01
Day: Arrive: Delhi:
Welcome at the Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi, our representatives assist and escort you by a private car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After your check in, you will be given all the required documents related to the tour and our representative will explain all your queries and feedback about the entire tour plan. If you are arriving by morning flight, after rest you can take a short tour of the sightseeing of the city; otherwise take the rest and overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
Delhi, towering capital city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of India's modern and fastest developing cities with charismatic charm on its visitors. Delhi is situated over the West Bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is combination of an historical golden past with vibration of modern world. Delhi houses finest museums, historical monuments, sightseeing places, and temples in the country. Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India, designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi, then called Indraprastha, around 1200 B.C. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.
02 Day: Delhi
After breakfast the sightseeing tour to explore the historic city, firstly visiting Old Delhi: (Shahajahanabad) the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone walls of historical Lal Qila, built in 1638, sprawled in 2 kilometers with a high of 18 meters, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat, memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated, Later in you opt to have Rickshaw ride past through the bustling Bazaar of in Chandani Chowk. The sightseeing continue to explore the best tourist attractions of New Delhi include President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan), during the British rule this places was the residence of British Viceroys, India gate, this monument was built to honour and tribute to the Indian soldiers, sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, then visiting Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) built by the one of the most richest industrialist Birla Family. Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening witness the light and sound show at Red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
Light and Sound Show: An extravagant sound and light show at the Red Fort, makes the 5,000 years old narration of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the fabulous panoramic and historic vicinity of the Red Fort, selected occurrence from the archives of Delhi's historic and legendary precedent are colorfully brought to life. To make this show an emotively unforgettable experience, the special effects are combined with the unique ambience.
03 Day: Delhi – Varanasi
(By Air)
Today morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take an excursion tour to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi, this is where Lord Buddha gave his primary or first sermon to the five sanctified men. Visit the Dharmarajika to witness the 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa. This stupa also marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon. Then visit to Archaeological museum, which has the collected works of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising abundant Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar, built in 3rd Century BC., this is an iconic pillar with 4 lions that symbolizes both Asoka’s imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. This four - lion capital has been adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. Evening take a walk through the copious of narrow lanes in the old city, passing through many ancient temples, shrines and little shops crammed with customers looking for the eminent gold & silver brocades, usually for weddings or even for cremation cloth. Explore the oldest cultural city of India, by visiting the most famous temple; Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though unattainable to non-Hindus, can be witness from the top floor of the old house opposite it. The visit is followed by Bharat Mata temple, Durga temple and the Tulsi Manas Mandir. Overnight at the hotel.
Varanasi: Also recognized with the name, Kashi (meaning the city of spiritual light) and Banaras. This is one of the oldest cities in India with fascinating past; it has found a place in the epic of Mahabharata as well in the Buddhist scriptures. This ancient Indian city is sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they unite with the Ganges, the most revered river in the country, and provides easy access to industrial zones, including the automobile, garment and leather sectors. The notorious American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”
04 Day: Varanasi
Early morning take a boat ride for a pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. Here devotes take dip and bathe early in the morning in holy Ganga, offering prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night. Every obedient Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the holy Ganges, is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. This is the holiest city for the Hindu devotes and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi was already old when Rome was founded, a flourishing trade centre when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. Visit the Banaras Hindu University which has an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, believed to be built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. Evening talk a walk in the divine atmosphere and visit the colourful markets. Overnight at the hotel.
05 Day: Varanasi – Khajuraho
(By Air)
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight to Khajuraho. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Khajuraho is ancient blend of architecture, culture, nature and history, architecture, with luscious charm. The city with peace with scenic country side, Khajuraho is declared by UNESCO...World heritage site’. Today morning after breakfast explore the most exotic temples of India, visiting the Western group of temples, renowned and splendid temples, there are 14 temples, most of the temples are deducted to God Vishnu and Shiva, notable temples are Lalguan, Chaunsath, Varaha, Parvati, Lakshmana, Matangesvara, Nandi, Chitragupta, Vishvanath, Goddess Jagdamba, Kandariya Mahadev. These temples are worldly popular for their intricate erotic carvings and sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the stupendous achievements of ancient Indian art, later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Khajuraho: The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. It derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature. It was only in this century, that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. These magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. The three main compartments are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum (garbha griha). The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.
