Introduction to Southern India

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Mumbai, Kochi (Cochin), Backwaters of Kerala

This private tour is a great introduction to Southern India. 

Begin in exciting Mumbai (Bombay), the economic capital of India and the home of the Bollywood film industry. During private touring, explore the lively food and art scene, walk along the waterfront, visit the most interesting neighborhoods to browse boutiques or stop in cafes, visit Crawford Market, tour top cultural attractions such as Prince of Wales Museum and UNESCO-listed Victorian architecture, walk through bazaars dedicated to flowers and jewelry, tour contemporary art galleries or see Dhobi Ghat, a famous open-air laundry. Upon request, we can also arrange Jewish touring or in-depth culinary touring [Remove for culinary tour.] in Mumbai. One day, take a private boat ride to Elephant Island and the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO-listed site of rock-cut Hindu cave temples. Artisans of Leisure can also make reservations at Mumbai’s top restaurants or tickets for Bollywood shows.

Next, fly to Kochi (Cochin), an evocative harbor town in the state of Kerala that stretches across islands and peninsulas on the edge of the Arabian Sea. During private touring, experience the city’s rich history as a major port for Portuguese, British, Dutch, Chinese and Jewish traders. Walk through historic Fort Kochi, and see highlights such as St. Francis Church, Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. Perhaps browse for antiques at local boutiques, or peruse fragrant spice shops. One evening, enjoy a performance of Kathakali dance, a local art form involving colorful makeup, elaborate costumes and stylized movements.

Then, transfer to a waterfront resort in Kumarakom, the perfect base for exploring the Backwaters of Kerala, a vast network of lagoons, canals and lakes. One day, take a leisurely private cruise through the picturesque backwaters past palm trees and rice paddies, and see villagers going about their daily lives. Also enjoy ample time to relax at your resort, and perhaps indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, a specialty of southern India.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world