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-: Classical India With Kerala Backwater :-
Duration of Trip -::- 15 Days
Key Places covered -::- Delhi , Varanasi , Khajuraho ,
Agra , Jaipur , Udaipur , Mumbai , Cochin , Mumbai.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT
and transfer to your 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.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a full 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 theRed Fort - once the most
opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
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 and the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through
the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
| By Air Flight |
9W 723 |
| Airlines |
Jet Airways |
| Aircraft |
Boeing 737 |
| Stopover |
Nil |
| Departure |
1040 hr |
| Arrival |
1155 hr |
Day 03: Delhi- Varanasi
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 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 promisesfrom 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.
Day 09: Jaipur- Udaipur
| By Air Flight |
9W 709 |
| Airlines |
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.
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Day 11: Udaipur- Mumbai
| By Air Flight |
9W 709 |
| Airlines |
Jet Airways |
| Aircraft |
Boeing 737 |
| Stopover |
Nil |
| Departure |
0820 hr |
| Arrival |
0935 hr |
| Mumbai- Cochin: |
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| By Air Flight |
9W 401 |
| Airlines |
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.
Overnight 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- Mumba
| By Air Flight |
9W 404 |
| Airlines |
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.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
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