Namaste! Welcome to India. As travellers will be arriving from all corners of the world, there are no activities planned on day 1 aside from a group meeting at 6:00pm, followed by an optional group dinner. Check the Intrepid noticeboard in the hotel to find out exactly where this important meeting will take place. Please note your leader will collect the first part of your local payment today. The second part of your local payment will be collected on day 15. Note: If you arrive early ask the hotel reception for the Intrepid folder which has additional information on things to do in and around Kochi. In the morning of day 2 we make our way over to Fort Cochin. Kochi is a fascinating place full of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English influences and it is spread over several islands so we catch ferries to visit the spice bazaars, streets lined with antique shops and the beautifully restored Mattancherry Palace. The afternoon is free for further exploration of this quaint, harbourside city. In the evening we'll be treated to a Kathakali dance show either in Ernaculam or Fort Cochin Area.

In the morning, we travel by public bus down the Keralan coast to Alleppey (approx. 2 hours) where we catch a boat to an island village to stay with local families (approx. 1.5 hours). In the afternoon, we explore the island with a local English-speaking guide or your homestay host to observe

the different facets of local life - this is a great chance to meet and talk with the people who live here. Strolling under palm trees and weaving in between the rice fields that cover the island, we have a chance to learn about the lifestyles of the locals before jumping aboard a small boat in the evening and journeying along winding backwaters, which glisten in the red light of the setting sun. Afterwards, there may be time to kick back and enjoy some local toddy (alcoholic drink made from coconuts). Accommodation is on a multi-share basis and all the families live within a few hundred metres of each other, with at least one person in the family speaking a reasonable standard of English. Food is traditional Keralan home cooking and is superb.

Bird songs are likely to be the sounds that start our day this morning. Crossing the backwaters by private boat, we head for Kottayam (approx. 3 hrs) where we transfer to private transport. It's a great ride as we travel through plantations of rubber, tea and coffee to the spice plantations of Thekkady and the lake of Periyar National Park (approx. 4 hrs). We will stop on the way at a local Spice Farm for a small tour and have a traditional Keralan dinner eaten off banana leaves before heading towards our hotel. On day 4 we are joined by a local forest guide for a walk (approx 3 hrs) in search of some of the park's famous herds of wild elephant. You can also take the option of a boat ride around the lake in the afternoon. Our accommodation is a hotel.

A winding road leads down from the hills and across the plains to Madurai (approx. 5 hrs). Crammed full of bazaars, pilgrims, cycle-rickshaws, beggars and street markets, this is south India at its colourful and lively best. In the afternoon, we visit the Sri Meenakshi temple, which lies at the heart of the city. Within this ancient, still active temple, a labyrinth of lamp-lit corridors lead to shrines where you can witness some interesting and mysterious rituals. If you can tear yourself away, in your free time you can also wander through a bazaar and a tailor's market. If time allows there is also an option to visit the moving Gandhi Memorial Museum, which displays the blood-stained dhoti he wore when he was assassinated, along with an impressive and detailed account of the country's struggle for independence. In Madurai we stay in a standard hotel.

This morning we catch a train to Villapuram (approx. 5 hours), then travel down a coastal road, past scenic rice paddies and corn fields to the charming seaside town of Pondicherry (approx. 40 minutes). Once a French colony, there are still reminders of French influence in the architecture, the wide town squares and even in the policemen's uniforms. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is very prominent in the town and just a few kilometres north is an amazing experiment in international living - Auroville - made up of 80 rural settlements and home to over 1,500 residents, more than half of whom are foreign nationals. This living project dedicated to human unity also houses the world's largest solid crystal. We visit Auroville en route to Mamallapuram on day 8. In Pondicherry we stay in a simple hotel.

Travelling through a landscape of palm trees and rice paddies, we head up the coast to the small fishing village of Mamallapuram (approx. 3 hours). En route we visit Auroville. On arrival, we embark on a bicycle tour, visiting the World Heritage-listed 7th century Shore Temples and the massive bas-relief rock carving

known as Arjuna's Penance. There is also time for us to inspect the numerous mandapams (carved pillars in front of temples), watch stone carvers at work, see the fishing fleet or simply just relax at a beachside restaurant. In Mamallapuram we stay in a simple hotel. We travel to Chennai by taxi late in the afternoon of day 9 (approx. 2.5 hours) in time for the overnight train to Mysore (approx. 11 hours). Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned, a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths, sheets, pillow and blanket are provided but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Please note you may be sharing with locals in a same gender/mixed gender situation. Most trains have a dining carriage where food/snacks/meals are available.

We have a fairly early start today as the train arrives at around 8:30am. Mysore is an easygoing town with a pleasant climate, perfect for wandering around on foot. On arrival, we visit one of the most ornate palaces in India, the Mysore Palace, which is a kaleidoscope of gaudy colours, mirrors and stained glass. We time our visit specifically to be there on a Sunday to see this incredible palace illuminated. Other visits include our local friend, Raju Bhai who hosts us at his place for lunch or dinner depending on time and arrangements, and the Keshava Temple in Somnathpuram (approx. 1 hr from Mysore). In Mysore we stay in a simple hotel.

