 FROM
MUMBAI TO KANYAKUMARI
A cultural tour of India
This trip takes us from the Western Ghats to Malabar Coast.Mumbai the Cenrtre of Bollywood cinema, cricket on the Oval Maidan, promenading families eating bhelpuri on the Chowpatty beach. It's a city with vibrant street life and India's best nightlife.
Goa has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture its white Sand beaches, the architectural splendours of its churches, temples and the magnificent scenic beauty
Kerala is a land rich in ecological wonders, cultural wonders, and inhabited by some of the most friendly people in the world. A tour of the Malabar coast of South India gives you a chance to travel to some important temple towns of South India, In the natural environment of the Malabar Hills take you to the heart of the lush green forest that covers these hills. Enjoy nature at its best and the wide variety of birds and animals that inhabit these forests. relax on its coconut-fringed beaches.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map
|
Day
|
Place
|
|
01-02
|
Mumbai
(Bombay) |
|
03
|
Mumbai
/ Goa |
| 04 |
Goa |
|
05
|
Goa
/ Gokarana |
|
06
|
Gokarana |
|
07
|
Gokarana
/ Mangalore |
|
08
|
Mangalore
/ Calicut |
| 09 |
Calicut |
| 10 |
Calicut
/ Cochin |
| 11 |
Cochin |
| 12 |
Cochin
/ Kumarakom |
| 13 |
Kumarakom |
| 14 |
Kumarakom
/ Periyar |
| 15 |
Periyar
/ Kovalam |
| 16 |
Kovalam
/ Kanayakumari / Kovalam |
| 17 |
Kovalam
/ Trivandrum / Home |
|
Incredible !ndia |
 Day
01:- Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with
hands clapped together. After immigration and custom
formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city
to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Mumbai (2 Nights)
Day
02:- Mumbai
After breakfast we take an excursion to the world famous
Elephanta Caves. Little is known about their origins,
but they are thought to have been created between AD
450 and 750, when the island was known as Gharapuri (Place
of Caves). The Portuguese renamed it Elephanta because
of a large stone elephant near the shore. There is one
main cave with a number of large sculptured panels, all-relating
to Shiva. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurti
(Triple headed) Shiva, where the god is depicted as destroyer,
preserver, and creator. There are also figures of Shiva
dancing the Tandava, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati,
Ravana shaking Kailasa, a scary carving of Shiva killing
the demon Andhaka and one in which Shiva appears as Ardhanari
(half lady), uniting both genders in one body. In the
afternoon we tour Bombay city. With its beautiful natural
harbor, studded with emerald islands and palm - fringed
shore that rises gradually to the mountain peaks. Highlights
of our tour include the Gateway of India- Mumbai’s
most famous monument which was built as a triumphal arch
to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.
Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial
symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the
British ships that set sail for England left from the
Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism draws droves
of local tourists and citizens. We also visit Hanging
gardens, the bustling Crawford Market, Haji Ali Dargah
- the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant who renounced
all his worldly belongings before embarking on a pilgrimage
to Mecca. The tomb itself is over 800 years old and throngs
of worshippers paying respects to the remains that lie
in an exquisite silver frame engraved with all the ninety-nine
names of Allah. We then visit Dhobi Ghat – the
world’s largest outdoor laundry & the Prince
of Wales Museum followed by the Victoria Terminus – a
recent addition to UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. (B,
D)
Day
03:- Mumbai - Goa (Flight)
Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Goa. Arrive Goa and transfer
to Hotel
Overnight: - Hotel in Goa (2 Nights) (B)
 Day
04:- Goa
Goa- The former Portuguese enclave of Goa has a character quite distinct from
the rest of the India. Although its renowned 'travelers scene ' and reliance
on tourism has changed and shaped aspects of this tiny state in the past two
decades, Goa offers much more than just the hedonism of sun, sand and sea. Despite
four decades of liberation from Portuguese rule, Roman Catholicism remains a
major religion, skirts far outnumbers saris, and Goans display an easygoing tropical
indulgence, humor and civility. White washed churches, paddy fields, coconut
-palm groves and crumbling forts guarding rocky capes make up the Goan landscape.
