Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1514800
Tailor Made India: Mysteries of the South
Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Journey into India's verdant southern landscapes, exploring extraordinary temple towns, spice villages and tropical coastal cities, all to discover a more languid and lush side of intoxicating India.
13 nights from $9,510 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made India: Mysteries of the South
Day 1 Chennai, India
Arrive in Chennai, set on the Bay of Bengal on India’s southeast coast, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel.
After a relaxing morning at leisure, set out with your private guide on a city tour of Chennai, beginning at Fort St. George. Built in 1640, the fort was the first bastion of the British East India Company in southern India; today, it houses the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. See St. Mary's Church, consecrated in 1680 and one of the oldest British buildings in India. Next, explore the National Art Gallery whose exhibits feature all major South Indian periods, including the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya. Continue to Kapaleeswara, a Shiva temple and the biggest in Chennai, noted for its beautifully carved gopuram (monumental tower). Stop at the peaceful Portuguese-built Santhome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas the Apostle, whose tomb is said to be beneath the basilica. A historic pilgrimage center built in Gothic style, its cool white spire rises 155 feet above the bustling city.
After breakfast, journey overland to visit the coastal town of Mahabalipuram to see its Group of Monuments, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Bhagiratha’s Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks that depicts life-size figures of animals, gods and saints, all watching the holy Ganges River flow from the Himalayas. Nearby, see its shallow mandaps (pillared halls), sculpted out of the rocky hillside and portraying stories of Indian mythology. Finally, stop at the Shore Temple, surrounded by gardens designed according to ancient texts. Return to Chennai, stopping for lunch on the way.
Fly to Trichy and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. Join your private guide for a tour of this thriving riverfront city in the heart of Tamil Nadu. Visit Srirangam, famous for its massive Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, which has 49 separate shrines dedicated to Vishnu and is so large it feels like its own city. You also view the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcropping that towers over the old city. Continue to Thanjavur, former capital of the Chola Dynasty.
The Cholas were great temple builders, and Thanjavur bears witness to this with its 74 temples. Today, you visit its most famous, the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, stop by an art gallery to view its extraordinary collection of antique bronze statues. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
After breakfast, journey overland to Chettinad, ancestral homeland of the Chettiars. Home to wealthy business tycoons who made their livelihood in Burma during the last century, the area is renowned for its mansions and rich, distinctive cuisine. See these extraordinary homes with their teak pillars and marble detailing. After lunch, continue to Madurai, where you check in to your hotel. This evening, visit Meenakshi Temple to witness a pooja ceremony, in which an idol of Shiva is carried in a colorful procession accompanied by musicians.
Join your private guide for an early morning walking tour of Madurai. Discover equal parts legend and history as you wander through this ancient Tamil capital. Return to your hotel for breakfast before exploring Madurai’s great 17th-century Meenakshi Amman Temple. The largest temple complex in southern India, and as significant to the region’s architectural legacy as the Taj Mahal is to northern India, this 15-acre complex is a joyful homage to Shiva and the triple-breasted goddess, Meenakshi.
After breakfast, travel overland into the state of Kerala to Periyar, checking in to your accommodation on arrival. Your journey takes you into the Western Ghats, a lush mountain range that rises parallel to India’s Arabian Sea coast. Later, visit a local spice plantation, where you enjoy the sights and smells of fresh spices and learn about their cultivation process.
After a leisurely breakfast, descend a dramatic escarpment as you journey overland to the village of Kumarakom. Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant in Kanjirappally, a gateway to Kerala’s hill country. Upon arrival, check in to your beautiful lakefront hotel.
Today, visit several traditional villages near Kumarakom, accompanied by a specialized guide. Interact with villagers as you learn about traditional crafts and agricultural practices such as toddy tapping, climbing coconut trees, weaving coconut leaves and fishing.
After a morning at leisure, board a traditional houseboat for a day cruise on the beautiful backwaters surrounding Kumarakom. Glide through canals and lagoons shaded by coconut palms and pass sleepy rural villages. You are treated to a lunch of local specialties as you cruise. Disembark this evening and journey overland to Kochi, where you check in to your hotel.
Rise early this morning for a walking tour of Kochi, exploring local markets, taking a ferry ride, and observing fishermen at work. Savor a traditional south Indian breakfast. Spend the day exploring the tropical coastal city of Kochi, where you discover an intriguing mix of cultural influences. Visit one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in India, decorated with blue ceramic Chinese tiles and surrounded by an aromatic spice market. See the story of Ramayana depicted in the wonderful murals at charming Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and visit St. Francis Church, both of which were erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century. At the entrance of Kochi harbor, see the cantilevered fishing nets brought from southern China by traders — a testament to the centuries-old link between these regions. Tonight, visit Greenix Theater for a performance by the extravagantly costumed Kathakali dancers.
