15-Nights Essence of India with South India Extension

Excursions

Mumbai: 9 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Mumbai, Shore Excursion - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.

You will first explore the Fort area of Mumbai – Kala Ghoda, literally Black Horse – a neighborhood in South Mumbai. The crescent-shaped precinct is the city’s premier art district. You will drive past a large number of the city’s heritage buildings, full of museums, art galleries and educational institutions like the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (previously called the Prince of Wales Museum) and The Arts Trust.
 
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934.  The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.  
 
Stop for a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant before you return to the port area.

Inclusions:
Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, Private guide, Complimentary Soft beverages and Bottled water in the car, Monument entrance and still camera fee, Meet and Assist at all airports and hotels, Porterage at airports, All currently applicable taxes

Exclusions:
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry,telephone calls etc, unless specified) Tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), Meals (unless specified), Any insurance or Visa, Any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, Air fare is quoted separately. 

*Terms and conditions apply
 

Mumbai, Shore Excursion - 6 hours — Optional Private Excursions
You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.
 
Your first stop will be to take pictures at Dhobi Ghat, a sight unique to this city. ‘Dhobi Ghat’ or “washerfolks’ place”, is the world's largest outdoor laundry, and where Mumbai's traditional washer-folk - or dhobis - provide a wonderful service, collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly pressed, all for a very small fee.
 
Drive to Churchgate Station where you get the opportunity to see the famed ‘dabbawallas’ or ‘lunch box carriers’ in action.  The Mumbai dabbawallas are international figures now, thanks to Forbes Global. The Forbes story details the efficiency with which they deliver the dabbas or lunch pails of their customers. Around 5,000 dabbawallas collect and deliver 175,000 lunches every day and take the empty boxes back. Their operation has a six sigma rating which implies less than 3.4 errors in every million transactions. This is the same rating that has made companies like Motorola and GE world famous for their quality!
 
Later you will visit Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, a structure steeped in Indian history and culture. Built in Renaissance revival style in 1872 as the Victoria & Albert Museum, it contains 3,500-plus objects centering on Mumbai’s history. This landmark building was renovated in 2008.
 
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before you continue on your tour.
 
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934.  The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.  
 
You will then return to the port area.
 

Inclusions: Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, private guide, complimentary soft beverages and bottled water in the car, monument entrance and still camera fee, meet and assist at all airports and hotels, porterage at airports, all current applicable taxes.

Exclusions: Expenses of any personal nature (laundry, telephone calls etc, unless specified), tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), meals (unless specified) any insurance or Visa, any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, air fare is quoted separately.

*Terms and conditions apply

FULL DAY MARVELS OF MUMBAI — Optional Private Excursions
FULL DAY
MARVELS OF MUMBAI
 
Proceed to Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark –an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure. You will make a stop here for photographs.
 
See the highlights of the city from the comfort of your minivan as you set off for a tour of Mumbai city. Your tour begins with the Gateway of India (PLEASE STOP FOR A WHILE SO THE GUEST CAN TAKE PHOTO), the city's most famous landmark - an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure.
 
Continue through Marine Drive, Mumbai's seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. This hill is Mumbai's ritziest neighborhood. Popular since the 18th century because of its forested slopes, fresh sea breezes and panoramic views, merchants and colonial governors built many mansions and bungalows on its hillsides.
 
Your drive includes a look at a most remarkable railway station. Inspired by St. Pancras Station in London, the Victoria Terminus was built during Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee year. It is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets in a style that was described by journalist James Cameron as "Victorian-Gothic-Saracenic-Italianate-Oriental-St.  Pancras-Baroque". The first train in India left from this station in April 1853; today half a million commuters use the station every day.
 
Depart to Church Gate Station and spend some time watching the dabba-wallahs, the members of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association. Every day 4,000 of them deliver fresh, home-cooked food from 100,000 suburban kitchens to offices in the downtown area. Each lunch is prepared by a loving wife or mother, and packed into a set of stackable aluminum boxes. The meals are carried to their hungry recipients dangling from shoulder-poles and bicycle handlebars, and stacked on decorated handcarts. Tins are rarely, if ever, lost, and always find their way home again to be washed up for the next day’s lunch.
 
