Day 01 / Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi - New Delhi is the blend of
old and new. The contrast between the two is very much visible
by the culture, lifestyle and tradition. Old Delhi still has
the influence of Mughals with monuments, mosques and forts
all through the complicated streets. Old bazaars and food are
some of the specialties of Old Delhi. Whereas New Delhi is
completely different with lifestyle and city's architecture
having the influence of British Rule in India. Meet assist
at the airport & transfer to hotel. Night stay
in Delhi.
 Day 02 / Delhi
After breakfast gear up for your visit of Old & New Delhi
:
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting
the Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi is one of
the most visited sites in Delhi. It consists of a simple square
black-marble platform that stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi
was cremated. Nearby, there are cremation sites of Jawaharlal
Nehru - the first Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay
Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Jama Masjid - the
largest mosque in India. Red Fort - One of the most spectacular
pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Lal Quila or the Red Fort.
Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648,
the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with
the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts.
on the city side. Chandni Chowk - a place that has a history
of about 400 years. More evidences of the ancient times that
once existed in old Delhi can be found out by winding through
the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk in a rickshaw. The pleasure
associated with the Rickshaw Ride here is ultimate. The rickshaw
rides gives the passengers an opportunity to see a different
prospective of Chandni Chowk, which is otherwise only regarded
as one of the favourite shopping avenues of Delhi.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would
include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive
along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India
Gate -was built by Edwin Lutyens to pay homage to the Indian
soldiers who died in the World War I and the Afgan War. Closely
looking at the walls of India Gate would let you know the names
of 90,000 soldiers who died during the World War I, the Afgan
War and the North-West Frontier operations. The structure was
finally completed in the year 1931. India Gate was originally
called the All India War Memorial., Laxmi Narayan Temple also
known as Birla Temple - one of the landmarks in the nation’s
capital New Delhi. It was built in the 20th century by the Birla
family of industrialists known for its many other temples in
India. It is modern in concept and construction. It attracts
several devotees and international tourists. The presiding deity
here is Lakshmi Narayan (Vishnu), Parliament House, the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
The evening is free to be spent at your leisure. Night stay in
Delhi.
Day 03 / Delhi - Agra ( By road approx 205Kms / 04Hrs)
Morning drive to the city of Taj, Agra & transfer to hotel.
Start the sightseeing of Agra by visiting the magnificent Taj
Mahal one of the of the world surely the most extravagant expression
of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to
build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth
of white marble and semi-precious stone-undoubtedly the highlight
of your tour. A ride on Tonga upto Taj is sheer fun and frolic
all through. Also visit the Agra Fort – the rusty and majestic
red-sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna
and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At
the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of
red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back,
the Emperor heard public petitions. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall
of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays
lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded
Peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly
kingdoms. Evening free to explore the Agra’s rich heritage
of handicrafts in its markets. Night stay in Agra.
Day 04 / Agra – Jaipur
( By road approx 235kms/ 05Hrs ) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast drive to Jaipur- the fabled “pink city” of
the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur.
This is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions
of the universe through the nine rectangular sectors subdividing
it. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses
to the royal processions and splendors are now living monuments
enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri- a perfectly preserved red sandstone “ghost
town” which was the estranged capital of mughal emperor
Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed.
Arrive Jaipur in late evening & transfer to hotel. Night
stay in Jaipur.
 Day 05 / Jaipur
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to
Amber Fort. Elephant Ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani
fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592,
and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior
belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and
Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression. Continue sight-seeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the
area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind
Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of
the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts
of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical
instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is
a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures
of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and
elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built
in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for
the palace women. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 06 / Jaipur - Udaipur ( By road approx 405Kms/09Hrs )
Morning drive to Udaipur - A very serene and romantic Indian
city, Udaipur has been shaped by commercial tourism in recent
years, although does still manage to retain much of its earlier
charm, away from its main tourist epicentre. The appearance
of Udaipur really does depend on how heavy the monsoon rains
were, since these fill up its beautiful Lake Pichola. enroute
visiting the famous Brahma Temple. Continue drive to Udaipur.
Arrive and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Udaipur.
Day 07 / Udaipur
Morning city sight seeing tour of Udaipur. The city is built
in 1559 A.D. by Maharaja Udai Singh and has been described
as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Col.
James Todd. Visit the City Palace museum, The City Palace,
one of the largest palaces in the world, can be approached
through the Bari Pol or the Great Gate (1600) with the royal
drums and then onto the Tripolia Gate (1725). The Tripolia
is a triple gate made of marble arches. Between these two gates
are eight carved toranas or archways under which the maharanas
were weighed against gold and silver which was later distributed
to the poor subjects. Popular entertainment like elephant fights
took place in the court beyond the Tripolia Gate. Bhartiya
Lok Kala Mandir ( Folk art museum) The interesting collection
exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses,
ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments,
folk deities and paintings. Also visit the Pratap Memorial.
A stop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the Fateh
Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap
with a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favorite horse"Chetak".
Evening Boat Ride at Lake Pichola.
Night stay in Udaipur.
