21 Days Mumbai & Goa with Architecture & Backwater of South India

Arrive Mumbai
On arrival at Mumbai airport assistance and transfer to hotel (Hotel check in time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to rooms availability. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Overnight at hotel.

Mumbai
Breakfast at hotel, take a city tour covering Parliament House, CST, Flora Fountain. Halt at Gateway of India an architectural marvel that scores over other buildings in Mumbai. From there board a motor-boat famous Elephanta Caves (closed on Monday). A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. This island is home to a series of seven magnificent rocks cut caves which show various incidents in the life of lord Siva and other dramatic moments from Hindu myt your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. Almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation. In the evening pass by Marine Drive fondly dubbed as the Queenhology. These are chiselled with immense artistic finesse. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India. After lunch (on your own), visit to Dhobi Ghat, a unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect's Necklace, because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights at night. You may halt at Chowpatty Beach one of Mumbai's most popular promenades and a favourite sunset-watching spot.
Overnight at hotel.

Mumbai - Goa (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Goa. On arrival at Goa airport assistance and transfer to resort. Rest of the day is free and easy to relax on the beach.
Overnight at resort.

Goa
Breakfast at hotel, take a city tour of Goa, famously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise". Goa is famous for its magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses. Visit to Old Goa -10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and housing the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mondovi River and on the fort stands a 4-storey Portuguese lighthouse and the oldest of its kind in Asia. In the evening enjoy Cruise over Mondovi River.
Overnight at resort.

Goa - Hubli - Badami (184kms/ 4hrs)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Badami the capital of the early Chalukyas. Badami is a picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. On arrival check in at hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of Badami visiting - Rock-cut cave temples, Gateways, Forts, inscriptions, Sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves - all hewn out on sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Three are four caves here belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The first cave temple - past Shiva's door Keepers - and there he is the eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third Cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon, Narasimha - the half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Shiva a half - Vishnu.
Overnight at hotel.

Badami - visit Pattadakal & Aihole
Breakfast at hotel, visit Pattadakal, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture of the 8th Century. It has a cluster of 10 beautifully chiselled Jain temples at the entrance of the site Virupaksha temple and Mallikarjuna Temple being the most famous.
Also visit Aihole acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. Other worth seeing temples include The Lad Khan Temple, The Huchimalli Temple, Ravalphadi Cave Temple celebrating the many forms of Shiva, the Konti Temple Complex, the Umamaheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple, and the two storied Buddhist Temple.
Return to the hotel in Badami for overnight stay.

Badami - Gadag - Lakkundi - Hampi (180kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Hampi. Enroute visit Gadag Trikuteshwara temple a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The carved temple is dedicated to Shiva and has three lingas mounted on the same stone. There is a shrine dedicated to Saraswathi in this temple and it has carved columns. Further drive to Lakkundi full of ruined temples like Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara, Nilakanteshwara and many more. Continue drive to Hampi check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.


Overnight at hotel.

Hampi
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Hampi, the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara (the City of Victory). It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape.
You may opt to see the early morning sunrise at Matunga Hill, the highest point of Hampi as well as the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi which was once greater than Rome and had palaces; Vijaynagar ruins spread over an area of more than 26 sq. kms. The superb ruins are set in a strong and beautiful boulder-strewn landscape, which has an almost magical quality. Then visit some of the interesting ruins remaining Hazara Rama Temples, huge Ganesha & Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the queen's bath, and carvings on the Ramachandra Temple & Lotus Mahal.
Overnight at the hotel.

Hampi - Belur - Halebid - Hassan (170kms/ 4hrs)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Hampi en route visit the temples of Halebid and Belur which bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. In Halebid visit to the Hoysaleswara Temple. Dating back to the 21th century this temple is well known for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. After visit we proceed to Belur, the once capital of the Hoysala Empire.
In Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. Proceed to Mysore for overnight stay at the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Hassan - Sravanbengola - Mysore (140kms/ 3hrs)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Mysore. Enroute visit Sravanabelagola one of the most important Jain pilgrim centre. Visible from a distance of 25 kms and 27 metres high, the world's tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali is situated here. After visit proceed to Mysore, check in at hotel.
Later city tour of Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Visit Maharaja Palace built in 1911-1912, the architecture of the palace blends the Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore. Later drive up to Chamundi Hill to see Chamundeshwari temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the Nandi Bull. In the evening visit to the Brindavan gardens famous for its well planned and well maintained lawns, innumerable pools, fountains.
Overnight at the hotel.

