Example Itinerary

Beaches, Waterways, and Palaces by Private Jet: From Cochin to Goa

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person

Interests: Luxury Cruises

Destinations: India

Enjoy a relaxing, lavish holiday, floating down India’s picturesque rivers, marveling at its opulent palaces, and strolling along its beautiful sand beaches. Fly on your private jet from Cochin to Kerala, Mysore, Hyderabad, and then wind down in the beach town of Goa. You’ll take in stunning historic architecture, rich Indian culture, incredible views, and unforgettable sunsets on this 10-day journey through India’s hidden waterways, palaces, and beaches.

Why fly by private jet?

You’ll be sleeping in palatial suites by night, so step the experience up a notch by traveling on your own luxury private jet. Circumnavigate long lines, wait times, delayed and cancelled flights, and all other annoyances associated with commercial airlines when you fly through India on your comfortable, safe, and stylish private jet.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

Jet-Setting: Make the most of your time and jet across the south of the country. From central heartlands to coastal beaches and mangrove backwaters, travel completely unencumbered.
Lush Paradise: Explore the famed Kerala backwaters on a private boat. Gently cruise past lush mangrove forests, coconut groves, paddy fields, and exotic birdlife.
Historic Gems: In Hyderabad, stay in a palace and discover ancient sites including the ruins of the Kingdom of Golkonda and one of the oldest and largest mosques in India.

Why Remote Lands?

Remote Lands are specialists in extraordinary travel to Asia, since 2006.

6 Time Winners

10 Time Winners

4.9
rating

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Cochin

Fly in to Bangalore's international airport, and transfer to your private jet. You’ll fly to Cochin, West India’s major port city, sitting on the banks of the Laccadive Sea. Transfer to your luxurious resort. Relax and get acquainted with the area that surrounds you.

Hotel Options

About

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Day 2

Cochin

After a fortifying breakfast, head out for a tour of Cochin today. The first stop will be Paradesi Synagogue, known for being the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. This afternoon, learn how to make authentic Indian food sans spice packets in an Indian cooking class. The day winds down with a colonial walking tour through Cochin’s well-preserved historical neighborhoods.

Day 3

Kerala Backwaters

This morning, you will be transferred by private vehicle from your resort to an area farther south in the state of Kerala, where you’ll board a luxury kettuvallam. Kettuvallams are traditional wooden houseboats built without a single nail, and they are prevalent on the Kerala backwaters. Enjoy an overnight cruise, the calm sounds of water licking the side of your boat singing you to sleep.

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About

Day 4

Kumarakom

After your overnight cruise, disembark at Kumarakom, where you will be greeted by a thriving ecosystem. Kumarakom is home to lush mangrove forests, coconut groves, paddy fields, and exotic birdlife. You’ll be transferred for check-in at your luxury hotel.

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About

Day 5

Hyderabad

For the ultimate palatial experience, fly into Mysore today and take in its plethoric palaces. Then, head to the Mysore market for some shopping. Pick up a new skill by taking an Indian silk weaving class this afternoon. Head back to your private jet to fly onward to Hyderade where you'll bed down for the night at the historic Taj Faluknama Palace.

Hotel Options

Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This gorgeous palace is located 2,000 feet above Hyderabad; its lofty position in the clouds earning it the nickname “mirror of the sky”.

History: Falaknuma Palace was commissioned by a Hyderabadi nobleman back in the 19th century.

Service: Superlative service is provided by the Taj’s butlers, on hand 24/7 to assist guests.

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Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Hyderabad

Start your cultural excursion with a visit to the ancient Kingdom of Golkonda, now ruins that hold secrets of centuries past. Continue to the stunning Qutb Shahi located nearby. Afterwards, make your way to Mecca Masjid, one of the city’s oldest mosques. In the afternoon, visit the British Residency, and the Paigah Tombs which belong to the Paigah noble family. Return to your hotel this evening and bask in the palatial surroundings.

