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Tours
West to East A Multifaith Journey From Cochin To Chennai – IndiaLed by Rabbi Frank Dabba Smith Sunday 03 November – Sunday 17 November 2019
Following on from the very successful multi-faith trip to northern India in 2018, we offer another superb opportunity to explore India’s heritage of extraordinary religious diversity and co-existence. Beginning in Cochin and environs on the western coast, we will visit sites of historical significance to Christians, Jews, Muslims and Jains. From this hub of trade, we will cruise the backwaters of Kerala and then experience nature in the forest of Periyar National Park and cultivation in the adjacent cardamom, coffee and tea plantations. After this exposure to rural life, we will travel to Madurai to see the finest and most elaborate Hindu temple in India before travelling by train to the spectacular ruins of Hindu temples and rock reliefs on the beach at Mahabalipuram. Our journey will end with time for relaxation at a very comfortable east coast beach resort. As on our recent trip to northern India, the cuisine and range of photographic possibilities will be superb at all stages.
After working as a freelance photographer and teacher, Frank Dabba Smith trained to be a Liberal Rabbi and has served since 1997 at Mosaic Liberal Synagogue in London. His PhD dissertation is concerned with the behaviour of the renowned camera manufacturer Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar during the Holocaust. Publications include My Secret Camera and Elsie’s War, and solo photographic exhibitions include Leica Gallery (New York) and SAK-Art Museum (Denmark). Frank serves on the International Advisory Committee of EcoPeace-Middle East, as Vice-Chair of the Brent Multi-faith Forum, on the Independent Advisory Group of the Metropolitan Police in the London Borough of Brent and as a trustee to Berakah-Arts.
The Itinerary
Kochi - Alappuzha - Thekkady - Madurai - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Kathakali Dance Form, Kerala
(Departures are also available from regional UK airports. If you are travelling from outside the UK please contact us for flight options or price of the tour without flights.)
Overnight on flight BD (included)
Overnight at Club Mahindra, Cherai Beach Overnight at Club Mahindra, Cherai Beach BD (included)
Overnight at Club Mahindra, Cherai Beach BD (included)
Backwaters, Kerala
Overnight in the Old Courtyard, Fort Cochin BD (included)
Overnight in the Old Courtyard, Fort Cochin BD (included)
Overnight on house boat BLD (included)
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Periyar National Park is a hilly forested area surrounded by tea, coffee and cardamom plantations, and is home to tigers, elephants, macaques, deer, leopards and bison. This afternoon we will take it all in with a boat ride on Periyar Lake, a large water body at the center of the reserve.
Overnight at Cardamom County, Thekkady BD (included)
Overnight at Cardamom County, Thekkady BLD (included)
Overnight at Hotel Heritage, Madurai BD (included)
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Late in the evening we will return to the temple for the “going to bed” ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi.
Overnight at Heritage Madurai BD (included)
The Chariot Beach Resort is a nice hotel on the beach, perfect for relaxing and spending our last few nights in India.
Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram BD (included)
Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram BD (included)
Tea Plantation
Overnight at Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram BD (included)
- It is essential to have adequate travel insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health, and destination you are visiting.
You can make the deposit payment by debit or credit card or electronic transfer to our bank. Our Bank details are on the booking form.
To get a competitive quote for comprehensive travel insurance click here
- International airfare on Emirate airlines in economy class. Flights are also available from regional UK airports. Please contact us for details
- 13 night’s accommodation in hotels as per itinerary, sharing a twin or double room with en-suite facilities (Check-in is 1400 hrs and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in late checkouts are subject to availability).
- Daily breakfast and dinner at all hotels, lunch on days 6 & 8.
- Afternoon houseboat cruise on backwaters.
- All arrival/departure transfers, long drives, and sightseeing by a chauffeur-driven private air-conditioned coach.
- Rail travel in AC Chair Car from Madurai to Chengalpattu.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide for sightseeing arrangements.
- Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
- 100% protection of your payment by our ABTOL & ATOL license.
- India Visa Fee. E-tourist visa is now available for citizens of most countries of the world. We will send you a step-by-step guide on how to apply for E.Visa. Please be aware, that there are some spam websites offering visa services for India you must log in to the genuine government website to apply for your visa.
- Any lunches, except packed lunch on days 6 & 8.
- Any expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities, etc.
- Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
- Travel Insurance: It is essential to have adequate travel insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health, and destination you are visiting.
- If you wish to book this tour, please complete the booking form, sign and e-mail it to us. A non-refundable deposit of £400.00 per person is needed at the time of booking. Balance payments will be due 8 weeks before departure. You can make the deposit payment by debit card or electronic transfer to our bank. Our bank details are on the booking form. Bookings are confirmed on a first-come first-served basis.
- It includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
- It provides cover for your whole trip
- It covers you for all activities
- It covers all your pre-existing medical conditions
- Keep your Policy Number and Insurer’s 24-hour Emergency Number handy with you