FROM MUMBAI TO KANYAKUMARI
A cultural tour of India

This trip takes us from the Western Ghats to Malabar Coast.Mumbai the Cenrtre of Bollywood cinema, cricket on the Oval Maidan, promenading families eating bhelpuri on the Chowpatty beach. It's a city with vibrant street life and India's best nightlife.
Goa has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture its white Sand beaches, the architectural splendours of its churches, temples and the magnificent scenic beauty
Kerala is a land rich in ecological wonders, cultural wonders, and inhabited by some of the most friendly people in the world. A tour of the Malabar coast of South India gives you a chance to travel to some important temple towns of South India, In the natural environment of the Malabar Hills take you to the heart of the lush green forest that covers these hills. Enjoy nature at its best and the wide variety of birds and animals that inhabit these forests. relax on its coconut-fringed beaches.

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01-02 Mumbai (Bombay) 03 Mumbai / Goa 04 Goa 05 Goa / Gokarana 06 Gokarana 07 Gokarana / Mangalore 08 Mangalore / Calicut 09 Calicut 10 Calicut / Cochin 11 Cochin 12 Cochin / Kumarakom 13 Kumarakom 14 Kumarakom / Periyar 15 Periyar / Kovalam 16 Kovalam / Kanayakumari / Kovalam 17 Kovalam / Trivandrum / Home	Incredible !ndia

Day 01:- Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: - Hotel in Mumbai. (1 Night)

Day 02:- Mumbai
After breakfast we take an excursion to the world famous Elephanta Caves. Little is known about their origins, but they are thought to have been created between AD 450 and 750, when the island was known as Gharapuri (Place of Caves). The Portuguese renamed it Elephanta because of a large stone elephant near the shore. There is one main cave with a number of large sculptured panels, all-relating to Shiva. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurti (Triple headed) Shiva, where the god is depicted as destroyer, preserver, and creator. There are also figures of Shiva dancing the Tandava, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ravana shaking Kailasa, a scary carving of Shiva killing the demon Andhaka and one in which Shiva appears as Ardhanari (half lady), uniting both genders in one body. In the afternoon we tour Bombay city. With its beautiful natural harbor, studded with emerald islands and palm - fringed shore that rises gradually to the mountain peaks. Highlights of our tour include the Gateway of India- Mumbai’s most famous monument which was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism draws droves of local tourists and citizens. We also visit Hanging gardens, the bustling Crawford Market, Haji Ali Dargah - the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant who renounced all his worldly belongings before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The tomb itself is over 800 years old and throngs of worshippers paying respects to the remains that lie in an exquisite silver frame engraved with all the ninety-nine names of Allah. We then visit Dhobi Ghat – the world’s largest outdoor laundry & the Prince of Wales Museum followed by the Victoria Terminus – a recent addition to UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. (B, D)

Day 03:- Mumbai - Goa (Flight)
Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Goa. Arrive Goa and transfer to Hotel
Overnight: - Hotel in Goa (2 Nights) (B)

Day 04:- Goa
Goa- The former Portuguese enclave of Goa has a character quite distinct from the rest of the India. Although its renowned 'travelers scene ' and reliance on tourism has changed and shaped aspects of this tiny state in the past two decades, Goa offers much more than just the hedonism of sun, sand and sea. Despite four decades of liberation from Portuguese rule, Roman Catholicism remains a major religion, skirts far outnumbers saris, and Goans display an easygoing tropical indulgence, humor and civility. White washed churches, paddy fields, coconut -palm groves and crumbling forts guarding rocky capes make up the Goan landscape. Markets are lively, colorful affairs, siesta is widely observed during the hot afternoons, and there are feasts and festivities throughout the year. (B)

Day 05:- Goa - Gokarana (Drive 280 Km/6.30 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Gokarana. Arrive Gokarana and check in Hotel. Rest of the day is free.
Overnight:- Hotel In Gokarana ( 2 Nights) (B)

Day 06:- Gokarana
Gokarna is a sleepy, charming town with wooden houses on the main street and some attractive houses in nearby alleys. Gokarna derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear,’ this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous travellers must be prepared for a bit of cliff scrambling in this coastal town. Om beach, one of Gokarna’s five famed beaches, takes the shape of an ‘Om,’ a spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that protrude like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise. The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. (B)

Day 07:- Gokarana - Mangalore (Drive 190 Kms)
Today we drive to Mangalore. Mangalore district is a panorama of palm-fringed beaches,lush green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered by the soaring western ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea roaring along its western shores.With an important port,this coastal town is a major commercial centre. The lifeline of the district, the National Highway No 17 almost runs parallel to the sea for over 95 kms in the district. Nowhere does the distance between the highway and the sea exceed more than a few kilometers.
Overnight: - Hotel in Managalore (1 Night) (B)

