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INDIA SOUTH
21 DAYS
INDIA SOUTH
A country of extremes - India’s size and diversity will dazzle you! Stark contrasts of old and new blend beautifully as faith and centuries of history rub shoulders with the computer age. You will trek through forests in the Western Ghats, spot wildlife in beautiful parks, admire Dravidian temples and relax on the pristine beaches. A real highlight will be your work on an inspirational community project, helping the most disadvantaged members of society to build a more sustainable future. Southern India will completely change your outlook!
The purpose of this brief is to introduce your expedition opportunity. It will give you a feel for the destination and the type of activities that you will be involved in.
We hope this brief snapshot will leave you feeling inspired and wanting more!
HIGHLIGHTS Trek in the beautiful Western Ghats
Head out on safari on the lookout for elephants and tigers
Help on a community project
Explore temples and relax on the coast
India South | Expedition Guide
PHYSICAL RATING: Low physical challenge.
CULTURE SHOCK: Eye opening - you will experience a very different world!
ALTITUDE: N/A.
VISA: Visa required for British nationals.
INDIA SOUTH
DESTINATION FACTSRELIGION/S: Hindu, Christianity, Islam.
CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL INTEREST: Mamallapuram is home to the finest examples of Dravidian architecture in the world.
LANGUAGES: Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Tulu, Hindi, English.
GEOGRAPHY: Lowland plains and forested hills, dissected by the Western and Eastern Ghats and the Indian Ocean to the south.
CLIMATE: Monsoonal climate with very hot and humid summers, cooler during and after monsoon (late summer/early autumn).
INDIA SOUTH
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ADVENTUREMamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram) is a beautiful and relaxed seaside town an hour south of Chennai. Sample the wonderful seafood and relax on the inviting beach on the Bay of Bengal.
There are plenty of places to explore, the town is home to famous Dravidian temples and rock sculptures, such as the 7th century ‘Shore Temple’ and an extensive carved rock relief called ‘Arjunas Penance’. Due to its rich history, the town is still home to a wealth of skilled stone carvers which makes it a great place to pick up those all-important souvenirs!
Experience an amazing overnight train journey to Ooty where you will visit Mudumalai National Park. Set off on one of many day treks which will take you through some traditional rural villages of the Nilgiri Hill tribes. Take a safari to see if you can spot the mountain elephants who roam through this amazing environment. It is also one of the best places to see tigers and panthers (from the safety of a reserve!)
Explore the Western Ghats from the oldest of the three Nilgiri hill stations, Kotagiri, which is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery. Your trek will take you on a journey through the heart of the tea-growing area of the Nilgiris past waterfalls and through native forests, green valleys and high peaks. Absorb the amazing views across the Coimbatore plains and the Mysore plateau.
POSSIBLE EXPERIENCESAt the Itinerary Development Day, with guidance from one of our destination experts, the team will be able to choose from options to finalise their itinerary. The choices may include the project they work with, the challenge level and type of trek and where they go for some rest and relaxation!
India South | Expedition Guide
PROJECTYou will be helping to teach children and, if your project visit is over a weekend, spending time on ‘exposure’ visits with the children to attractions in Chennai. There are currently 60 children that attend these free tuition classes – incredibly, many are first-generation learners in their families.
This is a truly unique opportunity to immerse yourself and learn about the culture of the region. You will provide a real and highly valued service to people in need and experience a very different way of life.
Elysiom have been working in the slums of T. Nagar in Chennai for nearly two decades and run various activities in the area aimed at uplifting the most disadvantaged in Indian society. Their beneficiaries tend to be women, dalits, and highly vulnerable children.
Aside from the free tuition centre, where your project work will take place, they run free health camps (every quarter of the year), support children with their school supplies (uniforms, notebooks, shoes etc.) and run vocational programs for women (such as learning tailoring) that live in the slum community.
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EXAMPLE ITINERARYDAY 1-2 Depart the UK and travel to the vibrant city of Chennai in Southern India.
DAY 3
Spend some time relaxing and adjusting to the timezone, heat and bustle of the city. Visit some of the city’s many interesting sites and sample some of the great street food! In the evening catch the overnight sleeper train to Mettupalayam.
DAY 4
Arrive in Mettupalayam early morning and catch the connecting Nilgiri World Heritage train to the hill station of Ooty. This incredible journey takes five hours and travels through beautiful forests and tea plantations. On arrival transfer to your accommodation at the Mudumalai National Park.
DAY 5 Embark on a safari through the heart of this amazing national park, home to the Indian mountain elephant as well as many other interesting species.
DAY 6-9Trek into the beautiful Western Ghats, travelling through tea plantations, native forests and high peaks with views across the Mysore plateau. On your final day return to Ooty and make the journey back to Chennai.
DAY 10Arrive early morning in Chennai and spend the day exploring this interesting and varied city. Take a trip to one of the beautiful temples and museums or visit Guindy National Park.
DAY 11-16Spend six life-altering days at the Elysiom Slum project. Here you will be helping to provide an education and positive future to some of the most disadvantaged people in the local community.
DAY 17-19 Travel to the coastal town of Mamallapuram, relax on the beach and explore the streets and temples whilst on the lookout for some souvenirs.
DAY 20 Return to Chennai and celebrate the successful completion of your expedition with a final team meal out!
DAY 21 Depart India and arrive back in the UK for your homecoming.
Due to the changing nature of the world over the build up period, Outlook may be required to change aspects of, or the order of the itinerary. Outlook will consult with the Link Teacher/Group Leader and all participants if this is the case.
The below itinerary has been created by our Expedition Planner as a guide.
India South | Expedition Guide
* Please see website for more information.
UK BUILD UP* Itinerary Development Day Expedition Development Day Final Preparation Day
TRAINING Expedition Training weekend in the UK with your Expedition Leader.
LINK TEACHER TRAINING* Leader Team Training event including first aid.
LEADER TEAM COMPOSITION At least 1 Link Teacher and an Outlook Expedition Leader.
FLIGHTS International flights.
INSURANCE Comprehensive overseas insurance.
TRANSPORT All overseas transport.
IN DESTINATION All food and accommodation. All group activities including any entrance fees. All R&R activity.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED Spending money for gifts / souvenirs whilst on expedition.
Inoculations, prophylaxis and personal medicine. (All participants based in England and Wales receive 10% discount at Nomad Travel).
Visas and passports – please see page 3 to see which visas are required.
Personal belongings insurance (this may be covered by your household / contents insurance).
Cancellation insurance.
Personal equipment (e.g. rucksack, sleeping bag, waterproof clothing); all participants receive 15% discount at ‘Cotswold Outdoor’.
Transport to and from UK-based training courses, to the Final Preparation Day venue and from the airport.
Food and accommodation in the UK, unless specified.
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HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR EXPEDITIONWe hope you have decided that this is the expedition for your school or group. To launch all you need to do is follow these steps:
PRESENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL
APPLY ONLINE
Discuss convenient dates for us to come and run an assembly and information evening. Once these dates have been agreed you will be assigned a School Account Manager. They will become your point of contact at Outlook from now until after your return from the expedition.
We will run an assembly presentation for your students and an information evening for students and parents at your school or venue.
Students will apply online to join the expedition and pay a deposit.
CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER
phone
01248 672 760email
WWW.OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM
