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-: Goa & Kerala Tour :-
Duration of Trip -::- 15 Days
Key Places covered -::- Mumbai , Cochin , Kumarakom ,
Periyar , Madurai , Trichy , Tanjore , Pondicherry , Mahabalipuram , Chennai
, Mysore , Bangalore , 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 the Red 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.
Proceed to see DANCES OF INDIA SHOW and WELCOME DINNER.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Agra By Road 201 km / 04 hrs
Proceed by surface to Agra. Reach and check into the hotel.
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.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
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 carved screens and some of the best
inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to 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).
A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city in the evening will
introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04: Agra - Jaipur By Road 221 km/05 hrs
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri. 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.
Proceed to Jaipur and check in at hotel.
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 05: Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Amber Palace.
Enjoy Elephant Back 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.
Continue city sightseeing.
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.
Shopping in the evening or relax. Later proceed for VILLAGE THEME DINNER.
The dinner will be “sit - down service”.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur - Mumbai
| By Flight Number |
IC 612 |
| Airlines |
Indian Airlines |
| Aircraft |
Airbus 320 |
| Departure |
0735 hr |
| Arrival |
0910 hr |
| Mumbai - Cochin: |
|
| By Flight Number |
IC 165 |
| Airlines |
Indian Airlines |
| Aircraft |
Airbus 320 |
| Departure |
1105 hr |
| Arrival |
1250 h |
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to the airport for flight to Mumbai and then connecting flight to
Cochin.
Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport / railway
station by our representative and transfer to your 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.
Enjoy the harbour cruise in the evening. Watch the city as it lights up
slowly at sunset and the dolphins play in the water of the harbour.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 07: Cochin
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Today you will visit Cochin, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the
world. 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 Portuguese 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.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites
included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama
Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow,
Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the
interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles
which 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.
In the early evening proceed for a private harbor cruise. Enjoy watching
the dolphins, the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till
the mouth of the sea and enjoy the sunset.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.
Over night stay at hotel.
Day 08: Cochin - Periyar (THEKKADY): By Road 190 km in 5
hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive to Thekkady.
Check in at hotel on arrival.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360
sq km is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared
a TigerReserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife
and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and
is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.
The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation,
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar
Lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western
Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah
grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of
elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined
Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart
of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to
watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the
Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary
in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife
at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest
attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come
down to the play in the lake.
Proceed for enjoying a boat cruise in Periyar Lake with lunch break. The
most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in
a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants
coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are
Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild
dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel,
Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom
come to the lakeside by day.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 09: Periyar
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed for a nature trek into the National Park.
In the afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper,
coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop
at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 10: Periyar - Kumarokom- By Road 175 km in 5 hr
In the morning proceed to Kumarokom after breakfast.
Arrive at Kumarokom, after a journey of approx. 5 hours enjoying the beauty
of the traditional Keralian houses.
The village of Kumarokom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad
Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird
sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of
migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons,
teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian
stork that live there in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best
way to watch the birds of the Kumarokom sanctuary is a boat trip round
the islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarokom offers visitors many other
leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarokom.
Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world
experience at Kumarokom.
Visit THE BIRD PARK of Kumarokom. Later, check into a
traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater
cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all
modern comforts lets you discover the
countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast
in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore
the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Lunch and dinner will be served on the houseboat.
Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day 11: Aleppey - Cochin By Road 40 km in 1 hr
| By Flight Number |
IC 575 |
| Airlines |
Indian Airlines |
| Aircraft |
Airbus 320 |
| Departure |
1445 hr |
| Arrival |
1555 hr |
Cochin - Goa:
Breakfast will be on houseboat. Continue cruise and disembark at Aleppey.
Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish
and lakes. Alappuzha 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 the short drive through the markets and villages over
the innumerable bridges to Cochin. Take flight to Goa.
Goa, variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise"
and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the
western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent
scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches
and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the
world. Nestled on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa
is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharasthra, on the
East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar Districts of Karnataka, and on
the west by Arabian Sea.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties
have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani
Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa
was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on 19th
of December 1961 and became a Union Territory along with the enclaves
of Daman and Diu. On 30th of May 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and
became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. After all, more than anywhere
else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to
relax.
Reach and transfer to hotel. Relax at the beach in the evening.
Overnight will be at Goa.
Day 12: Goa
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of Goa.
Situated on the Mandovi River, it still shows a strong Portuguese heritage
in its plazas, cathedrals and architecture. Although it is best known
for its 65 miles/105 km of magnificent, palm tree - lined beaches
along the Arabian Sea, Goa has other attractions of significance. Among
them are the Portuguese Catholic Church of Old Goa and the Basilica of
Bom Jesus (most of the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is exhibited
there on occasion.) The tour includes visits to Mapusa town, Mayem Lake,
Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute beaches and Fort Aguada in North Goa and the
South Goa tour covers Old Goa Churches - Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral,
Margao, Colva and Mormugao.
Return back to the resort and spend evening by the beach.
Overnight will be resort.
Day 15: Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai.
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.
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.
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. The most prominent feature of this
building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre.
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.
Enjoy the shopping in the city.
Drive to the airport for flight home in the evening with sweet memories
of India.
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