Signature India: Highlights of Southern India (2007 / 10 Days) October 11- 20, 2007

Days 1-2: USA or Canada / Mumbai, India  
Depart on a flight to Mumbai (Bombay).

Day 3: Mumbai  
Your room is available for immediate occupancy. After a morning at leisure, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, the Gateway of India overlooking the harbor, and the Dhobi Ghat, a unique and colorful outdoor laundry. Then drive up Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park. Back in the city, visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Tonight join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Hotel Taj Mahal B, L, D

Day 4: Mumbai / Madurai  
Fly to Madurai, where afternoon sightseeing includes the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thousand Pillar Mandapam and Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. Hotel Taj Garden Retreat B, L, D

Day 5: Madurai  
A full day of exploration in Chettinad, just west of the Bay of Bengal, with a visit to the home of the Rajah of Chettinad. Hotel Taj Garden Retreat B, L, D

Day 6: Madurai / Periyar 
Drive to Periyar this morning, to glide slowly through an animal-rich jungle environment on an afternoon cruise on Lake Periyar. Hotel Spice Village B, L, D

Day 7: Periyar / Kumarakom  
Travel by road through beautiful rubber and spice plantations to Kumarakom and your "hidden" hotel. Hotel Coconut Lagoon B, L, D

Day 8: Kumarakom  
After an early morning visit to the Bird Sanctuary, visit the Spice Plantation and have lunch with a local family. Hotel Coconut Lagoon B, L, D

Day 9: Kumarakom / Cochin  
Transfer by boat to Alleppey for a glimpse of Kerala's village lifestyle, then continue to Cochin, India's first European settlement. This evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Hotel Brunton's Boat Yard B, L, D

Day 10: Cochin  
Tour Cochin's Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Hotel Brunton's Boat Yard B, L, D

Day 11: Cochin / Mumbai/ USA or Canada  
Fly to Mumbai and transfer to your hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. The Taj Mahal Hotel B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AN UPGRADE:

• A Mansion room at the Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom
• A Deluxe sea-facing suite at Brunton's Boat Yard in Cochin

This program contains some active elements and a minimum level of fitness is required.