Rajasthan with Scenic Kerala
Delhi - Agra -
Ranthambhore -
Jaipur - Pushkar
- Udaipur - Mumbai
- Cochin - Munnar
-
Periyar - Alleppey
- Kumarakom -
Cochin
17
Nights / 18 Days
01 Day: Arrival Delhi:
Welcome to the mesmerizing land of India. As per your scheduled flight,
our representative will met, assist and escort you to the booked hotel.
All documents will be handed over to you with traveling brief and interaction
for any query in terms of tour and services. Rest of the time is for leisure
and overnight at the hotel.
02 Day: Delhi:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour to explore New Delhi: - Drive
along side the widest street of capital - the Rajpath to observe
the royal view of the Parliament House, the President House and the India
Gate, Humayun's Tomb which is considered by historians as one of
the most magnificent architectural edifice of the Mughal era, Qutub Minar
- built in 1199 rises to a height of 72.5 metre from a base of 14.32 metre
and Birla Mandir - a colourful and modern Hindu temple. Later embark
on sightseeing of Old Delhi visiting mighty Red Fort - an imposing
red sandstone fort built in the 17th century, the Raj Ghat - where
the mortal remains of Mahatma Gandhi were cremated, the Jama Masjid -
one of the largest mosque and architecturally beautiful monument in India,
the imposing Ashoka Pillar - built by the Firoz Shah Tughlak and
bustling Chandni Chowk Bazaar. In the evening you can visit to see light
and sound show at Red fort. Overnight at the hotel.
03 Day: Delhi - Agra (200 kms: 4 hrs):
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. Enroute visit
Sikandra, to see the tomb of Emperor Akbar. This marvelous mausoleum is
the centre stage of attraction in Sikandra and so you get an opportunity
to explore this marvelously designed structure, and then continue the
journey. Later proceed to Agra. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After
relaxation in the evening you may opt to watch the 80 minutes new theatrical
show: Mohabbat E Taj at Kalakruti Mandal, where they enact the history
behind the Taj Mahal. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation.
Overnight at the hotel.
04 Day: Agra:
In the relative quiet of early morning visit to the Taj Mahal when it
is the most alluring. Shrouded in mists, the color of the Taj changes
from soft yellow to pearly cream to dazzling white. Taj Mahal is a sublime
experience of the greatest love story ever told. This monument is a fine
example of the fusion of many architectural styles and is one of the wonders
of the modern world. Later visit to the Agra Fort, designed and built
by Akbar in 1565 A.D., with barricaded wall of red sand stone; it houses
the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir
Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Meena
Bazar, Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj where from Taj Mahal is
visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. So very ironically,
Emperor Sahahjahan, prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put
in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from
his cell in the fort. Later in the evening you may visit the souvenir
markets of Agra. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
05 Day: Agra - Ranthambhore (280 kms: 6 hrs):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur
Sikri, this is today a deserted city, which was built during Akbar's regime
as a capital. Here you will get opportunity to see incredible Bulund Darwaza
- the largest gateway in the world, and the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti,
a well-known Sufi saint of India. also visit other historical sites such
as Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-khana-I-khaas or Hall Of Private Audience, Palace
of Akbars' Queen Jodha Bai, Birbal's Palace, Panch Mahal and Jami
Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri. Later proceed to Ranthambhore. On arrival, transfer
to the hotel. Ranthambhor, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locations.
It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first
phase of Project Tiger in 1972. The park derives its name from the fort
of Ranthambhor, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. Earlier,
the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambhor
was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its
tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic
predators in the wild. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the
evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
06 Day: Ranthambhore:
Early morning opt for morning safari. Apart from the tiger, the tourists
can also observe Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals,
Leopard, Jungle Cat, Marsh Crocodile, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle,
Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds.
Most of these wild animals can be spotted near the lakes and water holes
during the evening. Ranthambhore is home to both resident and migratory
bird population. There are about 264 bird species found within the park.
