Passage to India

Upon your arrival at the airport, meet our representative awaiting just outside the arrival hall, past the customs area & currency shops. Later at the hotel our representative will brief you about tour starting day after.

Delhi, the national capital of India is an historic city and commercial centre of Northern India. Numerous dynasties ruled and flourished each bequeathing the city with different colours, shades and folds of civilisation as heritage.  With a multi-ethnic society, Delhi welcomes all to witness a miniature of the vast Indian subcontinent. 

Start exploring the city from the undulated lanes of Old-Delhi.  The attractions here worth visiting first include the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  The day tour will also include visits to one of the largest brick minarets of the world- Qutab Minar, white lotus shaped Baha’i Temple- Lotus Temple, the stunning Humayun's Tomb built in 1562 CE, and beauteous Laxmi Narayan Temple.  

Visit the eclectic mix of modern and cosmopolitan worlds of India and take a sightseeing tour of New Delhi.  Once called Lutyens’ Delhi, the area of New Delhi was designed by British architect, Sir Edward Lutyens.  These glorious imitations of Victorian style architecture have always been an eye-candy for the connoisseurs of art and architecture.  Enjoy a drive past monuments of national significance such as President’s House, Parliament House and later enjoy a night view of India Gate under starlit sky.

Morning drive to Agra en-route visiting Sikandra. The tomb of Akbar the Great, a magnificent specimen of  Mughal architecture is located at Sikandra.  A connoisseur of art Mughal Emperor himself initiated the construction around 1600.  After his death his son Jehangir completed the tomb. 

Morning drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.  The monuments and edifices of Fatehpur Sikri are applauded by UNESCO for they showcase a synthesis of various regional schools of architecture amongst influences of Hindu, Jain and Islamic religions. Explore the beautiful edifices which include Jama Masjid, The Buland Darwaza, palace of Queen Jodha Bai, Birbal's Palace & the tomb of Saint Salim Chisti. On arrival at Jaipur, check in at a heritage hotel and experience Rajput hospitality at its best. Evening visit to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides and the colourful folk performances brightens up the atmosphere further while you enjoy a typical Rajasthani cuisine.

Leave for a 1/2-day sightseeing tour to the hilltop fortress of Amber. A small trek up the hill will be covered while riding an elephant in the royal manner.  The fort was built in 1592 under the reign of Raja Man Singh and was later modified by successive rulers for next 150 years.  Today the structure stands with its beautifully carved ceilings, intricate patterns and stunning designs  .  

In the afternoon, tour the old walled city of Jaipur. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory- an assortment of architectural astronomical structures. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II it consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time and predicting eclipses etc. Stunning City Palace will be the next destination on this city tour.  City Palace is a complex of various palaces in Jaipur which is an erstwhile seat of Maharaja of the region. Drive-by the stunning Hawa Mahal- a palace with hundreds of ornamental windows, built for royal ladies to be able to watch the daily processions of city.

Leave for Bikaner, a remote town tucked away in the Thar Desert. Once in Bikaner and after lunch, proceed on a  sightseeing tour.  A medieval labyrinth of narrow streets opens up to stunning dark-red sandstone havelis and some exquisite Jain temples.  The desert town continues to impress with its imposing fort and increased popularity of camel safaris. 

Take a trip to massive Junagarh Fort, the 5.28 hectares large precinct of the fort is laced with impressive palaces, exquisite temples and pavilions.  Laxmi Niwas Palace is the next highlight of the city tour.  The palace built in Indo-Saracenic style is also a luxury hotel and thus provides an opportunity to live life King size. Built in 1902 Lalgarh Palace is another exquisite structure in the city whose stunning architecture sings the saga of splendour of erstwhile royal age. 

After an early morning breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, halting at Osian. Osian's ancient Jain and Vaishnava temples reflect the grandeur of Indian temple architecture. The town is famous for housing a cluster of relics of Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from 8th to 11th centuries.  The temples are applauded for their grace and exquisite architecture by tourists coming from worldwide.  On arrival at Jodhpur the rest of the day is left free for relaxation.

