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14 Days
Culture and Overland Tours
Oct – Mar
“Ancients culture heritage and tradition, Nature, ideal beaches, yoga and Ayurveda”
Tour to South India to explore the both states “Tamil Nadu and Kerala” are remnants of the golden age. During your trip you will discover ancient Dravidian culture where one of the oldest language of the world Tamil is spoken, the temples from the era of Cholas Dynasty (of Mahabalipuram, Tanjaver and Madurai) are not only worship places but are the architectural marvels. Pondichery with Auroville is another attraction founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo including the remains of French colonial era are much preserved.
Traverse the Western Ghats, the gate way to Kerala also known as “The God own country” is blessed by lush nature beauty. Visit the spice gardens and immensely expanded tea slopes, the Ghat is also the home to some of rare species of wildlife and varieties of flora. You will sail through smoothness of cruise in back-water canals fringed by coconut groves and dotted by scattered households and villages. Arrive Cochin, one of the important city on ancients spice route of Malabar Coast, a former Portuguese colony where past is still present.
South India is known for its diverse culture, religions and traditions, colorful festivals, for classical dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam which has deep cultural and spiritual significance. Its unique culinary tradition is the integral part of local life style and Ayurveda is their way of life. One out of major attractions is to walk through the vibrant colorful markets filled by objects of art and crafts, where local sells their vegetable, flowers and much more.
In spite of modern life evolution ancient’s traditions co-exist harmoniously and continue to pass on their rich heritage to the future generation.
The tour end up by visiting the Kanyakumari, the southern tips of India where Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea merge in to Indian Ocean where one can witness the incredible sunset view.
You will enjoy relaxing and strolling on the white sandy beach by your own rhythm. Since South India has rich traditional heritage of Yoga and Ayurveda massage, as an option one can opt to integrate these activities to rejuvenate yourselves before heading back to your home country.
| Dates | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No fixed departure dates available yet. | |||
Air-conditioned transport by car or mini bus
Hotel in double or twin sharing room with breakfast.
One night on board of house boat (floating house with all meals)
Meals â Breakfast and dinner
Guide as per choice (English speaking or language spoken depend on availability)
International and local flights.
Visa fees
Entrance fees to visit the monuments, the national parks and that of the camera and Cameo-scopeÂ
Travel insurance
Tips
The guide (in option)
Meals âÂÂLunch not include
Boat trip fee on Lake Periyar (if allowed)
Beverage (including table water)
Kathakkali Dance Show or any recreational activities)
Costs incurred by unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, baggage loss, accident, illness and repatriation etc.
Ayurvedic massage and treatment
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 16.5 | Severely Underweight |
| 16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 25 | Normal |
| 25 - 30 | Overweight |
Itinerary / hotels are sub to change in case of strike, civil war threatens, you may be will lose expected places you have prepared for but will explore unexpected and for sure will not disappointed.
In case of Vehicle break down another mode of transport will be managed at the earliest possible, In that case you are requested to keep patience. And co-operate with the situation.
The Company cannot be made liable for the consequences of weather condition, flight cancellations, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance. The company reserves the right to use alternate transport, or vary the itinerary if breakdown, sickness or any other force major. Any additional that result, such as extra hotel accommodation, flight or road transport will be on your charge and must be paid directly at the spot.
Please understand, there are certain hazards involved in your culture holidays which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any illness major or minor injury, death sustained during neither the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property and other losses during the trip.
It is strongly advised that clients take out insurance to cover the unexpected and cancellation charges:
Road in this south India are in good condition except some stretches may be less wide in certain hill area of Ghats.
Accommodation is based on 3 star category of hotels and one night is to experience the floating house boat while on back water cruise. Relish the savor of south Indian delicacies. Cooked in Coconut oil and freshly harvested spices. Masala Dhosa, Iddlies and south Indian Thali are the specialties of Kerala- Tamilnadu even the whole Tamul communities.
South Indian breakfast is salty, one should not hesitate to try once during your trip. Main course of meals is included or not is subject to your choice or package price.
Main meals are not included, however you will be spoiled for choice among a wide variety of dishes. Our guide will help you to select the restaurant that best suits to your budget and tastes. On average, a mid-range meal will cost you between 6 to12 USD (or Euros) in a mid-range restaurant. We strongly advise you to avoid the deep-fried street food, even if these dishes may appear appetizing. Already peeled fruits should avoid as well.
5-1: Bottle water is not included in the price; mineral water is available everywhere throughout the trip. The guide will take care of purchasing it for you during the journey. Please note that you will be not allowed to use your water bottled bought from outside of hotel premises, you will be advised to consume from hotel itself
Sub. to the number of persons in group, for 2 persons + guide Dezir or Sedan, 3-4persons + guide Toyota Innova, 5 persons and above Tempo travelers or mini bus. All vehicle will be with air condition facilities.
