Duration :- 17 Nights / 18 Days
Destinations:- Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Varkala - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Delhi
Day 01. Delhi (Arrival)
Fly from your country to Delhi - The Political and Cultural Capital of Incredible India. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative or your leader will be waiting for you in the arrival hall located after passing out of the customs area and beyond the airport travel desks and exchange counters. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the late evening so the rest of the day is at leisure. If you have arrived early your leader will brief you with sightseeing options.
Day 02. Old & New Delhi
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel leave for full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Drive into the heart of India's Capital to explore Old Delhi visiting the famous Jamia Mazjid, walk through the Chandini Chowk and India's oldest and busiest market, Sish Ganj gurudwara, Enjoy rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and the 400 years old Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, stop for photos at the colorful market before finishing the Victorian Cannaught Place - One of the most prominent architectural remnants of British Rule. Later visit Birla Temple, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple (Lakshminarayan Temple), Humanyu Tomb, Crematory of Mahatma Gandhi, Parliament House, Presidential House, India Gate, Government buildings & Qutab Minar and other countless monuments. In the evening you will have time for shopping activities. Return to the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03. Delhi - Jaipur (260 Kms - 5 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel check out and drive to Jaipur. The historic pink-city Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 AD after shifting his capital from Amber valley to newly formed and planned city of its time after consulting so many maps of the world and finally organized own religious map Shilpa Shastra with the help of a young Bengali architect Vidyadhar Batacharya. Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was a builder, astronomer, astrologer, soldier, and philosopher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan & is world famous as the Pink City. Wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India's second most visited site.
Later in the day after change, wash and little relaxation go for a half day sightseeing of Jaipur. Today visit the Amber Fort on the foothills of the hill, where from Elephants will carry you to the famous Amber Fort on the mountain top, the elephant ride gives you the experience and impression of how Maharajas & royal family members were using the services of elephants. Visit the Amber Fort. Later drive ahead and check into your hotel. Evening is for leisure and shopping activities in the busy colorful bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight stay is at Hotel.
Day 04. Jaipur
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel go for a full day sightseeing of the beautiful historic Pink City. You will visit the marvelous City Palace - the current generation of the Maharajas (King) still live here, Museum, Astrological Observatory, Hawa Mahal (wind palace) where from royal ladies were watching daily processions and daily life. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name. Evening is for shopping in the busy streets and some excellent souvenir shops. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05. Jaipur - Ranthambore (160 Kms 3 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have time for leisure and shopping activities; later in the day check out and drive to Ranthambore, the tiger sanctuary is known for the place where you can catch the tiger by its tail. Arrive and check into your hotel. You will be welcomed in a traditional manner and served lunch. After change, wash and relaxation you can talk to some of our wildlife experts and watch the museum. Evening is free for leisure activities in the jungle resort. You can go in for a bon fire dinner in the deep forests. Overnight stay is at the Jungle resort.
Day 06. Ranthambore
Early in the morning get on to an exclusive Jungle Jeep Safari and drive into deep forests inside the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to watch different varieties of animals especially tiger. You can also watch here leopard, panther, spotted deer, antelopes & many varieties of birds. Return to Jungle Resort for breakfast and relaxation. After lunch later in the afternoon you can take up some adventurous activities or visit Ranthambore fort. Evening you can watch some flora and fauna in the midst of the Aravalli Mountain ranges. You have an option for another Jungle visit for game viewing on a canter Safari. Return back to the resort in the evening. After a tea / coffee break you can enjoy some traditional folk dance, music and puppet show. After dinner at the jungle resort you can go of to sleep. Overnight stay is at the resort.
