south india temples and spices 17 days / 16 nights

SOUTH INDIA
TEMPLES AND SPICES
17 DAYS / 16 NIGHTS
Itinerary as of June 10, 2012
Visit us at www.wildland.com
The Itinerary
Journey from east to west across three states through Southern India from the beaches on the Bay of
Bengal across the subcontinent to the Malabar backwaters of Cochin. Visit temples, forts, and palaces
spanning more than 2000 years of Indian history. We connect with local people along the way in rural
villages Tamil Nadu, bazaars, spiritual centers, tea and spice plantations of the Western Ghats, artisan
workshops, and southern kitchens throughout the region to discover perspectives that enrich our lives
and those of our hosts. Venture by jeep and boat safaris through Periyar National Park that protects large
herds of wild elephant, abundant bird species, and other denizens of the jungle. Stay in waterfront
accommodations on the coasts, at a working tea and spice plantation, a restored mansion of a bygone era,
and kick back in a private houseboat in state of Kerala where you can enjoy Ayurvedic spa services, and
some of the most sumptuous selections of coastal cuisine in the world.
DAY
OVERNIGHT
HOTEL
MEALS
HIGHLIGHTS
1
CHENNAI
The Trident Hotel
2
MAHABALIPURAM
Fisherman’s Cove
B
Chennai city, museum, markets, and
temples. PM drive to Mahabalipuram.
3
MAHABALIPURAM
Fisherman’s Cove
B
Full day sightseeing tour of Kancheepuram
and Mahabalipuram and temples
4
PONDICHERRY
De L’Orient Hotel
B
Drive to Pondicherry. Visit Auroville, Sri
Aurobhindo Ashram.
5
THANJAVUR
Sangam Hotel
B
Drive to Thanjavur visiting temples and
villages en route.
6
THANJAVUR
Sangam Hotel
B
7
CHETTINADU
Chettinadu Mansion
B
8
MADURAI
Heritage Palace
B
9
MADURAI
Heritage Palace
B
10
MUNNAR
Windermere Estate
BLD
Spice Village
B
AM spice and nature walk. PM drive to
Periyar and game drive.
Spice Village
B
Morning boat safari and PM walking
excursion in community plantations.
11
12
PERIYAR
NATIONAL PARK
PERIYAR
NATIONAL PARK
13
KUMARAKOM
14
KOCHI (COCHIN)
15
MUMBAI
16
MUMBAI
17
DEPART
Private Houseboat:
CGH Earth Spice or
Kumarakom Lake
CGH Brunton
Boatyard
Taj Mahal Palace
Sea Facing
Taj Mahal Palace
Sea Facing
Transfer in to hotel.
BLD
Brihadeshwara Temple and palace.
Trichy and vicinity tour and temples.
Walking tour of Chittinadu. PM drive to
Madurai.
Madurai city and temples tour.
Drive to Munnar. Relax at cardamom estate.
Drive toPutthengadi. Overnight houseboat
cruise through backwaters.
B
Drive to Kochi. Afternoon free and PM dance
performance.
B
Tour Cochin city. PM transfer to airport for
flight to Mumbai (or Delhi)
B
B
Elephant caves and city tour.
Transfer to airport for onward flight.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY 1: ARRIVE CHENNAI
Arrive at the Chennai International Airport and transfer to
hotel. Overnight at Trident Hotel (Deluxe).
DAY 2: CHENNAI TO MAHABALIPURAM
Morning sightseeing tour of Chennai city visiting museums
to see the art and bronze gallery (Closed on public holidays).
Drive through the flower and fruit market, high court, fort
museum, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral and
Kapaleeshwar Temple. In the afternoon transfer from
Chennai to Mahabalipuram (60 km/1 hr 15 minutes).
Overnight Taj Fisherman’s Cove (Superior Charm Sea
View). [B]
DAY 3: MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHEEPURAM
Full day sightseeing tour of Kanchipuram and
Mahabalipuram. Visit the temples of Kanchipuram including
the 16th ACE Ekambasreshwar Temple, Kamakshi Temple
dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and Vaikunta Perumal
Temple. Kanchipuram is also famous for its hand woven
saris, presenting an opportunity to learn more about silk
saris and other locally produced garments.
