Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
KIKINETWORK TRAVEL
kiki@kikinetwork.com
Kiki 608-858-2733
Soak up the region of India that National Geographic Traveler has named one of the ten paradises of the world. We serve up the most sumptuous parts of India, the Coromandel and Malabar coasts, made even better with a guide and fellow travelers who are adventurous women just like you.
On this extraordinary trip, you'll visit the french city of Pondicherry, cruise through mangrove-lined canals in a houseboat, bask in the sun on sandy beaches, explore a rainforest, visit an elephant sanctuary, and stop at temples and historic colonial towns, meeting local women throughout the Malabar Coast.
Arrive in Chennai by International flight. On arrival, after crossing immigration and customs and collecting your baggage, you will be met by our representative in the arrival hall, who will transfer you to your hotel.
Arrive by late night of day 2 or early morning of day 3
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Raintree Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Chennai is located on the south-eastern coast of India, and has an interesting architectural mix reflecting different cultural influences. After brunch, set out by 11:00AM for a walk around Chennai’s Mylapore neighborhood with a local guide and learn about the rituals of daily life, hear stories of gods and demons, and gain a deeper understanding of local customs and traditions. Lite lunch at The Garden Café. Explore the well-preserved architectural legacy of the colonial period in Chennai, including Fort St. George, St. Andrew’s Kirk and The Church of St Mary, the first Anglican Church in Asia. Time permitting, head out to Anokhi or Nicobar for some fun shopping opportunities
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Raintree Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart 9am, you will be driven to the former French colonial town of Pondicherry (170 kms /3.5 to 4 hours) via a stop enroute to visit the Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum a cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India (closed on Tuesdays). Vegetarian lunch at local restaurant (included) This is followed by a visit to the fabulous shore temples at Mahabalipuram. Perched at the edge of a sandy beach on the Bay of Bengal, where it has been subjected to centuries of battering by salt water and oceanic winds, this early-8th-century stone temple is considered one of the oldest temples in South India, and a forerunner of the Dravidian style. Drinks (Indian wines Sula) and dinner at the hotel (included)
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Karappa House
Meals: Breakfast, Vegetarian Lunch Enroute, Dinner
Puducherry, previously Pondicherry, undoubtedly one of Tamil Nadu’s crown jewels. The historic city has an unusual past, in that it remained governed by the French even during British colonial rule. That influence has left a mark on Puducherry, which is known for its historic mansions and tranquil pace of life. The coastal city’s old French quarter, full of colorful architecture, is well worth discovering, while its other half is a busier contrast.
9:30 am departure: Morning exploration of this pretty, peaceful town. A small though prominent French enclave that retains much of its original savoir faire, Pondicherry is best explored on foot. Walk through its old quarter to see a varied collection of buildings, churches, homes and markets and thoroughfares with French names and the occasional gendarme waving traffic along.
Options:
Visit the Cluny Embroidery Centre on Romain Rolland Street, a gorgeous 18th- century mansion where women bend their heads over pieces of lace, their needles working nimbly. Choose from among intricately embroidered bed linen, tablecloths and handkerchiefs. (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Visit Ray Meekers Golden Bridge Pottery centre and interact with him if available.
Visit Kriti Eco Boutique that sells high quality, organic and sustainable souvenirs. Some of the products are handmade by tribal Indian women. The owner is passionate about helping these women and supporting their work. Auroville Papers is a factory that makes beautiful papers for gift wrapping, book covers, gifts and even products like lampshades, artworks, wall hanging, vases from waste like cottons, banana trees, etc.