In the morning before our departure, we visit Chamundi Hill (with its Durga temple and enormous, rock-carved bull statue) for a spot of puja. A minibus (approx. 3.5 hrs) is our mode of transport as we leave Mysore and travel across the scenic Karnataka plains. On arrival at the foot of the Nilgiri (Blue Mountains) in the afternoon, we embark on a short safari, spotting wildlife in the Bandipur National Park. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Nilgiri Mountains with their mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja's private hunting ground. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1974 and is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity. Some animals you may see here include the tiger, leopard, elephant, sloth bear, sambar and spotted deer. There is also an amazing variety of birdlife, some of the most notable birds being the heron, stork, egret, kite, falcon, peafowl, woodpecker, drongo and warbler. Our family run accommodation in Masinagudi is dormitory-style.

Travelling by vehicle (approx. 2 hrs), we arrive into Ootacamund late in the afternoon on day 12. Ootacamund was the famous British hill station known as Snooty Ooty and it was here the game of snooker was named, if not invented. On day 13 we take a ride on the famous toy train (be sure to get a window seat), and then visit a tea garden in Coonoor. Our accommodation in Ootacamund is simple and basic.

An early bus ride takes us back to Kochi by late afternoon (the journey takes approx. 3 hrs in total - as we transfer to Coimbatore and then take a 'deluxe' local bus to Kochi, approx. 5 hrs). We return to our hotel and

the rest of the day is free for you to do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping. On day 15 you fly to Delhi for the second half of the trip (Flight not included - see Important Notes for further details). Your group leader in Kochi will arrange a transfer to the airport and you will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to the hotel. Please advise Intrepid of your flight details at time of booking. Please try to arrange your flight for early in the morning of day 15 as delays are common. The structure of the group will change today, and you may have a new leader as you commence the second half of your journey in India. You will have a group meeting at 13:00 to discuss the next leg of your journey. Please note that your leader will collect the second part of your local payment today. India's capital is an exciting, busy and at times, chaotic city. However, it is also one of the most interesting cities you'll ever come across. With historical sites from different eras, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars, there is more to see and do than we can possibly fit in during our short stay here. For that reason, we recommend that you arrive early to discover the magic, perhaps in the ruins of Qutb Minar and Purana Qila, the crafts museum, Indira Gandhi Museum, Birla House (the site of Gandhi's assassination) and the centre of Imperial British India at Rajpath. On day 16, we start our tour with a visit to Old Delhi, the walled city of Shahjahanabad, which was the creation of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In the morning, we also visit one of its most impressive buildings and Delhi's oldest mosque, the Jama Masjid. We join the crowds to walk in the bazaars of the old city, immersing in the noise and smells of the crowded narrow streets and alleys, where different areas specialise in different things, including festival paraphernalia, silk, copper, brass and spices. The afternoon is free for further exploration on your own. In Delhi we stay in a simple hotel.

It's an early start as we travel with Indian Railways, the world's biggest employer, (with 1.6 million employees), to the Mughal city of Agra (approx. 2.5 hours). During our time here, we visit one of the world's most instantly recognisable monuments - the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz, this 'teardrop on the face of eternity', as it was described by Rabindranath Tagore, lives up to all expectations. We also visit Agra's Red Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Afterwards, there is also an opportunity to see how handmade carpets are produced. Please note that only one entry to the Taj Mahal is included in your trip. Additional visits are at your own expense - allow INR750 (US$17) per visit. In Agra our accommodation is at a basic property run by a local family.

We travel by local bus and local jeeps to the middle of rural Rajasthan (approx 4 hours), where we stay in a former fort, now converted into a beautiful heritage hotel. On an exploratory walk through the village, you will see local craftspeople at work, and have plenty of opportunity to meet with the villagers. We are privileged here to stay in a basic heritage property of the Royal Family of Rajasthan.

We travel by jeep to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur via Amber Palace (approx 4.5 hours). Crowning the crest of a hill, the fort palace at Amber was the former seat of the head of the Rajasthan state, and we spend time here with a local guide discovering the hidden magic of this place.

Jaipur, a friendly and busy town, with palaces and bazaars full of jewellery, textiles and folk-based arts, is a firm favourite with travellers. While here, we'll walk to India's most-photographed building after the Taj Mahal, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds' to take a few photos of our own. There's also time to discover your own, and make sure that sometime during our stay in Jaipur, make sure you take the opportunity to discover the extravagance of a Hindi blockbuster, with all the Hollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one!) at the Raj Mandir Cinema. In Jaipur we stay in a hotel.

We leave early by private vehicles heading north east to Ranthambhore, one of the original Project Tiger Reserves (approx. 4 hours). Depending on time, we will either take an afternoon or a morning safari into the park which allows us to spot deer, birds and monkeys. If we are lucky enough, we may even see one of the resident Bengal tigers, although the park, with its lakes, crags and ruined pavilions, is well worth a visit in itself. In Ranthambhore we stay in a resort. Please note there are very limited options in the area for meals so we eat in the hotel. They arrange buffet meals. Please note that between 1 July and 30 September each year the National Park is closed. As an alternative, we will be visiting Mansingh Sanctuary about 12 KMS away from hotel in smaller vehicles.

