Day 01: Arrival / Mumbai
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as
our representatives welcome you and escort you to your van.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative
would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents
to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel Fariyas (Standard Room)
Day 02: Mumbai
Morning is at leisure to recover from your long flight.
Afternoon, we proceed on a guided tour of a cosmopolitan
& tropical Bombay, with pockets of palm trees and a warm
salty breeze wafting in off the Arabian Sea. Its weathered
Victorian mansions, some still privately owned, and many grand
public buildings beautifully lit at night, stand as a lingering
reminder of the days of the British Raj. Bombay's culture
is vibrant, often aggressive, reflecting the affluence and
energy of a bustling city of 15 million people.
Our first stop is at Bombay's landmark the Gateway of India,
an felegant 26 mtrs stone archway, hastily erected as a symbol
of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on their
visit to India in 1911. In the years following, artisans added
decorative carvings and lovely Jharokha work (window carvings),
and completed it in 1923. We continue to the Hanging Gardens
perched above Malabar Hill. These terraced gardens provide
a beautiful panoramic view of the Arabian Sea were laid out
in the early 1880s covering Bombay's main reservoir. Visit
the Prince of Wales Museum, with its rich collection of antique
miniature paintings, Nepalese and Tibetan art; and Jehangir
Gallery, housing the works of contemporary Indian artists.
Travel up Malabar Hill for magnificent vistas and a look at
the fanciful Hanging Gardens and topiaries. Stop at Mani Bhavan,
Mahatma Gandhi's home, now a museum dedicated to his life;
and stroll through teeming bazaars crammed with antiques,
jewelry, produce, flowers, and an array of handcrafted wares.
Evening is at leisure to enjoy the nightlife of Mumbai.
Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. This is the most ideal
place for the people who want to feel fresh young and rejuvenated.
Brimming with discotheques, Restaurants and nightclubs Mumbai
in actual is the Las Vegas of India. Mumbai is a city where
every night seems like a festival night.
Overnight at Hotel Fariyas (Standard Room)
Day 03: Mumbai
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on an excursion
to Elephanta Caves by boat. 10-km north east of Apollo Bunder,
lies the island of Elephanta, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva.
The island is famous for its great cave shrine, excavated
in the sixth century, dating back to the period, when the
island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress City. With the
arrival of the Portuguese, the island was renamed Elephanta,
after the huge carved elephant, they found at the place where
they landed. The cave temple, which is the pride of Elephanta,
sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres,
is reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 steps, to
the top of a hill. Inside the temple, is a large pillared
hall with rows of columns that appear to hold up the roof
of the cave? Crossbeams complete the illusion of a ceiling.
One's attention is immediately drawn to the series of marvellous
sculptured panels, nine in all, which are set like tableaux
on the walls. Little is known about the architects and sculptors,
who worked on this gem of ancient architecture. What is almost
tangible is their intense faith, which seems to create an
energy field in the cave premises. Each of the panel captures
the volatility of Shiva's essentially paradoxic nature, and
the magical interplay of light and shade, only intensifies
the overall effect. The plan of the temple is symmetrical,
with the important focal points worked out in a geometrical
mandala - the mystic design that represents an energy field.
At the western end of the cave is the very centre of Elephanta,
the resting-place of the 'linga', the simplest form, encompassing
the essence of creative power, in which Shiva is worshipped
as the Lord of fertility and procreation. The four entrances
to the shrine are flanked by large guardian figures, 'dwarpalas.'
As one enters the cave, on the right, is the panel depicting
Nataraja, Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Though a little disfigured
by the Portugeuse, the panel is still remarkable in its vivid
portrayal of the Destroyer.
Evening is at leisure to explore the nightlife of Mumbai.
Overnight at Hotel Fariyas (Standard Room)
Day 04: Mumbai / Goa (9W 471 - 1230 / 1330)
Following a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport
for your flight to Goa.
Goa displays colonial heritage that had been patronized by
the Portuguese. India's most popular beach resort lures ardent
tourists from all over the globe. Afternoon siesta and evening
feista rule the way of life here. Goa is a traveller's ultimate
destination for its scenic splendor, golden beaches, rocking
nightlife and scrumptious food and of course the good old
feni. A walk down the city promises to captivate your attention
with the beautiful churches and the towering forts that take
you back into the Portugese era. Goan culture is a confluence
of many cultures. The vibrant life of Goa makes it an irresistable
vacation destination.
