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India Program (15 Nights / 16 Days)
20 October’09 – 31 March’10
India… a country which will enchant you with her beauty and diversity, delight you with her colorful 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.
Sketch Programme:
DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI BY: INT’ FLIGHT
DAY 2: DELHI
DAY 3: DELHI - AGRA BY: SURFACE
DAY 4: AGRA - BHARATPUR BY: SURFACE.
BHARATPUR – SAWAI MADHOPUR BY: TRAIN
DAY 5: RANTHAMBORE
DAY 6: RANTHAMBORE – SAMODE-JAIPUR BY: SURFACE
DAY 7: JAIPUR
DAY 8: JAIPUR – MUMBAI BY: FLIGHT # 9W 2052. MUMBAI – COCHIN BY: FLIGHT # 9W 2101
DAY 9: COCHIN
DAY 10: COCHIN – PERIYAR BY: SURFACE
DAY 11: PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM BY: SURFACE
DAY 12: KUMARAKOM
DAY 13: KUMARAKOM - MARARIKULAM BY: SURFACE
DAY 14: MARARIKULAM
DAY 15: MARARIKULAM – COCHIN BY: SURFACE. COCHIN – MUMBAI BY: 9W 2102
DAY 16: DEPART – MUMBAI BY: INT’ FLIGHT
*** End of the Tour ***
Detailed Programme:
DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI BY: INT’ FLIGHT
You will arrive in the evening at New 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 at the hotel, proceed for check-in at the hotel.
India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.
Overnight at The Claridges Hotel – Deluxe Room (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 2: DELHI
After buffet breakfast, proceed for city tour of Old & New Delhi.
You will first visit 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, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan built in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen. It was made across the road from the Red Fort. The mosque is also known as Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means 'mosque commanding view of the world'. The measurement of the mosque is 65m x 35m while the courtyard is forms an area of 100 n square. The mosque has the capacity to hold as many as 25,000 devotees.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will then 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.
The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 3: DELHI – AGRA
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Agra (204 KMS / 4.30 Hours). Upon arrival proceed to check-in to your hotel.
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.
Afternoon, you will proceed for the tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Midway Tonga’s “horse carriages” would be waiting for you and will drop you at the gates of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.
Continue to visit the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.
Overnight at The Oberoi Amarvilas – Premier room with Balcony (1 NIGHT)
DAY 4: AGRA-BHARTPUR BY: SURFACE. BHARATPUR – SAWAI MADHOPUR BY: TRAIN
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Bharatpur railway station (55 KMS / 1 hour) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition.
1548 hrs: Depart Bharatpur by Kota Jan Shatabdi (# 2060)
1800 hrs: Arrive Sawai Madhopur and transfer to hotel.
Welcome to Ranthambore. India is one of the very few countries left in the world where you can still see tigers. It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. In 1981, Ranthambore was awarded the status of a National Park. The park at Ranthambore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, busy in their normal pursuits - especially stalking or hunting and taking care of their young. With the strict measures that have been taken for their conservation, they seem quite accustomed to human presence and are not disturbed by it.
Overnight at The Oberoi Vanyavilas – Luxury Tent (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 5: IN RANTHAMBORE
Early morning: we proceed on our early morning jeep safari to the sanctuary in the hope of spotting the elusive tiger. Apart from the Royal Tiger, this park also has a large population of panthers, which are the second largest predators of the forest. Another interesting feature of the park is the visibility of marsh crocodiles in and around the lakes. Other predators in Ranthambore are hyenas, jackals and jungle cats. Caracals too have been recorded. Ranthambore also has sloth bears, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai (Blue Bull), wild boar, Indian gazelles, Indian hare, mongoose and Monitor lizards.
Ranthambore is also famous for its bird life and species of birds that can be spotted are as follows: Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indian horned owl, gray partridge, painted partridge, sand grouse, quail, spur fowl, common pea fowl, tree pie, paradise fly catcher, pheasant - tailed jacana, painted stork, white-necked stork, spoonbill and green pigeon.
Return to hotel for Breakfast and Lunch on own.
Afternoon: Proceed for another jungle safari of the day.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 6: RANTHAMBORE - JAIPUR BY:SURFACE
Early morning: we proceed on our early morning jeep safari to the sanctuary in the hope of spotting the elusive tiger. Apart from the Royal Tiger, this park also has a large population of panthers, which are the second largest predators of the forest. Another interesting feature of the park is the visibility of marsh crocodiles in and around the lakes. Other predators in Ranthambore are hyenas, jackals and jungle cats. Caracals too have been recorded. Ranthambore also has sloth bears, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai (Blue Bull), wild boar, Indian gazelles, Indian hare, mongoose and Monitor lizards.
Thereafter drive to Jaipur (Approx. 180 Kms/ 03 ½ hrs drive) enroute visiting Samode Palace with High tea / Coffee at the Palace (Have lunch at Samode Palace on direct payment, can be a good option). On arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city.
