01
Day: Arrival Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be
welcomed by our representative then transfer to the
hotel where we hold the room on ready occupancy basis.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
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 visiting 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,
the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting
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 see speculative Light and
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 transfer to the airport to board the schedule
flight to Varanasi. Assistance on arrival and transfer
to the hotel Later take an excursion to Sarnath, located
at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first
sermon to the five holy men; visit 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 return to Varanasi, early evening take half
day sightseeing of the city visiting. 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 and individual activities 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,
Benaras 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 - Khajuraho
(By Air)
Early morning enjoy the 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 religion. While on the boat you will
also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as
per Hindi Rituals. After ride return to the hotel check
out an drive to the airport to board the early afternoon
flight to Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival and check
in to the hotel. Later visit 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.
05 Day: Khajuraho - Satna
- Agra (By train)
Early morning visit the 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.
06 Day: Agra
Assistance on arrival at Agra Railway station early
in the morning and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation
take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting to 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. The show room conducts free sound & light
show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
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 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 - Ranthambhor (280 kms: 5
hrs)
Early morning, visit to witness the 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. Later checkout and
drive to Ranthambhor en route visit Old deserted town
of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone
in honour 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, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim
Chisti, and the Bulund Darwaza. Later continue to proceed
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.
08 Day: Ranthambhor
Today morning take Jungle Safari by open Canter with
naturalist in Ranthambhor wildlife Sanctuary, it was
the royal hunting place of Jaipur kingdom, one of the
best wildlife sanctuary 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
to Ganesh Temple and Ranthambhor fort. . Rest of the
evening free for leisure activities at the jungle resort.
Overnight at Ranthambhor.
09 Day: Ranthambhor -
Jaipur (180 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast you may opt for a morning jungle ride
at the Park, later checkout and drive to Jaipur. On
arrival in Jaipur transfer to 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.
10 Day: Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an
excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city,
enjoy the experience of traveling 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. One can
also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over
the floodlights. Return to the hotel for overnight.
11 Day: Jaipur –
Delhi (260 kms: 5 hrs) – Cochin (By Air)
Today early morning checkout the hotel and drive to
Delhi to board the scheduled flight for Cochin. On arrival
at Cochin transfer to the hotel, Later take a half day
sightseeing tour of the city, visting Fort Cochin &
St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama.
We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry
"Dutch" Palace. 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.
12 Day: Cochin-Munnar
(200 kms: 4 hrs drive)
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival
transfer to the hotel, 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 favourite tourist
place. 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 makes the feeling of seeing
a wide green carpet. Munnar also has the highest peak
in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 M. Anamudi
is an ideal spot for trekking. Later visit Eravikulam
National Park (15 km from Munnar,) The Nilgiri Tahr
can be observed at close quarters here. This park is
established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex).
The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable
to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
Enjoy the tea plantation and Munnar Lake site. Return
to the hotel for overnight stay.
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. Among the
exotic flora found in the forests here is the Neela
Kurunji.
13 Day: Munnar - Periyar:
(110 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, checkout and drive to Thekkaddy. On
arrival, transfer to the resort. On arrival, check in
at hotel. After relaxation, visit 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 & Play, you can visit the
rare species of plants and animal, later a visit to
spice plantations like 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. In the evening you can take a boat ride at Periyar
Lake. Overnight at the Hotel.
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.
14 Day: Periyar - Alleppey
(114 kms: 3 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.
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.
15 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 Kumarakom.
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 favourite 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.
16 Day: Kumarakom - Cochin
- Delhi - Home Town
The breakfast will be served on board, then disembark
from the houseboat and drive to Cochin - 92 kms-2 hours.
On arrival transfer to the airport to board the schedule
flight for Delhi, assistance on arrival. After refreshing
a city restaurant, transfer to the International airport
to board the. schedule flight back to home country.
On departure tour concludes with happy memories.
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