The Cultural Connection !!
| » Alluring Tours of India ---- The Cultural Charisma ---- The Cultural Connection |
Location :
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Delhi / Jaipur / Agra / Varanasi / Delhi / Cochin / Munnar / Periyar / Kumarakom / Alleppey / Kovalam / Trivandrum |
| Duration : |
17 Nights & 18 Days |
Day 01 Delhi
Arrive at Delhi.
You will be greeted on arrival at the International Airport.
Our representative will help you with your transfer to your hotel where you can relax.
Delhi: Delhi is the capital of India and its third largest city. Delhi, the seat of one of the world’s largest democracies is a combination of “Old Delhi”- the capital of Muslim India and “New Delhi” the imperial city created as the nation’s capital by the British. There’s a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Here one can see mingling of many cultures, languages, traditions and people in complete harmony.
Spend night at your hotel in Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting,
Red Fort: Red Fort or Lal Quila as it is more popularly known is a masterpiece of architecture and one of the most haunting spots for tourists from both India and abroad. This colossal fort on the banks of the river Yamuna, built by Shahjahan as the citadel of the 17th Century Delhi is a significant link between the past and the present, for it is from here that the prime minister of India addresses the people on the Independence Day (August 15th). Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the Red Fort in 1638, which was completed in 1648.
Raj Ghat: The mortal remains of Mahatma Gandhi were cremated on this spot on the west bank of the river Yamuna on the evening of January 31, 1948. A simple open platform inscribed with the Mahatma's last words, 'Hey Ram' (Oh God) is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees.
Jama Masjid: It is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and it was again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were involved in the construction of the mosque. Jama Masjid is also called the Friday congregational mosque.
Kutub Minar - The tallest Stone tower in India
India Gate: An imposing structure and a venue to the annual military parade on India's Republic Day
The Parliamentary Building
The Rashtrapathi Bhavan - The President's Residence
Come back to your Hotel for a good night's sleep, to let the amazing day's visits sink in.
Day 03 Delhi - Jaipur
By Road
Distance 250 kms/5 hrs
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Later we head to the Pink City Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Briefing (Jaipur): The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
In the evening, we will take you to the Birla Temple to know more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur.
Birla Temple: The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be at Jaipur
Day 04 Jaipur
This morning have a heavy break fast as we start the day's excursion with Amber Fort Palace:
Amber Fort Palace: – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
While you cherish your memories, spending your night at the hotel, we will be ready with new places tomorrow morning.
Day 05 Jaipur - Agra
By Road
Distance 248 kms/ 4 hrs
Have a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel and later proceed for Agra, en-route Fatehpur Sikri.
Briefing (Fatehpur Sikri) - Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568.
Continue your drive to Agra
Briefing (Agra) The overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of this marble mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it has been located - Agra - has been immortalized as the City of the Taj. Yet, it doesn’t take much for the roving eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history… captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home.
Reach and check in at the hotel.
Later proceed for Cultural Dance show by Kala Kriti.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 06 Agra
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Sikandara.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to 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.
SIKANDRA – This beautifully maintained monument is where EMPEROR AKBAR was buried. It has one of the most awe – inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.
Have an early dinner and later proceed to the railway station to connect your train for Varanasi.
Overnight will be at train.
Day 07 Varanasi
You will be met and transferred to the hotel on arrival at Varanasi.Check in at the hotel later proceed for the sightseeing tour of Varanasi visiting Sarnath and the Ganges.
Briefing (Varanasi): Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively.Varanasi is the oldest city of the world. Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is famous as the city of temples. In Varanasi, there are temples at every few paces. Jyotirlinga Visvanatha Temple or Golden Temple, rebuilt in 1776, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jnana Vapi well (meaning 'Well of Wisdom) is believed to have been dug by Lord Shiva himself.
Sarnath: Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a modem temple. The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dharnek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka.Sarnath contains a rich library and at the Mula gandha Kutir Vihara there are excellent frescoes by Kosetsu Nosu. The Sarnath Museum, not far from the site, contains some of the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture.
Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. The guide will be giving a commentary to you on the proceedings and meanings of the chants during the AARTI of the river.
Overnight will be a Varanasi.
Day 08 Varanasi
Drive to Daswamedh Ghat early in the morning and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga.
Return back to the hotel for breakfast.
Later proceed for the tour of the holy city including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India, engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Drive past the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Evening will be at your own leisure and overnight.
Day 09 Varanasi - Delhi - Cochin
By Air
Have a comfortable morning at the hotel with leisurely breakfast and later you will proceed for the airport to connect your flight for Delhi and Delhi Cochin.
(Cochin): The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's.
Take a harbour cruise watching the dolphins playing and enjoying the city from the water.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 10 Cochin
Enjoy a leisurely break fast.
Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets, and Jewish Synagogue.
Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower.
St. Francis Church: St. Francis Church in Kochi is one of the famous churches of Kerala. Built in European style of architecture, the St. Francis Church of Kochi was built in 1503. The wooden structure was established in 1503. It is believed that Vasco Da Gama breathed his last here and his remains were kept in this church for a few years before it was shifted to Portugal. The St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Kochi is considered to be the oldest European Church in Kochi. It was constructed by Portuguese Franciscan friars. In the year 1663, the Dutch converted St. Francis Church into a protestant church from a Catholic Church. It was under their rule till 1795 and then it was accepted into the Anglican Communion of the British. Right now the St. Francis Church is a part of the Protestant Church of South India. Inside the St. Francis Church of Kochi in Kerala, you can find several inscriptions which are the anecdotes of Portuguese and Dutch rulers. Originally this church was dedicated to Santo Antonio, a priest of Portugal and later on named as St. Francis Church.
