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Day 01
: Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India, You
will be received and assisted by Ashok India Travel
representative at International or Domestic Airport.
Then drive to your hotel with your driver and
exclusive car. In the
hotel have a brief view about the tour from the
representative. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02
: Delhi – Mandawa (260km)
In the morning after breakfast city tour of
India´s bustling capital city, Old and New Delhi
present a stunning 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. Drive through the old
city past the Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid –
the biggest of its kind in India. Here take a walk
through the winding streets of the old city to see
the life of the people in this part of the
world.Later visit the Qutub Minar – the tallest
free standing minaret in stone in the world; then
onto Humayun’s tomb – the first Mughal construction
in India from 1565 AD. Also see the President House
(Rashtrapati Bhawan), the India Gate built in the
earlier half of the 20th century. Later move by your
exclusive vehicle to Mandawa, upon arrival check
into your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03
: Mandawa – Bikaner (180km)
In the morning see this beautiful Heritage village
of Shekhawati Region that used to be an important
caravanserai of the yesteryears. See the many
beautiful Fresco Painted havelis of this quaint
little town built by the rich and the famous
merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries. These
havelis have been painted with activities of daily
life and of deities to break the monotony of the
desert life. Experience the Rural life of this
village of Shekhawati region which consists
important villages like Dundlod, Alsisar, Laxmangarh,
Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Mahensar, Nawalgarh etc. Then
proceed towards Bikaner en route stop at Fatehpur to
see the splendid havelis of the local merchants of
Shekhawati.Reach Bikaner by lunch time. See the
Junagarh Fort, a royal museum that encompasses
history of Bikaner from its days of construction
that dates back to the 16th century. Later visit the
Deshnoke Rat Temple in the Evening, Visit the Karni
Mata Rat Temple in Deshnoke, a unique experience. In
the evening walk along the busy market area of
Bikaner city centre.
Day 04
: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (333km)
After breakfast we set towards our journey to Golden
City Jaisalmer. Proceed towards the desert kingdom
of Pokaran where the 3rd Mughal emperor, Akbar the
Great, was born in 1543 inside the fort. The bazaar
in the middle of this village is very colourful and
full of local flavours. After lunch continue towards
Jaisalmer and arrive by early evening to witness the
sunset over the desert with the most imposing
edifice of the town behind you at Bada Bagh
Cenotaphs. Overnight in Hotel. .
Day 05
: Jaisalmer
Morning an exclusive visit of the Jain temples
inside the Sonar Kila.. The Jains are a community
that respects life and are pure vegetarians by
religion. Visit the citadel’s palace that houses a
museum with a huge collection of robes and artifacts
from the royal family of Jaisalmer. Visit the
Patwaon ki haveli with intricately designed latticed
windows used by the ladies to view the external
world. Also see the Gadisar Lake.Later, we go to Sam
or Khuri village. Here we have loads of excitement
in store for you. Upon arrival in the village you
will be taken to the nearby sunset point on the
dunes to see the sunset by camel carts. After the
sunset return to the village where you can take a
dinner in mud huts or you can come back to the city
to have a dinner. Later while you dine listen to the
haunted tunes of the desert by the local artists and
musicians, A lifetime experience.
Day 06
: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (280km)
Early Morning drive to Jodhpur the blue city, Visit
the majestic Mehrangarh fort, the stronghold of the
Rathore princes from 1453AD. We see the superb
collection of paintings and arms and ammunitions.
The view of the city from the rampart walls is
breath taking. Going down from the forrt visit
Jaswant Thada. Later see the Umaid Bhawan Palace,
the present residence of the king of Jodhpur. Retire
to your hotel and relax.Post lunch session
introduces you to the fabulous spice market of
Jodhpur the 2nd largest city in Rajasthan. Walk
along the market to feel the odours of the spices
filling the air around you.
Day 07
: Jodhpur – Udaipur (330Km)
After breakfast drive up to Romantic City of Lakes -
Udaipur, On the way visit Ranakpur a very big
pilgrimage centre for the Jains. Just four hours
drive from Udaipur is the eternal Jain pilgrimage
centre of Ranakpur. Admire the workmanship from the
16th century. The temples are built out of marble
and the main shrine of Adinath with 1444 columns is
awe inspiring and none of these are similar. Also
see the sun temple and the other temples in the
campus. Later visit The Kumbhalgarh Fort - the
stronghold of the kingdom of Mewar built by Maharana
Kumbha in 1453. Visit the palace and see the
beautiful mural paintings in the Zenana mahal
(ladies quarters). The view from the parapet wall is
breath taking and this is where the soldiers used to
be stationed to view the advent of the enemies. The
fort has 7 gates through which we need to enter to
gain access to the palaces. See the temple where
Maharana Kumbha was treacherously killed by his own
kith and kin during his prayer to win the seat of
Mewar. On the way stop by the fields to see the
local way of farming and irrigation. Walk into the
villages to mingle with the locals around to know
more about their lifestyle.Reach Udaipur by late
afternoon and check into your hotel.
