Treasure of North and South India

After breakfast, proceed for Delhi sightseeing starting with a visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk's oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th-century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun Tomb - the first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - the residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-Ud-Din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

After breakfast, we will drive to Agra. After reaching Agra check-in at the hotel. On arrival, we will proceed to see the white marble beauty, Taj Mahal. A visit to the Taj Mahal is one of the fascinating highlights of our Golden Triangle travel. After this, we will visit the Agra Fort one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After an early breakfast, we will be driven to Jaipur. En-route we will stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri. It is the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign from the year 1571 until 1586 when it was abandoned ostensibly due to the lack of water. We will visit Emperor Akbar’s Residential complex, Mosque, and Tomb of Salim. We then continue our drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to the 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort falling on the Maota Lake is truly captivating. Enjoy an elephant ride here. Explore the City Palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King and lot more. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar which is an astronomical observatory that features the World’s largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. Then visit the Hawa Mahal - a five-story palace built-in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later, the afternoon is kept free to visit the famous markets of textiles, gems, carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs.

After breakfast, our company representative will drive you to Jaipur Airport to board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi, our company representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure. 

Varanasi: It is a city located on the banks of River Ganga that is the 2nd largest river in India. Formerly known as Kashi and Benares, this city is around 3000 years old. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus as it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). Every year, Hindu devotees visit this city to take a holy dip in the River Ganga that is said to wash away all the sins.

Your Varanasi sightseeing tour begins with an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy soaking in the spectacular sunrise view and later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, head to Sarnath. It is the place dotted with various Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great significance. If you’re a devout follower of Buddha then you must visit this place. Later, visit the New Vishwanath Temple also known as the “Birla Mandir”. Settled within the Banaras Hindu University, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). It took around 35 years to build this temple. Head to the Tulsi Manas Temple built by the royal family of Banaras in 1964. It is believed to be the place where the legendary poet Tulsidas wrote the great Indian epic “Ramcharitramanas”. Close to this temple is the Durga Temple (Monkey temple) dedicated to Goddess Durga (divine feminine energy). In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a daily evening ceremony that has been practiced for thousands of years on the banks of River Ganges.

After morning breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai, you will meet our representative who will assist you to transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. You can spend the evening free at leisure. 

Mumbai: Mumbai previously known as Bombay is a city located along the Arabian Sea. It is a thriving city that attracts tourists for its fine beaches, centuries-old Elephanta caves, vibrant shopping bazaars, mouth-watering street food and so much more. Also, it is home to the Bollywood industry which makes it the entertainment capital of India.

After breakfast, proceed with the Mumbai sightseeing tour. First, visit the Elephanta Caves located on Elephanta Island. Enjoy a ferry ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves built between 5th-8th centuries. These caves are originally a set of rock-cut cave temples. An impressive 20 ft. high Trimurthi featuring the three aspects of Lord Shiva: Creator, Protector, and Destroyer are the prime highlights of this cave temple. Take the ferry ride back to the Gateway of India. Spend time clicking photographs at the Gateway of India - one of the prime landmarks of Mumbai. Built-in 1924, it was built in honor of King George V and Queen Mary's visit to India in 1911. Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, also called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, built during the early 20th century. This museum is a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture with an impressive Mughal white dome atop the museum. It is said to have around 2,000 miniature paintings along with artifacts belonging to the Indus Valley civilization. Later, visit the Hanging Gardens established in 1880 at the Malabar Hills. A splendid view of the Arabian Sea adds to the beauty of this natural realm. A striking flower clock is the main attraction here. End your Mumbai sightseeing tour with an evening visit to the Marine Drive (Queen’s Necklace). It is the heart and soul of Mumbai stretched across the coast of the Arabian Sea. At night, it is lit with lights and looking like a dazzling necklace and this is why it is called Queen’s Necklace.

After breakfast, our company representative will drive you to Mumbai Airport to board your flight to Kochi. On reaching, check-in at the hotel.

Today, go for the Kochi sightseeing tour that begins with a visit to Fort Kochi located on the western coast of India amidst the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea. On visiting this fort, soak in the mesmerizing specimens of the bygone era. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in this city. Visit the St. Francis Church within the middle of the forts complex. Built-in the year 1503, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this Church is impressive in every way and has managed to retain its ancient charm, over the years. Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi, which is more than 100-years old. It was built in 1568 and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliers, and rare antiques, etc. and an exclusive gallery. Your Kochi sightseeing tour ends with a visit to Chinese Fishing Nets. They are a hallmark of the Fort Kochi, visible from Fort Kochi. The concept of these fishing nets is said to be introduced by Zheng He (a Chinese explorer). Here the fishing nets are made of bamboo and teakwood poles and practice the principle of balance. Almost every visitor visits here - especially during sunset - to click a few candids. End your day watching the traditional Kathakali Dance Show in Kochin. 

KOCHI: Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a beautiful city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the years, the history and development of this city carry stubborn marks of the British, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese. It is undoubtedly the best starting point on your discovery to capture the beauty of God's own country - Kerala.

After breakfast, drive to Munnar. 

MUNNAR: A beautiful hill station named after three rivers: Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala that offers spellbinding views of vast spice and tea plantations. It also boasts the highest peak in South India - Anamudi. Munnar is surrounded by various wildlife sanctuaries that house the grizzled Giant Squirrel, Elephant, Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, etc. and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat). Also, a blue flower "Neelakurinji" grows here in every 12 years.

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, head for sightseeing tour of Munnar with the first visit to the Munnar Tea Estates. Munnar is a city renowned for its bountiful tea plantations nestled amidst pristine nature. Walkthrough these sprawling tea estates and soak yourself in the refreshing aroma of the tea leaves. Here you can also visit the Tea Museum that showcases old photographs and huge machinery that has been used in tea processing over the years. Also, get a first-hand experience of how tea is processed. Explore the Eravikulam National Park, a must-visit attraction located in Munnar. It's the first of its kind in Kerala that is home to the exotic Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat) and various other endangered species. Also, a flower that blooms once in 12 years - Neelakurinji (next to be seen in 2018), is another attraction here. Also, visit the Mattupetty Dam: a concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. The captivating reflection of the surrounding tea gardens falling upon the still water is the best part of this dam.

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to Periyar. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.

PERIYAR: It is a landscape, set amidst the Western Ghats, in Kerala that entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. It is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of the major tiger reserves in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it is blessed with exotic wildlife and scenic charm.

After breakfast, visit the popular Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - a reserve of Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, Wild Boars, Tigers, Leopards, etc. It has an around 100-years old artificial water lake where you can sight tigers, baby elephants and a couple of other animals in a playful mood. Here you will go for a Boat Ride (Optional) at the Periyar Lake to capture rich glimpses of wildlife, tea/coffee, and spice plantations, etc.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. On arrival, check-in at the houseboat and enjoy dinner. This will be followed by a pleasant overnight stay in the houseboat in Alleppey.

ALLEPPEY: Also called the 'Venice of India', Alleppey is located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. Here you can hire a houseboat to stay and explore the tropical village life, tea and spice plantations and pristine beauty of Kerala. On arrival, board the Houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam. Cruise around backwaters of Alleppey to observe & experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters.

After breakfast at the houseboat, check-out and our company representative will transfer you to Mararikulam. It is a seaside town known for its beautiful beach name Marari Beach or Mararikulam beach. It is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in India. Mararikulam - a sleepy little village, about 11 Kms from Alappuzha, is an idyllic place for a holiday. It derives its name from Marari meaning Lord Shiva - which is the presiding deity here. Day free at leisure.

After breakfast, drive to Cochin Airport to board flight back home.