DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI: BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Today you will arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building and transfer you to your hotel.
Delhi – India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.
On arrival, check in at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 02: DELHI
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, to review the suggested itinerary and plan the pace and inclusions of your days. Today, discover Delhi in all its majesty.
Enjoy unique yet fascinating experience of Old Delhi – Happily Chaotic.
You will visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Asia, followed by a private tricycle rickshaw ride through the lanes of Chandni Chowk, also known as Silver Street. Next we shall drive past the mighty Red Fort, built by the Emperor Shah Jahan – the builder of Taj Mahal. Conclude the tour of Old Delhi with visit to Gandhi Memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead.
The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan’s successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun’s, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal.
Our drive back to the hotel will be through one of the most colonial part of New Delhi called Raisina Hill. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate – a war memorial arch.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 03: DELHI – AGRA: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast, you will be met by our driver who will take you to Agra (205 Kms / 5 Hrs).
Agra – Medieval city situated on the banks of river Yamuna, it came into prominence when a lavish patronage of Mughal rulers created forts, tombs, and palaces in red sandstone and marble inlaid with semi precious stones.
Upon arrival at Agra proceed to check in at your hotel. Later proceed for the sightseeing tour of Red fort popularly known as Agra Fort Construction of Agra Fort was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jehangir, and grandson, Shahjahan, later made additions. It houses the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience) and its walls are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire.
Evening, you will proceed for the breath taking sunset tour of the Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays).
The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO world heritage site was built in white marble in 1635 by Emperor Shahjahan as a mausoleum for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is a universal symbol of love, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 04: AGRA – JAIPUR: BY: SURFACE
Breakfast is at the hotel.
This morning, drive towards Agra (235 Kms/6 Hrs). On your way, you’ll visit Fatehpur Sikri, a fort palace that was the onetime capital of the Mughal Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fatehpur Sikri -the deserted red sandstone city, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.
Jaipur (City of Victory) was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The architect who formalized the city’s plans on the Shilpa Shastra, the epic Hindu treatise on architecture, mixed it with the sublimity of the Mughal and Jain influences of those times.
On arrival check in at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 05: JAIPUR
After breakfast you will be chauffer driven to Amber Fort – the former capital of Jaipur state stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts to add the spirit of adventure and royalty. You will ascend the fort on Elephant back – the Royal path..!! (subject to availability of Elephants)
Post Amber, our tour will begin with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds, it has no less than 953 little windows and balconies, and it is a stunning example of Rajput artistry. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life in the streets below through the delicately honeycombed sandstone windows.
Visit the City Palace, now a museum, which was the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. It offers a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs. Proceed to Jantar-Mantar – the ancient Observatory which is acute even today..!! Overnight at Hotel
DAY 06: JAIPUR – COCHIN: BY: FLIGHT
After breakfast drive to Airport to board flight to Cochin via Mumbai or Delhi. Flight TBA
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Cochin Airport and transfer to Hotel.
Kochi or more familiarly Cochin’s history is a bright tapestry – many coloured threads woven through centuries together present the fabric of the present. Its involvement with the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British are evident in the architecture of city buildings, the old durbar hall is the spice in the dish! Modern day Kochi may be a busy port and shipping centre but it has many attractions for ordinary tourists.
Rest of the day free for beach activities. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 07: COCHIN
Today, you will take a city tour of Cochin visiting Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays and Jewish Holidays), also known as Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 16th Century AD. Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Fridays & Saturdays and Jewish Holidays), Built in late 16th century, the Great Scrolls of the old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest. Chinese Fishing Nets line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan’s Court, they are used at high tide. St. Francis Church was originally built by the Portuguese in 15th century and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco de Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.
In the evening, you will be taken to a Kathakali dance center where you will witness the most elaborate of the dance forms in southern India. Here you will witness the artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance. Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. Costume is elaborate with the face painted up. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 08: COCHIN – PERIYAR: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast you will drive towards Periyar (195 Kms/ 5 Hrs). Periyar, set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary. As the road winds through mountains, you will descend through a carpet of tea bushes, estates of tall rubber trees and gardens of coffee, cardamom and pepper. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the premier reserves of Southern India and home of the wild elephant, thebison, antelopes, langurs and sambar that can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake.
Upon arrival proceed for check in your hotel. Afternoon take nature tour provided on forest department run boat ride. Proceed to Periyar National Park to view the wildlife by boat. Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. The park has a picturesque Lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 09: PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast proceed for drive to Kumarakom (approx. 160 Kms /4 ½ Hrs drive).
The state of Kerala is known for its numerous canals and waterways and its verdant forests and mangrove swamps. Set in one of the most idyllic locations in Kerala, Kumarakom is a tiny settlement, nestled in the backwaters of Kerala. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forest, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you’ll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake,
Upon arrival proceed for check-in at your hotel.
Evening proceed for the sunset cruise on the Vembanad Lake. You will be taken for the unforgettable boat cruises on the Vembanad Lake and explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding areas. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 10: KUMARAKOM – ALLEPPEY: BY: SURFACE
After breakfast proceed for drive (40 Kms /1 Hr) to Alleppey. Houseboats are also known as the “Ketuvallam” or the Rice Boat. Ketuvallam ride can be the most romantic ride you can ever have with a night halt in the middle of the lake Vembanad Lake/canal. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and town of the city. Backwaters are a central part of Kerala’s Tourism Synopsis, making an absolute cruiser through the twisting and meandering water streams..
On arrival embark houseboat.
Rest of the day is free on famous backwaters of Kerala. Lunch and dinner will be served onboard. Overnight at Houseboat
DAY 11: ALLEPPEY – COCHIN AIRPORT: BY: SURFACE, COCHIN – BACK HOME: BY: INER. FLIGHT
After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Cochin Airport (80 Kms, 02 Hrs Drive).
On arrival at Cochin Airport, board flight to Back Home.
***** Return For Another Memorable Trip With Us *****