Even if you are not possessed of an interest in other people’s dirty laundry, you’ll be fascinated by the dhobi ghats, your next stop. Each morning washing from all over Mumbai is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten, and thrashed. The next day, after being aired, pressed, folded and wrapped, the bundles are returned from whence they came. The secret that keeps the operation running smoothly is the coded symbol that each dhobi-wallah places on every item. Invisible to the untrained eye, this mark ensures that nothing will be lost. Stop here for photos that you’ll never be able to duplicate anywhere else.
 
Proceed for Taj Mahal Hotel for Lunch on direct payment basis.
 
You will continue to The Prince of Wales Museum, crowned by a white Mughal-style dome, the finest work done by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India.
 
Return to pier.
 
 

HALF DAY MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI — Optional Private Excursions
HALF DAY
MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI
 
Explore the history, art and people of Mumbai and India during this informative half-day visit to the area's finest museums and galleries.

Depart from pier for the drive to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi's Bombay residence between 1917 and 1934. Mani Bhawan is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. It contains a research library of more than 20,000 volumes, and a series of tiny dioramas depicting his life story in an interesting fashion. The walls are covered with photos of historic events and noteworthy people.

Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, easily recognized by its unique white Mughal-style dome. The museum is the finest work by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India. It houses interesting displays of jade work, antique weapons, Indian paintings, illustrated manuscripts, exquisite miniatures, and clay and terracotta figures from the 3rd century B.C. Adjacent to Prince of Wales Museum, you will find the Jehangir Art Gallery. Mumbai's best-known venue for contemporary art, Jehangir is home to five small galleries displaying changing exhibits of 20^th century arts and crafts from around the world.

Return to pier.
 

FULL DAY THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA — Optional Private Excursions
FULL DAY
THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA
 
More than a thousand years ago, Hindu craftsmen carved columns and sculptures out of a series of caves located on an island off the shores of Mumbai, creating a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Portuguese named the island Elephanta, after the large statue of an elephant they found near the spot where they docked their ships. Come and discover the unique beauty and intriguing tales of these temple caves with today’s memorable excursion.
 
Travel by minivan vehicle to the Gateway of India, the city’s most recognized landmark. Built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, the archway was originally conceived as an entry point for people arriving on steamers from England. Today, the gateway serves as a launching point for your own exploration of the Elephanta Temple.
 
Boarding a motor boat, enjoy the approximately one hour and thirty minutes cruise to the Elephanta landing. From the jetty you have the option of either taking the mini train or walking approximately 15 minutes to the base of the long stairway which leads to the top of the hill, where the caves are located. As you enter, you will see a magnificent sculpture of Shiva as Nataraj, showing an enraptured expression as he removes the veil of ignorance. The most outstanding sculpture is a bust of Trimurti—the three-faced Shiva representing the Hindu trinity, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. In other panels, Shiva is depicted in service to humanity as he brings the River Ganges to Earth, and at his most fearsome as he crushes the demon of Andhaka. Later, board the motor boat for return cruise to the Gateway.

Re-board your vehicle for the transfer back to your ship.
 
 

FULL DAY THE VICTORIAN PAST — Optional Private Excursions
FULL DAY
THE VICTORIAN PAST

Experience the highlights of this fascinating city, with its Western monuments and Eastern sensibilities.

Begin your tour with photo stop at the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

Next visit, The Church of St John the Evangelist better known as Afghan Church in South Mumbai, built by the British to commemorate the dead of the disastrous First Afghan War of 1838. The church is located in Navy Nagar in the Colaba area of Mumbai. Besides British soldiers it also commemorates different Indian regiments, such as the Bombay Army, the Madras Army, and Ranjit Singh's army from Lahore.

Drive along Marine Drive-Mumbai’s seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill, Mumbai’s ritziest neighborhood. At the top of hill are the Hanging Gardens, laid out in 1881. Here, an assortment of hedges, trimmed into animal shapes. The gardens also offer a superb view of the bustling city centre in the distance.

You then proceed to Bhau Daji Lad Museum (formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum) one of the oldest museums in Mumbai. It was established in 1855 as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. The museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai.

You then visit, Crawford Market - one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. It is named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city. The market is situated near to Victoria Terminus railway station. The market houses a wholesale fruit, vegetable and poultry market.

Finally, visit and savor a relaxing lunch while exploring the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which dates back to the 1500s before returning back to the ship.
  

