Fly Stay Cruise Tour - 27 Day Ultra-Luxury Inspiring India: South India & the Lower Ganges

Today your ultra-luxury Indian journey begins as you depart your home city on your included international flight to Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival at Kochi airport, you will be met and transferred to Brunton Boatyard, your colonial-era heritage home for the next three nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in, with the hotel's harbour-front terrace, swimming pool and original heritage architecture giving you the chance to begin acclimatising to India in comfort. Special Information Included airport transfer on arrival in Kochi. Indian eVisa or tourist visa required for entry; this should be arranged in advance of travel.

A relaxed day at leisure in Kochi to recover from your international flight ahead of the start of your formal land tour tomorrow. You may wish to enjoy the hotel's pool and harbour views, take a self-led wander along the Fort Kochi waterfront, or explore the nearby spice markets and antique shops at your own pace. .

After breakfast, your formal escorted land tour begins. Head down to Kochi's historic harbour where ships from Asia and Europe have docked since the 14th century. Watch local fishermen operate the iconic Chinese fishing nets before exploring Fort Kochi, with layers of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial influence from the 16th to 18th centuries. Continue to Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue. This evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance, a highly evolved classical form of dance, drama and music unique to Kerala. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring regional South Indian specialties. Special Information Today is the formal start of your escorted land tour. Welcome Kathakali performance and welcome dinner included.

After a relaxing morning, travel into the Kerala Backwaters to Kumarakom and check in to Coconut Lagoon, your home for the next two nights. Located on Vembanad Lake, one of India's largest lakes and a key wetland ecosystem, the resort's villas are built from the reclaimed timbers of traditional tharavad homes, some over 150 years old. Optional Houseboat Experience: Alternatively, choose to spend your first night in Kumarakom onboard a houseboat, a converted traditional rice barge known as a Kettuvallam. Cruise through the lakes and backwaters past small villages and paddy fields, witnessing daily life along the waterways. This option is included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours by road. Optional Kettuvallam houseboat overnight available at no extra cost (pre-booking required).

This morning, a Scenic Freechoice of activities. Visit Philip Kutty's Farm for a Keralan cooking class and lunch, or unwind with a traditional Ayurveda massage before lunch at the resort. Guests who overnighted on a Kettuvallam will check in to Coconut Lagoon today. Spend the afternoon at leisure before enjoying an evening sunset cruise on the backwaters from your hotel in Kumarakom. Special Information Scenic Freechoice today: Keralan cooking class with lunch at Philip Kutty's Farm, or traditional Ayurveda massage with lunch at the resort. Sunset cruise on the backwaters included this evening.

Ascend into the Western Ghats highlands to Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, a reserve known for its elephant population and rich biodiversity. In the afternoon, take a 90-minute boat cruise on Lake Periyar, a stunning 26 square kilometre reservoir created in 1895. Your overnight stay is at Spice Village, a resort modelled on the dwellings of the native Mannan tribe of this region. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours by road. Lake Periyar 90-minute boat cruise included.

This morning, a Scenic Freechoice of activities in the Periyar reserve. Join an early morning guided jungle walk through the reserve, or take a jeep tour through the surrounding countryside, passing spice farms and plantations for panoramic views over the Tamil Nadu landscape. For lunch, visit a small family-owned spice plantation to see how spices grow before enjoying a home-cooked meal prepared by the family. Later, cross into Tamil Nadu, the State of Temples, and drive to Madurai, known as the Athens of the East. Tonight, relax at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours by road including activities. Scenic Freechoice today: morning jungle walk or jeep tour through spice plantations. Family-owned spice plantation visit and home-cooked lunch included.

Rise early for a walk through the heritage section of town to witness the early morning rituals. Wander through the local flower and vegetable market and the weaver's market. Visit one of South India's most important pilgrimage sites, the Sri Meenakshi Temple, dating from the 1500s. Dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, its nine towering gopurams and twelve temple towers dominate the skyline. This evening, return by tuk tuk to the temple to witness the rituals and celebrations of the evening puja ceremony. Special Information Sri Meenakshi Temple visit by day and again by tuk tuk for the evening puja ceremony included.

This morning, drive to the village of Karaikudi in the Chettinad region, where the Chettiar merchant community once amassed great fortunes as bankers and traders across South East Asia. Experience a bullock cart ride through the narrow streets, exploring the faded elegance of colonial-era bungalows and merchant mansions, with a weaving demonstration en route. Stay at Visalam for two nights, a beautifully restored Art Deco mansion that reflects Chettinad's architectural heritage. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours by road. Bullock cart ride through Karaikudi and weaving demonstration included.

Witness Kolam making, the creation of intricate designs using coloured rice flour, before visiting a pottery village to see colourful Athangudi tiles crafted by hand. This afternoon, enjoy a heritage walk and visit Chettinad Palace. This evening, the Scenic Enrich experience awaits: a traditional cooking demonstration showcasing Chettinad's unique cuisine, followed by a private Bharatanatyam classical dance performance. Afterwards, feast on a typical Chettinad wedding dinner menu. Special Information Scenic Enrich experience this evening: Chettinad cooking demonstration, private Bharatanatyam classical dance performance, and traditional Chettinad wedding dinner menu.

