Day 01: ARRIVAL / MUMBAI
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Mumbai and transfer
to the hotel - Sun N Sand
Traditional welcome with garlands as our representative welcomes
you aboard your deluxe car. During the ride to your hotel,
our representative would introduce India, as well as some
common Indian customs and courtesies. 'Namaste' and welcome
to India or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an
incarnation of God).
OVERNIGHT: SUN N SAND HOTEL - (SUPERIOR
ROOM)
Day 02: MUMBAI / COCHIN (9W 401 - 1035 / 1220)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect your flight
to Cochin, a fascinating 4* hotel replete with character.
The sea food restaurant here is a tremendous place in case
you are fond of eating fish. The restaurant is open sided
and the manager walks up to you with a cart of fish (dead,
mercifully !). You make the pick and he cooks. The food here
would be WOW stuff !. Cooked in typical Kerala style and marinated
with coconut and mild herbs, the food leaves a refreshing
tingle on your taste buds !
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Casino
Kathakali Dance
A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness
the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts
episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures,
the elaborate make-up, the masks and the splendid costumes
of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable sense
of pageantry.
OVERNIGHT: CASINO HOTEL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 03: COCHIN
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour.
An ancient harbor town, Cochin reflects the influence of
the many foreign traders who visited the city. The Jewish
synagogue, one of the oldest in India, is set in the heart
of the area known as "Jew Town" surrounded by an
aromatic spice market, and interesting shops selling antiques.
The synagogue is decorated with blue ceramic Chinese tiles,
each distinct in their design. The pictures on the tiles relate
the tale of the romance between a wealthy mandarin. We spend
time in the surrounding markets and walk to the Mattancherry
Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the raja
of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two
storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala style
known as nalukattu (four buildings). The palace exhibits memorabilia
from the raja of Kochi' collection, but it is best known for
its outstanding murals painted on the wooden walls. The royal
bedroom has ceilings and walls covered with forty-five 16th
century paintings illustrating the Ramayana.
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities
OVERNIGHT: CASINO HOTEL (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 04: COCHIN / KUMARAKOM
Today after a relaxed morning we drive to Kumarakom.
Upon arrival, check in to Coconut Lagoon which has rightly
carved its place among the top 10 heritage resorts of the
world. The resort is on a small island and can be reached
only by boat. The accommodation consists of individual cottages
built in the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on
wood and some with private pools.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
You have the option for participating in Cookery demonstration
of the Resort.
OVERNIGHT: COCONUT LAGOON (MANSIONS)
Day 05: KUMARAKOM
Day is free for independent activities.
Today you can also enjoy the optional ayurvedic body massage
at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding
tribal villages.
You could also to visit the adjacent Kumarakom Bird sanctuary,
situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake is known for its
varied avian population. The bird sanctuary here, which is
spread across 14 acres, is a favorite 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 there in flocks are a fascination
for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarokom
sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. The main attractions
are local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron
and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes.Parrots,
teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are
seen here during their respective migratory seasons.
OVERNIGHT: COCONUT LAGOON (MANSIONS)
Day 06: KUMARAKOM / MARARIKULAM
Today we drive to MARARIKULAM.
The Marari Beach is a Brand New Hotel built in the style
of an traditional fishing village with thatched villas that
have been designed to be in keeping with the local village
style. The 400 sq.ft spacious villas are all air-conditioned
with twin or double beds, mini bar, coffee making facilities
and delightfully furnished veranda with ceiling fan. The bathrooms
are spacious and modern, built in traditional Kerala style
with an open-air courtyard, complete with a banana or Pappaya
tree
OVERNIGHT: MARAI BEACH RESORT (STANDARD
ROOM)
Day 08: MARARIKULAM / COCHIN / MUMBAI (9W 402
- 1300/1450 hrs)
MUMBAI / DELHI (IT118 2035/2230 hrs)
Morning at leisure for independent activities
Afternoon transfer to Cochin airport in time to board flight
to Mumbai to make your onward connection to Delhi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
hotel The Connaught
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL (STANDARD
ROOM)
Day 09: DELHI
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.
This morning you head out to the Old Delhi. Old Delhi came
into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra
to Delhi. The Red Fort that dominates this area is the landmark.
Built in the mid 17th century by Shah Jahan, it was plundered
by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and later by British
soliders. After visiting the fort, we arrive at the 300 year
old chandni chowk market. A maze of lanes crowded with shops
selling an extra ordinary variety of items and food, the noise
and crowds are a quite essential part of any Indian market.
We explore the market on a cycle rickshaw, our path leading
us through lanes, each dedicated to a particular item, rather
like a departmental stores. Leather wear, clothes, bridal
wear, jewelry, and of course the aromatic popular street where
food ranging from deep fried sweet meats to Paranthas - a
bread stuffed with a variety of vegetables.
From here we continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque.
This is India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan and
was his last architectural legacy. Originally it was called
Masjid-I-Jahanum, which means "mosque commanding a view
of the world". It is well worth climbing to the top of
the southern minaret for an unrivalled view of Old and New
Delhi. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old
Delhi is Raj Ghat, a simle and stunning memorial to Mahatma
Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence.
