Best of Southern India

Then fly to Aurangabad to continue your private tour of South India. Aurangabad was the capital of Aurangzeb in the 17th century CE. However, today, it provides easy access to the Ellora and Ajanta caves.

Visit the Ellora Caves, home to detailed carvings and sculptures spanning the fourth and ninth centuries CE. One can find 34 caves in all here, with 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and five Jain temples. Moreover, the most famous, number 16 (Kailash Temple) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, tour the 30 rock-hewn Ajanta Caves temple complexes. These caves feature a combination of chapels and monasteries devoted to the Earthly life of Lord Buddha.

Spend the next three days of this luxury India vacation in Hyderabad. Known today as a burgeoning hub of IT excellence, Hyderabad once played host to the legendary Nizams of India. As such, many grand monuments remain throughout Hyerabad, which you will have the chance to visit.

While here, embark on a private tour of Golconda Fort and the Qutub Shahi Tombs. Golconda Fort has an ingenious water supply. It also houses the Fateh Rahben Topee, a cannon used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb. The Qutub Shahi Tombs, on the other hand, boast a combination of Persian, Afghan, and Indian architectural styles.

Finally, conclude your time in Hyderabad with a full-day private tour of the city. Highlights include the Charminar, Mecca Masjid mosque, and Chowmahalla Palace. Meander through Laad Bazaar to shop for exquisite jewelry, and visit Pather Gatti to browse the famous Deccan pearls. Lastly, visit the Salar Jung Museum, one of the largest museums in the world.

Next, continue your tour of the best of Southern India in Chennai, a former East India Company settlement. Spend two nights in the capital of Tamil Nadu to explore the city and nearby pilgrimage site, Mahabalipuram.

First, embark on a privately guided tour of Chennai. Highlights include Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, St. Thomas Cathedral, and the Dravidian-style Kapaleeshwar Temple. 

Then journey on a day trip to Mahabalipuram, with its rock-cut caves, monolithic shrines, temples, and bas reliefs. Also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahishasuramardini Cave Temples. And stop at the Shore Temple and Krishna's Butter Ball, a huge, gravity-defying boulder.

Finally, this South India tour concludes in Cochin and nearby Kumarakom, the jewels of Kerala. 

The port city of Cochin has the nickname of "Venice of the East." Over two nights, learn about the Indian spice trade, as well as its Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese influences.

On a full-day private tour of Chennai, visit St. Francis Church, the first European church built in India. Additionally, stop at the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Chinese fishing nets. Cap it all off with a a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

On day 12, transfer to Kumarakom Lake Resort for the final two nights of the journey. Nature lovers will love the emerald green waters and lushly green landscape. You will of course have plenty of time to enjoy the resort's many amenities. However, don't miss a private houseboat tour on Lake Vembanad and the famed backwaters of Kerala.