Visit Auroville vistors centre
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Karappa House
Meals: Breakfast
Depart at 8:30am to drive to Thanjavur (4.5 hours) via a stop in the temple town of Kumbakonam. We will also see the Gangaikondacholapuram Shiva temple (try to say that fast) 11th century wonder from 1025! Vegetarian lunch enroute at Indeco
Afternoon, Thanjavur painting technique with gem stones inlay demonstration, bronze casting Demonstration. Cooking demonstration (vegetarian). Take a culinary cultural trip to Tamilian cuisine to expand your palate. Evening, dress up in traditional wear followed by dinner (vegetarian buffet) (included)
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Svatma - Luxury Resorts Hotels
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Depart at 8:30am to drive to the ancient city of Madurai (4 hours). Enroute visit Karaikudi weaver’s colony and have a look around at the tile factory. Plantain leaf lunch at a heritage hotel (included)
Check in to your hotel. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, an iconic temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. It is an epitome of classic architecture with murals, the 16th century 1,000 Pillar is an architectural marvel. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, this temple has become a major tourist spot over the years. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple again for the exhilarating evening ceremony when the deity is put to bed
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Heritage Madurai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Best to leave by 9am so we can see the flowers being brought into the markets. Our guide will show you the colorful side of the city including a visit to the flower markets. Visit the 17th-century Thirumal Nayakar Palace of the Pandyan rulers of Madurai, with its Indo-Saracenic architecture and museum filled with ancient sculptures, is a treat. Lunch at a local restaurant in the city hotel. For those interested, a Madurai Food walk of the local markets can be arranged in the evening.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Heritage Madurai
Meals: Breakfast; Lunch
Depart at 8am and proceed to Periyar after breakfast. It is 180 kms and 4 hour’s drive approx. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer and more. On arrival, check in. Enjoy an afternoon nature walk with a local forest guide in Periyar National Park. Evening visit to a Centre to see Kalaripayattu-the oldest of martial arts in the world.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Niraamaya Retreat
Meals: Breakfast
Morning (8:30AM) boating at Periyar Lake. Periyar Tiger Reserve offers boating trips (common motor boat) at the lake near the sanctuary. A herd of elephants or a group of sambar deer are common sights near the lake. You may be able to spot herds of Gaur and wild boars in the grasslands adjacent to the shores.
Later in the day, enjoy a short 25 minutes elephant ride through the spice plantations. You will have an opportunity to view spice plants like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. You could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Lunch at a local restaurant. (included) In the afternoon you will be taken for a tea plantation visit. Explore the vast tea plantations and witness the process if tea making from start to finish. Learn about the different categories of tea and how they are processed and immerse yourself in the rich history of tea in the region (6 km each way + 01 hour)
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Niraamaya Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart at 8am and drive to Alleppey (3.5 to 4 hours approx.) to embark your Kettuvellam (traditional houseboat) at 12:30PM for a cruise (4 hours) Traditionally called a Kettuvallom, or rice barge, the shallow and rounded hull of the boat is made without using a single nail. We will spend the day leisurely plying the canals, witnessing the daily rituals of river life; brightly clad women washing their laundry along the river banks, children splashing around in the placid warm water, and farmers in the rice paddies. Rightly called the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey is crisscrossed by a network of canals. A traditional Kerala meal will be prepared and served on board the boats.
After tea, disembark and drive to your resort. Drive to Marari (30 minutes) and check into Marari Beach Resort, a sea-side village experience set on 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm. Rest of the day is free to enjoy the facilities at the resort
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning Yoga at the hotel.
Visit a Farm House where the family will engage you in a cooking demonstration followed by lunch (cuisine is predominantly Syrian Christian with a strong backwater influence). You can go for a farm walk with any of the family and learn about farming below lake level as well as the different crops cultivated. Do check out toddy tapping in case interested.
The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the resort or enjoying an Ayurvedic (herbal) message, for which Kerala is famous. Speciality dinner will be arranged at the Farm Kitchen at the Resort
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Final Group Dinner
Depart at 8am and drive to Cochin (2.5 hours approx) Kochi, a modern port city in the state of Kerala, south-west coast of India, is a potpourri of economic activity and history intertwined together. It has a rich trading past with Jewish, Portuguese, British and Dutch influences, which make it a rather unique mix of cultures and religions, reflecting one of the most fascinating facets of India: cultural plurality.
Late morning, enjoy a heritage tour of Cochin part walk and part by tuk tuks. Formerly a princely state which beckoned travellers from distant shores, Cochin is also known as "The Queen of the Arabian Sea". The sightseeing of Cochin will include the visit to Mattancherry Dutch Palace built by Portuguese, the Jewish Synagogue and the famous Jew Street, St. Francis’ Church where Vasco Da Gama was buried and the ubiquitous Chinese fishing nets along the shores. Also visit the spice stores along Jew Town. Lunch along the tour at a local restaurant in Fort Cochin.
