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Swagman Escorted Group
Southern India & Sri Lanka Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Alappuzha - Dambulla Cave Temple - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Weligama
17 Days / 16 Nights
09 April 2018 - 25 April 2018
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Click here to view your Digital Itinerary
Overview
Key
D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast. FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch
Accommodation Destination Arr. Dep. Nights Basis
CGH Eighth Bastion Hotel Kochi 9 Apr 10 Apr 1 D, B&B
Spice Tree Munnar Munnar 10 Apr 12 Apr 2 D, B&B
Spice Village Thekkady 12 Apr 13 Apr 1 D, B&B
CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom 13 Apr 14 Apr 1 D, B&B
Alleppey Deluxe Houseboat Alleppey 14 Apr 15 Apr 1 FB
Jetwing Lake Dambulla Cave Temple 15 Apr 18 Apr 3 D, B&B
Amaya Hills Resort Kandy 18 Apr 20 Apr 2 D, B&B
Jetwing St. Andrews Nuwara Eliya 20 Apr 21 Apr 1 D, B&B
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa Weligama 21 Apr 25 Apr 3.5 D, B&B
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Price from - $5,975 per person twin share
$1,995 single supplement
Included Return economy flights with Singapore Airlines and SriLankan Airlines
Applicable taxes ex Melbourne
Accommodation listed
Breakfast and Dinner daily
Sightseeing as per itinerary
All transfers and transport in a/c Mini Coach
English speaking guide
Excluded Visas
Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
Items of a personal nature
Any sightseeing or meals not listed
Transport
Flight Information
Date Flight Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time
09 Apr SQ248
(Scheduled)
Melbourne International
Airport [MEL]
12:40 Singapore Changi
International Airport [SIN]
18:30
09 Apr MI468
(Scheduled)
Singapore Changi
International Airport [SIN]
20:00 Cochin International
Airport [COK]
22:00
15 Apr UL168
(Scheduled)
Cochin International
Airport [COK]
16:15 Bandaranaike International
Airport [CMB]
17:30
25 Apr SQ469
(Scheduled)
Bandaranaike International
Airport [CMB]
01:10 Singapore Changi
International Airport [SIN]
07:40
25 Apr SQ217
(Scheduled)
Singapore Changi
International Airport [SIN]
10:45 Melbourne International
Airport [MEL]
20:10
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Day 1: Kochi (Mon, 9 April)
Also known as Cochin, Kochi is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. This attractive city has served as a
popular port for over 600 years and is known for its eclectic architecture and its array of religious monuments,
museums, galleries, cafes and antique shops. The city stretches across a number of peninsulas and islands, which can
be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges. The majority of Kochi’s visitor highlights can be found on the
peninsula of Fort Kochi. These highlights include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India; and
Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and contains some exceptional Kerala murals and temple art. Other
must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, displaying more than 4,000 cultural and ethnic artifacts;
the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue; and the local market, where the air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices.
Day Itinerary
Arrive Kochi Airport and be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Check in for 1 night.
Overnight: CGH Eighth Bastion Hotel
Eighth Bastion is a CGH Earth luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Fort Kochi in Kerala. A hotel of preference, its
design is inspired by a Dutch nautical theme with scale models of Dutch ships, Batavia and Friesland decorating the
interior.
Accommodation at the Eighth Bastion comprises of 19 guest rooms that blends contemporary and colonial styles.
The hotel restaurant has a bold menu inspired by the East Indian Company’s ancient trading routes in Asia. Also
featured at the Eighth Bastion is a swimming pool as well as a service desk to arrange rickshaw rides to explore
places of interest in Fort Kochi.
Included
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
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Kochi
Day 2: Munnar (Tue, 10 April)
Idyllically set at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats
mountain range in India’s Kerala state. The village once served as a popular vacation resort for the British Raj elite
who flocked to here to enjoy the pleasant cool climate and the scenic natural surroundings characterised by rolling
hills dotted with colonial bungalows, streams, waterfalls and 19th-century tea plantations. The main attraction in the
area is the extraordinary Eravikulam National Park, which is famous for its diverse array of wildlife including the
endangered mountain goat known as Nilgiri tahr. The park is also home to the exquisite Lakkam Waterfalls, some
excellent hiking trails, and the impressive 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.
Day Itinerary
After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided
sightseeing tour of Cochin including visits to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) - The most significant thing
about this palace is the amazing paintings in the bedrooms and other rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the
Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga, The Jewish
Synagogue - This synagogue was constructed in 1568 and was brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian
chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament, Cochin Harbor - Cochin Harbor is the Chinese
Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in
Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, St Francis Church - St. Francis church
was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit
to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years his remains were moved to Portugal. In
spite of all this the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church , Fort Kochi Beach: An ideal
location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing
ships in the background is a fine experience.
