- Welcome to India!
- Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the hotel.
Having cleared immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs, making your way towards the exit of the terminal building. Our representative will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on.
Mumbai is a city of dreams and is home to Bollywood, the largest film industry in the world that produces 1000 films every year. According to an estimate, each day 2000 aspiring actors land up in Mumbai to chase their Bollywood dream. Mumbai is a bustling cosmopolitan city, which is a melting pot of diverse culture. However, most of all it is a city of stories. Everybody in Mumbai has a story to tell.
Overnight in Mumbai at Hotel
- City Tour
After breakfast, start from Gateway of India, The Gateway of India built by Scottish architect George Wittet in the Indo-Saracenic style is the most iconic landmark of Mumbai. The skyline of Mumbai, just like the city is a heady eclectic mix of different styles of architecture from Gothic, Victorian, and Art Deco to Indo Saracenic and Contemporary. If you stand in the middle of the Oval Maidan and let your eyes wander all these architectural styles can be seen at one go.
Drive past the colonial High Court, Kala Ghoda, University and Museum Buildings, the Tower of Silence and visit the beautiful Jain temple. Proceed to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) is a historic railway station and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later drive to the promenade of Marine Drive or the Queen's Necklace is the most photographed site of Mumbai.
Later, visit the two-storeyed Mani Bhavan was the Mumbai headquarters of Mahatma Gandhi for about 17 years from where he initiated several programs of India's freedom movement.
At the end visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum has some of the finest collections of art, archaeology, and natural history in the country. With this the city tour ends here.
Khau Gully Tour.
The tour titled ‘KhauGully’ literally translated as the food lane, is an ode to the street food in Mumbai. Thousands come from far and wide into this land, in the search of love, acceptance, money, fame and leave a major imprint on its culture –especially through food. Not only has Mumbai taken to its bosom recipes from other states, but also invented dishes of its own. The Pav Bhaji is one such example. These were sold on the streets to hungry mill workers, whose odd working hours prompted a street food revolution in the city. This dish with humble origins, has crossed state borders over the years and has become the most beloved street food of the nation.
This tour takes you into the heartland of Mumbai’s street food and gives you cultural insights into the city. Sample some delicious treats amidst colourful street stalls at Girgaon Chowpatty, take a sip of tea in an hundred year old Irani Cafe and take a bite of colourful snow cones among other street knickknacks.
Overnight in Mumbai at Hotel
Khau Gully Tour
MUMBAI BY DAWN:
Get up at the crack of dawn for an exclusive peek into the underbelly of the city, and insights into what makes this magnificent city tick. The tour starts with the newspaper vendor distribution network. Next, men and women bargain with the wholesale fruit and vegetable vendors to pick up fresh produce for the day ahead. The exploration continuous and reach Sassoon Docks to see how 10 to 20 tonnes of fish arrive in the city every day. Finally, see glimpses of daily lives - bread-boys carrying fresh bread, the milkman riding past with milk canisters, the flower market and green fresh vegetable market. All in all, we assure you, this cavalcade of life in the morning will show you the real spirit of Mumbai. Needless to say, it comes at a price – Waking up at 5.15 for one.
- Fly to Kochi
In time you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport for your flight to Kochi.
Departure Mumbai At: 1310 Hrs. By: AI 2517 (Air India)
Arrival Kochi At: 1510 Hrs. Economy Class
(Note: Baggage Allowance includes 15 Kgs Check-in Baggage and 07 Kgs hand baggage per person)
We recommend to check-in at least 02 hours prior to the departure.
On arrival in Cochin, our representative will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on.
You will then be met and transferred to your hotel.
A scenic city sprawled over a number of narrow islands and a strip of peninsula sheltered within a saltwater lagoon. Coastal Cochin is an intriguing mix of giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj.
Optional - In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise in the Cochin Harbour. See the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and the beautiful coastline from the motor boat.
Overnight in Cochin at Hotel
Mumbai by Dawn Tour
- Cultural Kochi on Cycle
- Half day sightseeing tour of Kochi
- Evening Indian classical dance show
Experience Cultural Kochi on Cycle!
This experience covers the cultural vibrancy of Fort Cochin wherein you get the rare opportunity to get introduced to a few among the 20 and more communities that live in Cochin. They have lived in Cochin for more than a century and some of them have lived here for over 5 centuries! This gives us a glimpse of different lifestyles, dressing, food, traditions and religious beliefs. This is a stellar example of the spirit of unity in diversity. Riding through the back alleys of Cochin venture out into the inner parts which still holds some of the best kept secrets and gives you insights into the plentitude of cultures that makes up the unique culture of this place! The experience will also include stops to try out some delicacies that have made its way into Cochin from other parts of India and the world! This experience will challenge your sense of smell with the aromas of spices and incense; your sense of taste with sweetness and sourness; your sense of sound with the myriad cacophony of temple bells, honking tuk-tuks and the call of the fishermen!
Later proceed for a half day guided sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.
Chinese Fishing Nets -These nets believed to be introduced by the traders from the Courts of the Chinese ruler, Kublai Khan are unique to Cochin. The numerous nets that dot Fort Kochi and Vypeen Island can be seen only in Cochin outside China. Each structure is at least 1m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen.