Day 08:- Mangalore - Calicut (Drive 200 Kms)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Calicut. En-route we visit Bekal Fort. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester years. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature - lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past. On arrival at Calicut we check in to hotel.
Overnight: - Hotel in Calicut (2 Nights) (B)

Day 09:- Calicut
Calicut also famous as Kozhikode is the third largest city of Kerala. The place is famous as Vasco De Gama, first European to land on the Indian coasts, landed here in 1498 AD. A port city located amidst the lush green spice Plantations, Kozhikode takes you on a momentous journey through beautiful backwaters, picturesque beaches and ancient palaces. The prime attractions at Kozhikode are its numerous temples and mosques containing interesting sculptures and inscriptions. Famous among them are the Tali Temple, Thiruvannur Temple, Azhokodi Temple, Bhairagi Madam Temple Varakkal Temple and Bilathikulam Temple. (B)

Day 10:- Calicut - Cochin ( Drive 230 Km)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and check in Hotel. Evening Katkkali Dance Perfomance with Dinner.
Overnight:- Hotel in Cochin (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 11:- Cochin
Today we tour Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, with one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred to as the Venice of the East. We visit the oldest European Church in India "St. Francis Church". Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later. One can see the winding streets with mosques and 500 year old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community with ancient roots, a 16th century synagogue, and a palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Cochin. It was from 1795 until India's Independence, the outer part of the island and beach was under the British Colonial rule or political control, while the inner part was under the Kochi State and Raja of Travancore. Because of this division of political ruling, the harbor was not developed till around 1920 - 1923, when the approach channel was dredged to allow any ship that could pass through the Suez Canal to dock safely, thus opening the harbor to then so called 'modern shipping lines. (B)

Day 12:- Cochin-Kumarakom ( Drive 90 Km/ 2 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Kumarakom. Kumarakom- is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages.
Overnight:- Hotel in Kumarakom (2 Nights) (B)

Day 13:- Kumarakom
We start our tour with a boat ride to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those adventurous enough may indulge in water sports such as windsailing and water skiing. For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters. (B)

Day 14:- Kumarakom - Periyar (Drive 140 Km/3.30 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Periyar. We visit Periyar sanctuary; one of the most well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat.
Overnight:-Hotel in Periyar. (1 Night) (B)

Day 15:-Periyar - Kovalam
A scenic comfortable drive conveys us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories make this beach an incredible paradise.
Overnight: - Hotel in Kovalam. (2 Nights) (B)

Day 16:- Kovalam - Kanayakumari - Kovalam
We enjoy a visit to the "Lands End" of India: Kanniya Kumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch the sun set while the full moon is rising in another part of the sea. (B)

Day 17:- Kovalam - Trivandrum - Home
Today we drive to Trivandrum to connect our flight to Home.

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Jan 14, Feb 17, Mar 18, Apr 15, May 12, Jun 16, Jul 15, Aug 18, Sep 6, Oct 11, Nov 8 & Dec 6
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. International Airfare & Departure Taxes Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Travel Insurances & Visa Fees Domestic Air Fare for Mumbai/Goa sector. Drinks/Beverages with meals Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary. Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Entrances to the monuments of visit.   Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only   Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing as per the itinerary at each city.   All currently applicable taxes, including service tax
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Hotel Category Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Supp Oct-Dec 2010 First Class US $ 3075 US $ 1200 US $ 250 Superior US $ 3975 US $ 1575 US $ 325 Deluxe US $ 4275 US $ 1795 US $ 375 Hotels City First Class Superior Deluxe Mumbai The Ambassador (Executive Room) Taj President (Executive Room) The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower (Superior City View) Goa Cidade De Goa Beach Resort (Premium Room) Fort Aguada Beach Resort (Superior with Sitouts) Taj Exotica (Garden View) Gokarna Swaswara (Garden Villa) Swaswara (Garden Villa) Swaswara (Garden Villa) Mangalore The Gateway Hotel (Standard Room) The Gateway Hotel (Standard Room) The Gateway Hotel (Standard Room) Calicut The Gateway Hotel Beach Road (Standard Room) The Gateway Hotel Beach Road (Standard Room) The Gateway Hotel Beach Road (Standard Room) Cochin Casino Hotel (Standard Room) Taj Residency (Superior Room) Taj Malabar (Superior- Tower & Heritage Wing) Kumarakom Golden Waters (Superior Cottage) Coconut Lagoon (Bungalow) Taj Garden Retreat (Cottages/Deluxe Room) Thekkady Cardamom County (Periyar Cottage) CM Tusker Trails (Deluxe Room) Spice Village (Standard Villa) Kovalam Uday Samudra Beach Hotel (Exotica Attrium) Taj Green Cove Resort (Superior Garden View) Taj Green Cove Resort (Superior Garden View)
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1200
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.