Tour Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations Covered: Chennai - Kochi - Vembanad Lake - Kumarakom - Hyderabad - Mumbai
Day 01: Arrival at Chennai
As soon as you arrive at Chennai International Airport, you'll be welcomed by our local representative who'll escort you to the hotel for check in. Refresh and relax for a while. Later, a lavish South India dinner will be served to you, after which you can retire to your respective beds.
Day 02: Chennai
After a lazed out morning, you'll have traditional delicacies served for breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter, you'll be taken on a half day trip to explore Chennai. The quintessential attractions include the pious Shiva Temple of Kapaleeshwar, the National Museum and Art Gallery to get an insight of Chennai city, Fort St. George, and the beautiful Gothic Santhome Cathedral. The day will end with a drive back to the hotel for a luxurious supper and overnight stay.
Day 03: Chennai
The day is reserved for an extensive tour of the city. After having a delectable breakfast, you'll be head towards the sacred Kancheepuram city, renowned for the world famous handmade silk sarees. Wander through the streets of a small coastal town on Tamil Nadu's coastline - Mahabalipuram. The spectacular rock temples at this place are the major highlights. The Shore Temple is especially noteworthy, as its architecture is par excellence and hence, is regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 04: Chennai - Kochi
After enjoying a traditional breakfast at the hotel, you'll fly to the next destination, the port city of Kochi. Upon your arrival at Kochi, you'll be right away taken on a sightseeing trip of the city. Visit some of the most popular sites in the city, such as the historic Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, and the still functional Chinese fishing nets. The tradition of this place is truly mesmerizing as it is a fusion of an alternate Indo-European culture. A special Kathakali performance will be organized for you in the evening. You will be staying at the hotel overnight.
Day 05: Kochi - Vembanad Lake - Kumarakom
You will be served a lip-smacking breakfast in the morning, after which you'll board a kettuvallam, a rice boat from the shores of Vembanad Lake. You'll be taken on a tour of this beautiful lake. Here, you'll come across the exotic fauna life. At the end of the day, disembark the boat at Kumarakom. Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Kumarakom.
Day 06: Kumarakom
A sumptuous breakfast will await you as you wake up in the morning. Henceforth, you'll be taken again on a boat ride. In the afternoon, enjoy the placid waters of the Vembanad Lake in search of game. With this, you'll go places exploring the dense fauna which is otherwise difficult to reach. A visit to a spice plantation farmhouse will be on the card next. Drop in here for a traditional and delicious lunch with the owner of this farmhouse and his family. Return back to the boat and relax for a while. Thereafter, you'll be escorted to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or enjoy the Ayurvedic spa treatment. End the day with dinner and a sound sleep in the comfort of your room.
Day 07: Kumarakom - Hyderabad
Have a quick breakfast at the hotel to travel to Kochi to catch a flight to your next destination - Hyderabad. As you reach Hyderabad, you'll be taken on a guided tour of the city with an expert historian, who will educate you about its art and history. Visit some of the historically important places in Hyderabad including Taj Falaknuma Palace, one of the finest palaces in India. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 08: Hyderabad
The day is reserved for exploring the city of Hyderabad. So, grab a quick bite at the hotel and get on your doubles. Visit the Qutub Shahi Tombs which are a gamut of both Hindu and Persian styles of architecture and have the privilege to be called the oldest historical monuments of the city. Visit the Salar Jung Museum, which shelters one of the vastest one-man collections of antiques and artifacts. Plenty of wares displayed at the Laad Bazaar will definitely mesmerize you. Get back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 09: Hyderabad - Mumbai
After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you'll be moving to Mumbai via air. As soon as you reach Mumbai, you'll be accommodated in a hotel where you can relax for a while and freshen up. Post lunch, you'll be taken out on a half day tour of the city. Visit the Mani Bhawan - Gandhi's headquarters, the Prince of Wales Museum, and the famous Dhobi Ghat with your guide who'll inform you about the significance of each of these sites. Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.
Day 10: Mumbai
Visit the core of the city on day 10 of the tour. Grab a boat from Mumbai Harbor to visit the renowned Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These cave temples are intricately carved with different patterns. Some of these carvings date back to as old as the 8th century. After admiring the carvings and sculptures, return to the hotel. The rest of the day will be at your disposal. Spend the night at the hotel.
Day 11: Mumbai Departure
Indulge in an appetizing breakfast at the hotel, after which you'll be accompanied to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to catch a flight for your onward travel, with pleasant memories of an exquisite holiday.
