Wander Tours P.O. Box 16102 Seattle WA 98116

South Women-only Cultural Tour 2014 Itinerary dates: February 2 - 17, 2014 Tour Leader: TBD

Highlights * Explore fantastical temples and caves from the 7th century * Soak up the former French colonial town of Pondicherry * Learn the intricacies of South Indian cuisine in two cooking classes * Visit the idyllic tea-growing region of Munnar * Overnight on a lovely air-conditioned houseboat in * Enjoy unique 4 and 5 star hotels which make a perfect ending to your India-filled days

Itinerary

Day 1 February 2, 2014 – Arrive in Upon arrival in Chennai (usually at night), you will be met by a driver and taken to your hotel. Chennai is the capital of the state of and is a vibrant city that’s the cultural, economic and commercial hub of South India. Overnight at the Trident Hotel or similar.

Day 2 February 3, 2014 – Chennai (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, the group will head out for a day of sightseeing which will include some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the intricately adorned Kapaleswara Temple (dedicated to Shiva) and Parthasarathy Temple (dedicated to Krishna and one of the oldest structures in Chennai). You’ll then have a chance to explore and photograph the nearby neighborhoods where narrow alleyways, religious shrines, and sweet shops abound. You’ll also visit St. George Church, remarkable for its tall spires, pillars, and marble.

After lunch, you’ll visit the Sri Arunodayam Charity Trust, a home for mentally challenged children. This facility is a safe haven for the children who live here as many have been abandoned due to their disabilities. As part of the Wander Tours Giving Program, a donation will be made on behalf of the group. Overnight in Chennai at the Trident Hotel or similar.

Day 3 February 4, 2014 – Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, you’ll drive to Kanchipuram, one of the most important Hindu spiritual centers in India and a major pilgrim destination. Here you’ll tour a number of spectacular medieval temples.

The group will then have an opportunity to visit a family that specializes in the making of Kanchipuram saris. These intricately woven saris are of the highest quality and likely some of the best you’ll find in India.

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You’ll then drive to Mahabalipuram, check in to the hotel and have lunch. The rest of the day is free for you to have some downtime (and shake off your jet lag) at this beautiful beach resort. Walk on the beach, watch the fishermen, or sit by the pool with a cold drink. Overnight in Mahabalipuram at Ideal Beach Resort or similar.

Day 4 February 5, 2014 – Mahabalipuram (Meals: B, L, D) In the morning, you’ll enjoy a tour of the amazing temples in this region including the Shore Temple, which sits on the , as well as the Five Rathas, known as the temple chariots. These were built in the late 7th century and each created from just one large granite stone.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the sculpture museum which contains more than 3,000 wood, cement, and metal sculptures.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram at Ideal Beach Resort or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! The complex at Mahabalipuram is a feast for the eyes with 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic rathas (chariots), three stone temples, and two relief sculpted rock panels. The Shore Temple includes many bas-reliefs, including one that is 100 feet long and 45 feet high, carved out of granite.

Day 5 February 6, 2014 – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, the group will drive onward to Pondicherry, visiting famous Auroville en-route. Auroville is an “experimental” town founded in 1968 and home to the Aurobindo and Museum. It was created as a place where people from around the world could come live in peace and harmony.

Afterward, you’ll check in to the hotel and have lunch. You’ll then have some free time to enjoy the charming French-influenced town of Pondicherry. In the evening, enjoy a walk along Promenade Beach. Overnight in Pondicherry at Le Dupleix or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Pondicherry is a former French colony and, as such, is a unique destination in India. It’s known as The French Riviera of the East. You’ll be able to wander along the city’s waterfront promenade and meander the streets, discovering the unique shops, markets, and cafes, many of which are European- influenced.

Day 6 February 7, 2014 – Pondicherry – Trichy (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, the group will drive to Trichy, about 5 hours away. The trip will be broken up by a stop at Gingee Fort, one of the only forts left in Tamil Nadu.

Gingee is distinguished by its three hills, each containing its own citadel. Originally built in the 9th century, it’s been modified over the centuries but hasn’t been in use for nearly 100 years.

