Kerala Backwater & Spice Tour

On arrival at the airport you would be welcome by the BEACH COMBER representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Mumbai 

Enjoy an excursion to Elephanta caves followed by city Bombay visiting Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghat, Rajabai Clock Tower, Marine Drive, Aquarium, Hanging Garden, Crawford market, Victoria Terminus and the Prince of Wales museum. Overnightat Mumbai.

Met at hotel and transfer to Airport in time to board flight to Bangalore, one of the most beautiful and well-planned cities of India. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at Bangalore.

After Breakfast enjoy a guided tour of "Garden City," including a visit to Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts Center, the bull temple and the colorful, bustling markets. Proceeding to Chikmagalur, en route visiting Shravanabelagola. Overnight at Chikmagalur.

After breakfast drive to Mysore stopping en route to visit Belur & Halebid. Belur situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, the Chennakesava Temple basks in the glory of one of the greatest monuments of medieval art in India. An outstanding example of Indian temple architecture is found in Halebid. The Hoysaleshwara Temple's entire surface is covered with a succession of friezes running its entire length, featuring elephants, lions, horsemen, and an incredible display of celestial beasts and birds. Tonight, in Mysore view the illuminated City Palace. Overnight at Mysore.

Enjoy a city tour of Mysore includes visits to City Palace: Chamundi Hill where Nandi (Shiva's Bull) - a huge monolithic image is always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by Hindus; and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. Later in the vening visit Brindavan Gardens, sprawling amid gorgeous cascading fountains. Overnight at Mysore .

Early in the morning after Breakfast drive to Bangalore, en route visiting Srirangapatnam and transfer to Airport in time to board flight to Cochin . Met upon arrival by our representaive and transfer to Hotel. Later in the evening enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. Overnight at Cochin.

Early in the morning after Breakfast enjoy a city tour of Cochin i.e. visit the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue and the famed Mattancherry Palace. View the Chinese fishing nets-ingenious devices requiring little human attention. Later in the afternoon drive to Kumarakom, experiencing the rich culture and active lifestyle that has evolved over the centuries in and around the backwaters and waterways that thread this region. Overnight at Kumarakom.

This morning enjoy a boat ride through the series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Not only do the backwaters of Kerala link the state together, they are an integral element in maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with nature. Overnight at Kumarakom.

Drive to Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu / Kerala border. This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at Thekkady 

This morning game viewing is on board boats, which carry you along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephants, bison, deer and occasionally tigers. This tropical habitat makes it one of the premiere reserves of southern India with all manner of flora and fauna in abundance. Afternoon drive to Madurai, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. Evening a visit to the Meenakshi temple to witness the evening Puja ceremony. Overnight at Madurai.

Early in the morning enjoy a city tour of Madurai fi.e. visit Shree Meenakshi Temple, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum. An dthen transfer to Airport in time to board flight to chennai (formerly known as Madras), the fourth largest city in India. Overnight at Chennai.

Afer breakfast enjoy a guided excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, which served as a capital for several dynasties. Visit three of the best temples-Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue your excursion to the ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram, en route stop for lunch at a seaside resort. Later, visit the 7th-century rock hewn monuments. The shore temple, the only surviving one of seven, is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried elsewhere and carried to shore. Overnight at Chennai.

Enjoy a full day city tour of Chennai takes i.e. visit to Victoria Art Gallery, the Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple & others. Afternoon is at leisure