Spirit of India

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival in Delhi: Company representatives cannot come into the baggage collection area. Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting for you. Amongst them will be a Spirit Journeys representative who will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on. Please note that the crowds can be enormous and it is possible that you may not spot our representative, despite their making every effort to be as visible as possible, so please keep an eye out for them.
On arrival, you will be met and will be transferred to airport hotel.
Rest of day at Leisure.
India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiralling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.
Lunch will be at your Hotel Maidens.
In the afternoon, you will be at leisure [No Transportation].
Later in the evening, you will enjoy Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight is at Maidens, Delhi [Premier Room with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Day 02: DELHI
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
After breakfast, you will be taken for a half day sightseeing tour of Delhi.
Begin with Old Delhi, the Mughal Capital of Shahjahanabad. Visit the Jama Masjid – is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is the largest and best- known mosque in India. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street of Old Delhi, the Chawri Bazar Road.
The mosque of Friday was built from 1644 to 1658 during the reign of Shahjahan. The mosque which measures 65m on 35m, and whose court forms a square of 100m on side is by its surface the greatest religious construction of Islam. Later we proceed to visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father Of Nation, was cremated and drive past the Red Fort [Closed on Monday] – the palace for Shahjahan new capital, Shahjahanabad, the seventh Muslim city in the Delhi site. Wander in the busy streets of the mile long Chandni Chowk, popularly called “The Silver Street”.
After the visit of Old part of Delhi, you will be taken to a local restaurant for the lunch.
Afternoon is at leisure for independent activities.
Dinner will be at your hotel.
Overnight is at Maidens, Delhi [Premier Room with Breakfast & Dinner]

Day 03: DELHI
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
Day is at leisure to enjoy Independent activities.
Optional tours that can be booked and paid locally
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple (Remains closed on Monday): The main monument, at the center of the complex, is 141-foot (43 m) high, 316-foot (96 m) wide, and 370-foot (110 m) long and is covered top to bottom with carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities. Designed in accordance with ancient Vedic text known as the Sthapatya Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India. It is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and has no support from steel or concrete. The monument also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis and statues of Hinduism’s sadhus, devotees, and acharyas. The monument also features the Gajendra Pith at its base, a plinth paying tribute to the elephant for its importance in Hindu culture and India’s history. It contains 148 scale sized elephants in total and weighs a total of 3000 tons.
Lotus Temple (Remains closed on Monday) – Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Bahai’s Temple is a marvel of modern architecture, which is visible from several spots in south Delhi. The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God, to the people of India. This ancient symbol has been given a modern and contemporary form in the structure of the Bahai House of Worship drawing 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 acceptance in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles, and dynamic in the influence.
Birla Temple – Laxminarayan Mandir is one of the major temples and landmarks of Delhi. During 1933-39, Laxmi Narayan Temple was built by Mr. B.D. Birla of Birla Group of Industries, one of the famous business tycoons of India. Laxminarayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. The architecture of the Temple looks imbibed from the Orissan Style. The temple has tall spires and it looks magnificent raised in red sandstone. The tallest spire of the temple extends to the height of 165 feet whereas the additional spires lengthen to 116 feet. The exotic structure of the temple comprises sculptures, tall spires and Jali work making it a remarkable to behold. Apart from the idol of presiding deity, the temple has remarkable idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. Geeta Bhawan is a huge hall that is embellished with striking paintings, derived from the scenes of Indian mythology
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is an important historical and religious place in India. The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was built on the site of a house where Guru Harikishen Dev, the 8th Guru of the Sikhs, stayed when he visited Delhi in 1664, on the royal call from Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The tank, which can still be seen in the temple compound, was apparently blessed by the Guru himself, which can cure people of small pox and cholera. Partisans of Sikh history can visit the Baba Baghel Singh Museum within the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib complex. It is also said that the 6th Guru, Sri Hargobind Sahib had stayed in this holy place after being released from the Gwalior Fort.
Shopping in Khan Market: Khan Market one of the most exclusive market places of Delhi and has a wide variety of stores. Explore the various designer stores like Anokhi with its highly fashionable blend of Western and Eastern style clothing, The Neemrana Shop offers a wide range of trinkets and souvenirs that make ideal gifts and usable memorabilia; you can buy Kama Ayurvedic toiletries, gorgeous pewter teapots, and simple and stylish light cotton garments, perfect for you to wear during your travels in India. Fab India, specializing in stylish ethnic Indian home furnishing and clothing for all ages. Good Earth is filled with fabulous home wares, furniture, and accessories and the perfect place to pick up beautiful linens, silk cushions, scented candles etc.
Jantar Mantar – Jantar Mantar consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1724 onwards, and is one of five built by him. The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables and to predict the time and movements of the sun, moon and planets
Dilli Haat Market – Dilli Haat is an upmarket version of a traditional Indian village or rural market. It is a Mecca for craftsmen selling Indian handicrafts and ethnic wear. There are a number of shops selling Indian souvenirs and interesting gift items. There are also numerous food stalls offering local cuisines from different parts of the country
National Gandhi Museum – The National Gandhi Museum has a very rich collection of original relics, books, journals and documents, photographs, audio-visual materials, exhibitions, art pieces and other memorabilia closely connected with Mahatma Gandhi, Kastur Ba and Indian Freedom Struggle. It is developing into a Resource Centre for the Gandhian and allied Studies and Research. It also processes the information, data, audio-visual materials, etc., for the use of different categories.
Slum Tour – Sanjay Colony is a small slum built on 18 acres of land located in the south of Delhi near the Bahai Lotus Temple and Iskcon temple. You will spend about 1.5 hours walking around and visiting small scale businesses, a small temple, a mosque and residential areas. Learn about working and residential life and witness how despite the challenging living conditions it remains an area charged with positive energy and community spirit
Note for Sanjay Colony Slum Tour
a) No Photography Policy for the entire tour. This policy helps ensure the privacy of the residents and that we maintain our strong relationship with the community
b) What To Wear: Please wear modest clothing (for women: no sleeveless shirts, short shorts, or low tops – shoulders and chest covered, clothing below the knee.)
c) Shoes: We advise customers to wear covered shoes, as some areas can be dirty
In the evening, you will be taken for walking tour of the market followed by cooking demonstration and Dinner with the family at Jyoti’s residence [Enjoy a sumptuous four-course dinner with Ms. Jyoti Aggarwal – a Food enthusiast and her family at their home in Delhi. A delicious home cooked meal prepared by Jyoti herself. Experience a four course traditional Indian meal along with some very enriching conversation to go with it. They say the best meals are homemade and you are invited to chat with Jyoti and get a glimpse of contemporary India in urban cities].
Overnight is at Maidens, Delhi [Premier Room with Breakfast]

