Embark on this incredible adventure travelling south along India's west coast by rail. Explore an array of India's most impressive sights, from bustling Mumbai and the old port of Mangaluru, as we travel on the famous Konkan Railway.
Arrive Mumbai, the 'Gateway to India' the meet & greet transfer to hotel for two nights. If you flight reaching in the morning after relaxed This afternoon we begin our explorations with a sightseeing tour, taking in Gandhi's house, Mani Bhavan, Dhobi Ghat, and the UNESCO-listed Victoria Railway Station. Overnight stay
This morning we visit the Prince of Wales Museum, where we enjoy viewing a range of art and artefacts, housed in a magnificent 20th century colonial-style building. This afternoon leave by Motor Launch & travel across the hrabour to the world famous to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Elephanta Island, where two cave systems dating back to the 5th century display delicate sculptures of Shiva and Buddha.
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
Early this morning we leave Mumbai around 5.00 hrs by Tejas express arrived Goa 13.30 hrs by first class air condition chair carour journey along the renowned Konkan Railway, a 463-mile route that connects Mumbai to Goa and the Western Ghats. This coastal line takes us through some of the most scenic backdrops in the country as we travel southwards, sandwiched between unparalleled landscapes of majestic mountains and plunging waterfalls, and the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea, Upon arrival transfer to hotel. The rest of your day is free.Overnight stayl.
We enjoy a guided tour of Old Goa. As a former Portuguese colony, the architecture here is notably more European in style, winning it UNESCO World Heritage status. We begin by visiting some of the palaces and religious buildings including the striking Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Following lunch at a Goan Portuguese house, we take the short drive to Panjim and enjoy a walking tour of the state capital's heritage, visiting the Chapora Fort and Ancestral Goa Museum as well as the local market. Overnight stay
Following a leisurely day perhaps unwind by the beach, in the late afternoon we rejoin the Konkan Railway for the last stretch of this scenic journey to Mangaluru, situated on the Malabar Coast. Here we spend two nights at the Overnight stay.
We enjoy a tour of Mangaluru, taking in the imposing Sultan Bathery watchtower. We take a visit to the opulent Kadri Temple, encased on all sides by gold statues of Hindu deities. Our final trip is to St Aloysius Chapel, known as the 'Sistine of India' due to its remarkably intricate interior paintings.Overnight stay.
We head to the railway station this morning for the journey southwards to beautiful Kerala. Our destination is Cochin– Capital oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coats & Kochi, one of the India’s most colorful cities, the Dutch palace built by the Portuguese in 1557 and renovated by the Dutch from 1663 with its beautiful murals and Jew town including the antique warehouses and shops, spices trading house and the Jewish synagogue built in 1568, the oldest in the commonwealth. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Kochi is the only place in the country where you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosquenearly side by side a serene coastal city that has been attracting merchants and visitors for over 600 years. Our base for two nights is the Hotel. Overnight stay. [B, D]
After breakfast we take a guided tour on which includes the sixteenth-century Jewish Paradesi Synagogue, home to an array of treasures, the Dutch Palace - originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the Rajah of Kochi in 1555, and the church of St. Francis, the oldest European church in India. This evening we are treated to a to a Kathakali danceone of India’s most famous Classical dances, the traditional dance-drama of Kerala, which combines vibrant costumes, ornate head-wear and ceremonial dance movements with live music.Overnight stay.
Leaving Kochi, today we travel by car inland to Thekkady, making a visit to a local tea plantation along the way.The drive takes us through some of India's lush scenery as we ascend up towards this attractive hill station - which is also the perfect base from which to explore Periyar National Park. After settling in, tonight we are treated to a tribal dance performance nearby. Overnight stay.
Today we enjoy a walking tour through an aromatic spice plantation. As you weave through the winding pathways of the plantation, you will be greeted by welcome cooling breezes and mouthwatering scents of numerous spices, used for a variety of purposes. Later we head into the national park and to Lake Periyar, where we embark on a cruise of the reservoir, which acts as a watering hole for Periyar's exotic wildlife. Although tiger-spotting opportunities are incredibly rare, various species of bird as well as indigenous hogs and deer can often be seen on the lake shore.Overnight stay.
Today we enjoy an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Kerala. After driving to Alleppey, we set out on a cruise across Kerala's peaceful lakes and backwaters aboard our very own private houseboat. As we glide serenely into the bewildering maze of canals and channels, you may see kingfishers perched attentively above the riverbank and egrets swooping low, just above the water. Following lunch on board, we stop to visit a traditional village, before spending tonight at a local backwaters resort. Overnight stay.
This morning we enjoy an insightful walking tour with the 'Preserve Alleppey Society'. The Society is a group dedicated to the preservation of Kerala's natural, idyllic backwaters, as well as the unique character of Alleppey town. We then enjoy a traditional Keralan meal for lunch. Later, we take the local train to Trivandrum and onwards, by road to Kovalam, a coastal village whose sandy beaches are lined with coconut palm trees. Here we stay for two nights Hotel.Overnight stay.
On today's excursion we travel by rail to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. Here we enjoy lunch, before visiting the incredible memorial to MahatmaGandhi, where his ashes were first kept. As we drive back to Kovalam for our final night, we pause en-route to see the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which boasts Dravidian-style architecture dating back to the 8th century. After admiring the temple's exterior, we return to Kovalam for dinner. Overnight stay
Today enjoy some free time to pick up souvenirs or browse the local shops, transfer to Thiruvananthapuram for our scheduled overnight flight back to home town. Specify your flight
Laundry, Insurance, Tips, hard drink, meal not specify in tour, Telephone Calls, Hard Drinks Still & Video Camera fees in Monuments and Expenses like Personal Nature