Best of Both Worlds Tour PackagesCovered Destination : Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Agra
- Jaipur - Mumbai - Cochin - Mummar - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom
- Backwaters - Alleppey - Trivandrum - Delhi / Mumbai. Duration : 19 Nights / 20 Days
Day 1 : Delhi
A land of rich heritage that's ancient. The mystique of India, its history
of 5000 years, philosophy, religions, fabulous history monuments all add
to its bewildering diversity to create a unique and colorful mosaic. This
is the wonder that is India, come, enjoy and experience it. Later
stay in the 5 star deluxe hotels & leisure. New Delhi begins
with the drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD) on the way to Qutab Minar
(1193 AD) this striking medieval tower of victory of Persian World is 73
m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque,
stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not
rusted over 1500 years. Then drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy
area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings, India Gate, Sikh Temple
(Bangla Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place, New Delhi's
main shopping area. Visit Humayun's Tomb - considered to be the fore runner
of Taj Mahal.
Day 2 : Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, the tour guide escorts you to Jama
Mosque built in 1650 AD, followed by a drive past the breathtaking Red Fort
(1639-1648), and built by Shah Jahan, creator of the Taj Mahal. Then we
proceed on to Raj Ghat, which is the memorial of Mahatma Gandh.
In the afternoon, your tour of New Delhi begins
with the drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD) on the way to Qutab Minar
(1193 AD) this striking medieval tower of victory of Persion World is
73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam
mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather
and has not rusted over 1500 years. Then drive through New Delhi includes
the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings, India Gate,
Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara), Birla Temple and Connaught Place,
New Delhi's main shopping area. Visit Humayun's Tomb - considered to be
the fore runner of Taj Mahal.
Day 03: Varanasi
In morning take breakfast at hotel and check out to catch a flight to
Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be received by our representative
to escort you to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Late evening you take a tour trough the down town,
taking you the mother of all rivers, the Ganges.
Varansai, the city of learning and burning is often called as "Kashi",
literally meaning the city of light. The visit offers you a journey into
eternity.
You also take a boat ride on the ganges and participate in the evening
aarti ceremony, where the brahmis, the priests salute the mother ganges
for spreading life and wisdom. Overnight stay will be at hotel.
Varanasi (the city of light / learning and cremation/
burning)
The venerable and ancient city Varanasi is the religious centre of the
world for Hindus. It is a magnificent city, with myriad attractions, both
as an exalted place of pilgrimage and a microcosmic centre of faith. Thousands
of pilgrims visit the city from all parts of India and from across the
world. Varanasi is a unique city where the past and present, eternity
and continuity lives side by side .It is considered to be the immortal
abode of Shiva. The life and activities in the city revolve around the
holy river. Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands
of pilgrims -men, women and children, come down to the river to wait for
the rising sun.
Day 04: Varanasi - Khajuraho
Enjoying a boat ride on river Ganges at Sunrise to see the devout praying
and bathing on the Ghats (Banks), with funeral pyres burning in the distance.
Have the city tour through the narrow lanes and visit some temples. Take
a flight to Khajuraho and on arrival you will be transferred to your pre-booked
deluxe / luxury hotel. Rest of the time will be free at leisure to explore
the temples of city. Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 05: Khajuraho - Agra
Visit the architectural marvels of "the Khajuraho Temples"
that are celebrated their Millennium. Later leave for Jhansi to board
Shatabdi Express for Agra. Upon arrival in Agra, our guide will pick you
up at the railway station and transfer to your pre-booked deluxe / luxury
hotel. Rest of the will be free to relax. Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 06: Agra
Today morning begins early, as we recommend visiting the Taj at sunrise,
when its sublime beauty enchants you at the first sight. The visit allows
the best photography of the building as during the early hours it's not
very crowded. Return to the hotel for breakfast. There after your tour
continues and your personal guide takes you to other spectacular monuments
of the Mughal era , including the larger than life Agra Fort and the sublime
Itmad-ud-Daulah ( baby Taj).
Overnight stay will be at the Hotel. AGRA - Taj Mahal
one of the Seven Wonders of the World built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the
memory oh his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took
22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000. Craftsmen and master
builders came from all over Asia to join in the great work - from Baghdad,
Shiraz, Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India's finest; was quarried
at Makrana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported
from distant lands : Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China,
Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from
Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia,
Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean.