Day 7

Hyderabad

Start your tour from the the heart of Hyderabad's Old City at the 19th-century Chowmahalla Palace. Next, stop at the 17th-century Mecca Masjid, then take a closer look at the domes of the 1938 Government General Nizamia Hospital opposite. Do a circuit around the city's looming Charminar monument, the four-towered arch and mosque. Afternoon visit to Purani Haveli Museum, followed by walking tour through the lad Baazar.

Day 8

Goa

Board your luxury private jet once again, this time headed for India’s west coast, the popular holiday getaway of Goa. Choose from one of our two recommended luxury resorts, the Leela Goa or the Taj Exotica Goa, both idyllic options. Relax and spend some time exploring Goa’s white sand beaches today, or enjoying a cocktail poolside. Take in a magnificent Goa sunset this evening before sitting down to a beachside dinner.

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About

Location: The Taj Exotica is only 18 kilometers from the airport and is situated in one of the Maldives' biggest lagoons.

History: The Taj Exotica conducts fascinating day tours of Malé's historic sites, only a short trip away from the resort.

Service: Taj staff work around the clock to ensure guests have everything they need for an unforgettable holiday.

Day 9

Goa

Take in some of Goa’s culture today - begin with Chapora Fort, once a Portuguese fortress, which possesses stunning views of the Chapora River. Enjoy even more fantastic views at Cabo de Rama, one of the region’s oldest forts. Finally, admire the 1920s colonial architecture of Albuquerque Mansion, before returning to your beachside resort for the final night of your journey.

Day 10

Departure

Say goodbye to Goa today as you board your private jet one final time and are transferred to New Delhi’s airport, in time for your onward journey - either home or to your next exciting destination.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa

Situated on the tip of the manmade Willingdon Island, the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa provides remarkable views of historic, picturesque Cochin harbor. After a year-long restoration this 95-year-old landmark property returns renewed while maintaining its classic charm. Rooms and suites have been redesigned and decorated with meticulous detail, offer stunning waterfront views from bay windows. Each room offers a LCD television, custom, stylish décor, surround-sound systems, massage showerheads, and work desks and chairs. Dining options include the Rice Boat, which specializes in fresh-caught seafood and is modeled after a traditional kettuvalam boat, complete with garden entrance in the form of a ship’s bow and an authentic cane roof; the Pepper, a twenty-four hour eatery featuring eastern and western cuisine in a bright, cheery space; The Pavilion provides an oriental experience; and the Mattancherry Bar. Additional facilities include a well-equipped fitness center and spa, which features a full menu of rejuvenating, refreshing therapies. The Taj Malabar Resort & Spa is approximately 60 minutes from Cochin airport (COK).

Brunton Boatyard

Set in a restored boatyard dating from the Victorian era, the Brunton is located at the tip of Fort Cochin. Designed in the style of early Dutch and Portuguese buildings, with whitewashed walls, a sloping tile roof and terracotta floors, the Brunton features twenty-two rooms – all of which face the sea, and are fitted with antique furniture and high royal beds with steps to climb up to them. Dining options include the History Café, which serves a fusion of Dutch, Syrian, Indian and Keralan cuisines in a room paneled with warm woods and teak crossbeams; the Terrace Grill serves the best of that morning's catch; and lastly, the Armoury Bar, which overlooks the harbor and features a selection of teas and classic cocktails. The hotel has a small pool next to the sea, an Ayurvedic center with massage and healing treatments, and a steam room, but does not have a fitness center. There is no business center, though there are secretarial services and Internet access. The Brunton Boatyard lies approximately 30 minutes from the airport in Cochin (COK).

Suggested Hotel For Day 3

Kettuvallam Houseboat

A night aboard a Kettuvallam, or a traditional wooden houseboat, is the perfect way to truly get into Kerala culture. Our chosen luxury Kettuvallam vessel will explore Kerala’s famous tranquil backwaters, through a series of canals and lakes, allowing guests to discover the region’s rich heritage from the comfort of their own well-appointed luxury boat. Inside, the boat is richly-decorated, with spacious rooms, comfortable furnishings, air-conditioning, and top-end facilities. The sundeck is the ideal place for guests to relax during the day (or night) and watch Kerala drift by. A full crew is available to serve guests at all times, with meal service that includes fresh, local specialties.

