Itinerary for Ms. Danielle Beaudette & Party Prepared in ... · Ms. Danielle Beaudette & Party Prepared in association with Largay Travel March 06th – 20th, 2017 (800) 318-7801

Itinerary for Ms. Danielle Beaudette & Party

Prepared in association with Largay Travel March 06th – 20th, 2017

(800) 318-7801

GREAVES TOURS LLC Complex and dazzling, India is a place where destination knowledge is paramount. With our help, traveling to the Sub-Continent is easy and fun. From our offices in the US, UK and India, Greaves provides expert advice, tailor- made or custom itineraries and on-the-ground support. A WORLD OF EXPERIENCE Family owned and operated and now with three generations working in various offices, Greaves’ professional and cultural roots lie in India and stretch back over several generations. Armed with specialist knowledge of the Sub-Continent, having taken clients there for over 30 years, Greaves can offer a unique and expert experience to the modern traveller. Expect a high level of service from your first point of contact to your last moments in India; Greaves can orchestrate your whole itinerary helping you to decide the destinations that appeal specifically to you – from India to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean Islands. Greaves provides personal support and invaluable advice – from fine-tuning your expedition, to arranging reassuring airport meets, English-speaking guides and efficient transfers. Greaves can provide private planes to remote safari parks, a private chauffeur driven car to navigate the Golden Triangle, or a traditional train journey with panoramic views through some of India’s remotest countryside. With this personalized attention from Greaves’ staff in the US and on the ground in India, you are able to completely relax and enjoy a stress-free, inspirational and truly unforgettable vacation.

Ms. Danielle Beaudette & Party Page 2 of 21 ©Greaves Tours LLC in association with Largay Travel – Tel: 203 346 1693

www.greavesindia.com



Itinerary

DATE DAY DESCRIPTION ACCOMMODATION MEALS*

Mar 06 Arrive Colombo – Negombo The Gateway Airport Garden

Hotel - - -

Mar 07 Negombo – Kandy Amaya Hills Hotel B - -

Mar 08 Kandy Amaya Hills Hotel B - -

Mar 09 Kandy – Peradeniya – Hatton – Haputale

Melheim Resort B - -

Mar 10 Haputale Melheim Resort B - -

Mar 11 Haputale – Colombo – Chennai The Leela Palace Hotel B - -

Mar 12 Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Chennai The Leela Palace Hotel B - -

Mar 13 Chennai – Coimbatore – Coonoor The Gateway Hotel Church Road B - -

Mar 14 Coonoor The Gateway Hotel Church Road B - -

Mar 15 Coonoor The Gateway Hotel Church Road B - -

Mar 16 Coonoor – Munnar Windermere Estate B - -

Mar 17 Munnar Windermere Estate B L -

Mar 18 Munnar – Kochi Brunton Boatyard Hotel B - -

Mar 19 Kochi – Alleppey – Houseboat – Alleppey – Kochi

Brunton Boatyard Hotel B L -

Mar 20 Depart Kochi - - - B - -

*B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

MONDAY MARCH 06 ARRIVE COLOMBO – NEGOMBO Arrive Colombo International Airport (Flight details to be advised) On arrival, transfer to The Gateway Airport Garden Hotel (Standard Room – reserved from 1400 hours of this day) www.thegatewayhotels.com/airport-garden-colombo/overview.html Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at hotel TUESDAY MARCH 07 NEGOMBO – KANDY Morning transfer by road to Kandy en route visiting the Millennium Elephant foundation (approximately 04 hours and 30 minutes drive including stop)

Sri Lanka has a long and complicated history with Elephants, many of whom live in captivity in poor conditions. There are numerous organizations within Sri Lanka who ‘rescue’ captive Elephants (privately owned by temples, organizations or individuals) and provide these elephants a retirement home as most of them are old, sick and/or badly injured. Spend a few hours with an elephant expert and animal rights activist who will give you the unique opportunity to meet, walk with, and bathe the elephants she looks after at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, an organization

that have been working continually to improve the care, protection and treatment of captive elephants in Sri Lanka by providing a place of sanctuary and medical services and facilities.