Day 4: DELHI – AGRA – DELHI
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the railway station to board your train for Agra.
Train Gatimaan Express
Departs Delhi 0810 Hrs
Arrives Agra 0950 Hrs
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best.
Meet and Greet on arrival and continue sightseeing tour of Agra.
Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort – the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.
Lunch will be at your local restaurant.
Late afternoon visit to Taj Mahal (remains closed on Friday). Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, it is truly one of the wonders.
In the evening, board train back to Delhi
Train Gatimaan Express
Departs Delhi 1750 Hrs
Arrives Agra 1930 Hrs
Meet and Greet on arrival at Delhi railway station and transfer to hotel Maidens.
Dinner will be at your hotel.
Overnight is at Maidens, Delhi [Premier Room with Breakfast & Dinner]

Day 05: DELHI
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
After breakfast proceed for tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
The tour to Imperial Delhi will start by visit to the Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutab Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutab-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan’s successor and son- in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top.
The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3 m while at the top floor it is 2.7 m. The Qutab Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India.
Then visit Humayun’s Tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.
In the evening, dinner will be at your hotel.
Overnight is at Maidens, Delhi [Premier Room with Breakfast & Dinner]

Day 06: DELHI – JAIPUR
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the railway station to board your train for Agra.
Train Shatabdi
Departs Delhi 0605 Hrs
Arrives Jaipur 1035 Hrs
On arrival, you will check-in at the hotel.
Jaipur – The capital of Rajasthan Jaipur – popularly known as the “Pink City “as the Pink sandstone was used to construct the buildings in Old walled city. Jaipur owes its name, its foundation and it’s planning to the Great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699–1744 AD).
Rest of the day you will be at leisure.
Overnight is at Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur [Suite with breakfast & dinner]

Day 07: JAIPUR
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
After breakfast, you will drive just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. An elephant [subject to availability/alternatively by jeep] will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls; Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls.
En-route to Amber, you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
Post visit, you will be having the lunch at a heritage hotel in the city.
Post lunch visit, City Palace. The magnificent City Palace is in the centre of the pink city of Jaipur, enclosed by high walls and set amidst fine gardens and courtyards. Since, Jai Singh built it in 1728, it has been the principal residence for the Maharajas of Jaipur and the successive rulers have each added to it. The major attractions in the Palace are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Dilkhush Mahal, Moti Mahal Sheesh Mahal and Krishna Mahal, all of which are adorned with exquisite colours and paintings. Then walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar also called Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders constructed by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day.
Overnight is at Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur [Suite with breakfast & dinner]

Day 8: JAIPUR
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
Day is at leisure to enjoy independent activities.
Lunch will at local restaurant.
Overnight is at Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur [Suite with breakfast & dinner]

Day 9: JAIPUR – KOCHI
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
Tea / Coffee at the hotel [We would request the hotel to provide packed breakfast]
In time, you will be transferred to Jaipur airport to connect with your flight to Kochi via Mumbai.
Flight 9W 2383
Depart Jaipur 0815 Hrs
Arrives Mumbai 1005 Hrs
On arrival in Mumbai, stay in transit for your onward flight to Kochi. Please contact the airline staff for any assistance.
Flight 9W 403
Depart Mumbai 1325 Hrs
Arrives Kochi 1540 Hrs
Note:
1. Guests do not get any food on board and baggage allowance is 15 Kgs in Economy class.
2. You may have the lunch inside the Mumbai airport (on direct payment). On arrival Kochi airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
On arrival Kochi airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Kochi, or more familiarly, Cochin is a city of many parts. Around for a long, long time, Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the region. Kochi’s prime location on the west coast, its fine bay and protected harbour made it popular with seafarers and merchant ships who made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood enroute to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. And so down the ages, Kochi prospered as a busy port city and commercial centre.
Upon arrival proceed for check in at the hotel.
Rest of the day, you are at leisure to relax or pursue independent activities [No transportation]
Overnight is at Eighth Bastion, Kochi [Standard room with breakfast & dinner]

Day 10: KOCHI
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
After breakfast, you will be taken for a half day sightseeing tour of Cochin City.
All the sightseeing places are located in the Fort Cochin area itself. Begin with Dutch Palace also known as Mattancherry Palace [Closed on Friday & Saturday]. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. At no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Then visit Jewish Synagogue [Closed on Friday & Saturday] built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest here.
You will also visit St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi. The Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco-da-Gama were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.
Santa Cruz Basilica Church is also worth visiting. Some beautiful paintings can be seen here. The Chinese Fishing nets that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi is what you will see on your way while returning to your hotel. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan’s Court, they are used at high tide.
You will be having your lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon will be at leisure.
Optional Tour:
In the evening, you will witness Cultural performance – Kerala Kaleidoscope which is a mix of various dance performance of Kerala including – Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kalaripayattu, Theyyam, Koodiyattam, Ottanthullal.
Kerala Kaleidoscope: Essentially an exclusive, uniquely choreographed repertoire of live classical dance and music performed in a heritage theatre with legendary ritualistic folk invocations and martial arts. It is a medley of many authentic dances of Kerala, especially the sheer splendor of a magical rendezvous with the languid, mellifluously lyrical and graceful Mohiniattam, dance of the enchantress – exquisitely devotional for some, sublimely sensual for others; the rigorously codified majestic spectacle of Kathakali, Kerala’s trademark dance drama instantly recognizable for its dazzling regalia and trance-inducing rhythms, the stunningly totemic and surreally oracular manifestation of the divine in the folk tradition of Theyyam, among a breathtaking mélange of inimitable performing art forms accompanied by soul-stirring ensmbles of pristine musical genres, dominated by the mesmerizing roll of the ‘demonic’ drum, chenda.”
Overnight is at Eighth Bastion, Kochi [Standard room with breakfast & dinner]

Day 11: KOCHI
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
Day is at leisure to enjoy Independent activities.
Optional
Lulu Mall – is the largest shopping mall in India situated in the city of Kochi. It is one of the most visited place in Kerala. Spanning 17 acres and with a total retail floor area of 1.7 million square feet, it is the 89th largest shopping mall in the world. Is the sure way to refresh and relax after a busy weekday. Explore interesting themes, fabulous designs, colorful landscapes, amusing characters, ambient music, props and merchandise available in nearby stores- all at one place.
Lunch will be at local restaurant.
MUZIRIS: Is one of the ancient harbors in India- Nearly 3000 years old. The first Jewish, Christian and Islamic settlements in India were here during 961 BC, 52 AD, and 629 AD respectively. Muziris is also known as Jerusalem of the East. Muziris the ancient town as Kodungallur (mentioned in ancient maps as “Crangannoor”), some 30 kms north of Cochin City. The main spice which was imported from this port was Black Pepper and hence got the name Muziris. (Muchiri means Chilly in Sanskrit)
Kodungallur (Muziris Heritage) is literally the cradle of several religions. Apart from the first Jews of India, this is the port where the apostle St Thomas landed, bringing Christianity to India. It is also the site of Cheraman Mosque, the first Muslim house of worship in India. In addition, it houses a famous Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy In 1341, the profile of the water bodies in the Periyar River basin, on the Malabar Coast in Kerala underwent a major transformation.
Excavations have been done here to prove the connections between Cochin and several other overseas countries. Interesting places worth visiting in this area are, Chennamangalam Jewish Synagogue, Pattanam Excavation Site, Palium Dutch Palace, Palium Nalukettu [gathering place for women and children], Kottapuram Fort and Kottayil Kovlakom- comprises Vishnu Temple located on top of a hill, Jewish cemetery in the valley of the hill and a mosque established on another side in the valley of the same hill.
Overnight is at Eighth Bastion, Kochi [Standard room with breakfast & dinner]