After this visit, you’ll then head onward to Trichy, located on the banks of the Cauvery River and the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu.

In the evening, you’ll take part in a -making class! What’s Rangoli? These are decorative designs made on the ground or floor of an Indian home, usually during festival time. Created from brightly colored flour, , sand, and/or flower petals, designs can be either intricate or simple displays. Overnight in Trichy at the Sangam Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Rangoli (or ) are Hindu designs seen throughout India and are thought to bring good luck to the home that displays one. Because they are impermanent, they are a reminder to live in the moment. This class will be a wonderful introduction to creating your own (temporary) work of art.

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Day 7 February 8, 2014 – Trichy (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, the group will visit Rock Fort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. Rock Fort, Trichy’s most famous landmark, is built on a massive rocky structure and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Located on an island, the temple is surrounded by seven concentric walls and considered one of the most illustrious Hindu temples in South India. Overnight in Trichy at Sangam Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll be impressed by the sheer size of Sri Ranganathaswami but you’ll also be amazed at the detailed sculptured work on this 237 foot-tall temple.

Day 8 February 9, 2014 – Trichy – Chettinad (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, the group will head off to Chettinad, about 2.5 hours away. Today, you’ll have a couple of options. You can take a bullock cart ride around the village or have your future predicted by a parrot – this is an unusual method in which a specially trained parrot selects a card from a Tarot-like deck and the card is then interpreted by a fortune teller.

The unique cuisine of Chettinad is a major focus for visitors here. The food is rich and includes more meat than most Tamil food (but there are plenty of options for vegetarians!) and is a style that is quite famous throughout India. You’ll be able to taste test this style and try it in its purest form – spicy but not too hot, with a complex combination of flavors which makes every dish distinct and unforgettable. Overnight in Chettinad at Chettinad Mansion or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! To shine a spotlight on this region’s phenomenal cuisine, a cooking demonstration will be organized where you will have the chance to partake in the preparations and then enjoy a wonderful meal.

Day 9 February 10, 2014 – Chettinad – Madurai (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, you’ll drive to Madurai, about 1.5 hours away. Madurai is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom and is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District, now famous for its temples. It is also one of India’s most prominent Hindu pilgrimage centers.

Upon arrival in Madurai, you’ll check in to the hotel and, after lunch, visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and then Shree Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Madurai at Sangam Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Madurai is best known for the Meenakshi Temple. The complex is literally a city – one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest. The area now flows over more than 65,000 square meters!

Day 10 February 11, 2014 – Madurai – Munnar (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, the group will drive about 5.5 hours to Munnar, which has some of the world’s highest tea- growing estates. The drive through the tea estates and rolling mountains will take your breath away – you will hardly believe you are still in India! After lunch, you’ll tour a tea plantation and then overnight in Munnar at Tea County Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Munnar is an idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns and exotic flora and fauna. Breathing in fresh, cool mountain air is a rare experience in India and you’ll have plenty of it here. This area is also home to large numbers of birds, many of them endemic, as well as plenty of wildlife.

Day 11 February 12, 2014 – Munnar (Meals: B, L, D) After breakfast, the group will take a light hike near Munnar, which will include a leisurely meandering walk

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through beautiful tea plantations to give you the chance to enjoy the natural surroundings of this pristine region. The day includes a packed lunch.

You’ll then return in the afternoon for spice and souvenir shopping in Munnar. Munnar’s many shops carry , food, spices, tea, carvings, jewelry, clothing, and tapestries. Overnight in Munnar at Tea County Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! During today’s hike, you’ll see man-made lakes and mountains for miles. The tea plantations also stretch out far in front of you. It’s not unusual to see elephants (and remnants of the pachyderms) along this hiking route.

Day 12 February 13, 2014 – Munnar – Periyar (Meals: B, L, D) Today, the group will head onward to Periyar, about 4.5 hours away. Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western , the centerpiece of which is Periyar Lake – a rich habitat for large mammals.

After lunch, you’ll take a plantation tour (plantation is relative, these are usually quite small) where you’ll have a chance to see numerous spices growing including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, and tea.

In the evening the group will have another chance to partake in a cooking demonstration and dinner – this time showcasing the cuisine of Kerala! Overnight in Periyar at Elephant Court Hotel or similar.

Day 13 February 14, 2014 – Periyar – Kumarakom (backwaters) (Meals: B, L, D) You’ll start this day with a class (optional and appropriate for yoginis of all levels)! Enjoy the peaceful cool of morning while stretching your muscles.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Kottayam jetty (about 4 hours away) and board your private houseboat.

The embarkation point for the houseboat fringes on the coast of Kerala. Winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals. Commonly called the backwaters, this region represents a unique geographical formation and is the basis of a distinct lifestyle. Overnight on the backwaters in your houseboat.

HIGHLIGHT! These are no ordinary houseboats. You’ll have your own private room (unless you’re sharing) with air conditioning and a private bathroom. Food is prepared fresh on board by an excellent chef and you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet while listening to the water lapping against the boat.

Day 14 February 15, 2014 – Allepey – Kochi (Meals: B, L, D) Today you’ll have breakfast on board the houseboat before you start cruising the waterways, passing through lush green spice plantation areas and local villages. You’ll disembark the houseboat in the morning and drive onward to Kochi, about 2 hours away, where you’ll have lunch at the hotel.

In the evening, you’ll see a genuine Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Kochi at Tea Bungalow or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Kathakali is the traditional dance form from Kerala. The performers are known for their impressive array of facial expressions, hand gestures and dance movements – all integral to the storytelling.

Day 15 February 16, 2014 – Kochi (Meals: B, L, D) Today, you’ll have another chance for an early morning yoga session (again, optional and appropriate for yoginis of all levels).

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After breakfast, you’ll take a guided tour of Kochi, visiting Fort Cochin and Jew Town (yes, that is what it’s called), Dutch Palace (Mattancherry) and see how Chinese fishing nets are used.

Here, you’ll see wholesale shops where owners sit behind scales surrounded by sacks of spices. The architecture of the quiet streets in this enclave is most definitely European, with fine houses built by wealthy British traders and Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors. You’ll have lunch during your sightseeing excursion and then overnight in Kochi at Tea Bungalow or similar.

Day 16 February 17, 2014 – Kochi – Departure home (Meals: B) After breakfast, transfer to Kochi International airport for your onward flight home OR onward to if you’re adding on Deli/Agra (below).

Add-on Option: Delhi and Agra

Day 16 February 17, 2014 – Kochi – Delhi (Meals: B) After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Kochi airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and taken to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi at The Claridges Hotel or similar.

Day 17 February 18, 2014 – Delhi (Meals: B) After breakfast, you’ll head out for a full day of sightseeing including both Old Delhi and New Delhi.

In Old Delhi, you’ll visit Raj , the memorial site where was cremated; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and the Red Fort, once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. You’ll also have a chance to take a rickshaw ride in one of the busiest market areas of Delhi, frenetic and fantastic Chandni Chowk.

In New Delhi, you’ll visit Qutab Minar, the 72.5 meter tower that dates back to the 13th century and take a drive along wide tree-lined boulevards and upscale homes. It’s here that you will see beautiful parks, the magnificent Parliament Building, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India), and India Gate. Overnight in Delhi at The Claridges Hotel or similar.

Day 18 February 19, 2014 – Delhi – Agra (Meals: B) After breakfast, you’ll drive about 5 hours to Agra. Along the way you’ll visit Sikandra, where Akbar’s Mausoleum is located.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with 70-foot high, 1.5-mile long walls encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset visit at the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra at ITC Mughal Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! The Taj Mahal is a breathtaking memorial to Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to complete and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. It’s recognized for its stunning design, perfect symmetry and its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever created.

Day 19 February 20, 2014 – Agra – Delhi (Meals: B) After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Delhi with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri – a veritable fairytale city that has now fallen into ruins (but is still quite fascinating!). Overnight in Delhi at the Radisson Blu Plaza or similar. 5

Day 20 February 21, 2014 – Delhi (Meals: B) After breakfast, you’ll have time on your own for some final sightseeing and shopping before departing for your onward flight. A late checkout (additional cost) can be arranged if you have an international flight that departs late at night.

** Itinerary subject to change without notice.

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