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Classical India With Kerala Backwaters
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations: DELHI - AGRA - JAIPUR - DEOGARH - UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR
- JODHPUR - JAISALMER - BIKANER - MANDAWA - DELHI
 Day
01 : Delhi:
Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer
to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling
metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi
is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land
and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India. Overnight will be
at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi:
After breakfast proceed for a day tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail
visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was
cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red
Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include
a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the
ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament
House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through
the Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Varanasi:
By Air Flight : 9W 723
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 1040 hr
Arrival : 1155 hr Proceed to the airport after breakfast for flight
to Varanasi.
 Reach
Varanasi. Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank
of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning
in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the
Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the
city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval
times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed
to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably
one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial
it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most
sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every
year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience.
The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks;
the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul
stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling
the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing
at the Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience and discovery reach
the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry
of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world - renowned
exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi's
cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk
weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious
Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's
items across the world today. Check in at hotel and relax till lunch.
In the afternoon, proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including
the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother
India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple,
commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of
the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white
marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university
in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque
of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 04 : Varanasi - Khajuraho:
By Air : Flight : 9W 723
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 1220 hr
 Arrival
: 1300 hr In the early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take
a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats
and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and
most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime
experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer
you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a
boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where
at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come
daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples
and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a
walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga".
As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity
as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
while returning to the hotel. Return for breakfast to the hotel. Visit
Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest
Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon
in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the
attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness
the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit
a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art
and sculptures found at the site. Proceed to the airport for flight
to Khajuraho. Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh,
Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho
dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree
(the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The
Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her
myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings
include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her
tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed,
charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured
details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes
from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven. Reach
Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and proceed for a sightseeing tour
of the EASTERN SET OF TEMPLES. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 05 : Khajuraho - Agra:
By Road to Jhansi 175 km / 3 hr
By Shatabdi Express to Agra in 2 hr Early breakfast will be at
hotel.
Visit the WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES. Transfer to JHANSI station
after early lunch for SUPERFAST SHATABDI EXPRESS to Agra. Reach Agra
at 2000 hr.
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. Reach and check in at hotel.
Overnight will be in Agra.
Day 06 : Agra:
Proceed for sunrise sightseeing of Taj Mahal.
 TAJ
MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631
in the memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess.
She died while accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign
to crush a rebellion, after giving birth to their 14th child. Her
death so crushed the emperor that all his hair and beard were said
to have grown snow white in a few months. When Mumtaz Mahal was still
alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he
build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he
be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her
death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction
began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people
were deployed to work on it. An Iranian architect designed it and
it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are
linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal
love". Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the
emperor to keep his promise and build a tomb there itself. But by
and by, it was felt that it was virtually impossible to transfer all
the marble there, as it would cost an entire fortune and an entire
lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the only alternative, astonishingly
her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra, only to be finally transferred
to the monument, completed twenty-two years later. Breakfast will
be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of the city after breakfast.
Visit the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar
in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced
within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist
attraction. Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in
memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better
than the Taj). Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 07 : Agra - Jaipur:
By Road 221 km/5 hr Proceed for Jaipur after breakfast. Stop at
Fatehpur Sikri on your way for sightseeing. The deserted, red Sandstone
City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late
16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale
city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the
days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway
in the world. Continue drive to JAIPUR.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of
resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies
in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly
belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent,
the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized
that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient
to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a
privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British
Raj that followed. The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes
its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the
title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would
mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this
emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the
'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings.
This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back
to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State
Visit from Prince Albert. This evening, visit the Birla Temple to
learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble
structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including
one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed
in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings
in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include
images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin
Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI
Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to
awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at
Jaipur. Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 08 : Jaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be
taken to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in
a royal manner.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani
fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592,
and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior
belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and
Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...
 CITY
PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area
in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple
and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved
of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts
of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical
instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of
Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey
structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork
and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows.
Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand
for the palace women.
Free in the evening. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 09 : Jaipur - Udaipur:
By Air : Flight : 9W 709
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 0700 hr
Arrival : 0745 hr Breakfast will be at hotel. Take flight to Udaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel. The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely
land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS.
A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating
blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination
of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,
lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry
the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their
reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing
sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
dynasty for 1200 Years. Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at
Udaipur.
Day 10 : Udaipur:
 Breakfast
will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping
first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored
walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies
and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari
Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum. Proceed for
Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises
majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.
Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the
middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight
will be at Udaipur.
Day 11 : Udaipur - Mumbai:
By Air Flight : 9W 709
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 0820 hr
Arrival : 0935 hr
Mumbai - Cochin:
By Air Flight : 9W 401
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 1040 hr
Arrival : 1225 hr Have breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport
for flight to Mumbai. Reach and take connecting flight to Cochin.
