Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places to visit: Delhi - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Gajner - Jaipur – Delhi - Trivanduram – Kovalam – Varkala – Alleppey - Cochin
Days 01: Arrive Delhi
On your arrival at International airport, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Delhi, India's modern capital is also an ancient city tracing its origins in legend. It is dotted with hundreds of landmarks and offers more than a millennium of history in stone. From here various Hindu and Muslim dynasties including the Mughals ruled India. When British administration moved to Delhi and New Delhi became the Capital of India once again.
Full day proceed for city sightseeing of Delhi.
Morning visit Qutub Minar, one of the fine examples of early afghan architecture, Humayun Tomb - a red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. India Gate (War Memorial Arch) and Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple, Also drive past Parliament House and Presidency House.
Afternoon visit Raj Ghat - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid, one of the largest and best-known mosques, and drive past Red Fort later enjoy cycle rickshaw ride within Chandani Chowk market.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Udaipur:
Early morning, transfer to the airport for flight to Udaipur and n arrival, met & transferred to the hotel.
Morning proceed for city sightseeing tour of Udaipur Udaipur is also known as Venice of the East. The main City is situated around Lakes. Lake Pichola at Udaipur is one of the biggest human made lakes in the world. Udaipur is also described as the "City of Sunrise.
Visit the City Palace; an imposing edifice of granite and marble Also visit Museum, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari, a Garden design in the early 18th century purely as a pleasure garden design, Jagdish Teple: Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 the temple enshrineses a black stone image of Lard Vishnu. There is a Brass image of Garuda the Lord Bird carrier. Enjoy Auto rickshaw ride in the bazaar of Udaipur.
Enjoy a two-hour boat-ride on Lake Pichola, which is surrounded by hills on three sides. From little islands in the Lake rise at the water's edge palaces of pure white marble. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur
Morning proceed to Jodhpur, visit the Ranakpur en route.
Ranakpur is renowned for some remarkably carved Jain temples in amber stone. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabdev, the first Jain Tirthankar. Jain Temples build in 15th century. The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. Also all the statues face one or the other statue, There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails.
Later continue drive for the Jodhpur and on arrival check-in into the hotel for overnight stay.
Jodhpur The home of the Rathore rulers Jodhpur Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha- chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana.
Afternoon proceed for city sightseeing tour of Jodhpur
Visit The Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about 125 metres is spread over an area of 5 sq. km and has seven gates. The Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. The Umaid Bhawan is a majestic building that presently functions as a hotel and museum. The Mandore Gardens, situated about 8 km from Jodhpur, has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Jodhpur - Osian - Jaisalmer (235 Kms / 05 Hrs)
Morning you will drive to Jaisalmer, enroute visit Osian.
Osian, a desert oasis with 16 Brahmanical and Jain Temples, beautifully sculpted and designed and was built in 12th century. You can also visit "Keechen". This quaint hamlet is famous as the visiting ground for demoiselle cranes, which flocks in each winter from their breeding grounds on the central Asian steppes in large numbers.
You will have the liberty to watch the architectural forms on a camel's back. Also view the magnificent step-wells not less then an art gallery, with its amazing architecture and stone sculptures.
Later drive to Jaisalmer and on arrival check-in into hotel.
This desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from Golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition.
Day 05: In Jaisalmer:
Morning you will proceed for city sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer.
Visiting Jaisalmer Fort known as Sonar Quila 'the Golden fort' is one of the largest of desert forts of the world. Manak Chowk, Salim Singh Ki Haveli (Mansion), Patwon-Ki Haveli-one of the largest and most elaborate Havelis in Jaisalmer, and Gadi sagar Lake.
Evening: witness Sunset from the Cenotaphes with camel safari to Sam Sand Dunes.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Gajner (300 Kms/ 06 Hrs):
Morning you will drive to Gajner enroute city sightseeing tour of Bikaner.
The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The city is also known for its intricately carved Jharokas, desert city Bikaner is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Joramal Temple.
Afternoon proceed for city sightseeing tour of Bikaner
The Fort made of red sandstone, exhibits a wonderful mingling of Eastern and Western style. Built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, has a 986-metre-long wall with 37 bastions. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. Also visit Lallgarh Palace, the museum, and Bhanda Sagar Jain and Deshnoke Rat temple.
On arrival at Gajner check-in into hotel.
Gajner Palace built on the embankment of a lake, beautifully architectured and is made of Red Sandstone. One can appreciate the craftsmanship of the intricate carvings on red sandstone. Rest of the day you will be at leisure to enjoy the palace with its beautiful lake and surrounded wooded areas which has become the home of different species of migratory birds, most renowned amongst them being the Imperial Sand Grouse.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Gajner - Jaipur (280 Kms / 04 Hrs):
Jaipur has been like that since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had it built. And In 1876 A.D. Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria and earned the epitaph 'PINK CITY', it is also a home of excellent handicrafts especially known for the exquisite gold jewellery enameled or inlaid with precious stones, blue pottery, carving on wood, stone & ivory, block print, tie & dye textiles, hand made paper, miniature painting etc.
