Explore the Treasures of Southern India
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Uncover the spirit of Southern India. A place where intriguing cultures, mouth-watering cuisine and rich history wait at every turn. Spark your creativity in dynamic Mumbai. Walk in the footsteps of the Nizam of Hyderabad, once the richest man in the world. Marvel at the distinctly French ambience of Puducherry, where the smell of freshly baked baguettes and kepi-hatted policemen are de rigueur. Learn the secrets behind one of India’s best-loved dishes. And be enchanted by life in one of the world’s great utopian communities, Auroville.
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
See All Abercrombie & Kent Tours of South Asia
Highlights
- Discover Mumbai’s vibrant history, art and culture on a walking tour
- Marvel at intricate rock carvings in the Ajanta and Ellora caves
- Learn the secrets behind a traditional Biryani in a culinary experience
- Witness life in one of the world's great utopian communities, Auroville
- See the sublime rock art in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Earn 1 Qantas Point* per $1 spent on this itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Mumbai
Welcome to Mumbai, the gateway to India, its financial hub and home to the prolific Bollywood film industry, one of the biggest in the world. Brimming with some of the country’s finest culinary hotspots, architecture and history, the city formerly known as Bombay captivates at every turn. Receive an A&K welcome and transfer privately to one of India’s most iconic the Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, set on the waterfront opposite the Gateway of India. Spend time and soak in your luxury accommodation or step out on your own to discover more of this pulsating city.
Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Palace (Luxury Grand Sea View)
Day 2
Mumbai
Embark on a guided walking discovery of this intriguing city and its rich colonial history. Starting from the Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea and intended to commemorate King George V, unpeel layers of history as you explore the Royal Mumbai Yacht Club, the Police Headquarters, and the City Museum. Navigate Mumbai’s vibrant art area, Kala Ghoda, filled with museums and galleries. Gaze up at the soaring Raja Bhai towers, the Big Ben of Mumbai, and hear chimes of old British tunes. Then take in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, an architectural masterpiece made famous by the movie Slumdog Millionaire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak up the lively vibe of the market over a delicious glass of Falooda (sweet milk-based drink), before lunch in the world-renowned Bombay Canteen specialising in regional local cuisine. Spend your afternoon your way. Relax in the luxury of your hotel, choose a half-day cruise to the 8th century Elephanta Caves in Bombay Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring various rock -cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva or explore more of Mumbai on a guided tour taking in the Hanging Gardens and the Jain Temple (additional charges).
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Palace (Luxury Grand Sea view)
Day 3
Mumbai – Aurangabad
Rise early to greet Mumbai by dawn. Witness the real Mumbai unfolding in the clamorous and chaotic Sassoon docks, see a fish auction of the famous Bombay Duck, and meet the local traders who keep the city running. End your tour on a cricket ground to learn how this game captured the hearts of billions. Return to your hotel for a sumptuous breakfast and morning at leisure. Later, enroute to the airport, stop at the famous Dhobi Ghat to observe the hundreds of laundrymen washing clothes. Fly to Aurangabad, gateway to the intriguing Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vivanta Aurangabad (Superior Charm Room)
Day 4
Aurangabad
Journey to the enchanting Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This series of 29 caves is carved out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora River. Marvel at the intricate Buddhist sculptures and frescos carved into solid rock as a beautiful depiction of the Buddha’s journey. Discover how these amazing caves, built by Buddhist monks using simple tools between 2nd century BC and 7th century AD, were rediscovered by British Officers on a hunting trip.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Vivanta Aurangabad (Superior Charm Room)
Day 5
Aurangabad – Hyderabad
Venture into the Ellora Caves. Dating back to the 4th and 9th centuries, the complex comprises 33 different cave temples, which are Hindu, Jain and Buddhist. Head to Cave 16 to see the headline act: Kailasa Temple. Carved into a single rock, this astonishing temple is the world’s largest monolithic sculpture and a true wonder to behold. This evening fly to the former princely city of Hyderabad and arrive at your luxury hotel, Taj Falaknuma Palace. Perched on a hill overlooking the city below, this original residence of the Nizams is one of the most remarkable sights of Hyderabad.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Taj Falaknuma Palace (Palace Room)
Day 6
Hyderabad