Arrive Cochin and transfer to Hotel. The eventful history of this
city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at
Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the
finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for
seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European
town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later
in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the
town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime
commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as
a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub,
a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on.
Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Proceed in the evening for the HARBOUR CRUISE and watch the fishing
island, dolphins and old town from the sea. Enjoy the sunset from
here. Overnight will be in Cochin.
Day 12 Cochin:
 Proceed
for a day sight seeing tour of Cochin. A few interesting sites included
in the tour are the:
Chinese fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak
wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say
they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama
Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best
place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly
2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there
are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN
where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built
in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the
synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small
synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue
and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps
that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International
Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown. The Vasco Da Gama Square,
Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow
etc. are also nice for sightseeing. Take a boat ride and visit BOLGATTY
PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND. In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE
PRESENTATION. Over night stay at hotel.
Day 13 : Cochin:
Proceed to the jetty after breakfast. Board a traditional boat of
Kerala and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake. Discover
the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch in the boat.
A canal cruise is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty
of the backwaters. 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. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting
Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages
together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this
labyrinthine water world is navigable. Reach Aleppey which is famous
for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. This
place remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the
major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha
is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea
level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice
Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the
sea and the hills. Drive back to Cochin and transfer to hotel. Overnight
will be at Cochin.
Day 14 : Cochin - Mumbai:
By Air Flight : 9W 404
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 1515 hr
 Arrival
: 1700 hr Breakfast will be at the hotel. Transfer to the airport
after breakfast for flight to Mumbai. Transfer to hotel. Its young,
its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross
currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic
city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State, formerly known
as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular
site originally composed of seven islets lying off the Konkan Coast
of western India. Oozing with the self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker
and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's
financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian
Sea. Relax in the evening and visit the CHOWPATTY BEACH for local
flavor.
Chowpatty Beach: Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine
Drive has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the
central part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies
taking place at Chowpatty like the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating
young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the end
of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions. Overnight will
be in Mumbai.
Day 15 : Mumbai - Home:
Proceed for a city tour of Mumbai after breakfast.
Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort,
since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot
of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's
church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the
Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also
worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai,
built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's
most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the "Queen's
Necklace" because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up
at night.
 Gateway
of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is
a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting
point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous
monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British
Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart
of the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of
Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets
and known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated
at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure
in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.
Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station: At the site of the
Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji
Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally
one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that
combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed
by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic
Building has a frontage of over 1500 feet. The administrative offices
form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the
entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger.
Mumbai High court: An attractive building in early English Gothic
style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for
its impressive architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy
surmount the Central structure.
Rajabai Clock tower: Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens
of the Bombay University building rises above the portion of the library
section. Consisting of five elaborately decorated storeys the tower
is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen
statues depicting various Indian castes. Finish the tour and then
in the afternoon and return to the hotel. Enjoy shopping during the
evening. Late check out for flight to Delhi for connecting international
flight or take international flight from Mumbai itself according to
the itinerary.
TOUR ENDS
Packages Include:
1. ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
2. DAILY BREAKFASTS,
3. SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
4. ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS IN AC PRIVATE CAR,
5. ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
6. TRAIN FARE IN AC 1ST CLASS FOR SECTOR MENTIONED,
7. ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
8. ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
9. ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES,
10. BOATRIDE IN THE CANALS & BACKWATERS OF COCHIN WITH LUNCH,
11. ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
12. KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION AT COCHIN,
13. LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,
14. LUNCH AT ORCHHA,
15. EVENING GANGES AARTI AT VARANASI,
16. ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR AND
17. SUNRISE BOAT-RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN VARANASI
HOTELS :
| Destination |
Deluxe & Luxury
Hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
The Claridges |
02 |
| Varanasi |
Radisson |
01 |
| Khajuraho |
Taj Chandela |
01 |
| Agra |
Amarvilas |
02 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace |
02 |
| Udaipur |
Lake Palace |
02 |
| Cochin |
Taj Malabar |
03 |
| Mumbai |
Hilton Towers |
01 |
PRICING: (PER PERSON IN US$)
| OCCUPANCY DETAILS |
DELUXE TOUR PRICE
|
AIRFARE SUPPLEMENT |
| Twin Sharing |
3444 |
720 |
The tour price is valid for minimum two persons traveling together
sharing a room and for single travelers the price is available on
request. Please note that only lunches and dinners are not included
along with personal expenses and camera charges at monuments, etc.
fees, tips, (if any) at places where applicable. The airfare is
separate to the tour cost and is currently 720$US per person for the
full itinerary in "Y" class. You could also choose to
fly "J" class which is executive (business) class. All hotels
are subject to availability and all flights are subject to confirmation.
Note that the airfare could change as per the policy of the airline
or due to a fuel surcharge but in any case it will be on actual fare
only.
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