Exotic Journey From North To South India

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ROOM CATEGORY INCLUDED

Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 6550 (per person)

Ultimate Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 10665 (per person)

Note : Above Tour Cost is not valid from 15th December 2008 to 10th January 2009.

Exotic Journey From North To South
including a visit of beautiful Taj Mahal,
Tour Ref.# HTI 0067/RV
( Itinerary Route ) ( Book Now ! )

	Tour Price: 14 nights US$ 10665 (per person) Destination: North India, Rajasthan & Kerala Transportation : Air-conditioned Large Size Car with an expert driver Special Feature: Luxury Hotels, Historical Monuments, Taj Mahal, Elephant Ride, Kathkali Dance Show, Boat Ride etc.

ITINERARY

Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel The Taj Mahal which is located in the exclusive residential area of Lutyens’ Delhi, close to the seat of government. Reflecting the heritage of Mughal Delhi, this hotel offers graceful architecture with modern facilities. The warm, pristine white lobby of The Taj includes design details reminiscent of Mughal architecture such as intricate motifs, golden inlay work, and niches from ‘Shahjahanabad’, the erstwhile mogul capital. The hotel is a veritable showcase of artifacts with the intricate design work of the lobby’s domes and panels perfectly complimenting the calm marble fountain streams. Assistance for check-in will be provided. After check-in overnight at hotel.
Hotel : The Taj Mahal ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 02 - Delhi
After breakfast full day city tour of Delhi which is India's bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties as well as the British ruled. Old & New Delhi present a stunning juxtaposition of sights and sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the famous Taj Mahal, and the new garden city built in 1911 by the British.

First of all visit India Gate which is a famous war memorial at the east end of Rajpath. Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m high gate structure in memory of the thousands of Indians who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Today, an eternal flame is lit under the gate known as Amar Jawan Jyoti, to honor the unknown soldiers and the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of 1971. Also visit Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ). Later on visit Lotus Temple(Bahai Temple) which is the newest most extravagant architectural wonder of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. The temple in white is shaped like a half opened lotus flower. Made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand, the Lotus Temple is a marvel of 20th century architecture. The lotus shaped temple in a modern and contemporary form captivates into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith, - an independent world religion; divine in origin, all embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles, and dynamic in the influence. 

In the late afternoon visit Qutab Minar which is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the base. It is a magnificent structure whose construction started in 1199 by a Muslim King Qutab-ud-din Aibak (after whom it was named) and was finished by his heir IItutmish. There is an iron pillar standing proudly in front of it since 5th century and has not rusted till yet! It is said that if one hugs this Iron Pillar of Mehrauli and wish for something, it is granted. Later on drive past President's House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : The Taj Mahal ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 03 - Delhi - Agra
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Agra. On arrival check-in into hotel The Oberoi Amarvilas which is the only hotel with direct, uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel lies just 600 metres from what is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The Oberoi Armavilas opened in January 2001 and is breathtakingly luxurious hotel. There is only one way to truly experience the Taj Mahal.

After check-in visit Agra Red Fort which is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. It is home to the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Later it was used by his son Jehangir as the seat of power. With four gates the Fort is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. The Jahangir Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams.

In the late afternoon visit the Taj Mahal which is India’s most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna river, this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death, Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum. With the Sunset the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel : The Oberoi Amarvilas ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.oberoiamarvilas.com

Day 04 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur - Jaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri - Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant, containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland Darwaza or "Great Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight of stairs. Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: "The World is a bridge. Pass over it, but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, may hope for eternity."  

Also visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. You will enjoy a Rickshaw ride inside the Sanctuary for Bird Watching. Bharatpur is world renowned for its World Heritage listed Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes, come here to spend the winters. Other common bird life to be seen are cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ibis and herons that can be spotted all over the park.

On arrival check in into hotel Taj Rambagh Palace which is a magnificent building spread over 47 acres of gardens. Rambagh Palace is Jaipur’s foremost Royal Palace residence. Located close to the walled ‘Pink City’, spectacular forts, and all the unique shopping bazaars of Jaipur, the Palace unveils the rich culture and history of the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan. Built in 1835 as a hunting lodge, converted to a palace in 1925 as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and finally converted as India’s first palace hotel in 1957. An architectural masterpiece, Rambagh presents a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Sensitively restored to its former glory with refurbished rooms overlooking courtyards with fountains or verdant gardens, airy verandahs, idyllic front lawns and a warm intimate lobby, guests relive the royal lifestyle at Rambagh. In the evening we have arranged your dinner at Indiana Restaurant. Enjoy your hot & delicious dinner with the Rajasthani Folk Dance & Music. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Hotel : Taj Rambagh Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 05 - Jaipur
After breakfast half day sightseeing of Jaipur which is an exuberance of color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture. This "Pink City," so called because its buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs.

In the morning visit Amer Fort - The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, a juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthanfort palace. Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital, Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

Afternoon covering Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a facade. The five-storey building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal, honeycombed, sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace which is blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace. The palace is now a fine museum. It houses a remarkable collection of textiles, paintings, manuscripts, and extraordinary weapons. On display there are two huge urns of silver, said to be the largest silver vessels in the world. Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior. Overnight at hotel.(Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Rambagh Palace ( 5 Star Deluxe - Heritage Palace )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 06 - Jaipur - Udaipur
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Udaipur, the lovely lakeside capital of Mewar - The City of Dreams which is perhaps the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes - it is bewitching in all its details. Narrow streets lined by vivid colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola. Udaipur's inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past bristling with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to enthrall the visitor.