http://www.thegatewayhotels.com/airport-garden-colombo/overview.html

Meet an authority on Sri Lankan Elephants for the morning or afternoon to learn about the real story behind Elephant captivity. You will visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF), an organisation with eight Elephants in residence. The foundation pays for all food and medical bills for the elephants and also provide elephants specialist care with their individual mahout and a supporting team. The elephants do no heavy manual work and are well provided for with food, water, vitamins, regular vet checks and medical treatment and regular exercise. Your host, along with a dedicated team at MEF, are fighting for more rights for their elephants, however, captive elephants still have owners and ultimately these owners get decisions over how the elephants are treated. Most of the elephants at MEF are chained up due to the requests of their owners. The foundation also offers elephant riding. Your host is working with the foundation to try and change this, to eventually release the elephants from their chains and stop elephant riding all together. She will talk you through the efforts of the foundation, give you an opportunity to walk with the elephants, bathe the elephants, and visit the on-site elephant dung factory. This experience allows you to get up-close-and-personal with the elephants whilst understanding the complex issues that effect their conservation within Sri Lanka. Captive Elephants – What to Expect: The chains that some elephants wear are considered to be for safety, both for their own and of the people they interact with as some elephants can be temperamental. Each elephant has a mahout, a caretaker that stays with the elephant throughout the day, and sometimes at night as well. Being a mahout is a dangerous job, all mahouts use a hook that touches some 96 pressure points in the animal’s body to control it – when used correctly, the hook does not hurt the animal. None of the elephants at MEF are used for labor. On arrival in Kandy, check-in at Amaya Hills (Deluxe Rooms) www.amayahills.com

Afternoon visit the Degaldoruwa Temple The Degaldoruwa Temple was built in 1771 AD by King Rajadi Rajasinha and was initiated during the rein of his elder brother King Kirti Sri Rajasinha [1747-1782 AD. This is considered as a Cave Temple with Kandyan era Paintings and Architecture. This temple is situated at Amunugama, a village near Kandy Town. Overnight at hotel



http://www.amayahills.com/

WEDNESDAY MARCH 08 KANDY Morning visit the Kandy town and street markets followed by Tea at the Queen’s Hotel Kandy Market is the central retain and wholesale market for the city and surrounding areas. This walk takes you through the city center and into the central market. One of the most interesting aspects of this walk is the contrast of people, religions and ethnicities you encounter in Kandy, all living in perfect chaotic harmony. A church sits in the vicinity of the Temple of the Tooth, side by side with a Kovil and the great Red Mosque. The market itself is full of weird and wonderful vegetables, fruits and spices, and is – as you would expect – noisy and smelly! The early morning is the best time to visit when the fish, vegetables and other goods are fresh and the morning sun shines through the stalls. Your guide will show you the vegetable, meat and fish markets and walk along the main streets of Kandy ending / or starting at the Queens Hotel. This visit is very much tailored to your interests and to the time you have. Nothing is set in stone. The walk could be a 30 minute walk or a 1.30 minute walk. Kandy is safe, but still keep your valuables, as streets are sometimes congested with pedestrians. Appreciate the hustle and bustle, and the madness of it all around you. Your guide will attempt to make sense of it all for you. The walk will finish up with a cup of tea at the historic Queen’s Hotel. Later take a guided tour of the Botanical Gardens with a Botanist (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes)

The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka and the finest of its kind in Asia. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the central highlands, the gardens lies at an elevation of 460 meters above sea-level, tightly bounded on three sides by the loop of the River Mahaweli (Great Sandy River), Sri Lanka’s largest river. During WWII the gardens were the headquarters of the allied command for the pacific.

Your expert in Botany is a walking encyclopedia. Even if you have very little interest in Botany he makes the visit interesting and insightful with plenty of quirks and little side stories. For some it’s the best visit of them all in Sri Lanka.



Early evening visit the sacred Temple of the tooth Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple and is located in the royal palace complex which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple. Monks of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays there is a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers, called Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed among those present.

Overnight at hotel THURSDAY MARCH 09 KANDY – PERADENIYA – HATTON – HAPUTALE 0800 hours: Transfer to Peradeniya Railway Station to board train Train for Peradeniya – Hatton (0832 / 1115) This is one of the most scenic train rides in Asia (2.5 hours). One fabulous way of exploring the tea country is to jump aboard the train. The dramatic landscape of the highlands stirs the senses as you wind past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. The Sri Lanka Railways – the government railway network was first started in 1864 during the colonial period. One meets Sri Lankans from all walks of life on the train – it’s a very enjoyable experience.