Journey through the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu to Trichy, the former capital of the Madurai Nayaks. On arrival, a Scenic Freechoice of activities. Climb the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular 7th-century complex perched atop an 83-metre rocky outcrop with panoramic city views, or visit the island temples of Srirangam, revered pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavite Hindus. Check in to Courtyard by Marriott for the night. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours by road. Scenic Freechoice today: Rock Fort Temple climb, or Srirangam island temples.

This morning, drive to Tanjore to discover the 11th-century Brihadishvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece and one of the Great Living Chola Temples. Continue to the pretty seaside town of Puducherry, the former capital of French India, and check in to Palais de Mahe, a boutique hotel that pays tribute to the town's French legacy. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours by road. UNESCO-listed Brihadishvara Temple visit at Tanjore included.

This morning, a Scenic Freechoice of activities. Start early with a visit to Nalavadu Coastal Fishing Village for an immersive coastal walk into the daily life of a fishing community, or visit Auroville, an experimental township where residents from around the world live in a spirit of human unity. Alternatively, join a Creole Kitchen experience to learn age-old Creole recipes passed down through generations in a local home. Later this afternoon, discover how the local Tamil population has blended French and Indian influences during a heritage walking tour. Stroll past charming Tamil and colonial fusion architecture and visit the Aurobindo Ashram. Special Information Scenic Freechoice today: Nalavadu Coastal Fishing Village walk, Auroville township visit, or Creole Kitchen experience. Puducherry heritage walking tour and Aurobindo Ashram visit included this afternoon.

Travel north to Chennai, stopping at Mamallapuram to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shore Temples. On arrival in Chennai, check in to The Leela Palace for a two-night Special Stay. Tonight, a Scenic Freechoice of dining experiences at your hotel: enjoy international cuisine at Spectra, sample Chinese dishes at China XO, or savour Indian specialities at Jamavar. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours by road. UNESCO-listed Shore Temples at Mamallapuram included. Scenic Freechoice dining this evening at The Leela Palace.

This morning, a Scenic Freechoice of activities. Walk through Georgetown to discover its markets and colonial laneways, or explore the 8th-century Hindu temples in Kanchipuram, one of South India's oldest temple towns. Later, learn about the history of the Basilica of San Thome, said to be the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle. This evening, reminisce about your land tour journey over a farewell dinner. Special Information Scenic Freechoice today: Georgetown walk, or Kanchipuram temples. Basilica of San Thome visit and farewell dinner included.

After breakfast, transfer to Chennai airport for your included flight to the vibrant city of Kolkata (approximately 2.5 hours). You will be warmly welcomed at Kolkata airport and transferred to the wharf to board Scenic Aura for the start of your 9-night Lower Ganges river cruise. Settle into your Deluxe Suite before joining your fellow guests for an elegant Welcome Dinner onboard. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours including transfers, flight and embarkation. Chennai to Kolkata internal flight and both transfers included.

After an early morning visit to Kolkata's flower market, one of the largest in India, step ashore at Serampore to explore one of Bengal's most intriguing Danish colonial settlements, once described as the best-kept European town in India. A Danish enclave from 1755 until 1845 when it was sold to the British East India Company, the town retains many buildings recently restored through the National Museum of Denmark and the Government of West Bengal. Visit the historic St. Olav's Church built in 1806, the Governor's House and the Denmark Tavern, where you can pause for a morning refreshment. This afternoon, Scenic Aura calls at Chinsura where you will visit the iconic Hooghly Imambara, one of West Bengal's most revered Shia pilgrimage centres. Constructed in 1861, it features a sundial and an imposing clock tower acquired in 1852 from the London-based manufacturer who created Big Ben. Special Information Included excursions: Kolkata flower market visit, Serampore Danish heritage walk (St. Olav's Church, Governor's House, Denmark Tavern), Chinsura Hooghly Imambara.

Today, Scenic Aura arrives at Mayapur, the global spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and one of the 20 most visited and sacred places in the world. Admire the nearly completed Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, part funded by Alfred Ford and due for completion in November 2027, with opening celebrations planned through to March 2028. Engage with the welcoming Hare Krishna community and stroll through the vibrant pilgrims' bazaar. Special Information Included excursion: Mayapur ISKCON spiritual visit and Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

This morning, arrive in Murshidabad, once the powerful seat of the Nawabs of Bengal and the region where the British East India Company began its expansion in India. It remained the capital of Bengal until 1773 when the seat moved to Calcutta (Kolkata). Marvel at Hazarduari Palace, the Palace of a Thousand Doors (100 of which are false). Built in 1837 and designed by Duncan Macleod, it is now one of the largest site museums under the Archaeological Survey of India. Travel by toto (electric rickshaw) to the grand Katra Masjid, built between 1723 and 1724 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. Visit the exquisite Kathgola Palace, where a Scenic Enrich High Tea awaits within its storied walls. Surrounded by lush gardens and water features, this elegant palace showcases the influence of Greek, Roman and Indian architectural styles. This afternoon, the ship moves to Azimganj and Baranagar. In Azimganj, visit the serene Jain temples, offering a captivating introduction to the influence of the wealthy merchant families of the region. In Baranagar, visit the 260-year-old ornate terracotta Char Bangla Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Special Information Included excursions: Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid by toto. Scenic Enrich experience: Kathgola Palace heritage visit with High Tea. Afternoon visits to Azimganj Jain temples and Baranagar Char Bangla Temples included.

Step ashore to explore the tranquil village of Khushbagh, known as the Gardens of Happiness, where history and rural life intertwine. A serene early morning journey past farmland leads to a beautifully preserved mosque complex built by Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan, where the Nawab, his family and his grandson Siraj-ud-Daulah are laid to rest. Nearby lies the historic site of the Battle of Plassey (1757), fought on the banks of the Hooghly River. This victory by the British East India Company under Robert Clive marked a turning point, leading to British control of Bengal. Special Information Included excursions: Khushbagh mosque complex and Nawab mausoleum, Battle of Plassey historic site.

Today's destination is the village of Matiari, renowned for its long-standing tradition of copper and brass craftsmanship. Watch master artisans transform recycled metals into beautifully handcrafted pots, platters and decorative pieces using techniques passed down through generations. This visit offers an authentic glimpse into a living cultural tradition. Special Information Included excursion: Matiari copper and brass craftsmanship village visit.

Arrive this morning in the City of Temples, Kalna, which flourished in the late 18th century under the patronage of the Maharajas of Bardhaman. Explore the Rajbari complex, home to the Lalji Temple built around 1739, the Krishna Chandra Temple with its 25 decorated spires, the Vijay Vaidyanath Temple dedicated to Shiva, and the intricately detailed Pratapeswar Temple. Nearby is the Naba Kailash Complex, built in 1809 with 108 Shiva temples arranged in two concentric circles. Spend the afternoon at Phulia weaving village where artisans craft hand-woven cotton and silk saris. The town's weaving heritage is linked to skilled refugees who settled here after India's Partition. Phulia is famous for its Phulia Tangail saris, woven in vibrant colours with intricate double jacquard designs in cotton, mulberry silk and tussar silk. Special Information Included excursions: Kalna Rajbari temple complex and Naba Kailash 108 Shiva temples, Phulia weaving village.

Today's call at Chandernagore transports you to a beautifully preserved corner of French colonial India. The town was first established as a French colony in 1673 on the bank of the Hooghly River, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post. The town changed hands several times with Britain in 1757, 1794 and 1815, returning to French control until 1950 when the French Government recognised the right to self-determination of the Indian people of the French settlements. Stroll the elegant riverside promenade lined with French colonial buildings. Visit the Dupleix Palace, the former French Governor's residence and now a museum, the Sacred Heart Church (a fine example of French Gothic design built in 1691), and the former Hotel de Paris (built in 1878, now the sub-Divisional Court). Special Information Included excursions: Chandernagore French colonial heritage walk including Dupleix Palace, Sacred Heart Church and Hotel de Paris.

Your final full day onboard returns you to the captivating streets of Kolkata. Visit Mother Teresa's Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity before embarking on a private heritage tram tour, a nostalgic way to glide through the city. Continue to Tipu Sultan Masjid and the Victoria Memorial and Gardens before returning to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is yours to enjoy with a Scenic Freechoice of excursions: choose from a visit to Kumartoli (the traditional potter's quarter) and the Parshwanath Jain Temple, undertake a tour of Colonial Kolkata including Dalhousie Square, the Writers' Building, College Street (Boi Para and the Indian Coffee House), or visit the Indian Museum and South Park Cemetery. This evening, enjoy your farewell onboard with your fellow guests and crew. Special Information Included morning excursions: Mother House, private heritage tram tour, Tipu Sultan Masjid, Victoria Memorial and Gardens. Scenic Freechoice afternoon: Kumartoli and Parshwanath Jain Temple, Colonial Kolkata walk, or Indian Museum and South Park Cemetery. Farewell dinner onboard.

This morning, disembark Scenic Aura in Kolkata after breakfast onboard. Take your included transfer to your ultra-luxury Kolkata hotel for your post-cruise night. The remainder of the day is at leisure to revisit a Kolkata favourite from your river cruise excursions, enjoy the hotel's amenities or simply rest ahead of your international flight tomorrow. Special InformationIncluded disembarkation transfer Kolkata wharf to hotel.

After breakfast, the morning is at leisure until it is time for your included airport transfer to Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for your return flight home. Special Information Included departure transfer from your hotel to Kolkata International Airport.

Arrive home today, concluding your 27 Day Ultra-Luxury Inspiring India journey. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you take home wonderful memories of South India's heritage cities, the Kerala Backwaters, the Lower Ganges and Bengal.