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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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