Independent Tour or extension to scheduled tours
Trip Length: 10 days
Trip Dates:
Jan 23–Feb 1, 2012
7 nights in Deluxe hotels | 1 night on a Deluxe houseboat | 11 meals
2012 Rates: $3595 double | $5095 single
Intra-tour flights:
$706 Econ. Class
See Rate page Extension Trips details
International Airfare is additional.
| Fly USA to Mumbai, India | |
| Arrive Mumbai. Transfer to hotel. | |
| Mumbai - City sightseeing tour of Mumbai | |
| Mumbai / Kochi / Kumarakom -Tour the canals | |
| Kumarakom - Sightseeing & private farmhouse lunch | |
| Kumarakom - overnight in the backwaters aboard a Houseboat | |
| Alleppey / Kochi - Kathakali dance performance | |
| Kochi - City sightseeing of Cochin | |
| Kochi / Mumbai - Transfers as required | |
| Depart Mumbai / USA |
South India is a world away from the northern part of the country. It is slower paced, more tropical and residents are darker skinned than in the north. It is like being in a completely different country. We have planned a 10 day program to highlight just the essentials - a most popular stops -- in South India. This itinerary can be taken as a separate trip or combined as an post-trip extension to our Forts, Palaces & Temples of India or as a pre-trip extension to our Treasures of Sri Lanka trip. However you decide to discover the Flavors of South India, you will be awed by them.
DaY 1 - Mon, Jan 23, 2012 -- USA
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Mumbai, India.
Day 2 - Tue, Jan 24 -- ARRIVE Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai where you will be met by our Coda representative at the arrival hall and transferred to The Oberoi for overnight.
Dating back 300 years these nests of seven islands were originally inhabited by Koli fisherman. Mumbadevi or Mumbai, from which we get Bombay, was a part of the dowry of Catherine Braganza when she married Charles II in 1661. Bombay remained isolated till the Suez Canal was opened when trade with Bombay overtook Calcutta as the main port due to the proximity to European countries.
Today, Bombay is a beautiful harbor studded with hilly islands and a palm-fringed shore, rising gradually to the peaks of the mountain ranges – truly worthy of being the ‘Gateway of India’. Besides being a major port of India, Bombay is also a thriving industrial center. This cosmopolitan city owes its prosperity to the industry and enterprise of its population of about eight million. It is the commercial capital of India.
Hotel The Oberoi
Room Premier ocean view room
Meals None
Day 3 - Wed, Jan 25 -- Mumbai
The morning will be at your leisure to rise late and enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
In the afternoon depart for a sightseeing tour in Mumbai, including the Gateway of India, and a drive by the colonial buildings representing the time when the British were here.Stop a the Prince of Wales Museum to see its extensive collection of 18th- & 19t-h century miniature paintings, elegantly carved ivory and a rich collection of Nepalese and Tibetan Art.
Hotel The Oberoi
Room Premier ocean view room
Meals Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight IT 3172 (10:00 AM /11:55 AM) to Kochi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Kumarakom where you will check in at Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa.
A sleepy little backwater village set on the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom has more canals than roads. Explore the intricate network of canals by canoe, seeing lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields, and gliding through backwater villages where daily life has remained unaltered for centuries. The traffic on the broader canals emphasizes the economic importance of these vital waterways.
Hotel Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa
Room Zuri deluxe room
Meals Breakfast
POST-TRIP TO FORTS, PALACES & TEMPLES OF INDIA
Morning you will be met and transferred from hotel Taj Mahal to the airport for your flight S2 241 (9:25 AM :1:30 PM) for Kochi (Hopping flight with one stop over in Hyderabad). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Kumarakom where you will check in at Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa. Remainder of day and accommodations as per above Jan 27 description.
Day 5 - Fri, Jan 27 -- Kumarakom
Breakfast at your resort and enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure to enjoy the amenities at the resort or you may explore on your own.
In the afternoon board a boat to continue seeing the area. Stop at a farmhouse for lunch with a local family and the chance to see their spice plantation. Cruise back to the hotel in the evening.
Hotel Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa
Room Zuri deluxe room
Meals Breakfast & Lunch at a farmhouse
Day 6 - Sat, Jan 28 – Kumarakom - board the Houseboat
Breakfast and morning at leisure. This afternoon board your houseboat from the hotel jetty for an overnight cruise to Alleppey.
The waterways form a basis for a distinct regional lifestyle, and traveling by houseboat along these backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to the state of Kerala. The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with Chinese fishing nets and along narrow, shady canals giving one a chance to see this unique lifestyle.
The houseboats or kettuvalloms are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters. These air conditioned, palm covered boats are designed to navigate the narrow canals. The boat has two comfortable bedrooms with small en-suite facilities and a larger, open-sided sitting area where meals (prepared on board) are served. Each boat has a captain, mate and butler who will accompany your excursions. Enjoy your lunch and dinner on board the houseboat.
Hotel Houseboat
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 - Sun, Jan 29 – Alleppey / Kochi
After breakfast disembark at Alleppey and drive a little over two hours to Kochi and upon arrival check in at hotel Vivanta by – Taj Malabar.