St. Francis Church - Started in 1503 and completed in 1516 by the Portuguese this is the oldest European church in India. It gained prominence as it housed the remains of Vasco Da Gama the Great Portuguese Explorer who first came to Calicut, Kerala in 1498 and died during his third visit in 1524 in Cochin. His remains were exhumed and taken to Lisbon in 1539. The present structure of European architecture is a Protected Monument under the Archaeological survey of India but owned by the North Kerala Diocese of Church of South India.
Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays) is a quadrangular structure built in Nālukettu style, the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with a courtyard in the middle. The glory of the palace lies in its mural paintings depicts scenes from Ramayana. The themes from contemporary literature of Kerala are also depicted here. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
Paradesi Synagogue (Closed on Friday Second Half, Saturdays & Jewish Holidays) One of the oldest and very few functional synagogues, this was built by the European and Middle Eastern Jews in 1568. It is located in Jew Town, adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace temple. Unlike normal Synagogue practice this does not have a Rabbi and is lead by the elders of the community. The main highlights of this place are the Scrolls of the Law, several Gold Crowns, Belgian Glass Chandeliers and a brass-railed pulpit and the floor that has hundreds of 18th century Chinese hand-painted porcelain tiles. The Clock- tower stands top above all. Timing 1000Hrs- 1200Hrs and 1500Hrs- 1700Hrs
In the evening proceed to witness classical dance of Kerala - Kathakali
Overnight in Cochin at Hotel
- Drive to Munnar - 4hrs drive.
Today morning after breakfast, check-out and you will be transferred in your private car to Munnar
On arrival at Munnar, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Munnar is the nature-lover’s paradise. Snuggling in the green and serene Kannan Devan Hills lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar.
Overnight in Munnar at Hotel
- Sightseeing of Munnar
After breakfast, proceed for Munnar sightseeing.
Visit the tea plantations.
Visit Tea museum (Closed on Monday). The Tata Tea Museum diligently portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates, veritably conveyed through some of the displays like the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory.
Late visit Echo point, photo point etc. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Munnar at Hotel
- Drive to Periyar - 4hrs
- Evening Kalarippayattu show visit
Today, check out and drive to Periyar.
Come abode to unending chain of hills, elephants and spice-scented plantations that create this heavenly town. Lying close to these plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
On arrival in Periyar, proceed to check-in at the hotel.
In the evening visit Kalarippayattu show. Kalaripayattu is a martial art which originated as a style in Kerala. The word Kalari first appears in Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena.
Overnight in Thekkady at Hotel
Kalarippayattu Show
- Early morning guided Trek in Periyar sanctuary
- Visit to Spice Plantation
Today early morning, enjoy a guided trek in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Children Below 12 Years are not allowed). Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq. km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, enjoy a visit to Spice Plantation.
Tour Highlight - Rendezvous with the owner of a Spice Plantation followed by lunch. The plantation tour is an opportunity to meander through cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and many other varieties of spices and medicinal plants and gives you an insight into how these are grown, harvested and processed.
Overnight in Thekkady at Hotel
- Drive to Alleppey - 4.5hrs
- Board your overnight Houseboat
After breakfast you will be embark houseboat from the Hotels’ Jetty point to board houseboat.
Climb aboard the traditional kettuvallams (rice boats) converted into houseboats with bedrooms and attached toilets. Originally these boats were used as ferries to carry rice. Cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. The backwater cruise through the narrow canals that criss-cross a typical Kerala Village, rich with green paddy fields and verdant coconut trees and is a thrilling experience. Lunch and dinner will be served on board.
Overnight on the Houseboat
- Drive to Kumarakom - 1hr
After your memorable cruise and overnight stay you leave the houseboat and will be met with your driver, drive to Kumarakom
On arrival transfer to hotel and check into your hotel there.
Known for its languid stillness, Kumarakom is a verdant tropical paradise located on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Backwaters, birds, and boats bobbing up and down are sights that greet you here.
Overnight in Marari at Hotel
- Drive to Mararikulam. - 45mins
After your memorable cruise and overnight stay you leave the houseboat and will be met with your driver, drive to Mararikulam.
On arrival transfer to hotel and check into your hotel there.
Marari Beach is a natural bay, sheltered from the high waves. Here you can treat yourself to another Ayurvedic massage, famed for its rejuvenating qualities or simply chill out by the sea.
Overnight in Marari at Hotel
- Day is at leisure (No Transport)
Today your day is at leisure for independent activities.
Village Rubble Tour
Early morning proceed for special experience “Village Rubble” - An expedition into the hinterlands of Kerala. The essence of the program is to understand how a typical Keralan Village is structured. We will take you to the local fishing harbour where the expedition manager will introduce you to the nitty-gritties of the fishing economy and insight into the life and livelihood of the local fishermen; on most days you will be able to witness a live fish auction! We then proceed by tuk-tuk to meet a local family for a home cooked Keralan breakfast which will also give you a chance to interact and understand the nuances of a rural household. This is also a day to try your hands at fishing the Keralan way! We hand over the fresh fish to the family to get it cleaned up. While the family is cleaning up the fish, go around the quaint village on the tuk-tuk. Later head back to the family where you have the opportunity to peek inside the kitchen for a cooking demo; followed by lunch with the family.
Overnight in Marari at Hotel
- Transfer from Hotel to international Airport
Today morning after breakfast, you will be transferred in your private car to Cochin Airport to connect flight for onward destination.