Day 12: KOCHI – ALLEPPEY
Breakfast is at the Hotel.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Alleppey Jetty [Approx. 60 Kms: 02 Hrs] to embark your house- boat for enjoying an overnight stay [Check in time is 1300 Hrs]
Kettuvallams, the stitched boats provide the best way to experience the colourful backwaters of Kerala. The wood commonly used to make Kettuvallams is ‘Anhili’, which is found in abundance in central Travancore area. Large planks are tied together using handmade coir ropes and beaten coconut fibres. This gives the Kettuvallams enough strength to withstand heavy waves in the sea.
Kettuvallams are built entirely without the use of nails. It requires great skill and adroitness to construct these giant boats by tying huge planks of jack wood together. The boats are applied with fish oil and cashew nut oil and left to cure for days.
With careful maintenance, they last for generations. These house boats are available in all sizes and shapes, and comprise one or two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, one living room, kitchenette, an open lounge, deck and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. The houseboats are generally powered by a small outboard engine, allowing one to cruise along the backwaters.
A sojourn in Kettuvallam, the House boat of Kerala, offers a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of the God’s Own Country. You will cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters, throughout a night in waxing moonlights. All meals will be served on board the house-boat.
Overnight is on the Houseboat [AC Houseboat with all Meals]

Day 13: ALLEPPEY – MARARI
Breakfast is on board the houseboat.
After breakfast, you will dis embark the houseboat and be transferred to Marari [Approx. 30 Kms – 01 Hr]
On arrival, you will check in at your hotel. [Check in time is 1400 Hrs. We will place a request for early check-in and our endeavor is do our best to secure it, however, you will appreciate the same will be subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed]
It is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more an authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life.
Overnight is at Marari Sands by Tree Leaf Hospitality [Palm Villa with Breakfast]

Day 14 – 17: MARARI
These days, you will be at leisure [No transportation]
Option tours that can be booked and paid locally
1. Visit to the Coir factory where you get a chance to see coir manufacturing process-from the coconut husk to the final rope / coir yarn stage. There are also several shops selling coir matting and carpets.
2. Visit to Alleppey town where you can explore the local market and interact with people.
3. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (32 km South of Alappuzha) Situated near Harappa, this is a serpent shrine under the patronage of a Brahmin family, headed by a priestess. The ancient shrine is an internationally renowned pilgrim center dedicated to the Serpent God – Nagaraja. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the beloved consorts of Nagaraja. It is believed that Nagaraja as the installed deity is endowed with the form of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and the spirit of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the first priestess of Mannarasala gave birth to a five-headed snake, which is believed to reside in the ancestral house to safeguard the family. At Mannarasala barren women are believed to be blessed with children and a special turmeric paste available at the shrine is credited with powers to cure even leprosy.
4. Arthunkal Basilica Church is a major Christian pilgrim center. The St Sebastian’s statue will be kept in front of the church altar. The procession of the Saint in a palanquin by hundreds of devotees from church to beach chapel and back attracts a huge crowd of devotees. More than two lakh pilgrims visit the church during the festival. The Sabarimala pilgrims too visit the church during their pilgrimage. The belief is that Lord Ayyappa and St. Sebastian are brothers.
Overnight is at Marari Sands by Tree Leaf Hospitality [Palm Villa with Breakfast]

Day 18: MARARI – KOCHI – DEPARTURE
Tea/coffee is at the hotel [We would provide you the packed breakfast]
In time, you will be transferred to Kochi airport [Approx. 80 Kms – 2.5 Hrs] to connect with your flight to onward destination.