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-: Cultural and Beach Holidays of India :-
Duration of Trip -::- 15 Days
Key Places covered -::- Delhi , Agra , Jaipur , Udaipur
, Cochin , Marari , Mumbai
DETAILED ITINERARY of Cultrual and Beach Holidays of India
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport.
Transfer to your hotel. Relax and recover from jet lag.
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 sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will
begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to
the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws,
one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking
the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul
Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s
largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of
a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division
between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the
British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city
and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city
is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in
all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying
to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest
stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and
the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Enjoy WELCOME DINNER with Durjay and know your tour.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
By Road 201 km in 4 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Start for Agra by surface.
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. A walk down the
narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural
wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit
to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his
beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed
and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from
its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted
particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carvedscreens
and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
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. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in
the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73
in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of
red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors
of which are considered better than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04 : Agra - Jaipur
By Road 221 km in 5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur.
On your way, stop at Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's
son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around
Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the
celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order
of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti
and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and
in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under
his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his
capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the
Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house
and the Panchmahal.
Enjoy sightseeing of the town.
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.
Reach by late afternoon and check into your hotel.
This evening you can either relax at the hotel or 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.
Day 05 : Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant
ride ascent to the fort.
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. At the foot of the hill you
will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up
to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The
Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build
and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle
of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
CITYPALACE -
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.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently.
Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery,
pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 06 : Jaipur - > Udaipur
By Flight
Number
: 9W 709 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft
: Boeing 737
Departure
: 0700 hr
Arrival
: 0745 hr
Take early morning flight to Udaipur.
Reach and check into the hotel. Breakfast will be served in the hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipuris 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. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom
ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
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.
Relax during the day at the beautiful palace hotel.
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 and spend some time. (Currently water level is very low and
is subject to increase water level)
Overnight stay will be at Udaipur.
Day 07 : 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.
Enjoy the visit to the CENOTAPHS of the royal rulers and in the evening
proceed for a dinner with dances show.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 08 : 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 09 : Cochin - Marari
By Road 40 km in 1 hr
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.
Drive to the MARARI BEACH RESORT.
The resort is located in the small fishing village of MARARI and has a
fabulous private beach front. The Ayurvedic Spa is very rejuvenating here
and the climate through the year perfect for a beach holiday.
Overnight will be in the beach resort.
Day 10 : Marari
A backwater cruise
Proceed to the ALEPPEY jetty after breakfast.
Board a traditional boat (private with exclusive crew for you) 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.
Cruise through 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.
Enjoy lunch on the boat.
Drive back to the resort and spend night at the resort.
Day 11 - 13 : Marari
Breakfasts will be at the resort.
Spend a leisurely holiday by the beach soaking in the sun and the spa.
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
resort.
Proceed at leisure to the airport for flight to Mumbai.
Transfer to hotel with a fantastic view of the Arabian Sea.
Mumbai’s 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 overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 15 : Mumbai
Proceed for the ELEPHANTA CAVES excursion after breakfast.
The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing
beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva.
These caves are located at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai and are now
designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta, being
a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries has traces of
early Buddhist culture.
The Elephanta caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings belonging
to the period between 9th - 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence
during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave
dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. Legends
and history suggest that the great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty
Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians
also suggest that these caves were built by the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja
in 6th century AD.
As the worship of the figure of the Buddha began to be encouraged with
rise of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, a shrine was introduced to house
Buddha's image, replacing the cells at the centre of the back wall. The
Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta.
Return to the city by late afternoon and relax.
In the evening enjoy the beach close to the hotel.
ChowpattyBeach: 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 16 : Mumbai
Proceed for a city tour of Mumbai after a relaxed 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.
Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with
Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the
other.
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.
HangingGardens: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens
were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly
known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a
hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba,
and affords a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It
is built over three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water
pumped here for cleaning before being supplied to the town.
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.
Finish the tour and then
in the afternoon return to the hotel.
Enjoy shopping during the rest of the day and proceed to the airport in
time for flight home with sweet memories of India.
THE TOUR INCLUDES:
- ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
- DAILY BREAKFASTS,
- SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
- ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS IN AC PRIVATE SUV,
- FUEL & DRIVER ALLOWANCES,
- PARKING & TOLL CHARGES FOR VEHICLE,
- ALL STATE ROAD TAXES,
- ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
- ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCE FEES,
- ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
- DAY HOUSEBOAT CRUISE AT BACKWATERS,
- LUNCH ON THE HOUSEBOAT,
- LATE CHECK OUT AT MUMBAI ON THE LAST DAY,
- HARBOUR CRUISE AT COCHIN,
- PRIVATE BOAT RIDE AT UDAIPUR,
- ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR AND
- ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
- TONGA RIDE IN TAJ MAHAL
HOTELS
| Destination |
Luxury Hotels |
Deluxe hotels |
Nights |
Delhi
|
IMPERIAL
|
Taj Palace
|
02 |
Agra
|
AMARVILAS
|
Trident Hilton
|
01 |
Jaipur
|
RAJVILAS
|
Taj Jai Mahal Palace
|
02 |
Udaipur
|
TAJ LAKE PALACE
|
Fateh Prakash
|
02 |
Cochin
|
BRUNTON BOATYARD
|
Trident Hilton
|
01 |
Marari
|
MARARI BEACH RESORT
|
Marari Beach Resort
|
05 |
Mumbai
|
TAJ MAHAL
|
Taj President
|
02 |
PLEASE ASK US FOR QUOTATION ( PLEASE FILL THE FORM BELOW
)
Please note that lunches and dinners are not included along with camera,
etc. fees at the monuments and personal expenses. The tour price is valid
for minimum two persons traveling together. All hotels mentioned are subject
to availability at the time of quotation and prices are on per person
basis for minimum two adults traveling together and sharing a room.
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