After breakfast leave for Udaipur. En route visit the Jain temples of Ranakpur, famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. (Optional - lunch in the temple or at Maharani Bagh, Ranakpur at extra charge). Later in the day arrive at enchanting, medieval city of Udaipur and check-in at the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur. Laced with scenic lakes, Udaipur is truly an oasis in the middle of desert region of Rajasthan.  Its magnificence and splendour is further enhanced with the presence of various grand edifices reminiscent of the splendid era of royalty.  Enjoy a leisurely late afternoon cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for onward flight to Trivandrum via Mumbai. Arrive at Cochin Airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, watch a captivating performance of Kathakali, a ritualistic dance drama or enjoy a sunset cruise in the backwaters. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a sightseeing city tour of Cochin. A vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of Indian peninsula, Cochin is an important port city ideally called the Gateway to Kerala. The city has emerged as a significant commercial and industrial hub of the state and on your drive to the hotel you will come across various local industries such as coir making, toddy tapping, spice producing and pot making and more.  The city situated on a cluster of islands is owner of one of the best natural harbours in the world.

Set on a jeep safari inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake. The sanctuary is one of the biggest natural reserves in India which covers about 777 km squares.  Home to myriad wild creatures this protected area lies in the middle of mountainous region of Cardamom Hills and is cradled with picturesque Periyar Lake.  Animals such as elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and beauteous bird populations such as darters, cormorants, kingfishers and racket tailed Drongos have made the park their home.  Spot these animals coming to the banks of Periyar Lake to quench their thirst while you sail on a boat in the pristine lake. Also, visit a spice plantation in the vicinity later and return to the hotel for night stay. 

Return to the hotel for a screening of wildlife movie, followed by dinner.

On this day you will proceed to Kumarakom- the charming emerald peninsula sticking out into the ever-sparkling Vembanad Lake which will take you into the heart of the scenic land where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. Reach Kumarakom where you will be accommodated in a fine jungle resort for you to maintain a close association with Mother Nature throughout your stay.  Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise for it is a favourite haunt of beauteous migratory birds such as Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.  Avid bird watchers should make plans for a visit to the park early in the morning for that is the time birds leave their nests and fly over the lake in groups creating beauteous patterns in the sky.

You can swim, fish, go boating or opt for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage (at an extra cost). In the evening - a Sunset Cruise along the backwaters.  Following dinner, enjoy optional night fishing at Kumarakom (no extra cost).

Today will be one of the most  memorable experience of your tour. You journey on the clear backwaters while cruising on a traditional houseboat, Kettuvallam.  This is the undoubtedly the best way to travel across Kerala backwaters for this way one gets to travel at one’s own speed and thus to enjoy the pristine environs of the region completely at peace.  The Kettuvallams were originally used as grain barges to transport the rice grown alongside the backwaters. These traditionally furnished but comfortable houseboats are equipped with a living room and bedroom (en suite bathroom).

While sailing these canal routes you will come across scenes from everyday life at Kerala such as villages, paddy fields, coconut palms, fisherman and more.  Travel at your speed and let yourself loose amidst the enchanting panorama that surrounds you.

After breakfast transfer to Kovalam. A popular sea-side beach resort, Kovalam offers unique beaches in a range of colours from white to black sands. This internationally renowned beach town is a favourite haunt of tourists looking to spend laid-back vacations amidst beauteous environs. A former favourite jaunt of hippies, this tropical beach town is known for its picture perfect looks, traditional fishing villages providing a refreshing India tour experience. Some popular beaches are: Samudra beach, Aluwa beach, Lighthouse beach and Ashok Beach.

After breakfast, depart for the Trivandrum airport for flight to Mumbai. On arrival, you can go for a short sightseeing tour of Mumbai, if time permits before the onward flight back home.