DAY 01 : ARRIVE IN DELHI
Namaste! Welcome to India.
With a civilization that is over 5,000 years, richly steeped in history; a land that is diverse and colorful, mysterious and exotic; a land that offers a bewildering mix of adventures; the land of the Himalayas, INDIA has some of the most beautiful luxurious resorts to offer to the world, rich architectural marvels to feast your eyes on, and food fit for an Emperor. A visit to India is a power-package of changing spectacles of religions, customs, festivals, sights and sounds.

Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you are given a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel in Delhi.

Overnight stay in DELHI

DAY 02 : DELHI – SIGHTSEEING
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel proceed on a sightseeing tour of DELHI – India’s capital and tourist gateway.

This is a city steeped in history, having seen the rise and fall of many empires, all of which have spawned an interesting mix of cultures, monuments, and handicrafts. What is now known as DELHI was once seven independent cities, with the Delhi of today being the eighth in succession. Each empire also left behind monuments that commemorate important personalities and events, which explains the profusion of local architectural styles. Sightseeing revolves around these monuments from the past, built by the dynasties that ruled in the region.

Start at the Qutub Minar, Delhi’s signature monument, a 72.5 metre high tower dating back to the 13th Century. Then explore the magnificent Mughal monument like Humayun’s Tomb, architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

Visit India Gate and Amar Jyoti, the memorial constructed in the memory of our soldiers. Drive past the triumphant House of Parliament, Presidential Palace, both grandiose masterpieces of the British Raj and end the drive along Rajpath, New Delhi’s broadest avenue. Continue onwards to Jantar Mantar, a famous astronomical observatory with masonry instruments, built by Jai Singh the astronomer king. Minutes away lies the National Museum with its collection of artifacts spanning several centuries.

Get spiritual with a visit to The Birla Temple; also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple & enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city.House sit Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful

This afternoon your attention focuses on Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. Geographically and culturally, there is a fine dividing line between Old and New Delhi.

Visit the imposing Red Fort, the opulent residence of Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline. Just across lies Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and adjacent is Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s vibrant nerve centre, a busy, bustling commercial centre literally bursting at the seams. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the Bazaar and end the day with a visit to Raj Ghat—the cremation site of the Father of the Nation.

Enjoy a welcome Dinner with Cultural Dances & Music at Chor Bizzare Restaurant.

Overnight stay in DELHI

DAY 03 : DELHI – AGRA by road (Journey time: approx. 04 ½ hours)
AGRA is universally famous as the City of the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument to love, and the most photographed building in the world. Agra has a rich and old history. It finds mention in the Mahabharata (3rd Century B.C.) in which it is called Agrabana or ‘Paradise City’. It was the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th Centuries, and many of its monuments were built during their reign. The city reached its zennith in the period 1556-1658 under the successive rules of Akbar, Shah Jehan, and Jehangir. Akbar’s reign was the most memorable in the city’s history, when it visibly became a leading centre of art, commerce, and culture. Thenceforth it continued to draw intellectuals and artists to its darbars and havelis.
Visit the Agra Fort, the huge red-sandstone construction built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. It is shaped like an irregular triangle, encircled by two and a half km of walls, 21 metres high, and surrounded by a 10-metre wide moat. Its vast interiors contain Akbar Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-I-Am (Hall of Public Audience), and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).

And finally, we arrive at the magnificent monument to the memory of love, the Taj Mahal. The Taj is essentially an emperor’s testimony to love, and has become synonymous not only with the city but with the whole of India. Its fame brings people from far and wide, eager to see and feel its pristine beauty. Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the monument made of white marble, is a fine example of symmetry, balance of design and traditional inlay work. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity of viewing this magnificent edifice in the warm glow of sunset.

Overnight stay in AGRA

DAY 04 : AGRA – RANTHAMBHORE
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Drive to Ranthambhore via Fatehpur Sikri

Enroute visit the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Akbar built. Predominantly red sandstone buildings sprawl over a huge area. The architectural style is very much in tune with the emperor’s dreams and includes both Hindu and Muslim styles. The shortage of water at the site was one of the main reasons for it being deserted.
Continue onward to Ranthambhore.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lords over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger’s activities are very exciting.

Reach and relax at the beautiful resort.

Overnight stay in RANTHAMBHORE

DAY 05 : RANTHAMBHORE
Early morning leave for your safari into the National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning.
Return to the Resort for breakfast. Rest of the morning is at leisure
After Lunch, leave for an afternoon safari.

Overnight stay in RANTHAMBHORE

DAY 06 : RANTHAMBHORE – JAIPUR
Enjoy a morning safari. After breakfast, check out and drive to JAIPUR – the PINK CITY & capital of Rajasthan
Universally known as the ‘Pink City’, thanks to its pink sandstone buildings, Jaipur is the gateway to Rajasthan and the fabled Thar Desert. Considered to be among the world’s first planned cities, it combines architectural beauty with rich heritage and culture. Not surprisingly, it’s among India’s premier tourist destinations. Jaipur owes its founding and name to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh 11 who laid out the city in a systematic way with surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, with the walled city featuring seven gates. It is this old part that boasts of the famous historical buildings that have given Jaipur such fame.

Jaipur’s charm stems from its heritage. Swirling crowds, brightly dressed people, hustle and bustle, and an atmosphere thick with the aroma of spices, create a distinct world in itself.
Jaipur offers exciting bargains in handicrafts, block-printed textiles, paintings and bric a brac. But the real buy is silverware and jewellery, the Pink City being India’s jewellery capital, particularly famed for its ‘kundan’ work jewellery.