In the evening, you will witness the spectacular Kathakali Dance Drama. The most popular and sacred dancedrama of Kerala, Kathakali, has evolved over last 400 years. This classical dance requires lengthy and rigorous training to attain complete control of the body and sensitivity to emotion so as to be able to render all its nuances through facial expressions and hand gestures. Themes centre round the two great Indian epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. We suggest arriving early at the theatre in order to witness the artists putting on their makeup! Return to hotel for dinner on your own and later in the evening, departure transfer to Cochin airport.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Fragrant Nature 5 Star Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
(Per Person on twin share basis) (All prices in US$)
Rates valid for dates as per itinerary
Accommodation for 12 nights on double occupancy basis in the mentioned hotels or similar
Meals as specified in the itinerary - Breakfast on all days
Welcome cocktails in Pondicherry (housewines Sula/Grovers Indian brands)
Transportation using an air-conditioned Mini Coach for 10-15 persons (separate coaches for Tamil Nadu and Kerala portions)
Domestic bottled mineral water in the vehicles during transfers
Services of an accompanying English speaking escort cum guide from 26 January to 05 February 2024
Assistance at for check in/check out at all locations
All currently applicable taxes
International airfare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover
Any meals other than in inclusions
Drinks of any nature, any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary
Tips or gratuities of any sort
Any car arrangements on free days
Still and video camera fee at monuments
Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc
Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and
train schedule; cancellation of flights, political disturbances, natural phenomenon
Any other item not specifically mentioned above as ‘INCLUDED’
Any increase to current government GST
The price are on Per Person basis in US$
Check-in time is 1400hrs and Check-Out time is 1100hrs
All prices are subject to any revision of tax and tariff structure
Itinerary based on current air schedules, may be subject to change
Domestic flights allow 15 kgs check in and 7 kgs hand baggage only
All Museums are closed on Mondays and National Holidays
Dakshinchitra is closed on Tuesdays
20% at the time of confirmation of the tour
Balance 80% payment 75 days prior to commencement of the tour (11 November 2023)
If hotels have any special deposit requirements, this will also have to be complied with in addition.
If cancellation received in our office prior to commencement of the tour, then the following charges will apply:
The advance deposit will get forfeited, if the tour is cancelled anytime up to 75 days prior to the date of arrival.
Less than 60 days and till after commencement of the tour : 100% (this will also apply to any part of the tour not utilized) NOTE: If the cancellation is due to a genuine reason, we shall make all efforts to recover as much of the cancellation charges as possible and levy only a reasonable Service Charge to cover our expenses
You must be in good physical condition and able to make long walks unassisted over uneven terrain and steep up and down steps in the palaces/forts. All participants are expected to be physically active to enjoy traveling as a part of the group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences
Since airfares are based on dynamic pricing they keep fluctuating, therefore, all quoted fares are subject change until ticketed.
All Economy class passengers can carry maximum 15kgs of check-in baggage and 1 hand baggage not exceeding 7-8kgs. However, for business class passengers, the baggage allowances are 25kgs for check-in baggage and 1 hand baggage not exceeding 7-8kgs.
Kindly note, the flight timings given in our proposal are based on the prevailing flight schedule which are subject to change by the airline(s) even after issuing the tickets.
We need full names exactly as per the passports of each passenger to issue air tickets.
Once ticketed, there will be a fee equivalent US$ 50 per person per sector for cancellation.
With a balance of luxury, style, comfort, and service, this hotel features smartly designed rooms along with a lounge and rooftop pool and multiple dining options to choose from. The trip will consist of two nights in a deluxe room at the Raintree Hotel in Chennai, breakfast is included.
In the tradition of old sprawling joint family homes, Kariappa House also has different apartments and buildings that flow into one another. It is a cluster of interconnected houses in a half acre land (the main house is re-created in a typical Franco-tamil style) interspersed with tropical gardens and courtyards and a covered swimming pool. The trip will consist of two nights in a standard room at the Karappa House in Pondicherry, breakfast is included.
This Relais & Chateaux hotel has been acclaimed in press worldwide, including Vanity Fair, Tatler, and Travel + Leisure. The century-old home abounds with nooks, verandahs and patios and the artwork illustrates Tamil Nadu’s rich culture. The trip will consist of one night in a millennium deluxe room at the Svatma Hotel in Thanjavur , breakfast is included.
Lounge by the Olympic-sized temple tank pool, or luxuriate in a plunge pool in your own private villa. Dine under a 200-year-old banyan tree, serenaded by bird calls. Take a leisurely ‘historic’ walk through the corridors where every stone has a story to tell. The trip will consist of two nights in the deluxe club at the Heritage Madurai in Madurai, breakfast is included.
