b"INDIA INDIAN SUBCONTINENTYOUR ITINERARYBengaluru 1 ChennaiMysuru 2Days 1-3London and Mysuru Ooty 2We fly from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, via Dubai. Arriving on DayCoimbatore 12, we transfer by coach to Mysuru for two nights. We enjoy a guided tour2 Maduraion Day 3, exploring the cultural icons of the city such as St PhilomenasKochi 2 2Church, a neo-Gothic cathedral inspired by Cologne Cathedral, andKumarakom 1 ThekkladyMysuru Palace. We continue to Srirangapatna, known for its temples and forts, before making our way to the market of Chamundi Hills. Our last visit is to the Bull Temple, home to a 16-foot granite statue of a bull. Nights in hotel Rail Coach FlyDays 4-6The Nilgiri Mountain railway and Ooty TOUR HIGHLIGHTSWe travel to Ooty by coach, where we stay for two nights. Day 5 takes us to the Botanical Gardens and Doddabetta Peak, which offers panoramicJourney on the UNESCO-listed views of the mountains and reserve forests. On Day 6, we travel by toyNilgiri Mountain Railway. train to Conoor, enjoying a tour of this enchanting town before visiting aAttend a Kathakali performance local tea factory. This mountainous area has been producing tea for overin Kochi. 100 years, in particular a variety known for its dark colour and strong aroma. This afternoon, we join the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri MountainTake a scenic backwaters cruise Railway to Mettupalayam, continuing to Coimbatore for the night. in Kerala.Days 7-8Kochi Tour the city of Kochi.After a free morning, we catch the train to Kochi for two nights, exploringLearn about local crafting with a local guide on Day 8. Our tour includes the St Francis Churchtraditions in Madurai.in Fort Kochi, one of the earliest European churches. We also visit the Dutch Palace and get an insight into the daily life at the Dhobi Khana,WHAT'S INCLUDEDa sprawling open-air laundry. This evening, were treated to a Kathakali dance performance, characterised by ritualistic dance movements set toUK Tour Manager throughouta soundtrack of haunting music played by local musicians.Days 9-10Kerala and its backwaters Flights from London Heathrow We enjoy a guided tour of the Jewish Synagogue, home to The Greatto Bengaluru, via Dubai, and from Scrolls of the Old Testament, before transferring to Alleppey. Here, weChennai to London Heathrow via board a houseboat for a scenic cruise through Keralas idyllic backwaters.DubaiWe begin at Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India. As we glideAll internal flights, rail and serenely through the maze of canals and channels, we enjoy lunch oncoach transfersboard. We disembark at Kumarakom for an overnight stay. OnDay 10,Luggage transfers throughoutwe continue to Thekkady for two nights, where the afternoon is free.13 nights 3, 4 and 5-Star hotel Days 11-13 - Thekkady and Madurai accommodationTodays excursion takes us to an aromatic spice plantation, where we31 meals including 13 breakfasts, enjoy a walking tour. This afternoon we head to Lake Periyar, a stunning3 lunches and 13 dinners lake in a large wildlife sanctuary, for a cruise. Travelling to Madurai for two nights on Day 12, we visit a nearby village inhabited by artisansAll tour excursionswho specialise in sculpting with clay. This evening, we make our way to the Meenak-shi Temple where we watch the puja, the Hindu ritual of offering prayers. Each day the priests symbolically bathe, dress and feed an idol of God Shiva, and we witness the final puja of the day. We take a guided tour of Madurai on Day 13 that includes the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Memorial Museum. 2021 DEPARTURESDays 14-16 - Chennai and LondonWe take an internal flight to Chennai for the night, a city within the Bay ofOct 9 2,595 Nov 6 2,595Bengal. An important port during the colonial era, Chennais architecture and culture bear pronounced Portuguese, Dutch, French and British2022 DEPARTURESinfluences, while also being rooted in more local traditions. We tour the San Thome Cathedral Basilica, built by the Portuguese in the 16thJan 22 2,595 Oct 1 2,595century, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the Madras War Cemetery onFeb 5 2,695 Nov 5 2,595Marina Beach, also paying a visit to the citys flower market in GeorgeTour Code: GCJ| per person based on 2 Town. Theres an optional excursion on Day 15 to Mamallapuram, knownsharing. Deposit from 420 per person. for its UNESCO-listed temples. Otherwise, enjoy a free day before weSupplement for solo travellers from 820. Please transfer to the airport for our flight, via Dubai, to London Heathrow. Wenote the itinerary for 2021 departures may differ, please call for more details. For the latest land in the UK on Day 16. guidance on entry requirements, please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-adviceVisit your Local Travel Agent 83"