A grand tour of India, from holy Varanasi to Golden Triangle, Pushkar Fair to house boat to Kumarakom
A grand tour of India that includes the ancient city of Varanasi located on India’s holiest river Ganga, the Golden Triangle highlights of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur, plus Ranthambore, Sawaimadhopur wildlife sanctuary, then the fascinating Pushkar Fair, before reaching the marvels of Ranakpur Jain Temples, magic of Jodhpur and Udaipur, then via Mumbai down to Kerala, from Cochin to Allepey to board a house boat to Kumarakom. A Kathmandu itinerary can be added to a tour of India, en route to Tibet, Darjeeling and Sikkim or before or after visiting Bhutan.
06 November : Kathmandu / Delhi (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel and then transfer with assistance to Airport to board flight to Delhi.
Arrival Delhi Meet and Greet at the Airport by representative and transfer to Hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at Claridges.
07 November : Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Morning you will begin the tour with sightseeing of Old Delhi. A leisurely walk through the markets of the Old City, visit of the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque).
The Jama Masjid, is the country’s largest mosque where thousands of Muslims offer prayers even today. It was built in 1656 and is a tribute to the values of the Mughal Kings as also their commitment to religion and prayer. It lies opposite the Red Fort and is surrounded b a large number of shops which deal in a variety of goods. The flight of stairs and its large courtyard are something to be admired.
Afternoon visit of Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb and drive past tour of Parliament Building, India Gate and Rajpath (the grand avenue leading to the President’s Palace).
Humayun tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun’s wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor’s wife was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the centre of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.
Overnight at Claridges.
08 November : Delhi / Varanasi (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel and then transfer with assistance to Domestic Airport to board flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities of India. This city has found place in the Buddhist scriptures as well the epic of Mahabharata. This ancient city of India is located on holiest river of India–Ganga. This relation is unique and has attracted thousands of pilgrims. One theory also goes that Varanasi is located on the land between the river Varuna and Assi hence the name Varanasi.
This town also has its place in history with many events and incidents being related with it. From time immemorial Varanasi has been the center of education, religion, art and culture. For every visitor Varanasi has different experiences to offer. The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions all are an experience in themselves.
Arrival Varanasi Meet and Greet at the Airport by representative of our associate office and transfer to Hotel. In the evening you will take a tour to the riverside.
Overnight at Palace on Ganges.
09 November : Varanasi / Delhi (Flight)
After Breakfast at hotel you will excursion to Sarnath, the place where Lord Budha preached his first sermon.
In the afternoon you will be transferred with assistance to Airport to board flight to Delhi.
Arrival Delhi. Meet and Greet at the Airport by representative of our associate office and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Claridges.
10 November : Delhi /Agra
Breakfast at hotel and drive to Agra. On arrival check in at Hotel.
Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal City has, in addition to the legendary Taj. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.
Afternoon visit of Taj Mahal on sunset. (You have to visit Taj Mahal today because next day is Friday and Taj Mahal remains close.)
Overnight at hotel Taj View.
11 November : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Ranthambore
This morning you will visit Agra Fort. Depart by car to Bharatpur stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent ghost city was the capital of the Mughal empire in the late 16th century. Abruptly abandoned after only 14 years of residence when the local wells went dry, its sandstone palaces and mosques are almost perfectly preserved. Continue drive to Ranthambore, on arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Fatehpur Sikri was founded (1569) by the Mughal emperor Akbar to honor the Muslim saint Salim Chishti, who had foretold the birth of Akbar ‘s son and heir, Jahangir. The city was Akbar ‘s capital until 1584. By 1605 it was largely deserted because of the inadequate water supply. A masterpiece of Muslim architecture, the city is unique in India as a nearly intact Mughal city. The Buland Darwaza [gate of victory], flanked by colossal statues of elephants, was the principal entrance. Carvings and murals cover many of the buildings. Among the most notable are the Jama Masjid (the Great Mosque); the ornate marble mausoleum of Salim Chishti; the palaces of Jodha Bai and Birbal; and the Panch Mahal, the royal audience hall.
On arrival at Bharatpur have lunch on own expense. Transfer to Railway Station to board train to Sawai Madhopur.
On arrival transfer to your hotel at Ranthambore.
Overnight at Dev Vilas.
12 November : Ranthambore
Morning and Afternoon Safaris into the Ranthambore National Park. Overnight in Ranthambore.
Sawaimadhopur: This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country’s best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq. kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds. Ranthambore National Park is home to a rich and diverse collection of wildlife. The Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is a nature lover’s delight. The dry deciduous forests and scrub jungle across the Ranthambore National Park provide the deer and other herbivorous animals in Ranthambore with enough greenery to graze on through the year. The herbivores form the prey for the predators of Ranthambore such as leopards and the impressive Royal Bengal Tiger.
The evening will be at leisure.
Overnight at Dev Vilas.
13 November : Ranthambore / Pushkar
This morning, drive to Pushkar, arriving at the height of the festivities. The most easily identifiable of Rajasthan’s many fairs, Pushkar has come to symbolize the delirious heartbeat of the people of the state. An 8th century temple of Brahman on banks of a lake draws the faithful by the thousands.
Pilgrims bath at the ghats and pray at the temple while the world’s largest camel fair is held in the vast stretching desert around it.
The Brahman lake that the small village of Pushkar surrounds remains the holiest site in all Rajasthan, with bathing ghats to the holy waters encircling the entire lake.
There will be mystics and musicians, camel-wallahs and priests, and vendors plying their wares from the far corners of Rajasthan. It’s a riot of color and activity, from sacred bathing rituals to camel races. Your tented camp will provide a comfortable and secure haven for your two nights here.
On arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight at Camp Rajasthan Tent.
14 November : Pushkar
Breakfast at hotel. Full day at leisure to explore Pushkar fair. Overnight at Camp Rajasthan Tent.
15 November : Pushkar / Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel and drive to Jaipur. On arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight at Samode Haveli.
16 November : Jaipur
In Jaipur. Guided tour of Amber Fort, City Palace and Observatory.
Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. The kingdom of Jaipur was originally known as Amber. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It is a delightfully idiosyncratic five-tier composition of arches and balconies. Wandering through the bazaars of old Jaipur is an experience in itself. They are colorful, noisy and happily chaotic and you can buy anything here.
Amber, 11-km northeast of Jaipur, protected by the wild Aravalli hills on all sides, once served the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The fort was originally built in the 11th century, it was extended by Raja Man Singh I (reigned 1590 – 1614) in the late 16th century and developed into a pleasure retreat to which Amber’s maharajas would return, battle-weary, from their campaigns with the Mughal armies all over India.
Overnight at Samode Haveli.
17 November : Jaipur / Jodhpur (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel and then transfer with assistance to Domestic Airport to board flight to Jodhpur.
Arrival Jodhpur. Meet and Greet at the Airport by representative of our associate office and transferred to Hotel. Check-Into Hotel. Visit of Jodhpur Fort, city, bazaar etc.
Jodhpur. There are many great fortresses all over Rajasthan, but very few cans compare with Mehrangarh Fort. Perched on a rocky cliff 400 feet above the plain, it has a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The Fort is divided broadly into three areas; the outer court, with its old stables and kitchens, the durbar hall (hall of audience), reception rooms and Maharaja’s Palaces and the Queen’s Palaces.
Overnight at Ajit Bhawan.
18 November : Jodhpur / Nimaj
Breakfast at Hotel. Morning drive to Nimaj. On arrival Check-In, in Deluxe Tented Camps. These camps are set up on a Dam built on the Chhatra Sagar Lake.
Afternoon you will be taken on a village Safari, by one of the members of the Nimaj Family. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at CHHATRA SAGAR TENT CAMP at Nimaj.
You can walk in the farms growing Chilli, Ani Seed, Cummin Seed, mustard and wheat. One can sit on the charpai (Jute Cot) and sip Masala Chai served by the farmers and walk within the settlement, which offers great photo opportunities.
19 November : Nimaj / Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel and drive to Udaipur. On arrival check in at Hotel.
Afternoon guided tour of the City Palace Museum and the Saheliyon Ki Bari, Garden of the Maids of Honour.
Udaipur There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar.
Udaipur today is one of the most picturesque cities in India, set as it is on three beautiful lakes and surrounded by hills. The city’s inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor.
It is the key city of Rajasthan’s southern region of Mewar. Mewar is a hilly, forested region, in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of Marwar (Jodhpur). Apart from the city itself, there are a number of interesting sights within a 60 mile radius of Udaipur. The temples of Ranakpur, the forts of Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh and the spectacular temples of Mount Abu.
Overnight at hotel Fateh Prakash.
20 November : Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast you will proceed on an excursion to Ranakpur Jain Temples. Drive back to Udaipur.
Overnight at hotel Fateh Prakash.
21 November : Udaipur / Mumbai (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer with assistance to Airport to board flight for Mumbai.
Arrival Delhi. Meet and Greet at the Airport by representative of our associate office and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
22 November : Mumbai / Cochin (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer with assistance to Airport to board flight for Cochin.
In 1341 A.D., a cataclysmic flood opened the estuary at Cochin, paving the way for seafaring visitors from around the world. Today Cochin reflects a curious blend of past visitors, from the Arabs to the Chinese and from the British to the Portuguese. Vasco de Gama discovered the first sea route to India from Europe centuries after the Apostle Saint Thomas visited from Palestine.
Your full day, private tour of Cochin today will start with Fort Cochin and the Synagogue. The synagogue in Jewish town was built in 1568, and rebuilt in 1664. Its interior is a hodge podge of styles, with hand painted blue and white floor tiles from Canton, 19th century Belgian chandeliers, and an elaborately carved Ark housing four scrolls from the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. Afterwards you’ll visit St. Francis Church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D., believed to be the oldest church in India. The building was originally constructed out of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry during the 16th century. Vasco da Gama who died in Cochin in 1524 was buried here before his remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later.
Late this afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Cochin Harbor. Your private motor launch will cruise past the Bolgatty Islands and local fisherman, ending at the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Overnight at hotel Fort heritage.
23 November : Cochin / Houseboat / Kumarakom
Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Allepey from where you will board house boat to Kumarakom.
Check into Coconut Lagoon Resort. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
24 November : Kumarakom
Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure to explore on your own. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon.
You can also enjoy cruise on the backwaters on board houseboat.
KETTUVELLOM as it is known in the local language, is a long boats, large by a few metres, were once used for moving merchandise on the backwaters of Kerala. Constructed without using nails, these remarkable boats were built using wood, bamboo and coconut fiber.
They are motorized with comfortable rooms, sitting area, sun deck, toilets, showers, telephone. The crew consists of a navigator, a cook and his assistant. Food served on board is typically local food. Fish is the local specialty.
Cruise through the Lake visiting local villages, ancient church, and temples visit a snake boat yard.
25 November : Kumarakom / Cochin
Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive to Cochin. On arrival check in at Abad Airport Hotel.
After rest for a few hours, you will be transferred to Airport in time to Check-In on your home bound flight.