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
FULL DAY
MARVELS OF MUMBAI
Proceed to Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark –an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure. You will make a stop here for photographs.
See the highlights of the city from the comfort of your minivan as you set off for a tour of Mumbai city. Your tour begins with the Gateway of India (PLEASE STOP FOR A WHILE SO THE GUEST CAN TAKE PHOTO), the city's most famous landmark - an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure.
Continue through Marine Drive, Mumbai's seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. This hill is Mumbai's ritziest neighborhood. Popular since the 18th century because of its forested slopes, fresh sea breezes and panoramic views, merchants and colonial governors built many mansions and bungalows on its hillsides.
Your drive includes a look at a most remarkable railway station. Inspired by St. Pancras Station in London, the Victoria Terminus was built during Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee year. It is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets in a style that was described by journalist James Cameron as "Victorian-Gothic-Saracenic-Italianate-Oriental-St. Pancras-Baroque". The first train in India left from this station in April 1853; today half a million commuters use the station every day.
Depart to Church Gate Station and spend some time watching the dabba-wallahs, the members of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association. Every day 4,000 of them deliver fresh, home-cooked food from 100,000 suburban kitchens to offices in the downtown area. Each lunch is prepared by a loving wife or mother, and packed into a set of stackable aluminum boxes. The meals are carried to their hungry recipients dangling from shoulder-poles and bicycle handlebars, and stacked on decorated handcarts. Tins are rarely, if ever, lost, and always find their way home again to be washed up for the next day’s lunch.
Even if you are not possessed of an interest in other people’s dirty laundry, you’ll be fascinated by the dhobi ghats, your next stop. Each morning washing from all over Mumbai is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten, and thrashed. The next day, after being aired, pressed, folded and wrapped, the bundles are returned from whence they came. The secret that keeps the operation running smoothly is the coded symbol that each dhobi-wallah places on every item. Invisible to the untrained eye, this mark ensures that nothing will be lost. Stop here for photos that you’ll never be able to duplicate anywhere else.
Proceed for Taj Mahal Hotel for Lunch on direct payment basis.
You will continue to The Prince of Wales Museum, crowned by a white Mughal-style dome, the finest work done by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India.
Return to pier.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE & TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 09h30 – 11h00 | Orientation tour of Mumbai, Gateway of India, Malabar Hill and VT Station. | This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 11h00 – 11h20 | Proceed to Churchgate station | ||
| 11h20 – 11h40 | Watch the Dabba-wallas at Churchgate | 10 meters / even | |
| 11h40 – 12h15 | Drive to Dhobi Ghat | ||
| 12h15 – 12h45 | Visit Dhobi Ghat | 100 meters / Flat / 5 steps | |
| 12h45 – 13h15 | Drive to Taj Mahal Hotel for lunch on direct payment basis | ||
| 13h15 – 14h15 | Lunch at Taj Mahal Hotel | 150 meters / Flat / 4 steps | |
| 14h15 – 15h30 | Drive to Prince of wales Museum and visit | ||
| 15h30 – 16h00 | Return to pier | 50 meters / Uneven |
HALF DAY MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI
HALF DAY
MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI
Explore the history, art and people of Mumbai and India during this informative half-day visit to the area's finest museums and galleries.
Depart from pier for the drive to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi's Bombay residence between 1917 and 1934. Mani Bhawan is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. It contains a research library of more than 20,000 volumes, and a series of tiny dioramas depicting his life story in an interesting fashion. The walls are covered with photos of historic events and noteworthy people.
Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, easily recognized by its unique white Mughal-style dome. The museum is the finest work by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India. It houses interesting displays of jade work, antique weapons, Indian paintings, illustrated manuscripts, exquisite miniatures, and clay and terracotta figures from the 3rd century B.C. Adjacent to Prince of Wales Museum, you will find the Jehangir Art Gallery. Mumbai's best-known venue for contemporary art, Jehangir is home to five small galleries displaying changing exhibits of 20th century arts and crafts from around the world.
