Day 01
Delhi Arrival:

COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE will receive you on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land.  A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Modern Delhi is really two cities: Old Delhi is a medieval web of narrow, crowded streets woven beneath the Red Fort's imposing walls which was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. New Delhi boasts broad, leafy boulevards, grand colonial buildings and gracious Lutyens bungalows, and was built by the British who took power in 1803.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02
Delhi:

Proceed for the sightseeing tour after breakfast.

There are various sightseeing options in Delhi. The city is dotted with historic monuments that are the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. Apart from the monuments, there are museums, markets, gardens and eating joints that you can visit on your tour of Delhi. Some of the important sightseeing places in Delhi are given below.

INDIA GATE: It is the war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers, who died during World War I. The name of many soldiers who died during World War I is inscribed on its wall. Edward Lutyens, the man who planned and built New Delhi, designed India Gate. Almost every foreign tourist visits the monument. 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the eternal flame is added later. The eternal flame runs on gas and is a tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the service of the nation.

RED FORT: Located in Old Delhi, the Red Fort or Lal Quila is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi. The fort was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. The construction of the Fort started in 1638 and it was completed 10 years later in 1648. Some of the important spots inside the Red Fort include royal baths or Shahi hamams, Shahi Burj, Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas.

JAMA MASJID: The largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan 1656 AD. About 5,000 laborers and craftsmen worked for six years to complete the monument. The mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people. The mosque is located in the old Delhi. The domes are built in white marble. The prayer hall of the mosque has 260 pillars.

HUMANYUN’S TOMB: Humanyun’s Tomb is mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Humanyun’s. Bega Begum also known as Haji Begum, wife of Humanyun’s constructed the mausoleum for her husband. The tomb was built between 1562 and 1572 AD. The tomb was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyuth.

QUTAB MINAR: The construction of the Qutab Minar was stated by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 AD but he died before completing it. His son-in-law and successor Iltutmish completed the construction of the building. Qutab Minar is located in Meharauli.

LOTUS TEMPLE: Also known as the Bahai Temple, the monument was opened to public only in 1986. Located near Nehru Place, the Lotus Temple is designed like a lotus flower. If you are looking for some moments of peace and tranquility in the crowded city, Lotus Temple is the ideal place to visit.

Apart from the above-mentioned sightseeing options, there are various other tourist attractions that you can visit on your tour of Delhi. Some other sightseeing places in Delhi include Lodi Gardens, National Museum, Jantar Mantar, Dilli Haat and the Garden of Five Senses.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 03
Delhi – Agra:
By Train
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi
Train Number : 2002
Departure : 0615hrs
Arrival : 0812hrs

Early morning drive to the station to board train for Agra. Reach and check into the hotel.

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.

Relax and then proceed for the sightseeing.

THE TAJ MAHAL – AN EMPEROR’S LAMENT: Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal. It is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told. Today India's most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece, this perfectly symmetrical edifice is set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna River. The Taj was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum. Under the dome, below the ground level, in a dimly lit chamber, lie the mortal remains of Shahjahan and his beloved queen Mumtaz, reminding the world of their undying love. The Taj remains closed for visitors on Friday

AGRA FORT – ARCHITECTURAL WONDER IN STONE: Within a radius of 3 kilometers, on the banks of the river Yamuna raises the crescent like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Later it was used by his son Jahangir also as the seat of power. Shahjahan modeled his creation, the Red Fort at Delhi on this fort. The Agra fort happens to be on the same bank of the river Yamuna as the Taj Mahal which is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. So very ironically, Shahjahan, a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from his cell in the Agra Fort.

The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. Many buildings were constructed within the fort of which very few remain till date. One of the most significant ones is the multi storied Jahangir Mahal built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai.

The Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams.

SIKANDRA: Sikandra, 10 Kms North West of Agra, is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. The Tomb of Akbar shows an interesting fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture reflecting the spirit of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Akbar began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime, a red sandstone structure in a char-Bagh meaning 4-square formal garden.

ITMAD – UL – DAULAH’A TOMB: This tomb was erected by Nur Jahan in sweet memory of her father Ghiasud-Din-Beg between 1622 - 1628 A.D. This white marble structure of the pre-Taj era though smaller is often considered equal if not better to the great one itself.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 04
Agra – Delhi:

By Road 201kms/05hrs
Delhi – Cochin:
By Air

After breakfast drive to Delhi airport to take flight for Cochin. Reach Cochin and check into the hotel.