On arrival, visit the Harrington Tea Estate (approximately 20 minutes drive from Hatton) The Harrington Tea Estate focuses exclusively on organic practices and traditional harvesting and processing. The company strives to elevate working and living conditions for laborers, and meet their needs for health, education, shelter and fair wages. Workers are trained in the traditional

methods of green and black tea production. Later transfer by road to Haputale (approximately 02 hours and 30 minutes drive) and check-in at Melheim Resort (Deluxe Room) www.melheimresort.com/index.php

Overnight at hotel

FRIDAY MARCH 10 HAPUTALE Morning visit the Greenfield Bio Plantation, Thotulagala, Haputale and the Iddalgashinne Estates This is a long day, an early start is recommended Greenfield Bio Plantation is an organic tea estate set in the beautiful Uva highlands of Sri Lanka. The cool climate, mountain soil and the famous trade winds which sweep across from the Indian Ocean give this tea its unique flavour. Organic Life Teas come from the Greenfield Estate which produces some of the finest high grown teas in Sri Lanka, but maintains two other priorities besides exceptional tea; the people and the environment. Iddalgashinne Estates – Sri Lanka’s first organic tea estate located in the UVA highlands. Sought after



http://www.melheimresort.com/index.php

for its black and green teas embodying grassy aroma, bright color with a hint of citrus flavor. A fair trade estate, owned by the local community, demonstrating the best of Sri Lankan style social responsibility. Certified bio-dynamic cultivation. Afternoon visit the Koslanda Organic Tea Gardens

Koslanda Organic Tea Gardens – Located in the cool, misty mountains of Sri Lanka’s Uva District, the Koslanda estate has been producing tea since the mid-twentieth century and began selling to the Fair Trade market in 1998. In 1992, Koslanda transitioned to 100 percent organic and biodynamic production. The estate promotes the recycling of resources through the use of cover crops, inter-cropping, and animal and plant waste recycling. Koslanda not only implements environmentally sustainable methods of production, but also encourages bio-diversity by re-introducing indigenous flora and planting a variety of native products such as spices, coffee, and nuts. The Koslanda Tea Estate is also committed to building a clean and healthy community for its 596 workers. The plantation has provided transportation to the hospital, new latrines, re-roofing, and scholarships for higher education. With the premium received from Fair Trade tea sales, Koslanda has continued its community development goals. Koslanda’s revenue from Fair Trade sales has been used for the creation of a microlending program, which gave workers loans with 5 percent interest annually (as opposed to 15 percent from local banks) in order to purchase 20 gas cookers for the community.

Overnight at hotel SATURDAY MARCH 11 HAPUTALE – COLOMBO – CHENNAI 0930 hours: Transfer by road to Colombo International Airport (approximately 06 hours drive) to board Sri Lankan Airlines flight Flight UL 123 for Colombo – Chennai (1835 / 1955) (Luggage allowance on this flight is 30kg checked in baggage and 7kg hand luggage) On arrival in Chennai, transfer to The Leela Palace Hotel (Deluxe Sea View Room) www.theleela.com/locations/chennai Chennai – Before the arrival of the British and the creation of Fort St. George, both Armenian and Portuguese traders had already settled in what is now known as Chennai. By 1693 Fort St. George or ‘White Town’ as it was known, had merged with Chennaipatnam, Purasawalkam, Egmore and Tondiarpet. This conglomeration of several overgrown villages became known as Madras, and was later captured by the French in 1746, before being returned after the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle two



http://www.theleela.com/locations/chennai

years later. Expansion of the city continued until 1793, when the British moved their administrative centre to Calcutta.