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Later drive to Munnar. On arrival at Munnar hotel, check into the hotel.
On arrival check in to your hotel for 2 nights.
Overnight: Spice Tree Munnar
Spice Tree Munnar is located in Chinnakanal. Free Wi-Fi access is available in this resort. The accommodation will
provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV, a balcony and a minibar. There is also an electric kettle. Featuring a
shower, private bathrooms also come with a bath and a hairdryer. Extras include a heater, seating area and a CD
player. At Spicetree Munnar you will find a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, garden and library. Other facilities offered
at the property include a tour desk, luggage storage and a laundry.
Included
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Munnar (Wed, 11 April)
Day Itinerary
Full day city tour of Munnar - - Visit Rajamala National Park - the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half of the population
of the rare mountain goat (hemitragas hylocres), which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here. Echo point – the
scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon. And Kundala Dam – it’s a picturesque on the way to
top station. The Golf course, which belongs to Tata Tea ltd. is, located here.
Munnar
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Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Thekkady (Thu, 12 April)
A tourist attraction in Kerala, Thekkady is a district located at the Periyar National Park. Thekkady comprises of
evergreen forests and savanna grass lands. This area is known for its natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom,
cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. Wild life creatures found in this region include elephants, tigers and sambar to
name a few.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast transfer to Periyar. On arrival check into your hotel for 1 night.
In the afternoon visit a Spice Plantation.
Periyar National Park
The southernmost of India’s tiger reserves and a key wildlife attraction, Periyar National Park sprawls for miles
around a vast manmade lake. It’s a scenic wonderland of tangled jungle, evergreen forests and lush grasslands –
surrounded by mountains and interspersed with lakes and river systems – that supports a wealth of animal and plant
life. Best known for its sizeable population of wild elephants and endangered (and often elusive) Bengal tigers,
Periyar also encompasses myriad other mammals, reptiles and botanical varieties, as well as approximately 265
avian species.
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Overnight: Spice Village
Spice Village is situated in Periyar. It is a resort with lush gardens, individual cabins and practices ecological methods
during its day to day running. This resort belongs to the CGH Earth Group.
Visitors out for a nature escape are drawn to the Spice Village. This is the tribal village, reborn for the modern
traveller.
Accommodation at Spice Village is made up of individual, tribal-styled thatch-roof cottages with verandas along with
modern plumbing, solar-powered hot water and contemporary furnishings.
Facilities include a swimming pool, games and a restaurant. Ayurveda treatment is also available on site.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Kumarakom (Fri, 13 April)
One of Kerala’s most alluring backwaters is Kumarakom, a hub of biodiversity where mangrove forests are mixed in
with rice paddies, coconut palms and bursts of white lilies. This vivid subtropical peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake
and is a popular place to study yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic massage, and from which to take bird-watching,
boating and fishing trips. Nearby attractions include the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, just two kilometres from
Kumarakoram, which cascade down the mountain slopes from roughly 30 metres above, and Pathiramanal (meaning
‘sands of midnight’) a beguiling island and bird sanctuary in the middle of the lake.
Day Itinerary
This morning depart for a game activity in the Periyar National Park.
Later return to the Hotel for breakfast.
Depart for a boat ride in Lake Periyar.
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The manmade lake adds to the natural beauty of the western ghats and is located in the heart of a 300-sq. miles wild
life sanctuary and winds around capes and hills. As you sail along, you might come in sight of elephants or deer or
bison stopping at the shores of the lake for a drink. During the dry season when waterholes within the forest are
empty, leopards and tigers also pad up to the lake for water.
After your Boat ride depart for Kumarakom and check in to your hotel for 1 night.
Overnight: CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon
The Coconut Lagoon is located in the Kerala district of Kuttanad. The resort is accessed by boat. From the jetty, the
boat courses out over a breeze-laden watery highway. With a sharp turn into a narrow canal with banks decked with
wildflowers, the Coconut Lagoon can then be seen.
The accommodation at the Coconut Lagoon comprises of villas will have different beds, cupboards and chests of
drawers that has been sourced from traditional homes and made by craftsmen of the region. Furnishings, too, rely
on local materials, offset with linen, rough-woven cotton and other natural fabrics.
At the Coconut Lagoon, visitors get to watch a Kalaripayattu match (traditional form of martial arts) in the morning,
lounge at the pool by the reception area and then attend evening shows featuring Kerala’s traditional arts.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Alleppey Deluxe Houseboat (Sat, 14 April)
Commonly known as Alleppey, the Alappuzha district is a tourist destination of Kerala, with the backwaters being its
popular tourist attraction. Tourists often explore this region through various houseboat cruises. This area is also
known as the 'Venice of the East' as its a region featuring canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons.
