DAY 01  :  ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi in the evening. Upon arrival, you shall met & assisted with your baggages at the airport by our executive and transferred to your prebooked hotel.


DAY 02  :  DELHI
After breakfast, full day city tour of Delhi : India’s capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’ past.

Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; drive past Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.  Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught Place. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple.

DAY 03  :  DELHI - AGRA                                        (210 Kms., approx. 05 hrs. drive)
Morning, leave for Agra enroute visit Sikandra - Four kilometers before Agra is the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. The tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble.

Afternoon, visit the highlight of the tour - The Taj Mahal - Epitome of Love, One of the Seven Wonders of the World - was built by Shah Jahan (King of the World) for his beloved Begum Mumtaz Mahal (the exalted of the Palace).  Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it. The most skilled architects, inlay craftsmen, calligraphers, stone-carvers and masons came from all across Indian and lands as distant as Persia and Turkey. The master mason was from Baghdab, an expert in building the double dome from Persia, and an inlay specialist from Delhi.  The marble, India's finest was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur, Jasper from Punjab, the garnets from Bundelkhand, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting-place was ornamented like a queen’s jewel-box.  NOTE : TAJ MAHAL CLOSED ON FRIDAYS

Visit Red fort, Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort.  The maze of courtyards, mosques, palaces, gardens, halls of private & public audience of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire.

Itmad-ud-daulah, which was constructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan.

DAY 04  :  AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR        (240 Kms., approx. 06 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Jaipur, enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri : 37 kms before Agra, built predominantly in Red Sandstone by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Mughals, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Witness the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory.
Continue drive to Jaipur - The Pink City  :  Jaipur needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished guest the Prince of Wales in 1905-6. The contractor inability to supply any other color in the required quantity compelled the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractor’s compulsion famed Jaipur to Pink city. Since then the PINK color is associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.   The capital city of the state of Rajasthan owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city of Jaipur has broad avenues & sits on a dry lake bed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls.          Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel.             Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 05  :  JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort enroute witness the façade of Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built in 1799. 
Amber Fort - The ancient capital of the state until 1727 when Jai Singh decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to new site on the plains. The construction of this fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jal Mahal & temple of Kali. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar – the observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728 ; the City Palace which is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel ware and weapons dating back to the 15th century.

DAY 06  :  JAIPUR - MANDAWA                               (168 kms., approx. 04 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, transfer to Mandawa (Shekhawati) - The semi-desert region lies in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur & Bikaner. This region came into prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns of this region developed into important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. This region is famous for painted havelis (houses) most of which date back from the 18th century

Afternoon, explore the Havelis (Mansions) of Shekhwati. The towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. The Shekhawati landscape is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something like a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures, complimenting the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological themes and that of huge animals. Some later day frescos shows the arrival of the British and highlighting steam locomotives and train doubtlessly for the benefit of those members of the household who did not travel to distance places by train or see this newly introduced mode of transport.

DAY 07  :  MANDAWA - BIKANER                             (190 kms., approx. 05 hrs. drive)
Morning, drive to Bikaner - dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the world.

Afternoon, city tour of Bikaner.  Visit the Junagarh Fort which was contructed between 1588 and 1593 by a general in the army of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The fort has a 986m long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances ; Camel Breeding Farm, managed by goverment this camel breeding station is probably unique in Asia and has thousands of camels.

DAY 08  :  BIKANER - JAISALMER                            (333 kms., approx. 06 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, excursion to Deshnoke - a small village situated 32 km south from Bikaner city.  It is a pilgrim centre of Karni Mata. Karni Mata, considered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles. Originally the village was  called 'dus- nok' meaning ten corners as it was formed by taking ten corners of ten villages.  The temple is also famous for its holy rodents who  are revered as 'Kabas'.  It is considered highly fortunate if a Kaba runs over your feet !!

Afternoon, drive to Jaisalmer - The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle

DAY 09  :  JAISALMER
After breakfast, city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the  the citadel - the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. The fort also houses Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries, Patwon Ki Haveli - a five storey mansion with carved pillars & murals of Salim Singh. Also visit Gadsisar, which had once supplied water to the city ; the temples & archways around it have been built by a courtesan.

Afternoon, excursion to Sam - 45 km away, is known for its sand dunes & is the venue for the Desert festival. Get the actual feel of the desert by enjoying a camel ride on the sand dunes and witness a magnificent sunset on the sand dunes.

DAY 10  :  JAISALMER - JODHPUR                            (290 kms., approx. 05 hrs. drive)
Drive to Jodhpur - A flourishing trading center of the 16th century, the fortress city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha who claimed to be descendent of Lord Rama. The massive fort Mehrangarh-came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions.  Arrive Jodhpur and check in at prebooked hotel.

Afternoon, visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means “Majestic Fort”, located at the very centre of the city. There are ,in all , three gates , each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts’ ramparts are well preserved. Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada. Also visit the Clock Tower – the city centre.

DAY 11  :  JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR         (275 kms., approx. 06 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Udaipur, enroute visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur : The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars – none of which is similarly carved.

