01
Day: Arrival Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. If you wish you can do the half day sightseeing of Delhi today. Overnight at the hotel.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of India's fastest growing cities. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas, the august heroes of the epic Mahabharata, originally founded Delhi, then called Indraprastha, around 1200 B.C. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.
02 Day: Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, Later New Delhi to include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit to see light an sound show at Red fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
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.
03 Day: Delhi - Varanasi
(By Air)
Early morning board the schedule flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Relax for some time, later take an excursion tour to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit at Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon., also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Centaury BC., symbolize both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. After visit continue to proceed to Varanasi, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Or you may opt to visit the Ganga River at the time of sunset. Overnight at the hotel.
Varanasi: Sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of light, but the British, in an endeavor to simplify matters, had coined their own name for the place—Benaras. Varanasi is the city of a thousand temples. The main object of all devotees is the Kasi Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu belief, Bananas or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.
04 Day: Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges at dawn when it is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. While on the boat you will also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. After lunch visit to Banaras Hindu University - probably the largest residential university in Asia, in the university visit at Bharat Kala Museum. Later proceed on a tour of the temples of Varanasi visiting the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple premises. In the evening you can take a walk through the narrow lane to explore and colorful market of the ancient city. Rest of the evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel. 05 Day: Varanasi - Khajuraho (By Air) Morning after breakfast day free for leisure. Later checkout and transfer to the airport to board the schedule flight to Khajuraho. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Khajuraho is worldly known for its maginficent temos of Erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - The very name, Khajuraho, arouses strange dreams even in daytime. Of full bodied feminine forms frozen in stone, so real that you wonder whether they might come alive at a touch. . The temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km. after relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Khajuraho: The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. It derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree), which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature. It was only in this century, that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. These magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. The three main compartments are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum (garbha griha). The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.
06 Day: Khajuraho – Satna – Agra (By train)
Early morning visit Eastern group of Temples and visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Later drive to Satna 117 kms, on arrival transfer to the railway station to board the schedule train to Agra, arrival in Agra next day morning. Overnight at the board.
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,
craftsmen who are descendant of those who worked under
the Mughals know Agra for its superb inlay work on marble
and soapstone. 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 are 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.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
07 Day: Agra
Early visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view at the time of Sunrise. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. Later visit the Pearl Mosque and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. Overnight at the hotel.
08 Day: Agra - Ranthambhor (280 kms: 5 hrs)
Today early in the morning you can opt to visit again at Taj Mahal at the time of Sunrise, Later check out the hotel and drive to Fatehpur Sikri, (37 kms from Agra), Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty –Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honor of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the emperor's throne. The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here, the marble Tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. Akbar built in 1492, The Tomb is combination of Muslims and Hindu Architectural styles. After visit continue to drive to Ranthambhor. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Ranthambhor
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. The fort dates back to the 11th century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. 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. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, busy in their normal pursuits - especially stalking or hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human activity and are not disturbed.
09 Day: Ranthambhor
Today morning take Jungle Safari by open Canter accompanied by an expert naturalist to explore The Ranthambhor wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat. In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. Return to the hotel for a lunch. Later visit Ranthambhor Fort over looking the National Park and Jogi Mahal. Also visit the famous Temple of Ganesha in the Fort. Rest of the evening free for leisure activities at the jungle resort. Overnight at Ranthambhor.
10 Day: Ranthambhor - Jaipur (180 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jaipur. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator marble temple, glitters in the in the night, later 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.
Jaipur Widely known as the ‘Pink City. This city is color washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with ‘Shilpa Shastra’- epochal treatise of Hindu architecture.
11 Day: Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. In the evening take a cycle rikshaw ride to explore the colourful market of Jaipur city, optionally you can see the movie at Raj Mandir Cinea Hall, which is most beautiful cinema hall in Asia. Overnight at the hotel.
12 Day: Jaipur - Delhi (260 kms 5 ½ hours) – Trivandrum(By Air) – Kovalam(16km / ½ hr)
Early morning
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, en route you can visit Nimrana Fort, which one of the magnificent fort of Rajasthan, converted into a heritage hotel, where you can have your lunch also. Later continue to drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the airport to board your flight to Trivandrum. On arrival drive to Kovalam Beach Resort for overnight stay.
