Itinerary Details

Vanakkam and welcome to Chennai.
The British turned a strip of local villages into India’s major southern city, leaving an eclectic blend of architecture and a fine example of Indo – Saracenic Victorian construction which they called Madras (Chennai)
Upon arrival at the Chennai Airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transferred to your hotel Taj Connemara which is located in the heart of the city, the art deco once belonged to a local Nawab. This symbolic hotel has been carefully restored to its premier status with influences inspired by the past and present.

Overnight: Taj Connemara

Chennai

Itinerary Details

Early this morning, we begin our exploration of the city of Chennai. There is no better way to know a place than to walk around on foot taking in the sights and smells. We visit Mylapore markets as our guide peels off the layers of dust into a living history, museum and a repository of the culture and heritage of Mylapore. We will also make a stop at the famous 9th century Kapaleeshwar temple and its beautiful tank monuments.
Further we learn about the well-preserved architectural legacy of the colonial period in Chennai including Fort St. George, St. Andrew’s Kirk and The Church of St Mary, the first Anglican Church in Asia. We will visit Presidency College, a fine example of mid-19th century Indo – Saracenic architecture.

Overnight: Taj Connemara

Chennai

Itinerary Details

With an early start today, your onward journey takes you to Port Blair (capital of Andaman) by flight. You will be driven to Chennai airport to board the flight to Port Blair.
On arrival at Port Blair Airport, you will be met and assisted by the hotel representative and transferred to the boarding point for the ferry. The journey to Havelock Islands by ferry will take approximately 2.5 hours. On arrival at Havelock, you will be received and driven to your luxurious hotel by car.
With breathtakingly beautiful coastline, lush forested interior, fantastic diving possibilities and a far-flung location, the Andaman Islands are a perfect place to ramble around or simply rest on sun-toasted beaches.
The day is at leisure to relax and unwind in the beautiful settings.

Overnight : Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Port Blair

Itinerary Details

Days are at leisure to enjoy independent activities/ hotel facilities

Overnight : Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Port Blair

Itinerary Details

Following breakfast today, you will be driven back to the ferry boarding point at Havelock from where you will board the ferry to reach Port Blair.

On arrival at Port Blair, you will be driven to the airport to board your flight to Cochin.

Cochin is an attractive town with a rich history and culture. It has been a trading port since at least Roman times when it was on the main trade route between Europe and China, and is still orientated around the bay whose neck is lined with the enormous cantilevered cheenavalas (Chinese fishing nets). The town has had a Jewish community since at least the 6th century, and has been occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British before independence.

For next three days Taj Malabar will be your home, a jewel nestled in Cochin’s exquisite beauty, Taj Malabar, will enchants you with its lovely old-world charm.

Overnight : Taj Malabar

Andaman

Itinerary Details

Head down to the harbour and watch the local fishermen expertly handling the Chinese fishing nets. Discover the different colonial influences during your tour of Fort Cochin, then visit Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Synagogue.
Explore the beautify of harbour and the laid back world of Kerala and let your cares drift away as you soak up the setting sun while sipping your tea.

Overnight : Taj Malabar

Cochin

Itinerary Details

Today we will cruise through the fabled backwaters – the undisputed highlight of the region. One can watch tiny, colorful towns on the banks that typically export coconut-husk products, and fishing villages, while being surrounded by tall coconut trees, as we pass by.
The evening will see us enjoying a Kathakali dance performance; a stylized classical Indian dance-drama originated in 17th century and is noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion!

Overnight : Taj Malabar

Cochin

Itinerary Details

With a relaxed start to the day, we will be transferred to the Cochin airport for your flight to Mumbai, described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the Mother of Cities’, Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India’s bustling financial and entertainment city, a place that attracts thousands of people every day seeking fame and fortune.
On arrival, you will be met by our local representative and driven to your luxury accommodation.  We are staying at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel.  Few hotels in the world embody old-world glamor quite like this hotel

Overnight : Taj Mahal Palace

Itinerary Details

After breakfast, we will tour Fort Mumbai, the historic downtown area that is rich with imposing colonial architecture. We will concentrate on the Kala Ghoda area, which is replete will fine examples of Victorian Gothic architecture.  We will stop at the extraordinary Victoria Terminus, a World Heritage Monument built in 1878.
We will then drive to Churchgate Station to see the “Dabbawalas”.  Every morning, 5,000 men collect 200,000 “Dabbas” (home cooked lunch boxes) from homes of office workers in the suburbs and then deliver them to their offices in time for lunch.  This system, which has been praised by many, including Prince Charles, Richard Branson and the Harvard Business School, is a perfect example of the organized chaos for which India is well-known.

Overnight : Taj Mahal Palace

Mumbai

Itinerary Details

Following breakfast this morning, your chauffeur will drive you to Mumbai airport to board your flight to Hyderabad.

Once one of India’s richest princely states, Hyderabad is renowned as the source of the magnificent Koh –I –Noor diamond as well as its notoriously pleasure – loving nizams.

Your home for next three days will be Taj Falaknuma Palace which means ‘mirror of the sky’ a jewel amongst the clouds. The former palace of the Nizam, rumored to be the richest man in the world at one time.

Overnight : Taj Falaknuma Palace

Hyderabad

Itinerary Details

The day begins when you meet your tour guide to proceed on an exploratory heritage tour of the city of Nizams. Begin with a visit to the Golconda Fort, Hyderabad’s most impressive sight, this monumental fort lies on the western edge of town. The later part of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight : Taj Falaknuma Palace

Hyderabad

Itinerary Details

Today after a relaxed breakfast, visit the bazaars and buildings around the Charminar, the city’s signature landmark with your guide.
Hyderabad’s principal landmark and city symbol was built by Mohammed QuliQutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad and the end of epidemics caused by Golconda’s water shortage. The gargantuan four-column, 56m-high structure has four arches facing the cardinal points, with minarets atop each column. It’s certainly an impressive sight, but prepare yourself for the glamour and chaos of the bazaars surrounding it.
You also have an option to enjoy a stroll through the bustling lanes and find out more about the offerings of this remarkable place.
The later part of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight : Taj Falaknuma Palace

Hyderabad

Itinerary Details

It is the last day of the main tour and it’s time to go home, unless you choose to extend your stay in Hyderabad. Legend has it, that the elements of South India have a magical power and bring people back.