Tour Duration: 23 nights/24 days

Places Covered: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Goa, Bangalore, Mysore, Halebid, Belur, Hassan, Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport you are met outside the International Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day at lesure. Overnight at the hotel
 
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast depart for a tour of India’s capital. Morning sightseeing of Old Delhi includes a visit to the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers. Also visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy is today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Connaught Circus is the commercial hub of New Delhi. Humayun's Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. One of Delhi’s most striking monuments is the 70-meter high Qutab Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 03: Delhi –Agra (203 kms)
After breakfast depart to Agra for about 4 and half hour. On arrival check in at the hotel.
In the afternoon take a tour of Agra. Visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12-meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture.
The highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Marble was brought from Makrana, near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried to Agra from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 05: Agra- Jaipur (245 kms)
After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Jaipur En route stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, which was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it is today a haunting complex of empty palaces, forts and mosques. A variety of architectural styles are found, since craftsmen representing many schools were employed.
On arrival in Jaipur check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 06: In Jaipur
After breakfast visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles - the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work, a shimmering Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air conditioning. Experience the thrill of riding up to the fort on gaily decorated elephants, in the manner the Rajputs of old made their royal ascent centuries ago.
In the afternoon explore Jaipur, one of the best-planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. The City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur. Built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design and rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. Jantar Mantar observatory was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate. There is time to wander through the colourful bazaars, a veritable collector's paradise where you can watch ancient craft forms. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 07: Jaipur-Udaipur (flight)
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Udaipur. On arrival met and assistance at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the morning is at leisure.  Afternoon sightseeing of Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace, which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens, which afford a wide panorama below. Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu. The shops and craftsmen's ateliers in the narrow streets of the bazaar justify endless walks. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 08: In Udaipur (Excursion tour of Ranakpur)
After breakfast visit the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur which lie buried in a shady glen and cover a vast area. The central temple is called Chaumukha (four-faced) and is the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India, covering an area of over 40,000 sq. feet (3,600 sq. meters). Its 29 halls are supported by 1,444 pillars, none of which are alike. Subsidiary shrines in the shape of side alters throng around in all directions, including a temple dedicated to the Sun God, which displays erotic carvings. Return to Udaipur in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel
 
 
Day 9: Udaipur -Ahmedabad (252 kms)
After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Ahmedabad. On arrival check in at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 10: In Ahmedabad
After breakfast explore Ahmedabad. Founded in 1411 by Ahmed Shah I on the site if the ancient city of Karavati, it is today the great textile and commercial city of western India. Omnipresent is the Sabarmati River over which four bridges connect the old city with the new. On one side are the crowded streets leading to Manek Chowk, where rows of traders dealing in silver jewelry or printed fabrics lean against spotless white bolster-pillows, waiting for customers. The upper floors of the old havelis (family homes) have exquisitely carved wooden balconies, windows and doorways. The most beautiful ones stand in Doshiwala ni Pol. In Ahmedabad, the Indo-Saracen architecture blends beautifully Hindu and Muslim styles. Sidi Saiyad's Mosque near Relief Road is one of the most eloquent examples of the finest such work in sandstone. The shaking minarets of Rajpur Bibi's Mosque at Gomtipur and Sidi Bashir's Mosque at Kalipur are interesting - pressure exerted on the inner walls of the minarets sets them vibrating. Other places of interest include the Calico Museum, with a rich collection of fabrics and garments from all over India; Hridey Kunj, Mahatma Gandhi's austere Ashram set amongst mango trees where he experimented in non violent methods of political struggle. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 11: Ahedabad-  Goa (flight)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Goa. On arrival at Goa met & assist at the airport 7 transfers to Hotel. Check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.  Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 12: In Goa
After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is at leisure.
In the afternoon explore Old Goa, the heartland of Asian Christianity. Visit the beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus where the incorruptible body of St Francis Xavier is enshrined in a silver casket, the majestic Se Cathedral, the largest church in Goa, with its booming Golden Bell and the Archeological Museum where the past is preserved and displayed. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 13: In Goa
Breakfast at the hotel. This full day is free to enjoy the sun, surf and sand of Goa. Overnight at the hotel.
 