Suggested Hotel For Day 4

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Located on the banks of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is a beautiful retreat on the backwaters of Kerala. The building that houses Ettukettu, its principal restaurant, was commissioned by King Marthanda Varma as a gift to his martial arts teacher, and dismantled from its original location before being reassembled at Kumarakom. The 115-seat restaurant offers multiple cuisines, including continental, Chinese, Mughlai, North Indian and traditional regional dishes. Ayurmana, Kumarakom’s Ayurveda spa, has an extensive menu of massages, therapeutic and beauty treatments, while the fitness center has a wide array of cardio machines and free weights. Thattukada is a traditional Kerala teashop. Kumarakom is approximately 1.5 hours from Cochin airport (COK).

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–7

Preferred Hotel

Taj Faluknama Palace

Built in the 19th century as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries, the Faluknama was once one of India's finest palaces; today, it is one of the country's most luxurious hotels. Local artifacts, Italian marble, and fixtures & fittings from around the globe make the Taj Faluknama a fascinating attraction in and of itself. Its sixty rooms and suites combine contemporary amenities, such as high-speed internet access, in-room safes, plush beds, and DVD players, with classic design features including hardwood floors and colorful, hand-painted walls. The Royal Presidential Suite, the most luxurious of these rooms, even has its own private swimming pool. The Taj’s culinary options include Adaa, which serves slow cooked, traditional Hyderabadi cuisine such as biryani, or rice slow-cooked with meat, vegetables, spices, and saffron; Celeste, an Italian and Mediterranean eatery that is open all day; Jade Verandah, a breakfast only venue; and a hookah lounge and a poolside bar. Amenities include a spa, pool, library and billiards room, as well as an in-house historian who will walk guests through the property's fascinating history.

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Suggested Hotels For Days 8–9

Leela Goa

Overlooking a beautiful, blue lagoon, set between the cerulean waters of the Arabian Sea and the river Sal, the Leela Goa’s design draws both from Goa’s Portuguese heritage and south India’s temples. Its 206 rooms feature high speed internet, electronic safes, plush beds, tea and coffee makers, and a blu-ray player. Dining options include the in-house restaurant, which features all-day, buffet-style items; the Riverside, which offers fine Italian cuisine set in an open-air pavilion overlooking the River Sal; the Susegado, a beach-side grill serving fresh seafood; the Javamar, which serves Indian cuisine in a tasteful, elegant setting; and a poolside bar and lounge. Amenities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools, conference and ballrooms, a spa offering holistic and ayurvedic treatments, and a fitness studio. The Leela Goa is an hour’s drive from Goa International Airport, and a half-hour away from Madgaon, the nearest town.

Taj Exotica Goa

Located on the southwest coast of Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Mediterranean-style Taj Exotica is arguably one of the best five-star hotels in Goa. Set amidst fifty-six acres of lush gardens, the Taj Exotica features a sun-drenched atrium, wide, shady corridors, and flower-lined patios. Its rooms and villas draw inspiration from Portuguese aesthetics and Indian design, and all offer plush beds, separate bathrooms and shower units, flat-screen televisions, electronic safes, and views of either the garden or the sea. Dining options include Alegria, a Goan restaurant serving fresh seafood and Portuguese wines; Eugenia, which serves a mix of Indian and southeast Asian fare; Li Bai, a Chinese restaurant named for a renowned poet; and Miguel Arcanjo, an eatery that faces the Arabian Sea, and serves dishes from a number of Mediterranean cuisines. Amenities include a spa, a pool, and various sporting facilities, including tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course. The Taj Exotica lies forty-five minutes from Goa International Airport.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.