Take a flexible travel bag type of duffle bag or suite case (medium size). You will pack this bag with the things you don’t need during the day. While traveling the baggage will be loaded on the roof or in the back of the vehicles, hence the day use essential should be packed in day sac or day bag.
While flying airline is the responsible of your bag, if any dispute occur related to your baggage should be directly solved between you and airline.
During the tour luggage will be transported by car, Minibus, buses subject to the group size, Yours bags should strong enough solid to adopt such mode of transport , Himalayan Frontiers will not be responsible for any damage happen during the trip. During the trip you will be responsible of your own baggage.
You will be guided by a professional English speaking guide, Language guide can be provided by paying extra charges (sub. to availability). Drivers and guide will be there to assist you at their best. They are chosen for their knowledge of local culture and ability to communicate with foreign clients.
This is mandatory for all clients travelling on any tour/ trek / expedition or independent itinerary arranged by us. You are responsible for obtaining adequate insurance covering expenses of unexpected / unforeseen circumstances as mentioned in liability paragraph, such loss or damage of baggage, medical expenses, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance, helicopter (air or ground) rescue, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment of the itinerary.
There is a tradition of tipping in India but it’s not mandatory, you may not leave a tip if you don't want to or are not satisfied by the services of your service provider, infect it’s a gratitude to your service provider. In other hand much of field team members are hired for Particular seasonal and short lasting period, tipping is a bonus to the local team which add into their seasonal economy and plays major role in carrier of all the assisting teams that includes drivers and hotel staff, Tipping became a tradition hence is very difficult to deviate from the system.
Preparation of relief of sun burn, Lip salve, Anti septic cream, Antihistamine cream (for relief of insect bites), Anti diarrhoea (flagyl or any other), Anti headache (aspirin, paracitamol, zimalgin), Anti vomiting (avomin), For stomach-ache (Baralgan, trigan or other diagnose) Dettol, wash proof Dettol plaster, Bandage and cotton, Balm, Anti cramp spray, Scissor and knife are must in the medical kit. According to your physical condition, you are requested to consult your doctor to complete your medical kit.
India is ranked in zone 2 on the risks scale (maximum of 3) above all during the Monsoon (from June to September). To travel in zone 2 requests an anti-paludal treatment, which will be a part of the topics to consult with your doctor before your departure. Kindly take into account that all the mosquitos are not vectors and sting only during the night, And think to bring a mosquito repellent.
No vaccine is mandatory. However, you have to be up-to-date for classical vaccines. The typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are strongly advised. Hepatitis A passes on water and hepatitis B transmits by sexual relations or saliva.
Vaccine against Japanese encephalitis is recommended if you travel in rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
Vaccine against yellow fever in only obligatory if you have travelled before in some countries of Africa and South America.
During the journey, you will visit some temples, (religious or spiritual sites) where daily rituals are performed by morning or in the evening. If it happen to witness such events, you are requested to maintain silence, strictly adhere the rules and regulations of premises. Such visit or participation if happened to attend is subject to the permission from the priests from authority, you may be permitted to join or not, If yes than be sure to attend silently.
Due to mild temperature, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. For protection against freshness (in months of December – January) in morning and evening a layered clothing is better than a few thick ones, so choose your cloths accordingly. Cloths should be preferable be made from natural materials which allow the body to breath better. You will be offending people if you walk around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. Although there are normally opportunities to wear shorts, it is strictly forbidden to be with short in any religious places as monasteries and temples. We would advise women to wear shirts or loose trousers, men should not wear singlet.
While travelling during winter season morning and evening are fresh (in months of December – January) hence required light Pull over, Raincoat ( occasionally required ) light polar, light clothing, Sun hat, short and long sleeves Shirts , Loose trousers , at least one pair of worm trouser or jean paint, ( wearing short is not allowed at holy spot ), swimming suite, a pair of sport shoes, sandal, few pairs of socks, Sunglasses / Spare glasses or contact lenses, toilet kit, a small sewing kit, Safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, Camera with spare cards and batteries, battery Charger, day sac, personal medical kit as per your medical advisor. Anti-mosquitos spray. fanny pack to keep safely your important doc as passport, insurance paper, credit cards, money , Multifunctional knife, lighters, wooden pencils and pen, string of 4-55 meters to dry the clothing or other purpose, English – Hindi dictionary and a note book.
Many metropolitan cities is India are not that much conservative, but still in certain part of cities and in rural it is better to dress conservatively, One should not try to attract attention towards themselves due to their dressing style, while entering to religious site one should take off shoes, don’t dress short and half sleeves and are required to cover the head. Mobile are required to be in silent mode, hugging and kissing will shock the people hence restricted in public, To be respected, respect always local culture..
When visiting the public or religious sites, please ensure that you will respect local rules, customs, and cultural norms. Avoid causing offense to the local population by entering temples or sacred places with shoes, dressing tight-fitting or overly revealing attire. If you expect to be respected one has to give first than expecting.
