Grand India Tour: 21 Nights & 22 Days |
|
 |
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Special Offer
Save up to £ 350 Per Person
Call today on 0808 178 9799
to discuss this tour with a Kerala Expert |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
| » Tour Overview » Detailed Itinerary » Accommodations » Price » Tour Inclusions & Exclusions |
| |
| |
| Locations Covered: |
|
Amritsar » Delhi » Varanasi » Agra » Jaipur » Cochin » Munnar » Periyar » Backwaters » Marari » Cochin |
| |
| |
| Overview: |
|
Experience the colours, grandeur and magic of India with our 21 Night 22 Day Spectacular India tour. The awe inspiring and rich diversity that India provides is an experience that any traveller will cherish for a lifetime. With this tour you will get to experience some amazing temples, historical monuments and towns, spiritual destinations, and the fabled pink city of Jaipur. Included is a visit to Agra to see the magic of the Taj Mahal, the eternal monument of love. Your journey will take you down to breathtaking Kerala where you will get to experience vibrant port towns, lush green tea hills, enchanting backwaters ending with a few days of relaxation on a beach in a fishermen's village. All accommodations used on this tour are deluxe properties. |
| |
| |
| Detailed Itinerary : |
Day 01 - Arrival Amritsar
Welcomed at the airport by a representative and transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure to relax and unwind. Overnight at the Ranjit's Svaasa.
Day 02 - Amritsar
Today in the morning you could visit the spectacular Golden Temple- the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. This temple is a great example of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance that the Sikh philosophy propounds. In the evening visit the Wagah Border (The India Pakistan border at Wagah) to watch the now famous Border Retreat Ceremony. The pageant of the beating of the retreat and the change of guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces here makes this a fascinating spectacle to watch. Wagah is the only land border open between Pakistan and India. Overnight at Ranjith's Svaasa.
Day 03 - Amritsar - Delhi ( By Shatabdi Express)
Morning after breakfast visit Jallianwala Bagh- Martyrs' Memorial built in the shape of eternal flame of liberty which is situated on the outskirts of Golden Temple. Here about 1500 and 2000 persons who were attending a peaceful meeting during the freedom movement fell under the bullets of the British General Dyer on 13 April 1919. Later transfer to railway station to board the superfast air-conditioned train to Delhi. Dinner aboard the train. Received by a representative at the Delhi railway station and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel Imperial.
Day 04 - Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi : OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing 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. NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing 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, the President's Residence and ending with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight at Hotel Imperial.
Day 05 - Delhi - Varanasi (By flight)
By Jet Airways / Dep. 10:40 hrs. Arr. 11:50After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi. Greeting by a representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Varanasi, said to be the India's most sacred city is situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. It is also the oldest living city in the world. As a place for devotion and worship, with hundreds of temples dotting the city, sunrise on the river front as seen from a boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight. It has a fascination uniquely its own, a quality of sublime beauty, a timeless eternal appeal. Varanasi is the city which cannot be described, only experienced. In the evening enjoy a sightseeing tour of Varanasi covering Temples, Aurangzeb's Mosque and one of the biggest universities of India. Attend the evening view "Aarti" ceremony on the river banks. Overnight at Taj Ganges.
Day 06 - Varanasi
Morning boat cruise on the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Later enjoy an excursion to Sarnath, 10kms east of Varanasi, which is one of the Buddhism's major centers in India. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Visit the deer park and the museum and later drive back to Varanasi. Overnight at the Taj Ganges.
Day 07 - Varanasi - Agra (By air-conditioned train)
In the morning transfer to airport to board the train to Agra. Greeted by a representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Mughal Sheraton.
Day 08 - Agra
Today at sunrise visit TAJ MAHAL- the ultimate monument of love built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after giving birth to their 14th child. When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she had made the emperor make 4 promises to her: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and twenty thousand people worked on it for 22 years to complete it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it. Millions visit this tomb of love each year to experience its magnificence. Also visit Agra Fort-the majestic red-sandstone fort of Agra which stands on the banks of the river Yamuna. The construction of the fort was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. Here the Emperor heard public petitions at the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience where the Emperor sat on his gem-studded Peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Overnight at Mughal Sheraton.
Day 09 / Agra - Jaipur ( Approx 5 Hrs.)
Early morning a second visit to Taj Mahal at sunrise. Later drive to Jaipur-the fabled "pink city" of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. This is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe through the nine rectangular sectors subdividing it. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors are now living monuments. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri-a perfectly preserved red sandstone "ghost town" which was the estranged capital of mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive in Jaipur late in the evening & transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Shiv Vilas Palace.