06 Day: Khajuraho – Orchha (180 kms: 3½ hrs)
After breakfast, take the sightseeing tour Eastern group of the temples, explore around 17 temples, 3 Hindu and 4 Jain temples,mainly Adinath, Parsvanath, Ganpati and Shantinath are Jain temples and Javari, Brahma and Vamana are Hindu temples,in both the groups of temples exhibit love, sexual acts, and Moksha in unique architectural style and lustful depiction of conventional way of life during medieval India. There is also Southern group of temples Duladeo and Chaturbhuj temples. Later drive to Orchha. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
07 Day: Orchha – Gwalior – Agra (240 kms: 4 – 5 hrs)
Today morning take a city tour of Orchha visiting various temple and Palaces such as Raja Ram temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Shiva Mandir, Panch Mukhi Mahadev Mandir and other cenotaphs “Chhatris" on the bank of river Betwa and also visit Fort Palace of Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan – e - Khas and Rai Praveen Mahal. After visit, drive to Agra. Enroute visit Gwalior. Take a sightseeing of the majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India. Also visit Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th Century, visiting Jai Vilas Palace, Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior fort, Man Mandir, Gujri Mahal and the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus. After visit proceed to Agra. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation.
Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. Built by the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan, an eternal love story written on the shimmering marble for his wife Mumtaz. Agra is pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendant of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra, and the nearby city of Fatehpur Sikri, is conveniently close to Delhi. Besides the Taj Mahal is Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah-35 kms away are the imperial ruins of the Mughal city, Fatehpur Sikri. The world famous town for Taj and amazing monuments of India.
08 Day: Agra
Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, beautiful architectural monument among the 7 wonders of the world; this historical masterpiece is illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is crown of all the loveliest buildings in the world, a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues to visit Agra Fort,was built in 1576 AD., by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; in the fort you will find most splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj where from Emperor Shahjahan, prisoner of his son rebellious Aurangzeb, he put his father in the cell of Agra fort, where from he could see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his loveliest wife was cremated. If time permits, visit the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noorjehan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. In the evening one should visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to built this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, theonly show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
09 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore (280 kms: 5 – 6 hrs)
After leausire and breakafast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur, En route visit Fathepur Sikri, Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty –Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honor 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 entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the emperor's throne. The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here, the marble Tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. Later drive to Ranthambore. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. Later if time permits take a jungle safari by canter with naturalist guide at the tiger reserve of Ranthambhore, one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat. In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. Overnight at the jungle resort.
Ranthambhor, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locations, It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambhor, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort dates back to the 11th century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. Earlier, the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambhor was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, busy in their normal pursuits - especially stalking or hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human activity and are not disturbed.
10 Day: Ranthambhor
Today morning take Jungle Safari by open Canter accompanied by an expert naturalist to explore The Ranthambhore wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat. In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. Return to the hotel for a lunch. Later visit Ranthambhore Fort overlooking the National Park and Jogi Mahal. Also visit the famous Temple of Ganesha in the Fort. Rest of the evening free for leisure activities at the jungle resort. Overnight at the jungle resort.
11 Day: Ranthambore – Jaipur (180 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast, your day is free for jungle activities. You may take a jungle safari and later check out from the jungle resort and drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxing 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 hotel for overnight.
Jaipur widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The entire walls houses and buildings of the city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria from Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed accordance of Hindu architecture science called Shilpa Shastra, the town is had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of universe. This fascinating city houses majestic forts, grand palaces, lavish gardens, havelis and museums, while visiting these places you will have a true vision of Royal golden past of Rajasthan.
12 Day: Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in 15th Centaury by Rajput King Man Singh, later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, which is nearby to Amber fort. Later drive back to the main city to visit imperial ‘City Palace’, a miraculous places to witness the real Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Distinguishing Jantar Mantar innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh, he built 5 observatories, and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of them. Visiting splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ built with a concept for the woman of royal families to speculate the royal ceremonies and festivals being hidden from the public eyes. City palace houses both the monuments. In the evening you can explore the bustling market of Jaipur by cycle rickshaw ride, which is paradise for shopping lovers, Jaipur is worldly famous for hand woven carpet, precious stones, handicraft, marble, textile, blue pottery, handmade papers, later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
13 Day: Jaipur – Bangalore (By Air)
Today morning after a healthy breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled morning flight for Bangalore. Assistance on arrival; and transfer to the hotel. After refreshments take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Lal Baugh - One of the many gardens in the city; it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park - a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambience of the city life is broken with presence of such a large park in the center of the city. The Bull Temple - The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock. Later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Overnight at the hotel.
Bangalore: Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. It is now part of the great Silicone Valley, is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The Lalbagh garden is particularly beautiful and well lay out. It has one of the largest collections of exotic Indian Tropical and Sub-tropical vegetation, Lakes and Lotus-filled pools. Cubbon park, Bull temple, Mysore arts & crafts centre are worth visiting.