Later proceed visit the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate; Bastion Bungalow etc. are also nice for sightseeing.
Return back to the hotel for lunch and relax for sometime.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Over night stay at hotel.
Day 11 Cochin - Munnar
By Road
Distance 160 / 3 hrs
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Later proceed for Munnar. A peaceful and the only hill station of Kerala.
Briefing (Munnar): Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
The day will be spent at leisure taking treks and finding small buildings of historical importance around the hill station.
The night will be at Munnar.
Day 12 Munnar - Periyar
By Road
Distance 150 kms / 3 hrs
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the resort. Later proceed for Periyar (Thekkady).
Briefing (Periyar): Four hours drive southward lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360sq.km is thick evergreen forest. The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, ‘Akananuru’, ‘Purananuru’ etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the ‘Choorni Nadi’ or ‘Thamraparni Nadi’ (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar famous for its National Park. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 13 Periyar
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Start your day with day package at Periyar starting at 05:30 hrs which includes a short Jungle trek, paddle boating at Gavi Lake, and jeep safari.
Afternoon visit Spice Plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. and also visit the famous Spice Market on your way back to the hotel.
Spend night at Periyar.
Day 14 Periyar - Kumarakom
By Road
Distance 175 kms /4 hrs
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Briefing (Kumarakom): Kumarakom is one of the top most beautiful villages in the world. Foreign guests used to think that it is like a paradise. Kumarakom is a small village in Kerala, a group of little islands on the Vembanad Lake is an enchanting backwater destination and it forms a part of the Kuttanad Region. It is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests with emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with excellent waterways and canals adorned with while lilies. The Vembanad Lake is locale for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres, and came into existence subsequent preservation hard work from the government. It is a main tourist attraction. Kumarakom is a bird watchers paradise as it is the home to lots of migratory and resident bird species.
The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Enjoy a visit to the BIRD PARK.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat towards Alleppey.
The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 km, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south.
Day 15 Alleppey - Kovalam
By Road
Distance 175 kms / 4.5 hrs
Enjoy a leisurely break fast on board and cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening. Disembark the houseboat at Alleppey.
Checkout from Houseboat and proceed to Kovalam.
Briefing (Kovalam): Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. Kovalam is a dreamland for tourists all over the world. With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. The warm and clean atmosphere by the coconut trees and the white sand bed are perfect for relaxing holidays, as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves.
With composed climate, luring surroundings, azure sea, soft sand and solacing sun. The nature around Kovalam is mind blowing. The coconut groves, the soothing breeze, the murmuring sea, the sun and the soft sand all adds to the charm of Kovalam, making it a paradise for the beach lovers.
Reach and check in at the resort. Day will be free to explore and relax at the beach.
Overnight will be in Kovalam.
Day 16 Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam
By Road
Distance 80 kms / 2 hrs
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort.
Proceed for an excursion of Kanyakumari.
Briefing (Kanyakumari): Kanyakumari City marks the end point of the Indian subcontinent in the south. It is located at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. It was ruled by the Pandyas and named after the deity of the place, Goddess Kanyakumari Amman. This pilgrimage centre is also known as Cape Comorin. The long sandy seashore of Kanyakumari is known for the multicolored sands. This sea side city with majestic hills, vibrant sea shores and fringed coconut groves attracts tourist round the year to enjoy the breath taking beauty of the marvelous temples, sandy beaches and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Kumari Amman Temple - The temple is devoted to the Goddess Parvathi as Devi Kanya- the Virgin Goddess. Legend has it that Devi did penance to secure Lord Shiva's hand in marriage but ultimately when she could not marry him, vowed to remain a virgin all her life. The diamond nose ring of the deity is very famous.
Gandhi Mandapam - This memorial stands on the place where the the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public viewing before being immersed into the sea. This memorial is designed in Oriyan style of architecture. The construction is such that sun's rays fall on the place of urn on Gandhiji's birthday i.e. on 2nd October.
Suchindram Temple - This marvelous temple houses a linga representing the trinity i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It was built in the 17th century. Exquisite sculptures depicting the characters of Hindu mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata can be seen on the walls. Inside the temple, in the Alangara Mandapa, musical pillars are carved out of a single granite block, with the sounds of different musical instruments like mridanga, sitar, tambura, and jalataranga. The huge divine Nandi bull carved in white stone and Lord Hanuman's 18 ft statue are noteworthy.
Evening - return to Kovalam.
Overnight will be in Kovalam
Day 17 Kovalam
Have a relaxed morning at the resort and enjoy your breakfast.
Rest of the day will be at your own leisure. You can relax and spend time at the beach.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 18 Kovalam - Trivandrum
By Road
Distance 16 kms / 45 minutes
Trivandrum – Bangalore or Delhi – Back Home
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.
Spend some time at your own leisure.
Later you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport to connect flight for Delhi or Bangalore and thereafter flight back home. Return with sweet memories of India.
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