Nimrana Fort- : It was a tributary chiefship of the former Alwar state. The track is sandy and bleak and is known as Rath. The place is said to be the home of chauhan Rajput claiming descent from Prithvi Raj the last Hindu emperor. One of the descendents of Prithvi Raj the, embraced Islam and settled here. That is why the old lineage is shown by the title Rao and was recognized so by the ruler of Alwar. Lord lake in 1803, as a punitive measure for the shelter and assistance given by then chief to the Marathas, confiscated the villages of the estate and made them over to Alwar. However, about one third of state was subsequently restored to the cheif, Who remained a tributary of Alwar state. This subordination of Nimrana to Alwar had been the subject of many disputes and controversies which came to an end in 1861 when the chief refused to accept the supremacy of Alwar ruler. The latter took this as an act of rebellion and took possession of the estate. The chief fled to Jaipur. However, the dispute was settled by the Vicerory in Council in 1868. It is an insignificant place today.
13 Day: Kovalam - Trivandrum - Cape Camorin - Kovalam (Excursion 90 kms: 2 hrs)
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of Trivandrum city, (16 kms) the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Later drive to Cape Camorin also known as Kanya Kumari, this place is at the tail tip end of India, one can see the 3 seas meet over here (Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal) on arrival visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda Rock & Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive back to Kovalam for overnight.
Trivandrum:
Thiruvananthapuram shot into prominence in the 18th century when the capital was shifted here form Padmanabhapuram, a little down south. The erstwhile kings of the then Travancore State, taking on the title of Padmanabhadas (servant of Lord), had dedicated themselves completely to the service of the Lord residing in the temple here. By the terms of this dedication, the deity owns the kingdom while the king is the mere executor of the trust. The temples in the city are believed to be several thousands years old. After independence, the city was designated as the capital of Kerala. Kanyakumari - :
Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu is located at the southern most 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
14 Day: Kovalam
The day is free for leisure and you can enjoy Ayurveda massage at the resort. Rest of the day is free at the beach. Overnight at beach resort at Kovalam.
15 Day: Kovalam – Alleppey (175 kms: 4 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 colourful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Alleppey A glide
in a "Kettuvalam" (Houseboat) through the
enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your
heart. 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.
16 Day: Kumarakom
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. 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 favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
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. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands
17 Day: Kumarakom – Periyar (140 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast, checkout of the hotel and drive to Periyar. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. 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 in Periyar.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centerpiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq.km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals. The Best time to visit Periyar is between OCTOBER and MAY. The best chance of watching animals is during the hot months of march, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dries out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath & frolic in the water with the young ones.
18th Day: Periyar – Munnar (110 kms: 2 ½ hrs)
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival transfer to the hotel, Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here. During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make it the favorite tourist places. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which make Periyar the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later take visit at Kannan Devan Hills from here you can have a panoramic view of Munnar Tea Estates & the Lake of Munnar. Overnight at the hotel.
Munnar, the erstwhile 'summer capital of the British', has become the most sought after holiday destination in South India. It is the luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala, 5000ft above sea level. Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and major cash crop plantations cover most of this region. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Thar and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna.
19th Day: Munnar
After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by visit to Pothamedu which offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. 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). This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Return to the hotel for overnight stay at Munnar. Optionally you can visit Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) the park is 97 sq. km, situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. Later return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
20th Day: Munnar – Cochin ( 130 kms: 4 hrs) After an early breakfast checkout and drive to Cochin. Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; after rest 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 Cochin.
Cochin: This harbor city presents a contrast of sorts with its British, Dutch, and Portuguese, Chinese & Jewish influence. Your tour takes you to the Cochin harbor terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight. Mantanacherrry Dutch palace -- built by the Portuguese & presented to The Raja of Cochin in 1555. The Jewish synagogue -- built in 1568, destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 & rebuilt by the Dutch two years later, St Francis church -- the oldest Protestant church built in 1510, Vasco De Gama was buried over here.
21 Day: Cochin – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast, day is free. Later transfer to the airport for your flight to hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories. |