14 Day: Bangalore – Srirangapatnam – Mysore (140 kms: 3 – 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mysore. En route visit the Srirangapatnam (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. After sightseeing at Srirangapatnam, continue to drive to Mysore, whichis the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India's finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, Furniture and Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. On arrival transfer to the hotel, after lunch visit to local market, evening visit to Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains. And visit to flower and sandal wood market, handicraft museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Srirangapatna (Srirangapatnam) is an island town on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway The town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, the eldest son of Haider Ali, was born on December 10, 1750 at Devanhalli. On his father's death in 1782, Tipu Sultan assumed power in Mysore. He continued fighting the British and defeated them in 1783. Tipu Sultan was a far-sighted person who could foresee East India Company's design to get entrenched in India. He negotiated with the French for help and also sought assistance from the Amir of Afghanistan and the Sultan of Turkey. However, in the Third Anglo-Mysore war, he was defeated in his capital, Srirangapatna, and was forced to sign a humiliating treaty on March 22, 1792 as per which he had to concede half of his kingdom and pay an indemnity of 33 million rupees to the British. He died fighting during the storming of Srirangapatna on 4th May 1799 in the fourth Anglo-Mysore war.
Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore races its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyars rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendor.
15 Day: Mysore – Ooty (165 kms: 3 – 4 hrs)
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mysore visiting the Palace of the Maharaja (Emperor) built in 1911 - 1912. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent followed by visit at St. Philomenas cathedral - folklore museum - visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Later drive to Ooty, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Ooty.
Ooty: Known as the queen of hills and the most popular hill station in the South India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills at 2286 meter above sea level. With its rolling lawns and salubrious climate it became the important hill station in South India and the summer capital of the former Madras presidency. Ooty still has the touch of the Raj about it, with its cottages and pretty gardens and stone churches that stands among the groves of pine. Old summer palaces of maharajas are now hotels and set in their beautiful parks.
16 Day: Ooty – Conoor – Ooty (1 hr drive)
After breakfast drive to Coonoor, optionally you may take a toy train ride; visit Sim's Park, there are also a number of individual tree specimens planted all over the place, give a special charm to the park, Dolphin's Nose, the Nose is a unique rock of tremendous proportions which looks like a Dolphin, Lamb's Rock commands a grand view of the Coimbatore Plains, Laws Falls a paradise for Nature lovers. Later take a sightseeing tour of Ooty enjoy the scenic surroundings, the Botanical Garden a wealth of variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees, several old trees and even a fossilized tree trunk that is 20 million years old, followed by boat rides and fishing, a visit to the Ooty Lake is a must. Besides these, there are various viewpoints like Lamb’s Rock, Kodanadu and Dodabetta Peak is the highest point in the district at a height of 2623 meters. Provided the day is clear, one can see as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau. Overnight at the hotel.
Coonoor, surrounded by the tea plantations, and at an altitude of 1850 m, Coonoor is the first of the three Nilgiri hill station-Udhagamandalam (Ooty ), Kotagiri and Coonoor - that you come to when leaving behind the southern plains. Like Ooty, it's on the toy train line from Mettupalayam. While Kotagiri had the Kotas, and Ooty the Todas, so Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe. ( The suffix, 'oor', means village. ) This now bustling town appears rather squashed between the hills and it's only after climbing up out of the busy market area with the bus and train terminals that you'll get a sense of what hill stations were originally all about.
17 Day: Ooty – Guruvayur – Cochin (280 kms: 7 hrs)
Early morning drive to Cochin. Enroute visit to visit to Guruvayur Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the most popular pilgrim centers of India, followed by visit to Punnathur Kotta, where 44 elephants belong to the Guruvayur Krishna Temple are fenced and fed in the Punnathur Kotta. Later, drive to Cochin. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.
18 Day: Cochin
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Cochin: Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. These inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit to 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. Overnight at the hotel.
19 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.
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colorful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Alleppey A glide in a "Kettuvalam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. 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.
20 Day: Kumarakom – Cochin (50 kms: 2 hrs) – Mumbai (By Air)
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin. On arrival, transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free to explore the local markets or visit the ISKON temple and Juhu beach. Later return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
21 Day: Mumbai
Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai 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, have crossbeams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvellous 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 hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Hajji Ali, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Mahalaxmi, Siddhi Vinayak, and Hanging Garden. Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.
22 Day: Mumbai – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.