Overnight at hotel

SUNDAY MARCH 12 CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM – CHENNAI

Morning excursion to Mahabalipuram Shore Temple (approximately 01 hours drive each way)

Mahabalipuram – One of South India’s most visited historical sites Mahabalipuram, a seaside resort 85km from Chennai, is named after Mamalla, the Pallava ruler who made the port famous. Narasimhavarman I Pallavamalla created 14 cave temples, nine monolithic rathas, sculptured rock panels and many stone temples. The most striking monuments are the 05 rathas (shrines in the shape of chariots) and the bas-relief sculpted on a huge rock known as Arjuna's penance. This sculpture is 29m long

and 7m high and depicts the decent of the Ganges River from the Himalayas. The Mahishasuramardini Mandapa from the mid-07th century also has fine bas-relief carving and intricate columns. The Krishna Mandapam shows Krishna protecting his kinsmen from Indra, the Rain God and beside the sea, surrounded by a garden is the Shore Temple, a World Heritage site that is unusual as it is dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Chennai



A tour of Chennai should include Fort St. George, Britain’s first bastion in India that was completed in 1654 and rebuilt several times over the years. St. Mary’s Church built in 1678–80, is the oldest Anglican Church in Asia and should not be missed. Visit the San Thome Basilica, a Gothic style Catholic Church, which houses the remains of St. Thomas, who brought Christianity to the sub-continent in 52 AD.

Overnight at hotel

MONDAY MARCH 13 CHENNAI – COIMBATORE – COONOOR

Morning 02 hours walking tour in Mylapore followed by visit to George Town Mylapore has in some sense always been – the religious and cultural epicenter of the Tamil people. The village of Mylapore pre-dates Chennai. A great shore temple dedicated to Shiva once stood at this ancient thriving seaport, until the Portuguese arrived in the mid-sixteenth century. They destroyed the temple, created a Portuguese colony on the shore, and pushed Mylapore inshore, where it still stands today. The Shiva temple was re-built 300 years ago, and is called the Kapaleeswara Temple. It is a fine example of the pure Dravidian style, with gopurams & mandapams and is the epicentre around which the area of Mylapore is built. During this walk, you will visit the temple in the company of our knowledgeable guide. We will also walk through the surrounding areas, where you can see Mylapore in all its crowded chaos. The jewellers, silk merchants, fruit and vegetable sellers and the flower vendors in the bazaars provide a colourful backdrop to the temple. The walk takes us through small lanes with old-style homes, through silk shops, stores selling music and religious memora blia, ‘kutcheri’ auditoriums, etc. During this walk, you will visit the temple in the company of our knowledgeable guide. We will also walk through the surrounding areas, where you can see Mylapore in all its crowded chaos. The jewellers, silk merchants, fruit and vegetable sellers and the flower vendors in the bazaars provide a colourful backdrop to the temple. The walk takes us through small lanes with old-style homes, through silk shops, stores selling music and religious memora blia, ‘kutcheri’ auditoriums, etc. 1130 hours: Transfer to Chennai Airport to board Jet Airways flight Flight 9W 2765 for Chennai – Coimbatore (1350 / 1510)



On arrival, transfer by road to Coonoor (approximately 03 hours drive) and check-in at The Gateway Hotel Church Road (Superior Room) www.thegatewayhotels.com/church-road-coonoor/overview.html Coonoor – Smaller and less developed than the hill station of Ooty, Coonoor is dominated by its lively market. Nearby Lamb’s Rock and Dolphin’s Nose offer stunning views of the Coimbatore plains and the beautiful scenery of the Nilgiris. The mid 19th century Sim’s Park has a Japanese styled botanical garden with 330 varieties of roses. The annual fruit and vegetable show takes place in May.

Overnight at hotel

TUESDAY MARCH 14 COONOOR – OOTY (UDAGMANDALAM) – COONOOR

0945 hours: Transfer to Coonoor Railway Station to board Toy Train Toy Train for Coonoor – Ooty (1040 / 1200)

Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is a treasured element and fabled charm of Nilgiris since 1899. This Nilgiri rail system is unique as it is the steepest one in Asia. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO during 2005. Another interesting thing associated with the Nilgiri Railway is that the youngest X class loco is over 50 years old and the oldest is 80 years old. A century after it first attracted travelers, the Nilgiri Mountain Toy train continues to inspire weaving through forests, moving through time, along the valleys and into the little dark winding tunnels, round the bends, up the gradients, through the glens, trees and

birds. A whiff of mist, a myna's trill, sunlight dances on yonder hill, whistling, chugging, fire, steam-



