A heritage walking tour including a visit to Churchgate station which is one of main local train stations where The Dabbawallas from all over Mumbai assemble in an open area and then disperse to supply the individual Dabbas (Tiffin’s) to their respective areas (Dabbawallas are not available on Saturday, Sunday and on Public Holidays) followed by sightseeing tour of Mumbai including a visit Dhobi Ghat.
Route of walking tour – Oval Maidan (Synagogue visit is subject to permissions) – Mumbai University Campus – Kenesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue – Kala Ghoda intersection – Watson’s Hotel – Army and Navy Building – David Sassoon Library – Elphinstone College – Regal Circle and buildings around – Royal Bombay Yacht Club – Taj Mahal Hotel – Gateway of India and surrounding Apollo Bunder precinct.
Witness Dabbawalas in action, how they get out of the crowded trains with their huge carriages on their head, meet them, converse with them, take photographs and time permitting can visit one of their branch offices located nearby and meet up with employees and converse about their day- to-day activities. Their achievements include Six Sigma Performances, Guinness book of world record, registered with Ripley's “believe it or not”. Harvard Business School has produced a case study of the dabbawallas, urging its students to learn from the organization, which relies entirely on human endeavor and employs no technology.
Visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911 then drive past the famous Dhobi Ghats en-route to the Afghan Church at Colaba. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum. Indo-Saracenic in style, this beautiful building was designed by George Wittet. Rajabhai, the Clock Tower, in the grounds of Bombay University, the High Court and Victoria Terminus (popularly known as "V.T" it is the largest railway station in India) are all Bombay landmarks, classically Gothic in style they should not be missed. Following the shoreline of Marine Drive proceed to the Jain Temple at the top of Malabar Hill; with superb carvings on its exterior, this temple is a colourful, quiet and atmospheric place. Continue past the Hanging Gardens and the Parsi Towers of Silence before visiting the Kamla Nehru Park, which was laid out in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru's wife.
Drive past Haji Ali Tomb, located in the sea then visit the Mani Bhavan, Gandhi's residence when he visited Bombay. There is a beautifully crafted tableau of 28 panels, depicting key events in the great leader's life. The re-creation of the simple rooms he occupied provides an insight into this legendary figure whose influence is still very much alive.
The Dhobi Ghats or "laundries" – Row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next, they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. (Suggest wear water resistant shoes as Dhobi Ghat would be wet and slippery).
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for an excursion to Ajanta Caves (Approximately 02 hours’ drive each way) - a World Heritage site. These magnificent caves have exquisite ancient murals & sculptures that depict the life of Buddha (Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays) – In order to save time, our representative can meet you on arrival at airport with packed breakfast from the hotel
Ajanta – Located 102km from Aurangabad and dating back to the 2nd century BC, the caves of Ajanta are older than those of Ellora and were rediscovered in 1819 by a party of British officers whilst out hunting for tigers. Abandoned after the late 7th century, the numerous rock-hewn caves are adorned with Buddhist sculptures and frescoes. These masterpieces tell the life of the Buddha and clearly portray the lifestyle of the monks, artists and craftsmen who inhabited Ajanta.
Late lunch at Ajanta Green Restaurant
Evening return / check in at the hotel
Daulatabad Fort, 13km from Aurangabad on the road to Ellora, is also worth visiting to discover
its innovative fortification system and methods of defense against attack.
Ellora – Comprising of 17 Hindu, 12 Buddhist and 5 Jain rock-hewn caves, the complex of Ellora dates to the 4th to the 9th centuries AD. Some of the best volcanic stone carving in India can be seen here, the most remarkable being inside the Kailashnath Temple that represents Lord Shiva's celestial abode. It is the finest example of rock-cut architecture and is considered an engineering marvel. The caves of Ellora are 28km from Aurangabad and lie on an important trading route between Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and the west coast.
1400 hours: Lunch at Kailash Restaurant at Ellora caves 1500 hours: Visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki
Bibi Ka Maqbara – this white mausoleum was built by Aurangzeb for his wife Begumabia Durani. This is believed to be an imitation of Taj Mahal at Agra. Panchakki – a watermill within which is a tomb of a Muslim Saint.
Evening at leisure
0900 hours: Proceed for sightseeing tour of Vijayapura (Bijapur)
The old city of Bijapur is surrounded by fortified walls. Monuments of the city built during Adil Shahi Dynasty are the main attractions like Gold Gumbaz or the Rounded Dome, located in the eastern end of the walled city, Ibrahim Roza in the western outskirts of the city. Gagan Mahal, now mostly in ruins but still has enough attraction. Near the citadel visit Sat Manzil (Seven- storied palace), Bara Kaman (twelve arches), and Jala Manzil (water pavilion). Other important attractions in the city are Jama Masjid, Taj Bawdi (water tank), Upli Burj (watch tower), Mehtar Mahal (palace built by the sweepers), and Asar Mahal.
