Rajasthan & Kerala Backwater Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, our representative assist and escort you by a private a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. If you are arriving by morning flight, in the evening witness Light and Sound show at Red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular sound and light show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and legendary past are vividly brought to life. Special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour & explore the historic city, starting with Old Delhi: (Shahajahanabad) the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, JamaMasjid, the largest and the most splendid mosque in India, both built by Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat, thememorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. Later take a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling and colorful bazaar of Chandani Chowk. The sightseeing continues to explore the best tourist attractions of New Delhi including President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan), the regal residence of British rulers; a palace built for British Viceroys. India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, then visit Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) built by the Birla family. Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. It is one of India's modern and fastest developing cities with charismatic charm on its visitors. Delhi is located and sprawled on the both side banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is blend of ancient past of India with vibration of modern world. Delhi houses finest museums, historical monuments, sightseeing places, and temples in the country. Delhi is designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi, in the ancient time around 1200 BC the name of the city was Indraprastha, Delhi is developed and construed time to time on 7 ancient cities of the old age.

03 Day: Delhi – Mathura / Vrindavan – Agra (210 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, en route visit to Mathura i.e. this temple city is known as birth place of Lord Krishna, visiting Dvarkadhish Temple, Vishram ghat, Potara kund and Rangbhumi and other temples in and around Vrindavan. Followed by other temples in and around Vrindavan (15 kms from Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Sri Radha Raman Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangaji Temple and ISCON Temple. After visit continue to drive to Agra, on the way stop over to visit the Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Then continue to precede Agra, upon arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening one should visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel for overnight stay in Agra.

Mathura: is the nucleus of Brajbhoomi. This is the place where Lord Krishna was born in a prison cellar. The city, today, is famous for its many temples dedicated to the Lord. Located at Katra, Keshav Deo, the temple is thronged by pilgrims from all over the world. The Dwarkadesh Temple, built by Seth Gokul Das of Gwalior in 1814, is situated in the heart of the city. It is adorned with some exquisite paintings depicting the entire life of Krishna. The Vishram Ghat on the bank of Yamuna is the place where Krishna rested after killing Kansa.

Agra, is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendant of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra, and the nearby city of Fatehpur Sikri, is conveniently close to Delhi. Besides the Taj Mahal is Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah.-35 kms away are the imperial ruins of the Mughal city, Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata.

04 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort wasbuilt in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosqueand various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noorjahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

05 Day: Agra – Fathepur Sikri – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 – 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive pink city Jaipur. Enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Later continue to drive to Jaipur. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Jaipur is worldly famous for hand woven carpets, precious stones, handicrafts, marbles, textiles, blue pottery, handmade papers amongst many others. In the evening you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Overnight at the hotel.

Jaipur widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The entire walls, houses and buildings of the city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance of the Hindu architecture science called Shilpa Shastra. The city was designed in a rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe. This fascinating city houses - majestic forts, grand palaces, lavish gardens, havelis and museums, while visiting these places you will have a true vision of the royal golden past of Rajasthan.

06 Day: Jaipur:

Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Later drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur, the palace is a miraculous representation of the real Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The incredible Jantar Mantar wasinnovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Amongst the 5 observatories built by him, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of them. The splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ was built with a concept for the woman of royal families to speculate the royal ceremonies and festivals being hidden from the public eyes. The afternoon is free for relaxation. In the evening visit the modern & artistic, Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can also visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Through their unique diplomacy of strategic alliances & their valour & strength, the rulers not only established a long dynasty but, in time, also played a part in changing the destiny of Medieval India. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

07 Day: Jaipur – Ajmer - Pushkar (135 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Pushkar, known for world’s biggest cattle fair every year in month of November, with glorious celebration. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. 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. Then visit at Dargah of Khwaja Sahib at Ajmer ( 11 kms ) It is India’s most significant shrine for Muslims and thousands of devotees of all religions visit the holy place through the year. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar visited the saint in the 16th century in pursuit of a boon for a child, the saint obliged the Emperor. Overnight at the hotel.

Pushkar: Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual Vedic yagna at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again.

08 Day: Pushkar – Chittourgarh – Udaipur (275 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Udaipur. En route halt at Chittourgarh city, to visit the mightiest and the largest historical fort of India: Chittourgarh - A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'. The fort stands as a jaded reminder of the character and bravery of the Rajpoot Clan in Rajasthan & echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to their tradition. Sprawled over an area of 700 acres, the fort houses historical monuments: Tower of Victory, Rani Padmini Palace, Man Mahal, Mira Temple and several ruins of the temples of Shiva. In the fort complex you will visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. Afterwards continue to drive to Udaipur. On arrival, check into the hotel. In the evening you may walk through the old narrow streets of the city or simply enjoy a boat ride at Lake Pichola or a dinner at one of the most luxurious hotels of Udaipur ‘Taj Lake Palace’ (on your own). Overnight at the hotel.

