Kerala : Spices, Tea & More

Day 01: Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore and transfer to Mysore, about 3 hrs

Mysore has a long history of eminent dynasties that ruled from here and created a city that, even today, is one of the finest in southern India with tree-lined boulevards, beautiful gardens, parks and stately palaces. with a profusion of exquisite domes, arches and turrets.

Afternoon at leisure and in the evening visit The Mysore Palace for the Sound and Light show and illuminations (only on weekends)

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 02: Mysore
In the morning visit the Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace, which was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharajah’s of Mysore state. The original palace was built of wood, but burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt in Indo-Saracenic style, by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin.

The palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art fromall overthe world.

Continue on to Chamundi Hill for the 2,000-year-old temple of Chamundeswari, dedicated to the deity of the Mysore royal family.

Also visit the Devaraja Fruit and Vegetable Market, One of Mysore’s landmarks, the market is probably as old as the city andbuzzes with activity and an explosion of colours with heaps of crimson red chillies mingling with yellow and greenvegetables and fruits of different colours.

In the afternoon drive about half hour North East to Srirangapatna.

Built on an Island in The Cauvery River, this fortress was once the capital of the warrior king Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan and it was from here that The Tiger, as Tipu Sultan was known, waged his last battle with the combined forces of the British & The Nizamof Hyderabad. Tipu was killed, betrayed by one of his own confidants and the fortress was ransacked and the loot taken to England where some of it is on view at the V & A museum.

Visit the Remains of Tipu’s Palace which has some stunning murals, The Rangnathswamy Temple and The Daria Daulat Gardens as well as The Brindavan Gardens before returning to Mysore for Overnight at the Hotel

Day 03: Mysore/Kabini
In the morning drive about 2 hrs South Westtor Kabini at The Nagarhole National Park.

The legend and romance of Kabini plays out in a theatre called Nagarhole, and revolves around a pristine river called Kabini (originally Kapila) that snakes its way through the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, and forms an aqueous boundary with the Bandipur National Park. Together, this area constitutes the largest contiguous forest cover in this part of the world and is part of the Nilgiri biosphere, the largest in Asia and home to the largest concentration of herbivores in Asia. Herbivores don't get larger than the Asiatic elephant, whose favorite playground this is.

Lunch at the Hotel. In the afternoon take a boat safari upstream on the Kabini River.

The backwaters of the Kabini act as a huge water body, attracting a wide variety of water birds and Asiatic elephants, peacefully feeding and getting on with their lives, at the exact spot where, not so long ago, they were ruthlessly trapped and sold into a life of slavery.

Dinner & Overnight at the Resort.

Day 04: Kabini
In the Morning take a jungle drive into the park. Besides Herbivores, The Nagarhole ecosystem also has a large number of predators with the Tiger, Wild dog and Leopard being the main.

Lunch at resort the in the afternoon, enjoyanother Jungle Safari.

OR, visit the BYLAKUPPE MONASTERY, about 1.5 hrs West.

Bylakuppe is one of the main Tibetan settlements in India establishedfor Tibetan refugees who came to resettle in India after 1959; It nowconsists of several hamlets and has number of monasteries, nunneries and temples, most notable amongst them being The Namdroling monastery (in the Nyingma tradition).

Dinner and Overnight at the resort.

Day 05: Kabini/Wayanad
In the morning drive about 2hrs South to Wayanad.

Wayanad, exclusively known as the “Green Paradise” of Kerala is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats. Cool, misty, green, clean and pristine - these verdant hills arefull of plantations, forest and wildlife. Wayanad hills are contiguous to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about in their most natural abode.

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and besides rich wildlife, it housessome of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna.

Lunch at The Resort. Late afternoonVisit the Muthanga Wildlife Park for a Jeep ride looking for wildlife such as Elephants, Leopards, Bison, Deer, Peacock etc.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Kabini/Cheruthuruthy
In the morning drive South, about 5 hrsto Cheruthuruthy.

Lunch at the hotel.In the afternoon visit the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, which has many a claim to its fame, being one of the largest elephant parks in the world offering refuge to several elephants, many of which have been donated by temple devotees.

Those interested, continue to the Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple, one of the holiest places of worship for Hindus and is often referred to as "Bhooloka Vaikuntam" which translates to the holy abode of Vishnu on Earth.

Note –Foreigners are NOT allowed inside the temple; thus the visit is from outside only.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

Day 07: Cheruthuruthy/ Kochi (Cochin)
In the morning visit Kerala Kalamandalam for a Day with The Masters.

Kerala Kalamandalam renamed as Kamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture, is a major centre for learning Indian performing arts. The institution was founded in 1930 and imparts training in classical dance and theatre forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Thullal, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Nangiar Koothu, besides the traditional orchestra called Panchavadyam as well asvarious percussion instruments.

Kalamandalam follows the gurukula sampradayam, the ancient education system based on the old age tradition of residential schooling where students stayed with the teachers.

Drive on to Kochi, South, about 2 hours with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08: Kochi (Cochin)
Cochin or Kochi is a city built on scattered islands. Unlike Mumbai, reclamation projects have not cemented the islands together into one indistinguishable mass and the place therefore has a canal town feel even though it is a modern, bustling port. And what makes Kochi more unique is that the city straddles the portion of land between the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the backwaters. A quaint system of ferries connects the various parts of the city.

In the morning visit the Jewish Synagogue.

Built in 1568 and rebuilt in 1664, The Jewish Synagogue it is one of the oldest synagogues in India with its interior a hotchpotch of styles, consisting of hand painted blue and white floor tiles from Canton, 19th century Belgian oil-burning chandeliers and an elaborately carved Ark housing four scrolls from the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament.

Visit the Dutch Palace, well known for its mural paintings and St Francis Church.

This Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate travelers, Vasco da Gamma, were initially buried and taken to Portugal 14 years later,

Also visit The Santa Cruz Basilica, a Roman Catholic Church known for its beautiful paintings.

Walk down Fort Cochin to see the Chinese fishing nets in operation at the entrance of Kochi Harbour - they are a fascinating sight. Chinese traders first brought them back from Kublai Khan's court.

The air is filled with the smells of the spices, and the pepper is given the name Black gold and If interested, visit the ware houses from where this strong and rich smell comes from.

Afternoon at leisure and in the evening witness a Kathakali dance performance.

Kathakali’ literally means story-play and is an elaborate dance depicting the victory of truth over falsehood. A Striking feature of Kathakali is the use of elaborate make-up and colorful costumes. This is to emphasize that the characters are super beings from another world, and their make-up is easily recognizable to the trained eye as satvik or godlike, rajasik or heroic, and tamasik or demonic.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Kochi (Cochin)/Munnar
Drive about 4 hrs to the Hill country and arrive at Munnar.
The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,500 m (4,921 ft) to 2,695 m (8,842 ft) above sea level. It is pronounced "Moon-aar" short for "moonu aar" meaning 3 rivers. Three rivers - Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through the town.
Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, many of them started by the British with perhaps the most famous being the "Kannan Devan" brand from the House of Tatas.
The economy of the Munnar region is heavily dependent on the cultivation of tea, coffee and over twelve varieties of absolutely fragrant spices like sweet cinnamon, spicy cloves and peppercorns and delicate nutmeg.
The strobilanthus ("neelakurinji" in Malayalam, the local language), a blue flower which blooms only every 12 years, is found in this region. It bloomed last in December 2006.
Rest of the day at leisure with car/driver available for local use.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Munnar
In the morning visit Tata tea museum, also known as the KDHP Tea Museum a must-see for its collection of odd bits from the colonial era(videography is prohibited). A very interesting 30
minute film is screened, and one can also go to the factory to understand how tea is processed
Continue to The Eravikulam National Park to see the the NilgiriThar(subject to local conditions) and The Mattupetty dairy farm etc.
Also a visit to the spice plantation and a coffee estate before returning to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure with car/driver available for local use.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11: Munnar/Marari Beach
In the morning travel about 4 hrs South west to the coast and the sea resort of Mararikulam.

Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach and the facilities available at the resort, notably Ayurvedic massages.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12: Marari /Backwaters
In the morning, drive South, about half hour for a visit to the back waters.

Originally created by 45 rivers, which flow down from the Western Ghats to the coast, the region is characterized by lush coconut groves and paddy fields and is known as Kuttanad – “the land of the short people”, a reference perhaps, to the sight of the men and women-working knee deep in paddy fields.

For centuries, the waterways have provided an efficient and a peaceful transport system for the local farmers and inhabitants. Foreign invaders, too, appreciated their importance as trade and communication arteries, and built a number of settlements along the riverbanks.

Today, coconuts and peppers are still carried in country boats, newspapers are delivered by skiff, and children go to school by ferry. The scene is idyllic and the mood dreamlike. Life on the backwaters is quite distinct beating to its own gentle rhythm.

Cruise along the lakes and canals to observe the villages and settlements and arrive at Philip Kuti’s Farm house, set on an island reclaimed from the backwaters. This working farm, which practices sustainable/organic methods of farming, is two metres below the lake level and has coconut, toddy, nutmeg, banana, cocoa and pepper cultivation not to forget the jumbo prawn (scampi) and karimeen (pearlspot) found in some of the farm canals.
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Lunch at the Farm House and return to Marari with the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 13: Marari
Day at leisure in Marari to enjoy the Resort, the beach and The Malabar Coast’s eco systems.

Day 14: Marari/Kochi
Transfer to Kochi Airport (about 2 hours) to connect flight back home.

INCLUDED
• Hotels with breakfast
• Full board at Nagarhole, Wayanad and Cheruthuruthy
• 1 lunch on backwaters
• Private air conditioned car
• 3 Safaris at Kabini- 2 by shared Jeep and one by motor boat
• One Jeep Safari in Wayanad
• Local guides
• One-time entrance to monuments

NOT INCLUDED
• Meals in Bangalore, Mysore, Kochi, Munnar and Marari
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• Insurance for theft, illness or trip cancellation etc.

Ajanta Ellora & Kerala

Day 01
Arrive Mumbai
Arrive into the busy western cosmopolitan city of Bombay or Mumbai and after clearing immigration and customs you will be met and transferred to hotel.

A beautiful harbor studded with hilly islands and a palm- fringed shore that rises gradually to the peaks of mountain ranges all combine to form a fine waterfront for Bombay, "the Gateway of India". Besides being a major port, Bombay is also a great industrial center, a cosmopolitan cityand the commercial capital of India..

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02
Mumbai / Aurangabad
Morning in Bombay to visit the Gateway of India, a 262 feet high gateway overlooking the sea, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

Drive past the Hanging gardens, Victoria Railway Station & Crawford Market to the Flora Fountain, a center of all business activities. Visit the Mani Bhavan or the Gandhi Museum which is a building where Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation stayed during his visits to Bombay from 1917-34 and the ‘not-to-be missed’ Dhobi Ghats (public laundry).

At noon transfer to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad.

Dep:  Mumbai at 16.05 pm
Arr:    Aurangabad at 17.05pm

On arrival transfer to hotel.

Once a Mughal capital, Aurangabad is now a thriving industrial metropolis situated on the northern part of the elevated Deccan plateau in the region known as Marathwada.

Rest of the day is free and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03
Aurangabad
In the Morning visit The Ajanta caves, about 2 hrs North East.

Buddhist monks spent centuries carving 29 caves into a horseshoe-shaped cliff on the Waghora River. Completed around the 7th century, these masterpieces were lost for centuries until a British hunting party stumbled upon them in 1819.

Five of the caves were temples and 24 monasteries, that were thought to have been occupied by some 200 monks and artisans of those times and the caves contain some of India's most magnificent paintings. The murals exquisitely depict scenes from Buddhist legends and reveal telling details of life and culture of that time.

Return to the hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04
Aurangabad/Hyderabad
In the Morning visit Ellora a short drive North West to visit the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist cave temples that were carved after removing an estimated 200,000 tons of rock.

With statues, columns and decorative facades, these temples are a wonder of ancient art. The highlight is the mighty Kailasa Temple, the zenith of Hindu rock-cut temple architecture. The temple's measurements and the statistics involved in its construction are astounding , about 55 yards cube of one piece of stone.

Hewn from this solid rock from the top down, using the most rudimentary of tools, the temple now appears freestanding and incorporates enclosures, galleries, a bridge, two large stone elephants, massive stone flagstaffs' and several finely carved panels.

In the Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad.

Dep:  Aurangabad at 17.55 pm
Arr:    Hyderabad at 20.05 pm (via Bombay)

On arrival transfer to hotel.

Situated on the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad was established by The Qutab Shah Dynasty, then ruled by The Mughals before becoming a British Princely State and then joining the Union of India.

Historically know as a Diamond and Pearl trading centre, Hyderabad today is home to all kinds of Industry including The IT industry and is an education hub.

Rest of the day free and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05
Hyderabad
In the Morning visit Charminar (Four Towers) Hyderabad’s principal landmark built in 1591 the structure stands about 160 ht high and 100 ft wide.

Continue to the Mecca Masjid, adjacent to the Char Minar, reputed to have several bricks made from the soil from Mecca & to the Salar Jung Museum, a collection of thousands of objects D’art from all over the world.

Visit the Birla Mandir, constructed in pure white marble in a blend of Dravidian, Rajasthani&Utkal styles, The Temples presiding deity is an 11 ft granite idol of Lord Venketswara in lotus form.

Also visit the Golkonda Fort about 10 Kms west of the City; first built as a mud fort about 945AD atop a 400 ft high granite hill, it was rebuilt and strengthened by subsequent rulers before the Mughal siege in 1687 laid it to ruins; Golkonda is known for its diamond mining and it’s said that the Fort had a vault where diamonds,like The Kohinoor and The Hope Diamond were stored.

The Fort is best known for its magical acoustic system, its palaces, water supply system & The Rahban cannon.

Return to the Hotel with the rest of the day at Leisure and Late in the afternoon return to the Fort for a SOUND & LIGHT Show.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 06
Hyderabad/Bangalore/Hubli/Hampi
In the morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangalore.

Dep: Hyderabad at 09.00 am
Arr: Bangalore at 10.35 am

CHANGE PLANES

Dep:  Bangalorte at 15.45 pm
Arr:    Hubli at 17.05 pm

Transfer from the airport to Hampi, about 3 + ½ hrseast and on arrival check-in Hotel.

Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara Empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mughaL India, stretching over at least three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Mughal invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. Amid scenes of savagery, massacre and horrors defying description, they reduced the city to ruins.

DINNER and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 07
Hampi
Full day tour of Hampi visiting important site like the Virupaksha temple, the King’s balance, the Lotus Mahal, Vithala Temple etc.

Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Strewn over a large area (about nine square miles) the ruins at Hampi offers to the tourist a remainder of the greatest land in the whole world. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the same language; a language of glory and beauty.

Return to Hampi for DINNER and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08
Hampi/Aihole/Pattadakal/Bangalore
In the morning drive North to Aihole, about 2 + ½ hrs.

Aihole was the first capital of the Chalukyan Empire and gives a glimpse of early Hindu temple architecture.Hundreds of temples dot the scenic landscape and the prominent temple groups are the Kontigudi and the Galaganatha.

Continue 45 minutes to Pattadakal, set amidst a quaint landscape along the banks of the Malaprabha River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ancient temple complex. The second capital of the Chalukya dynasty, Pattadakal’s magnificent 8th-century temples epitomizes the zenith of Chalukyan architecture.

Used as a ceremonial centre for royal festivities and coronation ceremonies, the sacred temple complex of Pattadakal consists of 10 major temples, each resplendent with beautifully textured carvings and pillars.

Picnic LUNCH and continue to the Tungabharda Dam and Gardens before returning to Hampi for DINNER.

Late in the evening transfer to HOSPET Railway Station for Train to Bangalore.

Depart Hospet, 21.30 pm HampiExp A/cond Sleeper.

Day 09
Bangalore/Cochin /Back Waters
Arr Bangalore 06.05 am.

Transfer to a Hotel for WASH/CHANGE and Breakfast.

Bangalore, also known as the garden city, is in South Central India and is the capital of the state of Karnataka. There are many stories and legends relating to the city, however the present look of a garden city was given to it in the 16th century.

After Breakfast visit the highlights of the city &continue to the airport for flight to Cochin.

Drive past The VIDHAN SOUDHA, built in the early 50 in Neo Dravidian Style, this imposing granite structure houses the State Legislature.Visit LalBagh, The Botanical Gardens laid out in the 18th century and now houses the largest collection of tropical & sub tropical plants.

Dep:  Bangalore at 15.05 pm
Arr:    Cochin at 16.10pm

Transfer from Cochin to The Backwaters, about 2 hrs South for stay on a Plantation.

Rest of the day at leisure with DINNER and overnight at The Plantation.

Day 10
Back Waters
In the Morning cruise the famous Back waters of Kerala that comprise an idyllic network of rivers and Canals in a luxuriant coastal terrain. Originally created by 45 rivers, which flow down from the Western Ghats, the region is characterized by lush coconut groves and paddy fields cashew trees, hibiscus and modest thatched cottages.

For centuries, the waterways provided an efficient and peaceful transport system for the local farmers and inhabitants. Foreign invaders, too, appreciated their importance as trade and communication arteries, and built a number of settlements along the riverbanks. Today, coconuts and peppers are still carried in country boats, newspapers are delivered by skiff, and children go to school by ferry. The scene is idyllicand the mood dreamlike aslife on the backwaters beats its own gentle rhythm

LUNCH at the Plantation with the afternoon free for activities like a farm visit, cycling to the nearby villages, fishingor a visit to a local market.

Overnight at the Plantation.

Day 11
Back Waters – Full day visit Cochin
Cochin or Kochi is a city built on scattered islands. Unlike Mumbai, reclamation projects have not cemented the islands together into one indistinguishable mass. The islands have remained intact and the place has a canal town feel, though today it is a modern, bustling port.

Visit the Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest in India. The synagogue in Jew town was built in 1568 and rebuilt in 1664. Its interior is a hotchpotch of styles, with hand painted blue and white floor tiles from Canton, 19th century Belgian oil-burning chandeliers and an elaborately carved Ark housing four scrolls from the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament.

Also visit the Dutch Palace, well known for its mural paintings and The Francis Church, a Protestant church originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveler, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later, were taken to Portugal.
See the Chinese fishing nets in operation; at the entrance of Kochi Harbor.... they are a fascinating sight. Chinese traders first brought them back from Kublai Khan's court.
LUNCH at a traditional restaurant and in the Afternoon witness ‘Kathakali’ dance performance.

Kathakali’ literally means story-play and is an elaborate dance depicting the victory of truth over falsehood. A Striking feature of Kathakali is the use of elaborate make-up and colorful costumes. This is to emphasize that the characters are super beings from another world, and their make-up is easily recognizable to the trained eye as satvik or godlike, rajasik or heroic, and tamasik or demonic.
Return to the Plantation for DINNER and overnight.

Day 12
Back Waters / Kochi / Colombo
Late in the morning Transfer to Cochin Airport for flight to Sri Lanka.

Depart Kochi 16.15
Arr Colombo 17.25

Transfer from airport to Hotel.

The Capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, has a 2000 year old history as a port on the east West Routes and has been under domination of The Portuguese , Dutch and The British, something that is reflected in the City’s architecture, a mix of Colonial and High Rise.

Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Colombo
Day in Colombo to visit the city’s commercial and residential areas.
Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital and BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Colombo/Pinnewala /NuwaraEliya
In the morning travel about 2 hrs East to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Started in 1975 initially to house abandoned and the wounded elephants, it now cares for more than 65 including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as the 23 baby elephants born as a result of the captive breeding program.

Observe the tightly knit family structure; The young are protected and cared for by the older and the leader of the group is respected by all. (Open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Daily feeding times- 9.15 a.m. - 1.15 p.m. 5.00 p.m. Bathing times – 10.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m.).

Witness the Feeding and Bathing of the Elephants and proceed South about 3 hrs to NuwaraEliya and check-in at the hotel.

The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, NuwaraEliya, is set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, with cool nights.

In the afternoon visit the city and see the British Influences like county Houses to Queen Anne type mansions to Parks and Golf courses.

Visit The Sita Amman Temple and the areas where the Queen Sita of the Legendary India Epic- Ramayana was kept after being abducted by The King of Sri Lanka, Ravana.

Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight at The Hotel.

Day 15: NuwaraEliya/Kandy
In the Moring travel about 2.5 hrs North to Kandy and on arrival check-in at the hotel.

Kandy, the hill capital and the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings before being ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is the centre of the Buddhist influence in Sri Lanka and its temples, shrines and monasteries keep the Buddhist traditions alive and vibrating.

In the afternoon visit The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most prized possession going back to the 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden in an Orissa princess’ hair.

Also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens - Peradeniya, 147 acres containing more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world.

There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and the tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world are one such avenue.

Visit the Gem and Lapidary museum and in the evening witness the Legendary Kandy Dances featuring graceful dancers and rhythmic drummers and a fire walking display.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Kandy/Colombo International Airport
Transfer to Colombo Airport. About 2.5 Hrs west for flight to onward destination.

INCLUDED
• Hotels with breakfast
• Full Board at Bandipur and on The Plantation
• Private air conditioned car
• Local guides
• One time entrances to monuments
• Three Safaris by Van / Shared Jeep
• Mineral water in the car
• Insurance against accidents and errors omissions

NOT INCLUDED
• Personal expenses
• Meals in Mumbai, Aurangabad, Hyderabad and Mysore
• Tips
• Insurance against theft, illness and trip cancellation etc.
• Air fares

North India - Essentials

Details

Days 01 & 02
Arrive Delhi

Aone of the greenest capitals in the world. Meet and greet by our representative and transfer to Maidens Hotel for a 2-night stay.

Compare the busy streets of Old Delhi with wide leafy avenues of Lutyen’s New Delhi.

Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb (inspiration for the Taj Mahal), temples and a Sikh Gurudwara are well worth a visit. You may also wish to visit Bhola ki Baoli (an ancient step well in the heart of Delhi), Safdarjang’s tomb.

Enjoy a street food tour of Delhi and a rickshaw ride around the bazaars of Chandni Chowk (old shopping street) in Old Delhi’s maze of narrow lanes.

Days 03 & 04
Delhi/Agra

Morning drive to Agra along the new expressway, about 3.5 hrs. Upon arrival check in at ITC Mughal Hotel for a 2-night stay.

A sunset visit to the Taj Mahal – considered to be the finest examples of Mughal architecture.

A visit to the Red Fort of Agra, near the gardens of the Taj Mahal. Visit the tomb of Itmad u Daula (also known as Baby Taj) situated on the left bank of river Jamuna.

Continue to Sikandra and the tomb of Emperor Akbar

Days 05 & 06
Agra/Jaipur

Early morning drive to Fatehpur Sikri, the once-fabled Moghul capital. After visiting Dargah Salim Chisti, continue drive to Jaipur – the pink city.

Upon arrival in Jaipur transfer to ITC Rajputana Hotel for a stay of 2 nights.

Experience an evening aarti ceremony at Birla Temple, an elephant ride to Amber Fort - a superb example of Rajput architecture.

Visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory equipped with instruments of astonishing size and precision, including a 90 foot high sun dial. See the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, City Palace -the royal residence of the erstwhile King of Jaipur. Bargain in bazaars as the locals do.

OPTIONAL – elephant safari with dinner at Dera Amer

Day 07
Jaipur - Chhatrasagar

Transfer to Nimaj for an overnight stay at Chhatrasagar luxury resort situated on a river bank - an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Explore the estate with a guided nature walk or experience a jeep safari, visiting local people, homes and settlements.

Rest of the day at leisure. Watch the birds, go for nature walks, soak in the fresh air, sit around the bonfire and listen to old folk lore. Experience the warm hospitality, enjoy some truly delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani meals cooked with farm fresh vegetables in the family kitchen.