Markets are lively, colorful affairs, siesta is widely observed during the hot
afternoons, and there are feasts and festivities throughout the year. (B)
Day 05:- Goa - Gokarana (Drive 280 Km/6.30 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Gokarana. Arrive Gokarana and check
in Hotel. Rest of the day is free.
Overnight:- Hotel In Gokarana ( 2 Nights)
(B)
Day 06:- Gokarana
Gokarna is a sleepy, charming town with wooden houses on the main street and
some attractive houses in nearby alleys. Gokarna derives its name from a legend
in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s
ear,’ this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers.
Adventurous travellers must be prepared for a bit of cliff scrambling in this
coastal town. Om beach, one of Gokarna’s five famed beaches, takes the
shape of an ‘Om,’ a spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged between
gigantic cliffs that protrude like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna,
Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise. The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna
is a scenic delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and
the Arabian Sea on the other. (B)
Day
07:- Gokarana - Mangalore (Drive 190 Kms)
Today we drive to Mangalore. Mangalore district is a panorama of palm-fringed
beaches,lush green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered by the soaring
western ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea roaring along its western
shores.With an important port,this coastal town is a major commercial centre.
The lifeline of the district, the National Highway No 17 almost runs parallel
to the sea for over 95 kms in the district. Nowhere does the distance between
the highway and the sea exceed more than a few kilometers.
Overnight: - Hotel in Managalore (1 Night) (B)
 Day
08:-
Mangalore
-
Calicut
(Drive
200
Kms)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Calicut. En-route
we visit Bekal Fort. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst
the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with
the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the
thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir
of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the
ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester
years. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction
for historians, tourists and nature - lovers for centuries
since it embodies memories of a glorious past. On arrival
at Calicut we check in to hotel.
Overnight: - Hotel in
Calicut (2 Nights) (B)
Day
09:- Calicut
Calicut also famous as Kozhikode is the third largest city of Kerala. The place
is famous as Vasco De Gama, first European to land on the Indian coasts, landed
here in 1498 AD. A port city located amidst the lush green spice Plantations,
Kozhikode takes you on a momentous journey through beautiful backwaters, picturesque
beaches and ancient palaces. The prime attractions at Kozhikode are its numerous
temples and mosques containing interesting sculptures and inscriptions. Famous
among them are the Tali Temple, Thiruvannur Temple, Azhokodi Temple, Bhairagi
Madam Temple Varakkal Temple and Bilathikulam Temple. (B)
Day
10:- Calicut - Cochin ( Drive 230 Km)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and check in
Hotel. Evening Katkkali Dance Perfomance with Dinner.
Overnight:- Hotel in Cochin
(2 Nights) (B, D)
Day 11:- Cochin
Today we tour Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, with one of the finest
natural harbors in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain
and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred
to as the Venice of the East. We visit the oldest European Church in India "St.
Francis Church". Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI).
Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal
14 years later. One can see the winding streets with mosques and 500 year old
Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community with
ancient roots, a 16th century synagogue, and a palace built by the Portuguese
and given to the Raja of Cochin. It was from 1795 until India's Independence,
the outer part of the island and beach was under the British Colonial rule or
political control, while the inner part was under the Kochi State and Raja of
Travancore. Because of this division of political ruling, the harbor was not
developed till around 1920 - 1923, when the approach channel was dredged to allow
any ship that could pass through the Suez Canal to dock safely, thus opening
the harbor to then so called 'modern shipping lines. (B)
Day 12:- Cochin-Kumarakom ( Drive 90 Km/ 2 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Kumarakom. Kumarakom- is a beautiful
backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed
with meandering waterways and ancient cottages.
Overnight:- Hotel in
Kumarakom
(2 Nights) (B)
 Day
13:- Kumarakom
We start our tour with a boat ride to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those
adventurous enough may indulge in water sports such as windsailing and water
skiing. For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters. (B)
Day
14:-
Kumarakom
-
Periyar
(Drive
140
Km/3.30
Hrs)
In
the
morning
after
breakfast
we
drive
to
Periyar.
We
visit
Periyar
sanctuary;
one
of
the
most
well-known
wildlife
sanctuaries
in
the
south,
Periyar
sanctuary
attracts
a
large
number
of
nature
lovers
every
year.
Also
called
the
Thekkady
Wildlife
Sanctuary,
this
place
is
ideal
for
watching
the
animals
in
their
natural
habitat.
Overnight:-Hotel
in
Periyar.
(1
Night)
(B)
Day 15:-Periyar - Kovalam
A scenic comfortable drive conveys us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar
Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise
a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white
sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky
promontories make this beach an incredible paradise.
Overnight: - Hotel in Kovalam.
(2 Nights) (B)
Day 16:- Kovalam - Kanayakumari - Kovalam
We enjoy a visit to the "Lands End" of India: Kanniya Kumari is the
southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the
Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular
sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch the sun
set while the full moon is rising in another part of the sea. (B)
Day 17:- Kovalam - Trivandrum - Home
Today we drive to Trivandrum to connect our flight to Home.
Departure
Dates |
| 2012
English Speaking Departures
Jan 26, Feb 24, Mar 23, Apr 20, May 25, Jun 21, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 6 |
Inclusions |
Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include |
| Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. |
International Airfare & Departure Taxes |
Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary
(B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) |
Insurances & Visa Fees |
| Domestic Air Fare for Mumbai/Goa sector. |
Drinks/Beverages with meals |
| Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary. |
Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Entrances to the monuments of visit. |
|
Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only |
|
| Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing as per the itinerary at each city. |
|
All currently applicable taxes, including service tax |
|
|
Tour
Price |
|
| We
accept payment in US $ (US Dollars),
CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent
EURO (for clients outside North America).
Bestway
Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection.
Once full payment has been received, and no
modification has been made to the tour itinerary,
we will honour that rate.
For
complete payment procedures, please download
 Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe
Acrobat. |
HIGH SEASON VALID FROM January 01 TO April 30, 2012
| Hotel
Category |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Room Supplement |
| Option 1 |
US
$ 3785 |
US $ 1525 |
| Option 2 |
US $ 4875 |
US $ 1975 |
| Option 3 |
US $ 5225 |
US
$ 2250 |
Hotels
| City |
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 3 |
Mumbai |
Fariyas Hotel
(Standard Room) |
Taj President
(Executive Room) |
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
(Superior City View) |
Goa |
The O Resort
(Exeutive Room) |
Fort Aguada Beach Resort
(Superior with Sitouts) |
Taj Exotica
(Garden View) |
Gokarna |
Swaswara
(Garden Villa) |
Swaswara
(Garden Villa) |
Swaswara
(Garden Villa) |
Mangalore |
The Gateway Hotel
(Standard Room) |
The Gateway Hotel
(Standard Room) |
The Gateway Hotel
(Standard Room) |
Calicut |
The Gateway Hotel
(Standard Room) |
The Gateway Hotel
(Standard Room) |
The Gateway Hotel
(Standard Room) |
Cochin |
Casino Hotel
(Standard Room) |
The Gateway Hotel Marine Drive
(Standard Room) |
Taj Malabar
(Superior- Tower & Heritage Wing) |
Kumarakom |
Golden Waters
(Superior Cottage) |
Coconut Lagoon
(Bungalow) |
Taj Garden Retreat
(Cottages/Deluxe Room) |
Thekkady |
Muthoot Cardamom County (Periyar Cottage |
CM Tusker Trails
(Deluxe Room) |
Spice Village
(Standard Villa) |
Kovalam |
Uday Samudra Beach Hotel
(Exotica Attrium) |
Taj Green Cove Resort
(Superior Garden View) |
Taj Green Cove Resort
(Superior Garden View) |
|
Estimated
International Airfare - International
airfare is NOT included in this tour |
| Canada
- West Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
USA
- West Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Canada
- East Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
USA
- East Coast |
US
$ 1000 |
|
Participants |
| This
tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum
of 15 participants. |
Notes
|
Customised
Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates
other than the above ones or with a customised
itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy
to work out an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French,
German,
Italian and Spanish
speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com
or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of
U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844. |
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