Glimpses of Kerala

Our Glimpses of Kerala excursion is a 12-day journey through India’s lush, coastal state. The rush of southern India’s most populous and prosperous cities is interrupted by the relaxed pace of rural Kerala, with mountain views, azure waters and fascinating colonial history some of the many treasures you will collect along the way.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1: Arrive Mumbai / Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
  
• Day 2: Mumbai / Taj Mahal Palace & Tower (B)
• Day 3: Cochin / Brunton Boatyard Hotel (B)
• Day 4: Cochin / Brunton Boatyard Hotel (B)
• Day 5: Periyar / Spice Village Resort (B)
• Day 6: Periyar / Spice Village Resort (B)
• Day 7: Kumarakom / Kumarakom Lake Resort (B)
• Day 8: Kumarakom / Kumarakom Lake Resort (B)
• Day 9: Kumarakom / Injourni Houseboat (B,L,D)
• Day 10: Hyderabad / Taj Falaknuma Palace (B)
• Day 11: Hyderabad / Taj Falaknuma Palace (B)
• Day 12: Depart Hyderabad (B)

Itinerary Description:

Begin your adventure in Mumbai, southern India’s largest city. Relax in the historic Palace wing of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel with the Arabian Sea as the scene outside your window. Visit the Gateway of India, situated just outside your hotel, as well as the Afghan Church, the Secretariat of the Maharashtra Government along the famous Marine Drive, the amazing Hanging Gardens, the Haji Ali Mosque and the Prince of Charles Museum. The second day of your stay includes a boating tour featuring the ancient Elephanta Caves on a small island in Mumbai Harbor.

Continue your journey to the historic coastal city of Cochin. Constructed from the remains of a 19th century shipyard, the Brunton Boatyard Hotel evokes thoughts of ancient trade routes, cultural exchange and seaside adventure. Drive next into the misty mountains of Kerala and the hidden Spice Village Resort. Built at the site of a grand arboretum, the Spice Village Resort blends the tranquility of a rural mountain village with the convenience of a modern resort. Tour local spice farms and rubber plantations and embark on hikes with the resort’s staff of expert naturalists.

Kerala’s backwater region welcomes you next to its intricate network of canals, lakes and crystal blue marshes. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist’s paradise which plays host to hundreds of rare species annually, some from as far as Siberia. Enjoy the colonial comfort of Kumarakom Lake Resort for two evenings before setting sail on a most unique adventure. Injourni’s signature houseboat, Indulge, ferries you along the backwater for one magical evening afloat. A private staff will attend to your every need on this exclusive, intimate houseboat excursion.

Travel finally to Hyderabad and the stunning Taj Falaknuma Palace (opening October 2010). A sprawling mansion with an amazing history of lavish events, famous guests and splendid architecture, the palace will be your royal retreat between tours of the celebrated city of Hyderabad.