North India and Kerela Backwaters

17 nights / 18 days

Day 1 & 2

In the afternoon visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate – A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President’s House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place – the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping centre.

Day 3

After early breakfast, drive 220kms to Agra which is a very interesting 3 hours drive passing through beautiful countryside and villages. In the afternoon visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this ' Love Poem in Marble'. (Friday closed).

Later visit 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 Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Built on the site of an earlier castle in AD 1565-75, many extant buildings were erected by Shah Jahan (AD 1630-55).

Day 4

Today morning drive to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

Continue your drive to Jaipur and check in at the hotel on arrival. Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. Rest of the day is free to explore the colorful town independently. Spend time in crowded lanes & by lanes of pink city, haggling and souvenir-hunting.

Day 5

This morning you will drive 11kms in the outskirts of the city to visit Amber Fort for a guided tour. Amber was the ancient capital of the State until 1728. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium.

Visiting the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Day 6

Drive 180kms, 4 hours today to Rajasthan’s Open Art Gallery, SHEKHAWATI and stay in Mandawa. Today, the world comes to this storybook town to see its colourful frescoes on every subject under the sun that is, ranging from the religious to the erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social satire, rendered in the inimitable style of the local artist. And perhaps the best place to discover the legacy of Shekhawati is from the comfort of Castle Mandawa, a fortress, now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel.

Day 7

Morning leave for BIKANER, (190 km), which was once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The arts prospered receiving the patronage of a wealthy merchant community. The city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This afternoon during your tour you will visit Camel Breeding Farms; Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure encircled by a moat and having some beautiful palaces within. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. 30 kms south of Bikaner is the village of Deshnoke, where the famous Mata Karni Temple is situated. The 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple plays host to thousands of rats that form the major attraction here. The rats are considered sacred and worshipped accordingly. You have to be very careful while entering the inner sanctum, because it is believed that if you accidentally step on a rat, a gold replica has to be made to compensate for the lost life.

Day 8

Today drive 333 km to Jaisalmer - a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rajah Jaisal. Arrive and check in at the hotel Unlike any other city, 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. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples.

Arrive and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 9

Full day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. Proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of the city visiting the famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. The haveli was built between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two Haveli that are opened to visitors. Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisala, The Fort here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. The fort is surrounded by 3 walls and features 99 bastions. Over the centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhattis, the Mughals and the Rathor’s of Jodhpur. Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

In the evening proceed with an excursion to the Sand Dunes to watch the sunset over the Desert. Enjoy a camel ride and the views of the desert landscape. Later enjoy a Rajasthani folk dance and music programme performed by local artists, female dancers in colorful costumes to the accompaniment of folk music by male's members of the troupe. Entertainment would be followed by dinner under the stars in the Desert.

Return to your hotel.

Day 10

Today drive 285kms to Jodhpur, Call it by its many names and they will not do Jodhpur justice.

An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this colorful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, color and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty. Situated in western Rajasthan, Jodhpur has long attracted both the domestic and outside tourist. It not only offers tangibles, in terms of what you can see and buy but also fills one with a sense of history and the splendors of an era gone forever.

This morning proceed for a guided city tour visiting the MEHRANGARH FORT. Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses reeling.

Day 11

After breakfast depart for DEVIGARH en-route stop at RANAKPUR temples to see one of the most important Jain temples in India. This marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, no two alike. After the visit continue your drive to Devigarh. Devigarh nestled in the Aravali Hills and constructed in 18th Century has been now been converted into a luxury hotel where you will be staying soaking yourself in the hospitality.

Day 12

Full day is at leisure to relax by the poolside or to enjoy the spa in the resort.

Day 13

This morning you will drive 28 kms / 1 hr to Udaipur described as the “City of Sunrise” and check-in at the hotel.

During a guided tour you will visit the City Palace built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble; Jagdish Temple built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city.

Evening enjoy a leisurely boat ride on LAKE PICHOLA. Udaipur is also a centre of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. There is of course the modern face of Udaipur, which one can look at if interested, but given the other sights from a glorious past, modernity is no real distraction.

Day 14

Morning FLY to Mumbai and on arrival connect flight for COCHIN. You are met on arrival at the Cochin airport and transferred to your hotel.

Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Kochi, a Portuguese fort, founded in 1503 is now in ruins. The Portuguese built the Mattancherry Palace in 1557 as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights and in 1663 the Dutch substantially rebuilt it. The cosmopolitan history is still evident as well as European intervention. The Jewish synagogue is in Mattancherry and the Jews claim to have settled here in 587 BC and some legends trace their origin to King Solomon 1030 BC. The earliest evidence of their presence and importance is a copper inscription dated AD 388.

Day 15

Enjoy a guided tour in the first half of the day. The city has three distinctive regions – Ernakulam, the modern region to the East, and the older districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin located on a peninsula in the west. The easiest way to get around is by ferry, or by walking through the narrow roads and over bridges. Your walking tour will take you to; Jew Town, including the Pardesi Synagogue; the Mattancherry Palace, known locally as the Dutch Palace; Fort Cochin, reminiscent of European streets and houses; the Chinese Fishing Nets on the northern shore of Fort Cochin; and St Francis Church, near to a typical English village green. A highlight is watching the fishermen working the nets (which operate on a weight system) as the sun is setting. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16

This morning you travel approximately 4 hours by private vehicle to Thekkady, the main entrance to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival check-into The Spice Village Resort and stay in cottage. The rooms are quite spacious and comfortably furnished. There is a telephone, fan and en suite bathroom with hot running water. The resort’s facilities include swimming pools surrounded by tropical trees and lawns and outdoor restaurants serving a wide range of traditional Indian and international cuisine - as you could imagine spices play a big part in the menu! Spice Village and Shalimar Spice Garden have exclusive Ayurvedic clinics, well equipped for treatments like Pizhichil, Njavarakizhy, Dhara and other natural therapies. During this trip there will be the opportunity to learn about the benefits of Ayurveda and the origins of this holistic Medical system.