 
Day 14: Goa –Bangalore (flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Bangalore. On arrival met and assist at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check in & Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Bangalore-Mysore (140 kms)
After breakfast drive to Mysore. En route sightseeing of Sri Rangapatnam & Tipu Palace. On arrival hotel check in. PM: Proceed for sightseeing of Mysore Palace & Brindawan Garden in the evening. Overnight at Hotel.  
 
Day 16: Mysore-Hassan (118 kms)
After breakfast proceed to Hassan. On arrival hotel check in. Later proceed for sightseeing of temples. After sightseeing return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 17: Hassan-Halebid-Belur-Hassan (85 kms)
Post breakfast proceed for excursion tour of Halebid & Belur. Halebid sightseeing include of Hoysaleshwar Temple-A gem of Hoysala temple architecture, the Hoysaleshwara temple is ornamented with a plethora of exquisite carvings and sculptures. Archeological Museum--The museum houses the idols, statues, busts, and sculptures excavated by the Archaeological Department from the ruins. Kedareshwara Temple; Built in 1319 AD by Veeraballala II and his younger Queen Abhinva Ketala Devi, the Kedareshwara temple is a collapsed structure that has not been restored to its original shape. Besides the exquisitely carved walls and the ceiling, the basement of the temple exhibits a profusion of sculptured friezes depicting stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad-Gita. Later proceed to Belur here we will take you to the shrines and temple tank inside the temple complex. The Channakeshava temple is elaborate with sculptures, carvings and many interest points and usually takes the bulk of time. The elaborate and elegantly carved friezes on the outer walls are magnificent while the pillars, carved ceiling and sculptures of the dancers are bound to mesmerize. Later return to Hassan for overnight stay.

Day 18: Hassan-Bangalore (198 kms)
Post breakfast drive to Bangalore. On arrival hotel check in & proceed for sightseeing of the city visiting Nandi Bull, Vidhan Soudha counts among the most impressive & magnificent building. Cubbon park as the city is called Garden City there are numerous park this is one of the major attractions. Later visit to Tipu Sultan Fort was initially built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. The fort was later extended by Tipu Sultan, the Emperor of Mysore. Situated near the City Market, the fort dates back to the year 1537. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 19: Bangalore-Cochin (Flight)-Munnar (130 kms)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Airport for flight to Cochin. On arrival hotel check in. Transfer to Munnar- a green carpets awaits you. On arrival hotel check in. Rest of the day at leisure you can scroll around the spice plantation or tea Estate. Overnight at hotel.

Day 20: Munnar
After breakfast take half day sightseeing of Eravikulam National Park where you can see the very rare mountain goats locally called the Nilgiri Tahr, visit Mattupetty Dam which offers many fascinating sights to relish. The Shola forests around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and bird watching, with the variety of birds found there. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 21: Munnar-Thekkady (90 kms)
After breakfast proceed to Thekkady known for Periyar wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival hotel check in. PM; proceed for boat cruise on Lake Periyar for jungle viewing. There is even provision for night safari. Return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 22: Thekkady-Kumarakom
Post breakfast drive to Kumarakom. On arrival embark on to Houseboat at Boat Jetty & for the next 24 to board the beautifully decorated houseboats and begin the enchanting backwater cruising. The backwaters of Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found no where else in the world. A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters is sure to rob your heart.  For the next 24 hours you will be in a watery universe, so quiet, even you can hear your own blood pumping around your head. Sparkling greens, emerald backwaters, coir-laden houseboats and magical beauty heals your mind and body as you travel to surreal Kerala. Overnight at Houseboat.

Day 23: Kumarakom-Cochi (90 kms)
Post breakfast disembark from houseboat & proceed to Cochin. On arrival hotel check in. Later we will take you for the sightseeing of Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basillica, Jewish Synagogue. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 24: Cochin (Departure)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport.