Chennai to Kochi 9 Days | Chennai to Kochi

TRIP NOTES

Chennai to Kochi 9 days | Chennai to Kochi

Explore the best of Southern India, • Pondicherry – Stroll along the beach • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend travelling from Chennai on the east in this French colonial city and visit the you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. coast and ending in Kochi on the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Tipping your guide is an entirely personal • Kochi – Enjoy free time to explore gesture west coast. Discover the coastal independently and perhaps enjoy a region from Chennai down to traditional Kathakali dance show DETAILED ITINERARY Pondicherry before taking in some • Darssuram - Study the enchanting stone exquisite UNESCO listed temples in carvings at the the UNESCO-listed Day 1 : Chennai the state of Tamil Nadu. End in the Airavateswara Temple as we stop off on Chennai - Mahabalipuram. Saturday. idyllic coastal town of Kochi, full of our journey from Pondicherry to Tanjore Welcome to Southern India! On arrival at the history and fantastic flavours. What's Included airport begin a 90 minute drive to our hotel in Mahabalipuram. The rest of the day is free • 7 breakfasts to explore. Perhaps visit the giant Krishna’s HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS • 7 nights 3-4 star hotels Butterball - this 250 ton boulder is perched on • Guided sightseeing - Mahabalipuram, a slope - and looks like it could roll down at Trip Highlights Kanchipuram Temples, Pondicherry and any moment, when in fact it has stood here for • Mahabalipuram – Discover the striking Madurai 1,200 years. Overnight - Mahabalipuram Shore Temple which sits on the beautiful • 1 overnight sleeper train Trichy to Kochi Bay of Bengal • Escorted by an English-speaking Indian Day 2 : Kanchipuram Temples • Trichy – Visit the imposing Rock Fort tour guide (for groups of 6 or more) & Mahabalipuram sightseeing Temple which is perched ominously on a • Services of English-speaking Indian Our day begins with a welcome meeting hill overlooking the city specialist guides at some sites at 8:00 where we meet our guide and • Madurai – Light candles and sing • Airport arrival and departure transfer on the rest of the group, before visiting the songs as you enjoy a lively Aarti prayer days 1 and 9 ancient city of Kanchipuram to see some ceremony and explore the city on a • All relevant transfers and transportation in of India’s impressive temple sites. Split in guided tour private air-conditioned vehicles to two sections we will visit the northern • Tanjore – Tour the hotspots of the city What's Not Included Shiva temples as well as the southern Vishnu and gaze admiringly at the towering temples. Brihadishwara Temple • Tipping Kitty: USD$25-35pp, paid in local Our afternoon finds us returning • Kanchipuram – Explore the plethora of currency to Mahabalipuram, also known as Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva and • Entrance Fees: USD$15-25pp, paid in Mamallapuram, for a tour of the highlights. The Vishnu in this ancient city local currency first stop will be to the beautiful Shore Temple. • International flights and visa Built in the 7th century during the reign of

Chennai to Kochi - 9 days updated on 24-09-2021 09:23:07 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Chennai to Kochi

Rajasimha, it's so named because it overlooks Day 4 : Temples & Tanjore back to the beginning of Christianity. Our city the Bay of Bengal. Next, we continue to tour includes the enormous Brihadishwara Arjuna's Penance, the world’s largest bas- Temple. Built by Raja Raja in 1010, the relief carving. This impressive collection of World Heritage protected temple has a dome sculptures is one of India's most fascinating weighing an estimated 80 tonnes which was ancient artworks. Our final stop this afternoon hauled into place along an earth ramp in a is the Five Rathas, each one ingeniously manner similar to that used for the Egyptian carved from large single rocks. Built in the 7th pyramids. century, these Hindu temples were covered in sand until their discovery by the British around This afternoon we drive to Madurai and check in to our hotel. Later we make our 200 years ago. Overnight - Mahabalipuram (B) Pondicherry – Tanjore. After breakfast we way to Meenakshi Temple to enjoy an Aarti head away from the coastal Pondicherry to Ceremony, which involves candles and music Day 3 : Pondicherry an important centre of South Indian religion, in praise of the gods and goddesses being sightseeing art and architecture, Tanjore (Thanjavur). En worshipped. Overnight - Madurai (B) route we'll visit temples in the towns of Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Day 6 : Madurai sightseeing Darssuram.

