India
The Serene South
The tropical South offers a laid-back gentle introduction to India and is just as alluring as the North! Uncover its treasures through this through this 15 day/14-night journey where you will begin your tour in the pulsating city of Mumbai. Explore the fascinating architectural, historical and cultural legacy of the erstwhile Nizams in Hyderabad. Next, discover the stunning collection of temples at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak in Kochi’s exotic ambience while you uncover its historical and cultural heritage, before cruising along the famous backwaters on board a houseboat. End your thrilling tour by catching a glimpse of the rustic charm of the villages and visiting a bird sanctuary in Kumarakom.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 - 3: Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai. Upon arrival, you will be met by our colleague who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
During your stay, you will explore the highlights of Mumbai – Gateway of India, the famous domed Taj Mahal Palace, Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort District and Kala Ghoda area, Churchgate station to see the famed ‘dabbawalas’ or lunch box carriers in action and Dhobi Ghat or “washer folks’ place”.
You will take a special tour of Dharavi, the second largest slum in Asia where you will get a close-up look at the industry, the people and their way of life. Note: This is not a slum tour, but a visit to highlight the entrepreneurial skills of the people here.
Also on the tour, you will take an early morning tour to watch the city come to life and visit the “Thieves Markets” or Chor Bazaar. End your tour of the city by joining one of Mumbai’s local ‘foodies’ and exploring the city’s famous and unpretentious street food together.
Meals: B
During your stay, you will explore the highlights of Mumbai – Gateway of India, the famous domed Taj Mahal Palace, Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort District and Kala Ghoda area, Churchgate station to see the famed ‘dabbawalas’ or lunch box carriers in action and Dhobi Ghat or “washer folks’ place”.
You will take a special tour of Dharavi, the second largest slum in Asia where you will get a close-up look at the industry, the people and their way of life. Note: This is not a slum tour, but a visit to highlight the entrepreneurial skills of the people here.
Also on the tour, you will take an early morning tour to watch the city come to life and visit the “Thieves Markets” or Chor Bazaar. End your tour of the city by joining one of Mumbai’s local ‘foodies’ and exploring the city’s famous and unpretentious street food together.
Meals: B
Day 4 – 6: Hyderabad
You will take a flight to Hyderabad and during your stay, you will visit the city's primary monuments – Mecca Masjid, bustling by-lanes of the Charminar area, Laad Bazaar, the 18th-century Chowmahalla Palace, Paigah Tombs, the fort at Golconda, and the Qutb Shahi tombs.
You will also trace the poignant story of the “White Mughals” written by historian and writer William Dalrymple.
Also on the tour, you will have the opportunity to have a meal at the home of one of the traditional families of the city.
Meals: B
You will also trace the poignant story of the “White Mughals” written by historian and writer William Dalrymple.
Also on the tour, you will have the opportunity to have a meal at the home of one of the traditional families of the city.
Meals: B
Day 7 & 8: Hampi
You will take a flight to Vidyanagar and then drive to Hampi (approximately 45 minutes, excluding stops).
Later that afternoon, you will take a guided walk through the giant boulders, the ruins of the Achyutaraya Temple and the famed ‘Courtesan Bazaar’.
The next morning, you will participate in an exclusive yoga session led by the in-house yogacharya (teacher of yoga). Note: Yoga is best practiced on an empty – or at any rate, light – stomach. You may like to have a banana, some fruit juice or some warm water mixed with lemon and honey before you leave your hotel (you should not have anything else). You can place your order with room service the night before (direct payment).
You will also take a guided walk on the Raya and Virupaksha Trail following which you might like to participate in a special interactive cooking demonstration at your hotel.
Meals: B
Later that afternoon, you will take a guided walk through the giant boulders, the ruins of the Achyutaraya Temple and the famed ‘Courtesan Bazaar’.
The next morning, you will participate in an exclusive yoga session led by the in-house yogacharya (teacher of yoga). Note: Yoga is best practiced on an empty – or at any rate, light – stomach. You may like to have a banana, some fruit juice or some warm water mixed with lemon and honey before you leave your hotel (you should not have anything else). You can place your order with room service the night before (direct payment).
You will also take a guided walk on the Raya and Virupaksha Trail following which you might like to participate in a special interactive cooking demonstration at your hotel.
Meals: B
Day 9 – 11: Kochi
You will fly to Kochi via Bengaluru and during your stay, you will explore the various religious and cultural influences that shaped Kochi - visit the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis’ Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral. You will also attend a private Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre.
The next morning, you will join the local commuters and take a 20-minute ferry ride to Ernakulam. Also on the tour, you will explore the Heritage Zone and visit the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Meals: B, L, D
The next morning, you will join the local commuters and take a 20-minute ferry ride to Ernakulam. Also on the tour, you will explore the Heritage Zone and visit the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Alleppey
Today, you will drive to Alappuzha boat jetty (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops). Here, you will board a private houseboat and journey along Kerala's famed backwaters.
Meals: B, L, D
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13 & 14: Kumarakom
You will disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom (approximately 1 hour, excluding stops).
On the way, you will visit the Nagaraja Temple, an ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods.
During your stay, you will have the option of visiting the bird sanctuary nearby or participating in a private yoga and meditation session at your hotel.
Meals: B
On the way, you will visit the Nagaraja Temple, an ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods.
During your stay, you will have the option of visiting the bird sanctuary nearby or participating in a private yoga and meditation session at your hotel.
Meals: B
Day 15: Kumarakom – Kochi & Depart
Today, you will drive to Kochi’s International Airport (approximately 2.5 hours, excluding stops) in time to check-in for your homeward flight (details to be advised).
Meals: B
Meals: B
Snapshots from the itinerary