Day 07. Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (250 kms - 6 hrs)
Early in the morning after breakfast at the resort; check out and drive to Agra. Enroute visit one of the most important places of Mughal Era - The Fatehpur Sikri - the abandoned Mughal Kingdom, founded by Akbar in 1569 AD as a ceremonial capital. But unfortunately this magnificent city was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water and Akbar went back to Agra. Walk the aisles of the Jamia Mazjid mosque, entered by way of the impressive Victory Gate, and lose yourself in the throngs of pilgrims at the tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti, his white marble-encased tomb enclosed within the Jamia mosque's central courtyard. Considered the crowning architectural legacy of Akbar (who also built the Red Fort) and still almost perfectly preserved, today the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continue your drive to Agra. Arrive in the city of Love and commitment. Check into the hotel. After change and wash visit one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal (monument of love), built by 5th great Mughal Emperor Shahi Jahan in the memory as mausoleum of his beloved queen Anjuman Bano Begum ( with love emperor called her Mumtaz ). After her death in 1627 AD, in her memory emperor started to built Taj Mahal ( Taj means crown & Mahal means Palace, so it is Crown Palace ) from 1631 to 1653 AD with 22000 labors working since sun rise to sun set in 22 years. It is the romantic origin of Taj as much as its architectural splendor that has led to its fame worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish elements. Built in pure white marble which was transported from Makrana in Rajasthan by the help of animals Taj Mahal is one of the man made wonder's of the world.
Later in the day visit Agra Fort which was built by three emperors, Akbar & Jahangir in red sand stone & Shahi Jahan in white marble. The Fort is 2.5 Km long and during Mughal rule 1/3rd of the Fort was occupied by the army. When British ruled India, they repeated same tradition and now traditionally Indian army has occupied the same. Afterwards visit Itma-ud-ullha the baby Taj. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 08. Agra - Cochin (Via Delhi) (220 kms - 4 hrs + FLIGHT)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel check out and drive back to Delhi. Arrive and transfer to the airport to board connecting flight to Cochin.
On arrival at the Airport in Cochin, you will be greeted and transferred to Hotel. Later in the day go across the Cochin Harbor, which takes you to the gateway of the Arabian Sea. On arrival at Fort Cochin, proceed on a sight seeing tour, which includes a visit to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing nets, etc. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay is at the hotel / resort in Cochin.
Day 09. Cochin - Munnar (150 kms - 4 hrs)
After an early morning breakfast, check out from the hotel & embark on a fascinating journey to Munnar enjoying the stunning panoramic view of the Cardamom hills & green carpets of tea plantation enroute. On arrival, check in at Hotel/ Resort. Spend the rest of the day at leisure trekking around the estate in the city which is called as "nature lover's paradise" Sprawling tea plantations - the picture book's town. Winding lanes filled with the heady fragrance of fresh tea, all 1800m above the sea level. Overnight stay is at the hotel / resort in Munnar.
Day 10. Munnar
Munnar has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695m. An assortment of wild life such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, Gaur and the lion tailed Macaque are found in the rich tropical forests around. Devikulam - This serene hill township is a nature lover's retreat. Trout fishing on the Devikulam Lake is a major attraction. Eravikulam National park - It is the best place to see Nilgiri tahr, the mountain goat of South India.
Early morning after breakfast in the hotel go for a sightseeing trip of Munnar; visiting the Eravikulam National Park where you can see the very rare mountain goats locally called the Nilgiri Tahr, the Mattupetty Dam & Dairy Farm, Old Munnar Town, the town market etc.Rest of the day at leisure and enjoy another overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 11. Munnar - Thekkady (120 Kms - 4 hrs)
Getting to Periyar is as sublime as the destination itself. A scenic journey past mist capped mountains, spice plantations and open grasslands lined with spectacular water falls & delightful trekking trails form the access to your hide way here.
After an early breakfast, check out from the Hotel & proceed to the wildlife sanctuary at Periyar /Thekkady and check in at the Hotel/Resort. Go on an evening game viewing cruise on the Periyar Lake. Here you will be able to see a large variety of wildlife, which include elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar etc, and quite a lot of unique birds can also be spotted. Later, come back to the hotel; relax & enjoy your stay overnight.
Day 12. Thekkady
Tiger! Isn't the word exciting & horrifying too! Today you might have an opportunity to meet the beast. Come! Let's pierce into the Den & go to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Trekking with a local guide familiarizes you to the rare birds, trees & flowers that are come across here. You can even set upon a walk through the plantations filled with the heady fragrance of fresh spice. A boat safari on the Periyar Lake extends a lifetime's chance to spot exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. Like the eccentric bathing habits of the wild elephants that come down to the lake. Overnight stay is at Resort in the Periyar Sanctuary.
You have an option for a Rainforest Safari with spending a night amidst the Elephant Sanctuary and Adventure camping.
