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| Day 1 |
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DEPART US
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Depart from the U. S. on your international flight for Chennai, India.
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| Day 2 |
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ARRIVE CHENNAI (MADRAS)
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Arrive late evening at Chennai International Airport. Following passport clearance and baggage collection, exit through customs and meet your guide, who will accompany you on the transfer to your hotel.
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| Day 3 |
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CHENNAI - AARTI CEREMONY - WELCOME DINNER
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Tour highlights of Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu state. Attend an aarti ceremony at the city’s oldest temple, and enjoy your Welcome Dinner. B/L/D
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| Day 4 |
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INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE - MADRAS MUSEUM
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Visit an academy devoted to classical Indian dance, and see the outstanding bronzes at the Madras Museum. B/L/D
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| Day 5 |
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KANCHIPURAM: KAILASANATHA TEMPLE - SARI WEAVERS - COVELONG
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Visit the pilgrimage center of Kanchipuram and a workshop of renowned silk weavers. Continue to Covelong. B/L/D
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| Day 6 |
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MAHABALIPURAM - DAKSHINACHITRA CENTER
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See the carved temples at Mahabalaipuram* including the spectacular two-spired shore temple. In the afternoon, visit a center that presents the four cultures of southern India. B/L/D
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| Day 7 |
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CITY OF PONDICHERRY
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Enjoy Pondicherry, a former French colony that retains a blend of French and Indian cultures in its architecture and traditions. B/L/D
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| Day 8 |
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FLY TO MADURAI - CYCLE RICHKSHAW TO MEENAKSHI TEMPLE
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Drive from Covelong to Chennai and fly to Madurai, an ancient seat of learning. Ride by cycle rickshaw to the Meenakshi Temple. B/L/D |
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| Day 9 |
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MADURAI PALACE TOUR
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Tour the Indo-Saracenic palace called Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, and have the afternoon for activities of your choice. B/L/D
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| Day 10 |
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FLY TO KOCHI (COCHIN) ∙ EVENING DANCE PERFORMANCE
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Fly to coastal Kochi, one of the State of Kerala’s major cities. Attend an evening performance of regional music and dance. B/L/D
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| Day 11 |
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MORNING TOUR OF KOCHI - TIME AT LEISURE
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Tour Fort Kochi, built by the Portuguese in 1500. See the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, a spice export shop and other sites. Enjoy your seaside hotel in the afternoon. B/L/D
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| Day 12 |
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TOUR MATTANCHERRY ∙ EMBARK MV VRINDA « KATHAKALI DANCE
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See highlights of Mattancherry, including India’s oldest Synagogue; then drive to Vembanad Lake Jetty to board the MV Vrinda which will take an evening cruise. B/L/D
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| Day 13 |
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CRUISE KERALA BACKWATERS
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Cruise toward Alleppey and transfer to a traditional rice boat, or kettuvallam, which navigates narrow waters. Observe the way of life unique to this environment, and return to the Vrinda for the night. B/L/D
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| Day 14 |
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CRUISE MORE OF KERELA’S BACKWATERS ∙DANCE PERFORMANCE
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Cruise another beautiful area on the Vrinda and the kettuvallam. Tonight enjoy Kerala’s classical dance on board. B/L/D
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| Day 15 |
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DISEMBARK VRINDA ∙ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF MUMBAI (BOMBAY) ∙ PREPARE FOR FLIGHT
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Disembark and fly to Mumbai. Those returning home will have an afternoon tour of Mumbai landmarks. If you are continuing to Aurangabad, fly there via Mumbai. B/L/D
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| Day 16 |
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ARRIVE USA
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Depart Mumbai early this morning and arrive home the same day. |
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