Holidays to Kerala and south India with NEI (UK)

Beautiful beaches... millions of swaying palm trees... ancient temples...
important historical sites...classical Indian dances... fascinating backwaters... stunning mountains and the ancient Hindu medicine, Ayurveda.

All of these things and many more are to be found in abundance in the four States
which comprise the southern half of India. Often neglected by travellers to India, those
who do venture away from Goa and the delights of the so called Golden Triangle, are
rewarded with a wealth of sights and sounds of an India which is every bit as
fascinating and diverse as the northern half of this great country. The people here are
just waiting to welcome those travellers who would like to see something of the
unique nature of southern India and everything is ready to receive you and prove just
how much in tune with the demands of the modern traveller they are. Ultra modern
hotels and elegant resorts await the traveller. Transport is much improved and often
flights can be taken between the major destinations, saving time and allowing more to
be seen during your holiday.

Karnataka is a state often overlooked when it comes to tourism and although it does not have any huge metropolitan cities, it does have a wealth of ancient sites including Hampi and Bijapur and offers the traveller a taste of a different India. There are also the cities of Bangalore and Mysore. Bangalore is rapidly becoming foremost in the IT industry in India but although it is a modern city, it still has much retained from earlier ages to make a visit there interesting. Mysore has many interesting places to see, particularly the magnificent City Palace and the Nandi bull at the foot of the Chamundi Hill atop which is a large Hindu temple complex and whose flanks provide a wonderful chance to view Mysore by night. This spectacle is even more breathtaking at the time of Dussera when the whole city is lit up. The exceptionally well preserved Hoysala temple at Somnathpur, with its exquisite wall carvings, should not be missed.

Tamil Nadu adjoins Karnataka on its east side and is the state which is home to the Dravidian people. Chennai, previously Madras, is the huge city to be found in the north of the State and is the starting point for many tours in southern India. The stunning temples at Mamallapuram (previously Mahabalapuram) should not be missed.
And neither should the old French territory of Pondicherry where French influence is still very evident. The ancient city of Madurai with its Minakshi Temple and its Thousand Pillared Hall is a must to spend some time exploring. Tamil Nadu, like its neighbours to the north, is a relatively unknown destination for travellers but even so is a very special destination and offers much of beauty and great interest to those who spend some time there.

Kerala perhaps the best known of the southern Indian States and the one which has been foremost in the minds of travellers to this part of India when it comes to a beach holiday. But Kerala has so much more to offer the traveller than beaches. Kerala is a very green state bordered on one side by the Arabian Sea and on the eastward side, the mighty Western Ghats. Every landscape in Kerala provides the traveller with a wealth of interesting sites to see and things to experience.Who hasn't seen the evocative photographs of the Chinese Nets at sunset? Or heard of the relaxing tour of the Backwaters on a converted rice barge? Maybe it's the Synagogue in Jew Town in Cochin which has sparked an interest. Classical Indian dancing can be enjoyed, and a visit to the old British fort at Tellicherry with its nearby churchyard, where lie the remains of numerous Britons under ever dilapidating gravestones, is a very moving experience. Taking leisurely walks through rubber and coffee plantations, is an excellent chance to see some of the many beautiful plants and flowers which can be found growing everywhere. It is even possible to see some of the flora from the top of a tall tree which now houses a Tree House. Here a totally new experience can be enjoyed by spending the night high above the ground. Time spent with the temple elephants at Guruvayoor is a joy. A 'home stay' is a new concept, where you stay in and share the homes of local people and will introduce you to an India not seen before.

To a Keralan, Kerala is not even part of India, it is Gods Own Country, maybe after visiting the State you will find you agree.

And if there isn't enough above to fulfil the wishes of everyone who wants to experience a truly wonderful holiday, then possibly a visit to the nearby Lakshadweep Islands will prove to be that something different you are looking for. The Lakshadweeps, part of the same island chain as the Maldives and with similar characteristics, are a large group of mostly uninhabited islands not far from Kerala in the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea. Here the visitor will find basic but comfortable accommodation and every chance to indulge in diving or snorkelling, or just relax in a unique location.

The aim of NEI (UK) is to introduce the traveller to these frequently overlooked states in India.
Travelling with NEI (UK) will prove to be a welcome change for those travellers who are seeking that something extra and to that end we have sought out the very best of places to stay and have paid great attention to the travelling times between destinations.
Time can be spent at five star hotels but the standard of accommodation is very high in other places too and we are happy to offer 'Home stays' in the private homes of people who live in the areas we cover and also in local hotels which are all carefully chosen for the standards offered to their guests.
But wherever you decide to stay, a wonderful time is assured.

If it is not good enough for us, it is not good enough for those who kindly allow us to arrange their holiday for them.