Chittourgarh, the town known for its massive fort atop hill, crowned on a 6kms long hill, covering an area of 280 hectares with fortifications, temples, towers and palaces. The city can be single out for its glorious past and valor, unique to the Rajput tradition. Chittourgarh is fortified settlement, which is history witnessed a number of sieges but refused to bow before foreign invaders. Tales of Princess Padmini are told here who was known for her chivalry and beauty. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts and palaces

Udaipur: One of the most romantic and beautiful city of North India, the city was founded in 1568 AD by Rajput King Udai Singh., located on the banks of the shimmering Pichola Lake, is one of the most romantic city of Rajasthan. Udaipur is cuddle up in lush green Aravali mountain range. The city is also known as the ‘Venice of the East'. It is a kaleidoscope of wonderful lakes, enchanting temples, lake side gardens, amazing forts and palaces and narrow lanes of the old city with historical past, Udaipur characterize chivalry and velour of the Rajpoot clan who had ruled this city for years and valor and chivalry. There are so amazing places to visit in this incredible city of Rajasthan.

09 Day: Udaipur

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the wondrous City Palace complex – a significant landmark of the town. The palace is a splendid white marble historical home of the Rajpoot Rulers. Here you will see notable places like the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish temple, followed by Sahelion Ki Bari, a beautiful recreation garden for queens and princes of the rulers. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, is an ethnic exhibit of traditions and culture of Rajasthan, ethnic ornaments traditional outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, classical paintings, fold musical instruments. In the evening visit to Lake Bageela 22 kms, for a sightseeing tour of the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Overnight at the hotel.

10 Day: Udaipur – Mumbai (By Air)

After breakfast, your day is free for relaxation and individual activities. Later check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free to explore the local markets or visit the ISKON temple and Juhu beach. Later return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

11 Day: Mumbai

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Bombay starting with Gateway of India and Elephanta, on the way you may opt to visit Dhobi Ghat a fascinating spectacle, looking down on row upon row of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone, then drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves, A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvellous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch (of your own) at the Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture, Marine Drive, one of the most scenic stretches amid the concrete jungle of Mumbai. Also visit Mani Bhavan, a Gandhi Museum that houses many of his personal items and houses the same room that was used by Gandhi during his stay in Mani Bhavan. In the evening, you can explore the local market of Mumbai of you preference. Return back to the hotel for overnight.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

12 Day: Mumbai – Cochin (By Air)

Today morning after a healthy breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the Mumbai domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Cochin. Assistance on arrival at the Cochin airport and transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of Cochin: Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. These inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; 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. This evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at the hotel.

Kochi (colonial name 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. 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. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.

13 Day: Cochin – Alleppey (70 kms: 2 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.

Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colorful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.

14 Day: Kumarakom

After breakfast disembark from the houseboat. And drive to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. On arrival, transfer to the resort. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including 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. Return to hotel, make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favorite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at hotel.

15 Day: Kumarakom – Kovalam (180 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kovalam, a world famous beach destination. On arrival, transfer to the beach resort. You can indulge in Yoga rejuvenation, the beach resorts offers oil baths and Ayurvedic massages, and here you can enjoy skiing, surfing and also kayaking. Enjoy the sunbathing under the tropical sun. Enjoy watching the patches of coral reefs lining on the coast of the Kovalam beach, the world of fantasy with coconut groves and the palm trees surrounding you in the beautiful landscape. Overnight at the beach resort of Kovalam.

Kovalam: On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.

16 Day: Kovalam – KanyaKumari (Excursion 85 kms: 2 - 3 hrs one way)

After breakfast take an an exursion to Kanyakuamari pilgrimage and spiritual destination also known Cape Commorin, take the sightseeing tour of the small town, the home to Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple and is a Shakti Peetha temple dedicated to a manifestation of Parvati. Kanyakumari is famous for Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970 where Swami Vivekananda meditated (in middle of the ocean), visiting Gandhi Mandapam. Later drive back to Kovalam. Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Kanyakumari - Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu is located at the southernmost tip of the peninsular Indian. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters.

17 Day: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Delhi - Hometown (By Air)

Today morning after early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport to board the flight for Delhi Later drive to airport arrival take the internal transfer to the International airport to board the flight for home town or onwards journey, on departure, the tour concludes with happy memories.