Terra Nova Travel

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NTBG Fellows Trip to South India: March 8 to 27, 2013

Trip Overview

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) invites you to join Christina Wilson, NTBG Trustee and seasoned world traveler, on a fabulous NTBG trip to South India.  In collaboration with Christina Wilson and Terra Nova Travel, LLC, KarmaQuest has specially designed this trip for the National Tropical Botanical Garden Board, Trustees, Fellows and Friends to experience a grand tour of some of South India’s most prestigious botanical gardens and natural landscapes, world heritage cultural sites, and architectural wonders.

South India is one of Asia’s most important bio-geographic zones.  It boasts over 5,000 species of flowering plants, 1,500 endemic species of dicoty-ledonous plants and 245 species of orchids. The Western Ghats -- the chain of hills that run along the western edge of South India – are considered among the world’s biodiversity “hotspots.”

Interlaced in a mosaic of deciduous and tropical rainforests, montane forests and rolling grasslands are some of the richest production areas of tea, spices, and medicinal plants on the sub-continent. India’s diverse cultural landscape enhances the stunning physical environment with panoply of color, music, dance, theatre, architecture and food, indigenous to this region.

Local experts on South India’s botany, cultural and natural heritage will address us along the way. Wendy Brewer Lama, KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel director and ecotourism specialist, will organize and lead the trip, the fourth time with NTBG.

Click here for a printable copy of full trip details, booking information and the following itinerary in Adobe PDF format. (523 Kb file.) You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file - if you do not have the program on your computer, it is free and available at

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from US

Day 2: Arrive in Chennai

Our in-country staff will meet and assist you on arrival at Chennai International Airport, India’s third busiest airport and expected to double in capacity by March 2012. Transfer you to your hotel (the Sheraton Chola Hotel or similar) for a rest or overnight (O/N), depending upon your time of arrival.  (No meals included today:  - / - / -)  

Day 3: Chennai

Previously known as Madras, Chennai was the first British settlement of the East India Company, and today is the capital of Tamil Nadu State with a growing population of 5.4 million.  A thriving industrial center, it manages to retain a sense of identity through music, dance, and its vegetarian cuisine, still served on banana leaves at neighborhood ashrams.  After a leisurely morning, we’ll proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Chennai’s historical and cultural highlights including: Fort St. George, built in 1666 and a fine example of early British military architecture; St Mary’s Church, India’s first English church, completed in 1680, with cannon-proof roofs and 1.3 m thick walls; vast Marina Beach, where locals stroll and meet; Santhome Cathedral, which houses the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle; and the Bronze Gallery of the Government Museum, featuring 11th century images of the Hindu pantheon.  O/N in Chennai.  B /- / -

 

Day 4: Chennai

Today we’ll visit the Kalakshetra, an internationally renowned center of classical dance, music and fine arts founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986), a female choreographer and an important revivalist of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatnatyam, the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu. We’ll then travel to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a 16th century Siva temple and a fine specimen of Dravidian architecture. We’ll return to the hotel for a sumptuous Welcome Dinner of South Indian cuisine. O/N in Chennai.    B /- / D

Day 5: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Covelong 

After a hearty breakfast – your choice of Western fare or South Indian masala dosas (a thin crisp pancake filled with spiced potato curry) and idli (steamed fermented rice cakes) -- we’ll drive to Kanchipuram (90 km / 2 hrs drive). The capital city of the Pallavas, who ruled intermittently between the 6th and 9th, and 12th to 14th centuries, this ancient city of a thousand temples is one of the seven most scared Hindu sites in India. We’ll visit a handful of temples selected to illustrate a variety of architectural styles and adorned with bas-relief carvings of Hinduism’s favorite deities. Kanchipuram is also famous for its high quality gold-adorned silks made from pure mulberry yarn, considered the best in India.

