INDIA

Jan 19 - Jan 31, 2025

INCLUSIONS: airport transfers, all accommodations, meals as listed, private vehicle, private guide, all monument entry fees, tour of Kolkata, visit to Fab India, special visit to WIF, one way flight to Chennai, Chennai city tour, Mahabalipuram Temple Complex tour, hertiage walk of Pondicherry, Chidambaram Temple tour, Great Living Chola Temple visits, tour of Thanjavur Palace, visit to Bronze Making Artisan Village, tour of Rock Fort Temple, tour of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Complex, village visit, cooking demonstration and traditional lunch, tour of Samanar Hill Caves, visit to Meenakshi Temple, and all bank/wire processing fees.

At The Village Experience, travel inspires impact. To date, TVE has operated over 800 responsible tourism programs around the world. Our programs have immersed nearly 3,000 travelers into our partner communities and impacted more than 25,000 people on the ground. Together, we have implemented programs to tackle social justice issues such as access to education & healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sustainability in these communities.

It is only through this unique relationship of responsible travel + philanthropy, that we have been able to raise more than $3,500,000 for our partner communities. You inspire and contribute to the impact…so keep traveling with The Village Experience!

Pricing

$5299 – Per person – Double occupancy

$6899 – Per person – Single occupancy

$1,000 deposit due with Registration

Final balances, flights, passport images and travel insurance information due: September 1, 2024

Itinerary

January 19 – Arrive to the international airport in Kolkata. Meet your TVE representative and transfer to hotel for the evening.

January 20 – Enjoy a tour of some of our favorite places in Kolkata today. Begin with a walk through Kumartuli- the famed potter’s village. These artisans create beautiful statues for religious festivals all over the world. Continue on to explore the surrounding area and visit two Jain Temples – one new and one old! Stop for lunch and shopping at Fab India – a must on our trips. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Victoria and Albert Monument and stroll through the grounds. Return to hotel in the early evening. (B)

January 21 – We will spend today with Women’s Interlink Foundation at their rescue center, Nijoloy House. Village Experience has been a supporter of WIF for many years and has been instrumental in the growth and success of this home and it’s rehabilitation programs. We’ll enjoy lunch from the hospitality school, a block printing activity, screen printing demonstration, learn how to grind spices, and shop fair trade from the tailoring program. This will be an incredible day! Return to hotel in afternoon. (B, L)

January 22 – Check out and transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Chennai. Check into hotel. Then, visit Fort St. George to see the museum, state legislature and the secretariat. This fort was build by the British in 1653 and is a great way to learn about the British Raj and their rule over India. We’ll then proceed to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple – an ancient Shiva Temple constructed in pure Dravidian style. Return to hotel. (B)

January 23 – Today, we will check out and drive to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site at Mahabalipuram (approximately 1.5 hours). This temple complex houses the Sea Shore Temple, Five Chariots, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, and the Varaha Cave. This small seaside village was the main port of the Pallava Dynasty between the 5th and 9th Centuries. It is known to hold some of India’s most sublime rock-cut art. In the afternoon, we will continue for 2 hours to the gorgeous city of Pondicherry. Check into hotel for overnight. (B)

January 24 – Morning heritage walk of Pondicherry. This city was ruled by the French for more than 300 years and it’s influence can be seen throughout the city. Break for lunch and free time to explore the many shops, cafes, beaches, and restaurants on your own. (B)

January 25 – Free day to slow down and relax. Continue exploring on your own, hang out by the pool, or venture to one of the many beaches. (B)

January 26 – Today, we will check out and drive 1.5 hours to visit the 9th century Shiva Temple at Chidambaram. This is one of the most ancient and celebrated temples in all of India. We will then continue driving South a few hours to the area of the Great Living Chola Temples – both UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will visit the Temple at Gangaikonda and the Temple at Kumbakonam to begin. We then arrive to the city of Thanjavur and check into our hotel for the evening. (B)

January 27 – This morning, we will visit the third of the Chola Temples – the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur. This temple is from the 10th Century built by the great Chola King, Raja I. From here, we will tour the Thanjavur Palace built in 1550. After lunch, we will make a stop at the Bronze Making Artisan Village to see demonstrations of bronze castings and Tanjore Paintings. (B)

January 28 – Check out and drive 1.5 hours to the city of Trichy to visit the famous Rock Fort Temple. This was a Chola Citadel at one time and dominates the landscape of the city. Continue on to Srirangam to visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Complex – one of the largest in all of India. We then drive 2 hours to the village of Chettinad – known for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. Check into hotel for the evening. (B)