On arrival you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel Devigarh Resort - Nestled in the aravali hills, the 18th century Devi Garh palace in the village of Delwara, forms one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Devi Garh, is ready for visitors after years of restoration and rebuilding. The Fort palace was conceived as a place where the past meets the future.This all suite luxury hotel comprising of 39 suites with an emphasis on design and detail, using local marbles and semi-precious stones.The contemporary design showcased within this spectacular heritage property, complemented by personalised and intimate service, creates a new image of India for the 21st century. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Devigarh Resort ( 5 Star Deluxe Heritage )
Hotel Website : http://www.deviresorts.com 

Day 07 - Udaipur
After breakfast visit City Palace - the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. A part of the palace is converted into a museum. You will be impressed by the monuments as it showcased arms and armor, paintings and photographs, royal insignia, processional trappings and other objects, which reflect the heritage, and tradition of the Mewar and Sisodia Maharanas. Then, visit Jagdish Temple, 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We’ll drive past Fateh Sagar Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari, garden of the maids-of-Honor. Also visit Pratap Memorial, Atop the Moti Magri or prarl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana. Later on visit Ahar - The ancient capital of sisodias, 3 Km from udaipur, Ahar boasts of a profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are displayed in a small Govt. museum.

In the afternoon an excursion to Eklingji & Nagda temples. Eklingji, It is famous for the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls built in 734 A.D.The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar ruler. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or mandap under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. Nagda, This ancient place in Mewar was the capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificient torana exquisitely carvedwith graceful apsaras. This ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th- 1Oth century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Devigarh Resort ( 5 Star Deluxe Heritage )
Hotel Website : http://www.deviresorts.com 

Day 08 - Udaipur - Mumbai - Cochin
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and in time transfer to airport to catch flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and catch connecting flight to Cochin. On arrival you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel Taj Malabar - Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour, the Taj Malabar combines old-world elegance with modern day convenience. In its heritage wing, built in 1935, graceful Victorian interiors aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin. Its tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Cochin on your own and go shopping for spices, handicrafts and antiques. There is lot to see and do in Cochin. Among Kochi's best buy are metalware, camel-bone carvings, wood carvings, articles made of coconut shels, baboo cane, embroidered screwpine mats, grass mats and several other types of handicrafts. Kochi also has several antique dealers. Jewellery, readymade garments, and ethnic hand-woven textiles follow closely. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Malabar ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 09 - Cochin
After breakfast full day city sightseeing of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, Harbour cruise - Cochin has one of the finest natural harbours. The backwaters extending to the east & south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands, formed naturally by alluvial deposits from the rivers. This evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance Show. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Malabar ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 10 - Cochin - Kumarakom
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kumarakom which is a lovely village located on the banks of beautiful Vembanad lake, it lies in the Kuttanad region of Kerala. This place is bless by nature, with its untouched beauty and amazingly attractive backwaters, it attracts many tourists every year. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks, in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors.

On arrival check-in into Kumarakom Lake Resort, the finest luxury heritage resort in India , nestles on the serene banks of the Vembanad, the vast stretch of tranquil, emerald green backwaters, in one of India 's hottest holiday spots, Kerala. Sprawling across 25 acres of lush greenery, set in soul-stirring ambience, Kumarakom Lake Resort exudes the charm of Kerala's true heritage. The villas and suites of the resort are a careful reconstruction of manas , the 16 th century traditional homesteads of God's Own Country. Most of them have been transplanted from their original locations across the State and reassembled painstakingly by hand, plank by plank, tile by tile. Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Kumarakom Lake Resort ( Lake Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.thepaul.in

Day 11 - Kumarakom
After breakfast rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Kumarakom Lake Resort ( Lake Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.thepaul.in

Day 12 - Kumarakom - Kovalam
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kovalam which is one of the loveliest beaches in the world. After arrival you will check-in into Taj Green Cove Resort - Located on one of India’s most popular beaches, Kovalam, the property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwater, lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. With its exotic tropical beauty and relaxing hospitality, this getaway is the perfect place to enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul. The rest of of the day is free for you to explore Kovalam beach on your own. You can also take a walk along the rustic countryside. Photograph your family with the back ground of beach and waves. Watch sun set in the Arabian sea. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Green Cove Resort ( Beach Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 13 & 14 - Kovalam
After breakfast full day at leisure at beach side area. Kovalam is one of the loveliest beaches in the world. When you are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Not to speak of the delightful seafood fare including lobsters available at the beach-side restaurants of Kovalam. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the Kovalam beachside is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. At present Kovalam is developed not only as a beach resort, but also as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn in detail the methods of doing Yoga and meditation taught by experts. Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Green Cove Resort ( Beach Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 15 - Trivandrum - Mumbai (Departure)
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Car and driver will be at your disposal until departure transfer to International airport to catch flight for onward journey. (Breakfast)