17 Nights / 18 Days
Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Cochin - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Goa - Delhi

Day 1 - Welcome to Delhi!

You will arrive at the Delhi International Airport. Delhi is India's second largest metropolis next to Mumbai, which is located in the northern part of the country. The architectural features in the city are similar to those which can be seen in Athens, Rome and Istanbul.

Day 2 - Exploring Delhi

Your first day you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. You'll be mesmerized by the 100-foot, red-stone boundary walls of Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite this ancient structure is the Jama Masjid, built in 1656. Found in front of the Jama Masjid is the 1656 AD construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together. You will also tour the town in a Rickshaw. Along the streets of old Delhi you will see the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Next, you will visit the Humayun Tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was completed by his wife during the 16th century. Shahjahan had the vision for the structure of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar, a 220-foot tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, was built between 1199 and 1368 AD. It runs counter to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you'll see the buildings of government and parliament and India Gate which is 130-foot wall built in memory of the soldiers who died during the First World War.

Day 3 - From Delhi to Agra

From Delhi, you will enjoy the drive to Agra, and get to visit Sikandra, the amazing grave of Akbar, the most influential of all Mughal emperors. The grave lies 6 miles before Agra. Agra is placed on the deposits of the Yamuna River and was under the Mughal rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries. The highlight of the Golden India tour triangle package is visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal (1631-1653). This amazing piece of architecture made of light-colored marble, was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his departed wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its architecture reveals why it's one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For 21 days, 20,000 expert workers from Italy, France, Iran and Asia worked on the memorial. Upon your arrival you can go to your hotel for a good night's rest.

Day 4 - From Agra to Jaipur

After breakfast, you will inspect the wide and vast Agra fort at the west deposit of the Yamuna River. Agra fort was built in the 1600's by Akbar and was finished by his grandson. After the visit, you will go as far as Jaipur, the cap of the country Rajasthan, which is also popularly known as "Pink City" because of its pink houses' frontal façade and metropolis fence. On the way, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, which is 22 miles from Agra, the other large city of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar shifted his cap to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 days due to the scarcity of water, it was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and back again to Agra. Arrival to Jaipur is scheduled in the afternoon, and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 5 - Exploring Jaipur

After an early breakfast you will drive to fort Amber (6 miles), the former capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs. On the way, you will stop to visit the city's landmark: the Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). Built during the 18th century, the five-story building features 953 windows and niches from which the royal women observed the procession in the street without being seen. Next you will visit Amber fort, which lies on 400-foot-tall hill and is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. Afterwards you will visit the Pink city Jaipur. The city palace built in 1734 lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum. After that you will visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory. It was built in the 18th century by the city founder Jai Singh II. The instruments are out of stone and marble and served to explore the night skies. You will then return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6 Jaipur - Jodhpur

After breakfast, you will drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur the second largest city in Rajasthan and once the capital of the Marwar. Today the city lies around the imposing Mehrangarh fort. The Mehrangarh fort was built in 1459 on a 110-foot-tall sandstone hill. From the top of the hill you can see the old town and the priests' houses painted blue which gives the town it's name of "blue city". You will then travel on to Jaswant Thada, a large Cenotaph, which was built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. After lunch, you can stroll through the old markets, where you can also buy various spices for yourself. You will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7 Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur

After breakfast, you will drive to Udaipur. En route you can visit Ranakpur where three beautiful Jain temples built during the 14th and 15th centuries still stand. The head temple Adinatha (1439 AD) took 65 years to carve the marble into 80 domes supported by 1444 different carved pillars (no two are alike). It is one of the five holiest places for the Jain Pilgrimage. After your visit, you will enjoy lunch at the nearby restaurant and proceed to Udaipur. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8 Udaipur - Mumbai (Bombay)

During the morning you will explore Udaipur which lies in the Girwa valley in the middle of the Aravali hill and is described as a romantic city with its lakes, gardens, temple and palaces. You will visit the city palace built in 1570 AD by Maharana Udai Singh at the bank of the Pichola Lake. This impressive complex of different palaces is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal influences. You will then visit the Jagdish temple. Built in 1651 AD this temple is a beautiful example of the Nagara style temple architecture. You will also enjoy a boat trip on the Pichola Lake.

Later in the evening transfer to airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Arrival in Mumbai and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 9 Mumbai

In morning, after breakfast, proceed for the half day sightseeing of Mumbai. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and with around 21 millions of inhabitants is the second largest city of the country after Kolkata. It is even bigger than New Delhi and Chennai. Mumbai is the capital of the state Maharashtra. Located on the west coast of the Arabian Sea the city has more than 50 percent of India's cargo go through it's harbour, making it the busiest and largest harbour city of the Indian subcontinent.

