The Best of South India

Upon arrival at the Mumbai airport, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

This morning, embark on an exhilarating walk through Mumbai, starting at the iconic Gateway of India, where the grand arch stands as a testament to the city's colonial past and its role as the ceremonial entry point for British dignitaries. Explore the art district of Kala Ghoda, hear stories about the historic Watson Hotel, and pass by the Sessions Court, High Court, Rajabai Tower, and the UNESCO-listed Victoria Terminus Railway Station. Next, drive to Churchgate Station to witness the renowned ‘dabbawallas,’ famous for their incredible efficiency. Visit Dhobi Ghat, one of the world’s largest outdoor laundry facilities, where traditional washer folk work. In the afternoon, take a special tour of Dharavi, focusing on its vibrant industries and entrepreneurial spirit.

Today, immerse yourself in Mumbai’s vibrant morning life with a tour of the bustling docks to observe Koli fisher-folk and the lively auction of Bombay Duck, a unique fish renowned for its culinary significance. Witness the sorting of newspapers and the distribution of about 100 tons of food in local markets. Explore the eclectic Chor Bazaar, then stroll through Crawford Market and native bazaars, experiencing Mumbai's diverse business community. Join a local foodie to discover Mumbai’s street food scene, visiting a Khau Gully, an Irani Café, Girgaon Chowpatty, a Kulfi Centre, and, if time permits, Babulnath Dosa Point. Conclude with dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Today, enjoy a private transfer to the airport ahead of your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival in Hyderabad, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today, after breakfast, explore the vibrant Charminar area and Mecca Masjid, where history and old-world charm converge. Visit the iconic Charminar and the 18th-century Chowmohalla Palace, known for its Mughal domes and Persian-inspired architecture. Experience Hyderabad’s distinctive cuisine, including the renowned Biryani, with a traditional Hyderabad family. Next, visit the Paigah Tombs, celebrated for their intricate geometrical patterns and unique designs. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today, following breakfast, explore Golconda Fort, once the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Discover its royal palaces, audience halls, baths, and mosque, and learn about its association with the famous Kohinoor diamond. Next, visit the Qutb Shahi Tombs on a nearby plateau, where intricately decorated black granite and greenstone tombs feature distinct onion domes and remnants of colorful tiles. Conclude your tour with a visit to a local textile workshop to see traditional silk and cotton weaving techniques and learn about the workshop’s community impact, including its support for local education. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure at the hotel.

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport ahead of your flight to Vidyanagar. Upon arrival, a private driver will escort you to your hotel in Hampi for check-in. In the late afternoon, your guide will lead a walk through the giant boulders to explore the ruins of Achyutaraya Temple and the historic Courtesan Bazaar. Conclude your day with a stunning sunset view behind the boulder hills along the scenic Tungabhadra River.

Today, start your day with an optional yoga and meditation session in the hotel's lush gardens, guided by the in-house Yogacharya. Through asanas, pranayama, and mantras, you’ll experience deep mental and physical relaxation. After breakfast, your guide will lead you on "The Raya Trail," sharing fascinating insights into the lives of the Vijayanagara Maharajas from centuries past. In the afternoon, enjoy a cooking demonstration with the hotel's chef, where you'll learn to prepare South Indian delicacies, followed by a delightful lunch. Post-lunch, embark on the Virupaksha Trail, beginning with a scenic walk up Hemakuta Hill, exploring pre-Vijayanagara temples, statues, and their rich histories. The trail ends at the Krishna Temple and the impressive monolith of Narasimha. Conclude your day with dinner at the hotel's restaurant, offering stunning views of the grounds and infinity pool.

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Vidyanagar Airport for your flight to Bangalore. Upon arrival at Bangalore Airport, continue to your connecting flight to Kochin. Upon arrival in Kochin, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spanning several islands and connected by seas and backwaters, Kochin offers a unique and scenic experience.

Following breakfast, visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), originally commissioned by the Portuguese for the Raja (king) of Kochi. Next, explore Kochi’s rich cultural influences with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue, renowned for its 18th-century blue Cantonese tiles, and the vibrant spice market. You will also visit two prominent Christian churches: St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral. The afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a private Kathakali dance performance, a traditional Indian dance drama known for its expressive gestures, elaborate makeup, and vibrant storytelling.

Early this morning, take a short ferry ride from your hotel to Ernakulam, offering a glimpse into the daily life of locals. Disembark at the Ernakulam jetty and walk along the Marine Drive promenade to the bustling bazaar. Explore winding streets lined with fruit and vegetable shops, spice vendors, a fish market, and cloth merchants, and learn about Kerala cuisine from long-established family businesses. Afterward, explore the Heritage Zone by walking through narrow cobbled lanes showcasing diverse architectural styles, including Dutch houses, British plantation homes, Portuguese churches, and Chinese Fishing Nets. Following this, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the Alappuzha boat jetty to board a houseboat for a scenic journey on Vembanad Lake. This quintessential Kerala experience allows you to explore the backwaters in a way that's inaccessible by car. As you cruise through the serene canals and expansive lakes, you'll observe the local way of life, including traditional water-dependent houses, lush rice paddies, boats transporting produce and people, fishing vessels, and clam gatherers. Travel aboard a traditional Kettuvallom houseboat, originally a rice boat that has been transformed into a floating accommodation with bedrooms and showers. Constructed from natural and eco-friendly materials, these houseboats provide an immersive experience in Kerala’s picturesque backwaters. Enjoy meals on board, including lunch, dinner, and evening tea, while taking in the tranquil sights and sounds of this unique landscape.

Today, after breakfast, disembark from the houseboat enjoy a private transfer to Kumarakom. En route, visit the Nagaraja Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to serpent gods, known for its thousands of snake images. The temple is particularly visited by women seeking fertility, who offer new snake images as thanks for the birth of their child. Upon arrival in Kumarakom, check-in at your resort located on the eastern banks of Lake Vembanad. This tranquil backwater destination features serene canals and a picturesque lake. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake or relax by the water, taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Today, begin with an early morning guided visit to a local bird sanctuary, where a naturalist will introduce you to a variety of bird species, including rare and migratory ones. Alternatively, enjoy a private yoga and meditation session at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the hotel's facilities. In the evening, indulge in a private poolside dinner featuring a cooking demonstration of traditional Keralan cuisine.

This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a private transfer to the airport in time for your flight.