Day 08
: Udaipur
Visit the City Palace the richest palace museum in
the entire Rajasthan. See the Peacock Square and the
miniature painting school inside the palace
premises. Udaipur has the prestige of housing the
best miniature schools in the country under the
royal patronage of the king of Udaipur. Later, see
the Sahelion ki Bari where Maharana Sangram Singh
build this garden complex with fountains and lakes
for his beautiful daughter. In the evening we take a
lake cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichhola by
sunset and visit the island palace Jagmandir where
according to legends the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan
lived and got inspired to build the Taj mahal later.
Day 09
: Udaipur – Pushkar (275km)
Leave Udaipur and reach the temples of Nagda and
Eklingji.The temple at Eklingji is a temple that
belongs to the Maharana of Mewar (royal family) and
he is often there to pray. The temple complex of
Nagda is a group of temples of which only two remain
intact and those are that of Saas and Bahu. Both the
temples, of Shiva and of Vishnu, are from the 7th
century. Pushkar happens to be the holiest places
according to the Hindus as it is considered that
Lord Brahma (the Creator) and his wife Saraswati
(the godess of learning and music) performed a
ritual in the lake. Here we visit the only Brahma
temple of the world before intermingling with the
local colours in the local bazaar. Pushkar is the
world famous for its cattle pushkar fair held each
year in the month of October/November. Proceed
towards Ajmer. Ajmer is the pious city for the
Muslims. Surprisingly both the cities are at
distance of 11km from each other. Visit the Durgah
built in fond remembrance of Khwaja Muin ud Din
Chisti where the Muslim pilgrims from all over India
throng during the festival times. Later visit Mughal
emperor Akbar’s Palace where his son Jehangir
received Sir Thomas Roe to grant him the permission
of trade to East India Company with India, that
changed the history of India completely and slowly
and steadily India became colony of the British
Empire. Continue towards Jaipur and reach by late
evening and check into hotel.
Day 10
: Pushkar – Jaipur (150km)
After breakfast continue towards Jaipur and reach by
lunch-time and check into hotel.After lunch set off
to see the Pink city visiting the observatory Jantar
Mantar built in 1727 by Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II
who was a mathematician , an astronomer an
astrologer and a great musician of his era. He built
five observatories throughout India – Jaipur, Ujjain,
Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi but only the one at
Jaipur is functional. Then visit the City Palace of
the Maharaja of Jaipur with a fabulous collection of
robes and saris in cotton and silk with gold
latticed work. The City Palace houses a collection
of paintings also in the painting gallery and of
course a collection of arms and ammunitions in the
ammunition gallery. Later visit the Birla Temple
which is a great piece of work in marble.
Day 11 : Jaipur
Visit the Amber fort in the morning
which
displays a beautiful mix of Mughal and Rajput styles
of architecture.; included an elephant ride
at the Amber fort. See the marvelous Sheesh mahal
built in the 17th century in a fusion style of Hindu
and Islamic art. Also see the hall of public
audiences and Maharaja Man Singh’s Palace who had
twelve queens.
Enroute visit Water Palace which was a resting place
for the kings in past. Later visit Galta Sun Temple
which is a beautiful place sorrounded by mountains,
the temple is also known as Monkey temple, Here you
can find a lot of monkeys who are friendly and
doesn´t harm. In the evening enjoy a cinema in
Asia´s Second Best Cinema - a highly recommended
place. Later enjoy a Dinner in a typical Indian
Restaurant with Folk Dances by Gypsy women.
Day 12 : Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra(232Kms)
Leave Jaipur after breakfast, On the way to Agra
visit the ornithological reserve at Bharatpur –
Keoladevi National Park. See the varied varieties of
birds and animals during your tour inside the park.