The striking port city of Kochi or Cochin is a tourist's paradise. Lush mangroves, coconut tress reflected in the translucent waters of backwaters, ancient churches, cathedrals and fort - tourists on sightseeing tours of Cochin would find all these and more. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the majestic looking Arabian Sea in the west, Kochi occupies a very strategic location and has been a significant trading zone and attractive tourist destination since time immemorial. The tradition and reputation of this enchantingly quaint port city has maintained till date. Here's a list of popular sightseeing places to be seen on a tour of India.

Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 05
Cochin:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.

Fort Kochi: Even a casual stroll through Fort Kochi located in the port city of Kochi in Kerala is enough to make you feel transported to another world and time. The architectural style of the buildings and the town layout easily make Fort Cochin distinct from other cities and towns of Kerala. Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture.

Bolghatty Palace: The splendid Bolghatty Palace is located on the Bolghatty Islands, in the Cochin city of Kerala. The appeal of the palace lies in the fact that it is among the oldest existing palaces built by the Dutch in India, during the pre-British times.

Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, located in the Kochi city of Kerala, make up a very popular tourist attraction. They are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing.

Mattancherry Palace: Even though it is austere in its appearance, the Mattancherry Palace of Cochin has a quaint charm of its own. The credit for building this landmark monument partly goes to the Dutch, who captured Cochin city of Kerala during the pre-British period.

Marine Drive: Marine Drive is a beautiful promenade in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala state of India. The Marine Drive is built facing the backwaters of Kochi. It is a popular hangout for the local populace as well as the tourists.

Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue in the port city of Kochi is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations. Thus, it comprises the topmost slot in the itinerary of the tourists visiting the city.

Pareekshith Thampuran Museum: Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is a very good archeological museum located near the Shiva temple, on the Durbar Hall Road at Ernakulam. This museum boasts of an impressive collection of 19th century paintings, ancient monuments and coins, scriptures made in stone and Plaster of Paris, murals as well as memorabilia belonging to the Cochin royal family.

St Francis Church: St Francis Xavier's Church at Fort Kochi was built in the year 1503, by the Portuguese traders. They came here with Admiral Pedro Alvarez de Cabral, via the same route taken by the legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who landed at Calicut in 1498.

Willingdon Island: The Willington Island contains the modern port serving Cochin city of Kerala. The island is an artificial man-made island created from the sand dug out while deepening Kochi port.

Museum of Kerala History: Do not take the Museum of Kerala History in the Cochin city of Kerala as any ordinary museum. The significance of this 'live' museum lies in the fact that it recounts the history of the land through magnificent and informative light and sound shows.

Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 06
Cochin – Munnar:
By Road 160 kms/04 hrs

After breakfast proceed to Munnar. Reach and check into the hotel.

Munnar meaning “three rivers”, is located at the confluence of three mountain streams videlicet Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at an altitude of 1600 meters above the sea level, the place offers an ideal escapade from the heat and buzzing of urban life into the tranquil laps of nature. The mist covered rolling hills, exotic plantations, colonial remnants, panoramic views, and pristine wilderness all add to the exquisite beauty of this hill station.

The idyllic, picture postcard hill station of Munnar was once the summer resorts of the erstwhile British Raj. The town still proudly retains its old-world colonial charms in much the same way. The exotic flora and fauna found in the region further accentuates the beauty of Munnar. Munnar cordially welcomes a visitor by rolling out a plush green velvet carpet of verdant valleys laced with tea plantations. This fairytale town will stupefy you with its dazzling kaleidoscopic visions of nature. Come along and discover the fascinating magic of Munnar as we take you on a virtual magic carpet ride to this exotic land.
Overnight will be at Munnar.

Day 07
Munnar:

Enjoy breakfast at the resort and then proceed for the sightseeing.

Devikulam: The quaint hill station of Devikulam rests like a celestial beauty in the midst of luxurious velvet green hills. This pristine hill station is located at a distance of 16 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The hill station is famous for its crystal-clear lake of Sita Devi. Legend connects Devikulam to the ancient Hindu epic of Ramayana. It is believed that during their exile, Sita Devi - the consort of Lord Rama took a bath in this lake. The water in the lake is considered to contain minerals and is acclaimed for its healing powers.

Muttupetty: The town of Muttupetty though small in geographical area is a treasure trove of natures abounding glories. Every nuke and cranny of it is crammed with the luxurious bounties of nature. The town is located at a distance of about 13 km from Munnar at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. Muttupetty is famous for its much renowned dairy farm; the Indo-Swiss livestock project. A large variety of high yielding cattle are reared in Muttupetty. At a stones throw away lies the picturesque Muttupetty dam and lake. The ideal way to revel in the beauty of this scenic locale is a boat cruise. The spot is preferred by picnickers due to its amazing natural beauty. Nearby is the beautiful Kundala Lake and adjoining Tea Plantations

Kundala: The tranquil town of Kundala is surrounded by rolling hills covered with tea plantations gently kissed by the silver mist and stretching for miles into the distant horizon. The artificial Kundala dam located here further accentuates the beauty of the place. The town lies en route to Top Station from Munnar. The dazzling Aruvikkad waterfall is located near Kundala.

Also enjoy trekking and tea estate visit.

Overnight will be at Munnar.


Day 08
Munnar – Thekkady:
By Road 110kms/04 hrs

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed to Thekkady. Reach and check into the hotel.

Discover the veritable essence of Kerala’s well kept wilderness secrets at Thekkady.  This green oasis is one of the last safe havens for the elusive Indian tiger- an endangered species now on the verge of extinction. This exotic land reminds of a colorful impressionistic painting stirred to life as if by a miracle. Thekkady fantabulous landscape is diffused with exotic spice plantations, green carpets of endless tea gardens and lush tropical forests. Garbed in vibrant hues and bountiful gifts of nature, Thekkady offers a perfect romantic escapade into the soothing laps of Mother Nature.

Thekkady is home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the best among the 27 tiger reserves in India. The very name of this romantic land conjures up exotic visions of wildlife, plantations, spice scented air, crystal clear lakes and mist covered endless rolling hills. Thekkady epitomizes Kerala’s sublime beauty in all its pristine glory. Come and be overwhelmed with a vacation of your lifetime in this dazzling land of impeccable beauty. Each day in this exotic land is a celebration of life and nature; epitomizing “La Dolce Vita”.

Relax and then enjoy the sightseeing.

Kumily: The quaint town of Kumily lies at a distance of about 4 km from Thekkady nestled in the realms of the majestic Cardamom Hills. The plantation town is surrounded by tea and spice plantations making it an ideal place to study how Indian spices are grown and how they are used in local cuisines. The scenic beauty of the area is further accentuated by its crisp blue skies, lush greenery and mist drenched mountains. This hub of spice trade is located at the vicinity of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and makes a perfect base to explore the region.  

Plantation tours: Do make it a point to visit some of the numerous tea and spice plantations in the area. This is the best way to understand how these exotic spices are grown and to learn how they are used in the local cuisines. Tea factories could also be visited to see how the tea leaves are processed and to meet some of the workers involved in it. There are vanilla, cardamom and spice plantations in the region which could be visited with permission.

Enjoy elephant ride.

Overnight will be at Thekkady.

Day 09
Thekkady:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Today you will visit the rare species of plants and animals by taking a short walk and enjoying the safari.

Periyar Tiger trail: A trekking expedition could be organized inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with the permission of the authorities. There is a set limit to the maximum number of people per expedition and it’s also subjected to meeting certain medical standards. This is because of the strenuous nature of this expedition through the dense remote jungles. The guides for this trail were poachers earlier and are now actively involved in protecting the unique ecosystem and the wildlife of the region.

Trekking and Mountaineering: Trekking is the best way to explore the scenic beauty of the mountainous terrain. Trekking expeditions could be undertaken at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary provided you take prior permission from the authorities. You have to take a guide approved by the authorities before you can go trekking inside the jungles.

Bamboo Rafting: This exciting adventure sport is available at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can get in touch with the forest authorities for permission to do bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake. This is one of the best ways to experience the area and to catch glimpses of wildlife at close quarters.

