12 NOV –  Fly USA to Mumbai

Remember that flights from the U.S. to Mumbai are overnight. You will need to depart by November 12th at the latest to arrive in time for our trip to begin.

13 NOV  - WELCOME TO INDIA! 

Welcome to Mumbai!  Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai is India's financial capital and a dynamic city of contrasts, with a melting pot of cultures, languages and cuisines.  Skyscrapers and historic colonial architecture blend with modern infrastructure. Its bustling streets are filled with a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and languages, reflecting the city’s status as a melting pot of diversity.

Transfer to the Novotel Mumbai Airport, which is just minutes away. Most flights arrive late in the evening.  This is a free day to help adjust to the time.

Mumbai, the vibrant heart of India, offers an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. The city's iconic landmarks, such as the Gateway of India and Haji Ali Dargah, provide a glimpse into its rich history and diverse architectural influences. From the bustling streets of Colaba to the tranquil beauty of the Hanging Gardens, Mumbai's contrasts captivate the senses. Whether savoring spicy street food, exploring colorful markets, or immersing themselves in Bollywood culture, you'll find Mumbai a fascinating and unforgettable destination.

Overnight at Novotel Mumbai Airport Hotel (2 Nights)

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a day of exploring the best of Mumbai, starting with the amazing Elephanta Island. A short ferry ride across Mumbai Harbor will transport us to this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate rock-cut sculptures and temples carved into caves dating back to the 5th to 8th centuries AD. The caves, with their verandas, pillars and chambers, all pay honor of Lord Shiva whose form is celebrated with a huge 18-foot statue in their midst.

Back in the city, we’ll have a City Tour before visiting the captivating Prince of Wales Museum. Designed in 1905, the complex is comprised of three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural history and includes fine examples of Indian silver and brass, jade and tapestries.  We’ll also delve into the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi at the small Mani Bhawan Museum before having our senses bombarded at the bustling and fabulous Crawford market.  Time permitting, we’ll also visit the set for the movie.

A true highlight comes this evening as we show off our best dance skills at a lively Bollywood Dance Class!  These trendy dances have exploded in popularity globally now, and your video dancing will surely impress your friends back home.  In the 90-minute class, we’ll learn some signature Bollywood moves you can perform back home as well.  After working up an appetite, we’ll enjoy a scrumptious Welcome Dinner featuring local cuisine to get to know our fellow travelers.

Overnight at Novotel Mumbai Airport hotel

We’ll have an early breakfast so we can catch our morning flight to Cochin (or Kochi), a city known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.”  Our first Instagramable stop will be at Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple to seek Hindu blessings from the temple elephant!

Midday, we check into the Fragrant Nature Kochi hotel overlooking Vembanad Lake. This beautiful property with its colonial architect has a pool as well as rooftop dining.

We’ll have some time to settle in before our afternoon sightseeing tour. Our exploration of Kochi includes St. Francis Church. Built by the Portuguese in 1510, it is the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. We’ll also tour the spectacular Mattancherry Palace, which the Portuguese built in 1555 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi.  The central hall was the Coronation Hall of the Rajas and contains dresses, turbans and palanquins and murals from Hindu mythology.

Kochi’s Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568 and contains historic scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script.  To soak in the rich history of this coastal region, our tour will end at the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, which are the only remaining evidence of the Chinese contacts of ancient times in the region.  Great photo ops here.  Our evening is free to enjoy Cochin.

Overnight Fragrant Nature Kochi (1 Night)

Our morning will be spent driving through the Kerala countryside to Periyar National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and we travel through jungles and fields.  Our home for the next two days is Greenwoods Resort, a beautiful property surrounded by lush, verdant forests.

This afternoon’s adventure includes a Jeep ride featuring a spice plantation tour as well as taking in panoramic views of Kerala. We’ll get a firsthand look at the harvesting of a wide array of spices. You'll even have the chance to sample cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and various medicinal plants. The fascinating process will help you understand why Kerala cuisine differs so markedly from other Indian cuisines. Be sure to stock up on bargains for the freshest coffees, teas and all your spice needs. They make great souvenirs.  The evening is yours to explore our wonderful resort.