Overnight in luxury tents by the river.

Day 08
Chhatrasagar - Udaipur

Morning drive to Udaipur– city of lakes. Transfer to Jagat Niwas Palace for an overnight stay.

Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Day 09
Udaipur

Visit City Palace. Explore bazaars.

Overnight train to Delhi.

Days 10 & 11
Delhi - Varanasi

Arrive Delhi and fly to Varanasi.

Varanasi - believed to be the oldest living city in the world - is today the most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus.

Experience a sunrise boat ride on the holy river Ganges, watch the daily prayers and rituals – pilgrims bathing, offering flowers, milk, sandalwood and sweetmeats.

See various temples and meander through narrow lanes and bazaars. Drive through Benares Hindu University, visit nearby Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon.

A sunset cruise of the holy Ganges River to witness the mystical aarti ceremony
Overnight Surya Uday Haveli.

Day 12
Fly back to Delhi and connect to your onward flight

Recommended Extensions
6 days in Nepal, 3 days in Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers and wildlife

India – River Experience

At a Glance

Delhi – 2 nights; Leh – 4 nights; Varanasi– 1 night; Kolkata / overnight train – 1 night; On Board Cruise – 4 nights; Kaziranga – 1 night; Delhi.

Details

India is blessed with many rivers and the three most important are

INDUS
GANGES
BRAHMAPUTRA

Day 01
Arrive Delhi

Arrive into the capital of India, New Delhi. Meet and greet at airport and transfer to hotel.

Delhi is the capital of India. Its history goes back to 3000 years as various rulers built eight successive cities in and around present day Delhi.
Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02
Delhi (B)

Full day in Delhi with car /driver and guide to visit the highlights of the City.

Both Old and New Delhi give different perspectives of the city; The winding busy streets of Old Delhi an insight into its Mughal past and the open space, avenues& grand governmental buildings, the legacy of the of the British.

Drive by the Red Fort, a symbol of Mughal power; take a rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk (old shopping street) on to visit the Jama Masjid Mosque area, the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, and completed in 1656 AD, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India.

Also visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and a Temple of the Sikh faith, a Gurudwara.

Continue to New Delhi, designed in 1911 by the British & is one of the greenest capitals in the world. Visit the impressive Qutab Minar, a 234-foot high red sandstone minaret. The buildings in this complex date from the onset of Muslim rule in India.

Later, drive past the government buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) along the broad and majestic Rajpath.

Return to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure & Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03
Delhi /Leh

Early in the morning transfer to the Airport for flight to Leh.

Depart Delhi 08.40
Arr         Leh 10.00

Transfer from Airport to Hotel.

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, situated at an elevation of 11,483 feet is a high altitude desert cradled by the Karakoram and the Great Himalayan ranges, Once the hub of the bustling caravan trade between Central Asia, Kashmir & Tibet, Leh’s main bazaar was clearly designed to facilitate the passage of horses, donkeys and camels, and to provide room for the display and storage of merchandise.

Morning at leisure for acclimatization and after lunch, late in the afternoon , stroll along the main bazaar and visit The Shanti Stupa, inaugurated by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and built to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote World Peace.

Also visit Sankar Monastery that belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect and serves as the official residence of Ladakh's head of the Gelukpa sect, known as The KushokBakul.

Rest of the day at leisure with dinnerand overnight at the Hotel.

Day 04
Leh

Excursion to Hemis /Thisksey/Shey

After breakfast visit The Hemisgompa,about 30 Miles southeast and tucked away up in a winding glen in the mountains south of the Indus River.

Hemis is the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh, founded in the 1630s by King Sengge Namgyaland and noted for its superb murals and thangkas. Hemis is also famous for its spectacular annual festival dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, the 8th century Indian apostle who took Buddhism to Tibet.

Continue to Thikse gompa, a 15th century architectural gem crowning the crest of a hill dedicated to Maitreya, consecrated by the Dalai Lama.

Return to Leh visiting en route visiting Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh to visit the Shey Palace and monastery.

Late lunch at the Hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05
Leh /Confluence Indus&Zanskar /Alchi/Uley Tokpo

In the morning travel about one hour west to confluence of the Zanskar , a north flowing tributary, and the main Indus Rivers at Nimmu. Continue West to Likir and its 12th century monastery with its fine collection of thangkas and images.

Continue to Alchi, idyllically located on a bend in the Indus river and drive on to Uley Tokpo Ethnic Resort for lunch.

Late in the afternoon visit Tengmosgang Village.

Rest of the day at leisure with dinner and overnight at the resort.

Day 06
UleyTokpo/Lamayuru/Leh

After breakfast travel west to Lamayuru situated in between Bodhkharbu and
Kha-la-che on a steep rock mountain.

Lamayuru Monastery belongs to the Red-Hat sect of Buddhism and houses approximately 150 Buddhist monks. The monastery is made up of a number of shrines and also has a very rich collection of thangkas and magnificent wall paintings.

Return to Lehwith a stop for a picnic lunch on the banks of the Indus River.
Also visit en route the ruins of Buddhist citadel at Basgo and temple dedicated to Maitreya, the Future Buddha.

Rest of the day at leisure with dinner and Overnight at the Resort.

Day 07
Leh/Delhi/Varanasi

Transfer to the airport for Flight to Varanasi via Delhi

Depart Leh 08.35
Arr Delhi 10.00

CHANGE PLANES

Depart Delhi 10.50
Arr         Varanasi 12.10

Transfer from Airport to hotel.

Varanasi is believed to have been created when this universe itself was created. According to historical records, it is contemporary to Nineveh and Thebes and therefore is the oldest living city in the world. It has been a seat of learning from times immemorial and It was at nearby Sarnath, that the Buddha preached his first sermon.

Afternoon at leisure and in the early evening take a sunset cruise of the holy Ganges River to witness the mystical “Aarti” ceremony along the banks of the River.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08
Varanasi /Kolkata (Calcutta)

In the morning visit the city so see Bharat Mata relief map of India and drive through the Benares Hindu University, one of the oldest universities of India, constructed in the beginning of the 20th century, for the study of Indian art, culture, music, and the old language of Sanskrit.

Also visit the Durga Temple & Continue to the Old City and take a walking tour of the
by lanes and bazaars to experience firsthand how people live, eat, work and pray.

In the afternoon visit Sarnath, situated about 12 km North East near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna Rivers andthe site where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, preaching the middle path for attaining 'Nirvana'.

Visit The Ashoka's pillar, the ruins of the Mulagandhakuti and the huge Dharmek Stupa and the modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara.

The Sarnath Museum houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art including Ashoka's lion capital and the beautiful Teaching Buddha which are amongst the most beautiful sculptures ever made.

Return to Varanasi and after a wash/change,transfer to Mughal Serai Rail Station , about 45 minutes East, for train to Kolkata in First class air conditioned sleepers.

Depart Mughal Serai20.25 by Kalka Mail 1st Class a/cond Sleeper.

Day 09
Kolkata /Jorhat/Cruise

Arrive Kolkata 07.55

Quick breakfast and wash and transfer to airport for flight to Jorhat.

Dep: Kolkata 10.30
Arr Jorhat 11.40

Transfer from airport to NEAMATI GHAT ( Quay ) to board Cruise Boat
lunch on board.

Afternoon safety briefing with rest of the day anddinner on board.

NOTE: The Programme for the cruise is provided by the Cruiser and is subject to change depending upon local conditions, weather and the state of the river.

Day 10
On Board

After an early breakfast, visit Sibsagar, the ancient city and capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms who came in the 13th Century AD to the area from the north-east and were essentially of Tibeto-Burman origin. Sibsagar town literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva’ as it is built around a huge man made water tank.
The Shiva Idol, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India.
Visit the Talatal or Kareng Ghar, the palace of the Ahom Kings and the Rang Ghar, an amphitheater, a place of entertainment or important meetings for the Royals and their guests.