Goa beaches have never failed to charm its tourists. The
swaying palms and the cool waves splashing on your face is
a unique experience that Goa promises you with its finest
beaches. It boasts of some wonderful beaches like Calangute,
Colva,Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Sinquerim and still many more
wait for you to explore them. Goa is a highlight on the shopper's
map, the place is primarily famous for shells decoratives
and cashew nuts. The other attractions include terracotta
and brassware. The Anjuna Beach is famous for its Wednesday
Flea market. One can also lay their hands on the famous feni
and native jute items here.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Verca
Palm Beach Resort
Overnight at Verca Palm Beach Resort
Day 5- 10: Goa
Days are at leisure for to enjoy your stay in Goa.
Old Goa possesses some of the most opulent churches and cathedrals
that trace their origin to the Portuguese period. The architecture
of these churches exhibit pure Portuguese style. Some of the
famous churches are Se Cathedral, Convent & Church of
St. Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St
Augustine Ruins and others.
Overnight at Verca Palm Beach Resort
Day 11: Goa / Delhi (Spice Jet 256 - 1750 /
2015)
Evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
Hotel The Connaught.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 12: Delhi
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour
of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's
Tomb (1586) , the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the
most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar
which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years.
Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government
buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main
shopping district of the capital.
We cross the city and enter into the walled gates of the
Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and
19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as
compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested roads
and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating
to its chequered history. Our tour includes visits to the
Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni
Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs
of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi,
on to the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder
of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal
Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder
of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi
and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back.
The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion
in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This
is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and
bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets
bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all
description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride
would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers
as well as the onlookers.
Home Visit & A Welcome Dinner: This evening, we visit
an Indian family for a taste of typical Indian hospitality
and home cooked food. The idea of this evening is to give
you a 'feel' of the destination you are visiting and not a
superficial touristy overview.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 13: Delhi / Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur along one of India's finest
freeways. We will have opportunities to stop on the way at
well-appointed restaurants for refreshments as well as restroom
services.
In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite
architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and
romance, lies the dream city of Jaipur. The people are dynamic,
martial and, need we say it, colourful. Here every walk through
the by lanes is a walk through history. Indeed, Jaipur could
be compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle
with saffron 'odhinis' (ladies scarves). Camel's buggies and
elephants are as commonly found as motorcars and buses
Upon arrival, check in to Shahpura House, once residence
of the erstwhile rulers of Shahpura and scion of the Shekhawat
clan of Rajput, is now a hotel. Set in the elite Bani Park
area of Jaipur, this hotel offers a green environment with
lovely lawns. With its proximity to the business centres of
Jaipur, Shahpura House is an ideal place to stay for the business
travelers and holidays, alike.
Afternoon, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur..
An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block
making and block printing and we will be exploring the process
from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The
opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your
design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur -
its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky
tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry.
Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been
a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The
stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns
and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the
champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for
its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac
and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy.
The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones
into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting
little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz
and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
Evening is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Shahpura House - A Heritage
Property (Standard Room)
Day 14: Jaipur
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the Amber
Fort. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, the Fort is a
superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style of architecture.
A slow elephant taxi takes us to the top of the Fort, which
houses several graceful buildings.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where
Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our
guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural
masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics
and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they
did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old
city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could
peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Afternoon, we proceed for a guided tour of the City Palace
& Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old
city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The
center of the palace is a seven storied building called Chandra
Palace, with fine views over the gardens and the city. Next
top the City Palace is the Solar Observatory - an astronomical
treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate predictions
till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five storied structure of
pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed
windows overlooking the main street of the old city.
Overnight at Shahpura House - A Heritage
Property (Standard Room)
Day 15: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
After breakfast, we ride to Agra stopping at Fatehpur Sikri
(ghost capital) for a tour of these magnificent and world
heritage buildings, which are still in a state of perfect
reservation. The city is divided into religious and secular
sections. The profusion of sculpture is breathtaking. Also,
the white marble mosque in the secular section is incredible.
