Maharashtra Caves with Kerala

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations covered: - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Nasik - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Trivandrum – Kanyakumari

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Day 01: Arrive Mumbai

Traditional welcome on arrival at Mumbai airport. Transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day.

Mumbai- A city that never sleeps, if you want to feel fresh young and rejuvenated then Mumbai is for you. Flooded with discotheques, Restaurants and night clubs Mumbai in actual is the Las Vegas of India. Mumbai is a city where every night seems like a festival night.

Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 02: Mumbai Sightseeing/Aurangabad (545 Kms 1hr by air)

After breakfast start for sightseeing of Mumbai.

Gateway of India Mumbai, India
Gateway of India is a historical gateway built in British style.

Prince of Wales Museum
Prince of Wales Museum is designed into the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the finest buildings constructed during British rule. Prince of Wales museum was designed in the Honour of the Prince of Wales on his first visit to India.

Mahalaxmi Temple

One of the famous temples of Mumbai, Mahalaxmi temple is devoted to The Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. Idols of Hindu Goddesses Mahalaxmi, Maha Saraswati and Mahakali are also situated in the temple.

The Tomb of Haji Ali

The Mosque at the tomb of Haji Ali is a magnificent piece of architecture standing on an island. Hundreds of devotees arrive everyday to pay homage to the Saint Haji Ali.

Chowpatty

the famous beach of India holds a special attraction for both the tourists and local people. The attraction of Chowpatty enhances many folds during Maharashtra's most famous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Chowpatty has done wonders to Mumbai Tourism.

Elephanta Caves
Located about 10 kms from the Gateway of India or 9 nautical miles into the sea are the famous Elephanta Caves, which are a great tourist attraction. It is about an hour ferry ride away. They are also known as Gharapuri and were named Elephanta caves by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island. The entire cave temple complex covers an area of about 60,000 square feet and it consists of a main chamber and two lateral ones, courtyards and several subsidiary shrines. There are regular excursions to these caves every day from the Gateway of India. 
In the evening transfer to Airport to catch the flight for Aurangabad.
Aurangabad- The city of Aurangabad is known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage. It was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short period. The city boasts of Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal. The importance of Aurangabad is great, owing to its proximity with world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. These sites have Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. Aurangabad is also famous for its silk and cotton textiles.
Arrive Aurangabad and Check in at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Aurangabad

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Aurangabad.

Visit Bibi-ka-Makbara, the mausoleum of Aurangzeb's queen. This mausoleum is also termed as 'poor man's Taj Mahal' owing to it being a poor replica of the Taj. A small archeological museum is located behind the mausoleum. Panchakki (water wheel) is another tourist spot and it has the Tomb of Baba Shah Muzaffar, a Sufi Saint, near by. Himroo (traditional cotton-silk blend fabric) factory, Purwar Museum are other prominent tourist attractions within the city.

Also visit Ajanta & Ellora Caves.

Ajanta:
A party of British officers discovered this group of 30 caves hidden behind dense undergrowth and excavated out of a steep horseshoe shaped gorge. The caves were chiselled out by Buddhist monks between 200 BC and 650 AD as ‘chaityas’ (prayer halls) and ‘viharas’ (monasteries), and contain exquisite frescoes and fine sculptures. Each cave has its own story to tell. So go there and discover them for yourself and before leaving, do go to the ‘viewpoint’ on the flat-topped hill opposite the caves for an amazing view of the whole group and the gorge.

Ellora:
The architecture and the carvings of the 34 monolithic cave temples are truly awesome and breathtaking in their grand scale and design. The temples here are from a later period than those at Ajanta (350 AD to 1000 AD), and include Hindu and Jain monuments as well. (13 Buddhist, 16 Hindu and 5 Jain). The most incredible feature is that they were chiselled top downwards from a 2 km sheer rock escarpment. Pride of place here goes to the gigantic Kailasa Temple, the world’s largest monolithic sculpture, which required hours of diligent chiseling, sculpting and carving and scooping out of an estimated 200,000 tons of basalt rock, with absolutely no margin for error! A short distance from Ellora is the Grishneshwar temple, one of the five ‘jyotirlingas’ (‘self born’ lingams) in Maharashtra, and an important pilgrim centre for Hindus.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Aurangabad-Nasik (218 kms 4.5 hrs drive by road)

After breakfast start for Nasik.

Nasik, also known as Nashik, is situated in the northwestern part of Maharashtra State. The city of Nasik is a major Hindu pilgrimage center with rich culture and tradition. It is situated on the banks of sacred Godavari River at an altitude of 565 m above the sea level. There are many beautiful Ghats situated on the banks of Godavari River. The major part of the town lies on the right (south) bank of the river, while Panchavati, a quarter on the left bank has several temples.
Arrive Nasik and check in at hotel.