This afternoon explore Mahabalipuram, located on the
Coromandel Coast facing the Bay of Bengal. A well established sea
port during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava Dynasty, this
was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram.
The name ‘Mahabalipurnam’, has a history. In a fierce battle King
Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu and the place was named
after the dead and once arrogant king. Visit Shore Temple,
Arjuna’s Penance and various Mandapams. Overnight Taj
Fisherman’s Cove (Superior Charm Sea View). [B]
DAY 4: PONDICHERRY
Drive to Pondicherry (132 kms/4 hrs) a former French
Colony. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and
today it remains as a living monument of the French
culture in India. Located 160 kms south of Chennai on the
Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Pondicherry is a
beautiful settlement with a strong spiritual element. Enjoy
the afternoon exploring the town. Visit Auroville (City of
Dawn), an experimental neighborhood founded by Ms.
Mirra Richard also known as “Mother.” Auroville is meant
to be a universal town where men and women of all
persuasions and origins are meant to live in peace and
harmony above all creeds, politics and nationalities. The
purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. Also visit the Sri Aurobhindo Ashram founded by Sri
Aurobhindo, a Bengal revolutionary and philosopher who struggled bitterly for freedom against the
British Empire. After his death, the ashram was run by “the Mother” - the chief disciple of Aurobindo
whereby its spiritual foundation is a metaphysical melding of yoga and modern science. Overnight at De
L’Orient Hotel. [B]
Day 5: Thanjavur – Kumbakonam
Morning drive to Thanjavur (160 km/3
hrs driving time) visiting Chidambaram,
Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram
en route. Chidambaram Temple is a
Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
located in the heart of the temple town of
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. There have
been several renovations in its history,
particularly during the days of the
Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and
pre-medieval periods. Our next stop, the
ancient town of Gangai Konda
Cholapuram, an hour's drive from
Chidambram, was the capital of the
Cholas until their fall in the 13th century.
The Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple
was built in the 11th C, to commemorate
Chola King's conquest up to the Gangetic plain. Lavishly sculpted with beautiful stone sculptures
including a dancing Ganesha, a lion headed wall and a stunning freeze depicting Rajendra being crowned
by Siva and Parvati, the temple is one of the most ancient temples of Tamil Nadu built in the Chola style.
Continue to Thanjavur visiting Darasruam Temple. With 18 temples in its town center, Kumbakonam is
the famous “temple town” of South India picturesquely situated amidst the Cauvery and Arasalar rivers.
The town is famous for the Mahamaham festival that is celebrated once every 12 years. Known for
production of brass vessels and silk weaving, this is primarily a market town for the predominantly
agriculture-based rural villages. The Darasuram Temple is a 'sculptor's dream in stone', among the most
well-preserved examples of 12th C Chola architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afternoon arrival at
Thanjavur and overnight at Sangam Hotel. [B]
DAY 6: THANJAVUR
Morning visit to the Brihadeshwara Temple (35 km/45
minutes)– a UNESCO World Heritage Site also called the
“Big Temple” built by King Raja Raja Chola. The main shrine
of this temple is Lord Brahadeeswarar (Shiva). The Shiva
Linga of Brahadeeswara is probably the grandest in
existence. An architectural wonder of the world, the massive
Nandhi tower weighs 25 tons and is the second biggest
Nandhi in India. The palace is 1 Km from the temple, built
by Nayakas around 1550 ACE and finished by Marathas.
