TORONTO — Contiki’s 2018 Asia program keeps getting bigger and better, with the launch of a new 10-day ‘In-Depth Discoverer’ trip to India.

Titled ‘Southern Spice’, the itinerary was launched in response to the high demand of the company’s widely popular 12-day ‘Eternal India’ trip, which first debuted in 2016. According to Contiki, visitor growth to India has increased year after year, especially after the introduction of the e-Tourist Visa, fuelled in part by millennial demand.

‘Southern Spice’ takes clients from Chennai through Pondicherry, Kumbakonam, Mudurai, Periyar, Kumbakonam, Kerala Backwaters and Cochin over 10 culture-filled days. Highlights include an exclusive overnight on a house boat, a Martial Arts performance in Kalaripayattu, a rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, and visits to a spice plantation, tea factory, silk weavers’ homes and a bronze casting school. ME Time Optionals also offer travellers the chance to go on a Sunset Boat Cruise in Cochin, dress up in sarees (ladies) or a dhoti (men) in Kumbakonam, and partake in a local family cooking demonstration and dinner in Periyar.

Contiki’s new 2018 Asia program continues to offer four unique accommodation styles including central hotels, beachside resorts and unique Special Stays such as jungle tree houses and floating raft bungalows in Khao Sok National Park. In addition, an authentic Asian travel experience is guaranteed with bullet trains, rickshaws, junk boats and tuk-tuks to travel around in, while knowledgeable Trip Managers, experienced Drivers and a network of highly trained Local Guides ensure clients are in the best possible hands.

In addition to Contiki’s new trip to India, other trips that are part of the new Asia program include the refined and improved ‘China Adventure’ and the ‘Big Indochina’ itineraries.

To help agents entice their clients to experience Asia, clients can save up to $580 or 10% if they book and pay in full by Nov. 30, 2017 on trips departing on or after April 1, 2018.