Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Golden Triangle & Kerala Backwaters

01 Day : Arrival Delhi

On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be welcomed by our representative and transfer to the hotel where we hold the room on ready occupancy basis. Overnight stay at Hotel in Delhi.

02 Day : Delhi

After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel of Delhi.

03 Day : Delhi - Agra (200 Kms - 4 hours):

After an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra en route visit Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. After visit continue to precede Agra, on arrival transfer to Hotel in Agra. Later take a sightseeing tour of Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Tajmahal from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna, followed by visit to Pearl Mosque and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. The show room conducts free sound & light show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in Hotel of Agra.

Note : Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

04 Day : Agra - Jaipur (240 Kms - 5 hours)

Early morning, visit to witness the incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view at the time of Sunrise. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Tajmahal, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. After visit drive to Jaipur en route visit Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. Later continue to proceed to Jaipur. On arrival transfer to hotel in Jaipur. After relaxation in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator white marble temple, glitters in the in the night, at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

05 Day : Jaipur

Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over the floodlights. Return to the hotel of Jaipur for overnight.

06 Day : Jaipur - Pushkar (135 Kms - 3 hours)

After breakfast checkout and drive to Pushkar, On Arrival at Pushkar transfer to the Hotel in Pushkar. Pushkar, known for worlds biggest cattle fair every year in month of November, with glorious celebration. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Pushkar ghats begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. After relaxation take sightseeing tour of the city visiting temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. On the banks of the lake you will see devotees taking dip into the holy waters of Pushkar & offering prayers. Also visit the Pushkar Fair site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Explore the colourful market of Pushkar, Overnight at the Hotel in Pushkar.

07 Day : Pushkar - Udaipur (275 Kms - 6 hours)

After breakfast checkout the Hotel of Pushkar and drive to Udaipur Enroute stop over at Ajmer (11 kms from Pushkar) visiting Shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Mughal Emperor Humayun built the shrine and the Buland Darwaza, carved in silver, was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Later continue to drive to Udaipur en route visit to the magnificent Chittaurgarh, the fort is spread over 13 square kms, unlike other forts you can explore this fort by the vehicle you are traveling, Chittargarh fort is the mightiest Fort in Indian History, The pride and glory of Rajasthan. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris' in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. After visit continue to drive to Udaipur. On arrival transfer to the Hotel of Udaipur. In the evening if time permits you can enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola Udaipur and also opt for dinner at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the Lake. Overnight stay at the Hotel of Udaipur.

08 Day : Udaipur

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over looking at the Udaipur Lake Pichola, the additions were made to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved become the largest place in Rajasthan, Main attraction of Place are Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening from 1800 to 1900 in an adjacent open air theatre & Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Followed by visit to Eklingji Temple & Nagda Temples - built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur. Overnight stay at Udaipur Hotel.

09 Day : Udaipur - Mumbai (By Air)

Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the morning flight to Mumbai assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel of Mumbai and Rest of the day is free for rest & relaxation. Optionally you can go for shopping at biggest shopping mall of Mumbai, Cross Road, West End, Fashion Street, which is in main Mumbai city. Evening visit to Iscon Temple and Juhu Beach at Juhu. Overnight at the Hotel in Mumbai.

10 Day : Mumbai

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bombay, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the Mumbai hotel for overnight.

Note: Elephanta and Prince of Wales Museum are closed on every Monday.

11 Day : MumbaiCochin (By Air)

Early morning check out the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board the early morning flight to Cochin. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel in Cochin. After relaxation, take a sightseeing of Cochin visiting Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.


12 Day : Cochin - Alleppey (64 Kms - 1 ½ hrs) Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom

After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.


13 Day : Kumarakom


After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom - for the nature lover. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to Hotel in Kumarakom, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom Hotel.


13 Day : Kumarakom – Kovalam (140 kms – 2 ½ hours)


After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. On arrival transfer to the Hotel in Kovalam. Rest of the day is free to explore the beaches of Kovalam with the option of herbal oil massage. Overnight at the Kovalam Hotel.

14 Day : Kovalam

After breakfast time is free to spend on beaches optionally you can take sightseeing tour of Trivandrum city, (16 kms) the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Later drive to Cape Camorin also known as Kanya Kumari 85 kms, this place is at the tail tip end of India, one can see the 3 seas meet over here (Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal) on arrival visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda Rock & Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive back to Kovalam for overnight.

15 Day : Kovalam - Trivandrum (16 Kms - ½ hour) - Mumbai (By Air)

Morning after breakfast time is free for personal activities. Then check out the hotel and drive to Trivandrum Airport to board the afternoon flight to Mumbai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the international airport to board the flight for your hometown on departure tour concludes with happy memories.