Situated on the trade route between Europe and China and on one of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures bearing testimony to the different influences that the city has acquired from the world over. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is the commercial hub of Kerala. At the entrance of Cochin harbor, the iconic Chinese fishing nets add a wistful aura to the surroundings. These nets are the only remaining evidence of the Chinese contacts from ancient times.
The rest of the day will be at your leisure for independent activities.
In the evening, watch a performance by the colorful Kathakali theater dancers, with their lavish costumes and exotic masks. These dramatic dancers base their plays on events and episodes from the great epics of India.
Hotel Vivanta by- Taj Malabar
Room Superior charm sea view room (Tower Wing)
Meals Breakfast
Day 8 - Mon, Jan 30 -- Kochi
Morning after breakfast you will take a city tour of Kochi. See the Jewish Synagogue. Originally built in 1568, the building was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later.
Look around the Mattancherry Palace or ‘Dutch Palace’ with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana on its walls. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, St. Francis Church was the first European Church built in India. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, but his tombstone still remains.
The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets at the entrance of Kochi harbor are a fascinating sight, brought by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
In the afternoon you will visit the local markets.
Hotel Vivanta by- Taj Malabar
Room Superior charm sea view room (Tower Wing)
Meals Breakfast
Day 9 - Tues, Jan 31 -- Kochi / Mumbai
The morning starts with breakfast at your hotel and in the afternoon you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight 9W 2106 (1:00 PM / 2:50 PM) for Mumbai and upon arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel Leela Kempinski (close to the airport).
Hotel Leela Kempinski
Room Deluxe premier city view room
Meals Breakfast
DAy 9 - Tue, Jan 31 -- Kochi / Mumbai
The morning starts with an early breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Sri Lankan Airlines flight 166 - 9:40a-11:40a) Upon arrival, transfer to the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Please see TREASURES OF SRI LANKA itinerary for remainder of the program.
STAND-ALONE TRIP & POST-TRIP TO FORTS, PALACES & TEMPLES OF INDIA
Early this morning you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home.
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Located on the Arabian Sea and ranked among the world's best hotels and resorts in Forbes Traveler, 2009, the Oberoi Mumbai welcomes you with space and serenity. Luxuriously appointed guestrooms have been meticulously planned with a host of innovative features using the latest technology. |
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Where The Gods Unwind. A five–star deluxe spa resort in Kumarakom, set at the heart of the beautiful Southern state of Kerala, this resort offers spacious living–dining rooms, traditional Indian–style bedrooms and individual gardens with private plunge pools. Opened in 2006, The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala Resort & Spa is the winner of the 2007 and 2008 ‘Best Resort Spa Hotel in India’ title. |
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Strongly built, held together by coir ropes without a nail in sight, the houseboat redefines luxury with its shining wooden floors and luxurious amenities. The luxury air-conditioned houseboats are in a luxurious class of their own, with private dining rooms and fully glass-fronted to offer the view in all its glory! Two experienced boatmen navigate you through tranquil stretches of Kerala’s favorite backwaters |
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Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour, Vivanta by Taj - Malabar is a fine balance between yesterday and tomorrow. Modern architecture marks cosmopolitan rooms. The heritage wing, built in 1935, has graceful Victorian interiors that aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin. And the tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary. |
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hotel leela kempinski One of Mumbai's finest luxury hotels, nestled with 11 lush landscaped acres of gardens and waterfalls. Only five minutes away from Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport and 15 minutes from Mumbai’s domestic airport, the Leela Kempinski Mumbai is well equipped with world class facilities and warm, friendly service. |
FLAVORS OF SOUTH INDIA - stand alone |
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Double |
Single |
$3595 |
$5095 |
Intra-tour Airfare |
|
$706 Econ. Class |
$300 Bus. Upgrade |
PRE-TRIP TO SRI LANKA |
|
Double |
Single |
$3395 |
$4795 |
Intra-tour Airfare |
|
$302 Econ. Class |
Please inquire |
POST-TRIP TO FORTS, TEMPLES & PALACES OF INDIA |
|
Double |
Single |
$2650 |
$3825 |
Intra-tour Airfare |
|
$535 |
$325 Bus. Upgrade |
Tour costs are based on current airfares, tariffs and currency values at the time of publishing of the tour (usually 1 year prior to departure.) All rates & fares are subject to change until final payment is made as specified in our Terms and Conditions.
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- 7 nights accommodation based on twin sharing in Deluxe hotels and room categories as descirbed
- 1 Night aboard a Deluxe houseboat on twin sharing basis
- Breakfast on fixed menu basis.
- Accommodation in the houseboat includes all meals starting with lunch and ending with breakfast.
- Farm House lunch at Kumarakom on 27 Jan ’12.
- Services of English speaking local guide during sightseeing.
- All services by Air-conditioned Toyota Innova.
- Domestic bottled water during long drives.
- International & domestic airfares (quoted separately)
- Visa expenses (a visa is required for India) & passport expenses
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Drinks with included meals
- Gratuities for driver, assistant driver and guide.
- Alcoholic drinks, laundry and internet & telephone charges.