Discover Hyderabad at your own pace today. Once home to the richest man in the world, The Nizam of Hyderabad, and now a modern tech hub, the city offers an enthralling fusion of old and new. Take a tour of the graceful clusters and gardens at Qutub Shahi Tombs and the Golconda Fort, built between the 14th and 16th century and once famed for its diamond mines, or visit a weaving centre and learn about a revival of Persian brocades being undertaken by a soft-spoken octogenarian who has worked with Pierre Cardin, Hanne Mori and Fabindia (additional charges). Later this evening, with a glass of champagne in hand, enter the opulent world of the Nizams on a fascinating walk around the palace led by the hotel butlers.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Taj Falaknuma Palace (Palace Room)
Day 7
Hyderabad
Uncover the rich contrasts of this enthralling city on a guided walk. See the splendid palaces of Hyderabad’s Nizams, the bustling bazaars and Muslim monuments, including the stunning Jama Masjid and the famous symbol of the city the Charminar (four minarets). Spend the afternoon at leisure before and evening treat for your tastebuds with a culinary adventure. Weave through the aromatic stalls of the local spice and vegetable markets, before joining your host in her family kitchen to prepare your feast. Learn the closely-guarded secrets behind a traditional Hyderabadi Biryani, considered to be the world’s best biryanis, then enjoy your creation the South Indian way.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Taj Falaknuma Palace (Palace Room)
Day 8
Hyderabad – Puducherry
Transfer privately to the airport and fly to Union Territory of Puducherry, formerly Pondicherry and more affectionately Pondy. Arrive at your boutique hotel in the heart of this charming French colonial town, just metres from the seafront promenade with picturesque views of the Bay of Bengal. This afternoon, take in the ambience of the old French Quarter on a walking tour. Wander amongst an enthralling jumble of colonial-era mansions, quirky French style cafes and bohemian-chic boutiques. Step inside Sri Aurobindo Ashram and discover the thriving community established by one of India’s most remarkable figures, Bengali philosopher Aurobindo Ghose and a French woman called ‘The Mother’. At its centre under a tree-shaded courtyard lies the Samadhi, a white-marble shrine where their bodies are laid to rest.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palais de Mahe (Deluxe Room)
Day 9
Puducherry
Witness life in one of the world’s great utopian communities, Auroville, also known as the ‘City of Dawn’. An experimental township founded in 1968 just outside Puducherry, the community is home to people of 45 nationalities, who follow the teachings of The Mother, the late Mirra Alfassa. See the impressive Matrimandir, a huge golden globe used as a meditation centre and delve deeper into their philosophy. After lunch, stop off at Mohanam Cultural Centre, designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of South India. The work of a group of young men from the villages surrounding Auroville, it was established to bridge the gap between the old and the young, traditional and modern.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Palais de Mahe (Deluxe Room)
Day 10
Puducherry
Wake up in your delightful hotel and spend a full day exploring at your own pace. Stroll along the promenade overlooking the sea, relax in one of the many cafes or search out one of the unspoilt beaches that dot the coastline.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palais de Mahe (Deluxe Room)
Day 11
Puducherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai
Journey towards Chennai with an en route stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Explore this petite seaside village, once a major port of the ancient Pallava Dynasty. Be inspired by some of India’s most sublime rock-cut art, including Bhagiratha’s Penance, a bas-relief of animals, gods and saints sculpted over enormous rocks. Pause at the Shore Temple and marvel at the gardens designed according to ancient texts. Continue to Chennai, formerly Madras and home of the East India Company, and check in to your luxury accommodation.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Taj Connemara (Heritage Room)
Day 12
Chennai
Spend your morning exploring the cultural capital of South India at your own pace and what interests you. Take a peek into colonial Madras and discover the rich legacy of the buildings left by the British or walk into an Indian kitchen and take a journey through the cuisine of the south and learn the secrets of various spice blends (additional charge). Mid-afternoon head to Georgetown for a walking discovery of the narrow winding streets and by lanes, lively bazaars and remnants of Chennai’s colonial past, including Fort St George, built by the East India Company in 1640. Return to your hotel with a stop at Marina Beach in the evening when the beach comes alive with locals and stalls selling all manner of food and souvenirs.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Taj Connemara (Heritage Room)
Day 13
Depart Chennai
With your Southern Indian adventure at its end, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Twin Share Per Person: From $7,265
Solo Traveller: From $12,295
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
Important Terms
- Terms & Conditions apply.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
The Taj Mahal Palace
The history of Mumbai and The Taj Mahal Palace are dramatically intertwined. The hotel is Mumbai’s first harbour landmark (built 21 years before the Gateway of India) and the site of the first licensed bar in the city. For more than a century, the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the city, hosting Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. Today it is a Leading Hotel of the World and favourite destination for discerning travellers.