Overnight stay in JAIPUR

DAY 07 : JAIPUR
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, this morning’s excursion will take us to Amber Fort. Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerful ally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant heralded by musicians from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

In the old city, still encircled by a crenellated wall, visit the Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” Jaipur’s central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without being seen. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. Jantar Mantar, The Maharajah’s observatory, originally built in the city’s early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky.
Overnight stay in JAIPUR

DAY 08 : JAIPUR – COCHIN- MUMBAI
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to COCHIN via Mumbai.
On arrival in Cochin, check in at your hotel
Cochin is a beautiful all weather harbor and a grand seascape, one of India’s largest ports and a major naval base. At dusk you can see the dim silhouettes of huge merchant ships patiently awaiting their turn for a berth in the docks. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Cochin and its people. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Despite this, Cochin is an attractive city with serene backwaters, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms and picturesque islands.
Overnight stay in COCHIN

DAY 09 : COCHIN
This morning you will tour this incredible city. Visit the Portuguese St. Francis Church, considered the first European Church in India, built in 1562 by St. Francis; this is India’s oldest European-built church. The original structure was wood, but was rebuilt in stone in the mid-16th century. Continue on to Mattancherry Dutch Palace, a double-storied palace built in the classic Kerala nallukettu style, denoted an interesting blend of European and indigenous forms of architecture. The most important feature of Mattancherry Palace is the murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahbharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu & Krishna, These murals are some of the most beautiful and extensive, one of the wonders of India.

Proceed to the Jewish Synagogue that was constructed in 1568 and is the oldest in the Commonwealth. A stone slab from the Kochangadi Synagogue (built in 1344, and has disappeared), inscribed in Hebrew, can be found on the inner surface of the wall. The copper plates on which have inscribed grants of privileges made by the ruler are also to be found here. At the Cochin Harbour, you can watch the fishermen using strange
and ravishing Chinese Fishing Nets to catch fish from a tiny waterfront area strewn with natural rocks. Enjoy a harbour cruise this afternoon.

Later this afternoon, arrive at the show venue, so that you can get a backstage view of the performers preparing for the Show. Enjoy a presentation of the colourful Kathakali Dance drama. Kathakali is a ritualized dance form native to Kerala; elaborate costumes and make-up, as seen here, are the norm. Male dancers portray both male and female roles

Overnight stay in COCHIN

DAY 10 : COCHIN – ALEPPEY: HOUSEBOAT CRUISE
After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey Jetty.
Alleppey 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.
Board a traditional boat 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. Dinner will be on boat.

Overnight stay on the houseboat

DAY 11 : KUMARAKOM – THEKKADY
Breakfast will be on the boat.

Cruise through the backwaters and arrive at Kumarakom enjoying the beauty of the lakes and lagoons.

Kumarakom is a tourist village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands
on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Experience the rich culture and active lifestyle that has
evolved over the centuries in and around the backwaters and waterways that thread this
region. Upon arrival check in at your hotel

Disembark from the boat and drive to Thekkady.
Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of
the best places for viewing wild animals. The best time to visit animals is during the months of
March, April and May. Thekkady offers facilities for trekking, elephant rides and boating.

In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple – a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the 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 the play in the lake.

Enjoy the lunch at the hotel.

Proceed for a boat cruise in Periyar Lake. The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day.

In the evening relax at the hotel and take a cooking class from the chef.

Overnight stay THEKKADY

DAY 12 : THEKKADY
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a nature trek in the forest with your personal guide and enjoy the park till lunch.
Lunch will be at the resort.

In the late afternoon proceed for a spice plantation visit to familiarize with the different spices.

Enjoy the spice market visit in the evening.

Overnight stay at THEKKADY

DAY 13 : THEKKADY – COCHIN – MUMBAI
After breakfast at the hotel, drive down to Cochin Airport through tea gardens and rubber plantations.

Take your flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, check in at your hotel
Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands, derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk, who are the oldest inhabitants. Mumbai, today, is more than just a
metropolis. It is in fact an enigma of mud huts and sky- scrapers, age-old traditions and high fashions, the industrialists’ heaven and moviemaker’s Hollywood.

Overnight stay at the hotel

DAY 14 : MUMBAI
After breakfast, proceed on a tour of Mumbai City
In the morning, visit the Elephanta Caves. Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD, and attract more visitors each year than the entire city of Mumbai. No wonder: this place resonates with the spiritual energy of India. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone
sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It is situated on Gharapuri Island in Mumbai’s harbor, about an
hour’s boat ride from the Gateway Of India. At the entrance to the caves is the famous Trimurti, the celebrated trinity of Elephanta : there’s Lord Brahma the Creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord

Shiva the Destroyer Unfortunately, many of the sculptures inside have been damaged by iconoclastic Portuguese rulers who took potshots at Hindu Gods with their rifles. And yet somehow, nothing has disturbed the sublime beauty of this place for centuries.

In the afternoon, visit the well known sites of Mumbai City
Drive through Hanging Gardens (now known as Sir K.P. Mehta Gardens), where the old English art of topiary is practiced. Perched at the top of Malabar Hills, on its western side, the terraced gardens provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea. Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, earlier known as Victoria Terminus – modeled on the lines of the St Pancras Station in LONDON, Victoria Terminus is the Raj’s piece de resistance. Continue onwards to the Prince of Wales Museum another building designed by Wittet to commemorating George V’s first visit to India in 1905 before becoming king. There are extensive collections of fascinating 18th and 19th century miniatures. On the same floor are elegantly carved ivory artworks as well as jade and Indian bronze images. The Gateway of India situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai greets all those who come to Mumbai from the harbor; the monument is a testimony to the imperial bygone era of the city.

Late evening, transfer to International Airport to take your flight back home
IMPORTANT
• THE TAJ MAHAL is closed on Fridays