Meeting and assistance on arrival by our representative. Traditional welcome with
garlanding and transfer to hotel. Delhi, the capital of the country, and one of
India's fastest growing cities, has spread far beyond the "seven cities", created
between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the
river Yamuna, straddling the river. Remnants of the glorious past survive
cheek-by-jowl with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling
commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its
boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and
contemporary crafts, from all over the country.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. Afternon drive to Agra and check-in at
the hotel.
Agra, Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal
city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomise the high
point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries,
Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar,
laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here,
Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its
walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan
embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white
marble.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for half day city tour visiting the world famous Taj Mahal
ad Agra Fort – Taj Mahal - One of the most photographed tourist attractions in the
world, Taj Mahal is the attraction that pulls the tourists from all over the world.
The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with
exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of
precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the
interiors. This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan,
which is split by watercourses-a reflection of the Persian style. ( Taj Mahal
remains Closed on Friday)
After Lunch visit Agra Fort - Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river
Yamuna and beautified with palaces and gardens by Jehangir, Agra Fort today
dominates the center of the city. The crescent-shaped fort with its 20-metre high,
2.4-km outer walls contains a maze of buildings that form a small city within a
city. One can enter the fort only through the Amar Singh Gate. The public access is
limited to the southern part of the fort, which includes nearly all the buildings of
tourist interest. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (hall
of private audience) were built by Shahjahan for receiving audiences.
Jehangir's palace built by Akbar was the largest private residence in the fort.
Close to Diwan-i-Khas, stands an octagonal tower known as Musamman Burj. It was here
that Shahjahan breathed his last after seven years of imprisonment. Other places to
see within the fort include the Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the
Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden).
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast depart by surface for Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri Thirty-nine kilometres from Agra stands Fatehpur Sikri, the red
sandstone city of yesteryears. The city was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in AD
1564 in honour of the Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Fatehpur Sikri was intended
to be the capital city but the shortage of water and unrest in the north-west made
Akbar abandon it after 14 years . One of the major attractions of this city is the
marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Other places of interest include Diwan-i-Aam,
Diwan-i-Khas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s Palace and Birbal Bhavan.
On arrival in Jaipur check-in at hotel.
Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan,
named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. It has, long been established,
on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India's Golden Triangle, just 300
kilometres southwest of Delhi, and 200 kilometres west of Agra. The old city of
Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol,
Sanganeri, and Ajmeri.
In the evening, visit Chokhi Dhani - An ethnic village resort, the vitality of
Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor
of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned
camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. A traditional Rajasthani dinner
will be served.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast excursion to Amer Fort - At a short distance of 11 kms.
from Jaipur,
the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur
highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota
Lake below. One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient
capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and
additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience" , the
Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience" and the Sukh Niwas where a cool
breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air- conditioning. Here are
the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed screens so that the
ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court in privacy. There is also the
Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry", with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the
scintillating "Hall of Mirrors" .
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting City Palace and Jantar Mantar
(Observatory).
The City Palace is now converted into a museum, except a small portion that is still
used by the royal family of Jaipur. Built in the fortified campus style, the palace
covers almost one-seventh part of the city. One of the major attractions in the
museum is the portion that is devoted to the arms and ammunition used by the royal
family in the past. Other important attractions are the Textile and Costume Museum,
Art Gallery, Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am.
Drive past Hawa Mahal - Strange though it may seem, this most famous landmark of
Jaipur is not actually a palace but a series of sandstone screens. This pink
structure was constructed so that the ladies of the palace could watch the royal
processions without being seen by any outsider. This sandstone edifice was named
Palace of Winds after the many brass wind vanes that adorned it until 1960s. Later
visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory - situated in the heart of the city where
time has been accurately measured since the 17th century.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast depart by surface for Bikaner enroute visiting Mandawa.
In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, 190 km off Jaipur, lies the
beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis.
Mandawa - often called the 'open air art gallery of Rajasthan', the region is famous
for the high quality frescoes. Mandawa provides the visitors with a sense of
discovery at every turn; battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below,
a whimsical peacock weather van, and an arched window that overlooks the verdant
garden visited by peacocks. Most importantly, the fact that no two rooms are alike
in the palace here. In the zenana or women's quarters, one room offers antique
murals, another has a marble fountain, and the turret room boasts of walls that are
seven feet thick. Looking out from the window of the turret room, it is easy to
imagine the marauding bandits that once roamed freely here. Little wonder then that
the family crest contains the motto, 'Veer Bhogya Vasundhara', which translates into
'the brave shall inherit the earth. Founded in the 18th century, the medieval fort
of Mandawa dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord
Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf
havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region's havelis. The Binsidhar
Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall-a boy using a
telephone, and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia
Haveli has some defaced erotic images.
On arrival in Bikaner check-in at the hotel. Bikaner, the northern most point on the
triangle of desert cities, was founded in 1488 AD. by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of
the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha. Like Jaisalmer, in the south, it was, once, an
important trade centre. The old city is bolstered, by 7 km long imposing walls, with
5 entrance gates, built in the 18th century.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed fo half day city tour.