It is a very sacred mosque and pilgrims from far and near
arrives here to pay their respects. From here we continue
our drive to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra, check into hotel Howard Park Plaza.
The hotel's cuisine is renowned for its taste and splendour.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Howard Park Plaza - A First
Class Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 16: Agra / Delhi
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's
lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for
the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so
that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight.
A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical
effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours
of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
Later, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings
inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central
Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze
of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort
echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid &
other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient
Indian architects.
Following the tour of massive Agra Fort, we drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival check into your Hotel The Connaught.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 17: Delhi / Goa (Spice Jet 255 - 1600 /
1825)
Morning is at leisure for your independent activities.
Afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Goa
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Verca
Palm Beach Resort
Overnight at Verca Palm Beach Resort
Day 18 - 21: Goa
Days are at leisure to enjoy spectacular beaches of Goa.
Overnight at Verca Palm Beach Resort
Day 22: Goa / Cochin (IC 576 - 0820 / 0930)
(Operates only on Tue & Sat)
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel
Casino, a fascinating 4* hotel replete with character. The
seafood 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!
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, recreate an incomparable sense
of pageantry.
Overnight at Hotel Casino (Standard Room)
Day 23: Cochin
This morning we proceed on a guided tour of the City. The
true character of the city is to be found in the older parts
of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less exists as it used
to be a 1000 years back, when it was first built. The roads
have not been widened because the old haggard buildings, through
patchwork repairs over the centuries, still stand on the edges.
This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval
Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the
tropical Malabar Coast. The fishing community of Cochin is
also very interesting. They ancient cantilevered fishing nets
called Chinese Fishing Nets. The net is fixed to a pole on
the shore. While fishing, the entire net is lowered by a primitive
fulcrum mechanism using long bamboo poles. By the same mechanism
the pole is lifted along with the catch. We will explore the
sights of Photographic as well as cultural interest. We would
also visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known
as the Dutch Palace since the Dutch substantially renovated
the palace in the 17th century. The double storied quadrangular
building surrounds a courtyard containing a Hindu temple.
The Central Hall on the first floor was the coronation hall
of the Rajas of Cochin; on display are their dresses, turbans
and palanquins. The most important feature of this palace,
however, is the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and
other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other
religious legends. These murals are undoubtedly some of the
most beautiful and extensive anywhere to be seen in India.
The unique feature here is the unexpected and isolated Jewish
community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are self-contained
and have there own Synagogue.
The area around the Synagogue, known, as 'Jew Town' is one
of the main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms
huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is
filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric
and cloves. The area is very busy. The potters are loading
gunny bags of spices on to carts, which keep running up and
down the narrow lanes. We would visit Jew Town, in the Mattancherry
section and a short walk from the ferry, is one street long.
Jews used to occupy virtually all the houses on Jew Town Road,
where they sold fruits, vegetables and spices or worked as
oil pressers or carpenters. The spice markets are still located
on the narrow street.
Overnight Hotel Brunton Boatyard (Standard
Sea Facing Room)
Day 24: Cochin / Kumarakom
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Kumarakom.
Upon arrival check into Coconut Lagoon, it 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.
Overnight at Coconut Lagoon (Mansion)
Day 26: Kumarakom / Mararikulam
After breakfast, we ride to the exquisite Marari Beach Resort.
A beach is just a beach, until you find its living heart.
The search ends in the little village of Mararikulam.
Overnight at Marari Beach Resort (Garden
Villa)
Day 30: Mararikulam / Cochin
Cochin / Mumbai (9W 402 - 1300 / 1450)
Transfer to Cochin airport for your flight to Mumbai.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
Hotel Sun-n-Sand
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Hotel Sun-n-Sand (Standard
Room)
Day 31: Mumbai / Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home.
Indicative High Season Cost Based on 02 People Traveling Together:
- USD 3028 Per Person
Cost Includes: Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis;
Daily American Breakfast; Home Dinner with an Indian family;
Elephant ride at Amber Fort; Local guides for city tours as
per the itinerary; All transport as per the itinerary in a
fine air - conditioned car; Inner India Airfare as per the
Itinerary.
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- By Day and Night tour itinerary, India. For details please
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