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

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Price Per Person: From $36,200

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 Premier 1 private jet.

Highlights

Fly to exotic Indian destinations on your own private jet, sleeping in exquisite suites fit for royalty
Take a relaxing overnight cruise down Kerala’s colorful hidden waterways
Kick back poolside at an idyllic Goa beach resort

Day-to-Day

Day 1 Cochin

Fly in to New Delhi’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, Brunton Boatyard or Malabar House, both excellent options for enjoying your time in the city. Relax and get acquainted with the area that surrounds you.

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.

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, Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Day 5 Mysore

For the ultimate palatial experience, fly into Mysore today and take in its plethoric palaces, before checking in to one yourself. You’ll stay at the exquisite Lalitha Mahal Palace tonight - drop off your luggage at your suite before heading 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 hotel to relax and freshen up for an elegant dinner this evening.

Day 6 Hyderabad

Board your jet to fly northeast to Hyderabad today, and sink your teeth into the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll be transferred to your historic hotel, the Taj Faluknama Palace. Start your cultural excursion with a visit to the ancient Kingdom of Golkonda, now ruins that hold secrets of centuries past. Afterwards, make your way to Mecca Masjid, one of the city’s oldest mosques. Return to your hotel this evening and bask in the palatial surroundings.

Day 7 Hyderabad

Start your day off with a meander through Hyderabad’s intricately-manicured Public Gardens. The State Legislative Assembly, State Archeology Museum, and other administrative buildings are nearby. Tour Hyderabad’s Old City this afternoon, and return once again to your luxurious hotel for the evening.

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.

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

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).

Malabar House

The charming Malabar House, voted Best Boutique Hotel by Time magazine, dates back to 1755 when Dutchman Jan Herman Clausing owned it. Spice traders, tea merchants and bankers subsequently occupied it before being turned into luxury accommodations. There are 17 rooms and suites, divided into Deluxe Rooms, Roof Garden Suites and the Malabar Suite; all have tiled floors and are decorated in vibrant color schemes with antique objets d’art. In-room amenities include televisions, direct dial telephones, safe deposit lockers, coffee makers and mini bars. The property’s restaurant, Malabar Junction, serves delectable seafood prepared in Indian and Mediterranean styles and if the weather is nice, meals or drinks can be taken in the courtyard, which often hosts local dance or musical performances. Upstairs from the restaurant is Divine, a wine bar focused on Indian wines. Malabar House is in the heart of historical Fort Cochin, opposite St. Francis Church and 3 minutes walk to the Chinese fishing nets. The property is a 1.5-hour drive from Nedumbassery Cochin International airport.

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 5

Lalitha Mahal Palace

Built by the Maharaja of Mysore to host his most important guest, the Viceroy of India, today the Lalitha Mahal Palace is one of India’s most opulent hotels. Set on a ridge with commanding views of the gently sloping valley, the Lalitha Mahal offers guests a taste of princely living in a real palace. A grand, two-story structure with twin Ionic columns, spherical domes, and Indian marble, the Lalitha Mahal features fifty-four stately suites and rooms, all of which are comfortable and spacious, and offer natural light, period furniture, four-poster beds, deep velvet-covered armchairs, air-conditioning, televisions, telephones, and framed mirrors. The hotel contains three eateries: a restaurant serving Chinese, north and south Indian, and English-inspired Continental cuisine; a tea lounge serving snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; and an elegant bar built in the style of an English club, with dark-paneled wooden furniture and countertops. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, jogging tracks, and billiards tables. The Lalitha Mahal lies twenty minutes from Mysore Airport, and less than twenty minutes from downtown Mysore itself.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAYS 6-7

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.

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.

Leela Goa

Country India

8 DAYS

FROM

$7,000

PER PERSON

Enquire

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.

Other than your long-haul flights (not included), all flights are by private jet charter. Price includes jet charter, ground arrangements, landing permits and any repositioning charges. Changes in landing fees or fuel prices may cause the itinerary price to vary.

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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.

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