Day 1 Sept 29
Namaste - Welcome to South India. As usual, we’ll have our get-acquainted meeting in our hotel and then enjoy a classic Tamil Nadu dinner together.

The Residency Hotel (1 night)

Day 2 Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance
After breakfast we’ll make an early start for Thanjore, making a stop at Mahabalipuram. We begin with the incredible 8th-century Shore Temple and its mandapams (carved pillars) to pay our respects to the deity Shiva. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must see. This will be followed by a visit to Arjuna’s Penance – a relief carved out of stones depicting a story from the Mahabharata. Then we’ll continue south to our goal of Thanjore. Tonight’s dinner is the local specialty: biryani.

Day 3 Brihadeeswara Temple
Today’s highlight is the World Heritage-listed Brihadeeswara Temple, an awesome, thousand-year-old Hindu marvel. Also dedicated to Shiva, it is one of the largest temples in India and was completed 1000 years ago. We will have a relaxing, free morning before visiting the temple in the afternoon.

Day 4 Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Hazarath Thable Dargah
This morning we’ll journey to nearby Trichy and a visit to Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple, one of the most important Vishnu temples in India. The architecture is a classic example of the Dravidian style, boasting huge granite walls with carvings of deities and enormous pillared halls. Next up, the Hazarath Thable Alam Badhusa Nathervali Dargah, an important Shrine.

Hotel Svatma (3 nights)

Day 5 Travel Day
After breakfast we hit the road again, heading west to the state of Kerala. We’ll break up the drive with lunch and a visit of our tour manager Chetan’s choice. In the afternoon we’ll settle into our accommodation.

Day 6 Periyer National Park
Today’s explorations are of Periyer National Park, a wildlife preserve which is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, sambar deer, macaques, and Indian bison. We will have classic safari excursions, seeking the elusive tiger.

WGH Poetree (2 nights)

Day 7 Spice Plantation/Houseboat sailing
Our destination today is green Kerala and its storied Backwaters. A morning’s drive will take us to our goal of Aleppey. Enroute we’ll stop at a plantation to see the production of one of India’s most popular exports: spices. Upon arrival in the afternoon we’ll board our houseboats which will ply the backwater canals and channels as well as provide our accommodations tonight.

Lakes & Lagoons (1 night)

Day 8 Village Walk Backwaters Canoes
This morning we’ll continue our explorations of the Backwaters in small, easily maneuvered boats. Then we’ll partake in a village walk, a great cultural connection opportunity to meet and talk with the locals. After our waterbourne forays we’ll drive the short route to Kochi.

Day 9 Fishing Nets, Kathakali Performance
Today we will explore the former Portuguese colony of Kochi. Possible site stops include Fort Kochin, Mattencherry Palace, or the Indo-Portuguese Museum. We will certainly have a carefully timed photo stop for the picturesque Chinese Fishing Nets, lining the Indian Ocean shore with their unique cantilevered frames. In the evening we’ll indulge in Kerala’s most famous and fascinating art form: Kathakali dance - a classical Indian dance-drama known for its dramatic storytelling and elaborate makeup and costumes. It combines dance, music, and acting to narrate stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Fragrant Nature (2 nights)

Day 10 Keshava Temple, Dasara
A morning flight (included) whisks us north to Mysore in Karnaktaka. Upon our arrival we will drive directly to the Keshava Temple in the small town of Somnathpur outside Mysore. This 13th century temple is the best preserved Hoysala temple in the region. Built in the form of a 16-pointed star, the exterior walls are carved with lines of elephants, floral scrolls and geese, as well as episodes from Indian epics. Upon our arrival in Mysore, we’ll seek out the day’s Dasara activites - the 10-day Hindu festival. Although celebrated all over the south of India, Mysore is the epicenter.

Day 11 Mysore Palace, Dasara
Today greets us with a sightseeing tour of fascinating and elegant Mysore. We’ll begin with the Palace of the Maharaja, built in 1897. One of the largest palaces in the country and beautifully restored, it houses many art treasures, wall paintings and ivory inlaid doors. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic styles with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures. Your afternoon is free to further explore, seek out Dasara festivities, or do some shopping, as Mysore is famous for its bazaars.

Day 12 Dussehra
Today is easily the most spectacular day of the tour. We have planned the entire excursion to be here in Mysore for the culminating day of the Dussehra Festival. Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (irreligion). We’ll be front-row observers and participants in this time-honored pageantry. Today features a majestic procession (Jamboo Savari), lead by a dozen magnificently caparisoned elephants. In the evening, we’ll attend a torchlight parade. Photos will be spectacular and memories will be rich and indelible.

Fortune JP Palace Hotel (3 nights)

Day 13 Mysore/Bangalore
Our tour ends today. We’ll transport our travelers to Bangalore or Bangalore Airport, arriving by noon.

[Hotels and tour activities are subject to change.]

Anyone familiar with Imprint Tours knows we have a passion for the dazzling tapestry of experience, sights, colors, culture, and history of India. Until recently, we have focused on the popular destinations of the north. But the south of India boasts an equally impressive array of “tapestry” highlights. We want to expose our travelers to the great Dravidian temples of Tamil Nadu, the placid backwaters of green Kerala, the impressive palace of Mysore, the unique temple architecture of the Hoysala dynasty, search for tigers in Periyer National Park, and much more. Whether or not you have experienced the cultural intoxication of India’s north, your travel resume is incomplete without adding the wonders of the south. 