We’ll then travel approximately 80 kms (2 hrs) to Dakshina Chitra, an outdoor village museum and heritage center that displays the lifestyles, cultures and craft traditions of South Indians at a picturesque 10-acre site by the sea. The American-born founder, anthropologist Deborah Thaigarajan, oversees the non-profit center and educational programs. Artisans work on-site and sell their wares. We’ll head a short distance up-coast to a beach resort at Covelong and will overnight at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove or similar.     B / - / -

Day 6 Covelong – Mahabalipuram – Covelong

Wake up to the sounds of ocean waves and a scurry of fishermen as they head out in colorful boats (right) into the Bay of Bengal.  We’ll then drive to Mahabalipuram (approx. 20 kms / 30 minutes), famous for its 7th and 8th century rock temples of the Pallava Emperors perched on a rocky outcropping, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We’ll view an open-air bas-relief temple, the largest in the world. We’ll return to Covelong and enjoy a restful afternoon on this palm-fringed white sandy beach, one of the finest beach resorts in South India. Tonight you may wish to dine on freshly caught seafood. O/N in Covelong.  B / - / -

 

Day 7:  Covelong - Chennai – Bangalore

This morning we’ll drive to Chennai airport and catch a short flight west to Bangalore sixth largest city in India and capital of Karnataka state. Known in the west as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is also reputed as a “garden city” whose climate and elevation (at just over 3,000 ft) provide a cool retreat during the hot summer months. We’ll check into our hotel and time permitting, will visit some historic city sights.  Overnight at the Taj West End or equivalent.  B / - / -
                       

Day 8: Bangalore

In the morning, we’ll proceed for a guided tour of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. This impressive garden is of royal lineage, originating as a 40 acre private garden of Hyder Ali, a renowned ruler of Mysore in the 1760s. Initially designed in Mughal style, on the model of the gardens at Sira in Tumkur near Bangalore, this garden was further developed by Hyder Ali’s son Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British and Indian doyens of horticulture. It is considered “one of the East’s best gardens for its layout, maintenance, scientific treasure and scenic beauty” (photo below right).  The garden has collected nearly 673 genera and 1,854 species of native and exotic flora obtained from various parts of the world since its inception.

Of the many artistic structures in Lalbagh, the Glass House is the most famous. It was built in 1889 during the administration of Sri John Cameron to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Designed along the lines of the Crystal Palace of England, it was intended for acclimatizing exotic plant specimens.

Lalbagh was designated as a Government Botanical Garden in 1856, and is currently under the aegis of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka.  It is internationally recognized for the scientific study and conservation of plants, and for its botanical artwork.

We’ll then drive to Mysore (140 kms / approx. 3 hrs), en route visiting Sri Rangpattanam, whose situation on an island has given it special religious and military advantages since the 10th century; and Tipu’s ornate summer garden palace. Later we’ll check in to and overnight at The Windflower in Mysore.            B / - / -

Day 9: Mysore

Known as the City of Palaces, Mysore was founded in the 16th century by the Wodeyars, patrons of art and culture. We’ll visit the popular Mysore Palace, and St. Philomena’s church (left), an imposing neo-Gothic style structure with beautiful stained glass windows. Historically, Mysore was a center of weaving, sandalwood carving, and bronze work. Today it thrives on tourism and information technology industries. After city life closes down, we’ll visit the Brindavan Garden at Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, where musical fountains and colored lights transform the scene into a magical fairyland. O/N in Mysore.   B /- / -

 

Day 10: Mysore / Bandipur

From Mysore, we’ll drive about two hours (80 km) to Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, in the Western Ghats. Nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiris, Bandipur National Park is home to the Project Tiger, one of India’s most successful tiger conservation schemes. The park is also one of the last refuges of the endangered Asiatic wild elephant.  Nagarhole is home to over 300 species of birds.  We’ll experience some of the Ghats’ natural wonders on a wildlife viewing jeep excursion through lush forests and to favorite wildlife viewing sites in the park. We’ll end the day not far from the sights and sounds of nature at our jungle resort.    B / L / D

Day 11: Bandipur / Ooty

Morning is often the best time of day to spot wildlife. Before departing, we’ll take a short trek into the park, led by a naturalist guide.  After breakfast we’ll drive to Ooty (80 kms / approx. 2-3 hrs drive) and en-route visit the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a contiguous tiger reserve. The sanctuary is a haven for several hundred species of birds. We’ll continue to Ooty, passing through magnificent mountain scenery of lakes, dense forests, sprawling grasslands, and miles of tea gardens and eucalyptus trees to the charming colonial hill station of Ooty where we’ll rest for two nights. Enjoy an evening at leisure, overnight at the Taj Savoy or equivalent. B /- / -