Bikaner offers several attractions to the tourists besides, of course, the exotic
camel safaris. Some of the major attractions around the city are Junagarh Fort,
sumptuously decorated with its ornately lacquered walls in red & gold and panels of
dazzling coloured glass inlay set over the coronation throne, it has several
Palaces. Among them are Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Badal Mahal are prominent. Lalgarh
Palace is carved out of red sand stone, and of late has been converted into a
Heritage Hotel. You can visit the majestic forts or go to the Mata Karni temple
where rats are considered sacred and worshipped. The camel festival held in the
month of January is also an event worth witnessing.Camel Breeding Farm, Gajner
Palace, Deshnoke Temple and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.
Afternoon depart by surface for Jaisalmer on arrival check-in at hotel. Jaisalmer,
One of Rajasthan's most alluring cities, Jaisalmer, deep in the heart of Thar
Desert, abounds in ancient palaces, temples and quaint settlements. As the sun sets,
the sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow, that make Jaisalmer the "Golden City".
Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer, kept it
almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the British Raj.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast a full day sightseeing tour to visit this city of giled magic. See
the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal and where a fourth of the population
lives;Jaisalmer fort is the main attraction of this picturesque desert city of
Rajasthan. Located on the top of the Trikuta Hill, it is visible from a distance of
about 15 kilometres. The ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the
fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset Jain Temple This group of
fine jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer fort.
They are beautiful carved and dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. there is
also a Shiva and Ganesh Temple inside the fort. Gyan Bhandar or Library : Some of
the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of
Jain temples. Patwon ki Haveli The life within the citadel gives you a clear picture
of the medieval majesty with its magnificent palace, havelis, temples and the
skilled artisans and camels all around. Among the havelis made by Jaisalmer/’s
wealthy merchants include the Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki
Haveli. The Patwon ki haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having ceiling
supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies and
extensive corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight.
Half day excursion to Sand Sunes of the Thar desert near Jaisalmer on camel’s back.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur and check-in at the hotel. Jodhpur, Nestling within
the depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once
the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of
Rajasthan, after Jaipur . The town was once known as Marwar, which means 'Land of
Death', probably, referring to the harsh desert climate. It is an island of marble
palaces, cordoned off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing
different directions Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast half day sightseeing tour visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on
a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. This fort is one of the
largest fort in India. the fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and
is spread over an area of 5 sq km, with seven gates. It has been a witness to the
splendor of bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous places in the fort
narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpur
sculptures. Mehrangarh literally means "Majestic Fort" .
After lunch visit Jaswant Thada which is a white marble memorial built in memory of
Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries
in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir.
Umaid Bhawan Palace - This immense palace known as Chittar Palace because
of the
local chittar sandstone used. the only palace built in 20th century under the famine
.It was built in a time of peace and is quite western in its design. It was built as
a famine relief project which employment to people for 16 years. It has its own
theatre, eight dining rooms, and a banquet hall which seats three hundred people. A
Ball Room had been built, catering to the Westernized royal lifestyle. Much of the
interior of the palace is in the art deco style. In fact, it is said to be one of
the finest surviving examples of art deco in the world. Deep within the palace is an
indoor swimming pool, with a mosaic of zodiac symbols. The palace now runs as a
hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as royal
residence.
Government Musuem - This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles,
miniature portraits, sculptures, antique weapons, local crafts and images of Jain
Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
Later excursion to Mandore -Toward the north of Jodhpur is Mandore, the
ancient
capital of Marwar of Pratihara Rajputs (8 kms from Jodhpur) was abandoned for
strategic reasons. The main attractions of the place are the Hall of Heroes which
has sixteen huge figures which have been carved out of a single rock, the shrine of
330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. The extensive gardens at Mandore contain
the beautiful chatris (cenotaphs) of Rathore rulers like Maharaja Dhiraj Ajit
After breakfast drive to Udaipur enroute visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temple which was
built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the
15th century. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately
carved with no two being alike.The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple
dedicated to Adinath. The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a
temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the
temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.
On arrival in Udaipur check-in at the hotel. Udaipur, There is no place in India
which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers,
than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The city's inherent romance and
beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendour,
continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision
in white.Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes,
which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow
streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature
mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast day visit to the celebrated temple of Eklingji which was built for
the tutelary deity of the Maharanas of Mewar, of sand stone and marble in 734 A.D.
Its 108 temples are enclosed by high walls and has a pyramidical roof composed of
hundreds of knobs. Later, visit Nagda, one of the ancient palaces of Mewar dating
back to 6th century A.D. The Sas Bahu Temples are among the most exquisitely carved
temples.
Evening boat cruise on Pichola Lake 4 km long and 3 km broad., surrounded by
splendid hills palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Visit the island
palace Jag Niwas which is beautifully set in the Lake.