With huge corridors, spacious halls, observational and
arsenal towers and shady courtyards, the total area of the
place is around 10 acres. Inside the palace you find the King
Saroboji Saraswathi Mahal Library, art gallery and Sangeetha Mahal. Overnight at Sangam Hotel. [B]
DAY 7: TRICHY – CHETTINADU
Drive from Thanjavur to Chettinadu (total 135 km) en route traveling to Trichy to visit the
Rangnathswamy Temple and Rock Fort Temple. The latter stands 83m high, perched on a huge rocky
outcrop. The temple complex is composed of two parts - a Shiva temple carved in the middle of the rock
and a Ganesh temple at the top portion of the rock. The Ganesh temple is much smaller with access
through steep steps carved on the rock and provides a stunning view of Trichy, Srirangam and the rivers
Kaveri and Kollidam. The Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple (7 km from Trichy) is an important
pilgrimage site and an exclusive Vaishnavite landmark. Srirangam looks like an island surrounded by the
Cauvery and Kollidam rivers on either side. This temple’s Rajagopuram is the highest tower in south
India and can be seen for many miles. Continue drive to Chettinad (85 km / 2hrs), the land of
Nattukottai Chettiars, famous for its fortress-like homes and temples that are architectural marvels,
equivalent to Trichy, Madurai and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
Upon arrival at Chettinad, checking into the Chettinadu Mansion heritage hotel is like stepping back in
time. The Chettiars belong to a lineage of wealthy traders and financiers who made their fortunes by
extending their business to the whole of Southeast Asia, particularly during the 19th century when they
were at the peak of their economic power. As a result of their traveling, the Chettiars integrated diverse
influences into their traditions which contributed to their uniqueness. The houses, which evolved over
two centuries, are veritable palaces, and our hotel, The Chettinadu Mansion is one of the most impressive
of the many heritage homes of the Chettiars. This small town is equally famous for its astrological
explorations and exquisite Chettinadu cuisine. Overnight at Chettinadu Mansion. [B]
DAY 8: CHETTINADU – MADURAI
Chettinadu is a region where a strong culture has been
preserved by the Chettiar community which is organized
around 9 clan temples. Each member of the Chettiar
community belongs to a clan and each clan has its own temple
run by its own committee. Enjoy a relaxed morning to learn
more about the community before driving to Madurai. (80
km/2 hrs) Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India, dating
back to the Sangam Period of the pre-Christian era. This was
the Golden age of Tamil literature when Madurai was the seat
of the Tamil Sangam or academy of learning. In the afternoon,
enjoy time to wander and explore Madurai’s extensive and
vibrant bazaar, a bustling produce, spice and textile market
with a fascinating array of emporiums. Each evening at the
Shree Meenakshi Temple a ‘Closing Ceremony’ takes place at
11:30pm in which an image of the God Shiva is carried in
procession to Parvati’s bedroom, where it remains until being
ceremonially escorted back at 6:00am the next morning. We
return from the vegetable market in time to participate in this
remarkable ceremony, watch the procession of the god, and
walk amongst the devotees. This is one of India’s most
memorable experiences. Overnight at Heritage Palace (Deluxe Club). [B]
DAY 9: MADURAI
In the morning light we proceed into the heart of Madurai to view the mighty Shree Meenakshi Temple
(1560 ACE), the heart and living symbol of Madurai’s centuries old tradition as the cultural center of the
Tamil people. Dedicated to Lord Shiva or Sundareswara and his consort, you will be amazed by the
Gopuram (rising tower entrance) and amazing architecture. Also visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace, built by
Thirumalai Nayak and designed by an Italian. Afternoon visit Koodal Azhagar Temple. 21 kms in rural
hinterlands from Madurai, it has a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the festive day, the image of
Azhgar is taken in a procession to the river Vaiga to participate in the marriage of Meenakshi and
Sundareswara. Overnight at Heritage Palace (Deluxe Club). [B]
DAY 10: MUNNAR TEA GARDENS
Morning drive to Munnar (160 km/5-6 hrs). Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala in the Western Ghats, Munnar is considered the abode of natural
purity. Sitting high on the observatory hill at 1600m above sea level, this charming retreat is set amidst a
cardamom estate surrounded by tea clad hills and tropical forests. Visit tea gardens of Munnar where you
