Arrive Mumbai
Tonight arrive in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), India's most cosmopolitan city where you are greeted and escorted to your hotel.
Later leave by Motor Launch & travel across the harbor to the world famous Elephanta Caves: 9 km by sea fromGateway of India. From Gateway of India regular ferry service are available. A ferry ride across the harbor takes you toGharapuri the local name for Elephanta. Almost at its center the island rises into two conical hillocks. The Island stone elephant was found when they landed there in the 16th century. These eight-century rock-cut caves were hewn out of the hills and sculpted intricately. Three avenues made from four rows of massive columns cut into the main rock lead to the 18-ft high imposing structure of Maheshmurti - depicting Shiva as the creator, destroyer & Preserver. It has been often erroneously called the Trimurti. Overnight stay.
Mumbai – Calicut (Kozhikode)
Fly for Calicut which is also known as Kozhikode. Enjoy the scenic drive and eye-catching beauty and panoramic views of natural green surroundings. After arriving Calicut check-in to the hotel. Later enjoy a short tour to the Pazhassirajah Museum - Here exhibits of copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins and models of temples and megalithic monuments are seen the Public Library, Town Hall, Mamanchira tank, Kappad beach - This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels and the Beypore Beach. Evening will be at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Calicut – Mahe
In the morning drive to we set out for Mahe, the cultural hub of Kerala. After we reach our destination we check in to the fabulous hotel on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The afternoon is reserved for a tour of the beautiful fort and the mosquein Mahe evening witness the true essence of culture and art of Kerala. We visit the Kerala Traditional Dance Centre where we see the Thayum and Kalari Pati unravel in front of our eyes.
Mahe - Wayanad 82 kms / 1 hr
After breakfast drive to Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions.
Wayanad
Enjoy a visit to other tourist attractions such as Nanjungud & Kalpetta Eddakkal Caves. Afternoon take a short excursion to Sultan Battery passing through thick forest of rubber, tea, oranges, coffee estate & other cash crops.Sultan Battahry name was derived by Tipu Sultan, who built a fort here. Later visit the Tipu Sultan Fort, Jain Temples and Banasura Sagar Dam This is the largest earth dam in India. After sightseeing drive back to Wayanad. Overnight at the hotel.
Tharavad – Cochin 159 kms / 2.30 hrs
After breakfast drive to Cochin - is the only place in the country where you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosque nearly side by side.
This evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced – Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. Later we attend the performance of the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight stay.
Kochi – Munnar 130 kms / 3 hrs
After breakfast drive to Munnar upon arrival check in hotel. Munnar – is situated at the confluence of three mountains streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. Later visit to Mattupetty – 13 kms away from Munnar, situated at a height of 1700m. It is famous for its highly specialized Dairy Farm – the indo Swiss livestock project. Over a hundred varieties of high yielding cattles are reared here. Visitor is allowed to 3 of the 11 cattle shades at the farm. The Mattupetty Lake & dam just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. This sprawling Kundala tea plantationsand the Kundala Lake are the other attraction in the vicinity. Overnight stay.
Kochi – Munnar 110 kms / 3 hrs
Drive to a tranquil hill retreat of Periyar upon arrival check in hotel. Evening enjoy Safari Cruise with best trained guide inPeriyar Game Sanctuary– the best way to see & enjoy the Wildlife Activities, Cruise in the Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around tropical jungles, Wild elephants & birds of myriad varieties. With an area of 777 sq kms in the hills of Western Ghats amongst the animals are wild elephants which can be seen and photographed at close quarters. Wild boar, Sambar, Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog and langur monkey. Overnight stay.
Periyar – Alleppey 124 kms / 2 hrs
After breakfast Cruise the backwaters & explore the rural life in & around Alleppey to Kumarakom Sail route: Kainakary - Kuttanad - Kumarakom
Lifetime Experience House Boat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. In each houseboat, there is 3 men staff (crew), comprising a cook and two well-trained punters throughout the cruise. Punters stand on each end of the boat for punting and directing the boat. Kerosene-lit lamps along will be available for light and mosquito nets will be provided. Traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala cuisine is served. A journey through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world's truly unforgettable experiences, myriad network of silent lagoons, freshwater river, and hyacinthcovered canals that wind their way through colorful corridors of forests, palms and fruit trees. A canoe expedition via an intricate network of canals, through backwater villages where daily continues unaltered, as it has for centuries. You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields.
Mankotta – Trivandrum - Onward
After leisurely morning transfer to Trivandrum Airport for Onward destination. Say good bye to your new friends and fascinating land.