Continue drive to Udaipur - The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of world, also know as the Venice of East. Arrive Udaipur in the evening and check-in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 12  :  UDAIPUR
After breakfast, visit the romantic city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan ; Jagdish temple, a fine Indo Aryan temple built in 1651; Sahelion ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour, which is a small garden with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants & lotus pool.

Afternoon, free. In the evening, boat ride on Lake Pichola.

DAY 13  :  UDAIPUR - MUMBAI    (FLIGHT)
Morning, Transfer to the airport to board flight for Mumbai.   Arrive Mumbai, transfer to prebooked Hotel

Afternoon, half day city tour of Mumbai - The city was called Bombay for much of the last four hundred years. The origin of the name is obscure, but is often said to come from the Portuguese phrase bom bahia meaning "good bay". The name Mumbai has been used in the main local languages for as long, and is ascribed to the local goddess, Mumba (ai means mother in Marathi). The name of the city was changed to Mumbai by an act of the parliament in 1997. Estimated to hold about 15 million people (a census is on in the years 2000-2001), the city has grown dramatically in the last fifty years. Mumbai is called the financial capital of India: the stock exchange is the primary stock exchange of the country; most large business houses have their corporate offices in this city. It also the primary center for the arts and the entertainment industry.

DAY 14  :  MUMBAI - COCHIN     (FLIGHT)
After breakfast, excursion to Elephanta - About ten kilometers north east of Apollo Bunder lies the island of Elephanta, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. An epitome of Hindu cave culture, Elephanta consists of seven caves of which the most notable is the Mahesa-murti cave. It has a very impressive size with a main body of 27 meters square supported by rows of six columns each. The main temple consists of a large pillared mandapa (hall) and a freestanding square shrine at the west end of the hall. The pillars and reliefs in the cave are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large reliefs depicting different aspects of Shaivaite iconography. Around the perimeter of the cave are sculptured compartments in this cave with images from the Hindu mythology. They depict Lord Shiva as Andhakasuravadha, impaling the demon of darkness, as Kalyanasundara-the gentle loving god, as Ardhanarishwara, Shiva and Shakti, male and female, Nataraja-Shiva as the cosmic dancer and as Ravana anugraha -the destroyer of enemies

Afternoon, transfer to the airport to board flight for Kochi. Arrive Kochi and transfer to prebooked hotel.

DAY 15  :  COCHIN
After breakfast, full day sightseeing of Cochin including Asia's best preserved Synagouge, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India - the St. Francis Church where Vasco De Gama was originally buried. A leisurely walk through the Fort Cochin area which gives you a close look at the operation of the huge catileavered Chinese fishing nets introduced by Chinese traders which is still used in Kerala backwaters as a traditional way of fishing.

In the evening, witness Kathakali Dance Show.

DAY 16  :  COCHIN - MUNNAR           (140 Kms., 03 hrs. drive)
Afternoon, leave for Munnar. Arrive Munnar and checkin at prebooked hotel.
Afternoon, sightseeing of Munnar. Visit the tea plantations, a tea factory (subject to permission being granted), the Eravikulam National Park - home of the endangered Nilgiri Thar (Ibex), followed by visit to the Mattupetty dam, the Indo Swiss Dairy farm, the Kundala Lake and other scenic spots. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 17  :  MUNNAR - PERIYAR           (100 Kms., 03 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, leave for Periyar. Periyar has one of the world's most fascinating Natural wildlife reserves noted for its geography, diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Arrive at Periyar and check in at Prebooked Hotel.

Later, boat ride on the Lake Periyar where one can have a unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

DAY 18  :  PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM (140 kms., 03-04 hrs. drive) - OVERNIGHT BACKWATER TRIP TILL ALLEPEY
After breakfast, leave for Kumarakom in time to board houseboat for overnight backwater trip till Allepey.

On arrival in Kumarakom, commence an overnight houseboat cruise to Allepey, which gives one a fascinating insight into the life of a Keralan Backwater Village. As the boat glides along the backwaters one can see the daily life in the backwater villages. On the narrow strips of land, fisherman fishing, children swimming and playing in the water, women doing their daily chores, mobile shops in tiny canoes, the cultivation of paddy and it's harvesting (during harvest season), huge country barges ferrying the coconuts, rice, coir etc.

Note : The cruise commences at 1300 hrs with lunch served onboard and continues till dusk. At dusk the boat will anchor in a wide waterway or lake for the night. (The backwaters close to boat traffic at dusk as the fisherman lay their nets in the backwaters. Other boats are not allowed to ply in the backwaters after dusk.) On the following day the cruise commences again after breakfast and you will be dropped at Allepey by 1000 hrs.

DAY 18  :  ALLEPEY - KOVALAM       (174 kms., 04 - 05 hrs. drive)
Checkout from the houseboat and proceed to Kovalam - a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala.  The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise.  Arrive Kovalam and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 19 - 23  :  KOVALAM
Day at leisure

DAY 24  :  TRIVANDRUM - MUMBAI     (FLIGHT)
After breakfast, free. Afternoon, transfer to Trivandrum airport to board flight for Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and transfer to prebooked Hotel.

DAY 25  :  DEPART MUMBAI
Transfer to the airport to board flight back home
 

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