will also have opportunity to buy some spices and tea locally. Your accommodation at Windermere Estate
is set amongst the manicured tea gardens and lush green forests of Western Ghats. The presence of the
planter's family next door ensures a truly local experience devoid of a hotel atmosphere. Overnight at
Windermere Estate. [BLD]
DAY 11: PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Early this morning take a cardamom and nature
walk organized by a Windermere naturalist
guide. (4km/ 2hr) Cardomom is cultivated
under the shade of a vast variety of evergreen
trees. Later drive from Munnar to Periyar (110
km/4 hrs). Periyar National Park is situated in
the lush green hills, lakes and rivers of the
Western Ghats. The core feature of the park is
the 5500-hectare Periyar Lake - a rich habitat
for large mammals. Here it is possible to see
large herds of Indian elephant as well as nilgiri
langur, an Old World primate. There are more
than 30 species of mammals including tiger,
gaur (Indian bison) and sloth bear. The birdlife
is vibrant and includes numerous aquatic species and the great Indian hornbill. Afternoon game viewing
by boat on Lake Periyar. Overnight at Spice Village (Standard Villa). [B]
DAY 12: PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Morning game viewing by boat on Lake Periyar. This afternoon enjoy a walking excursion amongst local
people working in local plantations. This region is famous for cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and
tea estates. Overnight at Spice Village (Standard Villa). [B]
DAY 13: BACKWATER HOUSEBOAT
Transfer to Putthengadi (150 km/3 hrs) where the backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to Kerala.
Fringing the coast and winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals lying
parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) and extending virtually the entire length
of Central Kerala. These backwaters represent a unique geographical formation and are the basis of a
distinct life style to be explored by water. Overnight on board Kumarakom Lake Resort/CGH Earth
AC Houseboat. [BLD]
DAY 14: KOCHI (COCHIN)
Cruise the backwaters and at 10am disembark from the houseboat for the drive to Kochi (110 km/ 2 hrs).
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in
the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala. Its strategic importance over the centuries is
underlined by its location on the Arabian Sea. In the evening visit the Kathakali Dance theatre studio for
a live performance of the famous Kathkali, a traditional dance form of Kerala with impressive facial
expressions, hand gestures and dance moves that leave one spellbound. Overnight at CGH Earth
Brunton Boatyard (Standard Sea Facing Room). [B]
DAY 15: COCHIN – MUMBAI
A local resident guide leads a morning sightseeing excursion of Cochin city visiting Bolghatty Palace, St
Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace (Mattencherry) and any other sights or activities of
interest including Chinese Fishing Nets. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai. 9W 404
Cochin-Mumbai 1605/1745 hrs. Transfer to overnight at Taj Mahal Palace (Tower Wing, Std Sea
Facing) [B]
DAY 16: MUMBAI – ELEPHANT CAVES
Morning excursion to Elephanta Caves (Closed on Mondays). Across the Bombay Harbor is the world
famous 1200 year old Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous sculpture signifying the
trinity of the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer are located here. Afternoon sightseeing tour of
Mumbai possibly including Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Kamla Nehru Park, and the
hanging gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive,
Chowpatty Beach, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat and drive through the Crawford Market. Overnight at Taj
Mahal (Tower Wing, Std Sea Facing). [B]
DAY 17: DEPART
Transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport for onward departure. [B]
END OF SERVICES
Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change
accommodations to similar quality alternatives.
PRICING PER PERSON IN DOUBLE:
GROUP SIZE
2-6
7-9
10+
Land Cost
$5595
$4995
$4550
Domestic Flights
$175
$ 175
$175
*Groups of 2-3 are met by local expert guides in each location, groups of 4 or more include a guide
accompanying the group throughout the itinerary. Prices valid through 30 April, 2013. Additional
charges may apply for holiday departures between December 20, 2012 and January 10, 2013. Airfare is
estimated and subject to change until purchased.
SCHEDULED DEPARTURE DATES:*
2012
October 20-November 5
November 10-20
December 22-January 7
2013
January 12-28
February 9-25
March 16-April 1
*Also available as private, custom trip on request based on availability.
INCLUDED SERVICES







Accommodations on twin share bed and breakfast basis as listed
English speaking driver and A/C Tata Indigo (2-3), Toyota Innova (4-6) or van/minibus for group
Local on site guides in cities/resorts and resident naturalists in Periyar National Park
Local guided tours and excursions including entrance fees
Transportation as described including airport-hotel transfers, land, boat, and jeep
Complimentary water during all transfers, drives and sightseeing
Wildland Adventures’ travel consultation and pre-departure services
NOT INCLUDED SERVICES









Domestic airfare (listed separately)
India Visa (US citizens must obtain an India visa in advance)
Airport taxes
Tips and gratuities
Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above
Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes beyond our control
Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation
Camera or video fees
Any other items not mentioned above
Accommodations
TRIDENT HOTEL, C HENNAI
Located conveniently close to the airport, the Trident, Chennai
welcomes its guests for a relaxing stay. Set amongst five acres
of lush, tropical gardens, the elegant low-rise hotel caters to the
business community and leisure travelers with 167 rooms,
business facilities, bar, restaurants, gymnasium and spa. Take
a dip in the pool or sample Coastal Indian cuisine at their
Samudra Restaurant.
TAJ FISHERMAN’S COVE, MAHABALIPURAM
Built on the ramparts of an old Dutch fort, Taj Fisherman’s
Cove is almost one with the Bay of Bengal. Superior Charm Sea View rooms are located in the main resort building
overlooking the beautiful Bay of Bengal. With the sea as a
backdrop, enjoy imaginative cuisine at the Bay View, where
fresh sea food is celebrated in an open air surrounding or try
the Upper Deck - the stylish Mediterranean restaurant for
candlelit, alfresco dining overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies,
Jiva Spa offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies
ranging from Indian aromatherapy massages, time-honoured Indian treatments, body scrubs and wraps.
DE L’ORIENT HOTEL, PONDICHERRY
Acquired in 1998 for restoration as a hotel, the mansion which
houses the Hotel de L’Orient dates back to the late 1760’s. The
aim of the restoration was to recreate the 18th century aura.
Wherever possible, the old Chettinad plaster was retained; the
red oxide flooring was repaired, and the wooden planks on the
high doors and windows were retained or replaced by new
panels made of old wood. The 16 rooms – now all airconditioned each have modern amenities and ensuite
bathrooms. The courtyard, in the center of the property, links
the street with the dining room and serves as a stage for
cultural performances.
SANGAM HOTEL, THANJAVUR
Sangam Hotel is a great base from which to explore vibrant
Thanjavur, with the city center only 1km away. Hotel
accommodations have been carefully appointed with coffee/tea
maker, bathrobes, complimentary bottled water, shower,
television and LCD/plasma screen in each room. The hotel
offers an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including a
pool and fitness center. Enjoy Indian, Chinese, and continental
cuisine in the hotel restaurant.
CHETTINADU MANSION, CHETTINADU
Chettinadu Mansion was built in 1902 and is now a spectacular
heritage hotel still run by the original owners. This residence
offers comfortable accommodation in 11 guest rooms.
Extending over 40,000 sq ft rooms are embellished in Burmese
teak, Italian marble and English steel. Its sheer size including
the marriage hall, pillars, beautiful balconies, and hidden lofts
are features typical of a bygone era of gracious living. Facilities
include swimming pool, library, a museum, and home-style
dining room serving typical cuisine of the Chettinadu kitchen.
HERITAGE PALACE, M ADURAI
Heritage Madurai rings with historic charm that echoes in
every hallway and every room. Lounge by the Olympic-sized
temple tank pool, dine under a 200 year old banyan tree
serenaded by bird calls or take a leisurely ‘historic’ walk
through the corridors where every stone has a story to tell.
Spacious, airy rooms encompass detailed sitting areas,
luxurious bedrooms and large bathrooms, all decorated with
understated elegance.