Continue to a Tea Estate for a relaxed afternoon where we enjoy a traditional Assamese lunchwith the Tea-estate family who have been involved in the tea business over a period of a century.

We return to The Cruiser by sunset for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11: On Board
MAJULI ISLAND & MISHING VILLAGE

After breakfast, sail towards Majuli, the seat of Vaishnav culture and a cosmos of various philosophies that co-exist and thrive.

Disembark on the island and drive to a scenic corner of a Satra for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. Continue to KamlabariSatra to witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting in the temple premise.

Return to the cruiser for lunch and sail towards the closest Mishing Village.

The Mishings live on the bank of river in ‘Chang ghars’, houses with raised platform. All Mishing women are expert weavers. The indoor life of a Mishing person revolves around the kitchen area where the family can get together.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 12: On Board
KAZIRANGA BOAT SAFARI

Early Morning visit a deserted island before sailings towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga for a boat Safari.

Embark the tenders and cruise along the shores of the Kaziranga Park to spot roof turtles on protruding drift wood, water lizards, otters, elephants, wild buffaloes, rhinos, darters, herons, pied kingfishers, white throated kingfishers, serpent eagles and many more.

Return to the boat for lunch and in the evening watch a Cooking Demonstration followed by a talk on ‘Tea, Silk and Jute in Assam’.

In the evening visit a deserted island before returning on board for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13
Cruise / Kaziranga

Disembark and transfer to Kaziranga.

Located in The North Eastern Part of the Country, Kazirana, a World Heritage site, is a vast expanse of tall Elephant grass, Marsh Land & Dense tropical broad leaf forest that is criss-crossed by four rivers, including the mighty Brahmaputra.

Kaziranga hosts a large population of the One Horn Rhinoceros as well as Elephants, wild Buffalo and Swamp Deer and the highest density of Tigers in India besides being recognized as a bird watcher’s paradise.

Lunch at The Lodge and in the afternoon visit The Park on open Jeeps to get a feeling of wilderness and a chance to spot various wildlife and birds that abound the reserve.

Rest of the day at leisure with dinner and Overnight at The Lodge

Day 14
Kaziranga/Guwahati/Delhi

Early morning re-visit the Park by Elephant back to get a different perspectivereturning to the lodge for breakfast.

Later in the morning transfer to Guwahati, about 4 hrs for flight to Delhi.

Depart Guwahati 15.35
Arr Delhi 18.20

On arrival in Delhi transfer to a Hotel for rooms for wash/change before returning to the International terminal for flight to onward destination.

INCLUDED

• Hotels with breakfast
• Full board in Leh, Cruise and Kaziranga
• 1 Safari shared Jeep at Kaziranga
• 1 Elephant Safari (subject to local conditions)
• Private air conditioned car
• Local guides
• One time entrances to monuments

NOT INCLUDED

• Meals in Del and Varanasi
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• Insurance for theft, illness or trip cancellation etc.

India – Temples & Cuisine

At a Glance

Chennai – 2 nights; Pondicherry – 2 nights; Tranquebar – 2 nights; Tanjore – 3 nights; Chettinad - 1 night; Palani Hills, Rajakkad Estate – 2 nights

Day 01
Arrive Chennai ( Madras)

Arrive into the sunny southern city of Chennai or Madras and after clearing immigration and customs you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Chennai, the gateway to the sunny south, the capital of Tamil Nadu is also the seat of an ancient
civilization, with a rich heritage of fine arts, sculpture and architecture. Historically, Chennai has formidable credentials, going back 2000 years, when its old temple quarter, Mylapore, was a port on the fabled Coromandel Coast, busy trading with the Chinese, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, Romans, and later, the French, Portuguese, Armenians and Arabs. St. Thomas, Christ's own Apostle, landed here in 58 A.D. and was martyred in 72 A.D. on an inland hillock.

Late afternoon orientation drive in the city and visit the Bronzes Museum; The collection of bronze figures contains specimens of different periods ranging from the early centuries of the Christian era to the recent times.

Drive through the old part of the city and Marina beach and continue to George Town, landmark of the days of British Glory. Visit the ancient Siva Temple at Kapaleesvara with its inscriptions dating back to 1250 AD and continue to The Sam Thome Cathedral built in 1560 to house the remains of the Apostle St Thomas.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02
Chennai (Madras)

Full day sightseeing visiting Fort, Fort Museum , ST Mary’s Church, Armenian Church and The Kali Temple, National Art Gallery.

In the afternoon visit Dakshinchitra - a living museum of art and architecture, life style, crafts and performing arts of South India.

Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03
Chennai/Mahabalipuram/Pondicherry

In the morning drive South toMahabalipuram, ‘The city of the seven pagodas’ which was once the main Harbour and naval base of the great Pallava Empire. Witness the breath-taking display of the Pagodas or "rathas", small-sized shrines that have all been chiselled out of boulders in the form of temple chariots dedicated to the Pandava princes. The masterpiece at Mahabalipuram is the "Penance of Bhagirata," the world's largest bas-relief in stone 27 meters by 9 meters.

Lunch at Mahabalipuram and Continue south about 2 hrs to Pondicherry, the Capital of The erstwhile French Empire in India where the French town sense of neatly laid roads, public buildings and vibrant promenade give it a distinct flavor.

In the eveningvisit The Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry museum, old Pondicherry town.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04
Pondicherry

In the morning visit Auroville (10 km North of Pondicherry).

Auroville or the ‘City of Down’ was conceived as a utopian paradise by the Mother, the spiritual successor of Sri Aurobindo. The idea was to build a futuristic city where people of goodwill would live together in peace and harmony. Designed by the French architect Roger Anger, around 1900 people live in communes, with names like Grace, Serenity, Fertile, Certitude and Transformation. Two-thirds of the residents are non-Indians. Architecturally speaking the buildings are a combination of modern western and traditional Indian elements and are set in a rural landscape of narrow lanes, deep red earth and lush greenery. The residents sustain themselves by involving themselves in agriculture, handicrafts, alternative technology, and educational projects.

Return to Pondicherry and In the evening visit an orphanage , where conditions permitting , you can attend a choir performance by children.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05
Pondicherry/Tranquebar

Early in the morning drive South to Tranquebarvisiting enroutethe Temples at Chidambaram and Gangakondacholapuram.

Chidambaram, about 1.5 hrs South of Pondicherry has the great temple complex of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva and is yet another Dravidian architectural highlight.

Gangakondacholapuram, About an hour South west was built in the 11th century by the Chola Emperor Rajendra I in the same style as the Brihadishwara Temple built by his father in Tanjore. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has many statues within the temple complex.

Lunch and Continue to travel about 2 hrs South East to Tranquebar, The Place of the Singing Waves

Located on The Eastern sea board, The Port of Tranquebar attracted Muslim Traders , German Theologists and The Danes who colonized it for over 200 years in the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Rest of the day at Leisure on the beach and overnight at The Hotel.

Day 06
Tranquebar/Our Lady of Good Health/Tranquebar

In the Morning visit The Danish Fort, The Danish Museum ,and The New Jerusalem Church
and in the afternoon travel south, about an hour to Velankanni to the shrine of Our lady of Good Health, The Lourdes of the East.

Return to Tranquebar with the rest of the day at Leisure.

Day 07
Tranquebar /Tanjore

In the morning travel west, about 3 hrs to The Temple Town of Tanjore (Thanjavur).

Set among the green velvet paddy fields and tall coconut palms of the fertile Cauvery Delta, it was, nearly a thousand years ago, the capital of a powerful dynasty, the imperial Cholas whose empire extended beyond South India and Sri Lanka to the kingdoms of South East Asia.

The Cholas used their wealth to encourage the arts and built innumerable temples to ornament their land, Tanjore now has 93 temples with the Brihadeeswaraits crowning glory.

In the afternoon visit The splendid Brihadeeswara temple, built by the great Chola King, Raja, in the 10th centuryand now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made entirely out of granite,the temple is testimony of the brilliance of Chola architecture, sculpture , painting and bronze work with its ‘Srivimana’ or pyramidal tower which is located over the main sanctum, an awe inspiring 66 m high and its Guardian , an enormous 65 metre long figure of Nandi Bull that is carved out of black granite.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08
Tanjore

In the morning visit The Royal Palace with its collection of art and paraphernalia, and The Saraswati Mahal library with over 30,000 manuscripts in palm leaf & paper, in Indian & European languages.

Continue to Kumbakonam and its various temples, including another UNESCO World Heritage site - The Airavatesvara Temple from the 10th century.

Lunch at Kumbakonam and in the afternoon visit the small foundries that still dobronze casting in the old traditional way.

Return to Tanjore with the rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 09
Tanjore /Trichy/Tanjore

In the morningtravel about 1 hourWest toTrichy which has a long history, going back to the centuries before the Christian era when it was a Chola citadel.

The Highlight is The Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple (Srirangam). one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India. Shrouded in a haze of coconut palms The temple is built on an island in the middle of Cauvery River and covers a staggering 2.5 square kilometers.

Also visit the spectacular Rock Fort, cut in small caves on an 83-metre-high rocky outcrop.

Lunch in Trichy and return to Tanjore with the rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10
Tanjore/Chettinad

In the morning travel about 2 hrs South to the Chettinad region which comprises of 74 odd villages- Homeland of the NattukottaiChettiars, a prosperous banking community who ventured overseas to do business in South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their legacies are the fascinating houses built with simple materials.

Later in the morning attend a cooking demo of the famous Chettiar cuisine that uses freshly ground spices and a variety of sun dried meats and vegetables, a complex blend of well balances flavours.

In the afternoon visit the Mansions, the temples and the workshops of the local craftsmen working with wood and metal, silver and gold and textiles.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11
Chettinad /Palani Hills Rajakkad Estate

In the morning travel West, about 4hrsto The Palani Hills in the Western Ghats to the Rajakkad Estate , acres and acres of farm, forest and coffee and peppercorn plantations.

Lunch at the Hotel and in the afternoon hike through the Estate.

Dinner and Overnight at The Estate.

Day 12
Rajakkad Estate/Madurai/Rajakkad Estate

In the Morning travel 2 hrs south east to Madurai, one of South India's great temple townsit is
Situated on the banks of river Vaigai and has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era that is more than 2500 years old.

Visit The Meenakshi temple, whose history goes back 2000 years, is set in the centre of this lotus shaped town, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, The consort of Lord Shiva, the Temple complex sprawls over 45 acres and has four entrances and 12gopurams (Towers), the tallest being 170 feet.

The temple itself has a marvelous hall of a thousand elaborately carved pillars and The five pagodas that surround the temple are known for their intricate stuccowork.

Continue to Thirumalai Mahal, a palace that constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style. A set of musical pillars here, each carved out of a single block of granite into 22 slender rods, emit musical notes when tapped.

Lunch in Madurai and Return to Rajakkad with the Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 13
RajakkadEstate/ Onwards

Transfer to Madurai airport for onward destination.

INCLUDED

• Hotels with breakfast
• Full board at Rajakkad Estate
• Lunch on day 03 in Mahabalipuram
• Lunch day 05 enrouteTranquebar
• Lunch day 08 at Kumbakonam (Tanjore )
• Lunch day 07 in Trichy
• Lunch day 10 in Chettinad WITH a COOKING DEMO
• Private air conditioned car
• Accompanying guide/escort
• One time entrances to monuments

NOT INCLUDED

• Meals in Chennai, Pondicherry, Tranquebar, Tanjore
• Any service or Air fares after drop Madurai Airport Day 13
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• Insurance for theft, illness or trip cancellation etc.

Kerala Highlights

AT A GLANCE

Chennai – 2 nights, Pondicherry – 3 nights, Tanjore – 2 nights, Chettinad – 2 nights, Madurai –2 nights, Munnar – 2 nights, Marari – 4 nights, Kochi – 2 nights

DETAILS

Day 1  -  Chennai

Arrive Chennai,  after clearing immigration and customs , transfer to Hotel

Chennai, the gateway to the sunny south, the capital of Tamil Nadu is also the seat of an ancient civilization, with a rich heritage of fine arts, sculpture and architecture. Historically, Chennai has formidable credentials, going back 2000 years, when its old temple quarter, Mylapore, was a port on the fabled Coromandel Coast, busy trading with the Chinese, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, Romans, and later, the French, Portuguese, Armenians and Arabs. St. Thomas, Christ's own Apostle, landed here in 58 A.D. and was martyred in 72 A.D. on an inland hillock.

In the afternoon orientation drive in the city - visit the Bronzes Museum  - the collection of bronze figures contains specimens of different periods ranging from the early centuries of the Christian era to the recent times

Drive through the old part of the city and Marina beach and continue to George Town,Landmark of the days of British Glory. Visit the ancient Siva Temple at Kapaleesvara with its inscriptions  dating back to 1250 AD and continue to The Sam Thome Cathedral built in 1560 to house the remains of the Apostle St Thomas

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 –  Chennai

Full day sightseeing visiting Fort , Fort Museum , ST Mary’s church ,Armenian church and The Kali Temple , National Art Gallery

In the afternoon visit Dakshinchitra , a living museum of art and architecture , life style , crafts and performing arts of South India

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 – Chennai/Mahabalipuram/Pondicherry

In the morning drive South to Mahabalipuram , ‘The city of the seven pagodas’ which was once the main Harbour and naval base of the great Pallava Empire. Witness the breath-taking display of the Pagodas or "rathas", small-sized shrines that have all been chiseled out of boulders in the form of temple chariots dedicated to the Pandava princes. The masterpiece at Mahabalipuram is the "Penance of Bhagiratha," the world's largest bas-relief in stone 27 meters by 9 meters.

Continue south about 2 hrs to Pondicherry , the Capital of The erstwhile French Empire in India with neatly laid roads , public buildings and vibrant promenade that give it a distinct French flavor

Check-in  to hotel with the rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel

Day 4 - Pondicherry

The town has a typically French look , neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beach promenades and colonial history’s reminders of the eventful life of Joseph Duplex (whose magnificent statue watches Goubert Avenue pensively from its southern corner) the Mansion of AnandaRangaPillai "the Diarist", architecturally handsome churches and public buildings of a bygone era

Rest of the day at Leisure and overnight at the hotel

Day 5 - Pondicherry

In the morning visit Auroville (10 km North of Pondicherry)

Auroville or the ‘City of Down’ was conceived as an utopian paradise by the Mother, the spiritual successor of Sri Aurobindo. The idea was to build a futuristic city where people of goodwill would live together in peace and harmony. Designed by the French architect Roger Anger, around 1900 people live in communes, with names like Grace, Serenity, Fertile, Certitude and Transformation. Two-thirds of the residents are non-Indians. Architecturally speaking the buildings are a combination of modern western and traditional Indian elements and are set in a rural landscape of narrow lanes, deep red earth and lush greenery. The residents sustain themselves by involving themselves in agriculture, handicrafts, alternative technology, and educational projects.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 – Pondicherry / Tanjore

Early in the morning drive South West to Tanjore visiting enroute the Temples at Chidambaram and Gangakondacholapuram

Chidambaram, about 1.5hrs South of Pondicherry has the great temple complex of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva and is yet another Dravidian architectural highlight.

Gangakondacholapuram , about an hour South west was built in the 11th century by the Chola Emperor Rajendra I in the same style as the Brihadishwara Temple built by his father in Tanjore. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has many statues within the temple complex.