Day 07: Jaipur
In the morning after breakfast at hotel you will be driven to Jaipur.
En- route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of the Mughals. We
drive to spectacular Samode palace for lunch...
Check-in at your pre-booked deluxe / luxury hotel.
Later in the evening we take you on a tour of Laxmi Narayan temple built
in white marble, a city ride and retire at the hotel. Overnight stay will
be at the Hotel.
Jaipur
THE splendid Fort / Palace of AMBER was wrested by the Kachhwaha Rajputs
in the mid-12th century. They dominated the surrounding area for the next
six centuries. Amber was also the prime site of the alliance between the
Mughals and the Rajputs. The astronomer-King Sawai Jai Singh II, famous
for his Jantar Mantar ascended the throne in 1699. He soon decided to
build a new city in the plains: JAIPUR was designed according to the principals
of the Shilpa-Shastra (Architecture) and the capital shifted here in 1727,
the city attracted merchants and crafts-people that over time shaped its
irresistible bazaar. Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar characterize
the old city, while the forts of Nahargarh and Jaigarh, and add to the
spectacle of the city.
Day 08: Jaipur
Today after breakfast at hotel, you will take excursion to Amber the old
capital of Jaipur rulers. Ride on back of an elephant from the foot of
the hill up to the gates of the fortress. Afternoon sight seeing tour
of Jaipur includes Maharaja's Museum and Jai Singh Astronomical Observatory
and Hawa Mahal.
This evening we host you a dinner with an Indian family to observe the
guest friendliness of an Indian host. Overnight will be at the hotel.
Day 09: Mumbai After an early breakfast proceed for the airport to catch your flight
to Mumbai. On arrival you will be transferred to your pre-booked deluxe
/ luxury hotel. After wash and change you will take sightseeing tour of
Mumbai. Overnight will at hotel.
Mumbai with its lively and a confluence
of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given it a unique
position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra
State formerly known as Bombay lies in the south-western part of India
and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying
off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence
of a maverick money maker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude,
Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal
port on the Arabian Sea. Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that
is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located
on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess
"Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the
principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the
south-eastern section of the Mumbai city.
Day 10: Cochin
In morning after breakfast you will be transferred to airport to board
flight to Cochin. Arrive at Cochin and transfer to your pre-booked deluxe
/ luxury hotel. Relax for the day. Overnight will be at Cochin.
Cochin is a diverse and colorful port/city, spreading
over 4-5 islands and peninsulas. The main town of Ernakulam is on the
mainland. All the islands are connected by a ferryboat network and therein
lies the charm of an exploratory two days here. Around the headland of
Fort Cochin, a phalanx of cantilevered Chinese fishing boats dip into
the sea at high tide. In its back streets, there is an aroma of ginger,
cardamom and other spices, piled high in every nook and cranny.
Day 11: Munnar
After morning breakfast, you will be driven to Munnar. Munnar us a beautiful
peaceful hill station covered with unending expanse of tea plantation.
Munnar is 120km away from Cochin with an altitude ranging from 1600 to
1800 meters above sea level. On arrival at Munnar, you will check-in at
your pre-booked deluxe / luxury hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Over night stay will be at hotel.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely
Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
This hill station, located at an altitude of 1600
m above sea level, was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British
government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns,
winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the 'Neelakurinji'.
This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom
next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi,
which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Day 12: Munnar
Morning after breakfast at hotel, you will proceed for a full day local
tour of Munnar. Visit Pothanmedu for an excellent view of plantation,
Pallivasal , Nyayamakad water falls the visit Top station it is one of
the major attraction of Munnar it is 1700meters above sea level from hear
we get a panoramic view of Kodaikanal later visit Eravikulam - Rajamalai
Wild life sanctuary , Mudapetty Dam etc. In evening return back to hotel
for dinner and over night stay.
Day 13: Periyar
In morning after breakfast you will be driven to Periyar (also known as
Thekkady). The name Periyar comes after the Dam made here by the English
in 1895. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild
life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds.
The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by
tea, coffee & other spices. On arrival, you will check-in to your
pre-booked deluxe / luxury hotel. In afternoon you will leave for a guided
plantation tour to the nearby garden where in various species of spices
and other aromatic plants are cultivated. The guide explains & clarifies
your doubts on this tour. Depending on the day's opportunity you will
also taken to visit a tea factory nearby. Overnight will be at hotel in
Thekkady.