Later visit to Ganesh Temple and Ranthambhore fort. Later return to the
hotel for rest and relaxation. In the afternoon you can opt for another
safari inside the park. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
07 Day: Ranthambhore - Jaipur (180 kms: 4 hrs):
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Jaipur. On arrival,
transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator
white marble temple, glitters in the in the night, at the time of dinner
visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani &
Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and
music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the
hotel for overnight stay.
08 Day: Jaipur:
After an early breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, visiting Amber
fort, a 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, followed by visiting 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, City Palace Museum Visit to 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. In the evening hop on to the Cycle Rickshaw and
explore the colorful and vibrant markets of Jaipur, famous for Textiles,
Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Overnight at the hotel.
09 Day: Jaipur - Pushkar (130 kms: 3 hrs):
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Pushkar. On arrival,
transfer to the hotel. Pushkar is internationally known for its colorful
cattle fair when thousands of devotees from all faiths assemble to take
a dip in the holy lake. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with
over 500 temples and ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural
heritage. Later take sightseeing tour of the city visiting temple of Lord
Brahma is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped.
On the banks of the lake you will see devotees taking dip into the holy
waters of Pushkar & offering prayers. Also visit the Pushkar Fair
site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Explore the colourful
market of Pushkar from where range of souvenirs could be purchased including
the Rajasthani costumes, jewellery, embroidered fabrics, decorative pieces
and groovy accessories. Overnight at the hotel.
10 Day: Pushkar - Ajmer - Udaipur (280 kms: 6 hrs):
After breakfast take an excursion to Ajmer. The city of Ajmer displays
some splendid masterpieces of Indo - Islamic architecture. Located at
distance of 14 km from Pushkar, visit the one of the holiest Muslim shrines
in the country, the Dargah or tomb of the 13th century Sufi Saint Hazrat
Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Later check out of the hotel and drive
to Udaipur. En route visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur Temples of
12 Century - The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted
white marble, built out of marbles with 108 carved pillars each carved
differently from others, Come across as a marvellous feat of architecture.
One can have lunch at Maharani Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and visit to local
families on the way. Later proceed to Udaipur. On arrival, transfer to
the hotel. In the evening enjoy the exciting boat cruising on the shimmering
blue waters of Lake Pichola offers a breathtaking view of the Lake Palace
which appears like a giant white lotus, emerging out of the Lake. Overnight
at the hotel.
11 Day: Udaipur:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city, Udaipur has a number
of beautiful tourist attractions including fairy-tale palaces, lakes,
gardens, museums, and temples. Not to be missed attractions include the
amazing Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir - the two exquisite palaces on the Lake-,
Saheliyon- ki- Bari Garden that was specially constructed for the ladies
of the Mewar royal household, Sajjan Garh or the Monsoon Palace, Jagdish
Temple, Pratap Memorial, Gulab Baugh, also visit Lok Kala Mandal collection
of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls
folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings as well as puppet
shows and folk dancing conducted in an adjacent open air theatre. Visit
Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Eklingji & Nagda Temples
- built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake
Bageela. Overnight at the hotel.
12 Day: Udaipur - Mumbai (By Air):
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board
the flight for Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a
city tour covering Parliament House, CST, Flora Fountain. Halt at Gateway
of India an architectural marvel that scores over other buildings in Mumbai.
From there opt for a pleasant half an hour motor-boat ride to the vicinities
of the famous Elephanta caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the
top of the hill where it is set. This island is home to a series of seven
magnificent rock cut caves which show various incidents in the life of
lord Siva and other dramatic moments from Hindu mythology. These are chiselled
with immense artistic finesse. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway
of India. After lunch (on your own), visit to Dhobi Ghat, a unique feature
of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your
dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. Almost
two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always
been a hereditary occupation. In the evening pass by Marine Drive fondly
dubbed as the Queen's Necklace, because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights
at night. You may halt at Chowpatty Beach one of Mumbai's most popular
promenades and a favourite sunset-watching spot. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Elephanta Caves is closed on every Monday.
13 Day: Mumbai - Cochin (By Air):
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board
the flight for Cochin. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a
sightseeing tour of Cochin (Kochi): The Gateway of South India. This lovely
seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian
Sea on the west. Cochin (Kochi) has been ruled by the Dutch, British and
the Portuguese. Hence you will find here a unique mix and match of traditional
as well Western architecture and lifestyle. Sightseeing tour includes
visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco
da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch"
Palace. Also famous in Cochin (Kochi) are the Chinese fishing nets, which
dominate part of the seafront and attract tourists in large numbers. These
nets suspended in the mid air all along the coast and are set up on bamboo
or teak poles giving an appearance of huge hammock. If you wish you may
opt from a variety boat trips offered like Backwater Canal Tour, the sunset
cruise, and so on. In the evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Presentation,
a traditional dance form of Kerala with Lavish Costumes, Exotic makeup,
Masks etc. This is considered to be the King of theater performances.
Overnight at the hotel.
14 Day: Cochin (Kochi) - Munnar (130 kms: 3 hrs):
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Munnar. On arrival,
transfer to the hotel. This luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats,
is derived from the three mountain streams; Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and
Kundala which join together in Munnar. Enjoy the tea estates, hills, lakes
and forests of Munnar. Visit to the Eravikulam National Park (15 km from
Munnar,) This sanctuary was set up for the preservation of the endangered
Nilgiri Tahr. The park also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhar's,
Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tigers and Leopards. The
park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best
mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. After visit return to the
hotel for overnight stay.
15 Day: Munnar:
After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty (cattle village), the
Swiss Livestock Project is a highly specialized dairy farm where over
a hundred breeds of highly yielding cattle are reared. Visitors are allowed
into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by visit to
Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. The panoramic
view of greenish tea, coffee and cardamom plantation and the cloud kissing
mountain is exciting one. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the
breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain walks.
Later visit at Devikulam (7 km from Munnar) is famous for its breath-taking
locales, scenic spots and for its unique flora and fauna. Right in the
heart of this landscape is Sita Devi Lake. The lake, with its picturesque
surroundings, mineral water, and trout-fishing and adventure sports facilities,
is a favorite tourist destination. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
16 Day: Munnar - Periyar (110 kms: 3 hrs):
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Periyar. On arrival,
transfer to the hotel. Later visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's
biggest wildlife sanctuaries, which is an example of nature's bounty,
with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor
satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 sq .kms, the animals found
here include Elephant, Aur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer,
Dole or Indian Wild Dog and birds like Ibis and Grey Heron. A boat ride
through the waters of the man made Periyar Lake around which the wild
- life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience.
Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can enjoy wildlife viewing
at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the Lake. At Periyar you
can see, herds of elephants bathing and playing on the Periyar Lake. Later
in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom,
cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel,
you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight
at the hotel.
17 Day: Periyar - Alleppey (114 kms: 2 ½ hrs) Backwaters
tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom:
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at
the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through
the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas
(snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm
fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields
and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are
panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent
of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming
around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring
pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing
from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats,
moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting
cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun
deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight
at the houseboat
18 Day: Kumarakom - Cochin (Kochi) (90 kms: 2 hrs) - Onwards
Journey (By Air):
After breakfast
disembark from the
houseboat. The village
of Kumarakom is
a cluster of little
islands on the Vembanad
Lake, and this small
water world is part
of the Kuttanad
region. Later visit
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary,
an ornithologist's
paradise is a favourite
haunt of migratory
birds like the Siberian
stork, Egret, Darters,
Bitterns, Brahminy
kites, Marsh Harries,
Teals and several
varieties of Herons
roost are found.
For an inquisitive
bird watcher, it
is always advisable
to carry their binoculars
at all times. A
cruise along the
Vembanad Lake is
the best way to
experience the sanctuary.
After visit drive
to Cochin (Kochi)
airport to board
your homebound flight
with happy memories
of your holiday
to India.
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