Day 12: Ooty

As a cool getaway (at nearly 8,000 ft), Ooty was a popular hill station during the time of the British Raj. It remains an attractive destination for travelers, and is a robust agricultural area producing fruits and vegetables not found in the steamy lowlands. In the morning we’ll visit the famous Ooty Botanical Garden (right), with more than 1,000 species of exotic and indigenous plants, including ferns, herbal and bonsai plants.  The Rose Garden alone features 1,919 varieties of roses. Rare tree species include the cork tree, probably the only such tree in India; the paper bark tree, and a 20 million year old fossilized tree. Laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweeddale, a Scottish nobleman, the garden includes an Italian-style garden and a fern house with a variety of ferns and orchids. We’ll overnight in Ooty.   B / - / -

Day 13: Ooty / Cochin

A treat lies in store today:  a ride on a toy train.  Built in 1908, and on par with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – both are UNESCO World Heritage sites – this short excursion promises a few photo opps. Later we’ll drive through the stunning countryside of Tamil Nadu and Kerala before descending to the Arabian Sea coast of southwestern India, to Cochin (270 kms/approx. 7 hrs).  Though a long drive, the superb scenery will capture our attention as we transcend altitudinal ecological zones and witness various rural lifestyles. On arrival we’ll check into the charming Malabar House or equivalent, our home for two nights. B / - / -

Day 14:  Cochin (Kochi)

Travelers have enjoyed the safe harbor of Cochin’s inland waters for centuries.  Crowned the Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin was an important spice trading center from the 14th century and the capital of Portuguese India until 1530. The European influence (from subsequent Dutch and British occupiers) is evident in the stylized architecture of old Cochin. Remnants of early contact with Jews, Arabs and Chinese are all around as well: these ballast operated fishing nets (photo above) are a picturesque sight at the harbor entrance. Built with pivots of wood, they were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in 1350 AD.

We’ll take in the highlights of this fascinating city on a guided city tour. We’ll visit the Dutch Palace, built for the Raja (king) of Cochin in 1555 A.D and remarkable for its exquisite murals. The Jewish quarter with its 16th century synagogue still houses Jewish merchants and treasures to be discovered. The centuries old St. Frances Church was originally constructed entirely of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. We’ll stroll through the picturesque lanes of old Cochin, in sharp contrast to the modern shipping port across the channel. In the evening we’ll attend the classical dance drama of Kerala, Kathakali, and watch back-stage as the performers prepare with elaborate make-up and costume (please see the photo of a Kathakali dancer on page one).  O/N in Cochin.   B / - / -

Day 15: Cochin / Kumarakom  

A trip to South India would not be complete without a visit to an ayurvedic (traditional medicine) health spa. We’ll spend two nights at a lovely spa resort, allowing you to indulge in massage and spa treatments to your heart’s desire. Or, you may just relax and enjoy the leisure time in a naturally peaceful setting: a holiday within a holiday. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon spa resort or equivalent.   B / - / -

Day 16: Kumarakom

We’ll spend a second day relaxing and unwinding with naturally healing and rejuvenating treatments. Or, take a walk thru the countryside of Kerala on your own. Learn about the science of ayurveda (“the complete knowledge for long life”) from on-site practitioners. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon spa resort or equivalent.    B / - / -

Day 17: Kumarakom / Alleppey 

We’ll leave Kumarakom for Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat built of straw, known as a ketuvallom (left), our floating home on the backwaters of Kerala. We’ll glide by emerald rice fields lined with swaying palm trees and watch children playing and fishing along the river banks.  The boats have all the comforts of a small guest house, with private rooms and bath, and a full service dining. Overnight on board.    B / L / D

 

Day 18: Alleppey / Cochin 

After disembarking the houseboat at Alleppey jetty, we’ll drive approximately an hour to Cochin and enjoy free time for last minute souvenir shopping, exploration or relaxation.  A special Farewell Dinner of South Indian seafood will be our last dinner together before heading our separate ways tomorrow. Overnight at the Malabar Houseor equivalent.   B / - / D

Day 19: Cochin Departure

We’ll assist you with airport transfers to the Cochin airport for your onward flights home or to your next destination.  B / - / -  

(End of Services)

Trip Practicalities

Hotels and Travel Services
Throughout our 18 day coast to coast tour, we will stay in boutique and four to five-star standard hotels and guest houses.  Accommodations are selected to provide the best standard of service available at a cost that meets the NTBG-targeted price range for this trip.  Occasionally, due to circumstances beyond our control, the selected hotel or the preferred room standard is not available.  Every effort will be made to provide the utmost level of comfort and satisfaction at all times.