http://www.thegatewayhotels.com/church-road-coonoor/overview.html

clacking, moving into a dream Gorge, gorgeous, misty, foggy shrouded peaks, drizzles clothe the slopes. On arrival in Ooty, transfer back to Coonoor en route visiting Dunsandle Tea Estate Dunsandle Tea Estate, situated in the better-known Nilgiri hills, is a high elevation estate at over 1828 meter above sea level. It produces typical high elevation teas with the distinctive Nilgiri aroma and flavour. The Nilgiri district is far more populated and has some of the oldest tea plantations in South India (some of it over a hundred years old and are still going strong). The district has two major townships and is well known as a tourist destination. Though, primarily a tea growing area which produces some of the best tea in South India, the district also has other industries and a major army cantonment, which houses the Defence Services Staff College and the Madras Regimental Center.

Overnight at hotel

WEDNESDAY MARCH 15 COONOOR Morning visit Glendale Tea Estate

Glendale Estate, a valley within a valley, is the cynosure of the famous Nilgiris Mountain Range in South India which dates back to 1835 in the Tea Plantation history. Glendale Estate is located at an altitude of 1650 meter to 2120 meter above MSL and endowed with characteristic cold, dry and misty climatic conditions, which impart a brisk and golden yellow color to the tea liquor besides bestowing a distinctively soothing floral aroma. The Green tea made here are aromatic and smooth to taste.

Afternoon visit Highfield Estate Tea Factory Highfield Tea Factory located in Coonoor, the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu is gaining lot importance as a popular tea tour destination. The landscape of this whole area is ornate with elevations which is actually very suitable for tea plantations. This tea factory is well equipped and produces tea of different qualities and focuses both on national as well as international market. The



entire process of manufacturing the tea is well optimized and is highly grounded up with well planned process in order to produce high quality tea.

Overnight at hotel

THURSDAY MARCH 16 COONOOR – MUNNAR Morning transfer by road to Munnar (approximately 06 hours drive) On arrival, check-in at Windermere Estate (Cottage) www.windermeremunnar.com

Please note that liquor / wine is not served at this hotel. Guests however can carry their own from Madurai Munnar – Close to Anaimudi, (2,695m) the highest peak in South India is the hill station of Munnar. A major centre for tea production, Munnar has around 30 estates. Established by the British and situated high in the Western Ghats, (1,800m above sea level) Munnar is surrounded by forest still rich in flora and fauna. This little town also has gentle rolling hills of coffee and cardamom plantations nearby and the rare Neelakurunji plant covers the hillside. It only flowers once every 12 years. Those keen on wildlife may spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr on the higher slopes. 13km from Munnar, on the southern side of Mattupetty Lake, the Kerala livestock centre offers an interesting insight into modern cattle breeding methods and sojourns to nearby reservoirs and tea estates can be arranged. Afternoon visit to Tata Tea Factory and Tea Museum (Closed on Mondays) Tea Museum – A visit to the tea museum enlightens you about the art of tea making. An encounter with very interesting pieces of history and antiques of Munnar are guaranteed during a guided tour of the mini Tea factory in the museum.

Overnight at hotel



http://www.windermeremunnar.com/

FRIDAY MARCH 17 MUNNAR

Full day excursion to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate by Jeep (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes drive each way) – closed on Sundays You will start with a guided walk up the Kolukkumalai Peak in the estate. Later you will have a relaxed visit of the plantation and the factory and will return after tea in the evening. During your time at the estate you will have the opportunity to pick tea with the workers, process it at the factory and can carry home a small pack of tea as a memento of your visit to the highest tea estate in the world. This will include tea/coffee at the guesthouse, either picnic lunch or hot lunch at the guesthouse (depending on climate) and afternoon refreshments. Jeep is the only vehicle which can go upto this area. Thirty-five km outside of Munnar, India, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is built high atop the precipitous ridge that rises above the plains of Tamil Nadu. At about 8,000 feet above sea level, this is the highest tea estate in the world. Known for its excellent, flavorsome teas, this estate is also known for its panoramic views and the for the rugged mountains that surround it.