Day 08: In Jaipur:
Morning we take an excursion to the Amber Fort and afternoon visit the city.
Visiting impressive Amber Fort situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. A royal elephant ride to ascend the fort (depending upon the availability else by jeep). Also visit Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors.
Next visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory, & Ram Niwas Gardens. Later stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) for photography. Hawa Mahal was built in 1799, its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.
Day 09: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (240 Kms/05 Hrs):
Drive to Agra, enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is 40 Kms from Agra and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces.
On arrival at Agra check-in the hotel.
Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Later visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Agra - Delhi - Trivandrum:
In the morning you will drive to Delhi and on arrival you will be directly transferred to the airport to board flight for Cochin and on arrival transfer to hotel.
Trivandrum means 'The town of Lord Anantha' is believed to be originated due the presence of the temple of Lord Anantha in the heart of the city. famous for its enchanting tourist spots including internationally renowned beaches like Kovalam, historic monuments with Gothic architecture, lakes and backwaters, unexplored mountain ranges etc.
On arrival directly proceed for city tour of Trivandrum.
Visit the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Rebuilt in 1733, it ia an excellent example of South Indian architecture. Visit the Zoological Park (except Mondays), Napier Museum with its bronze collection, Sri Chitra Art Gallery with paintings from various schools; from countries like China, Japan, Java and Bali.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Trivandrum - Kovalam (16 Kms / 30 Mints):
On Arrival at Trivandrum airport you will be welcomed by our tour representative board the cab and drive to Kovalam. Arrive Kovalam and check-in into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12: In Kovalam:
Morning have breakfast at resort and later move out for a local tour of Kovalam and Trivanduram.
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the beauty of the picturesque beach town Kovalam. You can also avail traditional Ayurvedic massage packages to help soothe your spirits on your own.
Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 13: Kovalam - Varkala (70 Kms/01 Hrs):
Morning have breakfast at resort and later check out resort and drive to Varkala and on arrival check-in into the hotel.
Afternoon proceed for a local tour of Varkala.
Varkala is a sacred pilgrimage center in Kerala is called the 'Kashi of the South'. The Janardhana Temple is 800-year-old historic temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan and Lord Hanuman. There is a mineral water spring near the beach, which is believed to have medicinal properties. The waters at Varkala Beach are considered to be holy and a dip in the water is said to wash off all the sins of the body and soul of a human. Therefore the beach is also known as the Papanashini Beach.
Rest of the day is at leisure and over night stay at Varkala.
Day 14: Varkala - Alleppey (130 Kms/02 Hrs):
Morning you will drive to Alleppey on arrival check-in into deluxe houseboat
to enjoy the 2 hours of backwater cruise from Alleppey to Kumarakom . House boat boarding time is 12.00 noon and check out time is 9.10am next day This journey is considered to be one of the best attractions. The house boat is fully furnished with single and double bedrooms, sundeck, private balcony and a kitchen. It also comprises a chef, Oarsmen & cabin assistant. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc.
Stay overnight at houseboat.
Day 15: House Boat - Cochin (60 Kms/01 Hrs):
Morning have mouthwatering breakfast at house boat check out house boat by 9.30am and drive to Cochin on arrival check in hotel.
Afternoon proceed for a local tour of Cochin on arrival at Cochin you will be transfer to hotel.
One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, has been a port of all for foreign traders from early times. The city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub .Chinese Fishing Nets at the entrance of Cochin harbor are a fascinating sight. Bolgatty Island houses Bolgatty Island built by the Dutch in 1774, which is former residence of the British Resident of Kochi. The Portuguese led by Vasco Da Gama arrived in 1502 and later the Dutch and the British. And descendants of the Jews who arrived in ancient days still live here.
Morning take Half day tour Cochin.
Visiting Fort Cochin, proceed on a sight seeing tour to attractions such as the Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets named after the country of their origin. Jewish Synagogue, in Mattancherry was built in 1568 and rebuilt in 1664 with Chinese willow-patterned tiles and gold crowns and has ancient scrolls, Mattancherry Palace, See St. Francis Church, the first European Church in India, where Vasco Da Gama was buried until his remains were taken back to Portugal, and Fort Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1510 and later taken over by the Dutch.
A boat cruise in the backwaters takes you in the midst of a lush green setting of shady lagoons, wooded islands and canals.
Relax in the afternoon and spend time at leisure.
Day 16: Departure Cochin
Morning you will be free for independent activities. Later as per your scheduled you will be transferred to airport to board on
flight for onward destination.