WINDERMERE ESTATE , MUNNAR
Windermere Estate is where manicured tea gardens merge
with the lush green forests of western ghats. Hallmarked for its
exclusiveness and high range hospitality, Windermere is a 60
acre Cardamom Plantation. The presence of the Planter's
family next door ensures security and local advice devoid of a
hotel atmosphere. Stay in rooms set in verdant gardens with a
lavish veranda and typical plantation home interior having a
view of the Chithirapuram valley below. Cuisine is traditional
Malayali, Oriental, continental and family recipes.
SPICE VILLAGE, TEKKADY
Located in Kumily, a small settlement 3k from Thekkady, the
main entrance to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the 5 star Spice
Village offers delightful cottages with thatched roofs of
elephant grass set in a pepper plantation. Opened in 1992, a
unique selection of regional spices has been planted amongst
the cottages creating an authentic spice hills environment.
Resort facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool, laundry
service, money exchange etc. All rooms have terracotta floor
tiles and furniture crafted using pine from Cochin's historic
docks. Each cottage has its own verandah in its own land.
CGH EARTH HOUSEBOAT
Inspired by the spacious open design of a rice barge, the CGH
Earth spice coast kettuvallom is fitted for comfort and privacy
with tilled bathrooms and shower. Solar cells on the roof power
lights and fans. The fore deck is spacious for lounging in the
shade on wicker armchairs or sunning on deck. Enjoy the open
air ambiance and wide views of the surrounding backwaters
dining al fresco on delightful meals prepared by your cook. A
typical evening's fare may start with 'kootu', lentils and gourd,
stirred with cracked pepper and tangy mustard seeds, then
garnished with fresh roasted coconut shreds, followed by freshcaught grilled karimeen fish marinated in red chilies served with local prawns. (Sleeps 2-3)
KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT HOUSEBOAT
Distinguished as one of the most luxurious houseboats in the
backwaters, the Kumarakom Lake Resort vessel has an air
conditioned dining hall with full glass facade facilitating a 360
degree view of the backwaters helping to beat the midday heat.
Cabin interior is spacious and well appointed with windows
that open to the outside and private bath with shower. Your
personal chef serves the best Keralan cuisine. (Sleeps 2-4)
BRUNTON BOATYARD COCHIN, MALABAR
A rich, and colorful history marks the hotel, once the century
old boatyard of Geo. Brunton and Sons. They have recreated the
splendor of the city's illustrious past, using the materials of fin
de sieclé Cochin - lime, terracotta, wood and tile. All of the
Brunton Boatyard Hotel's 22 rooms overlook the sea, as do the
en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy a soak in your tub watching the
dolphins amongst the trading ships. Enjoy the pool and
exceptional cuisine with recipes originating from natural
ingredients and spices of the region.
TAJ MAHAL PALACE, MUMBAI
The history of Mumbai and The Taj Mahal Palace are
dramatically intertwined. The hotel is Mumbai’s first harbour
landmark (built 21 years before the Gateway of India) and the
site of the first licensed bar in the city. For more than a
century, the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the
city, hosting Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities
from across the globe. Today it is a Leading Hotel of the World
and favorite destination for discerning travellers. Overlooking
the Gateway of India with a panoramic view of the bay, every one of the 560 rooms are the perfect blend
of rich history and modern convenience. In the 1970s The Taj expanded to open the doors of the adjacent
Tower wing. In contrast to the Palace wing, the Tower wing is newer and orderly, with a combination of
European and Indian architecture.
Booking your Wildland Adventure
HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP
You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is
confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and
submit a Release of Liability.
Deposit requirements are as follows:*
$500 per person for all trips in Central America.
$700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the
Mediterranean and North America.
20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable.
*Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits
to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance.
CUSTOM TRAVEL
This trip isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to
accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send
an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on
our website.
PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure,
money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable
cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators:
Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person
91 or more: $300
61-90 days: Initial deposit amount
31-60 days:
50% of land cost
30 or less:
100% of land cost
PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES
Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations,
visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip
extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact
information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS
Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We’re here to
help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other
suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however
possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or
nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in
advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your
itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for
trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time
during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative
accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services
provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions