Heritage & Beach Tour

Duration of Trip : 09 Nights & 10 Days
Key Places Covered : Mumbai, Cochin, Goa, Mumbai.

Day 01: Mumbai Arrival

Juhu Beach, Mumbai

Arrive at Mumbai and the Compass Representative will welcome you at the airport. Proceed to the hotel close to the airport for relaxation.

Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.

Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumbai" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.

Overnight will be at Mumbai.

Day 02: Mumbai - Cochin
By Flight (morning)

Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport in time for flight to Cochin.

The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.

Reach and proceed to the hotel.

Enjoy the scenery of the harbour from the hotel and relax. In the evening proceed for the KATHAKALI DANCEPRESENTATION with the make up session.

Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 03: Cochin

Proceed for the city sightseeing after breakfast at hotel.
A few interesting sites included in the tour are:

Jewish Synagogue, Cochin

Chinese fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.

The Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. are also nice for sightseeing. Take a boat ride and visit BOLGATTY PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND.

In the early evening proceed for a private harbor cruise. Enjoy watching the dolphins, the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy the sunset.

Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 04: Cochin

Proceed to the jetty after breakfast.

Board a traditional boat of Kerala and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake. Discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch in the boat. A canal cruise is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.

Reach Aleppey which is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. This place remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.

Drive back to Cochin and transfer to hotel. Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 05: Cochin - Goa
By flight (morning)

Baga Beach, Goa

Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Goa.

Goa, variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India which is also known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world. Nestled on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharasthra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar Districts of Karnataka, and on the west by Arabian Sea.

Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on 19th of December 1961 and became a Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On 30th of May 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

Proceed to the hotel and during the day relax at the beach.

Day 06: Goa

After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of Goa.

Situated on the Mandovi River, it still shows a strong Portuguese heritage in its plazas, cathedrals and architecture. Although it is best known for its 65 miles/105 km of magnificent, palm tree - lined beaches along the Arabian Sea, Goa has other attractions of significance. Among them are the Portuguese Catholic Church of Old Goa and the Basilica of Bom Jesus (most of the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is exhibited there on occasion.) The tour includes visits to Mapusa town, Mayem Lake, Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute beaches and Fort Aguada in North Goa and the South Goa tour covers Old Goa Churches - Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Margao, Colva and Mormugao.

Return in the late afternoon and relax by the pool or the beach.
Overnight will be resort in Goa.

Day 07: Goa

Breakfast will be at the resort.

Enjoy the beach next to your resort. You can also hire a cycle for some village exploration or go for a dolphin tour or a picnic in a secluded beach.

Overnight will be at Goa.

Day 08: Goa - Mumbai
By Flight (midday)

Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Mumbai.

Reach and check in at the hotel in the centre of the city with view of the Arabian Sea.
In the evening proceed to the Chowpatty Beach for some local flavour.

Chowpatty beach is situated at the end of Marine Drive and has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty like the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions.

Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk, Mumbai

Overnight will be at Mumbai.

Day 09: Mumbai

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing of the city. Visit among other interesting places the following:

Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.

Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.

Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city was erected in 1869 in honor of a British Governor of Bombay. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus' of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.

Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station): At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage of over 1500 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolize progress.

Mumbai High Court: An attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.

Rajabai Clock Tower: It is situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately decorated stories the tower is 280ft in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.

Enjoy the hotel in the late afternoon and relax during the evening. Overnight will be at Mumbai.

Day 10: Mumbai - Home

Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to the airport after last minute shopping for your flight to the next destination.

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Client Speaks

Joco & Mike
03rd September 2009
On behalf of Gill and I this is to say a big thank you for a great vacation. rohit and the team in Delhi did a good job in managing the tour. The organisation and service was excellent and everything went without a hitch. I would like to make special mention of ricky...» Read more

Heritage & Beach Tour

Luxury India Tour

Family Holidays

Romantic Honeymoon

Nature & Wildlife Tours

Spa & Ayurveda

India Golden Triangle

Beach Holidays

Adventure Tours

Cultural & Heritage Tours

First Timer Tours India

Pilgrimage Tours India

North India Tours

South India Tours

Client Speaks

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