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| Mumbai, Aurangabad, Madras, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom, Cochin | |||
| This very deluxe trip allows travelers to take advantage of Southern India's cultural bounty while also enjoying the exquisite luxury of the region's finest hotels. Start in Mumbai with a catamaran tour to see Elephanta Island's intriguing cave temples, then visit bazaars by cycle rickshaw and enjoy a dinner of tasty vegetarian Gujarati cuisine. Fly to Aurangabad to tour the Ajanta and Ellora caves for two days and then return to Mumbai for a connecting flight to Madras, considered the capital of Tamil culture. In Madras, take a private tour of Kanchipuram and spend a day at Mahabalipuram, the famous collection of seafront temples. Next, fly a short distance to Madurai for a two-night stay; while here, visit the Tirumalai Nayakar Palace, the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple, and spend a full day exploring Rameshwaram, a sacred island that is now a major pilgrimage site. Drive to the spice plantations of Periyar and then transfer to Kumarakom for a sunset boat ride and evening Kathakali cultural performance. After a day at leisure to enjoy the surroundings, continue on to a deluxe houseboat for an overnight cruise through the region's famous waterways. Spend two full days in Cochin, taking a cooking class with a famed cookbook author, touring the area, and enjoying a dance performance. The trip concludes with a final night in Bombay, where a guide and driver are at your disposal for flexible touring as you wish. | |||
| This is simply a suggested itinerary and can easily be customized to suit your schedule, budget, and interests. |
