Duration : 18 Nights / 20 Days
This itinerary covers the following destinations :- Delhi - Udaipur - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Delhi - Calcutta - Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Madras - Cochin - Kumarakom - Mararilkulam - Cochin - Mumbai
Day 1 : Arrival at Delhi
The colour & romance of India greets you as you disembark from your plane in New Delhi, the capital of India. It is one of the most historic capitals in the world and two of its monuments: the Qutab Minar and the Humayun's Tomb, have been declared as World Heritage sites are located here. It is also one of the greenest capitals in the world. For the visitor, it serves as a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, and dynamism of India. Welcome and assistance upon arrival at the airport, and thereafter assistance in transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi
Breakfast in the hotel and morning at leisure. In the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British era designed by Lutyens, which include the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue towards the historical Humayun's Tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. We end of the tour of Delhi at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Thereafter, time free for souvenir shopping. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi / Udaipur (Flight)
Breakfast in the hotel. Later in the morning, proceed for city tour of Old Delhi, the capital of the Mughals between the 12th and the 19th Century. Delhi for centuries has been the seat of political power. Delhi is the location for many mosques, monuments and forts, the most notable being the famous Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. The medieval atmosphere of the bazaars of Old Delhi contrasts sharply with the open, spacious streets of New Delhi, the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British.
Next a visit Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the afternoon, transfer to New Delhi airport to board a flight for Udaipur - the romantic city of Lakes. Udaipur was originally the capital of the state of Mewar, takes its name from Maharana Udai Singh. He founded the city in the year1568 after retreating from the third attack by armies of the Mughal Emperor Akbar on the city of Chittor, (which was then Mewar's capital), One legend claims that he chose the present location of Udaipur for the capital after a sadhu, or wandering holy man, told him that if he built his capital on the edge of Lake Pichola, it would never be captured. Welcome meet upon arrival at Udaipur and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Udaipur
After breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Udaipur - set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city. Visit the romantic and stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola, the magnificent City Palace - built in the year 1725, the ancient palaces of the Mewar Royal family, the Jagdish temple, the colourful gardens and a drive around the nearby lakes. Return to the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Sahelion-ki-Bari also called as 'the garden of demoiselles' and explore the garden's pond covered with lotus flowers. Thereafter visit the school of paintings, which specializes in miniatures. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Lake Pichola and visit the Jag Mandir in the middle of the romantic Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 : Udaipur / Jaipur (Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight for Jaipur - the Capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur, 'the Pink City' -capital in the tone of an autumnal sunset, lush pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in the year 1883. The architectural highlights of Jaipur's buildings alternates in the play of red and pink stone outlined with white borders and motifs. Jaipur had been this way since the year 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Nai Singh II built the city. Arrival and check- into the hotel.
In the afternoon, tour of the Pink City visiting the imposing City Palace now converted into a Museum - the principal Residence of the former ruling family, Jantar Mantar - the ancient Observatory, Hawa Mahal - the exotic Palace of the Winds & the picturesque and lively bazaars of the walled city. Return to hotel in the evening and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 : Jaipur
After breakfast, proceed for a visit the Amber Fort built in the time of the Mughals. The area was constructed and in the olden days, always ready for war. Amber was the residence of the Maharajas. By seeing the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace, you will be able to imagine the power of the character. You will be able to ascend this 11th Century Bastion on a gaily decorated elephants.
Visit the Palace, with its crimped rooms full of mirrors and the old harem, in true labyrinth style. The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence of the splendour of the rulers of 16th & 17th Century in India. There may be a possibility to attending a Puja at the Kali Temple. Puja is the time of the prayers according to Hindu rites. Shoes need to be removed before you enter in the Temple and leather articles are not permitted to be taken inside the Temple.
Thereafter, return to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, ground of knighthood of high feats of arms in past history. The afternoon will be at leisure for souvenir shopping. Return to hotel and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (260 km)
In the morning depart for Agra, location of the World famous Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone made by the local craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and beautifully made leather shoes.
En route visit the Fatehpur Sikri - an extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, and deserted 14 years later. This city, during its brief span, has had more significant than London in both grandeur and population. Continue on the route towards Agra.
Upon arrival - check-in to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between the year 1565 and 1573, whose military power is beyond comparison. It was the residence of the Mughal Emperors, and each one left its print here: Red sandstone of Akbar and Jahangir, and white marble of Shah Jahan. This Fort is located on the edges of Yamuna River; surrounded by a wall from 20 to 33 meters in height and 2500 m perimeter. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 : Agra / Varanasi (Flight)
In the morning proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerize all who visit it. It is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the year 1631.
In the afternoon, transfer to airport to board a flight for Varanasi - One of the oldest living cities in the world, it is also the holiest 'Hindu pilgrimage' city in India. Thousands pilgrims flock daily to Varanasi to take a ritual dip in the holy river Ganga, to cleanse their souls of sins and to worship its many Temples. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 : Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the river 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. Thereafter, return to hotel for breakfast. Later, walk through the narrow lanes and colourful bazaars in the heart of the old city and visit the holy Temples. The visit includes the famous Kashi Vishwa Nath Temple, and the Banaras Hindu University.
