Historic Caves & Backwater of Kerala

Day 1: Arrive in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival schedule, you may take a short walk along nearby streets or explore local markets to get your first impression of India’s financial capital. Mumbai offers a vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern lifestyle. You may also opt to visit a nearby café or restaurant to enjoy local cuisine. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing & Elephanta Caves

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Mumbai covering its major attractions. Visit the iconic Gateway of India and proceed for a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to the city and continue sightseeing with a drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. Visit Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundry, and explore the Prince of Wales Museum. Drive along Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace, and enjoy views of the Arabian Sea. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable rock-cut temples representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Continue to Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, followed by Daulatabad Fort, known for its strategic design. Later visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often referred to as the “Mini Taj Mahal,” and Panchakki, an ancient water mill. Check in at the hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 4: Aurangabad – Ajanta Excursion (100 km one way / 2.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures. The caves depict the life and teachings of Lord Buddha through intricate murals and carvings dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Spend ample time exploring these masterpieces of ancient Indian art and architecture. Enjoy the scenic drive through rural landscapes of Maharashtra. Later, return to Aurangabad in the evening. Relax at the hotel after a full day excursion. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Cochin is known for its colonial heritage influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala’s classical storytelling art through elaborate costumes and expressions. The performance provides deep insight into local culture and traditions. Return to hotel after the show. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 6: Cochin – Munnar (140 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Cochin visiting Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, and Mattancherry Dutch Palace. Later, drive to Munnar, a scenic hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. En route enjoy beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax amidst the cool climate. Visit a tea plantation and learn about tea processing followed by a tasting session. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the hills in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 7: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, followed by Mattupetty Dam and its scenic reservoir. Continue to Echo Point, known for its natural echo phenomenon, and Pothamedu viewpoint offering panoramic views of tea plantations. Visit the Tea Museum to understand the history and process of tea production. Enjoy the serene beauty and cool climate of Munnar throughout the day. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 8: Munnar – Thekkady (110 km / 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, known for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. En route visit Ramakkalmedu, famous for windmills and panoramic valley views. Stop at attractions like Frog Rock and Kuravan & Kurathi statues. Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, attend a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts show or Kathakali performance. Thekkady offers a unique combination of wildlife and cultural experiences. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 9: Thekkady – Kumarakom (140 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you may spot elephants, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Later visit a spice plantation to learn about cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Continue drive to Kumarakom, a tranquil backwater destination. Upon arrival, check in at your backwater resort and relax. Enjoy the serene surroundings and views of Vembanad Lake. Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 10: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat Experience)

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey to board your traditional houseboat. Begin a relaxing cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters passing lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and local villages. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard including lunch and dinner. Experience the peaceful rhythm of rural life along the waterways. Witness a beautiful sunset over the backwaters from the deck of the houseboat. Overnight stay on houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 11: Alleppey – Cochin (60 km / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast onboard, disembark from the houseboat and drive back to Cochin. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore local markets or relax before departure. Transfer to Cochin airport for your onward journey. Tour concludes with memorable experiences of India’s heritage caves and Kerala’s backwaters

• Assistance on arrival and departure at all airports
• 10 Nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• 1 Night accommodation in traditional houseboat with all meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
• Daily buffet breakfast at hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
• English-speaking local guides in each city as per program
• All monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Ferry ride to Elephanta Caves
• Boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Spice plantation visit in Thekkady
• Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
• Bottled drinking water in vehicle
• All applicable government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 10 nights accommodation

Mumbai x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - 7 Apple Hotel Aurangabad / Ginger Aurangabad
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Thekkady (Thekkady) x 1 nights
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Kumarakom x 1 nights
3* - Abad Whispering Palm/ Cocobay Resort
4* - Eastend Lake Song/ Goldfield Lake Resort
5* - Coconut Lagoon/ The Zuri

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

• Domestic flight tickets (Mumbai – Aurangabad – Cochin approx. INR 11,500 per person)
• International airfare and visa charges
• Travel insurance
• Camera and video fees at monuments
• Meals not mentioned (lunch & dinner except houseboat)
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, beverages, telephone, etc.
• Optional activities and excursions not mentioned
• Early check-in / late check-out at hotels
• Any increase in government taxes or fuel prices
• Anything not specifically mentioned in inclusions