After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing of Udaipur visiting the City
Palace, Completely white and majestic, the City Palace stands on a hill surrounded
by crenellated walls. Its main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the
Tripolia, built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the
Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to the
people to restore their confidence, is another fascinating monument Jagdish Temple,
Built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid
temple in Udaipur. Drive around Fateh Sagar is a beautiful lake, overlooked by a
number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by
Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely garden island
with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. Saheliyon-ki-Bari
(Queen resort for her friends) is a small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing
spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many
fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Musuem has interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk
arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical
instruments, folk deities and paintings and the high point of the exhibits puppets.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi. Meeting and
assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon proceed to visit museums.
Nehru Memorial Museum - This colonial mansion, also known as Teen Murti
Bhavan, was
originally built for the commander of the British Indian Army. While the Viceregal
residence (at the other end of South Avenue) became the home of India's president,
India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, took up residence here. On your way
out, stop and see the 14th-century hunting lodge next to the Nehru Planetarium.
National Museum - A comprehensive collection of antique crafts, stone
carvings and
artifacts. Some of them dating back to the period of Harappa & Mohanjodaro. The
museum shows what ancient India was all about.
In the evening witness classical dance show followed by Dinner at Chore Bizzare.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat-
the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi, Drive past the Jama Masjid , one of the
largest mosques of India, also Red Fort, Enjoy rickshaw ride in the local markets of
Chandni Chowk, Qutab Minar – gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234 ft.
, India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in World War) drive past
Rashtrapati Bhawan (formerly the viceroy’s residence) and Parliament house and
Government buildings.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. Meeting and
assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. The commercial capital and most
cosmopolitan city of Kerala is Cochin (Kochi), is also known as Queen of Arabian
Sea. It is one of the finest natural harbours of the world, this was once a major
center of commerce and trade with British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguees, Dutch etc.
Evening boat cruises at the back water and later enjoy Kathakali performance at the
cultural centre.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for half day city tour visiting Mattancherry Palace also
known as Dutch Palace, built the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in
1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out
extensions and repairs in the palace. AT no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay
here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some
lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568
AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in which the grants of
privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese
hand-painted tiles are of interest. ST. Francis Church: is at Fort Kochi The
Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed
to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of
the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later,
his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.
Chinese Fishing Nets : Fort Kochi The Chinese Fishing net that line the
sea-front and
exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said
to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, they are used at
high tide.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Munnar and check-in at the hotel Munnar – Situated at the
confluence of three mountain streams – Mudra Puzha, Nalla Thanni & Kundala, this
hill station was the summer resort of British Government in South India. Sprawing
tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facility make this
popular hill station. Munnar has also has the highest peak of South India Anamudi
which towers over 2695 mtrs. It is ideal spot for trekking.
In the evening explore the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of
kilometers, lust green hills, a place so difficult to describe, very low population
too far from pollution, most of the covered by Tata tea. Overnight at Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Munnar visiting Rajamalai, a top peak of
Munnar where you will Neel Thar (Mountain Goats) Matuppetty dam, Indo Swiss project
(subject to permission from the authorities). Rest of the day free to explore the
city of Munnar.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast drive to Periyar and check-in at the hotel. Periyar is South India’s
most popular wildlife sanctuary spread across 777sq.km. in the picturesque
rainforests of the Western Ghats. Evening boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch animals
in their natural habitat. The earliest sanctuary, it was set up in 1934 and forms
part of the mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Cruising on Lake Periyar, you are
likely to see animals like wild boars, sambars, wild dogs, langur monkeys and wild
elephants.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast proceed for spice plantation visit. Periyar is the center of spice
plantations such as Cardamom, Cloves & Pepper apart from Coffee and Tea. Periyar
with cool climate, spice-perfumed air and endless trekking options is truly an
exhilarating experience. Later relax in the Hotel or Ayurvedic Massages.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom and check-in at the hotel. Kumarakom is the
loveliest village in Kerala blessed with natures rare gifts is on the eastern side
of vast Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing
experiences that are too exhilarating. An exclusive attraction of this much sought
after backwater resort is Kumarakom bird sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure at
Kumarakom.
Overnight at Hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Afternoon board house boat for Alleppey. The houseboats are
giant country Crafts, measuring upto 80 feet length. It took great skill and
meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge planks of jack wood together,
without the use of a single nail. Today these are the most exciting tourism product
in India, which usually has one bed room, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a
crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. You will be cruising through backwater of
Kerala. Your crew will prepare you delicious food onboard.
Overnight at the Houseboat.
After breakfast Disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kovalam. On arrival check-in at
the hotel. Kovalam (16 Kms from Trivandrum city) this international beach has been
the favourite haunt of tourist since 1930’s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent
crescent beaches, the southernmost, known as lighthouse beach is the most popular.
This most renowned beach destination is much sought after for sunbathing, water
sports, shopping, catamaran cruising, yoga, meditation and rejuvenative Ayurvedic
body toning massages. Later have rejuvenating Ayurvedic message at the hotel.
Evening enjoy beach sight.
Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free for Ayurvedic Massages. Evening transfer to
airport to connect flight for onward destination.
End of the services. Check-in and check-out time is 12 noon at all hotels.
Accommodation
Airport Transfers
Daily Breakfast
Surface transportation by an exclusive chauffeur driven air-conditioned car
Services of english speaking local guides
Entrance fees to the monuments
All Taxes