Whether you choose a room in the Palace or Tower, your accommodation is certain to be a remarkable blend of old-world elegance and modern facilities. Mixing traditional touches with stylish, contemporary design, all are decidedly upscale, in the style of a spacious luxury apartment. What’s more, all afford superb views.
The Taj Mahal Palace is also home to 44 generously appointed suites, each adorned with original paintings and period furniture to evoke the grandeur of another age. Combining contemporary and classic styles, the richly hued interiors exemplify luxurious living, a sense re-enforced by perfect service – personal butlers can be summoned at the touch of a button – attending to every request from check-in to departure.
Vivanta Aurangabad
Set amidst five acres of landscaped gardens, this 5-star palace-style hotel offers spacious comfort and exceptional service. Conveniently located, Vivanta Aurangabad is a gateway to World Heritage Sites such as the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
The guest rooms have all the contemporary comforts required, including 24×7 internet access, a fully-stocked minibar, television and a balcony with views of the pristine swimming pool or the hotel’s lush gardens. All rooms are decorated in a seamless blend of practical design and sleek elegance to make your stay at Vivanta Aurangabad a luxury affair.
The hotel has many drinking and dining options: enjoy Latitude’s multi-cuisine fare or sample Chinese tea and delicacies at The Tea House. Sip cocktails at Tease Bar and feast on the best Indian grill in town at Garden Café.
The Taj Garden Spa is the place to unwind, and for the active, there’s a fitness centre, swimming pool, walking track, croquet and mini golf.
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Taj Falaknuma Palace is also known as the ‘mirror of the sky’ because it was built in the clouds and reflects the ever-changing moods of the sky. Set in 32 acres and spread over 19,400 square metres, the Palace is one of the most remarkable sights of Hyderabad – this sumptuous palace hotel underwent a sensitive 10-year restoration.
The hotel is superb in every detail, from the stunning neo-classical façade to its 60 exquisite rooms and suites. Large Venetian chandeliers, rare furniture, grand marble staircases, priceless statues, and objets d’art reflect its palatial origins along with the stained-glass windows and the Palace Library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle and home to the rarest of manuscripts, books and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran in the country.
Palais de Mahe
A freshly crafted gem in the heart of Puducherry’s French Quarter, Palais de Mahe combines the flavours of Southern India with French flair. Resembling a charming French mansion, the luxury hotel is a lovely edition to the CGH Earth family owned hotel group and just steps away from the seaside promenade along the Bay of Bengal and the charming colonial villas of the French Quarter.
With high ceilings, arched doorways, tiled floors and deep verandahs throughout, the hotel boasts 18 spacious rooms with modern room appointments. Large free-standing four poster beds, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and tea-and-coffee making facilities come as standard.
The hotel also offers an inviting swimming pool within the courtyard – the perfect place to cool off. While the hotel’s Ayurveda centre is a must after a busy day of sightseeing. Only in Puducherry can you order a rich fusion of Indo-French cuisine, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than in the hotel’s rooftop restaurant Les Alice, complete with sea breeze and sweeping views.
Vivanta by Taj Connemara
As Chennai’s only heritage hotel, Vivanta by Taj – Connemara is an absolute standout. As the presidency of Madras became the metropolitan of Chennai, the iconic Connemara has been given a fresh new vibe by the Vivanta by Taj, without compromising its wonderful heritage style. The grand lobby is flanked by memories of a regal past, the refurbished grand wooden staircase is embellished with South Indian stonework, and a centuries-old brass statue of Shiva & Parvati stands to attention. The result is a luxury hotel that offers all the modern-day comforts in an opulent interior filled with stories.
Guest rooms are some of the largest and most spacious in the city, each designed to relive the glorious past with the right contemporary touches, including rain showers, LCD TVs and private bars. High windows and sit-outs offer a tranquil place to welcome the day and enjoy evening sundowners in privacy. But for true relaxation, head to the Jiva Spa for an indulgent treatment or take a dip in the outdoor pool.
The hotel has two main restaurants – The Raintree, an award-winning venue that serves authentic local Chennai recipes with a contemporary twist, and The Verandah, which will surprise your palette with a fusion of Anglo Indian cuisine. There’s also an elegant bar and lounge, mixing up cocktails in a traditional club atmosphere.