Overnight:  Greenwood Resort (2 nights)

It’s time to get back to nature as we head into Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary for a short Nature Trek. It’s the perfect chance to observe local birds, butterflies, elephants and other wildlife through various habitats. The landscape is incredible and is comprised of moist deciduous and evergreen forests.

We’ll be back at the resort in time for lunch and a demonstration of the “Dosa” making process. These Indian crepes are delicious and will help satisfy our craving for traditional South Indian cuisine. Dosas are stocked with vegetables, meats and spices. It’s my favorite Indian meal for breakfast and lunch!

We are free after lunch for swimming or spas.  This evening, prepare to be fascinated by a Kalaripayattu Show – a demonstration of India’s ancient martial art. Originating in 300 BC, this sport is still famous in Kerala. It is not just for self-defense but also teaches you a sense of discipline in your daily life.

Overnight at Greenwoods Resort

We head out in the morning through the scenic countryside of Alleppey, arriving at our floating accommodations in the afternoon. Then, it’s time for one of the most amazing “cruises” you will ever experience as we embark on our converted rice barges or “Kettuvallam,” traveling through Kerala’s most unique region – canals, lakes and coves of the backwaters. Along the palm-fringed jungle, stops will be made at local villages.  Now converted to beautiful floating dwellings, these barges have everything we need, including our bedrooms and baths, a sundeck, open lounge, kitchenette and a full crew.

We’ll set off at lunchtime and be served a piping hot meal on board as we meander through the tranquil backwaters. This is such a peaceful experience as we leisurely float through the placid waters, passing palm-fringed canals, lakes and villages.  Dinner often includes fresh seafood and giant prawns prepared by our private chefs.

Overnight: Houseboat  (We will use a combination of 3, 4 or 5-bedroom houseboats)

We head back to Cochin for 2-hour drive.  Check in to the Fragrant Nature Hotel. But today is about getting a better understanding of the local artistry and customs.

We will visit the ancient Handloom Village where the best quality fabric in Kerala is produced. The famous Chendamangalam weavers are experts in producing authentic Kerala clothing such as the ‘set-mundu,’ a two-piece outfit, as well as the kasavu saree for weddings. Time permitting, will enjoy traditional Indian rickshaw rides through the narrow streets.

This evening, we’ll have a real treat as we watch the application of the intricate makeup for the Kathakali Dance Show and the performance itself. This 3000 year old dance is considered Kerola’s classical dance drama, complete with impressive mudras, graceful and rhythmic movements, and colorful imagery taken from Hindu Mythology. Not a single word of dialogue is spoken, but the story is told through dance and movement.

We’ll return to the hotel for our Farewell Dinner and toast our AFS friends goodbye from our most unique journey of a lifetime.

Overnight Fragrant Nature Kochi (1 Night)

We head back to Cochin for 2-hour drive.  Check in to the Fragrant Nature Hotel. But today is about getting a better understanding of the local artistry and customs.

We will visit the ancient Handloom Village where the best quality fabric in Kerala is produced. The famous Chendamangalam weavers are experts in producing authentic Kerala clothing such as the ‘set-mundu,’ a two-piece outfit, as well as the kasavu saree for weddings. Time permitting, will enjoy traditional Indian rickshaw rides through the narrow streets.

This evening, we’ll have a real treat as we watch the application of the intricate makeup for the Kathakali Dance Show and the performance itself. This 3000 year old dance is considered Kerola’s classical dance drama, complete with impressive mudras, graceful and rhythmic movements, and colorful imagery taken from Hindu Mythology. Not a single word of dialogue is spoken, but the story is told through dance and movement.

We’ll return to the hotel for our Farewell Dinner and toast our AFS friends goodbye from our most unique journey of a lifetime.

Overnight Fragrant Nature Kochi (1 Night)

Following breakfast, it is time to head back to the U.S. or on to your next adventure.  We’ll have one common group transfer to Kochi International airport for your flight to onward destination.