Online PaymentArrive Mumbai, meet and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 : MumbaiMorning transfer to Gateway of India to board the boat for Elephanta cave. Afternoon visit some of important site of Mumbai. Gateway of India which overlooks the harbor and landmark of Mumbai was designed by George Willet to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. It was also the point of exit for the last British regiment to leave India.
Elephanta Caves : deriving its name from a stone elephant. The celebrated Hindu cave temple on the island is excavated from a cliff high above the water during the Golden age of the Guptas the worshipers of Lord Shiva. The sculptures are beautifully executed and most outstanding of these is the Trimurthy, a 5 m (18 ft) high, three headed bust hewn from a single rock representing the trinity viz. The Creator, The Preserver and the Destroyer.
Afternoon city tour of Mumbai includes a visiting to Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed) magnificent heritage building built in 1909 is an exquisite example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture. The Museum is expanded into various sections, including the Maritime Heritage gallery, the first of its kind in India. Watch washermen in action at "Dhobighats"- the unique and colourful out door laundry. Drive to the Malabar hill to visit lovely Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park which commands a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea spread out before.
Day 03 : Mumbai - Cochin
Morning transfer to board airport for flight to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and transfer to hotel. Afternoon sight seeing of Fort Cochin visiting oldest European Church in India-the ST. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Chinese fishing nets, walk around spice market and visit the Jewish Synagogue. Evening witness to Kathakali dance performance a traditional dance drama of Kerala and one of the most flamboyant Indian classical dance form. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Cochin - Periyar
Morning leave by surface to Periyar, one of the most fascinating natural wildlife reserves noted for its geography, diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Evening boat ride on the Lake Periyar to watch wildlife at closed quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of Asian elephants. Periyar is the southern most home of the Asian elephant. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : PeriyarEarly morning take a boat ride on the Lake Periyar to observe eco-dynamics of the park and its inhabitants. Afternoon proceed for a spice plantation visit, where one can see the cultivation of a whole range of spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, vanilla, cinnamon to name some. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : Periyar - Kumarakom
Morning leave by surface for Kumarakom. Afternoon at leisure or free for optional activities (one can avail Ayurvedic rejuvenating massages and other alternative therapy at an extra cost). Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 : Kumarakom - Houseboat
After a leisurely morning board 'Kettuvellam' traditional houseboat for overnight cruise the backwaters of Kerala which gives an opportunity to explore the life of rural Kerala. Cruise through narrow channels of Vembanad lake, paddy fields, local villages observing life in rural Kerala. Overnight onboard.
Day 08 : Alleppey - Cochin / Mumbai
Morning check-out the houseboat and drive to Cochin. Later transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai, meet and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 09 : Depart Mumbai
Early morning, transfer to international airport for onward flight.
