Tour price includes: Agra Moti Masjid mosque, Agra Red Fort, Agra bazaar, Agra Taj Mahal (evening), Agra Taj Mahal (morning), Fatehpur Sikri desert city, Jaipur Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur Amber Fort, Amber on elephant back, Amber Fort Garden, Jaipur Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur Jai Mahal Lake Palace, Jaipur Johari Bazaar Jewellers’ market, Udaipur City Palace, Udaipur Crystal Gallery, Udaipur Durbar Hall for afternoon tea, Udaipur Lake Pichola boat cruise, Delhi Jama Masjid, Delhi Red Fort, Delhi Raj Ghat, Delhi India Gate, Delhi Parliament House, Delhi President’s House, Delhi Qutab Minar tower, Delhi bicycle rickshaw ride, Mumbai city tour, Mumbai Gateway of India, Mumbai Hanging Gardens, Mumbai Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai Mani Bhawan, Mumbai Crawford market, Mumbai Elephanta Caves or City of Caves, Kumarakom, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Kettuvallam houseboat day and night, Kerala Backwaters ,Cochin city tour, Cochin Kathakali dance show, Cochin Dutch Palace, Cochin Jewish Synagogue, Cochin Chinese Fishing Nets, Kovalam.
ITINERARY
Day 1 DELHI
You will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Overnight Delhi.
New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India, is a fusion of the ancient and the modern, unwinding a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, and gardens. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Narrating the city’s Mughal past, Old Delhi takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colourful bazaars.
Day 2 DELHI
A half day city tour this morning will introduce you to Old Delhi, including an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through the through Chandni Chowk – a hustling & bustling market place and a maze of narrow streets. Visits will be made to:
- Jama Masjid – an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan, with its vast marble domes and minarets. The largest mosque in India, this is a handsome structure that is still used today
- Red Fort – an impressive and immense red sandstone Mughal fort enclosing beautiful palaces and gardens within*
- Raj Ghat – where the Father of India, Mahatama Gandhi, was cremated in 1948
This aftermoon you will discover New Delhi, driving past India Gate, Parliament House, and the President’s House. Time will be spent at Qutab Minar, an 11th century, 73-metre high victory tower built by slave king Qutubuddin Aibak and later completed by his successor Iltumish. Overnight Delhi. (B)
Day 3 DELHI-AGRA 200kms – 4hrs drive
Drive to Agra this morning. This afternoon visit the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Akbar in 1565. Shahjahan added the marble palaces inside. Inside the fort is a famous pure marble mosque, the Moti Masjid. Explore the colourful local bazaar, and also see the intricate work of marble inlaid with fine gemstones, which is unique to Agra. Then late afternoon you will be taken to experience the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal – symbol of love – at sunset.** Overnight Agra. (B)
Day 4 Agra-JAIPUR VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI 265kms – 6hrs drive
This morning drive to Jaipur, stopping en route to explore Fatehpur Sikri – the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th Century. On to the magnificent Pink City of Jaipur, where you will spend 2 nights. (B)
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape surrounded by forts and palaces. The walled old city is in the northeast of Jaipur, the new parts spread to the south and west. Jaipur offers a combination of splendid sightseeing and shopping opportunities. If Jaipur is a dream city for those with an eye for history and romance, it is also a shopper’s paradise. The main tourist attractions are in the old city, and the principal shopping centre is Johari Bazaar, the jewellers’ market.
Day 5 JAIPUR
Enjoy an elephant back ride or travel by jeep*** up to the Amber Fort this morning –and also visit the Palace, Kali Temple and Jai Mahal. An afternoon city tour of Jaipur will include visiting The City Palace, Palace of Winds, Jai Singh’s Observatory and of course shopping in the Pink City. (B)
Day 6 JAIPUR-UDAIPUR
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur.You will be met on arrival in Udaipur and transferred to your hotel. You will then be taken on a half day city tour of Udaipur. The City Palace, a marvel of marble and granite overlooking Lake Pichola, is the largest palace in Rajasthan, its exquisite worksmanship making it a must on every visitor’s itinerary. A visit will also be made to the exquisite Crystal Gallery, followed by tea or coffee at Durbar Hall. B.
