India's Seductive South
South India has a very different pace to the rest of India; it is far gentler and relaxed. With welcoming people, lush scenery, delicious local cuisines and outstanding heritage sites it offers an enchanting and culturally stimulating experience.
- Travel Stylesmall group journeys
- Trip Length13 days/ 12 nights
- Tour Dates
22 November – 4 December 2024
- Cost$15,990 per person twin share, single supplement $4660
- Start FinishMumbai/Hyderabad
- Itinerary
This captivating journey is an extraordinary introduction to South India, giving insight into the rich and diverse cultures that make up the various regions of this southern area of the Indian sub continent.
Our landing point is Mumbai which today is a vibrant, confident metropolis of striking contrasts that’s tangibly high in energy. Here, skyscrapers stand next to stately Victorian buildings and noisy traditional bazaars adjoin glittering new shopping malls. Mumbai is also home to Bollywood, the centre of India’s film industry. The city’s modern and ever evolving culinary scene is exciting, bringing new and innovative tastes to the cafes and restaurants without undermining important culinary traditions.
Kerala, Cochin and the much loved backwaters is our next destination. We indulge in a few days relaxing at a stunning resort on one of the lakes in the backwaters and enjoying a half day cruising in a traditional Kettuvallam boat. Two days in Cochin offers amazing insight into the multi cultural significance of this city following centuries of involvement in the spice trade. The delicious cuisine in the region is a highlight with a focus on seafood often flavoured with coconut.
Our next destination is Hampi, the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient capital of this once prominent empire during the 14th and 15th century.
Finally we spend time in the fascinating city of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is a melting pot of Muslim and Hindu cultures and has a legacy of both Persian and Islamic influences due to the long rule of the Nizams. This legacy pervades all aspects of Hyderabadi culture, from the way the language is spoken, the appreciation for the arts and its diverse food culture. We explore the significant historic architectural legacies of this city and enjoy the Old City of Hyderabad which is a brilliant mosaic of history, culture, modernity, crafts, business and old-world charm. Biryani, the city’s most renowned and delicious culinary dish, is a treat worth waiting for.
How itUnfolds
DAY Day 1 Arrive Mumbai
Arrival into Mumbai.
Transfer from your flights to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
DAY Day 2: Exploring Mumbai
Today is a fabulous introduction to this ever evolving multi faceted city. From the Gateway of India and Regal Circle, the Dhobi Ghat where laundrymen - more popularly known at Dhobhis - wash the clothes of the people of Mumbai, the unique character of this city is palpable.
We wander from Kala Ghoda to Churchgate observing the Bombay High Court and the University building. One of the highlights is viewing the Dabbawallas going about their daily work of delivering over 200,000 lunches across the city with impeccable precision. Finally we visit the Spice Market and observe the techniques used to produce these aromatic spices.
DAY Day 3: Getting under the surface of this metropolis
Life here can seem chaotic, yet today early in the morning we will witness the impressive system implemented by thousands of vendors as they sort out newspapers of 7 different languages - in the middle of the road. We will understand the logistics of food distribution in the city as 100 tonnes of meat, fruits and vegetables enter the various markets. These markets are not only a great introduction to the people of Mumbai, but also a photographer’s dream come true. Milkmen driving past with milk canisters; delivery of freshly baked bread, to the melee of colour and fragrance at the flower market, all these bazaars add to the frenzy of Mumbai.
DAY Day 4: Kerala, Cochin and the beautiful backwaters
Today we fly to Cochin and drive to our lakeside resort on the Kerala Backwaters
DAY Day 4: The Kerala Backwaters
A day of utter relaxation and pleasure at our luxury resort and on board our traditional Kettuvallam boat cruising the backwaters.
DAY Days: 5 & 6 Cochin
We return to Cochin and spend time discovering the inimitable history of this small city. Kochi traces its history back many centuries, when it was the centre of Indian spice trade and has been known to the Yavanas (Greeks and Romans), Jews, Arabs and Chinese since ancient times. We visit some of the monuments that reflect this fascinating history and indulge in some of the unique cultural and culinary experiences.
DAY Day 7 & 8 Hampi
Hampi, is an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Karnataka, India. It was a thriving cultural and commercial centre during the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to 16th century and was considered one of the richest cities in the world at that time. The city was a combination of different cultures, including Hindu, Jain, and Islamic, and this is reflected in its diverse architecture and monuments.
DAY Days: 10 -13 Hyderabad
Hyderabad is a melting pot of Muslim and Hindu cultures and has a legacy of both Persian and Islamic influences due to the long rule of the Nizams. This legacy pervades all aspects of Hyderabadi culture, from the way the language is spoken, the appreciation for the arts and its diverse food culture. We visit its outstanding historic sites and embrace the exhilarating energy of the Old City which is a brilliant mosaic of history, culture, modernity, crafts, business and old-world charm. The city's most renown culinary delight, Biryani will be an indulgence on our last evening together.
Meet your Guide:
Jennifer Wilkinson Owner / Director
Jennifer has a life-long passion for food, wine and travel. Following a successful career in economics and industrial relations, she…
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