The name Thekkady, for those who have already visitied this place, brings to mind images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Moreover, the flora and fauna of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is absolutely thrilling. The wild life sancturary here is the natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species. The Periyar Lake is a paradise for the nature lovers. It gives you an opportunity to boserve the wild animals roaming in the jungle. The lake is also a birdwatcher’s delight. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake, however, it he herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Moreover, the sanctuary Watch Tower situated in the forest interior gives you a panoramic view of the park.

Day 17

What an idyllic way to start the day, an early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar. Covering an area of 300 square miles Periyar is one of the largest and most frequently visited wildlife reserves in India. It is part of the Project Tiger campaign and animals inhabiting the area include elephant, deer, pig, tiger, leopard, bison, monkeys and malabar squirrel. Whilst actually spotting an illusive tiger or leopard could prove difficult, the mix of wooded hills and valleys make it a wonderful place to enjoy the greenery.

Return to your resort for breakfast then a local guide takes you to view spice plantations of cardamom, pepper and other local specialties. Rest of the day is at leisure at your resort .

Day 18

This morning, proceed to Kumarakom, approximately 3 hours drive by private vehicle. An old rubber plantation set around the Vembanad Lake has been sensitively developed by the Kerala Tourism Department into a bird sanctuary. The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weaves an intricate and beautiful web. This area is a winter home for many migratory birds and species include the darter, little cormorant, night heron, golden-backed woodpecker, white-breasted water hen and many more wonderful birds. Arrive and check in at the backwater resort.

After lunch you visit the bird sanctuary with a local naturalist and if possible do your wildlife viewing by boat. Your overnight stay would be at a resort, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Your ethnic cottage is centrally air-conditioned and set amidst acres of garden.

Day 19

After breakfast you make a short trip to the ferry point where you board your houseboat. Depending on the number of travellers in your party you will be on a one or two room houseboat that travels until sunset when it then anchors for the night. Your boat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs (perfect for that G&T while the sun goes down!). The rooms are fully furnished with attached bathrooms. Each boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialities and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips!

The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala's villages. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. Their languid grace and quaint design adds another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters.

Overnight ON BOARD the houseboat.

Day 20

You will get up early today by chirping of birds and occasional ripples in the water. Your breakfast will be cooked before your eyes by your expert boat-crew. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast while cruising quietly on the unending stretches of these backwaters. The boat will cruise through various canals and waterways giving you an insight into the rural life. Stop at any house and ask your boatman to take you to one of the houses to interact with local people and to witness their way of living.

Later check out of the houseboat and switch over to your car for 4 hours drive to Varkala

Arrive and check in at the hotel

Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage.The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption came to be known as the Papanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins).The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions hereThe beaches around this area are excellent. In the off season its really mellow and relaxed, swim and sleep and chill out. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. The Janardhana Temple was built during this period and many Hindu's still visit Varkala to this day, for this very reason. The main beaches and tourist area are located at the cliff top, which is about 7 minutes walk from the Temple. The 'cliff-top' is where most of the hotels and restaurants are located, overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful quaint town. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 21

Morning depart for Kovalam (Trivandrum). Stop enroute for a city tour of Trivandrum visiting the ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy - one of the major attractions in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Move around the city and you get to see various picturesque spots besides the glimpses of the city’s past. Some of the attractions that are not to be missed are the Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Zoo, Observatory Hill, Science and Technology Museum, and Chacha Nehru Children’s Museum.

Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala and a pleasant city built over gently rolling coastal land, retaining a rural air away from the crowded centre. Your free time can be spent exploring the busy bazaar area along the central MG Road. The old fort and the large complex of the Padmanabhasvami Temple are to the south near the bustling bus stand, while the artistic and cultural heart, exemplified by the Museum building, is to the north. The remainder of you day is free to settle in and start exploring Thiruvananthapuram, luckily commonly known as Trivandrum.

Continue your drive after the city tour to Kovalam and check in at your beach resorts on arrival.

Day 22

The day is at leisure and free to explore the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Also spend time at the Ayurveda Centre at the resort. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 23

In the morning, after breakfast, proceed for a full day return excursion to Cape Comorin. Located at a distance of about 87 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, as it is locally called, is the southernmost part of the Indian mainland. The place is the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Kanyakumari has great religious significance for the Hindus. The place is dedicated to the Goddess Devi Kanya, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife. Pilgrims come here to visit the temple and bathe in the waters here, as they are considered sacred.

One of the major tourist attractions at Kanyakumari is the Vivekananda Memorial. The memorial is built about 400 metres offshore. It was here that Swami Vivekananda meditated in 1892 before embarking on a journey to usher in the religious reforms throughout the country. The mandapam built here in his memory reflects the architectural styles from all over the country

Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay

Day 24

In time transfer to Trivandrum airport enable board flight for onward destination