In the afternoon start for sightseeing of Nasik.

Panchavati
Panchwati is situated in the northern part of Nashik. According to a legend Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Lakshman (also spelt as Laxman) stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus, it is a significant place. Panchavati derives its name from the five Banyan ('Vad') trees present here.

Sita Gumpha
The literal meaning of Gumpha is a cave, the Sita Gumpha is located near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. It is one of the major attractions of Nasik. There is a narrow staircase used to enter the cave. In the cave one can see idols of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. It is believed that Raven kidnapped Sita from the same place.

Modakeshwar Ganesh Temple
The Modakeshwar Ganesh Temple is another famous temple of Nasik. The idol in the temple is believed to be self emerged and is also known as 'Swaymbhu'. The temple derives its name from the 'Modak' a special Maharastrian dish made of coconut and jaggery. This dish is considered to be Lord Ganesh's favorite.

Ramkund
The Ramkund in the river Godavari attracts innumerable pilgrims. Here devotees take a holy dip. The Ramkund is considered the 'Ganges of the south'. It is the spot from where the river Godavari turns to right at an angle of 90 degrees. It is said that Lord Rama took a bath here, during his stay at Nasik. Thus, it is a significant place.

Kalaram Temple
The Kalaram temple is one of the most important temples located in the Panchavati area of Nasik. This temple was built in 1794 by Gopikabai Peshwa. The architecture of this temple is outstanding with the motif similar to that of the Trimbakeshwar Temple. The unique feature of this temple is that it was built with black stones.

Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 05: Nasik-Mumbai-Cochin (1384 kms 5 hrs by air)

After breakfast proceed for Mumbai to catch the flight for Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Arrive Cochin and check in at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Cochin

After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the near by Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road. Over night stay at the hotel.

 

Day 07: Cochin - Munnar (140 Kms, 4 hours drive by road)

After breakfast drive to Munnar. Throughout the journey enjoy beautiful streams small water falls, Rubber, Pepper cardamom and Tea plantations and thick forests. Arrive Munnar and check in at resort.
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air.

 

Day 08: Munnar

After breakfast start for a full day sightseeing of Munnar watch beautiful mist kissing romantic green meadows- mind-blowing hills sleeping under green carpet (Tea Gardens) visit Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary & Tea Plantation. Overnight stay at Munnar.

 

Day 09: Munnar - Thekkady (120 kms, 4 hours drive by road)

After breakfast check out of hotel and start for Thekkady. Drive through panoramic western Ghat hills covered with spice plantations and occasional view of water falls and streams. On arrival at Thekkady check into Hotel.
Thekkady - one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady.
Afternoon experience the mind bowing view of calm crystal clear Periyar lake to view the wildlife. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Day 10: Thekkady - Kumarakom (145 kms, 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Kumarakom.

Kumarakom - When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Arrive Kumarakom and check in at resort.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. In the evening canoe down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake. Overnight stay at the resort.

 

 

Day 11: Kumarakom (Houseboat)
Breakfast at resort. Morning at leisure at resort, 1230 hrs check in at houseboat. Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Sit back and relax while the boat cruises through the narrow serene backwater canals. Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks, dinner and enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from polluted cities and maddening crowd. Overnight stay on House Boat.

Day 12: Kumarakom-Alleppey (38 kms, 40 minutes drive by road)
After breakfast start for Alleppey.
Arrive Alleppey and check in at Houseboat and enjoy an over night cruise cum stay in your houseboat. Food will be served in the houseboat. Enjoy the unique experience of a day on backwaters in a houseboat, and meander through the labyrinth of canals, that makes Kumarakom a top world destination. The backwater ride paints vivid picture of the traditional country life in all its natural beauty.
Over night stay at the houseboat.

Day 13: Alleppey - Trivandrum (157 Kms, 3.5 hrs drive by road)

After breakfast start for Trivandrum.

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Arrive Trivandrum and check in at hotel.

In the afternoon visit Museum Complex, Padmanabha Swami Temple, Science and Technology Museum, Veli Tourist village.

Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Trivandrum - Kanyakumari – Trivandrum(89 Kms 1.5 hrs drive by road)

After breakfast drive to Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess – Kanyakumari Amman. Mythological stories depict that Goddess parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanniya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to reach the hand of Lord Shiva. This place is also a popular pilgrimage. The tourists who visit this southern most tip of India would certainly enjoy the exuberant scenes of the sunsets, the sunrises especially on full moon days. The nature of the sand in the beaches of Kanyakumari is unique as it is multicolored.

Arrive Kanyakumari and start a half day sightseeing tour which includes Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kamarajar Manimandapam and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. In the evening drive back to Trivandrum.Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Trivandrum

After breakfast drive to International airport to board flight for destination ahead with sweet memories of Kerala, Gods own country.