Zeta Tours - Adventure Holidays, Golf, Rugby, Corporate Tours to South Africa, Australia and Canada from Richard Latham.

India… a country which will enchant you with her beauty and diversity, delight you with her colourful pageantry, enrich you with her culture, stun you with her modernity, embrace you with her warmth, and overwhelm you with her hospitality…a land where the ancient and the contemporary exist side by side, where thousands of brilliant images fill the soul with wonder and where quaint and startling contradictions juxtapose to lend an extraordinary vitality, texture and poetry to life.

The Palace on wheels is rated as one of the top ten luxury train journeys in the world. It offers you a heart-rending trip to the splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan in just seven days.

Kerala – India’s most idyllic state, better known as God’s own Country is today one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. Secluded beaches, palm fringed backwaters, mist clad hill station, lush tropical forests, waterfalls, exotic wildlife, monuments, art form and festival gives it a distinctive charm.

Day 1: ARRIVE – DELHI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
You will arrive at Delhi’s international Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.

Upon arrival proceed to check in at your rooms. Later proceed for half day city tour of New Delhi.

New Delhi: A Touch of Faith, Philosophy and British India
The discovery of New Delhi starts with a visit to Qutab Minar which is Delhi's Eiffel Tower, its Statue of Liberty and Nelson's Column. Visit the mosques, mausoleums and ruins of forts that lie around it. Later visit the Humayun’s tomb – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble – one of the finest examples of the garden tomb and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. We drive to one of the most colonial part of New Delhi called Raisina Hill. Drive past the Viceroy's House (now the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India) and Lutyen's magnum opus; the India Gate, a war memorial arch.

Evening free to relax at the hotel or if interested enjoy shopping tour visiting some of the famous markets of Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: DELHI – JAIPUR BY: PALACE ON WHEELS
1600 hours: Self report at Safdarjung Railway Station (Motibagh) for check in and board 7 Nights Palace On Wheels maharaja train tour.
1745 hours: Depart for the adventure of a lifetime.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.

Day 3: JAIPUR BY PALACE ON WHEELS
Early Morning: Arrival in Jaipur.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Morning sightseeing Tour of Amber Fort Palace complex & enjoy elephant joy ride.
1300 hour: Lunch in Restaurant of Five Star Hotel.

Famous as "The Pink City", Jaipur, is the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur has witnessed the splendour of the Rajput and Mughal royalty and its monuments are the living testimonies of the magnificence of that era. Visit the Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds - with a profusion of windows and stone screens. The Jantar Mantar is the 18th century stone observatory. Behold the stunning architecture of the City Palace and the Amber Fort.

1500 hours: Afternoon Sightseeing tour of City Palace complex.
1700 hours: Departure for Jaisalmer.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.

Day 4: JAIPUR – JAISALMER BY: PALACE ON WHEELS
0615 hours: Arrival in Jaisalmer.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Morning sightseeing tour of Golden Fort town.

Jaisalmer is the land of ancient sandstone "Havelis" (mansions). The attractions of this 12th century city comprise of monuments that have retained their age-old style and character. A fourth of the city's residents still reside within the walls of the Jaisalmer Fort. Famous for its latticed windows and balconies, the Patwon ki Haveli is the most magnificent mansion. Visit the three-hundred-year-old Salim Singh ki Haveli. The Gadsisar Sagar Tank is a scenic lake enveloped by lovely shrines and archways.

1300 hours: Lunch on board and rest.
1600 hours: Excursion to Sam sand dunes and experience the thrill of a camel safari.
2000 hours: Dinner while enjoying a cultural programme in City Heritage Hotel.
2300 hours: Departure for Jodhpur.

Day 5: JAISALMER – JODHPUR BY: PALACE ON WHEELS
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0800 hours: Arrival in Jodhpur.
0830 hours: Sightseeing tour of Mehrangarh Fort Palace complex & Jaswant Thada.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.

The old Jodhpur city, founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD, is encircled by a ten kilometre long wall having eight gates that serve as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area. Jodhpur is a fine blend of modern and traditional buildings.

Housed within the Mehrangarh Fort are the famous palaces, Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada is the 19th century royal cenotaph, which is constructed out of thin sheets of white marble that allow the sun to filter through. A portion of the Umaid Bhawan Palace has been converted into a museum. The architectural splendours of these remnants will enthral you.

1530 hours: Departure for Sawai Madhopur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board

Day 6: JODHPUR – RANTHAMBORE BY: PALACE ON WHEELS
0400 hours: Arrival in Sawai Madhopur Railway Station.
0630 hours: Visit the Ranthambhore National Park in open air Canter Trailer Trucks with cushioned seats.
0930 hours: Return to Maharaja Train for breakfast & freshening up.

Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the Ranthambhor National Park, the famous Tiger Reserve. The reserve has a variety of diverse wildlife, including the Indian tiger, hyena, nilgai, wild boar, fox and over three hundred species of birds. Built in 994 AD, the Ranthambhor Fort still has ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and impressive monuments.

1000 hours: Departure for Chittaurgarh.
1300 hours: Lunch on board.
1530 hours: Arrival in Chittaurgarh.
1600 hours: Sightseeing of Chittor hill fort.

Chittaurgarh was the abode of passionate men and women whose courage and dignity have become legendary. The Chittaurgarh Fort, built in the 7th century, has many vestiges of heroism. Padmini's Palace is also situated in the fort. Visit the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) and the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame).

