HOTEL CHECK-IN TIME 12 NOON

In the afternoon proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Afternoon. The tour begins at the “Prince of Wales Museum “, built to commemorate King George V first visit to India in 1905. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the museum has sections of art, paintings, archeology and natural history dating back from 18th to 19th century. “The Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s foremost landmark overlooking the harbor, was conceived following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924. A drive up to the Malabar Hill, to the hanging gardens, gives a panoramic view of the city and the Queens Necklace – the Marine Drive. The tour concludes with a drive through the Flora Fountain and Fort area where you can view Gothic and Victorian style buildings. Visit the Victoria Terminus (now known as Chartapati Shivaji Terminus) India’s finest Gothic building and a bustling Railway Station.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

MUMBAI-COCHIN
Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to board flight for Cochin.

Departure Mumbai 0855 hrs Arrival Cochin 1040 hrs

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre, performed by various artists. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of these epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin. The tour begins from “The Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays)” also known as Mattancheery Palace, built by The Portuguese in 1555, which is famous for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the puranic legends. Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays) built in 1568. Also visit the St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays), established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama, was buried in the courtyard of this European church built in India. Other attractions include the Bolghatty Palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch, located on the tiny Bolghatty Island where you can view the traditional fishing hamlets and their residents in their colorful costumes. The tour also includes a visit to the seaside where Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets are still in use.

Afternoon at leisure

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppy-Boat Jetty to board house boat for day cruising and overnight stay.

Enjoy a day long cruise on the backwaters. This boat cruise will take one deep into the maze of canals passing hamlets where it is sometimes possible to mingle with local villagers and farmers.

Overnight on board the house boat while it is moored at the Vembanad lake.

After breakfast, drive to Periyar (185 kms/3.5 hours).

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Afternoon game viewing by boat.

Cruise on the Periyar Lake to view wildlife which converges on its banks. The wildlife includes wild Elephants, Indian Gaur, Monkeys, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar and birds of myriad varieties. Encompassing an area of 777 sq kms, the wildlife sanctuary lies at an elevation of between 914 meters and 1828 meters above sea level on the Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Periyar to Cochin (190 kms/5 hours).

Departure Cochin 1445 hrs Arrival Goa at 1555 hrs

Flight from Cochin to Goa is available only on Monday and Friday; alternatively reach Goa by a connecting flight via Mumbai.

Arrive Goa and transfer to hotel.

Goa is the most popular beach destination in the country. Located aproximately 600 KM south of Mumbai, on the Arabian Sea, Goa is a unique blend of Hindu and Catholic influences. Goa was a Portuguese colony and was incorporated into the Indian State several years after India got its independence from Britain. Hundreds of Churches and Temples dot its picturesque countryside and its profusion of beaches leave the visitor spell bound. This tiny state has several fine hotels along breach fronts for visitors to relax.

Afternoon is at leisure.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Enjoy the beaches of Goa

Leave Goa for Mumbai by IC 866.

Departure Goa 0725 hrs Arrival Mumbai at 0820 hrs

Transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination