Example Itinerary

Palaces & Houseboats: Charming South India

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture
Destinations
India

Experience sunny South India at its best with this wonderful luxury 12-day itinerary. Pristine beaches in Goa, shopping in bustling local markets, charming houseboats on the backwaters of Kerala and ancient architecture in Bangalore and Mysore are all on the agenda.

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

  • Sun & Sea: Unwind on some of India's finest white sand beaches in Goa.
  • Green Waters: Explore Kerala's famed palm-fringed backwaters, a network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and mangroves on a traditional wooden houseboat.
  • Ancient Culture: Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is home of the Tamil language and culture which predates even the Roman Empire.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

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Mumbai »

Arrive in India’s exciting Mumbai, capital of the country’s vibrant film and arts industry. Check in to your room and get settled in. Enjoy some free time at your hotel to get acquainted with your surroundings.

Hotel Options

Day 2

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Goa »

Fly to Goa today, home to some of Asia’s most stunning, pristine beaches. After checking in to your room, enjoy some relaxed beach time. Next, head to Se Cathedral, the largest church in India, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bom Jesus Basilica. Return to your hotel, where you may relax for the evening.

Hotel Options
Goa
Goa

Day 3

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Goa »

After breakfast today, head to Chapora Fort, a one-time Portuguese fortress overlooking the picturesque Chapora River. Next, pay a visit to Cabo de Rama, one of the region’s oldest forts, which also affords stunning sea panoramas, set in a mystical atmosphere. Finish your tour of Goa off with a trip to Albuquerque Mansion, a beautiful colonial structure built in the 1920s.

Day 4

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Cochin »

Check out of your hotel this morning and fly to Cochin, West India’s major port city. You’ll be escorted to your luxury eco-resort, Brunton Boatyard, moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbor. Spend some time in Cochin Bay, getting familiar with your surroundings, before embarking on a colonial tour of Cochin.

Hotel Options
Cochin
Cochin

Day 5

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Cochin »

Today you’ll be spending some time in Cochin’s “Jew” town, where Cochin’s Jewish populace was given land by the raja, where they could build their homes. Today, it’s a bustling, charming port town. From here, you’ll visit Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest of its kind in the Commonwealth of Nations, and Dutch Palace, which was, curiously, built by the Portuguese.

Day 6

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Kerala Backwaters

One of Kerala’s most favorited features is its widespread channel of backwaters, and the most ideal way to explore them is aboard a traditional wooden houseboat, called Kettuvallams, built without a single nail. Today, you’ll board a luxury Kettuvallam for an overnight cruise.

Hotel Options
Kerala Backwaters
Kerala Backwaters

Day 7

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Madurai »

Today you’re heading for Madurai (7 hours away), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Check in to your hotel, the Taj Garden Retreat, which has a lovely view of an ancient temple. Once settled in, venture to Thirumalai Nayak palace, a sprawling royal abode once considered one of the wonders of the South. Next, pay a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple, said to form the heart and lifeline of this ancient city.

Hotel Options

Day 8

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Mysore »

Mysore is your destination today, an ancient Indian city 7 hours away and known for its wide array of palaces. Visit the Mysore market, and haggle for some fresh fruits or fun souvenirs. Learn the secrets behind the Indian art of silk weaving, and then get ready for the evening: tonight, you’re dining with the Prince.

Hotel Options
Mysore
Mysore

Day 9

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Bangalore »

Today, you’re off to Bangalore, India’s third-largest city (a 3-hour drive). Transfer to your suite  and get acquainted with your new surroundings. Once settled in, visit Lal Bagh, a botanical garden with India's largest collection of tropical plants; and the elegant Tipu Sultan’s Palace. Enjoy a romantic dinner out tonight, sampling some of the city’s best food.

Hotel Options

Day 10

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Bangalore »

Visit the recently-renovated Bangalore Palace today, and walk around its royal grounds. Next, head to Dodda Basavana Gudi, also known as the Bull Temple, representing a sacred Hindu demi-god. Spend the rest of your day relaxing in the palatial surroundings of your hotel, or exploring the city as you like.

Bangalore
Bangalore

Day 11

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Chennai »

Fly to Chennai today, and check in to your suite. Visit the country’s largest artists’ commune, Cholamandal Artists’ Village, followed by the Government Museum, a hub of Tamil Nadu’s art, culture, and natural heritage. Finally, end your day with a visit to the Southern Railway Terminus, the city’s oldest surviving station. Relax at your hotel this evening ahead of your departure tomorrow.

Hotel Options

Day 12

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Departure

After breakfast today, you’ll check out of your hotel and fly to Mumbai, where you can check in for your connecting flight home or to your next destination.

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.

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