Udaipur’s kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of an heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of Lake Pichola is an enticing sight…. One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
Day 7 UDAIPUR
A free day in this beautiful city for shopping or further sightseeing, or to just relax at your hotel. Enjoy a boat ride this evening on Lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur. (B)
Day 8 UDAIPUR-MUMBAI
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. You will be met on arrival in Mumbai and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Mumbai, visiting:
- The Gateway of India, a large ceremonial gateway erected in 1911 to commemorate the first visit ever made to India by a British king and queen. Through this gateway the last British viceroy departed in 1947, marking the termination of almost 350 years of official British presence in India.
- Hanging Gardens. Perched at the top of Malabar Hill, these 1880’s terraced gardens provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
- Prince of Wales Museum
- Mani Bhawan, a memorial dedicated to the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This was his Mumbai residence from where he was arrested in 1932.
- Crawford market.
You will also pass by some magnificent British colonial and Gothic buildings, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. Overnight in Mumbai. (B)
Day 9 MUMBAI
This morning an excursion will be made by motor launch to the magnificent Elephanta Caves – also known as the City of Caves, located on an island, a 1-hour boat ride from Mumbai.**** Free afternoon to explore Mumbai on your own. (B)
The ‘City of Caves’, on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Bombay, contains a collection of beautiful reliefs, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu god Lord Shiva, and is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. These caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings of the 9th through 12th centuries A.D. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.
Day 10 MUMBAI-COCHIN
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cochin. You will be met on arrival in Cochin and transferred to your hotel. Free afternoon. (B)
Take a cluster of beautiful islands and narrow peninsulas surrounded by sparkling, azure water. Carpet them with mile after mile of unending lush, green paddy fields and towering coconut trees.In a touch of divine whimsy, throw in the oldest European church in India; a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora; cantilevered Chinese fishing nets; 100 foot long snake boats; winding roads crammed with 500-year-old Portuguese houses; a Dutch Palace containing breath-taking murals depicting scenes from the great Indian mythological epics.Welcome to Cochin – now known as Kochi – ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’.
Day 11 COCHIN
This morning you will be taken on a half-day city tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese Fishing Nets. Free afternoon This evening enjoy a Kathakali dance show. Overnight in Cochin. (B)
Day 12 COCHIN-KUMARAKOM
You will be driven to Kumarakom this morning to spend 2 nights in a breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary on the banks of Vembanad Lake, staying in a typical Tharawad (cottage).
Free afternoon – some more Ayurveda ? (B)
Kumarakom (78kms from Cochin) is located on the eastern shore of lake Vembanad at the mouth of the Kavanar River, in the heart of the fascinating backwaters, giving visitors an authentic insight into Kuttanad life. Kerala’s famous backwaters comprise of vast lakes and a system of narrow canals and waterways linking them to one another. Not so long ago, these waterways served as the backbone of Kerala’s transportation. And Kumarakom is the ideal place to experience the backwaters.
Day 13 KUMARAKOM
Day at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the village of Kumarakom and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on your own. (B)
Day 14 KUMARAKOM-ALLEPPEY
Spend a peaceful day on board a Kettuvallam houseboat today, exploring the peaceful backwaters (canals). The serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life. Overnight on the boat. (B/L/D)
Day 15 ALLEPPEY-KOVALAM – 200 kms – 4 hrs drive
Disembark in Alleppey, where you will be met and driven to Kovalam to stay at one of the finest beach resorts around India. (B)
Days 16 & 17 KOVALAM
Two days to enjoy the beach or some Ayurveda at your Resort. (B)
Day 18 KOVALAM-TRIVANDRUM
A last day to relax and enjoy your peaceful surroundings. (B)
This evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight onward or homeward bound. (B)
NOTES
*The Red Fort is closed on Mondays. Also the places visited may not be in the same order.
**Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
***Elephant or Jeep ride, subject to availability.
****Elephanta Caves or ‘City of Caves’ is closed on Mondays.
| ACCOMMODATION – TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS | ||
| DELUXE HOTELS (5 Star+) | SUPERIOR HOTELS (4 Star+) | |
| DELHI - (2nights) |
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Imperial Hotel |
The Claridges Hotel (5 Star) With its colonial charm, The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950’s, successfully combining old-world service with 21st century conveniences to make your stay truly comfortable and memorable. The 173 guest rooms and suites on just 3 levels are concealed from the outside world and overlook the pool or the green foliage. Hotel amenities include: 3 very good restaurants, coffee shop, pool, tennis court, health club, hair salon, spa, bar, business services and travel services. The hotel is in a superior location, near the city’s business and shopping districts and main attractions but still in a quiet, leafy neighbourhood, a pleasant area to take a relaxing stroll. |
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| AGRA - (1night) |
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| The Oberoi Amarvilas (5 star deluxe ) “…uninterrupted views of the magnificent Taj Mahal” The Oberoi Amarvillas is a member of the Great Hotels of the World, a collection of the world’s finest luxury hotels. Each of the 105 luxurious rooms and suites of this unique hotel has a view of the glorious monument. The Oberoi Amarvilas reflects its grandeur with terraced gardens, reflection pools and tastefully decorated interiors. Moghul arches, domes and fountains complement the palace – offering superb views of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. All guest rooms have teak floors, hand-knotted carpets, fine handcrafted furniture and luxurious marble bathrooms with separate shower stalls. The amenities seem endless: a luxury spa with a range of therapies, a swimming pool beset by luxury sundeck chairs where snacks and drinks are served; an ornamented ballroom and a superb restaurant framing that most romantic vista in the world. |
Gateway Taj View (5 star) Taj-View Hotel allows visitors to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at the Taj Mahal for as long as they wish – whenever they feel like. Guests can look forward to gracious interiors, personalized service, and the Taj’s inimitable style for a memorable stay.The hotel offers extensive facilities and is home to Agra’s only 24-hour, multi-cuisine restaurant. |
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| JAIPUR - (3nights) |
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| Rambagh Palace Rajasthan evokes images of erstwhile royalty – polo-playing princes and beautiful princesses who captured their hearts. The history of Rajasthan – or ‘Rajputana’ as it was once called – is rich with legendary tales of love and valour. For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen’s favourite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, it was later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace, and became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ as it is fondly called, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn’t until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the reins. It is now the ‘jewel in the crown’ among the authentic palaces of the Taj in India. In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell. |
The Samode Haveli A small intimate hotel offering personalised service, Samode Haveli has been meticulously restored and integrated into a unique property. This unique atmosphere of the contemporary and the historic gives Samode Haveli a warm & friendly atmosphere enabling guests to relax and treat it as a home away from home! With its understated luxury, antique furniture, furnishings and original work-of-art, the hotel is a celebration of traditional values and gracious living. |
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| UDAIPUR - (2nights) |
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| Lake Palace The Taj Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight, very reminiscent of the most beautiful tourist cliché in the world; the Taj Mahal. Conceived in romance, the palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble. The Royal Butlers , descendents of the original palace retainers, look after all contemporary comforts and ensure that all guests are treated like Royalty. |
Hotel Fateh Prakash Palace The Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel is a part of the City Palace Complex, which was built in the early 20th century during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singhji. It is situated on the shores of Lake Pichola. The hotel is a royal residence decorated in the traditional style. Its antique furniture, its Durbar Hall with portraits of the Maharanas of Mewar and its Crystal Gallery has kept the spirit of the palace alive. The hotel amenities include billiards, table tennis, and a live band. |
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| MUMBAI - (2nights) |
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| Taj Mahal Palace & Towers Renowned the world over as one of the legendary hotels of the Orient. Situated on the waterfront facing the Gateway of India, its stunning edifice was built at the turn of the century. Its tastefully appointed interiors are adorned with original paintings and rare objets d’art and each room is unique. Guests enjoy gracious living with efficient, personalized service. The hotel is centrally located just minutes away from the commercial, shopping and banking districts, and 32 km from the airport. Hotel facilities include restaurants & bars, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, sauna, beauty parlour, and barber shop. |
