DAY 01:
You are met on arrival and transferred to your Hotel.
DAY 02:
In the morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Old Delhi - a multi - layered city. Our first stop is the Red Fort built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital from Agra. A short drive brings us to the Great Mosque - The Jama Masjid. Drive on to see the memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Afternoon Sightseeing tour of New Delhi includes a visit to the Qutub Minar - the tallest stone tower in India built in 1191 AD. Chhatarpur Temple - the most popular Hindu temple with blissful tranquility and serene ambience. Continue to Humayun''s Tomb believed to have been designed by his widow. Its plan is based on the description of Islamic paradise gardens and is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs. Also visit the Bahai Temple - a lotus shaped structure. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility.
DAY 03:
After breakfast leave for Agra (203 km / 4 hrs), on arrival check-in at the hotel followed by city tour of Agra visit Taj Mahal - built by a grief-stricken emperor, Shah Jahan, as a memorial of eternal love for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Agra Fort which perhaps offers the most moving view of the Taj Mahal from its octagonal tower situated across the River Jamuna.
Sikandra Emperor Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra is a magnificent gateway, covered with floral and geometrical arabesque decoration in white and coloured marble. Four elegant Minarets surround the tomb
DAY 04:
After early breakfast we will drive for Jaipur (235 km / 6 hrs), en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - A fascinating deserted capital of Emperor Akbar. Abandoned in a few years due to lack of water. Arrive Jaipur and check-in at the hotel.
DAY 05:
Morning excursion to the Amber Fort which is perched on a hill. An Elephant transports us inside the fort which houses a Marble Palace, Temple of Victory and a Hall of Mirrors. On returning to the city we admire the Outdoor Observatory the Jantar Mantar- built in 1726 by Jai Singh, a notable astronomer King. It houses instruments of astonishing accuracy, which gives accurate predictions till this day. The City Palace is a visitors delight. Within the walls are several Palaces and museums resplendent with collections of the princely era. Drive to the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal), a five story high Palace having a facade of windows and latticed screens which allowed the Ladies of the Court, in bygone days, to sit and view the streets of the city.
DAY 06:
In the morning transfer to airport for flight to Udaipur, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel, later proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur - the city of Dawn, is a land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis.
Visit City Palace - A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenelated walls. It is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Jagdish Temple - Built in 1651 AD. By Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.
Sahelion-ki-Bari - (Garden of the maids of Honour) This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a scroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.
Afternoon Boat ride on Lake Pichola, a picturesque lake that entranced Maharana Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces , Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.
DAY 07:
Today we will take you for full day excursion of Ranakpur (90 km / 2 hrs) Ranakpur temples are Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone. Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community and these temples were created in the 15th century AD During the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. Later return to the hotel.
Day 08:
In the morning transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai, arrive Mumbai and board connecting flight to Cochin, assistance on arrival and transfer to your beach resort, later in the evening we will take you to Kathkali center to witness live performance of Kathakali dance drama, overnight stay.
Day 09:
Explore Cochin, a port city with a rich past and bustling present. Kochi is an attractive city with serene back-waters, golden sunsets, lagoons. Which are overhung with feathery coconut palms. It also has picturesque Islands-Vypeen, willingdon, Ramanthuruth, Vallarpadam and Bolghatty - all of which contribute to its beautiful cityscape. The interesting Jewish Synagogue - the oldest in India and the Mattancherry Palace of the former maharajas form part of this picturesque city. Also visit Chinese fishing nets rest on their cantilevered stands. The technique came from Kubla Khans court and till date serves the purpose.
Day 10:
Morning proceed by surface to Alleppey or Alappuzha, with its labyrinth of canals, bridges and a long silver beach, makes for a memorable holiday. On arrival check-in at Deluxe House Boat along Kerala scenic Backwaters - a unique web of lakes , lagoons , canals and rivers - are an integral part of Kerala Tourism Scenario, a houseboats takes one to a fascinating cruise at a leisurely and relaxing pace. Overnight at the Deluxe House Boat.
Day 11: After breakfast, check-out from the house boat and transfer to your resort hotel, day for leisure to enjoy delicacies of Kerala. Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad (''granary'' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.
On the southern bank of Kavanar river, is a small bird sanctuary where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of The sanctuary is a haven for the inquisitive bird watcher.
Day 12:
After breakfast proceed by surface to Periyar (110 km / 3 hrs). Periyar is best known for its wildlife, is a must-see for all visitors to Kerala. On arrival check-in at the hotel.Afternoon Boat cruise in The Periyar Lake which lies at the heart of the sanctuary and is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. One can view the animals in their natural surroundings while cruising on the lake, or better still come within a few feet of a herd of wild elephants. The majestic gaur, deer, wild boar and the distinctive Nilgiri langur are often spotted along the lake, as also water birds.
Periyar's wildlife variety includes the tiger, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, the nilgiri tahr, wild dog, porcupine, lion tailed macaque, Malabar squirrel and the sloth bear. The reserve has also attractions for the bird watcher as varieties of birds like the hornbill, blue winged parakeet, whistling thrush, flycatcher and water birds are to be seen here.
Day 13:
In the morning drive to Cochin airport (185 km / 5 hrs) to catch your flight to Mumbai, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Day 14:
During the morning excursion to Elephanta Caves, across the harbour you will see the world famous Elephanta Caves - 1200 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous sculpture signifying the Trinity of the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer is situated here.
The city's long association with the British is reflected in the old world charm of its buildings made in the Indo-Saracen style. Some of the well-known landmarks are the Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder overlooking the harbour. Half day city tour of Mumbai will include a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, Marine drive, Mani Bhawan (Gandhi House), Flora Fountain, Kamla Nehru Park and finally to the Hanging gardens.
In the evening transfer to International airport for your flight to onward destination.
Includes
Accommodation for 13 nights/14 days in the above mentioned hotels.
All the transfers and sightseeing by AC Vehicle.
Daily breakfast at the hotel.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur.
Boat ride at the Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
Kathakali dance show at Cochin.
Boat ride at Periyar.
English speaking guide as per the itinerary.
All applicable taxes.
Excludes
Accommodation for 13 nights/14 days in the above mentioned hotels.
All the transfers and sightseeing by AC Vehicle.
Daily breakfast at the hotel.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur.
Boat ride at the Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
Kathakali dance show at Cochin.
Boat ride at Periyar.
English speaking guide as per the itinerary.
All applicable taxes.
Validity
Rates are valid from 01 October 2007 - 30th April 2008
Rates are not valid from 22 DEC 2007- 05 JAN 2008
Since 1981