There will be connectivity of foreign mobile phone only if you will activate the roaming services before leaving your home country. At most, of the places you will find WIFI in hotels, you can use your WhatsApp where Wi-fi facilities are available.
Use of any general satellite phones (Thuraya / Irridium or any others) is strictly prohibited / forbidden in India, It is illegal and is an offence.
Second: Some new devices of mobile phone such as I phone which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS through satellite like (type of Garmin in Reach) when you are out of reach to the cell tower or line ,off sight radio communication. Such mobile phone / I phone which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS through satellite, we request to deactivate such services from your devices before leaving your home country and do not activate it till you reach back home.
Any individual found to be in possession of an unauthorized satellite phone in India or found using such services which are forbidden by law, he / she will be liable to prosecute or can be imprisoned without any bail by Indian law and enforcement agencies.
We, The Himalayan Frontiers as your DMC will have no role and no right to intervene between the persons found guilty and the competitive authority. Matter will be directly under the supervision of the competitive authority of India.
Throughout the trip electricity will be available at every town / places but power cut can be noticed which is refilled by generators. You may need to recharge your mobile battery during the day as in vehicle there are limited distributors, to facilitate the recharging the battery we recommend you to bring a high-capacity portable power bank to charge your mobile phones or camera battery if it happen to face such situation.
The voltage is 220V, and the outlets are almost the same as in Europe. In some locations, the power outlets feature wide sockets, so we advise you to bring an adapter.
Before any administrative procedures, please check that your passport is valid for more than 6 months after the date of return, be sure it has minimum 3 blank pages left in good condition.
To visit India you need Indian visa, E visa or ETV Visa is applied online and is more convenient and faster to obtain than classical visa, for classic visa you need to take appointment at VFS or send the documents by post which take more time than ETV. ETV can be obtain from one month to one year with options of multi entry. Following are the official website to apply the ETV:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
To apply for visa you will complete online visa application (form), upload the copy of passport that you are travelling with, Identity photo of particular size required of Indians standards -JPEG format, visa fee must be paid online by credit card. Once uploading of required documents is complete, you will get mail back with document of granted visa within 48 hours or earlier. Once Visa granted mail received, you must print it and present it with your plane tickets when boarding and on arrival at the Indian immigration service.
Those who wish to extend their tour to any destination in India or neighboring country as of Nepal, Bhutan and to Srilanka, Please contact us in advance, such arrangement should be done prior to your arrival in respective destination.
Clients arriving in India earlier than scheduled or departing after the planned program will incur additional days or nights beyond the original itinerary. In such cases, surcharges will apply for the extra days/nights, calculated based on the rates of the hotel to be used in the respective city. Please note that check-in and check-out times are subject to the hotel's specific policies; for instance, standard times such as check-in at 12:00 PM and check-out at 12:00 PM, or check-in at 2:00 PM, etc., may apply.
Generally hot and humid. Hence the best time to traveling south India is from autumn to beginning of spring.
Winter Temperature Max : 28° C, Minimum: 18° C
Summer temperature Max: 38° C, Minimum : 32° C ( Monsoon period )
Exchange rate is vary from time to time, you need to check the latest forex table.
Facilities to get exchange of foreign currency is available on arrival at airport in Delhi However in every cities and in most of the hotels, private money exchanger in cities and in bank such facilities are available and you can withdraw from the ATM as well. There are certain shop where you can pay by credit card those wish to buy the souvenir.
Those who cancel their trip, following the terms and conditions norms as per the time period we will refund the advance or full payment made to book the trip by deducting the applicable taxes as of GST, bank charges, file charges and other applicable taxes and charges. For foreign client’s differences of currency buying has to be borne as per the present exchange rates.
For foreign nation participants additional charges will be add on to buy the foreign currency, (hence buying the currency charges has to be borne by clients) bank transfer (wire transfer) charges and other administrative paperwork to be completed which is quite long exhausted process, we request you to understand and co-operate with. We will do our best possible to deal such cases respecting the present circumstances.
Clients has to bare the 3.8% of bank charges on total amount those wish to pay by credit cards. Therefore please add 3.8% on the total amount of the tours/Treks. In other hand those who wish to pay your payment of tour/trek by bank transfer, the bank transfer charges will be borne by you, for more detail please consult your local bank where you hold your bank account.
Pre-travel conditioning is very desirable, as more you are prepared the more you enjoy the trips. For all the cultural tours minimum physically fitness is required. One has to in good health and able to resist while long drive even road in south India are very much better, While visiting the monuments you will be walking in and outside of the premises of monuments , in tea / spice garden which may cause fatigue to certain persons therefore pre-travel conditioning is important
The environment is fragile and it is our special concern and endeavor to protect and preserve the existing ecology. We are also sensitive to local cultures and traditions and make special efforts to sensitize all our clients on this matter.
As an option one can opt to integrate these activities to rejuvenate yourselves before heading back to your home country.