The most famous symbol of Mumbai, the gateway of India was built in 1924 in the city area Colaba by George Wittet (1878-1926). He was the designer and builder of many of the noblest buildings in the city. The 13-foot-high gateway of India was opened during December 1924.

Also visit the Elephanta Caves. The caves temples of Elephanta of 7th century A.D. lie opposite the harbour of Mumbai on an island in the bay of Mumbai. During 1987 the caves of Elephanta were listed by UNESCO as one of its World cultural heritage sites. They contain a row of works of art connected with the Shiva cult.

Day 10 Mumbai to Cochin by Flight

Morning, you will be transferred to airport to board the flight to Cochin. After your arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a short break. After break, you will go on a Cochin expedition. First you'll visit the St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Then on to the Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace" built by the Dutch and subsequently on handed over to the local queen. At the harbor, you can view unusual Chinese fishing nets, which marks the visit of Chinese folk in Cochin. You'll also discover the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1558. Around the Synagogue, you can purchase a lot of unique and old products. That evening you will enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show which depicts 400 years of history and old legends in this breathtaking dance drama. The dancers wear painted fantastic costumes and color their faces with red, green and black inks. Every gesture and movement by every dancer has a special meaning. After the show you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11 Cochin - Kumarakom

Early morning, after breakfast, you'll drive to Kumarakom, famous for its panoramic backwaters. Arrival and transfer to hotel. There you will enjoy a boat ride in the Backwaters. Along the bank, you will see the traditional life of people living on the banks nestled in coves of coconut and palm trees. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Day 12 Kumarakom - Alleppey

After a hearty breakfast, in Kumarakom you will be transferred to houseboat, where you can start your private overnight houseboat trip to Alleppey. The entire day will be spent in the Backwaters where breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served. Here, you will glide along the canals and observe the daily live of the Kerala people living on the banks of Backwaters. At night you will settle down to spend it in the house boat on the lake.

Day 13 Alleppey - Kovalam

Morning drive to Kovalam and transfer to hotel.

Kovalam is located about 20 km south of Thiruvananthapuram. With its long sandy beaches, Kovalam is the very popular holiday place among Indians as well as among foreigners. With a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing, Kovalam Beach offer plenty and diverse leisure options - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body ayurvedic massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc.

After a short break, make an excursion to Trivandrum (15 Km). You'll visit there the following:

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Built in 1733 in the Drawidian Hindu-style, this temple is the main attraction of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple area, to which belongs a pond surrounded by old Brahmanen (Priests) houses, extends over an area of 2400 m². Particularly remarkable is the seven-storied Gopuram (temple tower) over the main entrance. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Vishnu. It is the only temple in Kerala, where non Hindus are alloed in inner sanctum. It is also well-known for its mural paintings and stone carvings.

Napier Museum

In 1880 built museum combines elements of British colonial architecture with traditional features of kerala architecture. It houses a collection of bronze figures, wooden, ivory and stone carvings, a temple chariot, musical instruments and religious objects.

Kuthiramalika Palace

The former palace of the ruler of Travancore is a wood construction in the typical Kerala style with remarkable carvings. A part of the palace is now a museum (Puthenmalika Museum), in which among others Ivory Throne of the Raja (King) of Travancore is exhibited.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery

To see here are miniatures of the Rajputs, Mughal and Thanjavur school as well as paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. Even the modern Indian painting is displayed, including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlava & Nicholas Roerich.

Other attractions are the Kanakakkunu Palace, the zoo opened in 1857 - one of the oldest in India - the Priyadarshini Planetarium, Many administration buildings from the colonial period as well as numerous temples, mosques and churches.

The evening is free to relax on the Beach. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 14 Kovalam

Free time at leisure at beach.

Day 15 Kovalam - Trivandrum - Goa

Morning drive to Trivandrum and transfer to airport for flight to Goa. Arrival and Transfer to Hotel. Evening free to relax at Beach.

Day 16 Goa

After breakfast, you'll take a half-day sightseeing tour of Goa. You'll visit Miramar Beach, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the city of Panjim- bustling with shops and tourists. The afternoon is at leisure so you can relax on the beach. You'll have an overnight stay in Goa.

Day 17 Goa

Free time at leisure at beach.

Day 18 Goa to Delhi/Mumbai by Flight

Afternoon transfer to Dabolim airport of Goa to board the flight to New Delhi. After arrival transfer to international airport to fly back home.