Day Itinerary
Later drive to Alleppey, upon arrival board your private Houseboat for 1 night.
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Houseboat - One of the high points of your holiday, will be the night spent onboard the Houseboat. These rice
barges or “Kettuvallams” sail alongside the shallow palm-edged lakes and narrow canals. The House Boat takes you
through the villages constructed on narrow spits of land, where you can stop at the local markets, or to see the
wonder of the craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. These Houseboats offer one or two small
cabins with a tiny sitting area and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The Houseboats serve authentic Keralan cuisine. The
overnight stay on the Houseboat is an extraordinary experience.
Overnight: Alleppey Deluxe Houseboat
The Kerala houseboat takes tourists on a cruise along the emerald waterways. Modified to meet a novel concept of
holidaying, the kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably furnished with an open lounge, one or two bath attached
bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco-friendly, merging smoothly into the panorama.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Dambulla (Sun, 15 April)
Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka,
situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It
is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding
plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves,
which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There total
of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include two
statues of Hindu gods, the god Vishnu and the god Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres.
Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.
Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there
are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave
complexes.
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Day Itinerary
On arrival at Alleppey from the House Boat transfer to Kochi Airport to check in for your flight to Colombo.
On arrival you will be met and transferred directly to your Hotel and check in for 3 nights.
Overnight: Jetwing Lake
Jetwing Lake nimbly combines contemporary architecture with the solitude of the Siyambalaweva banks, and its
placid ambiance. Sprawled on an expansive area of 18 acres, the Hotel is a languid retreat with easy access to Sri
Lanka’s cultural triangle and its curiosities. Wildlife Safaris to the Minneriya and Wasgamuwa National Parks, treks
and hikes through its richly bio-diverse environment, quiet times of bird watching, and exploration of the Dambulla
cave temple are a few other interests to pursue there. Besides an internationally inspired menu, and an in-house
Chinese Restaurant, for those preferring an experience of a true Sri Lanka flavour, Jetwing Lake also specializes in
authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, prepared from fresh produce grown locally in the area.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Dambulla (Mon, 16 April)
Day Itinerary
After a relaxing breakfast, proceed to Polonnaruwa - Visit Polonnaruwa, enthrals its visitors with a timeless reflection
of the country’s glorious history. Once the site of Sri Lanka’s second medieval capital, the quaint landscapes studded
with sites of archaeological importance are all well-preserved.
On completion proceed to Minneriya National Park which shelters some of the greatest wildlife treasures of this
paradise isle.
Polonnaruwa
In the North Central Province of Sri Lanka lies the extraordinary ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The city is comprised of
two distinct parts: the New Town area, known as Kaduruwela; and the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of
Polonnaruwa, the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms. This rich archeological treasure trove contains
countless fascinating ruins all conveniently grouped into one compact and easily accessible tourist site. Don’t miss:
the Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks where you can spot Sri Lanka’s legendary elephants and an abundance of
exotic wildlife; and the Dalada Maluwa which is home to the Tooth Relic and some of the country’s most
impressively ornate buildings.
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Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9: Dambulla (Tue, 17 April)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya to climb the Rock fortress - - an 8th wonder of the world is a rare jewel among
the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers,
amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins.
Later proceed for Village tour. - - Hiriwadunna village tour, includes an excursion through the countryside, along
mud-thatched huts, flourishing paddy fields, streamlets, rivers and springs of crystal clear. Also visit to the scenic
reservoir in Hiriwadunna, which is crossed by a boat.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya is an ancient palace located in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province,
Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive
column of rock nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavangsha, this
site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and
decorated its sides with colourful frescoes.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
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Day 10: Kandy (Wed, 18 April)
The second major city in Sri Lanka (the other being Colombo) lies in the midst of the Kandy Plateau, an area of
tropical tea plantations. A prominent feature is Kandy Lake, to the north of which lies the golden-roofed Temple of
The Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important place for Buddhist worship, as it is said to house a tooth
relic of Buddha. Other fascinating places include the Ceylon Tea Museum, the Buddhist Publication Society, the
Ayurvedic centre in the Amaya Hills nearby, the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre, where crafts people
can be seen at work, and the Kandy Muslim Hotel, which offers the finest spiced curries served with naan or rotis.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast proceed to Kandy, enroute visiting Dambulla Cave Temples -- a complex that lies atop a massive hill
on the edge of the town is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in the country and is renowned for its
unique sculptures and the largest mural paintings.
After the visit continue drive to Kandy and check in to your hotel for 2 nights.
Later proceed for Kandy city tour, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is the venue of the annual
Esala Perahera, one of the most colourful pageants in all Asia, held in honour of the Buddha’s relic. Visit of a
manufacture of precious stone. Personalized city tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy which could
include a visit to the art and craft village & Local Market. And also visit Temple of the tooth named “Dalada
Maligawa”
Dambulla Cave Temple
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Overnight: Amaya Hills Resort
Built in 1997, Amaya Hills is an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rising from the bedrock on which
it lies, the resort resonates a timeless design - a combination of regal splendour and breath taking nature. Intricate,
yet charming elements of the Kandy culture make up its extravagant interiors, showcasing remarkable antiques and
trinkets to a dramatic effect. Beautifully incorporated into the layout of the resort are the natural surroundings - lush
tropical trees, fragrant blooms and vibrant bird-life pairing with enthralling views of the forest-covered Heerassagala
Mountains - a view which can be seen from any room of the resort.
Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise pool or lounge on the pool deck with soaring hills stretched out before you like
a picturesque canvas. Luxurious leisure amenities include the spa that offers Ayurveda treatments, a fitness centre
and restaurants specializing in international and local cuisine.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11: Kandy (Thu, 19 April)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast proceed to Peradeniya Botanical Garden via Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located 13 km northwest of Kegalle towards Kandy, is famous because of the
elephant orphanage located in the area. It is a must-visit as it would definitely add an unforgettable experience to
your stay in this paradise isle.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, although its origins date back to the era of medieval times, bears a rich history
punctuated by colonialism and industrial change. The splendour of the gardens, further uplifted by the river that
flows through its fringes.
Rest of the day at leisure.
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Kandy
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12: Nuwara Eliya (Fri, 20 April)
Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful mountain station 1868m above sea level. The city is well-kept and neat, and with its
British like red-brick walls, mock-Tudor half-timbering and a country club, complete with hunting pictures and
mounted trophies, it is sometimes referred to as “Little England”.
The surrounding areas offer breath-taking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery and most importantly
a wonderful break from the heat and humidity of the coast. Tea Estates, waterfalls, and mountains complete the
picture.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast Proceed to Nanu Oya by Train (Second Class)
On to Nan Oya visit a Tea Factory. Tea of Sri Lanka, better known as Ceylon Tea has been world renowned for
centuries for its quality and distinctive taste. The island’s tea production varies in taste, quality, character and
appearance based on its cultivated region.
Transfer to Nuwara Eliya and check in to the hotel for 1 night.
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Nuwara Eliya
Overnight: Jetwing St. Andrews
A former country house converted into a Jetwing Hotel, an experience at the Jetwing St. Andrews gives one a
glimpse into the days of the British Raj. The Jetwing St. Andrews is situated in Nuwara Eliya among misty mountains
and tea plantations.
Guests at the Jetwing St. Andrews get to wake up to a typical English breakfast of bacon and eggs, attend an
afternoon high tea on the lawn and enjoy a stiff brandy at night. Other ways to spend leisure time involves a round
of golf, fishing on the lake or hiking through Horton Plains.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13-17: Weligama (Sat, 21 April to Wed, 25 April)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast transfer to Weligama Bay and check in for 3 nights including late check out.
Your stay here will be at leisure.
Weligama
Weligama is a serene and unspoilt seaside town, with a lovely beach that stretches around a wide, half-moon shaped
bay. It’s an interesting blend of authentic fishing village and upscale resort town - with a dusting of five-star
accommodation complemented by a traditional coastal culture. It’s located just a 40-minute drive from the
cosmopolitan city of Galle - one of southern Sri Lanka’s premier tourist destinations - and offers a tranquil diversion
from the city’s pulsating pace and smorgasboard of activities. If it’s R&R you’re after, you need look no further than
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Weligama’s pristine shores. And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some of the handcrafted lace for which
the town is renowned.
Overnight: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort designed to help escape the mundane. This beach front
property offers exquisitely designed sea facing rooms and suites, right in the heart of Weligama Bay. Located in close
proximity to the Galle Fort and Blue Whale watching hubs; this resort mimics the environs of the open pristine
outdoors. Perfect for a mini break or a destination wedding, Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa provides a
plethora of reasons to explore and relax.
Included
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 17: Departure (Wed, 25 April)
Day Itinerary
Depart on flight SQ 217 at 0110.
Urgent Contact Numbers
Company Name Telephone Email Address Contact Person
Swagman India (03) 5222 2855 alyson@swagmantours.com.au Alyson Ellis
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