Meet & assist on arrival at Delhi Airport & transfer to your hotel.
IN DELHI
After breakfast in the morning proceed with a half day tour of Old. Visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan; Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India; Raj Ghat- the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and enjoy a walking tour in Chandni Chowk- the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity. In the afternoon visit New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate – A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President’s house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught place – the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping center.
After breakfast you will drive 220kms to Agra which is a very interesting 3 hours drive passing through beautiful countryside and villages.
In the afternoon visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this ‘ Love Poem in Marble’. (Friday closed).
Later visit the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two beautiful mosques. Built on the site of an earlier castle in AD 1565-75, many extant buildings were erected by Shah Jahan (AD 1630-55).
Irregularly triangular on plan, it is enclosed by a double battlemented massive wall of red sandstone which is about 2 km in perimeters and interrupted by graceful curves and lofty bastions. Of its four gates, the most impressive is the Delhi Gate on the west. Overnight is at the Hotel
After early breakfast, drive 240 km- 5 hours to Jaipur. En route stop at FATEHPUR SIKRI, 38 km from Agra. This exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone; with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons. The Diwan-i-am – a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwan-i-khas – a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai’s Palace, Mariam’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex.
The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings . Continue your drive to Jaipur, the city is colour washed pink – the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues are picturesque. The first planned city of its time, a formidable wall encircles Jaipur. After you check in at your hotel, rest of the day is free to relax in the hotel by the poolside or just to laze around in the room. You can also spend time in the crowded lanes & by lanes of pink city, haggling and souvenir hunting. On arrival check Inn at your Hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight is at Hotel.
This morning you will drive 11kms in the outskirts of the city to visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory or Jai Mahal and Jagmandir. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of Amba (Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance to the palace. Ride an elephant to ascend the hill on which the Fort is situated.
During your tour of the pink city, visit the City Palace – the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles which houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornate handles. It has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Also visit the Jantar Mantar – an astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 18th century, which is remarkable for its accuracy even at the present times. Lastly stop at Palace-of-Winds for taking pictures and. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast transfer to Airport to board the flight for Cochin via Mumbai. Meet and assist on arrival at Cochin airport and transfer to your hotel.
Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Kochi, a Portuguese fort, founded in 1503 is now in ruins. The Portuguese built the Mattancherry Palace in 1557 as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights and in 1663 the Dutch substantially rebuilt it. The cosmopolitan history is still evident as well as European intervention. The Jewish synagogue is in Mattancherry and the Jews claim to have settled here in 587 BC and some legends trace their origin to King Solomon 1030 BC.
In the evening watch Kathkali Dance performance and back to hotel. Overnight is at Hotel.
Today you will enjoy guided tour in the first half of the day. You will spend today walking through the old sections. Your walking tour will take you to; Jew Town, including the Pardesi Synagogue; the Mattancherry Palace, known locally as the Dutch Palace; Fort Cochin, reminiscent of European streets and houses; the Chinese Fishing Nets on the northern shore of Fort Cochin; and St Francis Church, near to a typical English village green. A highlight is watching the fishermen working the nets (which operate on a weight system) as the sun is setting.
Today morning, drive MUNNAR. It is one of the most popular hill stations in India, is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts. above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
After breakfast proceed on the visit to the Eravikulam National Park , A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc. A protected area, the sanctuary is divided into three regions – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area – Rajamalai – the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam. Here one can observe the Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters Later visit to Tea Museum: Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
Overnight at the hotel.
This morning you travel approximately 4 hours by private vehicle to Thekkady, the main entrance to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The name Thekkady, for those who have already visited this place, brings to mind images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Moreover, the flora and fauna of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is absolutely thrilling. The wild life sancturary here is the natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species. The Periyar Lake is a paradise for the nature lovers. It gives you an opportunity to observe the wild animals roaming in the jungle. The lake is also a birdwatcher’s delight. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake, however, it he herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Moreover, the sanctuary Watch Tower situated in the forest interior gives you a panoramic view of the park.
Your local guide takes you to view spice plantations of cardamom, pepper and other local specialties. Overnight is at the Hotel.
TO ALLEPPEY & BOARD YOUR HOUSEBOAT ON THE BACKWATERS
This morning, proceed to Alleppey, approximately a 3 ½ hour drive.
Arrive and board your houseboat for a Cruise and overnight stay on the famed backwaters of Kerala. The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages.
Houseboats, also known as Kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. The languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters.
Your boat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs (perfect for that G&T while the sun goes down!). The rooms are fully furnished with attached bathrooms. Each boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialities and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips!
Your houseboat travels until sunset before anchoring for the night. Overnight ON BOARD the House-Boat.
ALLEPPY – COCHIN AIRPORT & FLY TO MUMBAI
After breakfast on-board, dis-embark from your houseboat and switch over to your car for the drive to the airport to board your flight for Mumbai. Meeting and Assistance on arrival at Mumbai Airport and transfer to Hotel. Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan and crowded city. The city’s name was officially changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995. A city of the past, present and future mixed into one, Mumbai is an island connected to the mainland by bridges. The country’s financial center and its busiest port, Mumbai is also home to the world’s biggest cinema industry, popularly known as ‘Bollywood’. Some 15 million people, from billionaire tycoons to homeless pavement dwellers, live in this teeming megalopolis. Mumbai’s most famous landmark, the Gateway of India, was the first site to greet travelers to Indian shores during the heyday of the British Raj. Ironically, it also became the exit point for British troops after India gained independence in 1947. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, but in fact, the King and Queen were met with a mock cardboard and pastiche structure – the actual Triumphal Arch, built in honey colored basalt, was only completed in 1924. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight is at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed on the day excursions to Elephanta caves – The island of Elephanta is just an hour away from Mumbai by motor launch.
The cave temples here, excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries AD, are famous for their magnificently sculpted panels. The best known is one that depicts the Maheshmurti – a three-headed image of Lord Shiva. This island was so named by the Portuguese after the large stone elephant near the landing place and which now stands at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the mainland. The caves are reached by a stairway up the hillside from the ferry landing. (Elephanta Caves are Closed on Mondays & During Monsoon Period).
In the afternoon, proceed on the city tour of Mumbai visiting the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principle landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to Mumbai in 1911. Drive past the Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’. Visit Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai. Drive past the Victoria Terminus, the principal railways station of Mumbai, a beautiful building that symbolise the ethos of the Edwardian architecture, well worth a photo stop. At the Church gate station see the Dabbawala’s- a unique tiffin delivery service run by over 5000 semiskilled workers of delivering lunch to corporate executives from their homes. Visit the ‘Dhobi Ghat’, an open laundry where Mumbai’s ‘dirties’ are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry – a nice photography stop well worth a visit. Continue to the colourful Crawford market and Flora fountain a large bustling square, in the heart of the city. Overnight at the hotel
In time transfer to Mumbai Airport to connect your flight for onward destination
