APRIL 2020 TOUR CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS. INSIGHT INDIA TOURS WISHES YOU AND LOVED ONES SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELLBEING.
UPCOMING TOURS: JANUARY 2022 | FEBRUARY 2022 | MARCH 2022
In this unique, exciting 15 day tour, we shall travel the eastern and southern part of Tamil Nadu, the land of majestic temples, rich traditional Dravidian culture, and delicious Chettinad cuisine. Along the way, we shall meet scholars, artisans, artists, architects, and cultural preservationists, as well as chefs, Vedic priests, students, professors, and other diverse citizenry. We shall have thoughtfully planned and meaningful experiences personalized specially for our group (see Itinerary page and Tour Highlights on the Home page).
The Insight Traveler is curious, willing to challenge oneself, respectful of “otherness,” and humble in the face of diverse ideas and practices. Stimulating experiences are balanced by opportunities for yoga practice, swimming, massage, Ayurvedic sessions, and reflective downtime in fine quality lodging such as heritage houses and 4-5 star luxury hotels (our lodging at the temple town of Chidambaram only will be a modest, clean hotel, as is customary for visitors to sacred sites.) All lodging has air conditioning and wifi. With a few exceptions, the flow is designed in such a way that we will spend no less than 2 nights at our lodging, and in two cities—Puducherry and Karaikudi—we shall spend 4 nights each.
Cholan Tours will be our handlers on the ground. They received Lufthansa City Center’s 2019 Top Performer Award for “achieving the highest level of quality commitment in the global network.”
The tour group is limited to a maximum of 8-10 persons.
People can choose a single room or board with another in a double occupancy room.
GIVEN THE PANDEMIC, WE ARE RECONSIDERING EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR TOUR—PRICING, ACTIVITIES, ETC. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES OR EMAIL US. YOU MAY BE SURPRISED!!
Cost for double occupancy lodging: * _____________
Cost for single occupancy lodging: * _____________
Please note: If there is not a tour participant available to share a room, single occupancy rates will apply.
REGISTRATION AND INITIAL DEPOSIT OF $________WILL RESERVE YOUR SPOT. *_______. of the initial deposit is nonrefundable for administrative fees.
What the tour fee includes:
Lodging
Madurai to Chennai flight
Private coach
Local transfer to and from Chennai airport
Specified meals—Breakfasts and most meals are included, but occasionally there will be free time for a meal-on-your-own or with a smaller group.
Domestic baggage fees and gratuities for one suitcase and one carry on
Entrance fees for exhibits
Lectures, workshops, and tour guides
Two half-day cooking classes at The Bangala
Most tips, gratuities—Tips at restaurants; gratuities for our driver and porters at lodging
DONATIONS: A portion of trip proceeds will be donated to the Madras Literary Society for its efforts to promote and preserve Tamil culture; and to the Annamalai University Dance and Music Program.
What the tour fee DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International airfare and baggage fees; domestic airfare other than Madurai to Chennai
Passport and India Visa fees—Visa available only through Cox and Kings (e-visa recommended)
Travel insurance (baggage, cancellation, medical care, accidents, etc.)
Baggage fees and gratuities for baggage in excess of one suitcase and one check in (domestic only)
Alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments (Ayurvedic session, massage)
Meals not specified
Personal Expenses (e.g mini bar, room service, snacks, laundry, telephone, faxes, photocopies, etc.)
Late check out at lodging
Some tips, gratuities—Room service tips or tips for individual help/assistance beyond what is specified above are not included. A base tip for the driver of our coach will be provided, but you are invited to give a supplement.
Any item not specifically mentioned as “included.”
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Insight India Tours and Cholan Tours.