This is the only National Park where you get to see
the rare species of the Siberian Crane during winter
season. After lunch continue towards Fatehpur Sikri
the Phantom city. Visit this abandoned city built by
the Mughal emperor Akbar in the second half of the
16th century. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar
after his Hindu wife bore him the long awaited son
who was born after the renowned sufi saint Salim
Chisti blessed Jodhabai Akbar’s Hindu wife with a
son. Also visit Jodhabai’s palace the biggest palace
in Fatehpur Sikri even bigger than the emperor’s
palace himself as this was the queen who bore him
his heir to the throne.Continue towards Agra and
reach Agra and then see the Agra Fort built by Akbar
where Shahjehan’s own son Aurangzeb imprisoned
Shahjahan. Late relax at your hotel or go to the
local bazaar to see the lifestyle of the people.
Day 13 : Agra - Delhi (205Km)
Taj Mahal is awaiting your arrival today morning. A
must see with the rising sun as the Taj Mahal is
bathed in the golden rays of the morning sun. Built
by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial
that houses the tomb of his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed
and was designed, and planned by Persian architect
Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design, balance
and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted
particularly for its elegant domes, intricately
carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever
seen anywhere in the world. Then on the way to
Delhi, visit Sikandara the tomb of the great emperor
Akbar. Upon arrival in Delhi, you can visit some
monuments like India Gate, Birla Temple or Sikh
Temple. Rest of Day at leisure, Overnight in Hotel.
Day 14
: Delhi - Cochin (By Flight)
Early
morning check out the hotel and transfer to the
domestic airport to board the early morning flight
to Cochin. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the
hotel. After relaxation, take a sightseeing of
Cochin visiting Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to
see the town of Vasco da Gama We also see the Jewish
Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This
evening a memorable experience in any journey in
Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes &
Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary
excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals
we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our
launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden
dugouts & the everyday life of families living on
narrow spits of land between the waters. In the
evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most
famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic
makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers,
intricate moments. Return to the hotel for overnight
stay.
Day 15
: Cochin -
Alleppey (64 Kms - 1 ˝ hrs) Backwaters tours through
sailing boat to Kumarakom:
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on
arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the
journey of backwaters in the boat, through the
tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of
Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala
is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed
narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of
paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up
along either side of the canals are panoramic sights
one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the
reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found
on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks
and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as
enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this
tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the
houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck
of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The
Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum
dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English
toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a
Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the
houseboat.
Day 16
: Kumarakom
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and
drive to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in
this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst
sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours
and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad
Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of
birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites,
Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons
roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it
is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all
times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss
out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh
water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at
Kumarakom.
Day 17:
Kumarakom – Kovalam (140
kms – 2 ˝ hours)
After breakfast, Drive to Kovalam. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to
explore the beaches of Kovalam with the option of
herbal oil massage. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18: Kovalam
After breakfast time is free to spend on beaches
optionally you can take sightseeing tour of
Trivandrum city, (16 kms) the capital of the state
of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven
hills. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple
is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the
city. Later drive to Cape Camorin also known as
Kanya Kumari 85 kms, this place is at the tail tip
end of India, one can see the 3 seas meet over here
(Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal) on
arrival visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda
Rock & Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive back
to Kovalam for overnight.
Day 19
: Kovalam - Trivandrum
(16 Kms - ˝ hour) - Mumbai (By Air)
Morning after breakfast time is free for personal
activities. Then check out the hotel and drive to
Trivandrum Airport to board the afternoon flight to
Mumbai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the
international airport to board the flight for your
hometown on departure tour concludes with happy
memories.
TOUR
ENDS.
The
tour will include:
• Assistance at the International and Domestic
Airports.
•
Overnight stay in the hotels mentioned
• Daily
breakfasts inclusive taxes
• Air conditioned car with chauffeur
• All sight seeing and tours mentioned in the
itinerary
• Camel rides on the dunes in the desert.
• Sunset cruise on Lake Pichhola in Udaipur
• Elephant
ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
• Dinner in the Pink City at typical Rajasthani
Restaurant
• Boating in river Ganges for Varanasi Visitors only
• Full
Board Stay during your travel in the House Boat
• Car Service during your stay in the South
• Flights
and Train Tickets as specified in the itinerary
• All
other specified expenses and applicable taxes
The
tour will not include:
• Tips,
laundry, telephone bills, portage and Beverages
• Meals
unless specified
• Entrances to Monuments and other specified
destination
• Movie/video camera fee at monuments
• Domestic or International airfare unless specified
• Medical or baggage insurance
• Airport Departure taxes, Visa Charges
• Tips and gratuities
• Any other service that has not been specified
Special
Note:
• Taj
Mahal is closed on Fridays
• Most
Museums remain closed on Mondays and public holidays
• Train reservation is subject to availibility
• Air
Fares are subject to change
• Euro and Dollars easily exchangeable in India
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