Afternoon we visit The New Delhi - which is a blend of ancient
and pre independence India. The Qutub Minar, the tapering
monument begun in 1199 was built to symbolize the supremacy
of Islam. This structure was eventually the proto type of
all minars or towers in India. A pivot of faith, justice and
righteousness, its name carried the message of its founder
Qutub -ud-din's own achievements and the inscriptions say
that the tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over
the East and West. We also visit the Humayun's Tomb which
was built by the mother of emperor Akbar. This is the earliest
example of Mughal architecture in India.
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL (STANDARD
ROOM)
Day 10: DELHI / AGRA
Morning we drive to the City of Taj Mahal.
Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even
today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments, the
majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and
not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine… all,
cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past. The older
city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent
history… captivating every visitor with fond memories
to take back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also
exist adjacent to tradition - luxury hotels, shopping malls
and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for
recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the
arts. Upon arrival check in to your hotel.
After lunch we visit the Massive Agra Fort - Designed and
built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70
foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous
palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am
and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by
a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. Many buildings
were constructed within the fort of which very few remain
till date. One of the most significant is the Jahangiri Mahal
built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai.
The 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. Most of the panels in the eastern hall are decorated
with the Persian styled stucco paintings in gold and blue.
It is believed that a century later, most of the structure
were dismantled by Shahjahan and were replaced with white
marble pavilions covered with intricate inlay work. Of which
the most prominent ones are - the Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam
Burj and the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built
the Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am.
Taj Mahal changes its mood with the seasons and the different
times of the day. At dusk, the marble has a delicate bloom
in shell pink, turning to a soft pearly grey at dusk. On the
full moon nights, the silver light makes it float away against
the star sprangled sky. Monsoon clouds give it a moody blue
tint and it appears and disappears like a mirage in the drifting
mists of winter. It can be solid and earth bound, fragile
and ethereal, white, amber, grey and gold. The many faces
of the Taj Mahal displays the seductive power of architecture
and jewellery as both are reflected in the Taj Mahal. It is
one of the most flawless architectural creation in the world.
We will visit this monument of love at Sun-set.
OVERNIGHT: HOWARD PARK PLAZA (STANDARD
ROOM)
Day 11: AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI / JAIPUR
Morning drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri
An emperor builds a magnificent city as an act of gratitude
to a penniless saint, makes it the capital of his empire and
then for inexplicable reason abandons it.
Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After just
fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great city of
victory fell silent. Its echoing corridors still seen to wait
for the king to return. The hill top city lies 37 kms from
Agra. This deserted city has two distinct complexes. The first
comprises the royal enclosure of the palace, the harem and
official buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint,
with a mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red
sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back in
the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the gateway
after a triumpant campaign, o be welcomed by his delighted
subjects and the royal courts. Its reflects the many faceted
character of the man who inspired it. The ruthless empire
builder who enjoyed all the trapping of power and as liberal
enlightened man who took a passionate instant in every aspect
of life, be it religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.
Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri
Upon arrival, check into Shahpura House.
Afternoon is designed for escorted walks with our guide in
Jaipur's shady animated streets - or for independent discovery.
The city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive
visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis
(lanes) will feel the spirit of the city.
Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enamelled
blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass
work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned
dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature
painting.
OVERNIGHT: SHAHPURA HOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 12: JAIPUR
In the morning we visit the fort palace at Amber, its forbidding
exterior belying a bejeweled interior whose richness reflects
the sumptuous styles of the surrounding Mughal courts. We
will approach the fort on elephant back. Our tour of this
architectural delight includes the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public
Audience, an open pavilion with cream marble pillars supporting
an unusual striped canopy shaped ceiling with a portico with
double red sandstone pillars; the Ganesh Pol which separates
the private and public areas is decorated with mosaic and
painted decorations; the Diwan I Khas or Hall of Private Audience
has a curved Bengali roof and has marble pillars and a painted
ceiling. The Hall of Mirrors, the pleasure palaces inlaid
with ivory and sandalwood reflect the Mughal influence, whilst
the baradari the 12 arched pavilion reflect both Mughal and
Hindu influences.
Afternoon we stop at the city palace, a series of open courtyards,
simple stables and buildings leading to the richly decorated
royal rooms of the Chandra Mahal. The museum within the palace
house a fabulous collection of textiles, carpets, manuscripts
and costumes from the personal collection of the royal family;
the Jantar Mantar, the ancient observatory, is the creation
of the scholar king Sawai Jai Singh. The name literally means
"Instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens".
An attractive and fascinating place, there are extraordinary
shaped stone monoliths faced with marble, which are accurate
even today. Adjoining are structures, which depict the 12
zodiac signs that enable instant readings to be made. We end
our day at the colorful market dominated by the elegant tapering
Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Nine storey high, decorated
with delicately carved niches and balconies, this pink sandstone
façade served as a concrete "purdah" or screen
for ladies of the royal harem, who would watch the activities
of the city from a position of privacy.
