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Essance of India Tour |
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(15 Days) Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Cochin
– Kumarakom - Houseboat - Mumbai |
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| Day 01 :- |
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Arrive Delhi
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by
our representative who will present you with a welcome
pack including all necessary documentation and arrange
for your transfer to your hotel for check-in. No
activity is scheduled today, since most of the
International flights arrive into India close to
midnight only.
Delhi – As a part of Central India tours first you will
visit Delhi. This city is a bustling metropolis and a
city of 14 million inhabitants, is also India’s capital.
A near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern,
Delhi, consisting two parts Old & New Delhi, is a city
with something for everyone. From Forts and monuments
that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping malls,
nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s
crown jewel.
Overnight in Delhi. |
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| Day 02 :- |
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In Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. This morning embark from your hotel
for full day tour of Old and New Delhi where you would
visit :
The 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of
Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the
colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk
(“Moonlit Street”). Red Fort, most spectacular pieces of
mughal architecture, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah
Jahan between 1638 and 1648. Drive past Raj Ghat, the
cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
The tour of New Delhi includes Qutab Minar, one of the
most popular landmarks in Delhi built in 1199. The
Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive
down the spectacular Rajpath (“the Kingsway,”) passing
the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the
unknown soldiers,) the President’s House, and the House
of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise
bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful
Hindu temple.
Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover
the city or its many facets on your own. Overnight at
hotel. |
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| Day 03 :- |
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In Delhi
After breakfast this morning drive to Agra.
Agra - “The Land of Taj” was once the capital of
the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in
the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with
their passion for building, endowed the city with some
of the finest structures in the world. Agra is an old
city and it is said that its name was derived from
Agrabana, a forest that’s finds mention in the epic
Mahabharata. In more recent times Agra came into
prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital city
in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the
Mughals. It was during the time of the third emperor
“Akbar” that Agra came into its own and later on his
grandson “Shah Jehan” ornamented the city with that
masterpiece of Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel. Afternoon,
embark on the half day city tour of Agra visiting The
Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white
marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many
architectural styles. It has been described as the most
extravagant monument ever built for love. Your tour also
includes a visit to the Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of
the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, lies on the bend
of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of town. Akbar
built it as his citadel over the years of 1565-1573.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 04 :- |
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Agra – Jaipur By Road (Approx 255 Kms
/05 Hours)
After breakfast this morning drive to Jaipur , visiting
Fatehpur Sikri en-route – often called the ghost city ,
built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as
the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was
mysteriously abandoned 13 years later.
Later continue the drive to the Pink City of Rajasthan—
Jaipur
Jaipur - Jaipur is an exuberance of colour,
dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts.
It's one of India's most well planned cities, with wide,
straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid
system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh
II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation. Laid out in
the 18th century, its design followed specifications
from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.
This "Pink City," so called because its buildings are
painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses
the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs.
The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km
away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness
to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of
modern monuments, juxtaposition accepted quite naturally
into the lifestyles of an amazing people.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and rest
of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 05 :- |
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In Jaipur
After breakfast this morning embark from your hotel for
a city tour Amer Fort and Jaipur City
Amber fort, situated on the outskirts of the city. Here
you are transported back in time today, riding like
royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants into
the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort was the ancient
capital of the State until 1728 and inside the fort, you
visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering
with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.
This tour also includes a visit to the Hawa Mahal
or "Palace of Winds,” one of the major landmarks
of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a
façade. The five-story building was originally built to
enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the
everyday life and processions of the city.
The City Palace, located in the heart of the old
city, is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and
gardens, and also houses an interesting museum.
Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the
ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai
Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable
than his prowess as a warrior.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 06 :- |
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Jaipur – Udaipur (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel. This morning you will be met by our
representative and escorted from your Hotel to the
Jaipur airport in time for your flight to Udaipur.
Udaipur - The enchanting city of Udaipur was once
the lakeside capital of Mewar. Romantic, wistful, and
serene, Udaipur was built around shimmering blue lakes
that reflect the green hills of the Aravali Ranges.
Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur in 1599, and this
extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated
for its association with Queen Padmini and Meera Bai,
royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the
Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city
was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through
11 gates. Ruins of the se ancient fortifications are
still in evidence, and the more recently built palaces
can still be visited. Udaipur was also the location
where the Hollywood, James Bond blockbuster
“Octopussy”was filmed.
Upon arrival met and escorted to your hotel for check-in
. The day ends with a sunset boat ride on the shimmering
waters of the Lake Pichola, within which seemingly
floats The Lake Palace Hotel. Considered one of the most
beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of the
Turquoise Waters of the Lake Pichola like an elegant
fantasy in white marble.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 07 :- |
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In Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Afterwards this morning embark from
your hotel for half-day tour of Udaipur.
The tour includes a visit to the City Palace, the
largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped
arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. The main part of
the palace is now preserved as a museum.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or “Garden of the Maids of Honor”
is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks,
marble elephants, and delightful lotus pools.
Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated
to Lord Vishnu. It has a black stone image of Vishnu as
Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your
own.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 08 :- |
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Udaipur - Cochin ( Flight)
This morning you will be met by our representative and
escorted from your hotel to the Udaipur airport in time
for your flight to Mumbai followed by a connecting
flight to Cochin.
Cochin: - Cochin means harbour and even before
the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and
sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a
rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most
fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of
the finest natural harbours of the world and a major
Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good
infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the
state. This has been the case since 1341, the year
nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood.
As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for
Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian
Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums,
old churches, cool backwaters; palm fringed lagoons,
beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel
for check-in.
Your evening tour includes a Kathakali dance
performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a
traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana
and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very
colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted
to depict various characters of the se epics. This dance
has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet
articulate body movements.
Overnight at Hotel. |
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| Day 09 :- |
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In Cochin
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast embark on your
sightseeing trip of the city and this toue includes a
visit to Fort Cochin – a home to a unique
community of Eurasians, commonly known as
"Anglo-Indians". The architecture of the quiet streets
in this enclave is very definitely, European with fine
houses built by wealthy British traders, and Dutch
cottages with split farmhouse doors.
Mattancherry Palace -locally known as the Dutch
Palace, the two storey building was actually erected by
the Portuguese, as a gift to the Cochin Raja.
St. Francis Church - this Protestant church was
originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. It is
considered to be India's oldest European church. Today
it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco
Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken
back to Portugal 14 years later.
Jewish synagogue - dates from 1568 and is adorned
with fine glass lamps and floor tiles.
Bolghatty Island - This is a beautiful island
lying close to Ernakulam. Built by the Dutch in 1774,
Bolghatty Palace, the home of the former British
Resident of Kochi is situated here. At the end of your
tour visit the harbor near Vasco da Gama Square, where
you can watch fishermen hoisting their catch from the
cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that line the shore.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 10 :- |
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Cochin – Kumarakom By Road (Approx 90
Kms . 02 Hours)
After breakfast this morning drive to Kumarakom.
Kumarakom: The enchanting backwater destination
of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of
little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. Kumarkom
strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own
country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove
forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields
interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals
adorned with while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad
region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14
acres of any ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting
backwater destination offers visitors many leisure
options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife
sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing,
Kumarkom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday.
The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom
sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds
of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean
to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an example
of nature at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers,
the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding
greenery and the clear waters.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the Nature’s beauty
on your own.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 11 :- |
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In Kumarakom
Breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day 12 :- |
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Kumarakom – House Boat
House Boat – A highlight of any trip to Kerala is a
night spent onboard a houseboat, or a rice barge. These
converted rice barges or "Kettuvallams" sail along
shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals where
coconut and cashew is loaded onto dugouts. You pass
villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to
visit local markets, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged
in centuries-old boat-making tradition. The boats offer
one or two cabins with a small sitting room and a crew
of 2 staff and a chef. The food is authentic Kerala
cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. For most of the
journey, the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn
and dusk. Although the accommodation on board is basic,
this is an unforgettable experience.
Overnight on board Houseboat. |
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| Day 13 :- |
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Alleppey – Cochin By Road (65 Kms / 02
Hours)
Cochin – Mumbai (Flight)
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and
drive to Cochin airport in time to connect with the
flight for Mumbai
Mumbai: Mumbai or Bombay as it was known earlier
is the commercial capital of India, a city of
entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos,
cricket, Bollywood and more. In 1661, Charles II of
England received the islands of Bombay as dowry when he
married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The British
Government leased the islands to the East India Company,
who developed it into a thriving trading port.
Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural
capital. It is also home to India’s thriving film
industry. It is seen, to the teeming masses that flock
there to live and work, as a place where opportunities
abound. Its inhabitants, an amalgam of great wealth and
abject poverty, are swept into the endless maelstrom of
activity that characterises this city of dreams.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel
for check-in etc. Evening at leisure. Overnight in
Mumbai. |
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| Day 14 :- |
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In Mumbai
This morning embark on your half-day tour of Mumbai.
This tour includes a visit to the Gateway of India
-- a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the
visit of King George IV, Mani Bhavan – where the father
of our Nation resided for 15 years, the Marine drive,
the Prince of Wales museum -- considered as one
of the best museums in the country, the Hanging
gardens & Victoria rail station.
Rest of the day at leisure to perhaps venture out and
discover the city or its many facets on your own.
Overnight in Mumbai. |
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| Day 15 :- |
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Mumbai- Overseas (Flight)
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel
to the Mumbai airport in time for your flight home. |
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