Early in the morning you will be picked up from the hotel and taken by road to Gavi, near the Periyar Tiger Reserve Gavi is contiguous to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Goodrickal Reserve. This place is located in the middle of the evergreen forest and is accessible only along a safari road. Chances of wildlife encounter are bright and include elephants, gaur, Lion Tailed Macaques and sambar, apart from wild dogs and the occasional tiger. This place is also a veritable treasure trove of birds (over 250 species). On arrival at Gavi, hot tea and snacks are served. After briefing and lunch, cross the Gavi Lake by row boat and trek to Meenar camp. The guests will be accompanied by local guides and porters. The trek is likely to take about 4-5 hours. The guides on this trek will be experienced local guides who occasionally work in the cardamom plantations nearby. In order to ensure safety during trekking, a look-out party as well as an experienced 'elephant chaser' (with a very effective hand-held device, locally known as the patanki, will accompany the team, apart from porters.
Arrive at Meenar camp by nightfall. Pitch tents and camp for the night. Camp fire and dinner. Next day after breakfast at the camp. Jungle trek commences towards Chenthamara Kokka. After Lunch and some rest go to the sunset point for wildlife viewing. Visit the Sabari Mala temple deep in the valley. Camp fire in the evening at Chentahmara Kokka Camp. Overnight stay is in the camps.
Day 13. Thekkady - Kumarakom (130 Kms - 4 hrs)
Early morning after breakfast check out of the hotel and drive down to Kumarakom; view the scenic picturesque landscapes on your way. Reach Kumarakom and Check in at the Hotel/ Resort on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure or one can visit the villages, the Bird Sanctuary, the Country Boat Cruise, or go for an Ayurvedic Massage. 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. Spend the evening at leisure and stay overnight at the Resort.
Day 14. Kumarakom - Houseboat
After breakfast at the resort proceed to Alleppey. Check-in at the houseboat which will take you to enjoy the magic of Alleppey-Kumarakom by going on a Houseboat (Kettuvallam) cruise across the backwaters. Spend the next 24 hours in your floating villa. Enjoy the backwaters of Kerala by getting a glimpse of the village life at close quarters; a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy the endless stretch of water running miles to nowhere; its banks lined with swaying palms fanning the lush green rice fields below dancing in rhythm with the gentle sea breeze carrying a medley of flavors of fish, coconut and spice.Enjoy the sunset & stay overnight on the house boat.
Overnight stay is on the floating houseboat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 15. Kumarakom - Varkala
After breakfast in the morning at the houseboat check out and drive to Varkala: The most unspoilt beach resorts of India you also have an option to go for body therapy over there. Full day for leisure activities on the unspoit beaches of Varkala. Overnight stay is at the beach resort.
Day 16. Varkala - Kovalam
After Sumptuous breakfast Check out of the resort and drive to Kovalam.
On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come true. A sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves. Where when you are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Not to speak of the delightful sea-food fare including lobsters available at the beachside restaurants. The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is the Lighthouse Beach, the middle beach is called Hawah and the northern most beach, Samudra.
Arrive and check into your hotel. Full day is for leisure activities on the beach, in and around the resort. Overnight stay is at your resort in Kovalam.
Day 17. Kovalam
After breakfast at hotel in the morning you have time for leisure activities. Later in the day go for an excursion to Kanya Kumari (the last town of India). Visit the stunning Padmanabhapuram palace and to enjoy the unique experience of Sunset & Moon rise over the ocean simultaneously. Return to Kovalam in the evening. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by experts. Overnight stay is at the hotel in Kovalam.
Day 18. Kovalam - Trivandrum (1.5 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel check out and drive to Trivandrum. Arrive and check into the hotel. Later in the day after change and wash go for a sightseeing tour of Thiruvananthapuram covering Museum Complex, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Science & Technology Museum, Veli Tourist village, Aakulam boat club, Shangmugham Beach. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 19. Trivandrum - Delhi - Onward Destination / Fly Back to Your Country
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have time for leisure activities. Later check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board connecting flight back to Delhi. Arrive Delhi early in the evening. Depending upon your onwards Tour program you have time to explore the city and last minute shopping activities. Transfer to the international airport to take your connecting flight to your final destination or continue for you're onwards destination. Fly back to your country with the everlasting memories of the magnificent glimpses of Incredible India
Taj Mahal with Kerala Beaches, Backwaters and Wildlife Tour,
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