South India and Kerala

Tour Itinerary

Begin in Mumbai, located on the western coast of India is the financial nerve center of India and home to the world's largest film industry called Bollywood. Then, to Madurai - the cultural capital of south India, land of magnificently carved temples; and to the manicured tea estates, picturesque landscape, unique network of rivers, backwaters, lagoons and the land of spices in Kerala and then Karnataka, famed for its legacy of architectural wonders with richly carved temples of Hoysala, Belur and Halebid and princely city of Mysore.

Day 01: Mumbai

Arrive into Mumbai. Welcome and transfer to hotel.
Visit Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, the Aquarium and Marine Drive (also known) as "the Queens Necklace". Overnight.

Day 02: Mumbai

Morning, enjoy a cruise in the Arabian Sea to see the famous Elephanta Caves. Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD in a splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses represented in many reincarnations. Overnight.

Day 03: Mumbai / Madurai (Flight)

Fly to Madurai - one of south India's oldest cities -cultural capital of South India and centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace, a mix of Indo-Muslim Architecture. Walk in its colourful bazaars famous for its silk sarees and materials. Overnight

Day 04: Madurai

After breakfast visit the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Evening, attend a colorful temple ceremony at a temple. Overnight

Day 05: Madurai / Theni (Train) / Munnar

Early morning local train for Theni. Then proceed for Munnar passing through a picturesque route. Surrounded by the Annamalai hills, enjoy spectacular views of the craggy peaks, manicured tea estates and the picturesque landscape. Overnight.

Day 06: Munnar / Periyar

Morning proceed to Periyar, passing through the scenic western ghats on our way to Periyar, one of most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. With its waterways, forests and grasslands, it provides a magnificent habitat for both mammal and bird watching. Overnight.

Day 07: Periyar / Kottyam / Houseboat

Next morning, walk in the spice market before departing for Kottayam, passing through cardamom, pepper, cocoa and rubber plantations. Kottayam is an ancient town famous for its churches and is the religious capital of the Christians of Kerala. Thereafter, depart for backwater cruise on "Kettuvallam," traditional boat made-up of wood, passing through the tropical countryside, enchanting backwaters, palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields of Alleppey. Overnight HouseBoat.

Day 08: Alleppey – Mararikulam

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to Marari Beach, a picturesque fishing village fringed by limitless lines of coconut palms that dot the coastline of Kerala. Overnight..

Day 09: Mararikulam

Day at leisure. Relax at the beach or Ayurveda massage

Day 10: Mararikulam / Cochin

Drive to Cochin- Kerala's centre of trade for innumerable centuries. With its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands, narrow peninsulas and a long history, Cochin has one of the oldest churches in India, Old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the historical Dutch palace & Jewish Synagogue. Overnight.

Day 11: Cochin / Bangalore (Flight) / Mysore

Fly to Bangalore. Then, drive towards Mysore, the capital of the erstwhile princely state. Visit the Mysore Palace and the local markets, famous for its silk, sandalwood and incense sticks. Overnight.

Day 12: Mysore / Hassan

Depart for the picturesque town of Hassan, renowned for old temples of Sravenbelgola, Belur and Halebid. Sravenbelgola is an important pilgrim centre for the Jains. It has a huge monolithic stone statue of Gometeshwar , the world's tallest. Overnight.

Day 13: Hassan / Bangalore

Drive to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Enjoy a panoramic city tour. This city is also called the Silicon Valley of India since it is famous for its aeronautics and computers industry. After dinner proceed to airport

Day 14: Bangalore/ Depart

Early morning flight to your next destination.