It's remote - it takes about 90 minutes to reach Kolukkumalai from Munnar - but on clear nights, you can see Kodaikanal from the estate because of its height. "The rejuvenating fresh air is a blessing in this place, but life is very simple," one review from a visitor reads. "Their world revolves around their homes and work." The factory at the center of the estate has stood for several generations, having been built more than 70 years ago. It uses traditional techniques even today that serve as a draw for tea enthusiasts. Orthodox tea-

making is a seven-step process that includes withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fiber extraction, and grading. All of this work happens in the small factory that has not been changed since the British constructed it in the 1930s. The estate was the recipient of “2005 Southern Tea Competition winner of the Golden Leaf India Awards”.

Overnight at hotel



SATURDAY MARCH 18 MUNNAR – KOCHI

Morning transfer by road to Kochi (approximately 05 hours drive) On arrival, check-in at Brunton Boatyard Hotel (Standard Sea Facing Room) www.cghearth.com/brunton-boatyard

Kochi – rich in history and a trading port since Roman times, Kochi is one of south India’s most interesting cities. Today, modern Kochi reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. The city comprises of three parts, Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Willingdon Island, created after dredging the channel, is the headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian Navy. 1600 hours: Heritage Walk through Fort Kochi including a brief ride on Tuk Tuk (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes) - Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays and Mattancherry Palace is closed on Fridays) This walking tour gives you a glimpse into Cochin’s rich history and heritage, showcasing the mixed Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that make the city unique. During the tour, you will visit the old quarter of Fort Kochi, exploring the quaint streets of this city on foot. You will also visit Fort Kochi’s seaside promenade, and get a glimpse of daily life in Kochi. Your walk route will include the following:

• St Francis Church (India’s oldest European Church) built by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars

• The Chinese Fishing nets • The Nehru Children’s Park area and the interesting houses that ring the park (Koder House,

Tower House, Old Harbour Hotel) • Fort Immanuel (the bastion of the Portuguese) • The Dutch Cemetery, which is now managed by the Church of South India • A brief walk past the seaside beach • Bishop’s House Road, with its beautiful old-style homes • The Union Club Building • Santa Cruz Basilica

The walk ends with tea/coffee at a local café (Teapot or Café Coffee Day) on Princess Street.



http://www.cghearth.com/brunton-boatyard

Most sights of interest are found in Fort Kochin, these include Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557 and given to the Raja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. In 1663 the Dutch renovated it, and today it houses a collection of artefacts that belonged to the Rajas of Kochi; it is however best known for the beautiful murals painted on the wooden walls, some of the most detailed and well preserved in the whole of India. For several centuries there were two Jewish communities living in Kochi, the ‘black Jews’ who settled here in 587 BC and the ‘white Jews’ who settled much later. Speaking Malayalam, the local dialect, they played a pivotal role as trading agents between the locals and any foreigners wishing to establish trade. As a result the Jewish population became very wealthy; ‘Jew Town’, close to the Mattancherry Palace is a fascinating area of the old town with its mixture of old shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms and the Jewish Synagogue. Built in 1568, the Synagogue houses Torah and Old Testament scrolls as well as copper plates on which the Kochi rulers granted various privileges to the Jewish community. Today the Jewish population of Kochi numbers around only a dozen families. Visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, patron saint of Portugal. Vasco de Gama died on this site in 1524 and was buried in the cemetery, his body being taken to Portugal 14 years later. Renamed St. Francis in 1663 under the Dutch, it became a Protestant church and then, in 1804 it became Anglican. In 1949 the congregation joined the Church of South India. Be sure to see the famous 14th-15th century cantilevered Chinese fishing nets.

Overnight at hotel

SUNDAY MARCH 19 KOCHI – ALLEPPEY – HOUSEBOAT – ALLEPPEY – KOCHI

Morning transfer by road to Alleppey Jetty (approximately 02 hours drive) to embark on air-conditioned Houseboat for a day cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey with lunch on board The traditional Keralan riceboats were converted into comfortable houseboats, ideal for a leisurely



cruise through the region’s tropical backwaters. This is a tranquil haven here he visitor can watch rice fields, coconut palms and the activities of day-to-day rural life drift by. Truly low-impact sightseeing, but stops can be made, to go ashore for more active sightseeing. The boats are approximately 20 meters in length and normally accommodate just 02 to 04 passengers in 01 or 02 double cabins. The furnishings are simple but comfortable and wholly appropriate to the setting. The main part of the roof has a wicker canopy, which works as a very effective sunscreen. With a crew of 4, including a chef who prepares all meals with fresh ingredients, guests finish a backwater cruise feeling totally refreshed and revitalised. 1600 hours: Disembark from houseboat at Alleppey Jetty and return to Kochi and visit a cultural center to see Kathakali dance / drama performance