Return to pier.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE / TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 – 00h30 | Pier to Mani Bhawan | This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 00h30 – 01h00 | Arrive and visit Mani Bhawan | 20 steps/ Uneven Terrain | |
| 01h00 – 01h30 | Leave for Prince of Wales Museum | ||
| 01h30 – 02h30 | Arrive and visit Prince of Wales Museum | 50 steps/flat Terrain | |
| 02h30 – 02h35 | Walk down to adjacent Jahangir Art Gallery | ||
| 02h35 – 03h20 | Arrive and visit Jahangir Art Museum | 15 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 03h20 – 04h00 | Back to pier |
FULL DAY THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA
FULL DAY
THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA
More than a thousand years ago, Hindu craftsmen carved columns and sculptures out of a series of caves located on an island off the shores of Mumbai, creating a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Portuguese named the island Elephanta, after the large statue of an elephant they found near the spot where they docked their ships. Come and discover the unique beauty and intriguing tales of these temple caves with today’s memorable excursion.
Travel by minivan vehicle to the Gateway of India, the city’s most recognized landmark. Built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, the archway was originally conceived as an entry point for people arriving on steamers from England. Today, the gateway serves as a launching point for your own exploration of the Elephanta Temple.
Boarding a motor boat, enjoy the approximately one hour and thirty minutes cruise to the Elephanta landing. From the jetty you have the option of either taking the mini train or walking approximately 15 minutes to the base of the long stairway which leads to the top of the hill, where the caves are located. As you enter, you will see a magnificent sculpture of Shiva as Nataraj, showing an enraptured expression as he removes the veil of ignorance. The most outstanding sculpture is a bust of Trimurti—the three-faced Shiva representing the Hindu trinity, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. In other panels, Shiva is depicted in service to humanity as he brings the River Ganges to Earth, and at his most fearsome as he crushes the demon of Andhaka. Later, board the motor boat for return cruise to the Gateway.
Re-board your vehicle for the transfer back to your ship.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE & TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 - 00h15 | Depart from the pier by minivan to the Gateway of India | This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 00h15 - 01h45 | Board the motor boat and cruise to Elephanta Island | ||
| 01h45 - 03h45 | Arrive and visit Elephanta Island | 1.5km / Uneven, cobblestones / 125 long steps each way | |
| 03h45 - 05h15 | Board your motor boat and return to Mumbai | ||
| 05h15 – 05h30 | Return to the pier |
Experience the highlights of this fascinating city, with its Western monuments and Eastern sensibilities.
Begin your tour with photo stop at the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.
Next visit, The Church of St John the Evangelist better known as Afghan Church in South Mumbai, built by the British to commemorate the dead of the disastrous First Afghan War of 1838. The church is located in Navy Nagar in the Colaba area of Mumbai. Besides British soldiers it also commemorates different Indian regiments, such as the Bombay Army, the Madras Army, and Ranjit Singh's army from Lahore.
Drive along Marine Drive-Mumbai’s seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill, Mumbai’s ritziest neighborhood. At the top of hill are the Hanging Gardens, laid out in 1881. Here, an assortment of hedges, trimmed into animal shapes. The gardens also offer a superb view of the bustling city centre in the distance.
You then proceed to Bhau Daji Lad Museum (formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum) one of the oldest museums in Mumbai. It was established in 1855 as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. The museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai.
You then visit, Crawford Market - one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. It is named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city. The market is situated near to Victoria Terminus railway station. The market houses a wholesale fruit, vegetable and poultry market.
Finally, visit and savor a relaxing lunch while exploring the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which dates back to the 1500s before returning back to the ship.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE / TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 – 00h10 | Leave from pier to Gateway of India | This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 00h10 – 00h15 | Arrive at Gateway of India (photo stop only) | 10 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 00h15 – 00h30 | Leave for Afghan Church | ||
| 00h30 – 01h00 | Arrive and visit Afghan Church | 4 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 01h00 – 01h30 | Leave for Hanging Gardens | ||
| 01h30 – 02h00 | Arrive and visit Hanging Gardens | 2 steps/ Uneven Terrain | |
| 02h00 – 02h15 | Leave for Victoria & Albert Museum | ||
| 11h15 – 12h00 | Arrive and visit Victoria & Albert Museum | 5 steps/ Uneven Terrain | |
| 03h00 – 03h15 | Leave for Crawford market | ||
| 03h15 – 03h45 | Arrive and visit market | Uneven Terrain | |
| 03h45 – 03h15 | Leave for hotel Taj Mahal | 10 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 04h15 – 05h45 | Arrive at hotel and proceed for lunch (On Direct Payment) | ||
| 05h45 – 06h00 | Back to pier |
Mumbai, Shore Excursion - 4 hours
You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.
