Southern Style
11 days / 10 nights
Start anticipating your Indian adventure with a short summary of what you can expect each day to bring.
This adventure begins and ends at Mumbai International Airport.
Day 1 - 2: Mumbai
On arrival at Mumbai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a member of the &Beyond India team, who will chauffeur you to your hotel.
A hive of activity, Mumbai fascinates with its
grand colonial architecture, bustling bazaars, trendy boutiques and
exclusive restaurants, all offset with a special sense of history.
Stately Victorian British buildings rub shoulders with rich Indian
tradition. Elephanta Island, with its ancient caves and temples, lies
in the middle of the city harbour.
Spend two nights in a deluxe ensuite room at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. Your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis.
On the second day, you will enjoy a guided tour of Mumbai.
Day 3 - 4: Kochi
After breakfast, you will be met and chauffeured to Mumbai Domestic Airport, where you will board a flight to Kochi. On arrival, you will be met and chauffeured to your hotel.
A colourful blend of
influences, Kochi formed the centre of the Indian spice trade for
centuries, taking on the food, architecture and traditions of the many
nations that visited its shores. From giant Chinese fishing nets to
Dutch palaces and Portuguese churches, an ancient synagogue and the
white sails of Arab dhows, Kochi offers a fascinating jumble of
cultures.
Relax for two nights in a standard sea facing room at The Brunton Boatyard.
Day 5 - 6: Munnar
This morning you will set out on a road trip to Munnar (approximately four and a half hours), where you will be taken to your hotel.
Set in the midst a breathtaking landscape marked by hills, lakes, streams and waterfalls, Munnar is surrounded by acres of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Spectacular mountain scenery lies all around the town.
Spend two nights in a standard ensuite room at The Windermere Estate.
Day 7: Kumarakom
This morning, after breakfast, you will be met and chauffeured to Kumarakom (approx 4 hrs drive).
Set on a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the gateway into the heart of the scenic lake, with its traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The waters of the lake disperse into a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways known as the backwaters.
Spend the night at Kumarakom Lake Resort.
Day 8: Houseboat adventure
This morning you will board the traditional houseboat Kettuvallam and cruise the Kerala backwaters.
Timelessly
tranquil, the backwaters are a maze of rivers, lakes and canals that
meander between a patchwork of green rice paddies, coconut groves and
rustic villages. The relaxed backwater lifestyle is best experienced
from the deck of a slowly drifting houseboat.
Relax for the night on board the ensuite, air-conditioned Kettuvallam houseboat. Your stay is on full board basis.
Day 9 - 10: Mararikulam
After breakfast, you will disembark at Alleppey, from where you will be driven to Mararikulam.
Originally
a local fishing village, Mararikulam offers endless miles of sandy
beaches offset by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can
experience local charm and traditional hospitality at it's best.
Spend two nights in an ensuite garden villa at Marari Beach Resort.
Day 11: Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be driven to Kochi Airport (approximately 2 hours) for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, a member of the &Beyond team will be waiting to take you to the International Airport, where your adventure with us will end.
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