The South Extension - Mumbai & Kerala

Day 1
Fly to Mumbai to stay for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis at the Trident Nariman Point, one of the city’s finest hotels which looks out to sea from Marine Drive.

Formerly known as Bombay, the bustling city of Mumbai sprawls along India’s West Coast and is the largest city in the country. Lapped by the Arabian Sea, this urban seaside peninsula is a melting pot of old and new India.

Day 2
Enjoy a full day tour of Mumbai, beginning with a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum and a drive past Marine Drive, Mumbai’s most popular seaside promenade.

Next visit the Kamla Nehru Park and the Hanging Gardens, before continuing to the Jain temple, Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay, and the Dhobi Ghat, the enormous outdoor laundry. Finish with a drive past the Flora Fountain, the colourful Crawford Market and the Victoria Terminus train station.

Day 3
Fly from Mumbai to Kochi and transfer to stay for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis at the Eighth Bastion Hotel, a luxury boutique property located in the heart of Fort Kochi.

Set on a cluster of islands and a peninsula, Cochin, (now Kochi), is a blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village which played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the region.

Day 4
Enjoy a half day tour of the city visiting the Dutch Palace, which has some of India’s most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. See St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried, and the Santa Cruz Church with its pastel coloured interior and carved wooden panels.

In the evening witness a Kathakali dance show, the classical dance drama of Kerala which dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology.

Day 5
Transfer to Alleppey to board a houseboat for an overnight stay on a full board basis. Originally used as ferries to carry rice, these traditional kettuvallams, (rice boats), have been converted into houseboats with bedrooms, toilet facilities and comfortable amenities. There’s also a cane lounger on the foredeck from which to view the surroundings.

Cruise the backwaters of Kerala through the narrow canals past Keralan villages, rich green paddy fields and verdant coconut trees. Lunch and dinner will be served on board, with the sounds of nature lulling guests to sleep.

Day 6
After a memorable cruise disembark the houseboat and transfer to the charming coastal town of Mararikulam to stay for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis at the Marari Beach Resort, an exquisite property which sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone-flagged pathways.

Mararikulam is a charming little coastal village which has managed to avoid mass development and is known for its pristine sand beaches, swinging coconut palms and quiet, laidback atmosphere.

Day 7
Enjoy the hotel’s beautiful beachside location - relax with a book, swim in the warm waters or take a stroll to the neighbouring village.

Day 8
Transfer to Kochi airport for onward flight.

Total Cost – from £1,675.00 per person sharing, with £1,175.00 single supplement

Included: domestic flights and transfers as detailed; accommodation and meals as specified; private sightseeing with English-speaking guide; departure taxes; entrance fees; dance show; houseboat cruise.

Not included: international flights; meals and activities where not detailed; items of a personal nature; gratuities; travel insurance; visas; souvenirs.