Price List

Images of India (17 nights/18 days)
Seasons	Royal	Luxury	Deluxe	Standard
	Twin	Twin	Twin	Twin
16.04.09 - 15.09.09	4486	2924	2186	1602
16.09.09 – 15.04.10	4970	3415	2495	1790
Please Note:	*There will be an obligatory supplement charge on Christmas and New Year Eve. *Twin- Cost per person on twin sharing basis for minimum two persons traveling. *All prices are in US Dollars

Cost includes:

• 17 nights accommodation in mentioned hotels or similar with daily breakfast.
• Surface Travel by exclusive SUV air-conditioned car. Click here to see the car provided for the tour.
• All transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned SUV car.
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi through Old Delhi-Jama Masjid, Gurduwara (Sikh Temple), Chandni Chowk Bazaar
• Rickshaw ride in Jaipur through Bazaars of old pink city
• One way horse carriage ride from the nearest parking to Taj Mahal in Agra
• Elephant ride (alternatively by jeeps) to ascend Amber Fort in Jaipur
• Entrance fee and Indian Vegetarian Rajasthani Dinner at Choki Dhani Village Resort, Jaipur
• Excursion to Nahargarh (Tiger) Fort in Jaipur to watch the sunset and beautiful view of Jaipur
• Boat ride in lake Pichola Udaipur
• Excursion to Elephanta Caves in Mumbai
• Visit to kathakali Dance Show
• Motor boat cruise in Backwaters
• All three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) in an air-conditioned houseboat
• Entrance fee to monuments
• Mineral water (1litre) per person per day
• A local English-speaking guide shall be provided for the sightseeing tours
• Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
• All applicable taxes and service charges
• All taxes, driver allowances, parking, fuel charges, interstate taxes, etc.

Services not included

• Any airfare (domestic or international)
• Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
• Our quote is not valid for period other than mentioned above
• Expense of personal nature  like  tipping,  laundry,  telephone/fax  calls,  alcoholic beverages,  camera/video  camera  fee  at  monuments,  medical  expenses,  any Insurance, airport departure tax etc.

SPECIAL NOTES

• Price of tour is ascertained on travelling of two persons. For price of travel of more than two persons and group rates Contact us
• Hotel Check-In, Check-out time 1200 NOON
• Prices are subject to change with any increase in the cost.
• Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
• Elephant ride is subject to availability as Government of Rajasthan has restricted the number of rides and prior reservation. Clients will have to queue themselves and wait to see if they can get a chance to have the elephant ride. There is no guarantee that even after queing, they will get an elephant ride if the quota of rides is over.
• In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly.

For Cancellation Policy and Limitations & Liabilities Click Here

Hotels Selected
Place	Royal	Luxury	Deluxe	Standard
Delhi	The Imperial / The Oberoi	The Metropolitan / The Lalit / The Grand / The Park	The Maidens / The Connaught / Hotel City Park	Hotel Sun star / Hotel Gautam Deluxe
Jaipur	Oberoi Rajvilas	Hotel Trident / Le Meridien	Clarks Amer / Golden Tulip / Hari Mahal Palace	Nana Ki haveli / Hotel Jas Vilas
Agra	Oberoi Amar Vilas	Jaypee Palace / Hotel Trident / Mughal sheraton	Clarks Shiraz / Gateway Hotel	Hotel Amar / Hotel Usha Kiran
Jodhpur	Taj Harimahal Palace	Taj Harimahal Palace	Park Plaza/ Balsamand/ The Ummeid	Pal Haveli/ Ratan Vilas/ Mapple Abhey/ Shreeram International
Udaipur	Oberoi Udai Vilas Palace / Taj Lake Palace	Trident/ Fateh Prakash/ Shiv Niwas/ Laxmi Villas	Shikarbadi/ Udaikothi/ Amet Haveli	Rajdarshan/ Mahendra Prakash Haveli/ Swaroop Vilas
Mumbai	Taj Mahal Palace & Tower / Maratha Sheraton	Nariman Tower / Taj President	Emerald/ Airport International	Suba Palace/ Royal Enclave/ Empire Royal
Cochin	Brunton Boatyard	Koder House / Trident Hilton	Hotel Casino / Fort Heritage / Old Harbour	Abad Atrium / Hotel Arches
Kumarakom	Kumarakom Lake Resort	Coconut Lagoon	Cocobay / Water Escapes	Tharavadu Heritage / Paradise Resort
Alleppey	Delux House Boat	Delux House Boat	Delux House Boat	Delux House Boat
Kovalam	Leela Kempinski	Taj Green Cove	Travancore Heritage / Uday Samudra	Hotel Samudra
Goa	Taj Exotica / The Leela / Grand Hyatt	Fort Aguada / Taj Holiday Village / Radisson White Sand	Cidade de Goa / Majorda Beach Resort	Marquis Beach Resort

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