In Chidambaram we'll visit the Natraja Temple, the present temple dates to the 10th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Southern India. We continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram where we visit Brihadisvara Temple, completed in 1035, it is a great Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry. Departing example of a Dravidian style temple. Next Mahabalipuram this morning we head for the we visit Darasuram, home to the 12th century After breakfast we proceed for a half day city former French colonial city of Pondicherry UNESCO world heritage listed Airavateswara tour of Madurai. First up we visit Thirumalai (Puducherry). French rule of the city lasted temple. At this temple you'll witness some well Nayakar Mahal, a temple built in the Indo- until 1954 and the influence still lingers preserved stone carvings including a number Saracanic style by the Nayaks; the main in the architecture of the old town and of Chariot inspired structures. attractions here are the musical pillars and the the many French-India restaurants. Our first Our day ends this afternoon upon arrival in to pathway. We continue to Thirupparankunram stop today will be Pondicherry Beach, Tanjore, where you'll have the evening free to Murugan Temple, located around 8 km from with it's beautiful golden sand and lapping relax or explore this colourful city. Overnight the center of Madurai city. This temple is cut waves. We then continue to Sacred Heart - Tanjore (B) straight into the rock and is considered one Church. Built in 1895, this beautiful red and of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Next we white church was upgraded to a Basillica Day 5 : Tanjore sightseeing & revisit Meenakshi temple for a second chance in 2011. Another highlight and one that Evening Aarti Ceremony to view the magnificently carved temple. brings many travellers to Pondicherry is the Considered by some as the holiest place of the popular Sri Aurobindo Ashram, whose worship in South India, it draws thousands of spiritual tenets combine yoga and modern devotees everyday. We end the day exploring science. Overnight - Pondicherry (B) the local bazaar. Overnight - Madurai (B)

Tanjore – Madurai. This morning we enjoy a tour of Tanjore, an ancient fortified town with a glorious history dating back more than 1500 years. Thanjavur was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origin dates

Chennai to Kochi

Day 7 : Rock Fort Temple (formerly known as Cochin) offered refuge before sampling some local delicacies in the to Jews more than 2,500 years ago. The onsite restaurant. Portuguese founded the first European colony in Kochi in the 16th century, then the Dutch quickly followed and eventually, the British. The cosmopolitan mix of cultures makes the city truly captivating. Overnight - Kochi Day 9 : Kochi Sunday. Our Indian adventure comes to an Hotel Atithi end today with an included departure transfer Madurai – Trichy - Kochi. Today we make our to the airport. (B) With its great selection of facilities, this way to Trichy (also known as Tiruchirappalli). modern hotel has marked itself one of the Our first stop is Sri Ranganathaswamy HOTELS finest hotels in Pondicherry. Each room Temple, this colourful temple covers 156 acres is fully equipped with all the essential and lies on an island formed by the Kaveri and Highlighted below are some of the hotels amenities, with the added perks of 24-hour Kollidam rivers. Dedicated to Ranganatha, a which we frequently use on this tour, though room service and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy reclining form of Vishnu, it is believed that the we reserve the right to substitute these the in-house gym, rejuvenating spa and an sight on where the temple stands has existed hotels to ones of a similar standard. outdoor pool offering amazing views over since the 2nd century. Next we visit the Rock Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your the city. There are plenty of options when Fort Temple, originally built as a temple by confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival it comes to dining, with a lounge bar, two the Pallavas, it's location a top a ancient rock information. multi-cuisine restaurants and a fun-filled meant that it was eventually used as a fort. The rooftop bar. If that wasn’t enough, Hotel Rock Fort temple has witnessed fierce battles MGM Eastwood Atithi is also well-located close to many of over the years and played an important role Sprawled across 3 acres of lush landscaped the top attractions in this heritage city. during the Carnatic wars, helping to lay the gardens and swaying palm fronds, this resort foundations of the British Empire in India. We features quaint pathways leading to its also visit Sri Jambukeswarar Temple, built by spacious guestrooms. Once inside, you’ll find Kochengon, a Tamil king during one of the the rooms are well-equipped with modern Early Cholas, said to be around 1,800 years amenities, including free WiFi and 24-hour ago. room service. Other dining options include the Virundhu Restaurant, which offers all- This evening we transfer to the railway day dining on a selection of continental, Hotel Sangam station to board our overnight train journey Indian and Oriental fare. The azure blue to Kochi. It's recommended to brings snacks Set among the historic temples of Thanjavur, swimming pool is also particularly inviting and supplies for the journey and the following Hotel Sangam offers you a peaceful and and the perfect place to spend a leisurely morning. comfortable stay. Its guestrooms are afternoon cooling off. Overnight - Overnight Train (B) spacious and feature modern interiors with large windows allowing for plenty of natural Day 8 : Free day in Kochi light. Enjoy local and international cuisine at the Thillana Restaurant, where you’ll find both guests and locals alike, or opt for a light snack and cool beer in the Layam Bar. An outdoor pool serves the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day of sightseeing. Hotel Mamalla Heritage And you can always expect a warm greeting Located a stone’s throw away from from staff, who are more than happy to share Mahabalipuram’s Temples, the Hotel their knowledge of the area. Mamalla Heritage offers the perfect location for exploring the towns highlights. Each air- Arriving into Kochi train station this morning conditioned guest room features a TV, en- you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. suite facilities and 24-hour room service. The rest of the day offers free time to explore Guests can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool Kochi. Long famed in the history books, Kochi