Purely Kerala - a terrific tour to the fabulous south Indian state of Kerala. Swaying palm trees... peaceful, sultry backwaters.... colourful people in colourful costumes....
All this and more can be experienced in this unbeatable, value-for-money 8-day tour, visiting Kovalam, Thekkady, Munnar & Cochin and including a backwater day cruise and overnight stay on the famous converted rice barge houseboats.

Tour cost: from �470 p.p. on twin sharing basis.
Supplement for air-conditioned car � 50 per booking.

Tour cost includes
Accommodation in stated hotels on 'room only' basis, two people sharing a room;
airport/hotel transfers in Kerala;
sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary

Indian Deccan Tour - taking you from the famous and fabulous Hyderabad, Bijapur, Badami, Hospet, to the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagar empire at Hampi. Drive to Dandeli for two nights in cottages on the banks of the river Kali, surrounded by forested hills, spending the second day sailing up river in a coracle or travelling into the jungle by jeep, finally, on to relax for 3 nights at a 5-star resort on the beach at Goa.

Tour cost : from � 1276 p.p., on twin sharing basis.

The above cost includes
all hotels on Bed and Breakfast basis, except Kali River Lodge which is on Full Board;
all Jungle activities;
all sightseeing and entrance fees with English speaking guide;
Arrival and departure transfers on departure in Bombay for onward International flight;
courtesy hotel room for wash and change and rest in Bombay

This tour is an excellent alternative to a conventional 'package' holiday, with its utilisation of
the best of homestays available in Kerala. This tour adds a great deal of interest to your holiday
as the host's lives and homes are shared by the guests.

Tour cost, per person on twin sharing basis: from � 1390
Air conditioned transport supplement : � 210 per car.

Tour price includes
Full Board at all places, except at 'Malabar House Hotel', Cochin, where it will be on Bed & Breakfast basis.
airport/hotel transfers in Kerala;
all necessary transport by private car in Kerala;
English speaking guide where required.

Bangaram Island, in the fabulous Lakshadweeps

'The Jewel of the Lakshadweep', Bangaram Island is an uninhabited haven, presenting a breathtaking spectacle of sparkling coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, silvery beaches and lush green coconut palms.
Barring the occasional visitor from nearby Agatti (where the airport is situated), the only residents are the resort staff.

Accommodation on the island is simple, unpretentious, yet comfortable. Set in 128 acres, there are 30 tiled-roof beach huts, each with its own palm-thatched verandah, en suite bathroom, ceiling fan and fridge. In a bid to preserve Bangaram's unique environment, a hotel atmosphere is avoided intentionally, but there are enough creature comforts to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.At the heart of the resort is the restaurant
hut, made entirely out of bamboo and palm fronds around one tall central pole.

The cuisine styles are international and the menu also offers a selection from the coast of India and local island recipes.
There is also a well stocked bar, right on the beach.

We can think of no better or idyllic way to end a holiday to Kerala
than to visit these magical islands for a few days.

Tour cost: from �260 per night for a bungalow sleeping one or two people on full board basis,
plus airfares and boat transfer costs of approx. �225 per person.
(Above room rate applies from 01 October to 20 December and 21Jan to 31 March)

Best time to visit is between November and March

"Kerala In Style"

With this tour we offer you the best there is to offer in Kerala.
All the hotels used are premium properties and are very comfortable. This tour is intended for those who want a relaxing holiday and to see something of Kerala, too. There is some sightseeing included, but it is deliberately very easy and unhurried.

A 10-day tour including Cochin, Kumarakom, thakkady, Mararikulam,Trivandrum

Tour cost per person on room & breakfast, Twin sharing basis: from � 730

Tour cost includes airport/hotel transfers in Kerala; exclusive use of air-conditioned vehicles on all road journeys; English speaking guides where necessary; entrance fees & theatre tickets;accommodation as stated above.
Tour price does not include international airfares, or any item not detailed above.

Andhra Pradesh is the northern most of the southern States and has as its capital the city of Hyderabad. Here can be found a diversity of cultures which over the years have made the state what it is today - a blend of religions, languages, and customs. These, together with the different architectural styles provide the traveller with a totally different view of India. The majestic Golconda Fort near to Hyderabad and the Hindu and Jain temples at Vijayawada are certainly worth a visit but not during April and May when very high temperatures can be encountered. Many unusual and unique craft works are produced in AP and often there will be a chance to see them being made in the bazaars of Hyderabad or the local villages. AP is a state which is keen to encourage visitors and anyone who does set out to discover what the state has to offer will be rewarded with a memorable and distinct view of part of the subcontinent.

Kerala Exclusive Homestays & Houseboat

- a very special and different way to see this beautiful tropical State in southern India . You stay at the homes - and what homes they are! - of selected hosts in different parts of Kerala, giving you a unique insight into their way of life and the customs of the region. A two-day houseboat glide through the Keralan backwaters is also included. The tour begins and ends with time spent at the famous Malabar House Hotel.