Overnight at The Rambagh Palace – Palace Room (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 7: JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel drive the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.
An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets (time permitting). After sightseeing return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 8: JAIPUR – MUMBAI BY: 9W 2052 (JET AIRWAYS). MUMBAI – COCHIN BY: 9W 2101 (JET AIRWAYS)
Early morning depart from the hotel to be transferred to Jaipur airport to board flight for Cochin via Mumbai
0810 hrs: Depart Jaipur by 9W 2052
0945 hrs: Arrive Mumbai
On arrival remain in the transit and will be assisted by airline staff to departure section to board connecting jet airways flight to Cochin.
(Baggage will be checked in up to Cochin from Jaipur itself as it is the same airline connection)
1035 Hrs: Depart Delhi by 9W 2101
1220 Hrs: Arrive Cochin
Upon arrival proceed to check in at your rooms.
More popular as the Queen of the Arabian sea, Cochin is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. The Lake opens out into the Arabian sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders. The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and the British have all left their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Chinese fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the seaport city.
Upon arrival proceed to check in at your rooms. Rest of the day at leisure, you may walk around the Fort Cochin area.
Overnight at The Brunton Boatyard Hotel – Standard Sea facing (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 9: 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 center 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).
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 10: COCHIN – THEKKADY
After a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel you would be driven from Cochin 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.
Return to the hotel after your boat ride.
Overnight at The Spice Village – Standard Villa (1 NIGHT)
DAY 11: THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM BY: SURFACE
After early breakfast visit spice plantation.
The spice plantation in Thekkady is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation.
Later drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom (145 KMS / 3.30 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
In the lush backwaters of Kottayam in Kerala, lies a veritable paradise, which is called Kumarakom, or the 'Venice of the East'. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields, and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. Kumarakom is Kerala’s heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes, and paddy fields, inter-linked with hundreds of winding canals, with the typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and newspaper boy, local politicians and priests to wedding parties.
Evening enjoy bird watching tour by Boat.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake is known for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here. Return to hotel with rest of the time free to relax or if interested then chose to go for Ayurveda massages provided by the hotel (Paying directly).
Overnight at Hotel Coconut Lagoon – Heritage Bungalow (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 12: KUMARAKOM
Following buffet breakfast, time free to relax.
Leisurely board a traditional rice boat converted into a houseboat. The cruise will take you through the backwaters, rivers and canals. Visit the villages, old temples and church along the waters. Snacks and tea will be provided on board. Cruise back to the resort around sunset.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 13: KUMARAKOM – MARARIKULAM BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Mararikulam.
Upon arrival at Mararikulam proceed for check-in at the hotel.
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.
Remainder of the day will be at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at Marari Beach Resort – Garden Villa (2 NIGHTS)
DAY 14: MARARIKULAM
After breakfast, the day will be at leisure for independent activities. Optional ayurvedic treatment on direct payment basis.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 15: MARARIKULAM – COCHIN BY: SURFACE. COCHIN – MUMBAI BY: 9W 2102
In time you will be driven to Cochin to board flight for Mumbai.
1330 Hrs: Depart Cochin by Jet Airways flight 9W 2102
1440 Hrs: Arrive Mumbai
Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed for check-in at the hotel.
Later, if interested, take short orientation tour of Mumbai passing through the main sites of Mumbai city
Overnight at The Leela Kempenski – Premier City View Room (1 NIGHT)
DAY 16: DEPART – MUMBAI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
In time our representative will meet you in lobby and transfer you to international airport to board flight back home.
*** End of the Tour ***
COST : Approx £2,500 per person sharing, subject to time of the year, availability, and exchange rate
QUOTE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation on twin sharing Room with breakfast at all places.
- Exclusively chauffer driven air-conditioned Innova as per the itinerary.
- English speaking local guides in each city for sightseeing tour.
- Rickshaw Ride in Delhi / Elephant ride in Jaipur.
- Train fare for Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur sector by Jan Shatabdi Express Train in Air-conditioned chair car.
- 03 Game drive into the Ranthambhore wildlife national park with accompanying Naturalist by Non A/c jeeps.
- Kathakali dance performance & Sunset Harbor cruise in Cochin.
- Evening wildlife viewing by boat on lake Periyar & Spice Plantation during your stay in Periyar.
- Half day backwaters cruise / & bird watching tour by boat on backwaters in Kumarakom.
- Meet & Greet services by Zeta Tours/ Associate staff.
- Current entrance fees (excluding camera fees) at all monuments wherever applicable .
- All current taxes are included in the above price.
QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Any item not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any air fare (quoted as supplement).
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips, phone calls, laundry or any other item of personal nature.
- Any spa.
- Any insurance.