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Cultural Capitals and Coastal Charms: A South Indian Exploration

0/5
Duration

12 Nights / 13 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Experience the rich tapestry of India on the “Cultural Capitals and Coastal Charms: A South Indian Exploration” tour. Begin your journey in Mumbai, where you’ll explore architectural marvels like the Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the vibrant Kala Ghoda district. Fly to Hyderabad to uncover the grandeur of Golconda Fort, Charminar, and the Salar Jung Museum. Marvel at the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple and Vithala Temple Complex. Transition to the serene backwaters of Kerala with a houseboat cruise in Alleppey, followed by relaxing days on Mararikulam Beach. Conclude your journey with a return to Mumbai, offering a final chance to soak in the city’s unique blend of history and modernity.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 46.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 41.7%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 49.7%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 48.9%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 54.6%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 53.4%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 58.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at Mumbai airport, receive assistance and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, allowing time to relax and engage in personal activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

Start with breakfast at the hotel. Morning excursion to Elephanta Caves (closed on Monday), an island with rock-cut Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, featuring intricate carvings and colossal statues. Explore CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), a historic railway station renowned for its Victorian Gothic architecture, adorned with ornate spires and arches. Visit Prince of Wales Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of artifacts including ancient sculptures, medieval armor, and traditional Indian art. Stroll through Kala Ghoda, a vibrant cultural district known for its art galleries, boutiques, and colonial-era architecture. Drive past or take a walking tour of Art Deco structures, including notable landmarks such as the Eros Cinema, the New India Assurance Building, and the Liberty Cinema, renowned for their 1930s architectural style and elegant facades. Visit Mumbai University and Rajabai Clock Tower, a prominent landmark with Gothic Revival architecture, offering views of the university's historic buildings and the cityscape. Explore Crawford Market, a bustling market famous for its variety of goods, from fresh produce to spices, and its historic building. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai - Hyderabad (Flight)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, receive assistance and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Hyderabad

Begin with breakfast at the hotel. Explore Golconda Fort Complex, renowned for its historical significance and impressive architecture, including massive gates, elegant mosques, and palatial ruins. Visit Qutubshahi Tombs, the burial site of the Qutub Shahi dynasty rulers, featuring a series of grand tombs with intricate stonework and imposing domes. Admire Charminar, an iconic 16th-century mosque with four grand arches, situated in a bustling market area known for its vibrant street life. Explore Mecca Mosque, one of India's largest mosques, famed for its grandeur and the use of imported Mecca stone in its construction. Discover Salarjung Museum, home to an extensive collection of antiques, including sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts from various historical periods. Visit Chowmohalla Palace, a stunning palace complex once the seat of the Nizams, featuring ornate courtyards, fountains, and regal architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Hyderabad - Hampi (Flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Vijayanagar. Upon arrival, receive assistance and transfer to your hotel in Hampi. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Hampi

Start with breakfast at the hotel. Explore Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dotted with impressive ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, renowned for its detailed carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. See Kings Balance, an ancient structure used for weighing kings during royal ceremonies, illustrating the grandeur of Vijayanagara's ceremonial practices. Explore Mahanavami Dibba, an elevated platform used during grand festivals, offering panoramic views of the surrounding royal enclosures. Visit Royal Enclosures, the remains of the royal palace complex, featuring elaborate halls, audience chambers, and ornate architecture. Admire the Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, a colossal statue of the deity Narasimha, carved from a single rock and surrounded by intricate carvings. Discover Virupaksha Temple, an active temple with beautiful architecture, including towering gopurams and sacred courtyards. Explore Vithala Temple Complex, known for its musical pillars and intricate carvings, symbolizing the artistic achievements of the Vijayanagara Empire. See Lotus Mahal, a palace with lotus-shaped domes and an elegant design, reflecting the architectural sophistication of the time. Visit ASI Museum, housing a collection of artifacts, sculptures, and historical relics from the Hampi region, providing insights into its past. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Hampi - Hubli (160kms)/ Cochin (Flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hubli, en route visiting Lakkundi temples including Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, and Lakshminarayana, known for their beautiful carvings and historical significance. Explore Gadag, famous for its Trikuteshwara Temple and other ancient ruins, showcasing the architectural style of the Chalukyan period. Continue to Hubli airport for a flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, receive assistance and transfer to your hotel in Cochin. Check-in and relax. Overnight at the hotel

Day 8: Cochin - Alleppey (60kms)

Start with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Fort Cochin, a historic area featuring colonial architecture, narrow streets, and significant landmarks like St. Francis Church and Dutch Palace. Explore St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, with historical importance and a peaceful atmosphere. Discover Jewish Synagogue, renowned for its antique chandeliers, historical murals, and unique architecture reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish community. Visit Mattancherry Dutch Palace, known for its beautiful murals depicting Hindu mythology and traditional Kerala architecture. See Chinese Fishing Nets, large fishing structures along the coast offering a unique photo opportunity and a glimpse into traditional fishing methods. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board a houseboat. Sail through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat equipped with modern amenities, including a dining area, bedroom with attached bathroom, sun deck, and a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay on the houseboat as you cruise through the scenic tropical countryside.

Day 9: Alleppey - Mararikulam Beach

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Marari Beach. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the pristine, golden sands of Marari Beach, known for its tranquil and unspoiled setting. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Mararikulam Beach

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at leisure, enjoying the serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of Marari Beach. Relax, sunbathe, or explore the local area at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Mararikulam Beach

Start with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day of relaxation at Marari Beach. Take advantage of the tranquil setting to unwind, explore local attractions, or enjoy beach activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Mararikulam Beach - Cochin (60kms)/ Mumbai (Flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cochin airport for a flight to Mumbai. On arrival, receive assistance and transfer to your hotel. Optional shopping tour with your driver to explore famous malls and markets in Dadar, Fort, and Colaba Causeway, offering a vibrant shopping experience. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Mumbai - Departure (Flight)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule for your onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 12 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Mumbai - Hyderabad - Vijayanagar & Hubli - Cochin - Mumbai flight fare approx INR 20,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Any Ayurvedic treatments charges (optional)
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 12 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Mumbai x 3 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
Hyderabad x 2 nights: The Golkonda Hotel/ Lemon Tree Hotel
Hampi x 2 nights: Heritage Resort/ Royal Orchid Central Keerti
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Marari x 3 nights: Abad Turtle Beach Resort/ Marari Sands Beach Resort

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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