We leave early by private vehicles heading north east to Ranthambhore, one of the original Project Tiger Reserves (approx. 4 hours). Depending on time, we will either take an afternoon or a morning safari into the park which allows us to spot deer, birds and monkeys. If we are lucky enough, we may even see one of the resident Bengal tigers, although the park, with its lakes, crags and ruined pavilions, is well worth a visit in itself. In Ranthambhore we stay in a resort. Please note there are very limited options in the area for meals so we eat in the hotel. They arrange buffet meals. Please note that between 1 July and 30 September each year the National Park is closed. As an alternative, we will be visiting Mansingh Sanctuary about 12 KMS away from hotel in smaller vehicles.

It's a slow but interesting journey as we join rural villagers and locals for a train ride (approx. 3 hours) to the small town of Bassi. Our first night in this area will be spent camping (in relative luxury!) beside a lake and under the stars, after visiting nearby rural villages by jeep - a special and unique experience indeed! The following day, we are treated to a night of luxury in the wonderful Castle Bijaipur, a fortified mansion still run by the local landlord, Rao Narendra Singh and his family. It is a perfect place to take a break and immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. The friendly aristocratic family give this place a homely touch, welcoming all their guests and treating them as part of the family. In Bijaipur we stay in a family-run hotel. Note: At the monsoon time we spend both the nights in Bijaipur

A short journey of approximately 5 hours takes us to Udaipur. Udaipur undoubtedly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city. Rolling hills, white marble palaces and lakes come together appealingly here, and it's a centre for artists, dancers and musicians. The shopping is also superb, with miniature paintings being the specialty. On the evening of day 25 your leader will take you on an orientation walk of Udaipur to help us gain our bearings this evening's optional dinner (not included). On day 26 we visit the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, and check out the unbelievable treasures - from vivid murals to antiques and royal utensils - within. There's plenty of time afterwards for shopping and more sightseeing on your own. In Udaipur we stay in a heritage hotel.

Departing from Udaipur on a morning train we should arrive in Ajmer by midday, before transferring to a train headed for Pushkar (approx. 5 hours), descending into the Pushkar Valley over the "Snake Mountain". With India's only Brahma temple and a holy lake, Pushkar is a major destination for pilgrims and sadhus (holy men) from all over India. The atmosphere is friendly and mellow, there is hardly any traffic and the town is small enough to walk around with ease. Our leader will take us on an orientation walk of the town before we take a camel ride out into the surrounding desert to view sunset over the golden dunes is pure magic. For those who don't want to ride a camel, there is a camel cart option. In your free time in Pushkar, are many things to do. Spend time exploring the main bazaar and many side streets - some great bargains can be had, as some of the cheapest clothes and jewellery in northern India can be found here. Hang out in one of the many garden or rooftop restaurants or walk around the lake for a look at the ghats and temples, as well as to watch the devout as they worship at the holy waters. There is an optional early morning walk to a hilltop temple for magical views over the town and a wonderful steaming glass of chai waiting for you if the chai man is there - its well worth the trek! In Pushkar we stay in a hotel. Late in the evening of day 28 we transfer to the town of Ajmer (approx. 40 minutes) where we board our overnight train back to Delhi (approx. 8 hours).

After arriving in Delhi early in the morning, we transfer to our hotel where the trip finishes. We have use of group day rooms on our return to the hotel until midday. If you are departing India today it's best to book your flight for later in the afternoon as train delays can and do occur. Please note that luggage storage and additional accomodation can be arranged.

We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our

representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return. No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded. Fort Kochi - Kochi Ferry trip to spice bazaars and Mattancherry Palace - Kochi Kathakali dance - Kochi Excursion, local guide and boat trip - Alleppey Spice tour - Periyar Locally guided forest walk - Periyar National Park Sri Meenakshi Temple - Madurai Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Pondicherry Visit Auroville - enroute to Mamallapuram Shore Temples - Mamallapuram Maharaja's Palace - Mysore Keshava Temple in Somnathpuram - Mysore Sri Chamundeswari Temple - Mysore Local lunch with Raju - Mysore Safari in Madumalai National Park - Masinagudi Tea factory visit and toy train ride - Ootacamund Transfers for passenger purchased flight from Kochi to Delhi Old Delhi and Jama Masjid - Delhi Taj Mahal and Red Fort - Agra Heritage stay and village walk - Rural Rajasthan Orientation walk - Jaipur Amber Palace - Jaipur Safari into Project Tiger Reserve - Ranthambhore Nat. Park (seasonal) Bundi Palace - Bundi Jeep safari - Bijaipur (seasonal) Orientation walk and City Palace - Udaipur Orientation walk - Pushkar Sunset camel ride - Pushkar

We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only. They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Intrepid.

Jewish Synagogue, Kochi - INR5 Excursion to Vypeen Island, Kochi - INR20 Ayurvedic Massage, Periyar - INR650 Park Boat Tour & transport, Periyar - INR100