SOUTHERN INDIA SOJOURN

11 days / 10 nights
highlights Southern India is packed with culture, history and fun

Custom itineraries and daily departures are available upon request

Costs based on a minimum of 2 persons traveling together, excluding airfare. Costs for a party of 3 or more available upon request.

Mumbai – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Houseboat – Kochi

Start in the bustling city of Mumbai, with a guided tour, before heading south to Madurai where you will visit the Meenakshi temple, one of the biggest temple complexes in India. Break up your journey with a wilderness stop in Periyar to enjoy a safari in the National park and Tiger reserve, and the onward to Kumarakom for a day of leisure and pampering. Your journey continues on a houseboat to enjoy a full day cruise along canals with a backdrop of villages and coconut trees along the shores. Let the boat lull you to sleep! Disembark at Alleppey to continue your journey onto Kochi. Your southern sojourn ends with a half day tour of Kochi, before you head back to Mumbai.

Day 1 Arrive Mumbai

Welcome to India! You will be met and transferred to your hotel in Mumbai, a bustling city and India’s financial capital.
Choice of Hotel

Day 2 Mumbai

Depart for a full day of sightseeing, starting from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta caves and later past Afghan Church, Marine Drive, hanging Gardens and Haji Ali Mosque. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 3 Mumbai-Madurai

Fly via Chennai to Madurai. Visit the Meenakshi temple and join the procession of religious prayers and music.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 4 Madurai

Take a tour of the Meenakshi temple, one of the biggest temple complexes in India and see the Hall of a Thousand Pillars.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 5 Madurai-Periyar

Travel to Periyar and enjoy a safari in the National park and Tiger reserve. Opportunities to see tigers, birds and reptiles.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 6 Periyar-Kumarakom

The morning at leisure to soak up the beauty of this region. Drive to Kumarakom.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 7 Kumarakom

The day is at leisure to pamper yourself in this scenic area. You can opt for Ayurvedic massages or just relax in the tranquil surroundings.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 8 Kumarakom-Houseboat

Board a houseboat, your home for the day. A full day cruise takes you along canals with a backdrop of villages and coconut trees along the shores. Dock at a Jetty for the night.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 9 Alleppey-Kochi

Disembark in Alleppey and drive to Kochi. Enjoy this beautiful city on your own or just relax by the pool in the hotel. This evening you will enjoy a cultural experience of “Kathajkali” traditional dances, performed only by men.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 10 Kochi

You will have a half day tour of Kochi (Cochin) and Ernakulam. Visit the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica (closed on certain days). See the Chinese fishing nets and historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings.
Choice of Hotel (B)

Day 11 Kochi-Depart

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Mumbai.
Breakfast