Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. You will be welcomed on arrival and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 02 Delhi
Morning tour of New Delhi begins with a visit of the grateful mausoleum of the Moghul Emperor Humayun. Continue to the 13th century Qutub Minar, a dramatic 234 foot high fluted minaret. Proceed along the majestic promenade past the imposing India Gate War memorial, Secretariat Buildings, Parliament House and Raj Bhavan, official residence of the President. Discover Old Delhi this afternoon with a visit of Raj Ghat, the tranquil final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. Then, view the massive walls and ramparts of the magnificent Red Fort, (if open) symbol of Moghul power and elegance. On the 17th century Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, the gateway to Chandni Chowk, the busting and colorful market place of the Old city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Delhi/ Agra
Post breakfast, drive to Agra. And experience the extraordinary visit to one of the most fabled monuments in the world- The Taj Mahal. This 17th century mausoleum in white marble was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaj Mahal. It is an architectural marvel, remarkable for its perfect symmetry of design and construction. Then visit the Agra Fort, a cluster of palaces and mosque built on the bank of the river Yamuna. Afternoon is free to explore the local bazaars on your own. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Agra / Jaipur (by road 241 kms/04 hrs drive)
Post breakfast drive to Jaipur. Enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri – the deserted city, India’s “Pompeli” once a glittering imperial capital, later mysteriously abandoned. Today you will see the remarkably well preserved building and red sandstone palaces. Arrive by noon and check into hotel. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Jaipur
Post breakfast visit Amber, once the capital of the Rajput Kingdom. The grandeur of its palace and the ramparts of its fort recall the glory of an older age. Ascent to the citadel on the bank of the gaily caparisoned elephant. Later on visit to the remarkable Observatory designed and built by astronomer Price Maharajah Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1700s. Be sure to see the 90 foot –high sundial. Then on the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a landmark of Jaipur, and the City Palace. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 06 Jaipur / Mumbai /Cochin (by flight)
Post breakfast; transfer to airport to board flight to Cochin via Mumbai. Upon arrival in Cochin transfer to hotel. Evening Kathakali dance show.
Day 07: Cochin
Post breakfast, visit fort Cochin, the Jewish Synagogue – built in 1568 AD contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. The Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana can be seen here. St Francis Church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here. The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance of the harbor. The Chinese through trade contact taught this technique of catching fish. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Cochin – Munnar
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 expose its beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which make Periyar the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later visit at 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.
Day 09: 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.
Day 10: Munnar – Alleppey (150 kms: 3)
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 dining area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.
Day 11: 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 favorite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight 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
Day 12: Kumarakom – Kovalam (140kms: 2 ½ hrs)
After breakfast drive to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to beach resort. Rest of the day is free for leisure at Resort, Ayurveda massage and beach activities. Overnight at the resort.
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.
Day 13: Kovalam- Cape Camorin – Kovalam (Excursion 84 kms one way)
After breakfast time is free to spend on beaches optionally you can 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 thousand 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 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.
Day 14: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast, day at leisure afternoon checkout of the hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport to board your flight for Hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.
Include
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast
Private chauffeur driven car for transfers, city tour and all intercity drives as per program
Local English speaking guides during city tours once in each city.
All applicable entrance fees to monuments for one time visit
Elephant or Jeep ride at Amber fort
All currently applicable taxes including GST
