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Day 1  Chennai          
Welcome to India! Your adventure begins in Chennai, India’s cultural heart and fourth largest city. You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Meet your fellow travellers and experienced group leader for an important 6pm welcome meeting.          

Day 2  Chennai to Pondicherry          
This morning you will leave the city behind and drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing town of Mamallapuram, home to sprawling, relaxed beaches. Later in the afternoon continue the drive to Pondicherry. A French colony until 1954, the old parts of town retain a distinctly European feel. On arrival, the rest of your evening is free to explore.          

Day 3  Pondicherry          
Today you will visit the famous Auroville, an experimental township just outside Pondicherry dedicated to the concept of human unity. Auroville is also home to the world’s largest solid crystal, which you can examine. Return to Pondicherry for a walking tour to see local temples and the charming French Quarter. Stop by the pastel pink Church of Notre Dame, perhaps even more gorgeous than its Parisian counterpart. The evening is free for further explorations.    

Day 4  Pondicherry to Madurai    
Today, continue to the city of Madurai, with plenty of chai stops along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and head out on a short orientation walk to get acquainted with one of India’s oldest cities. Once you’ve got your bearings, join your leader on a trip for the taste buds, a tantalising tour of the city’s Tamil cuisine.

Day 5  Madurai        
Continue your walking exploration of Madurai today. Your leader will guide you through the Tailor's Market, the local bazaars and the Sri Meenakshi Temple. This evening you’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tamil culture when you join a local family for a traditional home cooked dinner.    

Day 6  Madurai to Thekkady        
Make your way to the countryside town of Thekkady, driving past pineapple and rubber plantations on the way. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, perched high in the ranges of the Western Ghats. Stop off at a spice plantation where you’ll speak with a local expert and taste, smell and learn about the brilliant array of spices that colour and flavour India’s famed cuisine.  The evening is yours to enjoy in Thekkady.          

Day 7  Periyar          
This morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Your expert guide will help you look for tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants and gaur, the world's largest species of buffalo. After an exciting morning of wildlife spotting, the rest of your afternoon is free.      

Day 8  Periyar to Munnar        
This morning drive north to Munnar, an old British Hill Station cradled in a picturesque valley. At 1525 metres above sea level, there’s likely to be dramatic drop in temperature here, so have your jacket ready! On arrival, take a tour of the tea plantation, where a resident expert will guide you through the steps of the tea making process. This evening, relax at your mountain resort.  

Day 9  Munnar          
This morning, take a guided walk around the lush hills of Munnar, often shrouded in ethereal clouds. Be sure to have your camera ready as the beautiful landscape unfolds in front of you. In the afternoon, journey out to the scenic Mattupetty Dam where you’ll find a beautiful man-made lake and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. After some time to appreciate the stunning scenery, return to Munnar for an evening at leisure.        

Day 10  Munnar to Alleppey        
Drive to the backwaters of Kerala this morning and discover Alleppey’s sleepy, palm-shaded waterways. Today these traditional vessels have been transformed into magnificent houseboats, offering guests the incredible opportunity to explore the lagoons in total comfort, as you will during your feature stay for the evening.  

Day 11  Alleppey to Kochi      
Enjoy a peaceful morning at the Kerala waters before driving to Kochi in the afternoon. Cochin, as it was formerly known, is spread over several islands and is a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. Join your leader on an orientation walk to learn how these influences manifest in the city’s architecture, restaurants and daily life. In the afternoon, take some time out to enjoy the city. Tonight you’ll have the special opportunity to watch a Kathakali dance performance.            

Day 12  Kochi          
Today you will explore the antique shops and spice bazaars of Kochi, your leader will show you how to haggle with the best of them. Visit the delightful Fort Kochi area and stop by the famous Chinese fishing nets. In the early evening you will meet with an ayurvedic doctor, a practitioner who uses ancient holistic techniques to promote a balance of body and  
mind, resulting in overall health and wellbeing. Also, take part in a cooking demonstration for your final nights stay.      

Day 13 Kochi        
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.