Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport by flight.
Delhi – the capital of India – The city consists of two parts – Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British.
Meet & Assist: you will be met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. You will be transferred to your hotel.
Check-in at your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 In Delhi
Morning you tour some of the sights of the capital city. Today you will explore the area referred to as Old Delhi. This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Drive past the Red Fort which was built in the mid-17th century when the Emperor moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. From here you drive to the 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, its narrow lanes best explored in a cycle rickshaw. As you wind your way through the narrow alleys you will see remnants of the grand houses that were once the homes of wealthy nobles. Today it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewelry, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth. This is an excellent introduction to the organized chaos which is quintessentially Indian. You will disembark at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India and which was Shah Jahan’s last architectural legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum which means “The mosque commanding a view of the world”. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, Raj Ghat is an oasis of manicured lawns and peace. This is the simple yet stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India’s independence.
Afternoon you tour some of the sights of the capital city. You will start at the Qutb Minar complex which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India – The Quwwat-Ul- Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. The Qutb Minar was begun in 1199 by Qutb ud din Aibak and was completed by his successors. This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings. From here you visit one of the architectural triumphs of the Mughal Empire – Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun’s tomb is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendor and the fountains working, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.
You return to your hotel via the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Combining what Lord Hardinge, The Viceroy suggested “western architecture with an Oriental motif”, this former viceregal lodge, today is the home of the President of India. Though the incorporation of Indian motifs in the final design was superficial, the enormous dome was fashioned on the great Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. You will drive up Rajpath, stopping at the India Gate. This was designed by Lutyen in memory of the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. Among the other buildings you will stop at will be the Parliament House; The Cathedral Church of Redemption and to its north the Italianate Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. Both these were conceived by Henry Medd whose design won architectural competitions.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 Delhi – Amritsar
Morning transfer to railway station to board train for Amritsar.
Situated on the northwestern border of the country, Amritsar means the “Pool of Nectar”, the name derived from a pool constructed at a sacred site gifted by Akbar to Guru Ramdas in the 6th century. This 400-year-old city has been the center of Sikh religion and culture since the time of its inception and is famous for the Golden Temple.
Life in Amritsar is deeply influenced by the holy shrines of the Golden Temple and the Durgiana Temple, plus the sources of the city’s wealth-agriculture, commerce and industry. Even though most people are very religious, they are also extremely fun loving and full of life. They have earned their money by sheer hard work, and they spend it lavishly on the good things of life.
Meet & assist in arrival at railway & transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 In Amritsar
Morning after breakfast proceed for city tour of Amritsar.
Golden Temple Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple, the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. Characterised by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful.
Jalianwala Bagh : A historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the independence movement in India, Jalianwallah Bagh is another must visit in Amritsar. Here lies the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by British General Dyer. Presently the place also has a park. The Martyr’s Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summers and from 10 am to 4 pm during winters.
Afternoon visit Wagah border.
Wagah Border : One of the many nearby places to visit from Amritsar is the Wagah Border. Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometres from the Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you cannot afford to miss.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 05 Amritsar – Delhi – Agra
Morning transfer to railway station to board train for Delhi. Meet & assist on arrival & drive to Agra.
Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow gullies and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughal still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Afternoon visit Agra fort & Taj Mahal by Sun set
Agra Fort. The present structure stands on the site of 14th century fort that was occupied by the Lodi Sultans of Delhi. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.
Visit the Taj Mahal by sun set which is perhaps the world’s most perfectly proportioned monument. This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan’s last wife Mumtaz Mahal, “light of the palace”. Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”. Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an “Urs”, an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr. Prayers are said and passages from Koran are constantly recited in the mosque and cenotaph chamber.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 Agra – Jaipur
Post breakfast drive to drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fatehpur sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the former days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, which is the largest gateway in the world.
After visit continue drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur: The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. Inspite of growing into bustling metropolis, it still retains it’s character and history…. a beautiful fusion of yesteryears and modernity. For long called the Pink city because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honour of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07 In Jaipur
After breakfast you will visit Amber Fort. Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers. Belonging to the Hindu “Kshatriya” or warrior class, they believed in the line from the sacred holy book, the Purana that “a fort is the strength of a king”. They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces. Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts.
