INCREDIBLE SOUTHERN INDIA

Welcome to Mumbai!

For guests arriving today by air, check in this afternoon to your luxury hotel and enjoy your afternoon at leisure

Cochin

Arrive into Cochin from Mumbai by flight. Start with sightseeing of Cochin City visiting the Church of St. Francis – the First European Church in India where Vasco de Gama was buried in 1524. His body was later exhumed and moved to Portugal.

Next, visit the Mattancherry Palace locally known as the Dutch Palace and built by the Portuguese in 1555. The murals here are beautiful and depict Hindu Mythology in typical temple style.

Visit to the Jewish Synagogue and settlement – the Synagogue was built in 1568 and has exquisite ChineseTiles,BelgianChandeliers and ancient Scrolls of the Old Testament. Continue sightseeing visiting Mattacherry Palace locally known as the Dutch Palace and built by the Portuguese in 1555. Also the furniture and antique market near the Jewish part is very interesting and worth spending some time browsing.

This evening, enjoy a photo opportunity at the Chinese Fishing Nets, best at sunset.

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa Cochin

Cochin Today, enjoy a Full day backwater cruise with lunch on private houseboat

Hampi, India – Hampi is an ancient village in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It’s dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. On the south bank of the River Tungabhadra is the 7th-century Hindu Virupaksha Temple, near the revived Hampi Bazaar. A carved stone chariot stands in front of the huge Vittala Temple site. Southeast of Hampi, Daroji Bear Sanctuary is home to the Indian sloth bear.

This evening we will drive to TungbhadraRiver..walk through Monoliths and temples carved out of the stones that have been magically placed over each other and enjoy a Coracle Boat ride on the River discovering hidden temples on either side of the River Bank.

Overnight at Evolve Back Hampi

Evolve Back Hampi

Hampi Sightseeing

This morning we start with Sightseeing of Hampi include visit to the Bazaar, the temples, palaces which is set in the beautiful landscape with the hills and huge boulders surrounding the area near the Tungabhadra River. The ruins of the ancient Kingdom are spread over 26 Sq.kms and was described by the Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes as “being as large as Rome”. It is now part of World Heritage site.

Vijaya Vittala Temple: This wealthy architectural temple used to be constructed within the fifteenth century that has an expansive campus and several different Hampi temples, pavilions and halls. Like its title suggests, it is dedicated to Lord Vittala, probably the most incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The principal highlights of this temple are the marvelously carved pillars and a giant stone chariot. VijayaVittala Temple is assumed as an iconic location to discuss with within the entire state of Karnataka.

Archaeological Museum: It is one of the fundamental attractions at Hampi that houses a group of sculptures and diverse antiques. These kind of findings were saved via the British in elephant stables. The Archaeological Survey of India headquartered this museum and started moving the antiques in 1972. The museum is open throughout the week except on Fridays.

Queen’s bath: The Queen’s tub is a rectangular complicated encircled through a big water channel that can be crossed utilizing the bridge-like constitution. It is believed that the pool was once stuffed with aromatic water and flowers wherein royal females would bathe. The complete building has Indo-Saracenic style of structure and serves to be a nice picnic spot.

Virupaksha Temple: This attractive and fantastically carved temple serves as the primary middle of pilgrimage in Hampi. It is considered to be constructed somewhere across the 7th century beneath the reign of Vijayanagara rulers. It is a detailed UNESCO World Heritage web site for its principal historical significance.

Overnight at the Evolve Back, Hampi.

Hyderabad

On arrival in Hyderabad, transfer to the beautiful and very Regal Faluknama Palace where accommodation will be reserved.

This evening a walk with the Hotel Historian and Librarian through the Palace followed by traditional Hyderabadi Dinner at the hotel.
At leisure at the palace Hotel.

Overnight at the Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad.

Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Touring in Hyderabad

Golconda Fort

Udaipur

Famed as the City of Lakes, it stands true to its reputation. This enchanting city is made up of many shimmering lakes, the azure waters of which are bound by the verdant Aravali hills, laced with sprawling forts, magnificent palaces, and powerful temples. Founded in 1559 as the bastion of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. Udaipur is steeped in a rich history interwoven with stories and legends of conspiracy, valor, sacrifice, and loyalty. Discover this “Venice of the East” with us for an unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, go for a walk through the local market where few tourists go- it is really very simple, but buzzing with energy and all kinds of fresh food, spices, baskets and local street food being cooked. This is the essence of the city.

In the evening enjoy a private boat ride on glimmering Lake Pichola by sunset. Cruise past its stunning island palaces, including the ethereal Jag Mandir. Rows of charming havelis, both well-restored and crumbling, line the lake front, and behind this medieval façade stretches a maze of bustling and colorful shops and stalls.

Overnight at the Oberoi Udaivilas.

Yoga & Touring in Udaipur

This morning option for Private yoga Class with an Expert Teacher OR Early morning Cycling around Fateh Sagar Lake.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Leave for the tour of The City Palace – the largest Palace complex in Rajasthan constructed on the side of Lake Pichola. The Palace is a conglomeration of buildings built by various Kings and it is evident in the different styles of buildings. Also visit with one of India’s most well known Artists at his home Studio OR visit a Miniature Art school.

Rest of the day enjoy the hotel and its fabulous services and facilities.

Overnight at the Oberoi Udaivilas.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi to connect with the onward flight

Please call Isabelle Finly at 941-951-1801, ext 105 or e-mail isabelle@admiraltravel.com

A $500 good faith deposit will be required to hold space for this trip.

PLEASE NOTE:

Admiral Travel (ATI) reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a Founders Journey (FJ) departure. ATI reserves the right to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip. ATI reserves the right to cancel the reservation/booking at any time during the pre-trip planning process should the potential traveler become combative or disruptive/rude to any member of the ATI team or other travelers. ATI does not need to refund in any scenario outlined but will do its very best to find a replacement to minimize costs. ATI has a strict policy to ensure the cordial and congenial relationship of all travelers to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

• Founder’s Journey will always be priced at or below published rates, but never higher.
• If minimum numbers are not met for a hosted departure, prices are subject to change / increase to confirm same program on a private basis
• Travel with like-minded individuals on these exclusive departures.
• Enjoy a welcome cocktail party to meet your fellow travelers.
• A hosted dinner will be offered during one night of the trip with the Hiltons.
• On many occasions, optional shore events are offered as an option that only our group is invited to join.
• Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
• Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.
• Minimum numbers must be met in order for the Hiltons to host the journey.
• The Hiltons reserve the right to adjust the duration of their participation should any schedule conflicts arise.