2000 hours: Dinner on board.

Day 7: CHITTAURGARH – UDAIPUR BY: PALACE ON WHEELS
0700 hours: Early morning Train arrives in Udaipur
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Morning sightseeing of City Palace & enjoy boating in Lake Pichola.
1230 hours: Lunch at the Heritage Hotel.

Udaipur has come to be known as the "Venice of the East". The rugged fortresses, charming palaces, sandy terrain, lakes and forested hills brimming with wildlife will become a part of your most cherished memories. The Lake Palace and Jag Mandir are situated amid the Lake Pichola. Also explore the City Palace and Sahelion ki Bari.

1500 hours: Afternoon city tour & time free for shopping
1900 hours: Departure for Bharatpur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.

Day 8: UDAIPUR – BHARATPUR BY: PALACE ON WHEELS
In the morning, you arrive at Bharatpur. It is known for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is the home to a large variety of exotic birds that fly in from the distant lands of Siberia and China. Option of late breakfast.

The Afternoon - Agra (Taj Mahal)
Lunch in Agra 5 Star Hotel.

Afternoon visit to the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Dressed in white marble, this splendid monument was built in the 17th century by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Continue your journey with sightseeing to Agra Fort & time free for shopping before returning to the Maharaja Train.

In the night, depart for Delhi.
Dinner is served on board.

Day 9: DELHI – COCHIN BY: FLIGHT
Early morning, a Distant Frontiers representative will transfer you to airport to board flight for Cochin.

Departure: Delhi at: 0925 hours by: S2 241 (Jetlite)
Arrival: Cochin at: 1325 hours

Meeting and assistance on arrival at Cochin airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your rooms. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: COCHIN
After leisurely buffet breakfast, you will proceed for sightseeing tour of Cochin visit Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays and Jewish Holidays) is also known as Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. At no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Continue to visit Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish Holidays) was built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest.

Chinese Fishing Nets - The Chinese Fishing net that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, they are used at high tide. Also visit ST. Francis Church - the Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.

Return to your hotel after sightseeing tour.

In the evening, you will be taken to a Kathakali dance centre where you will witness the most elaborate of the dance forms in southern India. Here you will witness the artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance. Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums in accompaniment of the Chengila (gong).

Day 11: COCHIN – THEKKADY
After a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel you would be driven from Munnar to Thekkady, which is also known as Periyar (190 KMS / 4.30 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed to Periyar National Park to view the wildlife by boat. Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs and wander down to the lakeside and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. Periyar also harbours the leopard, wild dog, barking deer and mouse deer. On the rocky outcrops along the lake, monitor lizards can be seen basking in the sun.

Day 12: THEKKADY
Morning enjoy spice plantation in Thekkady. It is a prime attraction of this beautiful land. Though sprawling tea estates cover much of the landscape of Thekkady, plantations of cardamom, rubber, vanilla and coffee are also aplenty. Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Day 13: THEKKADY – ALLEPPEY
After buffet breakfast in the hotel, you would be driven to the Jetty (approx. 90 Kms/ 2 Hrs drive)to board your houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala.

Houseboats are also known as the "Ketuvallam" or the Rice Boat. Ketuvallam ride can be the most romantic ride you can ever have with a night halt in the middle of the lake Vembanad Lake/canal. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages and town of the city. Backwaters are a central part of Kerala's Tourism Synopsis, making an absolute cruiser through the twisting and meandering water streams. This backwater journey through the narrow canals crossing exquisite villages of Kerala, embellished with lush green paddy fields, tall coconut grooves makes it a most spellbinding site.

Note: Houseboat sails during daytime only and anchors whole night at the jetty. The air-conditioners work in night only. The standard check-in time is 1230 hours and check-out time is 0900 hours.

Day 14: ALLEPPEY – MARARI BY: SURFACE
Following buffet breakfast disembark Houseboat & drive to Marari (Approx. 35 Kms / 45 minutes). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Marari Beach Resort.

Marari Beach Resort, set in 25 acres of Coconut Palm groves leading down to the vast expanse of beach. Built in the style of a traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style, the resort offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it's best.

Day 15: MARARI
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: MARARI –COCHIN BY: SURFACE / DEPART – COCHIN BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
In time transfer to Cochin international airport (approx. 65 Kms/ 1 ½ hrs drive) to board flight for onward destination.

Hotels Envisaged
City	Name of the Hotel	Room Category	Nights
Delhi	The Oberoi	Deluxe Room	01
POW	Palace on Wheels	Standard Cabin	07
Cochin	Brunton Boatyard	Standard Sea Facing Room	02
Thekkady	Spice Village	Standard Villa	02
Alleppey	Spice Coast Houseboat	Air-Conditioned 01 Bed Room	01
Marari	Marari Beach Resort	Garden Villa	02

Validity: 28th October’ 09 – 30th November’ 09	Tour Cost
02 Paying Pax for Kerala Tours plus 01 night in Delhi	£1140 PP
02 Paying Pax for Palace on Wheels	£2320 PP
Airfare supplement for Delhi – Cochin using Jetlite Airline	£75 PP ***

*** Airfare are subject to change and the above airfare quoted is based on the best available rate of the day and it may vary at the time of issuance. NB This quote is also subject to change due to fluctuating exchange rates.