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 Day
01:
ARRIVAL / MUMBAI
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Mumbai and
transfer to the hotel - Sun N Sand
Traditional welcome with garlands as our representative
welcomes you aboard your deluxe car. During the ride to
your hotel, our representative would introduce India, as
well as some common Indian customs and courtesies. 'Namaste'
and welcome to India or as we say 'atithi devo bhava'
(the guest is an incarnation of God).
OVERNIGHT: SUN N SAND HOTEL - (SUPERIOR ROOM)
Day 02:
MUMBAI / COCHIN (9W 401 - 1035
/ 1220)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect your
flight to Cochin, a fascinating 4* hotel replete with
character. The sea food restaurant here is a tremendous
place in case you are fond of eating fish. The
restaurant is open sided and the manager walks up to you
with a cart of fish (dead, mercifully !). You make the
pick and he cooks. The food here would be WOW stuff !.
Cooked in typical Kerala style and marinated with
coconut and mild herbs, the food leaves a refreshing
tingle on your taste buds !
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the
hotel Casino
Kathakali Dance
A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to
witness the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama,
as it enacts episodes from great Indian epics. The
extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make-up, the
masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male
dancers, recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry.
OVERNIGHT: CASINO HOTEL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 03:
COCHIN
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour.
An ancient harbor town, Cochin reflects the influence of
the many foreign traders who visited the city. The
Jewish synagogue, one of the oldest in India, is set in
the heart of the area known as "Jew Town" surrounded by
an aromatic spice market, and interesting shops selling
antiques. The synagogue is decorated with blue ceramic
Chinese tiles, each distinct in their design. The
pictures on the tiles relate the tale of the romance
between a wealthy mandarin. We spend time in the
surrounding markets and walk to the Mattancherry Palace,
which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the raja of
Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two
storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala
style known as nalukattu (four buildings). The palace
exhibits memorabilia from the raja of Kochi' collection,
but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted
on the wooden walls. The royal bedroom has ceilings and
walls covered with forty-five 16th century paintings
illustrating the Ramayana.
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities
OVERNIGHT: CASINO HOTEL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 04:
COCHIN / KUMARAKOM
Today after a relaxed morning we drive to Kumarakom.
Upon arrival, check in to Coconut Lagoon which has
rightly carved its place among the top 10 heritage
resorts of the world. The resort is on a small island
and can be reached only by boat. The accommodation
consists of individual cottages built in the traditional
Kerala style, relying heavily on wood and some with
private pools.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
You have the option for participating in Cookery
demonstration of the Resort.
OVERNIGHT: COCONUT LAGOON (MANSIONS)
Day
05:
KUMARAKOM
Day is free for independent activities.
Today you can also enjoy the optional ayurvedic body
massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore
the surrounding tribal villages.
You could also to visit the adjacent Kumarakom Bird
sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake
is known for its varied avian population. The bird
sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a
favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's
paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl,
cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian
stork that live there in flocks are a fascination for
visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the
Kumarokom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
The main attractions are local birds like the water
fowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as
well as the migratory Siberian cranes.Parrots, teal,
larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are
seen here during their respective migratory seasons.
OVERNIGHT: COCONUT LAGOON (MANSIONS)
Day 06:
KUMARAKOM / MARARIKULAM
Today we drive to MARARIKULAM.
The Marari Beach is a Brand New Hotel built in the style
of an traditional fishing village with thatched villas
that have been designed to be in keeping with the local
village style. The 400 sq.ft spacious villas are all
air-conditioned with twin or double beds, mini bar,
coffee making facilities and delightfully furnished
veranda with ceiling fan. The bathrooms are spacious and
modern, built in traditional Kerala style with an
open-air courtyard, complete with a banana or Pappaya
tree
OVERNIGHT: MARAI BEACH RESORT (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 07:
MARARIKULAM
Full day at leisure for your independent activities
You may hike into local villages or hire bikes to cycle
along the beach or ride along the countryside.
OVERNIGHT: MARAI BEACH RESORT (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 08:
MARARIKULAM / COCHIN / MUMBAI
(9W 402 - 1300/1450 hrs) MUMBAI / DELHI (IT118 2035/2230
hrs)
Morning at leisure for independent activities
Afternoon transfer to Cochin airport in time to board
flight to Mumbai to make your onward connection to Delhi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
hotel The Connaught
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 09:
DELHI
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Old
Delhi.
This morning you head out to the Old Delhi. Old Delhi
came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital
from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort that dominates this
area is the landmark. Built in the mid 17th century by
Shah Jahan, it was plundered by the marauding armies of
Nadir Shah and later by British soliders. After visiting
the fort, we arrive at the 300 year old chandni chowk
market. A maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an
extra ordinary variety of items and food, the noise and
crowds are a quite essential part of any Indian market.
We explore the market on a cycle rickshaw, our path
leading us through lanes, each dedicated to a particular
item, rather like a departmental stores. Leather wear,
clothes, bridal wear, jewelry, and of course the
aromatic popular street where food ranging from deep
fried sweet meats to Paranthas - a bread stuffed with a
variety of vegetables.
From here we continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday
Mosque. This is India's largest mosque designed by Shah
Jahan and was his last architectural legacy. Originally
it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum, which means "mosque
commanding a view of the world". It is well worth
climbing to the top of the southern minaret for an
unrivalled view of Old and New Delhi. In complete
contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi is Raj
Ghat, a simle and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi,
the main architect of India's independence.
Afternoon we visit The New Delhi - which is a blend of
ancient and pre independence India. The Qutub Minar, the
tapering monument begun in 1199 was built to symbolize
the supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually
the proto type of all minars or towers in India. A pivot
of faith, justice and righteousness, its name carried
the message of its founder Qutub -ud-din's own
achievements and the inscriptions say that the tower was
erected to cast the shadow of God over the East and
West. We also visit the Humayun's Tomb which was built
by the mother of emperor Akbar. This is the earliest
example of Mughal architecture in India.
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 10:
DELHI / AGRA
Morning we drive to the City of Taj Mahal.
Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence
even today, in the haunting presence inside the
monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite
arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an
exceptional cuisine… all, cherished as priceless
legacies of a nostalgic past. The older city of Agra has
impressively retained much of its resplendent history…
captivating every visitor with fond memories to take
back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also
exist adjacent to tradition - luxury hotels, shopping
malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of
venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure,
education and the arts. Upon arrival check in to your
hotel.
After lunch we visit the Massive Agra Fort - Designed
and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded
by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl
Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri
Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. The
fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double
barricaded wall of red sand stone. Many buildings were
constructed within the fort of which very few remain
till date. One of the most significant is the Jahangiri
Mahal built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai.
The Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and
its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse
carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets,
piers and cross beams. Most of the panels in the eastern
hall are decorated with the Persian styled stucco
paintings in gold and blue. It is believed that a
century later, most of the structure were dismantled by
Shahjahan and were replaced with white marble pavilions
covered with intricate inlay work. Of which the most
prominent ones are - the Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam Burj
and the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built
the Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am.
Taj Mahal changes its mood with the seasons and the
different times of the day. At dusk, the marble has a
delicate bloom in shell pink, turning to a soft pearly
grey at dusk. On the full moon nights, the silver light
makes it float away against the star sprangled sky.
Monsoon clouds give it a moody blue tint and it appears
and disappears like a mirage in the drifting mists of
winter. It can be solid and earth bound, fragile and
ethereal, white, amber, grey and gold. The many faces of
the Taj Mahal displays the seductive power of
architecture and jewellery as both are reflected in the
Taj Mahal. It is one of the most flawless architectural
creation in the world. We will visit this monument of
love at Sun-set.
OVERNIGHT: HOWARD PARK PLAZA (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 11:
AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI / JAIPUR
Morning drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri
An emperor builds a magnificent city as an act of
gratitude to a penniless saint, makes it the capital of
his empire and then for inexplicable reason abandons it.
Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After
just fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great
city of victory fell silent. Its echoing corridors still
seen to wait for the king to return. The hill top city
lies 37 kms from Agra. This deserted city has two
distinct complexes. The first comprises the royal
enclosure of the palace, the harem and official
buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint, with
a mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red
sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back
in the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the
gateway after a triumpant campaign, o be welcomed by his
delighted subjects and the royal courts. Its reflects
the many faceted character of the man who inspired it.
The ruthless empire builder who enjoyed all the trapping
of power and as liberal enlightened man who took a
passionate instant in every aspect of life, be it
religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.
Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri
Upon arrival, check into Shahpura House.
Afternoon is designed for escorted walks with our guide
in Jaipur's shady animated streets - or for independent
discovery. The city is best explored on foot and only
the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas
(streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the
city.
Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with
enamelled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry,
engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics
and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with
traditional crafts and miniature painting.
OVERNIGHT: SHAHPURA HOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)
Day
12:
JAIPUR
In the morning we visit the fort palace at Amber, its
forbidding exterior belying a bejeweled interior whose
richness reflects the sumptuous styles of the
surrounding Mughal courts. We will approach the fort on
elephant back. Our tour of this architectural delight
includes the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public Audience, an
open pavilion with cream marble pillars supporting an
unusual striped canopy shaped ceiling with a portico
with double red sandstone pillars; the Ganesh Pol which
separates the private and public areas is decorated with
mosaic and painted decorations; the Diwan I Khas or Hall
of Private Audience has a curved Bengali roof and has
marble pillars and a painted ceiling. The Hall of
Mirrors, the pleasure palaces inlaid with ivory and
sandalwood reflect the Mughal influence, whilst the
baradari the 12 arched pavilion reflect both Mughal and
Hindu influences.
Afternoon we stop at the city palace, a series of open
courtyards, simple stables and buildings leading to the
richly decorated royal rooms of the Chandra Mahal. The
museum within the palace house a fabulous collection of
textiles, carpets, manuscripts and costumes from the
personal collection of the royal family; the Jantar
Mantar, the ancient observatory, is the creation of the
scholar king Sawai Jai Singh. The name literally means
"Instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens".