This tour has been scheduled to allow the option to connect with the Nepal/Bhutan tour, which begins Oct 12 in Kathmandu. Transportation and accommodations arrangements between the two tours is the responsibility of the traveler.

· Dravidian temples & shrines: Shore Temple, Sri Ranganatha Swamy, Brihadeeswara, & Hazarath Thable

· Periyer National Park: Potential for - elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar deer, macaques, and Indian bison

· Kerala backwater: Sail the famous channels of green Kerala’s labyrinth of canals

· Khatakali dance: Kerala’s flamboyant, operatic dance drama

· Hoysala temples: the unique temple architecture of Karnataka

· Mysore palace: Southern India’s signature palace experience

· Dasara: Our tour has been scheduled to enjoy Karnataka’s premier annual festival.

Visa Requirements: Participants are REQUIRED to obtain a Visitor Visa prior to the trip at their own expense.

Q: How do I obtain a visa for India?

A: You need a visitor visa before arrival. Apply online via the Indian Embassy website: India Visa. If you would like help acquiring your visa there are many reputable outfits providing E-visas.

Note: The responsibility to acquire the correct visitor documentation rests solely with the traveler. Since Imprint does not provide this service, we have no special expertise, connections, or experience on which to draw. Therefore, we are unable to assist with difficulties. Any information offered for a specific tour is provided as a courtesy only. Said information is not to be viewed as complete and total. It is also the sole responsibility of the traveler to provide up-to-date passport information. If a passport has expired or will expire prior to six months beyond a traveler’s intended departure from their Imprint tour destination, it is the responsibility of the traveler to update the passport data in their registration. Imprint Tours is not responsible for transportation booking delays, mistakes, or omissions if registration passport data is out of date.

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?

A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a Manage Booking page where you can view all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Flight Information

Q: Are flights included?

A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included.

Q: What airport do I use to join the tour?

A: The tour starts in Chenai (MAA) on Sept 29, (late afternoon)

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?

A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

Q: What airport do I use to depart the tour?

A: The tour ends in Bangalore (BLR) on Oct 11 (mid day). If opting to depart on Oct 11, make sure you book an r evening (5:00PM or later) flight.

Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?

A: No, airport transfers to join or depart the tour are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter. 

Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?

A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.

Q: When should I book my flight?

A: Avoid booking flights before Jan 29, 2027 unless you confirm the tour status.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after Jan 29?

A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by Jan 29, you may assume the tour is a go.

Payment: Early Pay Discount (EPD) and Full Price

Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?

A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. The payment system already reflects this discount. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.

Q: If I’ve chosen to take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD), and subsequently cancel, what penalties will I incur?

A: If you’ve opted for the EPD and paid in full, but then cancel, your deposit plus $400 of the EPD price is non-refundable. If no deposit has been paid, $1000 of the EPD price is non-refundable.

Q: Can I pay with a Credit Card?

A: Yes, you can opt to pay via Credit Card. However, you must pay the Credit Card fees, which are non-refundable in the case of cancellation.

Q: Can I avoid the Credit Card fees?

A: Yes, you can pay via ACH transfer without fees.

Q: Can I choose to delay final payment until May 29, 2027?

A: Yes, you must register for a Full Price package, then pay your balance due by May 29. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. 

Q: Is there any penalty for cancellation of a non-EPD registration?

A: No, there is no penalty for cancellation until May 29. However, your deposit is forfeit if the 30 days has elapsed (see above).

Q: What if I have to cancel after May 29?

A: After May 29, 2027 all payments are final and non-refundable for any reason.

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

Note - It is also the sole responsibility of the traveler to provide up-to-date passport information. If a passport has expired or will expire prior to six months beyond a traveler’s intended departure from their Imprint tour destination, it is the responsibility of the traveler to update the passport data in their registration. Imprint Tours is not responsible for transportation booking delays, mistakes, or omissions if registration passport data is out of date.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- or post-tour hotels bookings, how do I book extra hotel nights?

A: For pre-tour nights, our Chenai hotel is The Residency Chennai If you would like to book post-tour nights in Mysore or Bangalore, our Mysore hotel is Fortune JP Palace. There is no tour hotel Bangalore. Bookings are made under Intrepid Travel India and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: Hotels are listed in the itinerary section above.

Q: Will there be hair dryers available in the hotels?
A: Yes, hair dryers are available.

Q: Will there be opportunity to do laundry during the tour?
A: Yes, there are laundry facilities available.

Important Reminders

Q: Is there anything I need to keep in mind?

A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.

• If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from India, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays or mistakes due to incorrect passport data.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.

• Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.

• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?

A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for India. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.

This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking tours and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Plus, the heat of the south is an enervating factor. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?

A: Be flexible, respectful, independent-minded, respectful, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness.

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling. We recommend Trawick. For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services.  Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance.  With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go. We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it's important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.

Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:

·       Trip Cancellation

·       Trip Interruption 

·       Trip Delay 

·       Missed Connection

·       Baggage Benefits

·       Baggage and Personal Effects 

·       Baggage Delay 

·       Emergency Accident and Sickness

·       Medical Expense 

·       Dental Expenses 

·       Emergency Evacuation 

·       Repatriation of Remains  

·       Accidental Death & Dismemberment

*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased. 

For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.

Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals.  Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.

Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.