1300 hours: Lunch at the hotel
Rest of the day at leisure with vehicle and driver at disposal
Overnight at the hotel
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Hampi – with its monopoly on the trade of cotton and spices was incredibly wealthy. With ornate palaces plated in gold, opulent temples, and markets full of luxury goods the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire rivalled Rome in its grandeur. Known as Vijayanagara (‘the town of victory’) the bolder strewn site was strategically chosen and the ingenious skill of the master craftsmen’s architecture blended their buildings into the landscape. Destroyed by the Deccan Sultans in 1565, the 26sq km site sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is one of India’s most impressive historical sites. Notable amongst the many ruins are the Virupaksha Temple with its 9-storey gopuram and the Vitthala Temple dedicated to Vishnu. It is now a World Heritage Monument. The Queens bath that measures an impressive 15m long has interesting stuccowork around it and was filled from beautiful lotus shaped fountains. Also impressive is the 2-storey Lotus Mahal in the Zenana screened off by high walls, the Hazara Rama Temple in the Royal Enclosure, and the 14th century Vaishnavite Narasimha Temple.
1330 hours: Vegetarian lunch at Mango Restaurant
Evening at leisure
0930 hours: Sightseeing tour of Kochi including a Heritage Walk and Tuk Tuk ride around Fort Kochi (Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday afternoon and full day on Saturday)
For several centuries there were two Jewish communities living in Kochi, the ‘black Jews’ who settled here in 587 BC and the ‘white Jews’ who settled much later. Speaking Malayalam, the local dialect, they played a pivotal role as trading agents between the locals and any foreigners wishing to establish trade. As a result, the Jewish population became very wealthy; ‘Jew Town’, close to the Mattancherry Palace is a fascinating area of the old town with its mixture of old shops, warehouses, spice auction rooms and the Jewish Synagogue. Built in 1568, the Synagogue houses Torah and Old Testament scrolls as well as copper plates on which the Kochi rulers granted various privileges to the Jewish community. Today the Jewish population of Kochi numbers around only a dozen families.
Visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, patron saint of Portugal. Vasco de Gama died on this site in 1524 and was buried in the cemetery, his body being taken to Portugal 14 years later. Renamed St. Francis in 1663 under the Dutch, it became a Protestant church and then, in 1804 it became Anglican. In 1949 the congregation joined the Church of South India. Be sure to see the famous 14th-15th century cantilevered Chinese fishing nets.
This walking tour gives you a glimpse into Cochin’s rich history and heritage, showcasing the mixed Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that make the city unique. During the tour, you will visit the old quarter of Fort Kochi, exploring the quaint streets of this city on foot. You will also visit Fort Kochi’s seaside promenade and get a glimpse of daily life in Kochi.
Later visit the Kerala Folklore Museum
The Museum has various antiques that showcase the history, tradition, and cultural differences in different parts of the country, especially South India. There are costumes of dance forms like Mohiniattam and Theyyam, antique properties, including the oldest Bible. Old writings instruments, antique chairs etc.
1400 hours: A vegetarian lunch on Banana Leaf at Saravoram Restaurant
1600 hours: Visit to a cultural center to see Kathakali dance performance
Originally performed by men, this unique art form, with its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and choreographed movements evolved from ancient martial arts. Unique to Kerala this dance spectacle is based on the stories of the three major Hindu Epics and is a breath-taking and visually exciting spectacle of gods and demons. It takes hours for the dancer’s elaborate and symbolic facial makeup to be applied, and once he finally dons the ornate costume and headdress representing his character, he literally “becomes” that God or demon. Traditional performances last all night until dawn, with the entire village enjoying the re-enactment of familiar myths.
Overnight at the hotel
0930 hours: Transfer by road to Alleppey Pallathuruty Jetty (approximately 02 hours’ drive) and embark on an Air-conditioned Houseboat (Rice barge / Kettuvallam) for an overnight cruise through the backwaters with all meals on board.
Float in sheer bliss as Kerala’s traditional kettuvalloms or houseboats, styled as per the norms of tradition yet equipped with every luxury and every modern amenity, offer the opportunity to relax on the serene waters of the Lake Vembanad. Stay, dine, and truly experience the timeless beauty of life along the banks of Kerala. Known as Kettuvallums, ('boat tied together with rope') these barges were originally used for transporting rice through the Keralan backwaters. Converted into comfortable houseboats, these shallow bottomed barges are perfect for a leisurely cruise through the region’s tropical backwaters. Kettuvallum houseboats are approximately 20m in length and accommodate two to four passengers in 1 or 2 double air-conditioned cabins. Protected from the sun under a wicker canopy observe the rice fields, coconut palms and the activities of day-to-day rural life as you drift slowly past.
Overnight onboard houseboat
30 Nov 2023 1000 hours: Disembark at Alleppey Jetty and transfer by road to Marari (Approximately 30 minutes’ drive)
On arrival, check-in at Abad Turtle Beach Resort (Beach Cottage)
Hotel check in 1400 hours
Rest of the day at leisure (vehicle and driver services not included)
01 Dec 2023 - relax at Mararikulam
02 Dec 2023 - depart for Mumbai
India
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