Mysore - Srirangapatna - Bangalore (140kms/ 3hrs)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Bangalore. Enroute visit to Srirangapatna, this town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. Later take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple famous for the idol of Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha reclining on the serpent Ade Shesha. After visit proceed to Bangalore. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake.
Overnight at the hotel.

Bangalore
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Bangalore one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. It is also known as the Silicon Valley of India. Visit Lal Baugh - Regarded as one of the most richly diverse Botanical Garden's in South Asia; it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park - Named after Mark Cubbon, Bangalore's longest-serving commissioner, this beautifully laid out park spreads over 300 acres in the heart of the city. The Bull Temple - The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock, Tipu's Palace - The summer palace of Tipu Sultan later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is carved out of a monolithic stone. Iskcon Temple - located on a seven-acre hillock, known as the 'Hare Krishna Hill', the gorgeous deities of the lord Sri Radha Krishna and the pure spiritual atmosphere make the pilgrimage a lasting memory.
Overnight at hotel.

Bangalore - Cochin (flight)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. On arrival at Cochin airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Later city tour of Cochin The Gateway of South India. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Cochin has been ruled by the Dutch, British and the Portuguese. Hence you will find here a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle. Sightseeing tour includes visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. Also famous in Cochin are the Chinese fishing nets, which dominate part of the seafront and attract tourists in large numbers, These nets suspended in the mid air all along the coast and are set up on bamboo or teak poles giving an appearance of huge hammock. If you wish you may opt from a variety boat trips offered like Backwater Canal Tour, the sunset cruise, and so on. In the evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Presentation, a traditional dance form of Kerala with Lavish Costumes, Exotic makeup, Masks etc. This is considered to be the King of theater performances.
Overnight at hotel.

Cochin - Munnar (130kms/ 4hrs)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Munnar check in at hotel. This luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, is derived from the three mountain streams; Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala which join together in Munnar. Enjoy the tea estates, hills, lakes and forests of Munnar. Visit to the Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar,) This sanctuary was set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhar's, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tigers and Leopards. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Munnar
After breakfast visit to Mattupetty (cattle village), the Swiss Livestock Project is a highly specialized dairy farm where over a hundred breeds of highly yielding cattle are reared. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by visit to Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. The panoramic view of greenish tea, coffee and cardamom plantation and the cloud kissing mountain is exciting one. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain walks. Later visit Devikulam famous for its breath-taking locales, scenic spots and for its unique flora and fauna. Right in the heart of this landscape is Sita Devi Lake. The lake, with its picturesque surroundings, mineral water, and trout-fishing and adventure sports facilities, is a favorite tourist destination.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Munnar - Periyar (110kms/ 3hrs)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Periyar, check in at hotel. Later visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries, which is an example of nature's bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 sq .kms, the animals found here include Elephant, Aur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and birds like Ibis and Grey Heron. A boat ride through the waters of the man made Periyar Lake around which the wild - life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience. Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can enjoy wildlife viewing at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the Lake. At Periyar you can see, herds of elephants bathing and playing on the Periyar Lake. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Overnight at the hotel.

Periyar - Alleppey (130kms/ 3hrs) Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver).
Overnight at the houseboat.

Kumarakom - Kovalam (160kms/ 3hrs)
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, Egret, Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. After visit drive to Kovalam. On arrival check in at hotel. Kovalam is a small village on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. Rest of the day is free for leisure at the beach.
Overnight at resort.

Kovalam - Trivandrum - Cape Camorin - Kovalam (Excursion 90 kms: 2 hrs)
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Trivandrum city, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. Visit the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Then drive to Kanyakumari referred to by the British as Cape Commorin is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Later take a sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari visiting Kumari Amman Temple, Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial. Watching sun set from here is the big attraction, especially on the full moon day in April, when it's possible to see both the setting sun and rising moon on the same horizon. Later drive back to Kovalam for overnight stay.
Overnight stay.

Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel, rest of the day is free for individual activities such as kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. You may also enjoy the herbal or body toning massage (for any service you have to pay directly).
Overnight at resort.

Kovalam - Trivandrum (16kms/ 30 Min) (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.