Originally performed by men, this unique art form, with its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and choreographed movements evolved from ancient martial arts. Unique to Kerala this dance Spectacle is based on the stories of the three major Hindu Epics, and is a breath-taking and visually exciting spectacle of gods and demons. It takes hours for the dancer’s elaborate and symbolic facial makeup to be applied, and once he finally dons the ornate costume and headdress representing his character, he literally

“becomes” that god or demon. Traditional performances last all night until dawn, with the entire village enjoying the re-enactment of familiar myths.

Overnight at hotel MONDAY MARCH 20 DEPART KOCHI

Morning at leisure Note: Hotel check out is at 1200 hours Afternoon transfer to Kochi International Airport to board flight to onward destination (Flight details to be advised)

* * * End of Tour * * *





NOTE: The entry fees to visit Tea Estates and Plantations are included as per the current rate. However, if there is any change to this rate, the additional costs to be settled directly. The visit to Tea Plantations is subject to permission from owners. The checked-in baggage allowance in Economy class on Colombo – Chennai flight is 30 Kgs. (66 lbs) Per Person and on Chennai – Coimbatore flight is 15 Kgs. (33 lbs) Per Person. The carry on baggage allowance is 07 Kgs. (15 lbs) Per Person. There is no restriction on carrying extra baggage and charges can be paid directly at the airport. The excess baggage charge is approximately USD 05-08/- Per Person Per kg. Please note all flight / train timings are subject to change. The check in time at all the hotels is 1400 hours and check out time is 1200 noon (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We can approach the hotel for early/late check in/check out where required but we can only request this and it is subject to availability and hotel policy.

INCLUSIONS

Minimum 14 people traveling The above includes the following:

• Hotel accommodation in a double / twin rooms on room with breakfast at all hotels (Buffet / fixed menu breakfast in restaurant)

• Train ticket for from Peradeniya to Hatton and Coonoor to Ooty in best available class • A guided tour of the Botanical Gardens with a Botanist in Kandy • 02 hours walking tour in Mylapore followed by a visit to George Town • Full day excursion to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate in Munnar with lunch (Fixed menu or buffet

lunch) • Evening walk through the Tata Tea Factory and Tea Museum with guide in Munnar • Day cruise using an air conditioned Houseboat including lunch on board in Alleppey (Fixed

menu lunch) • Visit to Kochi cultural center to witness the Kathakali dance performance in Kochi • Transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per programme using an Mini Coach • English speaking accompanied tour escort as per itinerary (Escort will stay in different hotels).

In both the countries a different tour escort will be provided • Entrance fees and video / still camera fees at monuments as per itinerary • Mineral water in the vehicle • Porterage at airports / stations (Only in India)

The above costs do not include the following: • International and domestic airfare • Meals except where stated, telephone, laundry, gratuities, Wifi or any personal items • Any changes you may choose to make during your holiday • Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages in any of the meals • Travel Insurance • Sri Lanka and India visa charges

Cancellation Policy

Days before departure Total Travel Program Penalty Before 90 days Deposit and Applicable Airfare Penalty 65 to 89 days 40% of entire tour price 51 to 64 days 50% of entire tour price 01 to 50 days 100% of entire tour price Important Note:

• Visitors require a current passport that is valid for a minimum of 06 months beyond your return date and valid visas to enter and exit Sri Lanka and India for any purpose.

The prices quoted are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please be advised that no flight or hotels have as yet been confirmed. We strongly suggest that you confirm this itinerary as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Ms. Danielle Beaudette & Party Page 20 of 21

©Greaves Tours LLC in association with Largay Travel – Tel: 203 346 1693 www.greavesindia.com



Greaves Tours, LLC 1306 Old Skokie Road

Highland Park, IL 60035 USA

(800) 318-7801 (224) 765-4545

Documents

Itinerary for Ms. Danielle Beaudette & Party Prepared in ... · Ms. Danielle Beaudette & Party Prepared in association with Largay Travel March 06th – 20th, 2017 (800) 318-7801