Soul of India: the Colorful South 2019 18-Day Small Group Adventure
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Overseas SM Adventure Travel Since 1978 Soul of India: The Colorful South 2019 18-Day Small Group Adventure EXTEND YOUR TRIP PRE-TRIP Sri Lanka: The Resplendent Island POST-TRIPS New! Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jodhpur & Desert Retreat OR Dubai’s Timeless Desert & Modern Wonders Your Day-to-Day Itinerary OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL Overseas Adventure Travel, founded in 1978, is America’s leading adventure travel company. The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and others have recommended O.A.T. trips. But our most impressive reviews come from our customers: Thousands of travelers have joined our trips, and 95% of them say they’d gladly travel with us again, and recommend us to their friends. A WORD ABOUT ADVENTURE TRAVEL Our Soul of India trip is designed for people who want a different kind of travel experience. We seek out unusual adventures in out-of-the-way places where ordinary tours don’t go. India is a developing country, and the overall quality of travel services is not what you would find in the United States or Europe. To enjoy this trip, you need an open curiosity, an adventurous spirit, and a healthy sense of humor about the unpredictable nature of travel in India—flexibility is important. And of course, India is a populous nation without the smooth infrastructure you’re familiar with. You can expect dusty and bumpy roads, long drives, streets teeming with vendors and supplicants, unfamiliar (and spicy) foods, uncertain weather, and primitive public toilet conditions. Also, remember that coaches in India are locally built. Though comfortable, they cannot be compared to those from Europe or other developed nations. Part of the adventure of travel in India is the distinct possibility that things may change—which may make it impossible for us to follow this trip itinerary exactly. When we are confronted with changing circumstances, this plan is the one we strive to follow. However, it’s important for you to know in advance that we may not be able to follow this plan exactly; the sequence of places visited may vary. To best enjoy this trip, bring an open curiosity, an adventurous spirit and a willingness to adapt and make the best of every situation. After all, that is the definition of adventure. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » International airfare, airport transfers, » 8 small group activities government taxes, fees, and airline fuel » Explore in a small group of 8-16 travelers surcharges unless you choose to make (average group size of 14) your own air arrangements » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Leader » All land transportation » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » Accommodations for 16 nights, including luggage porters two nights aboard a houseboat in Kerala » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your » 34 meals—daily breakfast, 9 next adventure—an average of $329 lunches, and 10 dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner) WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE PACING TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION » 7 locations in 17 days » Travel over some rugged paths, as well as bumpy, unpaved, dusty roads, both by bus » We make 4 long overland drives of and on foot approximately 3-5.5 hours each » Travel via bus (no heat or toilet on board), PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS rickshaw, Jeep, and game-viewing vehicle; » Not appropriate for travelers using our vehicles are locally made and are the wheelchairs or other mobility aids best available in the region » Must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted FLIGHT INFORMATION each day and participate in 3-5 hours of » Travel time will be 21-31 hours daily physical activities, including scaling several steep steps without handrails ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES » We reserve the right for Trip Leaders » All accommodations are hotel-standard, to restrict participation, or in some with a variety of amenities, as well as circumstances send travelers home, if their private baths with basic Western-style limitations impact the group’s experience toilet facilities » Houseboat accommodations are small and CLIMATE basic, but comfortable, with private baths » Daytime temperatures range from 90-100°F » Asian squat-style toilets must be used in some villages without other facilities » South India has a tropical climate; the rainy season occurs from June to October Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 CUISINE » Meals will be based on the local cuisine, which features Indian spices; mild Western-style food is limited but available » A variety of vegetarian options will be available CULTURAL INSIGHT » We may see people living in poverty, which could be distressing for some travelers Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 Soul of India: The Colorful South 2019 Brimming with natural splendor and cultural diversity, South India is a mystical land of rock-hewn temples, palm-fringed shores, and fragrant spices. Fall under the spell of this captivating region as you journey in a small group from multicultural Chennai to the enchanting backwaters of Kerala, stopping to meet with locals in a rural village and enter the home of a family in Trichy to share a meal and gain a deeper insight into South India’s distinctive culture. And your knowledgeable Trip Leader will be on hand every step of the way to help you unveil the architectural wonders of Mahabalipuram, discover the historic Meenakshi temple of Madurai, and explore the lush jungles of Periyar. With its endless exoticism, indescribable colors, and enchanting magic, we welcome you to discover the other side of India. EXTEND YOUR TRIP Sri Lanka: The Resplendent Island 9 NIGHTS PRE-TRIP Sri Lanka is home to many landscapes, each more exotic than the next. This tear-shaped island’s natural bounty is a cornucopia, from tea fields to coconut plantations. Discover the land that inspired Mark Twain to exclaim: “Dear me, it is beautiful. And most sumptuously tropical.” New! Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jodhpur & Desert Retreat 7 NIGHTS POST-TRIP Nestled among the fairytale landscapes and sweeping desert vistas of Rajasthan—India’s legendary Land of Kings—are two of the country’s most spellbinding destinations. We invite you to unveil the romantic allure of Udaipur and the blue-tinged magic of Jodhpur to discover how these cities captured the hearts of India’s mighty maharajas. Then, venture into the mighty Thar Desert for a relaxing 3-night desert retreat where you’ll enjoy an up-close glimpse of life in rural Rajasthan. Dubai’s Timeless Desert & Modern Wonders 3 NIGHTS POST-TRIP Experience the interplay of the United Arab Emirates’ sleepy Bedouin past and its bustling cosmopolitan present. Exquisite architecture, antique and modern, surrounds us as we explore the culture, history, and traditions of the UAE’s two most populous cities: Dubai, the gem of the Persian Gulf, and Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart U.S. Company. This area has been an important Today, you’ll depart the U.S. for your economic and cultural center for nearly 2,000 flight to Chennai, India, via Dubai, United years, thanks to its perfect position at the Arab Emirates. nexus of three rivers and the Bay of Bengal. We’ll visit Mylapore, a vibrant neighborhood that came into existence long before Chennai Day 2 Arrive Dubai, United Arab Emirates itself. Lunch will be on your own, but your Trip Leader may have recommendations for • Fly to Chennai where to experience your first taste of the Today you’ll arrive in Dubai, where you’ll local flavors. meet your connecting flight to Chennai, India. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll This afternoon is free to make your own arrive late on Day 2 or very early on Day 3. discoveries in Chennai. The city is famous for Travelers who took our pre-trip to Sri Lanka: its confluence of cultures, and is one of the The Resplendent Island will arrive in Chennai few places on Earth with national celebrations this afternoon. for almost all major religious holidays. Perhaps you’ll visit the Santhome Cathedral, a striking white church whose towering spires Day 3 Chennai pierce the sky. The cathedral was built in the This morning, we’ll have time to sleep in 16th century over the tomb of St. Thomas; for and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we this reason, it also sometimes known as the join our Trip Leader for a Welcome Briefing. St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica. This evening, Afterward, we’ll have lunch together at the we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner together at Writer’s Cafe, a bakery that employs burn a local restaurant. victims. This afternoon, we’ll go on an Breakfast, Dinner orientation walk around our hotel, then you’ll have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure, with dinner on your own. Your Trip Day 5 Chennai • Overland to Leader may suggest some ways to spend your Mahabalipuram free time in Chennai, perhaps recommending After breakfast, we’ll continue to explore a trip to Marina Beach, a visit to one of the Chennai. Our discoveries this morning city’s temples or cathedrals, or a stroll around include learning about a unique and ancient the city to absorb the unique Tamil culture. ritual of Tamil Nadu, during which the bus Breakfast, Lunch for our upcoming journey will be blessed at the popular Bodyguard Temple. We’ll also take a walk through the historic Georgetown Day 4 Chennai neighborhood, where vendors offer vegetables, After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore flowers, and clothing in a scene of buzzing Chennai, a bustling hub of commerce from activity.