Day 08 / Udaipur – Mumbai
( By flight)
Morning checkout from hotel and transfer to airport in time to
connect flight for Mumbai - the business, industrial, financial,
and celluloid hub of India. Mumbai is also often referred to
as the city that never sleeps. This city of dreams was once
presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when
he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal. Today,
it is the state capital of Maharashtra and the financial capital
of India. To the tourists Mumbai offers an amazing array of
places to visit. There are excellent excursion options to the
neighboring hill stations and ancient caves from Mumbai. For
the shoppers and the food freaks, Mumbai is an absolute visit.
Arrive, meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel.
Night stay in Mumbai.
Day 09 / Mumbai
After breakfast proceed for half day tour of Mumbai covering
Gateway of India – Built to commemorate the royal visit
of George V and Queen Mary in 1911 but only completed in 1924,
the gateway is a combination of European and Indian ceremonial
architecture. The last British troops marched out through this
gate when India became independent in 1947. Today it is a favorite
haunt of tourists. The Prince of Wales Museum - This museum
stands not too far from the Gateway of India. It has a priceless
collection of art, sculpture, china and other antics. Carefully
presereved, this mid-Victorian Gothic style building built
in 1904 with beautiful gardens surrounding it, is worth visiting
in Mumbai. Chowpatty Beach & Juhu Beach - Chowpatty beach
is situated on Marine Drive. This beach is well-known for it's
stalls selling "Bhel-Puri and Pani -Puri chat" a
favourite fast food among the Mumbaites and visitors to the
city. Juhu Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai which
is 30 kms away from the heart of Mumbai. It is a long stretch
of sandy beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle. This is a very
popular beach for picnic. Both these beaches are crowded on
week-ends. Night stay in Mumbai.
Day 10 / Mumbai - Cochin ( By flight )
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight to Cochin - is
a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian
peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state
of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance
over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of
the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as
the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British,
Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on
the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin
has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala
and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast
of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world
class port and international airport that link it to many major
cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the
Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.
Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide
a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Strictly
speaking, Cochin is a small town. But, Cochin has outgrown
its original bounds and is now the general name given to much
of the region adjoining the original town, which now includes
Cochin, Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and many other nearby
towns and villages. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district
in the state of Kerala. Ernakulam is also the name of a town
- the administrative capital of Ernakulam district - but, for
all practical purposes Ernakulam and Cochin, generally, refer
to the same place. Rest of the day at leisure. Visit local
markets etc. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 11 / Cochin - Munnar ( By road approx 150Kms/ 03Hrs)
After breakfast drive to munnar. On arrival transfer to hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Munnar tea gardens spread like
a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lust green hills,
a place so difficult to describe, very low population too far
from pollution, most of the covered by Tata tea. Also the Raja
Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain
goats), Muttupetty dam, Indo Swiss project; you can also enjoy
boating in the Lake (optional). Night stay in Munnar.
 Day 12 / Munnar - Thekkady
( By road approx 110Kms / 02Hrs & half
an hour)
After breakfast drive to the Thekkady - is tantamount to proud
mountains, winding valleys, scented plantations and crisp air.
The periyar forest of Thekkady is abode to one of the finest
natural wildlife sanctuaries in India. Spread over a picture
perfect landscape, it holds great opportunities for wildlife
watching and photography. A cruise on the lake might just strike
that long forgotten string of the heart. Set off on a memorable
plantation tour, spice garden trek, walking through the cardamom,
coffee, pepper and tea plantations. Make most of it by walking
into tribal settlements and watching their life from close. On
arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon visiting wildlife sanctuary
and Boat Ride on lake Periyar. Night stay in Thekkady.
Day 13 / Thekkady - Kumarakom
( By road 120Kms/ 02Hrs & half
an hour)
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom - the name “Kumarakom” was
derived from the sentence Kumaran’s Akam or place where
Kumaran is referred to its oldest temple. Historically, this
village was actually a part of Vadakkankore Kingdom which later
conquered by the King of Travacore. However, the modern history
of this beautiful village begun with the British farmer named
Alfred George Baker in 1847. Enroute visiting Spices, Tea, Coffee
and Rubber Plantation. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon
visit to the nearby bird sanctuary and optional boat ride to
the nearby village through lagoons. Night stay in Kumarakom.
Day 14 / Kumarakom - Alleppey - Trivandrum
After breakfast into a motor boatwater cruise from Kumarakom
to Alleppey for 2 hrs. On Arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon
sightseeing tour of Trivandrum including Napier Museum or Art
Gallery - Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of Kerala's
rich cultural heritage. An exceptional piece of architecture,
the Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General
John Napier. The Napier Museum is also called the Government
Art Museum. The Museum building is a combination of the Kerala,
Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Built by
the 19th century British architect Chisholm, it has a unique
natural air-conditioning system. A veritable treasure house
for connoisseurs of art, the intriguingly eclectic collection
of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots,
it is the pride of this place. Kovalam beach etc. Return to
the hotel for night stay in Trivandrum.
Day 15 / Trivandrum - Kanyakumari ( By road approx 200Kms/ 04Hrs)
After breakfast proceed for Kanyakumari. Enroute visiting Padnabhapuram
palace - A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram
Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India - Kanyakumari.