Continue to The Temple Town of Tanjore( Thanjavur ) and arrive at hotel

Tanjoreis set among the green velvet paddy fields and tall coconut palms in the fertile Cauvery Delta and is nearly a thousand years ago and was once the capital of a powerful dynasty, the imperial Cholas whose empire extended beyond South India and Sri Lanka to the kingdoms of South East Asia

The Cholas used their wealth to encourage the arts and built innumerable temples to ornament their land ;Tanjore now has 93 temples with the Brihadeeswara its crowning glory

Rest of the day at Leisure and overnight at the Hotel

Day 7 – Tanjore

In the Morning visit The splendid Brihadeeswara temple, built by the great Chola King, Raja , in the 10th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site ; Made entirely out of granite ,the temple is testimony of the brilliance of Chola architecture , sculpture , painting and bronze work with its ‘Srivimana’ or pyramidal tower which is located over the main sanctum ,  awe inspiring 66 m high and its guardian , an enormous 65 metre long figure of Nandi Bull that is carved out of black granite

Continue to The Royal Palace with its collection of art and paraphernalia , and The SaraswatiMahal library with over 30,000 manuscripts in palm leaf & paper, in Indian & European languages

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 – Tanjore / Trichy/Chettinad

In the morning travel about 1 HrWest to Trichy which has a long history , going back to the centuries before the Christian era when it was a Chola citadel.

The Highlight is The Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple (Srirangam). one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India ; shrouded in a haze of coconut palms the temple is built on an island in the

middle of Cauvery River and covers a staggering 2.5 square kilometers.

Also visit the spectacular Rock Fort , cut in small caves on an 83 metre high rocky outcrop and continue to The Chettinad region which comprises of 74 odd villages. Arrive at hotel

Day 9 – Chettinad

Homeland of the NattukottaiChettiars , a prosperous banking community who ventured overseas to do business in South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their legacies are the fascinating houses built with simple materials.

Visit the mansions , the temples and the workshops of the local craftsmen working with wood and metal, silver and gold and textiles

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 – Chettinad/Madurai

In the morning continue to Madurai , about 2 hrs West and arrive at hotel

Situated on the banks of river Vaigai , Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era that is more than 2500 years old

In the afternoon visit The Meenakshitemple ,

The city of Madurai was planned out in the shape of a lotus with the temple in the center. The temple itself has a marvelous hall of a thousand elaborately carved pillars and the five pagodas that surround the temple are known for their intricate stuccowork with the 48.8 meter southern one being the tallest

Continue to ThirumalaiMahal, a palace constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style. A set of musical pillars here, each carved out of a single block of granite into 22 slender rods, emit musical notes when tapped.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – Madurai

Full day sightseeing of Madurai ; Visit Saint Mary’s Cathedral, one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in India, Saint Mary's was first constructed in 1840 although the present structure was built in 1916. Its architecture, featuring two tall bell towers, blends various European and Continental styles

Also visit Madurai’s famous markets & the Gandhi Museum & the Thirupparamkunram Temple one of the six main abodes of Lord Muruga;  monstrous in size& carved in rock , the temple has a mystic beauty about it

Rest of the day at leisure.Late evening  revisit of the Meenakshi temple to witness the night ceremonies

Day 12 – Madurai / Munnar

In the morning drive 4 hrs West to the hill county and the summer resort of the British , Munnar

And check-in at hotel

The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,500 m (4,921 ft) to 2,695 m (8,842 ft) above sea level. It is pronounced "Moon-aar" short for "moonuaar" meaning 3 rivers. Three rivers - Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through this town, but join some distance away .

The economy of the Munnar region is heavily dependent on the cultivation of tea, coffee and over twelve varieties of absolutely fragrant spices like sweet cinnamon, spicy cloves and peppercorns and delicate nutmeg are grown in the area

The strobilanthus ("neelakurinji" in Malayalam, the local language), a blue flower which blooms only every 12 years, , last in 2006 , is found in this region

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the Hotel

Day 13 – Munnar

In the morning visit Tata tea museum , also known as the KDHP Tea Museum, (Around 2 km on the Nallathany road, from Munnar). A must-see for its collection of odd bits from the colonial era.( videography is strictly prohibited )  A very interesting 30-minute film is screened, and you can go to the factory to understand how tea is processed

Also a visit to the spice plantation & a Coffee estate

Note : The Eravikulam National Park will be CLOSED in Feb due to the calving season

Rest of the day at leisure with car/driver available for local use

Overnight at the hotel

Day 14 – Munnar / Mararikulam

In the morning drive about 4.5 hrs South West to the coast and arrive at hotel

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at The Hotel

Day 15 – Mararikulam

Day free for independent activities on the beach

Day 16 – Mararikulam/Backwaters/Mararikulam

In the morning travel to the Backwaters , about 1 Hour East

The celebrated backwaters of Kerala comprise one of South India’s most picturesque rural areas, an idyllic network of rivers and Canals in a luxuriant coastal terrain. Originally created by 45 rivers, which flow down from the Western Ghats to the coast, the region is characterized by lush coconut groves and paddy fields ;

For centuries, the waterways have provided an efficient & friendly transport system. Foreign invaders, too, appreciated their importance as trade and communication arteries, and built a number of settlements along the riverbanks. Today, coconuts and peppers are still carried in country boats, newspapers delivered by skiff and children go to school by ferry

Cruise in the narrow canals on a small country boat to see life along the waterfront

The scene is idyllic and the mood dreamlike. Life on the backwaters is quite distinct from the rest of India, beating to its own gentle rhythm.

Return to Mararikulam with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 17 – Mararikulam

Day free for independent activities on the beach

Day 18 – Mararikulam / Kochi

In the Morning Drive North about 1.5 hrs to Kochi and arrive at hotel

Kochi is a city built on scattered islands. Unlike Mumbai, reclamation projects have not cemented the islands together into one indistinguishable mass. The islands have remained islands and the place has a canal town feel, though today it is a modern, bustling port. And what makes Kochi  unique is that the city straddles the portion of land between the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the backwaters. A quaint system of ferries connects the various parts of the city.

Note : The Jewish Synagogue CLOSES at 12.30 pm

The synagogue in Jew town was built in 1568 and rebuilt in 1664 - it is one of the oldest in India.. Its interiorsare a hotchpotch of styles, with hand painted blue and white floor tiles from Canton, 19th century Belgian oil-burning chandeliers and an elaborately carved Ark housing four scrolls from the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament.

Afternoon free to walk around in Fort Cochin ;See the Chinese fishing nets in operation; at the entrance of Kochi Harbor , a fascinating sight , these contraptions were first brought to Kochi from the Court of Kublai Khan by Chinese traders

In the evening visit a Kathakali Dance studio

Kathakali’ literally means story-play and is an elaborate dance depicting the victory of truth over falsehood. A Striking feature of Kathakali is the use of elaborate make-up and colorful costumes. This is to emphasize that the characters are super beings from another world, and their make-up is easily recognizable to the trained eye as satvik or godlike, rajasik or heroic, and tamasik or demonic.

Overnight at the Hotel

Day 19 – Kochi

In the Morning visit the Dutch Palace, well known for its mural paintings

Continue to St. Francis Church, a Protestant church originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and  believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later, taken to Portugal

Also visit The Santa Cruz Basilica Church and The Roman Catholic Church withits beautiful paintings

Rest of the day at Leisure and overnight at The Hotel

Day 20 –Kochi

Morning at Leisure and in the early evening transfer to the airport for flight home

Included

•  Hotels 19 nights with breakfast
•  Private  a/c chauffer driven car
•  All Airport Pick-up and Drop
•  All sight seeing , tours and excursions as mentioned in itinerary
•  Local English Speaking guides
•  One time Entrances to monuments
•   Mineral Water in car
•   Insurance for accidents and errors/omissions

Not Included

• Meals
• Personal Expenses
• Tips
• Visa fee
• insurance for items like theft , Illness including hospitalization and repatriation , Trip cancellation etc
• Flights

India – Taj Mahal & Kashmir

Day 01
Arrive Delhi
Arrive into the capital of India, New Delhiand after clearing immigration and customs, transfer to hotel.

Delhi is the capital of India. Its history goes back to 3000 years as various rulers built eight successive cities in and around present day Delhi.

Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02
Delhi
Full day sightseeing of old and New Delhi.

Both Old and New Delhi give different perspectives of the city. The winding busy streets of Old Delhi offer an insight into its Mughal past and the open spaces, avenues & grand governmental buildings , the legacy of the British.

Drive by the Red Fort, a symbol of Mughal power, take a rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk (old shopping street) on to visit the Jama Masjid Mosque area. Visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to the great Mahatma Gandhi and wander around the Crafts Museum.