You will first explore the Fort area of Mumbai – Kala Ghoda, literally Black Horse – a neighborhood in South Mumbai. The crescent-shaped precinct is the city’s premier art district. You will drive past a large number of the city’s heritage buildings, full of museums, art galleries and educational institutions like the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (previously called the Prince of Wales Museum) and The Arts Trust.
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.
Stop for a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant before you return to the port area.
Inclusions:
Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, Private guide, Complimentary Soft beverages and Bottled water in the car, Monument entrance and still camera fee, Meet and Assist at all airports and hotels, Porterage at airports, All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions:
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry,telephone calls etc, unless specified) Tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), Meals (unless specified), Any insurance or Visa, Any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, Air fare is quoted separately.
*Terms and conditions apply
Mumbai, Shore Excursion - 6 hours
You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.
Your first stop will be to take pictures at Dhobi Ghat, a sight unique to this city. ‘Dhobi Ghat’ or “washerfolks’ place”, is the world's largest outdoor laundry, and where Mumbai's traditional washer-folk - or dhobis - provide a wonderful service, collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly pressed, all for a very small fee.
Drive to Churchgate Station where you get the opportunity to see the famed ‘dabbawallas’ or ‘lunch box carriers’ in action. The Mumbai dabbawallas are international figures now, thanks to Forbes Global. The Forbes story details the efficiency with which they deliver the dabbas or lunch pails of their customers. Around 5,000 dabbawallas collect and deliver 175,000 lunches every day and take the empty boxes back. Their operation has a six sigma rating which implies less than 3.4 errors in every million transactions. This is the same rating that has made companies like Motorola and GE world famous for their quality!
Later you will visit Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, a structure steeped in Indian history and culture. Built in Renaissance revival style in 1872 as the Victoria & Albert Museum, it contains 3,500-plus objects centering on Mumbai’s history. This landmark building was renovated in 2008.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before you continue on your tour.
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.
You will then return to the port area.
Inclusions: Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, private guide, complimentary soft beverages and bottled water in the car, monument entrance and still camera fee, meet and assist at all airports and hotels, porterage at airports, all current applicable taxes.
Exclusions: Expenses of any personal nature (laundry, telephone calls etc, unless specified), tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), meals (unless specified) any insurance or Visa, any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, air fare is quoted separately.
*Terms and conditions apply
Cochin: Highlights - 7.5 hours
9AM- 10:30AM
Disembark the ship drive for 45 minutes to Tripunithura and visit the Hill Palace which was the official residence of the Cochin Royal family built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and in surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park. A fully fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage Museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside are 19th century paintings, murals sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.
Cooking demonstration and lunch can be arranged at a local home ( on direct payment basis)
2PM- 4PM
In the afternoon, before returning to the ship which is towards the Silk Route trading post of Fort Cochin, these days a `Heritage Zone’. Beginning with the Chinese and Arabs in the 13th century, the Portuguese arrived in 1500 A.D. followed by the domination of the Dutch and British. See St. Francis Church originally built in 1510 and the first to reflect European influenced tradition. Portuguese hero Vasco Da Gama died on the site and was buried in the cemetery.
At Matancherry, there’s the Dutch Palace built in 1557 by the Portuguese as a gift for the Maharaja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. The Palace houses royal costumes, palanquins, furniture and weapons but its striking feature is a series of murals painted on wooden walls. Later, stop by the Pardesi synagogue, at the heart of what is locally called Jew town. (Closed for a visit on Fridays and Saturday)
4PM - 4:30PM Thereafter return to the pier.
Added Value:
- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No
Closing dates : Fridays - Dutch Palace in Mattancherry and Fridays & Saturdays – Jewish Synagogue.
Inclusions:
- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Credit card and bank charges.
- All the prevailing taxes.
Mahabalipuram, an ancient seaport of India's medieval Pallava dynasty (circa 300-900), lies south of Chennai. The Pallavas left behind an astonishing heritage of Dravidian architecture in the form of huge monuments carved out of solid rock.
The Shore Temple close to the beach is remarkable: a twin-towered structure within a courtyard that's surrounded by a wall topped with rows of sitting bulls.
Equally impressive is Arjuna's Penance and the Descent of the Ganges, a huge bas-relief carved from one enormous monolithic rock between 670 and 715.
Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the capital of the great state Tamil Nadu and is one of four metropolitan cities in India. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted. Chennai, is a journey into timeless India, rich in historical treasures, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces. Chennai is also host to some cultural theatres that showcase various India traditional dances and plays on a regular basis. Chennai is also the center of the film industry in South India.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.