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Tour
Duration |
15 Nights /
16 Days |
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Tour
Destination |
Delhi -
Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Cochin - Marari - Mumbai |
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Travel Theme |
Leisure
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Tour Programme
Day 01 Delhi: Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport.
Transfer to your hotel. Relax and recover from jet lag.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling
metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi
is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land
and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi:
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a
visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the
Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of
Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the
river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul
Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of
Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence
of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which
reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New
and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and
the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New
Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is
all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all
its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city
trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower
in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate,
the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's
residence.
Enjoy WELCOME DINNER with Durjay and know your tour.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 Delhi - Agra
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Start for Agra by surface.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the
little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal
Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}.
Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting
edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint
buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the
Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still
reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the
narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder
which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to
Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his
beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be
completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa.
Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj
is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved
screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the
fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the
picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It
lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town.
Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest
architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone
and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are
considered better than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04 Agra - Jaipur
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur.
On your way, stop at Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar,
Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While
hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some
minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the
founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male
heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568.
The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the
great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark
of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri
and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas,
Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Enjoy sightseeing of the town.
Continue drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of
resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies
in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly
belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the
Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that
to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to
proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a
privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj
that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its
venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja
by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a
quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more
valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on
account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not,
however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when
the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from
Prince Albert.
Reach by late afternoon and check into your hotel.
This evening you can either relax at the hotel or visit the Birla
Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur.
The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues
including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan
dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly
luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered
walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the
Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide
with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved,
in order to awake and invoke the deity.
Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Day 05 Jaipur:
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast.
Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort
palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and
completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior
belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu
styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will
mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to
the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The
Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to
build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into
the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in
the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple
and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.
This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is
still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a
prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of
sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate
balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by
Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore
independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and
silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden
handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 06 Jaipur - Udaipur
Take early morning flight to Udaipur.
Reach and check into the hotel. Breakfast will be served in the hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake,
hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white
drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of
sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of
poets, painters and writers. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom
ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and
narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past,
epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters
of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Relax during the day at the beautiful palace hotel.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake
Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as
it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan
desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in
the middle of the lake and spend some time. (Currently water level is
very low and is subject to increase water level)
Overnight stay will be at Udaipur.
Day 07 Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City
Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory
doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the
Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and
the local folk Museum.
Enjoy the visit to the CENOTAPHS of the royal rulers and in the
evening proceed for a dinner with dances show.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 08 Udaipur - Mumbai
Have breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to
Mumbai.
Reach and take connecting flight to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and transfer
to Hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341
threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region,
turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi
thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and
became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese
settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later
in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the
town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime
commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a
rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a
great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on.
Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen
communities.
Proceed in the evening for the HARBOUR CRUISE and watch the fishing
island, dolphins and old town from the sea. Enjoy the sunset from
here.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
Day 09 Cochin - Marari
Proceed for a day sight seeing tour of Cochin. A few
interesting sites included in the tour are the:
Chinese fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood
and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they
were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square,
the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to
watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly
2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there
are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round
JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue.
Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662,
the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The
small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned,
blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal
lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting
International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
The Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC
Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. are also nice for sightseeing. Take a boat
ride and visit BOLGATTY PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND.
Drive to the MARARI BEACH RESORT.
The resort is located in the small fishing village of MARARI and has a
fabulous private beach front. The Ayurvedic Spa is very rejuvenating
here and the climate through the year perfect for a beach holiday.
Overnight will be in the beach resort.
Day 10 Marari: A backwater cruise
Proceed to the ALEPPEY jetty after breakfast.
Board a traditional boat (private with exclusive crew for you) of
Kerala and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake. Discover
the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch in the boat. A
canal cruise is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of
the backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of
Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a
network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers
that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self
supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect
the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900
km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Cruise through Aleppey which is famous for its boat races, houseboats,
coir products, fish and lakes. This place remains prominent on the
tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres for backwater boat
trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where
farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy
fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for
75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.
Enjoy lunch on the boat.
Drive back to the resort and spend night at the resort.
Day 11 - 13 Marari:
Breakfasts will be at the resort.
Spend a leisurely holiday by the beach soaking in the sun and the spa.
Day 14 Cochin - Mumbai
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed at leisure to the airport for flight to Mumbai.
Transfer to hotel with a fantastic view of the Arabian Sea.
Mumbai's young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural
currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the
most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra
State, formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India
and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets
lying off the Konkan Coast of western India. Oozing with the
self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree)
attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and
has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.
Relax in the evening and overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 15 Mumbai:
Proceed for the ELEPHANTA CAVES excursion after breakfast.
The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves,
containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu
God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11 km from
Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religions centre
for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture.
The Elephanta caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings
belonging to the period between 9th - 12th centuries. With the
Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd
century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into
existence at Elephanta. Legends and history suggest that the great
warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to
celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that these caves
were built by the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja in 6th century AD.
As the worship of the figure of the Buddha began to be encouraged with
rise of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, a shrine was introduced to
house Buddha's image, replacing the cells at the centre of the back
wall. The Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta.
Return to the city by late afternoon and relax.
In the evening enjoy the beach close to the hotel.
Chowpatty Beach: Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine Drive
has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central
part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies
taking place at Chowpatty like the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony
initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards
the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions.
Overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 16 Mumbai:
Proceed for a city tour of Mumbai after a relaxed breakfast.
Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since
the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of
impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's
church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the
Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also
worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai,
built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's
most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's
Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night.
Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with
Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on
the other.
Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is
a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the
starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This
famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever
British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of
the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of
Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five
streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is
decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain
is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of
flowers, at the top.
Hanging Gardens: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging
Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are
popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the
slope of a hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill
towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic view of the city or a
breathtaking sunset. It is built over three reservoirs, which store 30
million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning before being
supplied to the town.
Mumbai High court: An attractive building in early English Gothic
style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its
impressive architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy
surmount the Central structure.
Finish the tour and then in the afternoon return to the hotel.
Enjoy shopping during the rest of the day and proceed to the airport
in time for flight home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
THE TOUR INCLUDES:
· ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
· DAILY BREAKFASTS,
· SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
· ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS IN AC PRIVATE SUV,
· FUEL & DRIVER ALLOWANCES,
· PARKING & TOLL CHARGES FOR VEHICLE,
· ALL STATE ROAD TAXES,
· ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
· ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCE FEES,
· ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
· DAY HOUSEBOAT CRUISE AT BACKWATERS,
· LUNCH ON THE HOUSEBOAT,
· LATE CHECK OUT AT MUMBAI ON THE LAST DAY,
· HARBOUR CRUISE AT COCHIN,
· PRIVATE BOAT RIDE AT UDAIPUR,
· ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR AND
· ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
Tour
Concludes
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We
thank you for your patronage & look forward serve you again in near
future.
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represents compulsory fields) |
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