Visit the impressive Qutab Minar, a 234-foot high red sandstone minaret. The buildings in this complex date from the onset of Muslim rule in India. Also visit Humayun’s tomb - built in the 16th-century, a predecessor to the famous Taj Mahal. It is the first Mughal Garden Tomb and the tomb of the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty. Notable as an excellent example of early Mughal architecture, this style reached maturity in the Taj Mahal at Agra.

Drive past the government buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) along the broad and majestic Rajpath before returning to the Hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03
Delhi/Agra
In the Morning travel South to Agra, Approx3.5 hrs and check into hotel.

The earliest reference to Agra is in the epic The Mahabharat. It was, however, in the medieval period that Agra earned prominence as a capital city under the Mughals. Its many wonderful monuments with the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all.

In the afternoon visit The TajMahal and The Fort.

The Taj Mahal, simply, is beauty - not just in design and technique, but also in desire and intent. It was built as a monument to love, a manifestation of life's most powerful emotion.

When his wife diedunexpectedly, Emperor Shahjahan vowed to honour her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this beautiful structure and the result stands before the world - a delicately carved, white marble jewel, which seems to float on a sea of red limestone.

The Taj Mahal is generally considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983 the Taj became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to the important 16th- century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5- km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jehangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, of public halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas and two very beautiful mosques.

Rest of the day at leisure with car/driver at disposal and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04
Agra/FatehpurSikri/Ranthambore
Early in the morning travel about 1.5hrs West to Fatehpur Sikri , The once-fabled Mogul capital that has taken on a sleeping beauty quality, lying quietly but wonderfully preserved.

The Great Mughal Emperor Akbar built FathepurSikri(the City of Victory) during the second half of the 16th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire ; A large number of masons and stone carvers worked hard on an area that was over two miles long and a mile wide ; Using the Locally available red sand stone they created a complex of monuments and temples , all in a uniform architectural style, including one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

Some fifteen years after the work was completed it was realized that there was a lack of adequate water supply, the pristine complex was abandoned and the Capital shifted back to Agra.

Continue South West to Ranthambore, about 3.5 hrs and check-into hotel.

Ranthambore encompasses nearly 152 square miles of dry deciduous forest in southwestern Rajasthan and, in the heart of this forest, the Aravali and Vindhya ranges meet. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest
The landscape is dotted with ancient banyan trees, dhok & pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps, perennial lakes and streams and forest that suddenly open up into large areas of savannah.
For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora - species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles (including the marsh crocodile) & amphibians and 30 mammals. Other than the tiger, for which the park is most famous , other predators found are leopard, striped hyena, jackal, and caracal and jungle cat. Also seen are sloth bear, sambar deer, chital (spotted) deer, nilgai (blue bull) antelope, wild boar, chinkara (Indian) gazelle, Indian hare, mongoose, common langur, palm civet, palm squirrel, porcupine and monitor lizard.
Lunch at the Hotel and in the afternoon take aJeep ride to the Park to see wildlife and in search of the elusive Tiger.
Overnight at the hotel,

Day 05
Ranthambore
Early in the Morning visit the Park again by Jeep and after breakfast, late morning visit The Ranthambore Fort.

Dating back to the 11th century, it once was considered a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain.

Lunch at the hotel and in the afternoonrevisit the Park.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06
Ranthambore/Jaipur
After breakfast travel North to the pink city of Jaipur (Aprox4 hrs) and check-in to hotel.

The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, aptly called the ‘the pink city’ of India, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills. The city was founded in 1727 by the astronomer-king, Sawai Jai Singh II and built according to the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture and sculpture. It is a walled city with seven rectangular blocks with The Maharajah's palace in the center .

Late in the afternoon visit The City Palace - the royal residence e of the erstwhile King of Jaipur. It houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, armoury of Mughal and Rajputweaponry, and swords of different shapes and sizes with ornamental handles – some of them inlaid with enamel, embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards.

Drive past Moti-Doongri Palace – a privately owned hilltop fort built like a Scottish castle – to Ram Niwas Gardens and architecturally impressive Albert Hall before coming to The Birla temple to witness the Evening Aarti, a prayer ceremony performed at Sunset.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07
Jaipur
In the morning visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory which is equipped with instruments of astonishing size and precision, including a 90 foot high sun dial. See the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, a major Rajput landmark built in 1799. This five-story building in the old city is a pink sandstone masterpiece with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows. The monument was originally conceived to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the city’s everyday life and royal processions in privacy.

Continue to Amber Fort which was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. Construction of the fortress-palace started in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput Commander of Akbar’s army. It was later extended and completed by Jai Singh. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and over-looking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts.

Note- The approach to Amber is best on Elephant back

Rest of your day at leisure with car/driver at disposal and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08
Jaipur/Delhi/Srinagar
Late morning transfer to the Airport for flight to Srinagar via Delhi

Depart Jaipur 06.55
Arr Delhi 07.55

CHANGE PLANES

Depart Delhi 10.15
Arr Srinagar 11.45

Srinagar-located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of aprox 5,250 ft , it is romance , pure & simple romance. Situated around glistening lakes, snowy peaks , tree lined mountain slopes , sparkling rivers , placid lakes and gorgeous gardens , Its natural beauty have made many call it "Paradise on Earth”.

In the afternoontake a “Shikara” ride on the lake.

A small wooden boat for all and sundry purposes - Shikaras are like Venetian Gondolas and are used to get to/from The Houseboats, cruising, touring, for selling flowers, vegetables and souvenirs and have now become a cultural symbol of Kashmir.

Dal Lake is an urban lake and is part of a natural wetland that is divided by causeways into four basins. Its placid waters reflect the snowy peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountains & Parked on its shores are a large number of enchanting Houseboats.

Dinner & Overnight on the Houseboat

Day 09
Srinagar
In the Morning Visit The Shankaracharya Temple atop the hill called Takht-e-Suleiman. Continue to The Hazratbal Mosque, The Shahi Hamdan and The Hari Parbat Fort built by an Afghan governor of Kashmir in the 18th century & take a walk in the Old City.

In the afternoon drive about 45 minutes to Dachigam (10 Villages) - a heavily wooded protected area to get a glimpse of the majesty of the Himalayas, a coniferous forest with alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls & deep gullies running down the mountain face.

Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10
Srinagar
In the morning visit some of the famous Mughal gardens - with terraced lawns, cascading fountains, bright flower beds & the panorama of the Dal Lake in front, the three Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar were the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise.

Rest of the day at leisure with Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 11
Srinagar/Gulmarg/Srinagar
This morning travel to The Ski resort town of Gulmarg (1.5 hours) on roads bordered by avenues of poplar that give way to flat expanses of rice fields , interspersed with picturesque villages. And depending on the season, the country side is awash with nature's colours.

Gulmarg, or the Meadow of Flowers, was originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds in the 16th century and was given its present name by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes embezzled with wild flowers.

Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty, it has one of the highest golf courses in the world. It is the country's premier ski resort and has Asia's highest and longest cable car.

On arrival proceed for a Cable car ride, SUBJECT to WEATHER conditions.

Asia's highest and longest cable car is a two-stage ropeway to The Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak 4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The first stage transfers from Gulmarg at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway takes passengers to a height of 3,747 m (12,293 ft).

Lunchin Gulmarg and a walk in the meadows before returning to Srinagar.

Day 12
Srinagar/Delhi/Home
Transfer to The Airport for flight to Delhi and connect flight home

Depart Srinagar 12.35
Arr Delhi 16.05

Transfer from Airport to a close by hotel for rest, wash and change before going to the International terminal for flight home.

INCLUDED
• Hotels with breakfast
• Full board at Ranthambore
• 4 dinners in Srinagar
• 1 lunch in Gulmarg
• 3 Safaris shared Jeep
• Private air conditioned car
• Local guides
• One time entrances to monuments

NOT INCLUDED
• Meals in Del, Agra and Jaipur
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• Insurance for theft, illness or trip cancellation etc.