This luxury forest resort houses 13 cottages that are equipped with modern comforts and offer picturesque views of gardensA perfect base for an adventurous jungle vacation, with the opportunity for yoga and spa treatments. The trip will consist of two nights in the Garden View Cottage at the Niramaaya Retreat Cardamon Club in Periyar, breakfast is included.
This seaside village experience is set on 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm. The fishing culture of Mararikulam and their gentle ways of life have been the inspiration for Marari Beach, starting with the thatched cottages. The trip will consist of two nights in the Garden Villa at the Marari Beach Resort in Marari, breakfast is included.
Fragrant Nature features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the former offices of East India Company, this sumptuous hotel offers a rooftop terrace lounge and Ayurvedic spa. The trip will consist of one night in Duke’s Chamber at the Cochin Fragrant Nature, breakfast is included.
Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring you're well prepared to enjoy your journey. We work hard to put together itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget. We aim to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours.
Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.
We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration and adventure.
In case of an emergency, all our guides are licensed and trained to handle situations that may arise. We are always with you to assist in any way we can to make your trip safe and memorable.
Payments: As soon as we receive your down payment, we will confirm your reservations and at this point, all change and cancellation policies will be in effect. KikiNetwork Travel will send you a finalized itinerary which will contain all necessary information including confirmation numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. We must receive 40% of the trip cost prior to 60 days before the start of the trip. The full cost of the trip must be paid 45 days prior to the start date of the trip.
Forms of Payment: We accept checks and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 3.9 processing fee for credit cards. If you pay by check there is no additional fee. You will need to mail the check to Kiki Keating, PO Box 223, Georges Mills, NH 03751.
Airfare/Visas/Special Permits: You are responsible for your own flight to the place of the trip departure. I am happy to advise and recommend certain flights and please email me at kiki@kikinetwork.com for more details.
You must obtain any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be traveling to or transiting through, and I will inform you of any visa needs. Visa and entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Please make certain that your passport is valid for at least six months after the latest expected end date of your planned trip, as some countries will not allow entry if your passport will expire sooner.
Health and Safety Matters: Please visit your local hospital Travel Clinic. Your doctor will let you know what, if any, vaccinations or other health or safety precautions are necessary or recommended for your destinations. We are not physicians, and nothing we say should be interpreted as professional medical advice. Government health advisories can be found on the internet at: http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.int
Cancellations: In addition to any cancellation penalties related to trip components we are not responsible for (e.g. permits, airfare, travel insurance, etc.), the following fees will apply: 20% of trip cost 45 days or more prior to travel date, 50% of trip cost 45 to 30 days prior to travel date, cancellations made within 30 days of travel date are non-refundable. Cancellation penalties apply as soon as we have received payment. Cancellations for any reason whatsoever, including medical reasons, death in the family, strikes, wars, weather, natural disasters, airline default, or government travel warnings will not entitle you to any refund in the case of nonrefundable reservations. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is required.
Insurance: Insurance is required for any KikiNetwork travel trip. KikiNetwork Travel requires an insurance plan with 100% of trip cost insured, $150,000 of emergency assistance and transportation, and a minimum of $50,000 medical evacuation coverage. I have used and recommend the following insurance coverage companies. Please call me directly at 603-858-2733 to discuss and ask questions about travel insurance coverage.
Responsibility/Release and Assumption of Risk: By paying and signing up for a KikiNetwork Travel trip you are agreeing to the following statement; I understand and am aware that during the travel itinerary in which I will participate under the arrangements of KikiNetwork Travel and its agents or subcontractors, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in unsafe areas or under unsafe conditions, the dangers of civil disturbance and war, the forces of nature, disease, hotels, tour operators or subcontractors. In consideration of, and as part of the payment for, the right to participate in such travel itineraries, I have and do hereby expressly assume all of the above risks. The terms of this agreement shall serve as a release and express assumption of risk for myself, my heirs, assignees, administrators, executors, and all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. I have read and fully understand the provisions and the legal consequences of this Release and Assumption of Risk and I hereby agree to all its conditions, especially noting and agreeing to the portion of this provision that releases the Company and its agents, employees, officers, associates, and subcontractors, to the extent permitted by law, from liability for the negligent or reckless acts or omissions of the Company’s affiliated companies or subcontractors.