Chennai to Kochi

that all travellers over 18 years provide proof carriage and canter as the others in your tour of COVID-19 vaccination. group, though this may not be possible.

We recognise any vaccine that has been Entrance fees authorised for use in the country where On our group tours, select entry fees are the vaccine was administered. This includes included with in the tour costs, however all vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, other entrance fees must be budgeted for by GRT Regency Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- you. The total cost of these entrance fees, as BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. The GRT Regency is a modern, tastefully noted under 'Exclusions' on the first page of this document are required to be paid locally designed hotel with comfortable rooms that In all instances, you must be fully immunised. by each traveller at the Welcome Meeting. have been elegantly decorated with just a This means you must receive the full dosage Entrance fee amounts are subject to change splash of colour. The hotel has extensive of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum and as such upon arrival to India your tour business and conferencing facilities as of 14 days before travelling in order for leader will highlight the exact total entrance well as a modern gym and health centre to immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 fee cost for your tour. PLEASE NOTE: Entrance ensure that visitors want for nothing during vaccine has different dosages and timeframes fees are to be paid in INDIAN RUPEES (INR) their stay. Dining options are allow guests for immunisation, so please check the related and they will be collected on day 2 of your to choose from a range of different cuisines medical advice associated with your vaccine. tour. including traditional Indian and international. Children under 18 years are not required to The hotel is only 2 km from the city centre provide evidence of vaccination to travel at If travelling on our Railways of the Raj tour, and 3 km from the railway station. this time. entrance fees will not be collected and are payable by you at each site. If travelling to Sri If you are unable to be vaccinated due Lanka on our Delhi to Colombo tour, entrance to medical reasons, you may apply for an fees for the Sri Lanka section of your tour will exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on be collected by your guide in Sri Lanka and a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must payable in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). provide supporting documentation from a medical professional. Tipping kitty Casino Hotel Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must Tipping is not a natural part of many Western Casino Hotel is a modern hotel located on be provided to us no less than cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, Willingdon island, set in tropical gardens it 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept or unsure about when or how much to is a beautiful blend of art deco and colonial COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid tip. However, in India tipping makes up a Indian architectural styles. With a large pool Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- significant part of many people’s wages so it’s and and spacious comfortable rooms this mailed to [email protected] or you important that we get it right. For this reason, hotel offers a fantastic experience when in can upload your vaccination history we’ve developed a very simple system to take Kochi. Casino Hotel boasts 2 restaurants, yourself via our traveller login. https:// all the hassle out of tipping. a 24-hour health club as well as free wifi in www.onthegotours.com/Login With our ‘tipping made easy’ policy, a nominal public areas. The information you will need to upload pre-determined amount is collected from all includes: Administering national authority or group tour participants to cover tips during government, document No, name of Vaccine, your tour. This then saves you the hassle of date/s of vaccination. when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support Confirming your trip staff. The tipping kitty amount is noted under At time of booking please provide us with: 'Exclusions' on the first page of this document. - YOUR FULL NAME and DOB, 120 days prior PLEASE NOTE: The tipping kitty is to be paid in to departure to secure train tickets INDIAN RUPEES (INR) and it will be collected KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - A SCANNED COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT, on day 2 of your tour. 90 days prior to departure to book your safari If travelling onto Sri Lanka on our Delhi to COVID-19 Vaccination by canter vehicle in Ranthambore National Colombo tour, the tipping kitty for that section Requirements Park. of your tour will be collected by your guide in As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of If booking less than 120/90 days, every effort Sri Lanka and is payable in Sri Lankan Rupees travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions will be made to secure seats in the same (SLR). If travelling on our Railways of the Raj

Chennai to Kochi tour, a tip kitty will not be collected and we ask choose via our Change For Children Project. If, for any reason you have trouble locating that you independently manage tipping along Your guide will hand out envelopes to those our representative (after waiting 20 minutes the way. interested. in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed, please call or send a text message (standard Our ‘Tip Kitty’ doesn’t include a tip for your All schools are closed from mid-May through text message, not Messenger or WhatsApp) to group tour guide, where we suggest an till the start of July for the Summer Vacation the emergency contact number as stated on amount of approx USD$4-7 per day multiplied and then in December for Winter Vacation. your Tour Voucher. Please do not leave the by the duration of your tour. Naturally though, Additionally, they may be closed throughout airport or go to the hotel on your own. Call the amount is up to you. The tip for your guide the year during festival weeks such as Holi, our emergency contact number and follow the is an entirely personal gesture. Diwali and others - including teacher training advice given by our local team. days which only tend to be announced a day If travelling on a group tour with less than 6 or two prior. Accordingly, it is not be possible If travelling on our other India holidays that participants, in place of ‘tipping made easy’ to visit the schools during these times and don't arrive into Delhi Airport (with arrival we recommend the following amounts per should you have bought along items for the via Kochi, Cochin, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, person per day be allocated to cover tips school, your guide will be happy to pass them Trivandrum, Kolkata and Dimapur Airport), the paid directly by you to - bellhops, luggage on when it re-opens, on your behalf. procedure for meeting you at the airport is the handlers, your driver and local guides - same as those detailed above. USD$9 per travellers if the day includes a The schools have made the following local guide and sightseeing and USD$4 per suggesting's to support onward education: Pre and post tour accommodation can be traveller, if the day excludes a local guide and • Wall charts – map of the world, numbers, arranged upon request, please contact us for sightseeing. letters, multiplication tables rates. If you are arriving early and book pre • Any visual teaching resources, coloured tour accommodation with us then you will still Guides & groups cardboard, junior scissors, rulers, sharpeners, qualify for our complimentary airport arrival Our longest group tour in India is our Highway lead pencils transfer. to Himalayas – 16 day tour and our Passage • Reading books – suitable for any age to India – 14 day tour tour. All other group between 4 – 12 years of age If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially tours that we offer are sectors of a longer • Sporting equipment – cricket bat, tennis on a flight that arrives very, very early in the tour. As such on your holiday you may have balls, soft balls, skipping ropes, elastics morning) consider purchasing a night of pre- travellers join you part way through your tour • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, liquid soap for tour accommodation to save you waiting until or end their holiday when you continue on. washrooms hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. Whenever there is 6 persons of more on your Visas & passports holiday you will have a tour guide escorting/ India Country Guide travelling with you. Your guide will conduct Visa requirements are subject to change and the sightseeing arrangements, or accompany Welcome to India - Arrival visa procurement is the responsibility of the you where the local law dictates that a local traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please also transfer ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 guide must conduct the sightseeing in this If your holiday includes a complimentary months from your planned date of departure region. Where the group number is less than airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the from India. 6 persons you will travel from place to place 'Inclusions' section of these Trip Notes with a driver and meet a local guide at on page 1) from Delhi's Indira Gandhi After booking your holiday, please provide us each new destination, who will conduct your International Airport, our arrival procedure is with your passport details as soon as possible sightseeing arrangements in this location. as follows: so that we can proceed to book all services. Please be advised visa requirements are Change for children Arrive to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International subject to change, therefore it is essential that On many of our Group Tours we stop at one Airport, where after you have attended to you check current visa requirements with the of two Village Schools where we operate our customs and immigration formalities, please embassy before travel. For information about ‘Change for Children’ programme. If travelling proceed to the arrival hall. Please have your visas, head to www.onthegotours.com/India/ via Karauli you will meet the children at tour voucher handy and make it available to Visas Nishabd local school (supporting deaf and our representative who will be waiting for you blind children), and if via Bharatpur, Adarsh in the arrivals hall, holding a prominent On The Health requirements Vidya Mandir local school. If you have bought Go Tours logo signboard, ready to escort you You should seek medical advice for any educational items with you to hand out to to our awaiting transportation and onward to vaccinations and about medications before children, this would be the time to do so. You your start hotel. travelling. can also make a donation to the school if you

Chennai to Kochi

Water do. The Indian Railway system is the world’s that can be peeled or meals prior to the start As tap water is not safe to drink in India, only second largest, with over 108,706 km of track, of your journey. In addition, there are WC drink bottled mineral water which is readily connecting more than 7000 stations. Every facilities (European and ‘squat-style’) at each available in hotels, shops and restaurants. day, more than 7000 trains run, carrying some end of the carriage. Cleanliness varies, so You should also avoid salads which may be 14 million passengers, including us. Several be prepared and take your own anti-bacterial washed in unhygienic water. our holidays include train journeys, some by hand wipes and toilet paper. day and others overnight. If your holiday does Essential packing include train travel, we have noted within the 1st AC COACH/ SLEEPER Please check local temperatures so itinerary the coach/class of travel that will be All Indian trains offer 2nd and 3rd AC coaches, you can pack accordingly. Visit booked. Below is some further information but only a handful of trains offer 1st AC coaches, which can accommodate a tiny total www.worldclimate.com that may assist you in planning for your journey. of 18 people. 1st AC coach/ sleepers only have • A small daypack for your day-to-day needs berths on one side of the train hence making • Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel AC CHAIR CAR the cabin more spacious. The cabin may have insurance policy, spare passport photos and a If travelling on a daytime journey, you will 2 berths or 4 which seat/sleep 2 or 4 persons. photocopy of your passport travel in an air-conditioned seated carriage You can sit up a on bench seat during the • Universal travel adaptor (called AC chair car), similar to that of a day, which is folded into bunk beds at night. • Insect repellent to guard against mosquitos standard city trains in most western countries. The 1st AC coach also has a door making it • Spare camera batteries and memory cards When travelling to loftier destinations where fully closed and lockable for 2 or 4 persons. • Consider packing some pencils, pens or the weather is cooler, air-conditioning may not Beds are a tad wider and mattresses more modest educational supplies that can be be provided. cushioned. Each cabin has a 'bell' switch, given to village schools or street children which when pressed summons the attendant • Buy some Indian Rupees at the airport on 2nd AC COACH/SLEEPER of the coach. arrival and keep a supply of small notes for If travelling overnight, we accommodate local transactions passengers in the 2nd class sleeper 3rd AC COACH/ SLEEPER air-conditioned category (unless otherwise We do not include 3rd AC coach travel Domestic flights - Baggage indicated at a higher level). 2nd class sleeper within any of our tours, though if you were allowance air-conditioned cabins consist of 2 upper and considering it for personal arrangements a 2 lower bunks, plus a double-decker set of description can be given as follows. 3rd AC If your holiday includes a domestic flight or bunk beds on the opposite side of the cabin coach is very similar to 2nd AC coach with the you have independently booked domestic shared by you and other Indian travellers. You only difference being that there is a middle flights separate to that of your international can sit up on your bench seat during the day berth ie not just a 2 bunk bed but a triple bunk flights, please be mindful that that free and simply lie down once you are ready to go bed, hence making it possible for 6 people baggage allowance for Economy class travel to sleep. to be accommodated within the space. Like on flights within India is near always 15kg, the 2nd AC coach there is also another set with 5-7kg allowance for hand luggage. All cabins are mixed sex. Your cabin is not of bunk beds on the opposite side - running Additional weight is charged per kilo and is self-contained as such. ‘Cabins’ are separated parallel with the length of the train. Like 2nd payable by you directly to the airline at check- from the carriage corridor by curtains, serving AC, there’s no door just curtains and again you in. If travelling with more than 15kg on a flight as an artificial barrier that can be drawn sit up on your bunk bed during the day and lie included within your holiday, please contact at night. Luggage, including hand luggage down to sleep. us so we can confirm the exact luggage should be locked (as you would do when allowance for your flight and give you the travelling on any overnight train anywhere in Travel Operators for Tigers current per kilo cost for additional weight. the world) and can be stored underneath the Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), is a What to expect lower bunks or on the floor. The carriage is UK based campaign, set up to encourage manned by an attendant who will distribute sustainable wildlife tourism in tiger reserves Please visit www.onthegotours.com/India/ linen, free of charge. Dependent upon the and national parks. Funds generated through Travel-tips-and-useful-info for local customs, service, a variety of snacks and drinks or full TOFT will be used to fund tiger conservation currency, WiFi and other helpful information to dinner service can be ordered at an additional initiatives and local community development, prepare you for an enjoyable holiday. cost (except for the Shatabdi Express and through their two partner conservation Train travel in India Rajdhani Express where meals are included organisations - Global Tiger Patrol and the within your fare). Food aboard the Shatabdi Travelling by train in India is an unforgettable Environmental Investigation Agency. On The Express train is most often exceptionally local experience where you will get to meet Go Tours are members of TOFT and we good, though on many other train services Indian people and experience daily life as they happily pledge a USD$20 contribution to it is probably best to buy snacks, fresh fruit

Chennai to Kochi

TOFT for each of our clients that choose to give money to beggars, we advise you to do travel on a wildlife tour to India with us. this from the vehicle and not on the street. Alternatively, consider donating pencils, pens Not like home... & begging or modest educational supplies to village Travelling to far–flung corners of the earth schools. often involves encountering lifestyles and conditions that are very different from what you are used to back home. As Shopping such it is important to come prepared for India is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. At the many unusual situations, local inadequacies and bazaars known as ‘chowks’, the cardinal rule unpredictable events as and when they occur. is to bargain hard. State run craft emporiums Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for that stock the best of what a state has people who expect or demand everything to to offer can give you a reasonable idea go exactly as planned, as things can and do of what is acceptable in terms of price change in foreign countries. and quality. You'll find carpets of quality equal to those of Persian origin, Rajasthani The people, customs, creed, food and pottery and metalwork, embellished slippers languages of India are different from one known as jootis, jewellery in breathtaking region to the next. It is as vast as it is designs. Likewise, leatherwork, silks and saris crowded, and as opulent as it is squalid. in spectacularly colourful designs, paintings India is exciting, intense and diverse - an and clothing make excellent souvenirs. all-embracing experience, a veritable assault on the senses. Sometimes the poverty will In the tourism industry it’s common practice get you down, Indian bureaucracy can test for commission to be offered in exchange for your patience and facing another traffic jam recommending particular shops or suppliers. will seem almost too much to bear. Yet, it’s This can become an issue when clients feel all worthwhile! While India is far from the obliged to purchase goods. We do our best easiest country in the world to travel around, to avoid this by monitoring all shopping On The Go will try their upmost to make experiences offered. your holiday as seamless as possible. Our All shopping experiences on your tour holidays combine comfortable transportation, have been noted in the itinerary and they comprehensive sightseeing and good hotels, been carefully selected based upon positive allowing you to concentrate on getting the feedback from On The Go travellers. You most out of your stay. are under no obligation to partake in a India is a country of unparalleled contrasts, listed shopping experience and you are a destination where you’ll be afforded plenty most welcome to wait inside or outside the of unique encounters, and if you can travel premises. with an open mind you will have a wonderful Although we only visit reputable retailers, time here. In return, please remember to please note that we cannot explicitly demonstrate sensitivity and respect for local guarantee the quality of their products. All customs. purchases made whilst on holiday with us are Begging at your own discretion. Please make sure that With more than 350 million people in India you are completely happy with your purchase. living on less than USD$2 per day, inevitably On The Go cannot be held responsible for you will come across many people begging any items that you buy if they fail to meet for money. Begging has a legitimate place expectation, or any shipping arrangements. in Indian society. Even poor people give to Proceed with caution. beggars or charities to earn religious merit. The Indian government, however, would like to regulate begging more stringently. Though begging is common, you are not under obligation to give money. If you choose to