Group Size
The minimum group size is eight and the maximum group size is eleven (including Christina Wilson) plus the Trip Leader, Wendy Lama.

Estimated Trip Cost for 2013

No. of  Persons	USD per person	Single supplement
8	US $ 12,518/person	US $ 4,145/person
9	US $ 12,172/person	US $ 4,145/person
10	US $ 11,878/person	US $ 4,145/person
11	US $ 11,549/person	US $ 4,145/person

Estimated airfare on economy class from Chennai to Bangalore and from Cochin to Mumbai (subject to change to actual flight cost at time of purchase):  $411.00.

Note: Final trip prices will be available in June 2012.  Flight costs within India will be charged as per the cost at the time of flight booking.

Tour Cost includes:

• 17 nights’ accommodation on twin sharing bed + buffet breakfast as per the itinerary

• Other meals as specified in the itinerary, including a Welcome and Farewell Dinner

• All transport services using air-conditioned vehicles for airport transfers, sightseeing and excursions, as per the itinerary

• Meeting and assistance for all international and intra-country (within India) flight arrivals and departures with English speaking national representative.

• Services of local English speaking guide for sightseeing tours as per the itinerary

• Entry fees for scheduled sightseeing destinations

• Accompaniment by KarmaQuest Director Wendy Lama

• Naturalist and botanical speaker fees

• Tips for hotel staff, drivers, and local guides

Tour Cost does not include:

• A $1,000 tax deductible donation paid directly to NTBG

• Intra-country (within India) airfare within the itinerary

• International airfare from US to India and return, or onward

• Meals not included in itinerary (generally, lunches and dinners are not included)

• All beverages including drinks at Welcome and Farewell Dinners

• Early hotel check-in and late check-out where flights require such

• Expenses of personal nature including drinks, phone calls, laundry, excess baggage

• Spa treatment (optional)

• Transportation for independent exploration during free time

• Visa fees

• Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our and our associate offices’ control such as flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuation, strikes, political unrest, natural disasters etc. Note: Trip cancellation insurance is recommended

• Medical and emergency evacuation travel insurance (mandatory)

• Camera /video fees at monuments

• Tips for meals and individual services

• Any other taxes or service charges that arise during the travelling period

• Any other expenses not specified above in "Trip Cost" section

Bookings and Deposits
To confirm your participation on this trip, please send a payment of $2,900 per person as a non-refundable deposit to Terra Nova Travel, LLC along with your completed Booking and Deposit Form, a copy of your passport picture page, Release of Liability and a signed Cancellations and Refunds form.

Since space is limited, please send your deposit and completed forms to Terra Nova Travel, LLC by March 30, 2012 to reserve your place. Full payment is due by November 1, 2012.

SEND TO: Terra Nova Travel, LLC, 2154 NW Aspen Ave, Portland OR 97210

Upon receiving your deposit we will send you the following:

• A receipt for your deposit

• A Pre-Departure Information packet

• A Suggested Reading List for the country/region you will visit

•  An Emergency Contact and Health Questionnaire to fill out and return

•  In-Country Contact Information

Pre/Post Tour Extensions
We will be happy to customize a pre- or post-trip trip extension for you within India or the region. Please inquire. Some suggestions for 3-4 day extensions are:

• Mumbai, and the Ajanta and Ellora caves

• Delhi, Varanasi, and Bodhgaya

• Goa and Mumbai

Profiles of Key Trip Personnel

Christina Wilson, NTBG Trustee and Trip Organizer       
Christina has been interested in traveling her entire life. In 1982 Christina took her first trip to Nepal and India. Since then, she has been going to every exotic place she can find in the world. Her goal is to visit all the interesting places including her own back yard during her lifetime.

Christina worked with Outward Bound for many years and it was there, putting women’s trips together, that she found her passion. Outward Bound taught her that it was the journey, not the destination that was important. Also, the importance of giving back to the community that she visits. The trips she puts together always include a service project or a contribution to local organizations.