In the afternoon, visit the Sarnath Temple - 5 miles out of Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with ancient sculptures found at the site. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10 : Varanasi / Delhi (Flight) / Kolkata (Calcutta) (Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Time free for independent activities in the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to airport to board a flight for Kolkata. Fascinating, Bewitching, Bewildering: that's Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta) the capital of West Bengal and India's largest city, a seething mass of activity with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a far cry from Job Charnock's Calcutta of the year 1690 to which the metropolis traces its origin. Kolkata was the first capital of the British in India. The city was established in the year 1686 when the British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. It progressed well until the year 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and managed to drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Kolkata and until the year 1911, it remained the capital of the British Government in India. Being the center of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage in this city, totally unlike any other city in India. Upon arrival check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Kolkata (Calcutta) City of Joy
After breakfast, proceed for a captivating sightseeing tour of Kolkata visit the Victoria Memorial - a grand edifice constructed in the memory of Queen Victoria. This building houses a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves of the land. Howrah Bridge is another landmark that denotes this City of Joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The second largest planetarium in Asia, the Birla Planetarium is another site that attracts attention of all regardless of their age. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly River. Also visit St. Paul's Cathedral, National Library, Shaheed Minar, Fort William, Rat Park and Marble Palace.
Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Kolkata / Bagdogra (Flight) / Darjeeling
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board a flight for Bagdogra. Upon arrival welcome at the airport by our representative, and then continue towards the destination of Darjeeling - Perched at the height of 2,134 meters with a backdrop of the mighty Himalayas peaks. Darjeeling allows you to sample the joys of cool, healthy, gracious and adventurous living. This popular hill station, Darjeeling also holds a special interest for the botanist, the ornithologist, the trekker, the photographer and the artist, apart from thousands of annual holiday makers.
In the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling - The Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, the Ghoom Monastery with a 15 - foot high statue of Maitreya Buddha, is the most famous Monastery of the town. There is a Padmaja Naidu zoo, showing the Himalayan black bear, panther, leopard and the Siberian tiger among many other animals. The Observatory Hill is a vantage point for a grand view of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13 : Darjeeling
After breakfast the day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 : Darjeeling / Bagdogra / Kolkata (Flight) / Chennai (Madras) - (Flight)
After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Bagdogra airport to board a flight for Kolkata. Upon arrival connect the onward flight for Madras - now known by its new name Chennai, and is one India's four metropolises. Located on the Coromandel Coast, it is the gateway to South India and also an important harbour. Chennai has a blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture in its buildings. It was the first citadel of the British. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Next a visit to the St. George Fort built in the year 1640 A.D which now houses the Tamil Nadu State Legislature and Secretariat, San Thomas Cathedral, which is said to contain the remains of St Thomas and the famous bronze Museum. On arrival at Chennai, welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 : Chennai / Cochin (Flight)
Leisurely breakfast in the hotel, and morning at hotel to relax. In the afternoon, transfer to airport to board a flight for Cochin - This city with one of the finest natural harbours in the World, has been Kerala's center of trade for innumerable centuries. Located in its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands, narrow peninsulas and a long history, Cochin is an area definitely not to be missed. On arrival, welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 : Cochin
After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Cochin. Cochin has one of the oldest churches in India, 500 years old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the historical Palace built by the Portuguese, Jewtown, complete with an immaculately preserved synagogue.
Also visit magnificent Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese. More important are the astonishing Murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabaratha and Puranic and mythological legends connected with Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna Kumara and Durga. These beautiful murals rarely seem to be highlighted, although they are one of the finest wonders of India.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Cochin / Houseboats in the Southern Backwaters
After breakfast in the hotel. depart for Alleppey - one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the center for coir carpet industries and prawn farming.
On arrival at Alleppey, check-in to the houseboat. Proceed for an overnight cruise towards Kumarakom. The journey will take us through the tropical countryside, the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey, to palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields. Through tiny neat hamlets, typical villages and regattas (traditional snake boats) for which Kerala is famous the world over. Dinner and overnight on board the houseboat.
Day 18 : Houseboat / Kumarakom / Mararilkulam
Breakfast will be served on board the houseboat.
Arrival at Kumarakom - which is surrounded by the Vembanad Lake on two sides, the swaying paddy fields on one side and a Bird Sanctuary on the other.
Disembark from the houseboat at Kumarakom and visit the beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary spread over 14 acres. Here numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons can be viewed. Thereafter, continue towards Mararikulam. Mararikulam is a sleepy fishing village located between the port city of Cochin and Alleppey. And here, amidst the coconut groves is the Marari Beach Resort. Rest of the day is at leisure to spend near the beach.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 19 : Mararikulam / Cochin / Mumbai (Flight)
In the morning, transfer to Cochin airport to board a flight for Mumbai. Arrival Mumbai and proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city. Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) is the Gateway to India & Capital of Maharashtra. It is known as the country's foremost sea port, commercial center and center of the World's largest film industry commonly known as Bollywood. In the afternoon, depart for a visit of the city: beginning with the Gateway of India - the imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture built in the year 1911, the Hanging Gardens, the Aquarium and Marine Drive (also known as "the Queen's Necklace"), for its serpentine street lights which shine like stars at night.
Then a visit to the Museum of Wales followed by a walk towards the Victoria Railway Station and Mumbai's popular Colaba market. Thereafter, transfer to the hotel where a courtesy room will be provided to you for wash & change, before proceeding to the airport. Later in the evening, transfer to Mumbai International airport to board a flight for your outward destination.
Assistance for check in formalities at the airport.
Day 20 : Mumbai / Onward Destination
Board a flight for your onward journey.
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