Periyar: One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries
in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers
every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is
ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat.
The forest here slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill.
This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to
drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted
here.
There are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake. The best
season to visit the park is between October and June. Spread over 777
sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar sanctuary is
located 137 km from Madurai.
Although an excursion on the splendid artificial lake is the standard
way to experience the sanctuary, you can also walk around with the local
guide in a small group. Wild Elephant herds come to the lake to frolic
in the water.
Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer,
Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc.
There are over 260 species of birds here; including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons,
blue.
Day 14: Periyar
Early morning you will take a Guided Jungle walk at the Periyar tiger
reserve / national park. This walk is very interesting and gives you the
chance to see the wildlife life at a very close distance. If you are lucky
you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards & tigers. Return to
hotel and rest. In afternoon you will leave for the most popular boat
trip at the National Park - the best way to observe game in wild is by
boat. There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison's
and packs of wild boars that roam through the woods and parade along the
shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see also
different species of apes. The golden langur monkey that lives here is
rarely seen in the rest of India. Other animals in Periyar are otters
and porcupines. Water turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on
the pieces of wood that stick out of the water. Osprey and Cormorants
belong to the most important species of birds in this area. Overnight
will be at hotel in Thekkady.
Day 15: Kumarakom
Morning after breakfast at hotel, you will be driven to Kumarakom. Kumarakom
Back water is called as jewels of kerala it is an encatching back water
destination in the map of kerala. Kumarakom situated on the Vembanad lake
in this small water world you will come across plenty of Traditional country
crafts boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic
lake on arrival Kumarakom check in Back water resort later proceed for
a local tour of Kumarakom visit Kumarakom back waters,Kumarakom bird sanctuary
,House boat Jetty etc and over night stay at your pre-booked deluxe /
luxury resort.
Day 16: Backwaters
Morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to deluxe house boat
for a 24hrs Kerala back water cruise covering Kumarakom and Alleppey back
waters. Each houseboat is of excellent construction and luxurious furnishing
with exquisite flooring, hull and valavara (canopy). They are in top cruise
worthy condition. With a sun deck, spacious living / dining area and with
attached toilets. Houseboat is usually manned by a crew, comprising a
cook, a guide and oarsman. While aboard you can avail similar facilities
offered in a star hotel. All meals will be served inside the house boat
open top dinning gall and over night stay at House boat.
Day 17: Alleppey
After Morning breakfast proceed for a local tour of Alleppey. Alleppey
is a district of immense natural beauty. referred to as the Venice of
the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is
also home to diverse animal and bird life Visit Kuttanad also called as
rice bowel of kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is at the very
heart of the backwaters then visit Alappuzha beach, Sea View Park etc
and over night stay at Alleppey.
Day 18: Trivandrum
After breakfast, you will be driven to Trivandrum in the morning. And
on arrival at Trivandrum, you will be transferred to you pre-booked deluxe
/ luxury hotel. You will be free to spend the day at your leisure. You
can either explore Trivandrum, or relax at the hotel. Overnight will be
at hotel.
Day 19: Trivandrum
After a hearty breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point
in India. Visit the attractions of Kanyakumari including Amman Temple
and the Vivekananda Rock. Later drive back to Trivandrum for overnight
stay.
Day 20: Delhi / Mumbai
Today morning after breakfast at hotel your will be free for activities
in Trivandrum. In time you will be transferred to airport for flight to
Delhi / Mumbai for onward journey.
Inclusions :
The tour includes :
a) Accommodation in the prescribed category of hotels on twin sharing
basis with breakfast on regular basis.
b) A/c Transport of high standards with soft beverages and mineral water
served during drives with compliments.
c) Entrances at all the monuments and services of an excellent personal
guide at all the destinations.
d) Assistance upon arrival and departure by our skilled representatives
at all destinations.
e) Meals as prescribed
f) All internal flights and Train ( 1st A/C).
Exclusions :
a) International flights from Varanasi to Kathamandu & Kathamandu
to Delhi With Taxes Extra
b) International Flight From Your Country to India and Back.
c) Any tips for the porters, drivers or the tour guides.
d) Any drinks and beverages during the paid meals, if not specified.