January 29 – Morning village tour to visit handmade tile artisans and hand loom artisans. We’ll then have a cooking demonstration and traditional lunch. Free time in the afternoon to continue exploring on your own. (B,L)

January 30 – Check out and drive to the village of Keelakuyikudi outside Madurai. This village is located in the Samanar Hills and is a protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India due to the many ancient caves with Jain inscriptions dating back to the first century. We then continue to the city of Madurai to visit the world famous Meenakshi Temple – an excellent example of Dravidian Architecture. Check into hotel for the last evening. (B)

January 31 – Transfers to airport throughout the day. (B)

SRI LANKA EXTENSION

INCLUSIONS: airport transfers, all 4-5 star accommodations, private vehicle, and private guide, meals as listed, one way flight from Madurai to Colombo, visit to Dambulla Caves, tour of Polonnawura, local traditional lunch, game drive, tour of Kandy, tourist train Kandy-Ella, hike to Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lankan cooking class, walking tour of Galle, visit to Red Mosque, stop at Barefoot Cafe, and all wire/processing fees.

Pricing

$2699 – Per person – Double Occupancy

$3599 – Per person – Single Occupancy:

Flights, passports, and travel insurance due: September 1, 2023

Itinerary

January 31 – Transfer to airport in Madurai, India to catch morning direct flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, meet your guide and head to the Dambulla Caves. Check into hotel in Sigiriya for the evening. (B)

February 1 – Day trip to the ancient kingdom of Polonnawura. Walk among the beautiful ruins of this kingdom from the 10th Century. Then, enjoy a farm to table lunch of local Sri Lankan specialties. Return to hotel. (B,L)

February 2 – Early morning safari to go in search of the resident Asian elephant population in one of the surrounding parks. After breakfast, drive to Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and learn about the ancient Kingdom of Kandy. Check into hotel for the evening. (B)

February 3 – Hop on the morning tourist train to Ella. This is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Upon arrival at Ella, stop for lunch and coffee. Check into 98 Acres Resort with beautiful views of the mountains. (B)

February 4 – Enjoy a hike down to the Nine Arches Bridge. Then Tuktuk back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon to enjoy the pool, spa, or your personal patio viewing platform. (B)

February 5 – Check out and drive to the walled city of Galle. Check into boutique hotel. Evening Sri Lankan Cooking Class with Galle Fort Cooking Class with local chef Sanju and her family. (B,D)

February 6 – Morning walking tour of the city including stops at the Lighthouse, Dutch Fort, Dutch Reformed Church, and more. Then, head to Colombo to visit the Red Mosque and have lunch and fair trade shopping at Barefoot Cafe. Check into heritage hotel directly on the ocean for the evening. (B)

February 7 – Transfer to airport today for flights home. (B)

Flight Reservations

INDIA TEMPLE TOUR ONLY
Arrival: Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Departure: Madurai Airport (IXM)

INDIA TEMPLE TOUR + SRI LANKA EXTENSION
Arrival: Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Departure: Colombo International Airport (CMB)

Vaccinations

Visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date requirements (www.cdc.gov) and/or speak with a local travel doctor regarding vaccinations. We also advise that you speak with your doctor regarding a prescription for an antibiotic to combat food and water borne illnesses.

Recommendations for India & Sri Lanka include:
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid

Required Documents

1) Passport is required.
2) India & Sri Lanka – Visa is required and must be obtained ahead of time.

INDIA: Apply online for an e-Tourist Visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
SRI LANKA: Apply online for your ETA HERE

3) Travel Insurance – Medical evacuation, repatriation and medical coverage are required by The Village Experience. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

REGISTER | INDIA Temple Tour

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You can find the terms of TVE's Traveler's Agreement, Cancellation Policies and Media Release: HERE.
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INDIA

Pricing

Itinerary

SRI LANKA EXTENSION

Pricing

Itinerary

Flight Reservations

Vaccinations

Required Documents

REGISTER | INDIA Temple Tour

Passport Information (optional)

Rooming (required)

SRI LANKA EXTENSION

Travel Insurance Information

Additional traveler 1

Passport Information (optional)

Additional traveler 2

Passport Information (optional)

Additional traveler 3

Passport Information (optional)

Additional traveler 4

Passport Information (optional)

Additional traveler 5

Passport Information (optional)

Payment