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Historic Caves & Backwater of Kerala

0/5
Duration

10 Nights / 11 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

English

Overview

This immersive 11-day journey explores the rich cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage of western and southern India. Begin in Mumbai with colonial landmarks and ancient Elephanta Caves, then discover the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora cave complexes in Aurangabad, celebrated for their exquisite rock-cut art. Next, fly to Kerala to experience colonial Cochin, the tea gardens of Munnar, wildlife in Thekkady, and serene houseboat cruises through Alleppey’s backwaters. Ideal for travelers seeking a blend of history, nature, and traditional Kerala culture.

Highlights

  • Explore Elephanta, Ajanta & Ellora—UNESCO-listed cave complexes rich in art and faith
  • Enjoy Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances in Cochin and Thekkady
  • Stroll through misty tea gardens and visit tea museums in scenic Munnar
  • Glide through the lush backwaters aboard a private houseboat in Alleppey
  • Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations in Thekkady

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 42.5%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 40.8%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 49.3%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 46.9%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 53.3%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 51.0%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 56.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

• Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel (check-in time 12:00 PM).
• Rest of the day free for relaxation or personal activities.
• Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai – City Tour & Elephanta Caves

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Excursion to Elephanta Caves, a network of sculpted caves on Elephanta Island.
• Cruise back and visit Gateway of India, a colonial arch-monument by the Arabian Sea.
• Drive past Marine Drive, CST Station, and Parliament House.
• Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, showcasing Indian heritage artifacts.
• Walk through the Kala Ghoda Art District and see the famed Dhobi Ghat.
• Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport and fly to Aurangabad.
• Visit Ellora Caves (Closed on Tuesday), famed for their Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain carvings.
• Visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of Lord Shiva’s 12 shrines.
• Explore Daulatabad Fort, a medieval Deccan marvel.
• See Bibi Ka Maqbara, a Mughal-era tomb resembling the Taj Mahal.
• Visit Panchakki and Aurangabad Caves, known for early Buddhist architecture.
• Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 4: Aurangabad – Ajanta – Aurangabad (210 kms round trip)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Excursion to Ajanta Caves (Closed on Monday), ancient monastic caves famed for murals and rock-cut sculptures.
• Return drive to Aurangabad.
• Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad - Cochin (flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport and fly to Cochin.
• Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
• Evening attend Kathakali Dance Show, a classical dance form of Kerala.
• Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

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

• Breakfast at hotel.
• City tour of Cochin including Fort Cochin, Chinese Fishing Nets, and St. Francis Church.
• Visit Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Dutch Palace.
• Drive to Munnar, a hill station with expansive tea gardens and cool climate.
• Visit a local tea estate and enjoy tea tasting.
• Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 7: Munnar Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Pothamedu Viewpoint for views of plantations and rolling hills.
• See Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park.
• Visit Mattupetty Dairy Farm known for Indo-Swiss livestock breeding.
• Explore the Tea Museum to trace the journey of tea in Kerala.
• Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

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

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu, a scenic and windy hilltop viewpoint.
• Stop at Kuravan & Kurathi Statues, symbolic figures carved on a rocky cliff.
• Evening enjoy Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Show.
• Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

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

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Enjoy a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants and other wildlife.
• Visit a spice plantation to see cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
• Drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful village set along the Vembanad Lake.
• Check-in at a serene backwater resort.
• Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 10: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat Cruise)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to Alleppey jetty and board a private houseboat.
• Cruise through scenic canals, paddy fields, and palm-lined villages.
• Enjoy traditional Kerala lunch, evening tea, and dinner onboard.
• Watch sunset from the sundeck and relax to the rhythm of the waters.
• Overnight on board the houseboat.

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

• Breakfast on houseboat.
• Disembark and drive to Cochin airport to board flight for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 10 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Mumbai - Aurangabad - Cochin flight fare approx INR 11,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?

We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels, boutique resorts, luxury houseboats, or the best available quality options, especially in regions where premium properties may be limited. All properties are chosen for their comfort, location, service standards, and unique guest experiences. In case a specific hotel is unavailable, a property of equivalent standard will be provided.

Hotels used or similar for this tour (10 Nights Accommodation):

Mumbai – 2 Nights: Trident Hotel / President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions
Aurangabad – 2 Nights: WelcomHotel Rama International / Vivanta Aurangabad
Cochin – 1 Night: Kochi Marriott Hotel / Xandari Harbour
Munnar – 2 Nights: Chandys Windy Woods / Blanket Hotel & Spa
Thekkady – 1 Night: Spice Village / Hills & Hues
Kumarakom – 1 Night: Coconut Lagoon / The Zuri
Alleppey – 1 Night: Luxury Houseboat (Full Time AC)

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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