An attractive and fascinating place, there are
extraordinary shaped stone monoliths faced with marble,
which are accurate even today. Adjoining are structures,
which depict the 12 zodiac signs that enable instant
readings to be made. We end our day at the colorful
market dominated by the elegant tapering Hawa Mahal or
Palace of the Winds. Nine storey high, decorated with
delicately carved niches and balconies, this pink
sandstone façade served as a concrete "purdah" or screen
for ladies of the royal harem, who would watch the
activities of the city from a position of privacy.
OVERNIGHT: SHAHPURA HOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 13:
JAIPUR / DELHI (270 kms) DELHI
/ SRINAGAR (9W 603 - 1115/1235 hrs)
Morning drive to the Delhi airport in time to board
flight for Srinagar
Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley
at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on
both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes
enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play
of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that
the city is equally attractive to visitors around the
year. ts waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the
unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports
activities, shopping for lovingly handcrafted souvenirs
and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among
those looking for a memorable holiday.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Srinagar airport
and transfer to the Houseboat on Dal Lake.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)
Day 14:
SRINAGAR
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city.
The larger and more elaborate pleasure garden of the
Mughals is the Shalimar Bagh, four kms away. Laid out by
Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan, this garden is also
divided into four terraces and has a water channel
running down its centre. On the topmost terrace is the
pavilion reserved for the royal visitors. Supported by
stunning black marble pillars, the pavilion had tiny
niches that were used to keep fragrant flowers in the
day and light up the pavilion with lamps at night.
We will also visit the important mosques of Srinagar is
the large Jamia Masjid built in 1674. The mosque has
thick wooden pillars, each made from an entire deodar
tree. One of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, the
foundation of the building was said to have been laid as
far back as 1398 by Sultan Sikandar. To the southeast is
the Rozahbal Mosque, for some esoteric and strange
reason known as the 'tomb of Jesus'. Across the River
Jhelum lies the Pattar Masjid, built in 1623 for the
Empress Nur Jahan. The mosque was later renamed as the
Shahi Masjid.
Evening enjoy the Shikara ride on Dal Lake to enjoy the
beauty that God has graced this city which is often
compared to Venice. You will gat a view of some very
interesting places around the lake.
OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)
Day 15:
SRINAGAR / GULMARG
Morning we drive to Gulmarg.
Literally a meadow of flowers, Gulmarg is one of the
most popular tourist destinations in the Kashmir valley.
A two-hour drive from Srinagar, down roads lined with
towering poplars and you arrive at the luxuriant resort
with breathtaking views of the splendid mountains and
unspoilt expanses of gree or white, depending on the
season. Crowded with tourists in winter who come for
skiing and winter sports or just to enjoy the snow,
Gulmarg also has a good golf course.
Upon arrival check into the hotel
Gulmarg offer plenty of options for nature walks and
mild treks along amazing scenes of natural beauty. We
would explore the magic of the place.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MT. VIEW - (B, L, D)
Day 16:
GULMARG
Full day at leisure for independent activities and
walks. Optional trekking and horse ridding on request at
the hotel can be made.
Gulmarg like most regions of Kashmir offer opportunities
for Pony rides too. You would be helped to undertake
pony rides if you wish to.
A Cable Car Ride: Enjoy a fun-filled ride of a most
unusual kind on Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift
from high above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes, is
exhilarating. A Cable Car (Gandola) is installed which
is great hit with tourists and it takes tourist's upto
Kongdori. The sky-car ride across 5 km and reaching an
altitude of 13,500 ft, the highest in the world.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MT. VIEW- (B, L, D)
Day 17:
GULMARG / PAHALGHAM
Morning we drive to Pahalgham.
After breakfast we proceed for full day excursion to
Pahalgam.
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar,
Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the
Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg
the nighttime temperatures do not drop so low and it has
the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River
running right through the town.
Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and
Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered
mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind
them. The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond
Lidderwat while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the
great Himalayan. At the confluence of the streams
flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake,
Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with
breathtaking views. Now it Kashmir's premier resort,
cool even during the height of summer.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Highland.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL HIGHLAND - (B, L, D)
Day 18:
PAHALGHAM
This morning we trek to Aru. The little village of Aru
is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to
Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an
interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder
river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km
upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by
car, is on the left bank of the river. At Aru one will
often find the Gujars, living in their log huts with
their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher
sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the
summer. One of course does not have to trek the full
way, but, we can return after an hour if we wish to.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL HIGHLAND - (B, L, D)
Day 19:
PAHALGHAM / SRINAGAR
Morning free for leisure and independent activities.
Late afternoon ride back to Srinagar
On arrival check in to the Luxury Houseboat.
OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)
Day 20:
SRINAGAR / DELHI (9W 1315/1535
hrs)
Afternoon transfer to the hotel in time to board flight
for Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the
Hotel.
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL - (STANDARD ROOM) (B,
L, D)
Day 21:
DELHI / DEPARTURE
Today transfer to the International airport in time to
board flight back home. |