An enticing ediffice to any lover of art and architecture this
old palace of the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to
1750 AD) is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of
architecture. The antique interiors are replete with intricate
rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The palace also contains
17th and 18th century murals. One can see: the musical bow
in mahogany, windows with coloured mica, royal chairs with
Chinese carvings, 'Thaikkottaram' or the Queen Mother's palace
with painted ceilings, rose wood and teak carved ceilings with
90 different floral designs. Suchidram - A beautiful temple,
with typical South Indian architecture, situated just about
13 kms from Kanyakumari, and is a treat to visit. The insides
of the temple are very intricately carved out of stone. There
is a huge 18 feet idol of Lord Hanuman on your right, as soon
as you enter the temple. There are musical pillars, cut out
of a single rock. There are 1035 pillars with carvings and
stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are depicted on either
side of the temple. There is the pujari who doubles up as your
guide and takes you around inside the temple and describes
the details about the idols, the history, and the construction
of the temple. It is believed that Lord Indra was blessed by
Lord Shiva and hence the name Suchi which means "purified" Indram..
On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Vivekananda Rock
Memorial, Kanyakumari Temple, etc. Witness sunset in the evening.
Night stay in Kanyakumari.
Day 16 / Kanyakumari - Trivandrum - Mumbai ( By flight ) Departure
Early morning witness the sunrise from the terrace of the hotel
and after breakfast drive to the Trivandrum Airport to connect
the flight.
Includes:
» 15 nights accommodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
» Surface Travel by exclusive airconditioned car.
» All transfers, sightseeing as per the itinerary.
» Local English speaking guides.
» Elephant ride in Jaipur ( Subject to availability), Boat ride in Udaipur lake .
» Kathakali entrance Tickets
» 2 hrs motor boat cruise .
» All taxes, driver allowances, parking etc.
Does not include:
» Entrance fee to monuments.
» Any airfare .
» Any meals except breakfast.
» Tips, beverages, laundry etc.
» Any item not shown in cost Includes
Hotels Selected - Luxury (5* Deluxe)
Delhi : The Oberoi / The Imperial
Agra : The Oberoi Amarvilas
Jaipur : The Oberoi RajVilas
Mumbai : Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Cochin : Brunton Boatyard
Periyar : Spice Village
Udaipur : Udaivilas
Kovalam : Leela Kempinski
Kumarakom : Kumarakom Lake Resort
Munnar :Windermere Estate
Kanyakumari:Sea View Inn
Hotels Selected - Royal (5* Deluxe)
Delhi : The Metropolitan / The Lalit / The Grand
Agra : Jay Pee Palace / Taj View / Trident
Jaipur : Hotel Trident / Le Meridien
Mumbai : Trident Nariman Point / Leela Kempinsky / Intercontinental The Lalit
Cochin : Cochin : Trident Hilton / Casino
Periyar : Spice Village
Udaipur : Trident / Shiv Niwas / The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace
/Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa
Kovalam :Tranvencore Heritage
Kumarakom : Coconut Lagoon
Munnar :Windermere Estate
Kanyakumari:Sea View Inn
Hotels Selected - Classic (4*)
Delhi : The Connaught / Hotel City Park / De Marks
Agra : Clarks Shiraz / Holiday Inn
Jaipur : Hari Mahal Palace/ Wall Street / Hotel Clarks Amer / Ramada Plaza / Country Inn & Suits by Carlson
Mumbai : Ambassador/ Fariyas /Mirador
Cochin : Gokulam Park Inn /Avenue Regent
Periyar : Cardamom Country
Udaipur : Uday Kothi / Shikarbadi
Kovalam :Tranvencore Heritage
Kumarakom : Coconut Lagoon
Munnar :Windermere Estate
Kanyakumari:Sea View Inn
Hotels Selected - Jewel (3* - 4* & Heritage)
Delhi : Hotel Gautam Deluxe / Hotel Sunstar
Agra : Hotel Amar / Hotel Usha Kiran
Jaipur : Hotel Jas Vilas / Nana ki Haveli / Dera Rawatsar
Mumbai :Four season /Godwin / Suba Palace
Cochin:Arches /Napier House
Periyar : Cardmum County
Udaipur : Amet Haveli / Hotel Rajdarshan / Swaroop Vilas
Kovalam :Tranvencore Heritage
Kumarakom :Kayaloram
Munnar :Tea County
Kanyakumari:Sea View Inn
Hotels Selected - Economy (2* Moderate)
Delhi : Hotel Blue Bell / Hotel De Gold
Agra : Royale Residency / Hotel Pushapvila
Jaipur : Hotel Vijay Niwas / Hotel Sarang Palace
Mumbai : Metro International / Privilege inn
Cochin: Park Central /Woods Manor/ Abad Plaza
Periyar : Slver Crest
Udaipur : Mahendra Prakash Haveli / Hotel Shree Jagdish Mahal
Kovalam :Hotel Rockholm / Sawagat
Kumarakom:Cocobay Resort
Munnar :Edasherry Eastend
Kanyakumari: Shingar
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