Afternoon you will proceed on a city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built in the 1700s but still appears to be futuristic. It houses unique instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens! Continue your visit to City Palace to witness the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and armory. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved.
Visit old market area . Cruise around the old city with its colourful shops, latticed windows houses and rose pink colour streets. Witness the architectural marvels, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women
Balance day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 Jaipur – Udaipur
Morning after breakfast for Udaipur
The city of Udaipur or the city of `sunrise’ combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. The legendary Ranas or kings of this state traced their ancestry back to the sun! It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue lake Pichola and is regarded as the most romantic spot in India. On little islands in the lake, from the waters edge, rise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge, in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake, stands the massive palace of the Maharana.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09 In Udaipur
Morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur
Highlights include a visit to the City Palace and Sahelion-ki-Bari. City Palace is composed of 4 major and several minor palaces that form a single façade. Its main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The gate leads to a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens. The Rai Angan (Royal Courtyard) has a shrine, which is the oldest part of Udaipur. It is here that Udai Singh met an ascetic who suggested this site for Udaipur. The centrally located 17th century Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) gets its name from inlaid glass mosaics of peacocks on its walls. Next, visit Sahelion-ki-Bari, Garden of Maids of Honour that comprises sof ornamental fountains, a lotus pool and rose garden. It was built specially for one of the queens of Udaipur, whose dowry included 48 maids
Afternoon: Boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola derives its name from Pichola Village, with the City Palace extending along its eastern bank and the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir enclosed in its vast expanse. Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city of Udaipur and today it stands 4 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide. The lake is surrounded by hills and its panoramic beauty is best viewed against the backdrop of the setting sun
Following sightseeing tour return back to hotel
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 Udaipur – Cochin
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Cochin via Mumbai
Kochi- commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state’s cities, Cochin or Kochi have long been eulogized in tourist literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea.’ Strategically located on the east – west sea route, Cochin is Kerala’s major port, boasting of one of the finest natural harbors in the world. With its wealth of historical associations and its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsula, the city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala.
Meet & Assist: Our representative meets you at the arrival hall of airport, and escort you to your hotel in air-conditioned vehicle.
Check-in at your hotel in Kochi for 2 nights.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 11 In Cochin
Morning tour of Kochi – the oldest European settlement in India, with an amazing blend of architectural styles. visit the old Jewish quarter built with a synagogue (Closed on Friday and Saturday), the Dutch-built Mattancherry Palace (Closed on Friday),
Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. Built by the Portuguese in 1510, it housed the remains of Vasco da Gama for 14 years before it was transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church. .
Later visit the Chinese fishing nets. The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochins waterfront. These are large nets, which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still used by the local fishermen of Fort Cochin.
Also visit the Temples during the city tour.
Evening visit Cochin Culture Centre to witness a Kathakali Dance Performance
Kathakali represents a synthesis of all that is best in dance, drama and music and has been recognized by connoisseurs of art, the world over as a `total art form of immense sophistication and power’. It is the impression created by make-up and the costumes that make Kathakali a visual par excellence. You will witness the Kathakali artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance. Costume is elaborate with the face painted up. Great importance is laid on the Vesham or make-up, which are of five types – Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku.
The pomp and magnificence of Kathakali is partly due to its decor part of which is the kireetam or huge headgear and the kanchukam the oversized jackets, and a long skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions. The identity of the actor is completely mutilated to create a super human being of larger-than-life proportion.
Back at hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 Cochin – Munnar
Breakfast at hotel
Later drive to Munnar covering a distance of 140kms in 3½ hrs. approximately
Munnar is a magnificent hill station in the Western Ghats at about 5000 feet above sea level and is the major center of Kerala’s tea industry. It is surrounded by about 30 tea estates, amongst the highest in the world and a forest that is still rich in wildlife that continues to survive the increasing commercial use of the hills. The luxuriant forest is hung with pepper vines. The hills around Munnar are covered with the rare Neelakurunji plant giving it a wonderful look, especially when the flowers bloom to cover the entire mountain range. It is said that this exotic plant flowers every 12 years.
Arrive at Munnar by this afternoon and check in to your hotel for 2 nights.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the beautiful hill station
Overnight at Hotel
Day 13 In Munnar
Breakfast at hotel
Munnar is one of the fascinating hill stations in South India and famous for its hypnotic greenery, beautiful mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air. Munnar is at the merging of three rivers and three mountain streams converging together. Munnar is also famous for the best tea estates in the world and over 30 tea plantations are there in and around Munnar.
Explore plantation & Tea Museums of Munnar & surroundings.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 14 Munnar – Periyar
Today morning after breakfast, drove to Thekkady (Periyar)
Upon arrival in Thekkady, check-in at the hotel.
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Later enjoy a visit to the Spice Plantations.
The spice plantation in Thekkady is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. The entire tour takes about 45 minutes or so, where the local guide will explain the process of growing the different types of spices being cultivated and how they are used in different cuisines etc in the state. If one wants to buy the same, plenty of shops are located in the area.
Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15 In Periyar
Today morning after an early breakfast, enjoy a guided walk in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands.
The programme is offered between 7.00 am. and 10.30 am. and between 2.00 pm. and 3.00 pm. and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.
In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride in the Periyar National Park. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 16 Periyar – Kumarakom
Morning drive to Kumarakom approx. 160kms/ 4 hrs. drive.
Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands that have been converted into a number of tourist resorts, and is part of the Kuttanad region. Kumarakom is an unbelievable beautiful paradise. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky.
Arrive in Kumarakom and check in to your hotel for 01 night.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy resort facilities Spa activities.
Optional- Ayurveda / Spa therapies Ayurveda, pronounced ‘eye-yer-vay-duh’, is the art of healthy living that enables you to create harmony in daily life by applying self-knowledge and self-care. The word comes from the Sanskrit language and literally means ‘Science of Life’. Inherent in Ayurveda principles is the concept that you are capable of taking charge of your own life and healing.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 17 Kumarakom – House Boat
This morning after breakfast, board the traditional Rice barge (boat) for an overnight cruising on the backwaters of Kerala.
The backwaters represent a unique geological formation and are the basis of a distinct lifestyle. Tranquil and alluring, they offer you the experience of a lifetime. Traveling through the backwaters of Kerala is a marvelous experience with the simple, unique pleasures it offers. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful backwaters of Kerala in a Kettuvalom’s (house boat). Kettuvalom’s of Kerala are giant country crafts that were used in the early days to transport goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. Now converted to beautiful dwellings, they are accommodated with fully furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms, sundeck, open lounge, kitchenette and a crew comprising of a chef, guide and oarsmen.
Enjoy traditional meal that will be served piping hot on board. Float through the placid waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages and leisurely explore the Kerala backwaters from the comforts of your houseboat.
Overnight: Deluxe Houseboat
Day 18 House Boat – Kovalam
Morning disembark & drive to Kovalam.
Arrive in Kovalam by afternoon and check in to your hotel, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Kovalam is reckoned one of the trendiest beach retreats in India. A combination of three small beaches, Kovalam, means “a groove of coconut trees”. It is just 16 km from the state capital of Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram. The sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves make it a tropical paradise of sorts. From sun bathing to Ayurveda rejuvenation to yoga and meditation, herbal body toning massages to special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising, holiday in Kovalam is a delight.
Afternoon at leisure – enjoy hotel facilities / Spa OR relax at the beach.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 19 In Kovalam
Day at leisure (no transport envisaged)
Overnight at Hotel
Day 20 In Kovalam
Day at leisure (no transport envisaged)
Overnight at Hotel
Day 21 In Kovalam
Day at leisure (no transport envisaged)
Overnight at Hotel
Day 22 Leave Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel
Later in time transfer to Trivandrum Airport covering a distance of 20KM in 45 Minutes to board flight for onward destination.
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