Christina has led many trips all over the world. Her trips are usually small so that the group travels intimately and easily. For the last twenty years she has led many groups to interesting places:  Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Asia, Tibet, Italy, England, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Micronesia, Bali, and Indonesia, just to name a few.  Her most recent trips operated by KarmaQuest were two women’s trips to Laos and Vietnam, and India, in February 2009 and January 2011. Christina is a National Tropical Botanical Gardens member and currently on the Board of Trustees. She led her third trip for NTBG in November 2008 to Madagascar and South Africa and has recently returned from the NTBG-sponsored Amazon cruise led by NTBG Fellow and former head of Kew Gardens, Sir Ghilliean Prance.

Wendy Brewer Lama, On-the-Trip Manager and
Director of KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel 
KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel founders Wendy and Karma Lama have been organizing special interest, educational, adventure, eco-, and cultural trips to Asia for more than 20 years. 

KarmaQuest’s unique and award winning trips draw upon the expertise and relationships Wendy Lama has nurtured as an Ecotourism Specialist for international organizations since the 1980s.  She has worked throughout the Himalayan region for The Mountain Institute to manage the impacts of tourism and to promote conservation of natural and cultural resources and improved local livelihoods through ecotourism. She developed an ecotourism management plan in support of panda conservation in Wanglang Nature Reserve for the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) in Sichuan, China.  She helped develop a tourism master plan for Central Tibet for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and trained Tibetans in participatory ecotourism planning. In Kyrgyzstan, Wendy assisted women's groups and tour operators in the beginning stages of a successful Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative that is now a standard for Central Asia and beyond. She advised the UNESCO Cultural and Ecotourism in Mountain Regions of Central and South Asia program in Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.  She has also advised tourism development in Mongolia and Siberia. Since returning from Nepal (1984-99) to live in California, she has introduced ecotourism to farmers, fisher-people, wineries, nurseries, and Main Street entrepreneurs in Half Moon Bay.

KarmaQuest designs and operates customized ecotourism and adventure travel for individual and group travelers as well as organizations and universities. This is the ninth trip it has organized in collaboration with Christina Wilson and Terra Nova Travel, LLC and the third for NTBG.  KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel (www.karmaquests.com) is based in Half Moon Bay, California.

Nancy Pole-Wilhite, Travel Resource Person, Terra Nova Travel, LLC
Nancy has worked as a travel consultant since 1978 specializing in exotic destinations. Since 1999 she has been an independent agent/trip designer operating her own company, Terra Nova Travel, LLC. Her keen interest in adventure travel and endangered cultures lead to her connection with Christina Wilson.  For the last ten years she and Christina have collaborated on such trips as Baja kayaking, a trek to Machu Picchu, and NTBG Friends’ trips to Bhutan in 2002, Thailand/ Myanmar in 2004, Madagascar/South Africa in November 2008, and an Amazon River cruise in June 2009. In October 2008, Nancy visited Iguassu Falls and Buenos Aires, aptly named Paris of South America, to research a visual arts tour for a Portland art gallery.   On her most recent trip she spent 3 ½ weeks on safari exploring Northern Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Her expertise also extends to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan SE Asia, China as well as Africa, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.

Nancy has a BA from the University of California at Berkeley in English Literature and French.  Her passion for Renaissance literature and art extends into the music world.  For the past twenty years she has be a member of the liturgical choir, Cantores in Ecclesia www.cantoresinecclesia.org. Cantores is devoted to the performance of polyphonic music from the Renaissance as well as Gregorian Chant.  Nancy also currently serves on the Board of the women’s a capella group, In Mulieribus (www.inmulieribus.org). She enjoys cooking French and ethnic foods, as well as gardening.  

Nancy will serve as your travel resource person in the USA.  She will be available to answer your travel questions regarding the “nuts and bolts” of this trip. Please visit her website at www.terranovatour.com.

Contact Information
Please contact Christina Wilson with general questions about the trip.
Tel: (503) 297-3234 or bumpus@pacifier.com

Please contact Nancy Pole-Wilhite to book the trip, and for questions and assistance in pre-trip tour logistics, including flight bookings, the day to day itinerary, trip extensions, and other general travel questions.

Nancy Pole-Wilhite, Terra Nova Travel, LLC.
2154 NW Aspen Ave., Portland OR 97210
Telephone: (800) 267-8002 or (503) 296-7913 / Fax: (503) 292-4314
Email: nancy@terranovatour.com  www.terranovatour.com

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