OVERNIGHT: SHAHPURA HOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)
Day 13: JAIPUR / DELHI (270 kms)
DELHI / SRINAGAR (9W 603 - 1115/1235 hrs)
Morning drive to the Delhi airport in time to board flight
for Srinagar
Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at
an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides
of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque
setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious
climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors
around the year. ts waterways with their own quaint lifestyle,
the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports
activities, shopping for lovingly handcrafted souvenirs and
the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking
for a memorable holiday.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Srinagar airport and
transfer to the Houseboat on Dal Lake
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities
OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)
Day 14: SRINAGAR
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city.
The larger and more elaborate pleasure garden of the Mughals
is the Shalimar Bagh, four kms away. Laid out by Emperor Jahangir
for Nur Jahan, this garden is also divided into four terraces
and has a water channel running down its centre. On the topmost
terrace is the pavilion reserved for the royal visitors. Supported
by stunning black marble pillars, the pavilion had tiny niches
that were used to keep fragrant flowers in the day and light
up the pavilion with lamps at night.
We will also visit the important mosques of Srinagar is the
large Jamia Masjid built in 1674. The mosque has thick wooden
pillars, each made from an entire deodar tree. One of the
oldest mosques in Kashmir, the foundation of the building
was said to have been laid as far back as 1398 by Sultan Sikandar.
To the southeast is the Rozahbal Mosque, for some esoteric
and strange reason known as the 'tomb of Jesus'. Across the
River Jhelum lies the Pattar Masjid, built in 1623 for the
Empress Nur Jahan. The mosque was later renamed as the Shahi
Masjid.
Evening enjoy the Shikara ride on Dal Lake to enjoy the beauty
that God has graced this city which is often compared to Venice.
You will gat a view of some very interesting places around
the lake.
OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)
Day 15: SRINAGAR / GULAMRG
Morning we drive to Gulmarg.
Literally a meadow of flowers, Gulmarg is one of the most
popular tourist destinations in the Kashmir valley. A two-hour
drive from Srinagar, down roads lined with towering poplars
and you arrive at the luxuriant resort with breathtaking views
of the splendid mountains and unspoilt expanses of gree or
white, depending on the season. Crowded with tourists in winter
who come for skiing and winter sports or just to enjoy the
snow, Gulmarg also has a good golf course.
Upon arrival check into the hotel
Gulmarg offer plenty of options for nature walks and mild
treks along amazing scenes of natural beauty. We would explore
the magic of the place
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MT. VIEW - (B, L, D)
Day 16: GULMARG
Full day at leisure for independent activities and walks.
Optional trekking and horse ridding on request at the hotel
can be made.
Gulmarg like most regions of Kashmir offer opportunities
for Pony rides too. You would be helped to undertake pony
rides if you wish to.
A Cable Car Ride: Enjoy a fun-filled ride of a most unusual
kind on Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift from high
above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes, is exhilarating.
A Cable Car (Gandola) is installed which is great hit with
tourists and it takes tourist's upto Kongdori. The sky-car
ride across 5 km and reaching an altitude of 13,500 ft, the
highest in the world
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MT. VIEW- (B, L, D)
Day 17: GULAMRG / PAHALGHAM
Morning we drive to Pahalgham.
After breakfast we proceed for full day excursion to Pahalgam.
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar, Pahalgam
is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley.
Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the nighttime temperatures
do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the
beautiful Lidder River running right through the town.
Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag
Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with
bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Aru flows
down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag
from glaciers along the great Himalayan. At the confluence
of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag
Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking
views. Now it Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the
height of summer.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Highland
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL HIGHLAND - (B, L, D)
Day 18: PAHALGHAM
This morning we trek to Aru . The little village of Aru is
actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat
and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk
from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following
the Lidder river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which
also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the river.
At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log
huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the
higher sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for
the summer. One of course does not have to trek the full way,
but, we can return after an hour if we wish to.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL HIGHLAND - (B, L, D)
Day 19: PAHALGHAM / SRINAGAR
Morning free for leisure and independent activities
Late afternoon ride back to Srinagar
On arrival check in to the Luxury Houseboat
OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)
Day 20: SRINAGAR / DELHI (9W 1315/1535 hrs)
Afternoon transfer to the hotel in time to board flight for
Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel
OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT HOTEL - (STANDARD
ROOM) (B, L, D)
Day 21: DELHI / DEPARTURE
Today transfer to the International airport in time to board
flight back home
Cost includes: Accommodation in One Double room; All meals
included in Kashmir; Home Dinner with Indian Family; Transport
arrangements by Air Conditioned Car; Services of English Speaking
Guide during sightseeing tours; Elephant ride at Amber Fort
in Jaipur; Boat ride at Dal Lake in Srinagar; Kathakali Dance
Show in Cochin; Economy Class Airfare for Mumbai / Cochin
/ Mumbai / Delhi / Srinagar / Delhi; Pony Ride at Sonamarg
& Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg.
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