Essence of India

Day 1: Arrive Delhi (-/-/-)
Arrive in the historical city of Delhi and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 2: Delhi (B/-/-)
Enjoy a guided tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi which includes drive past the Red Fort, a visit to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, walk through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat, the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Later, drive past the imposing India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) and end the tour with a visit to Qutab Minar, a masterpiece of perfect proportions, and tomb of Emperor Humayun.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra (B/-/-)
Drive to the Mughal city of Agra. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax for rest of the day. You may want to wander through the bazaars in the evening.

Day 4: Agra (B/-/-)
Enjoy a guided tour of Agra which includes a visit to Itmad-ud-Daula, the beautiful tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Explore the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Continue to the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks. In the evening, enjoy Taj Mahal view from across the River Yamuna and also witness the display of intricate marble inlay work.

Day 5: Agra to Jaipur (B/-/-)
Drive to Jaipur, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri – the beautiful deserted capital of Emperor Akbar and the ancient town of Abhaneri. On arrival in Jaipur, check into the hotel. Evening is free for individual activities.

Day 6: Jaipur (B/-/D)
Proceed for a tour of the fabulous hilltop citadel of Amber Fort, en route taking a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal, a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade. Located at the top of a hill, Amber Fort offers spectacular view of the old town below, where Akbar stopped en route on his annual pilgrimage to Ajmer. Continue to Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, to observe the consuming and exhausting method of hand-block printing in entirety, from carving of wooden blocks to transformation of raw fabric into a piece of art. Afternoon enjoy the city tour including a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals and Rajput and the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory. You may want to walk around the colourful bazaars and enjoy a traditional sweet at a renowned sweetshop. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.

Day 7: Jaipur to Kochi (B/-/-)
After breakfast fly from Jaipur to Kochi, arrive Kochi transfer to hotel rest of day at leisure.

Day 8: Kochi (B/-/-)
Today you will visit some of the highlights of this captivating port, taking in the myriad styles that attest to Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets and help fisherman pull catch of the day; explore the 16th century Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace, Church of St Francis and the oldest living Jewish Synagogue in the world. Enjoy a walk through Fort Kochi region – the area still retains its old world charm with European style quarters. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio for a traditional dance performance. The striking feature of this dance form is the elaborate face makeup and costumes.

Day 9: Kochi to Periyar (Thekkady) (B/-/-)
This morning drive to the green forests of Periyar in Thekkady region. The very sound of the name conjures up images unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Stay 2 nights in the hotel.

Day 10: Periyar (Thekkady) (B/-/-)
For centuries, Kerala has grown and exported spices around the world and a walking tour of a plantation will allow you to gain a firsthand experience of the cultivation, growth and processing of spices. To witness the region’s pivotal role in the global spice market, one must get a glimpse of the Kumili spice market of Thekkady. Afternoon enjoy a Green Walk (subject to weather conditions.) with a forest guide exploring the flora and fauna of this region. With many species of birds spotted here, the region is also an ornithologist’s favourite.

Day 11: Periyar to Backwater Region (B/-/-)
Drive to the placid backwater region of Kerala. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. Rightly called the ‘Venice of the East’, this verdant area surrounded by coconut plantations is famous for its narrow maze of canals and backwaters. Stay for 2 nights.

Day 12: Backwater Region (B/-/-)
Morning at leisure. Go interiors and experience the lifestyles, traditions, art and culture of the fisherman villagers. Afternoon, enjoy a backwater cruise by Shikara boat sailing through narrow canals. Float through the placid waters passing palm-fringed canals and villages.

Day 13: Backwater Region to Mumbai (B/-/-)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Cochin airport to board flight for Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and transfer to hotel for 03 nights stay. Rest of the day at Leisure for independent activities.

Day 14: Mumbai (B/-/-)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning Excursion to Elephanta Caves (Closed on Mondays). Elephanta Caves are located on an island off the eastern-shore of Mumbai. An hour’s boat ride from the Gateway of India, will bring you to the Elephanta Island, where you get to see some beautifully carved sculptures, most of them dedicated to Lord Shiva and his various forms. Afternoon is at leisure (no vehicle at disposal).

Note: The walk from Elephanta Jetty to the base of the caves is approximately 15 minutes; from the base, there are about 120 steep stairs to climb up to the caves.

Day 15: Mumbai (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we will proceed for Half day City tour of Mumbai. We will drive past the stretch of Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace. Than visit Hanging Gardens, from where we can get an excellent view of the city. Also, we will visit Mani Bhavan – today a museum, this was the residence of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, when he stayed in Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. We will make quick photo stops at Dhobi Ghat – an open-air laundry, which is still popular with the citizens despite the advent of the modern washing machine and Gateway of India – a huge stone Arch of Triumph, constructed to commemorate the first visit of the British Monarch, King George V & his consort, Queen Mary, to India in 1911.

Afternoon: At Leisure for independent activities (No Vehicle at disposal)

Day 16: Mumbai (B/-/-)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. At 12: 00 hrs Check out and transfer to airport for flight to onward destination.