Excursions

Kochi, Shore Excursion - 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions

Kochi, Shore Excursion - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure)
Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will head to the historic town of Mattancherry. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two stories high and is built in the traditional Kerala style of “nalukattu” (four buildings around a central courtyard). Made of richly-carved wood, there are beautiful murals on display here depicting scenes from the Hindu epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the Hindu legends. The Palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal Palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.

You will next visit the Jewish Synagogue. One of the oldest in India, it is set in the Jewish Quarter, commonly known as “Jew Town”.  The area is famous for its aromatic spice market and its antique shops.  The interior of the Synagogue is decorated with 18^th century blue ceramic Cantonese tiles, hand painted and each one different!
 
You will end your tour at the Chinese Fishing Nets, which were first erected between 1350 and 1450 AD indicating trading ties with China.
 
You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the port to board your ship.

Inclusions:
Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, Private guide, Complimentary Soft beverages and Bottled water in the car, Monument entrance and still camera fee, Meet and Assist at all airports and hotels, Porterage at airports, All currently applicable taxes

Exclusions:
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry,telephone calls etc, unless specified) Tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), Meals (unless specified), Any insurance or Visa, Any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, Air fare is quoted separately.

* Terms and conditions apply

HALF DAY EXPLORING OLD KOCHI — Optional Private Excursions
HALF DAY
EXPLORING OLD COCHIN
 
Leave from pier for a panoramic drive along Mahatma Gandhi Road ending with a stop at the local market, known as the Broadway. A walk through, this local market in the new town of Ernakulum, is an enriching experience. A surprise lurks at every corner and whether you like it or not, you are propelled forward in a sea of people, brightly coloured baubles and warm, comforting smells.
 
Photo stop at Shiva Temple.
 
St. George's Forane Church, locally known as Edapally Church is a Catholic pilgrimage church in Edapally Kochi, India. Asia's largest shrine to Saint George, about five million people visit it every year.
The church is thought to have been founded in 593 AD. It is regarded as one of the oldest churches in Kerala, after the seven churches founded by Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD. The church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Marth Mariam). In 1080, a new church was built adjacent to the old church. A nine-day festival is celebrated annually as part of the Feast of Saint George. The church, also a destination for non-Christians, attracts offerings of gold, chicken, and eggs.
Gaze at the ancient Chinese fishing nets that line the shores of Fort Cochin.
 
You’ll be fascinated by the Dhobi Khana, your next stop. Each morning washing from all over Kochi is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten, and thrashed. Stop here for photos that you’ll never be able to duplicate anywhere else.
 
 

HALF DAY HERITAGE TRAIL - A WALK THROUGH KOCHI — Optional Private Excursions
HALF DAY
HERITAGE TRAIL - A WALK THROUGH COCHIN
 
The best way to discover a new place is on foot; explore the streets of historic Fort Cochin and learn more about this town that is brimming with tales of maritime traders, who made Cochin the first European township in India.
 
A brief stop will be made at the Chinese fishing nets & St. Francis Church one of the area’s famous landmarks. These nets are set up on bamboo poles and held horizontally by huge mechanisms, which lower them into the sea. This is a unique symbol of the centuries-old influence on this coastline.
 
Princess Street is one of the oldest streets in Fort Kochi. The bungalows built in the European style and the other buildings of colonial architecture lining both sides of the street make it pretty as a picture.
    
The buildings here, with bronze stucco walls and peeling plaster, house antique stores, cigar shops, provisional stores, curio shops, kiosks, cafes, restaurants, art galleries and so on.  Some are being used as homestays for tourists.

For the best view of the street, head for the Loafer’s Corner, a popular meeting place at the confluence of Princess Street, Peter Celli Street and Bastion Street.
 
The plain, squat walls that surround the two-storey Mattancherry or “Dutch Palace”, do not offer a particularly appealing invitation, but you will be delighted once inside. Its wooden interior is decorated with a remarkable series of murals. In the royal bedroom alone are 45 paintings illustrating the Ramayana every inch of space covered with rich colour, and painstaking detail. There is also an interesting collection of Dutch maps of old Kochi, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, royal palanquins, weapons and furniture.
 
Next. The Jew Town surrounding area called Jew Town is a fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses, and spice auction rooms. Signs for N.X. Jacob’s tailor shop, and the offices of J.E. Cohen serve as reminders of a once thriving community now consisting of about seven families. You’ll have a chance to stroll here before returning to your ship.
 
 
Return back to pier