Southern Delights

THIS TOUR TAKES you deep into a region completely different from the Mughal north: a tropical land of temples and villages where traditional folkways remain intact. Begin in Mumbai, travel through the lush backwaters of Kerala and across to the stately garden city of Bengaluru. Along the way, an incredible array of experiences await you, from the night you’ll spend aboard a houseboat, the private eco-tour and visit a bird sanctuary in the backwaters, learning about Syrian Christian cooking with Nimmy Paul, explorations of a beautiful small island spice plantation with the family owners. On this tour, India's south will astonish you with its emphasis on history, culture and its breathtaking natural beauty.

DAY 1 ARRIVE MUMBAI
On arrival stay at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel. This afternoon meet fellow travellers for a tour of the city, and tonight enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner.

DAY 2 MUMBAI
A morning boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to Elephanta Island. Return to the city where a vehicle and driver are at your disposal for the remainder of the day.

DAY 3 MUMBAI - KOCHI
Fly to Kochi on the Malabar Coast for a 2 nights stay at Brunton Boatyard. Afternoon at leisure. Evening go behind the scenes to watch and learn the preparations for the Kathakali performers, afterwards watching them in this ancient dance drama.

DAY 4 KOCHI
Morning explore the city, seeing the beautiful synagogue and the wonderful churches and buildings in Fort Cochin. Afternoon at leisure. Evening visit the home of Nimmy Paul for a cooking demonstration and dinner of Syrian Christian food and regional dishes.

DAY 5 KOCHI - ALLEPPEY - HOUSEBOAT
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your individual houseboat in time for settling in and lunch. This evening meet fellow travellers to enjoy a sundowner cruise with dinner and entertainment taking in the sheer peace of the surroundings.

DAY 6 HOUSEBOAT - KUMARAKOM Disembark your houseboat and check in at Coconut Lagoon, your home for 2 nights stay. This afternoon’s private eco-tour is with the resident Naturalist to learn about the research work of the staff as well as visiting their Butterfly Garden.

DAY 7 KUMARAKOM
Early this morning visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in and around the banks of Vembanad Lake. Afterwards take a short cruise to Philipkutty's spice plantation farmhouse where you are welcomed to lunch with the owner and family, followed by a tour of the estate.

DAY 8 KUMARAKOM - KOCHI - BENGALURU
A short drive and flight takes you to Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. On arrival transfer to Taj West End hotel, nestled in the midst of 20 acres of gardens.

DAY 9 BENGALURU
This morning explore the city visiting Tipu’s Summer Palace, the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and the Bull Temple. Afternoon with vehicle and driver at disposal. Enjoy tonight a festive Farewell Dinner with fellow travellers.

DAY 10 DEPART BENGALURU
Morning departure for onward destination.





Tour Dates 2010 Tour Dates 2011 Oct 2 - 11 Jan 8 - 17 Nov 6 - 15 Feb 5 - 14 Dec 11 - 20 Feb 26 - Mar 7

Departures guaranteed with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 travellers. Please refer to price list for current costs and dates. Alternative hotels in some cities may be on certain tour departure dates. Includes services of local guides in each city, breakfast daily and most meals. A Tour Escort travels with the group throughout for groups of 5 or more. Please ask your travel arranger for rates on British Airways or your preferred carrier.

Traveller's Insurance | British Airways | Jaisalmer In Jeopardy