Day 3: Mumbai • Arrive in Mumbai just after midnight. This afternoon explore the city, beginning at the Gateway of India. Drive past Malabar Hill and stop at Mani Bhawan, the Hanging Gardens and Dhobi Ghat. Hotel Taj Mahal B, L, D

Day 4: Mumbai/Kochi • Board an early afternoon flight to Kochi. This evening watch a Kathakali dance performance, performed by men and noted for elaborate make-up and costumes. Hotel Taj Malabar B, L, D

Day 5: Kochi • Visit the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and Fort Kochi. Hotel Taj Malabar B, L, D

Day 6: Kochi • Drive to Alleppey for a night aboard a rice barge, a traditional Kerala houseboat, journeying through the backwaters. Houseboat B, L, D

Day 7: Kumarakom • Disembark at the private jetty of the hotel. Later, attend a short lecture about Hinduism. Radisson Plaza Hotel and Spa B, L, D

Day 8: Kumarakom • Tour the banks of Vembanad Lake to glimpse egret, darter, heron, teal, kingfisher, goldenbacked woodpecker and possibly a paradise flycatcher. Cruise to the Spice Plantation Farmhouse and join the owner and his family for lunch. Radisson Plaza Hotel and Spa B, L, D

Day 9: Kumarakom/Periyar • Drive to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Your resort's in-house doctor leads a special discussion on Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine. This evening, your chef demonstrates Kerala cooking methods. Spice Village B, L, D

Day 10: Periyar/Madurai • Your afternoon is free to explore Madurai, the destination of thousands of pilgrims. Late this evening witness the Pooja ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Hotel Taj Garden Retreat B, L, D

Day 11: Madurai • Visit Meenakshi Temple once again as well as Thirumalai Nayaka Palace. Hotel Taj Garden Retreat B, L, D

Day 12: Madurai/Chennai • Fly to Chennai and tour the city: Mylapore, the site of the famous Kapaleeswara Temple; Santhorne Cathedral; the Government Museum and Art Gallery; Fort St. George. After lunch at a local residence travel to Fisherman's Cove. Fisherman's Cove B, L, D

Day 13: Chennai • Visit Kancheepuram, "the City of a Thousand Temples" and one of India's seven sacred cities. After lunch, visit Mamallapuram to see the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the monolithic rathas (horse chariots). Fisherman's Cove B, L, D

Day 14: Chennai/Mumbai • Fly to Mumbai or continue to Sri Lanka. Hotel Leela Kempinski B

Day 15: Mumbai/USA • Board a homebound flight.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

10/08