http://www.hoteltravel.com/cn/india/guides/top10things.htm

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/world_parks_top15_2.htm
Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal)

http://www.adventurecenter.com/india.htm

Chennai South India tour:
Itinerary Day 1 Join Chennai; city tour. 2 Train to Tiruchirapalli. 3 In Tiruchirapalli; full day excursion to Tanjore. 4 Morning sightseeing including Rock Fort; bus to Madurai. 5 In Madurai; walking tour visiting Meenakshi Temple. 6 Drive to Quilon. 7 Boat along Malabar waterways to Alleppey (about 8hrs) and drive to Cochin. 8 In Cochin; boat trip and sightseeing. 9 Drive to Metupalayam. 10 Mountain train to Ootacamund. 11 Drive to Mysore. 12 In Mysore; visit Nandi Bull and Palace. 13 Train to Chennai, drive to Mahabalipuram. 14 In Mahabalipuram, walking tour. 15 Drive Chennai where tour ends.
Accommodation & Meals: Hotels BB (12nts), HB (1nt), RO (1nt).
Mode of Travel: Bus/Train/Boat through the Malabar Backwaters/Mountain Train to Ooty/Rickshaws and taxis used for sightseeing.
Comment: A diverse tour exploring the unique Hindu Temples of South India. Travelling through stunning and fertile landscapes there is plenty of time built in for relaxation and the vegetarian food is fabulous.
Group Size: Approx. 14 to 18.
Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.


Ancient Madurai
After a tour of Chennai (Madras), we head south by train to Tiruchirapalli to see the great Rock Fort, and on to reach Madurai, with its soaring towers. Here we mix with the swirling crowds who pack into the Hall of 1000 Pillars within the Meenakshi Temple, a place of unceasing festive pandemonium.


Malabar Riverboat
A scenic bus drive takes us to Quilon, where we embark on a colourful and unforgettable adventure by riverboat, chugging through the exotic Malabar backwaters to Alleppey. We spend time on this palm-fringed waterway, alive with picturesque fishing boats, huge butterfly fishing nets and local ferries.


Mysore & Mahabalipuram
After time in Cochin we drive to Metupalayam, then climb by rack-rail train through the Nilgiri Hills to the scenic hill station of Ootacamund (Ooty) at 2268m. We relax in the princely city of Mysore to see the Maharaja's Palace and giant Nandi Bull. Finally, we head back to Madras and straight out to wide sweeping beaches at Mahabalipuram on the Bay of Bengal to relax, swim in the Indian Ocean and admire the shore temples.

Kerala backwaters:
Itinerary Day 1 Join Kovalam. 2 In Kovalam. 3 Drive Alumkadavu, board houseboat; cruise through backwaters. 4 Continue to Thottappally; overnight in a Keralan house; optional beach walks or bike hire. 5 By canoe to traditional village; afternoon free in village. 6 Boat and drive Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, boat ride. 7 Wildlife trek; drive Munnar. 8 In Munnar; excursion to Erivakulam NP, walks. 9 Drive Cochin; visit Fort Kochi. 10 In Cochin; optional visit to Tripunithura Palace; optional Kathakali dances. 11 Train Trivandrum; drive to Kovalam. 12 In Kovalam. 13 End Kovalam.
Accommodation & Meals: Hotels RO (8nts), BB (1nt); Houseboat FB (1nt); Traditional/Local Village houses FB (2nts).
Mode of Travel: Bus/Boats & Canoe through Kerala Backwaters/Train/On foot.
Comment: A short, easy-paced tour giving a unique insight into the Keralan way of life. We explore the backwaters by houseboat & canoe and also sleep in local village houses. Facilities are at times basic, but the rewards very great.
Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader plus driver(s) & boatmen. http://www.adventurecenter.com/Explore/frame_kb.htm

Itinerary Day 1, KOVALAM: Arrive in Trivandrum, transfer to nearby Kovalam, the finest beach in South India. Day 2, KOVALAM: Day at leisure to shake off the jet lag and settle into the leisurely pace of life in South India. Day 3, MADURAI: Drive to Madurai, one of the most lively and exotic temple cities. Day 4, MADURAI: A morning visit to the magnificent Meenakshi temple. Day 5, THEKKADY (PERIYAR): A scenic drive to Thekkady. Day 6, THEKKADY (PERIYAR): A full day for optional activities in the park. Boat trips are available on the lake and there are opportunities for hiking inside the park. Day 7, BACKWATERS: Scenic journey to a village on Kerala's backwaters. Day 8, BACKWATERS VILLAGE STAY: Free day. Option to explore traditional villages by dug-out canoes, on foot or by bike. Day 9, KOCHI (COCHIN): Drive to Cochin, one of the most interesting cities in south India. Day 10, KOCHI (COCHIN): Time to explore Fort Cochin, the harbour and islands with so many reminders of the city's colonial past. Day 11, KOVALAM: Transfer to Kochi railway station for the train to Trivandrum. On arrival at Trivandrum, you will be met and transferred to nearby Kovalam beach. Day 12, KOVALAM: End of tour.