5 hours). Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is spread over several islands, and is known for its melting pot of influences, from Chinese and Portuguese to Dutch and English. The ferry network is the best way to explore the area. You will explore the wonderful antique shops and spice bazaars, as well the sights of Fort Cochin such as the Chinese fishing nets. You will also visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and later claimed by the Dutch in 1663. The Dutch improved upon the existing palace before presenting it to the rajas of Cochin. In the Mattancherry area, you also visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest existing Jewish synagogue in India, built in 1568. Next up, there is time for an optional excursion to Vypeen Island, it is one of the group of islands that collectively forms Kochi. In the early evening you will also have the opportunity to witness a Kathakali dance performance, a classical, powerful, and dramatic dance style that combines symbolic storytelling with physical virtuosity. It is one of the most vibrant and extraordinary theatre forms in the world, and requires incredible commitment and rigorous training physically, as well as incredible emotional sensitivity to properly express the nuances of expression required. Accommodation: Grand Hotel or similar (2 nights) Meals included: 2 x breakfast, 1 x dinner Included Activities: Fort Kochi sightseeing, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Kathakali performance, cooking class
Day 15 / Tuesday 15 November 2016 Alleppey From the sanctuary, you will drive to the backwaters of Kerala (approximately 3 hours). Discover Kerala’s beloved hidden treasure in Alleppey’s sleepy, palm-shaded backwaters. Previously a significant trading port, Alleppey is now famed for its snake boat races (in August). It is the most common starting point for most journeys through the backwaters, and hosts a music festival in December each year. Tonight you sleep on a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat), these floating cottages have western toilets, private bedrooms, dining area and sundeck. Accommodation: Pikadly Houseboat or similar Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 16-17 / Wednesday 16 - Thursday 17 November 2016 Kovalam A morning drive takes you to Kovalam via the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Kovalam used to be quiet coastal village known only for its export of fresh fish and coconuts. It was discovered 30 years ago and was transformed from obscurity to one of the most popular beaches in India. You will visit one of the most ancient temples in south India, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The majority of its devotees are women and as a result it is often described as 'Sabarimala of the Women'. Accommodation: Sagara Beach Resort or similar (1 night) Meals included: 1 x breakfast
Day 17 / Thursday 17 November 2016 On your last day in Kovalam you will be transferred to the Trivandrum Airport for your flight home. Depart Trivandrum at 10.45pm with Singapore Airlines and arrive into Singapore at 5.45am on 18 November.
Day 18/ Friday 18 November 2016 Upon arrival in Singapore you will be transferred to your city hotel allowing you free time to rest or explore the city before returning to the airport in the late afternoon. Depart Singapore at 11.30pm with Singapore Airlines and arrive Adelaide at 9.00am on 19 November. Accommodation: Furama City Centre or similar
Day 19/ Saturday 19 November 2016 Welcome Home!
Gourmet India Tour 19 days departing Adelaide 1 November 2016, Chennai to Kovalam, only $4,080.00 per person Though every effort will be made to fulfil commitments as per the brochure and itineraries Peregrine Travel Centre undertakes no liability should circumstances beyond its control prevent such undertaking being possible. Peregrine Travel Centre reserves the right to change the itinerary, dates, prices, inclusions, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. It will not be liable to refund passengers for any reason whatsoever including failure to reach expectations, inability to participate in other activities or inclusions. By booking a tour the passenger acknowledges and agrees that though every effort will be made to ensure your personal well-being , Peregrine Travel Centre accepts no liability for any additional charges, including transport, meals or accommodation costs, incurred as a result of fault, misdemeanour or third party failures, the non-provision of services, strikes, cancellations, delays, illness or accident. Peregrine Travel Centre expressly renounces all claims should you incur additional expense as a direct or indirect consequence of the tours, foods or beverages or transport or any ancillary service provided throughout the tour. Though all practical assistance will be given, no responsibility is assumed or undertaken by Peregrine Travel Centre for loss of money, credit cards, traveller’s cheques, baggage or personal belongings. Peregrine Travel Centre collects personal information which may be forwarded to 3rd party suppliers i.e. airlines/wholesalers/tour operators to assist in the fulfilment of your travel plans. Your personal information is not on sold or divulged to any other organisations. No details of your travel arrangements will be released to anyone unless advised to us prior to travel. *Tour price is per person, twin share and based on 10 people travelling. A $200 fee for the India Visa Application is also payable upon booking. Price subject to availability, exchange rate and currency surcharges. Not included in the price: Items of a personal nature – meals & drinks not listed in itinerary, gratuities, souvenirs, insurance and local taxes. Single Supplement price $985.00. Please contact Peregrine Travel Centre for help with booking alternative airfares. Further conditions apply. TOUR CANCELLATION Cancellations must be in writing. The following scale will apply: Deposit - non-refundable After final payment, 100% cancellation fee applies. PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 per person is payable on booking. An interim payment of $1,500.00 will be required to cover airfare costs— this payment date will be confirmed after booking. The final balance of the monies will be due 12 August 2016. Peregrine Travel Centre reserves the right to amend the tour cost if the exchange rate alters significantly and if the minimum number of participants are not reached. - Cash, personal or bank cheque, direct deposit or electronic funds transfer to our bank account Bank:
Westpac Bank
BSB:
035006
Account No:
150990
Account Name: Peregrine Travel Trust Account REF:
“SURNAME—Gourmet India”
- Credit card; (service fees apply as follows: 1% Visa/Mastercard, 3% Diners/Amex) PLEASE NOTE: Electronic Funds Transfer Payments usually take 24 to 48 hours to appear in our bank account. Please allow for this when timing your payments for a due date or airline ticketing deadline. We cannot pay tour operators or airlines until funds have appeared in our account. This may affect your quoted price if payment deadlines are missed. Receipts will be sent to you on the day when funds appear in our account.
Peregrine Travel Centre Adelaide P: 08 8223 5905 E: adventures@peregrinetravel.com.au 1/192 Rundle Street , Adelaide SA 5000 www.peregrinetraveladelaide.com.au