Day 10 / Jaipur
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy an 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 it's ultimate expression. 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. Their five-storey structures 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.Overnight at Shiv Vilas Palace
Day 11 / Jaipur - Cochin ( By flight via Mumbai )
By Jet Airways / Dep. 10:40 hrs. Arr 11:50 Hrs connecting Jet Airways / Dep. 10:35 hrs. Arriv. 12:20 hrsTransfer to airport to board a flight to Cochin via Mumbai. Greeted by Kerala Travel Centre representative at Cochin airport and transfer to hotel A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening you could go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the Koder House. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 12 Cochin
Today you could go for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, visit the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the Koder House. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 13 Cochin Munnar (135 km / 4 h)
Drive to Munnar a hill station located 1600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal holiday destination. Check into your hotel and unwind. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the ambience of Munnar. Overnight at the Windermere Estate.(Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 14 Munnar
Today you could visit the tea museum, take a short trip to the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others) or simply walk through the enchanting tea estates and enjoy the tranquillity it provides. Day at leisure. Overnight at the Windermere Estate. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 15 Munnar Periyar (110 km / 3 h)
Drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. You could go on a spice plantation tour today where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Lake Palace. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 16 Periyar
Today you could go for an escorted jungle trek and also engage in activities like bamboo rafting. It is also possible to go for an Elephant ride today. Overnight at the Lake Palace. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 17 Periyar Alleppey (150 km / 4 h)
Drive to Kumarakom and embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or 'Kettuvalloms' are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it's the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience. The locals' travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute. Overnight on board. (Full Board) (Vehicle for Transfer)
DAY 18 Alleppey Marari (25 km / 1 h)
Disembark at Alleppey and drive to the picturesque fishermen's village of Mararikulam and check into your resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush coconut groves the resorts set by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari offer you unparalleled quite in astoundingly beautiful settings. Day is leisure on the beach resort. In the evening you could take a rejuvenating general Ayurvedic full-body massage. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (Vehicle for Transfer)
DAY 19 Marari
Today you could go for bicycle ride along the beautiful coastal back roads of Marari. The area offers breathtaking views and one can bike through the beautiful fishermen's villages right up to the Arthumkal Church which is built near by the sea. You could also choose to visit nearby Alleppey town and its bazaars and historical buildings. A visit to the coir factories around the village is also very interesting. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 20 Marari
Today we could drive you to a local resident ,Mr.Moti where you can actually experience and learn local Kerala cooking. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 21 Marari
Day at leisure. Overnight at the Marari Beach Resort. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 22 Marari Cochin Departure (95 km / 2 ½)
Departure transfer to Cochin airport for onward flight. (Vehicle for Transfer)
|
| |
| |
| Accommodation: |
| Place | Nts | Resort | Room Type | |
| Amritsar | 2 | Ranjits Svaasa | Luxury Suite | | Delhi | 2 | The Imperial | Heritage Room | | Varanasi | 2 | Taj Ganges | Superior room | | Agra | 2 | Mughal Sheraton | Chamber of Emperor | | Jaipur | 2 | Shiv Vilas Palace | Elite Room | | Cochin | 2 | Koder House | Deluxe Suite | | Munnar | 2 | Windermere | Coffee Cottage | | Periyar | 2 | Lake Palace | Standard Room | | Alleppey | 1 | Rainbow Cruise | 01-bedroom AC Houseboat | | Marari | 4 | Marari Beach Resort | Garden Pool villa |
|
|
| |
| Prices: |
| Tour | 1 Oct 09-19 Dec 10 | 20 Dec 09-1 Jan 10 | 2 Jan 10-31 Mar 10 |
| Standard | - | - | - | | Superior | £ 3861 | £ 4213 | £ 3861 | | Deluxe | - | - | - |
|
|
| |
| Tour Inclusions & Exclusions: |
| |
|
Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double or twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact Kerala Travel Centre.
- Accommodation with breakfast in a double rooms at listed hotels or equivalent
- Full-board basis in Periyar
- All internal road travel by private chauffeur driven air-conditioned large car as per itinerary
- Train tickets from Amritsar Delhi by air conditioned chair car & Varanasi - Agra by air conditioned sleeper class
- Elephant ride in Jaipur (subject to availability)
- 01 night on AC Houseboat on full-board basis (cruise: Kumarakom Alleppey)
- Full board basis at Lake Palace
- Entrance fees and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Sunset cruise in Cochin
- Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
- Cookery demonstration in Mottis Residency
- Escorted trekking in Periyar
- Plantation tour in Periyar
- Boat & Elephant ride at Periyar
- Internal flight fare in economy class Delhi/Varanasi & Jaipur / Mumbai/ Cochin
- General Ayurvedic full-body massage in Marari
- All applicable taxes (including service tax)
TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Lunch and dinner except those listed in above inclusions
- Guide charges (expect in Cochin) & camera charges, if any
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephones, etc.
- International flight charges
- All other than those listed in above inclusions
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Discuss this tour with a Kerala Expert on
0808 178 9799 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