Overnight will be at Thekkady

Day 10
Thekkady – Kumarakom:
By Road 120Kms/04hrs

After breakfast proceed to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom, a prime backwater-tour destination, is world– renowned for its bewitching backwaters and picturesque tropical landscapes. This naturally blessed land has loads to offer even for the most discerning traveler. The unique geographical terrain of the region dispersed with vast paddy fields, palm groves, mangrove forests, lagoons, canals and backwaters make Kumarakom quite distinct from any other place in Kerala. Life in this small hamlet revolves around the Vembanad Lake – the life-line of Kumarakom; people here lead a unique water-based lifestyle quite different from the rest of the state.

Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

Cruise through the backwaters towards Alleppey. Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe.

Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village or relax at the deck of the boat.

Dinner will be on the boat. Overnight will be at Houseboat.

Day 11
Alleppey – Kovalam:
By Road 175Kms/04hrs

Breakfast will be on board the boat.

Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening.

Disembark the boat at the finishing point where your driver will be waiting for you to drive to KOVALAM.

Reach Kovalam and check into the hotel.

Kovalam went through a gradual metamorphosis from an obscure fishing village to a contemporary holiday destination. Though frequented often, the very beautiful Kovalam beach glows in its un-spoilt beauty and offers a relaxing holiday to a tired and wandering soul.

Life at the tiny fishing village located on the Kovalam coast goes on as it did for ages. Take walk near the fishing village in Kovalam, Kerala, and South India and be enthralled at the simplicity, happiness and contentment that greet you.

A natural bay created by a breathtaking rock cluster and three crescent shaped beaches make up the stunning and very beautiful Kovalam beach in Kerala, South India.

Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches - Lighthouse beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. Rocky outcroppings separate the three.

Lighthouse beach is the most popular of the three. Vizhinjam lighthouse stands proudly on Kurumkal hillock near the beach and hence the name. Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque.

Hawah beach, also called as Eve’s beach is clean and in the morning acts as base for the local fishermen. During the heydays of hippies, it was popular as a topless beach.

Samudra beach is on the extreme north and most of the expensive resorts are located at Samudra beach. Samudra beach is often referred to as Ashoka beach or Leela beach (owing to the resorts located on the beach). At Samudra beach, you can go on a catamaran with local fishermen.

Day will be free to explore and relax at the beach.

Overnight will be at Kovalam.

Day 12
Kovalam – Excursion to Kanyakumari:

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Kanyakumari.

Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'. (The district name is spelled as  ' Kanyakumari ' in official records which are in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language), with an area of 1672 sq. km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu. It ranks first in literacy among other districts in Tamil Nadu. 

Overnight will be at Kovalam

Day 13
Kovalam:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Spend the day in leisure.

Overnight will be at Kovalam

Day 14
Kovalam – Trivandrum - Departure:
By Road 16Kms/45 minutes

Drive to Trivandrum after a leisurely morning breakfast.

Enjoy short sightseeing tour of Trivandrum.

As per the flight timings you will be transferred to the airport to take flight back home with sweet memories of tour

...........................................................................TOUR ENDS...........................................................................

INCLUSIONS:

• ACCOMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
• DAILY BUFFET BREAKFASTS,
• AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE WITH DRIVER FOR THE TOUR,
• SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
• MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE,
• ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE AT APPLICABLE PLACES,
• RICKSHAW RIDE IN DELHI,
• TONGA RIDE TO TAJ MAHAL IN AGRA,
• KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION IN COCHIN,
• TEA ESTATE VISIT IN MUNNAR,
• DAY PACKAGE WITH BAMBOO RAFTING IN PERIYAR,
• SPICE PLANTATION TOUR IN PERIYAR,
• ELEPHANT RIDE IN PERIYAR,
• OVERNIGHT STAY IN HOUSEBOAT,
• ALL MEALS IN HOUSEBOAT,
• EXCURSION TO KANYAKUMARI,
• TRAINFARE IN AC CHAIR CAR FROM DELHI-AGRA,
• AIRFARE IN ECONOMY CLASS FROM DELHI-COCHIN,
• ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES, AND
• ALL PARKING WITH DRIVER ALLWANCES AND ROAD TAXES.

EXCLUSIONS:

• LUNCHES & DINNERS,
• MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
• CAMERA CHARGES AT THE MONUMENTS,
• PORTER CHARGES,
• TIPS &
• PERSONAL EXPENSES.