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| COCHIN- (2nights) |
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Malabar House – Heritage |
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KUMARAKOM - |
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| Coconut Lagoon Resort – Heritage About 78 kms from Cochin, hidden among the palm trees on the eastern shore of lake Vembanad at the mouth of the Kavanar River, Coconut Lagoon Resort is set in the heart of the fascinating backwaters, and has been designed to give visitors an authentic insight into Kuttanad life. Kerala’s famous backwaters comprise of vast lakes and a system of narrow canals and waterways linking them to one another. Not so long ago, these waterways served as the backbone of Kerala’s transportation. And Kumarakom is the ideal place to experience the backwaters. Coconut Lagoon has rightly carved its place among the top 10 heritage resorts of the world. The resort is on a small island and can be reached only by boat. The accommodation consists of individual cottages called tharawads, built in the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on wood and some with private pools. The bathrooms are open to the sky and the restaurant specializes in Kerala cuisine typical of the region. |
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| KERALA BACKWATERS - (1night) |
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Houseboat |
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| KOVALAM - (2nights) |
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| Taj Green Cove Resort– 5 star Located on one of India’s most popular beaches, Kovalam, the property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwater, lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. With its exotic tropical beauty and relaxing hospitality, this getaway is the perfect place to enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul. Built on floating barges and anchored in the lagoon beside the beach, their floating cottages offer luxurious interiors, and private decks for sun bathing. The hillside cottages offer a spectacular view of the backwaters, beaches, and sea and are surrounded by lush coconut trees and green plantation. |
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TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS Tour Costs Include
• Transportation in private vehicle with chauffeur
• English speaking local guides for sightseeing
• Train Tickets where applicable
• Accommodation for the mentioned number of nights
• Daily breakfast
• Porterage
• Entrance fees at monuments & places of visit
• All sightseeing and tours – including a full or half day city tour at each major destination
COST PER PERSON – Land Only – Daily Departure
BOOK DURING FEBRUARY 2010 AND SAVE 5% ON THE PRICE BELOW
| Hotel Class | DELUXE | SUPERIOR | ||
| TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
| Medium Car -twin share | $6166 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Medium Car -twin share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:6166:end] |
$4456 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Medium Car -twin share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4456:end] |
$3781 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 3980 :price:1742:end] |
$2457 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2457:end] |
| Toyota Innova -twin share | $6439 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Toyota Innova -twin share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:6439:end] |
$4728 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Toyota Innova -twin share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4728:end] |
$4053 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Toyota Innova -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4053:end] |
$2729 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Toyota Innova -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2729:end] |
| Toyota Innova -triple share | $6142 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Toyota Innova -triple share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:6142:end] |
$4432 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS- Toyota Innova -triple share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4432:end] |
$3756 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Toyota Innova -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3756:end] |
$2442 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS -Toyota Innova -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2442:end] |
| Mini Van 4 to 6 share | $6072 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:6072:end] |
$4361 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:4361:end] |
$3686 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3686:end] |
$2364 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2364:end] |
| Single Supplement | $4702 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Single Supplement-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4702:end] |
$3012 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Single Supplement-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:3012:end] |
$2497 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2497:end] |
$1397 [wp_cart:TAJ MAHAL, PALACES & BACKWATERS-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1397:end] |