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Day 01 Delhi :- Arrive Delhi. Meet, assist and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon proceed on a half day tour of Old and New Delhi including the Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. The highest stone tower in India, the Qutub Minar was built by Qutbuddin Aibak. The Red Fort was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Also, drive past Parliament House and India Gate. This monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Overnight in Delhi.
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Day 02 Agra :- This morning, drive to Agra(4hrs). On arrival in Agra, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, a half day tour of Agra city takes you on a visit to the Taj Mahal (Friday closed) – one of the wonders of the world. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The monument is a perfect piece of architecture. It took 22 years, 41 million rupees, 50 kilos of gold and around 20,000 workers to complete this marvel in marble. Later visit the Agra Fort, a magnificent citadel with exquisite marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions. Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, it was under Shahjahan’s rule that the fort became more of a mini city. Overnight in Agra.
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Day 03 Jaipur :- Morning drive to Jaipur (5hrs) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri-the deserted, but perfectly preserved sandstone city. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned, probably due to the lack of water. The capital is amazingly beautiful, and it reflects the Hindu-Muslim architectural style which Akbar favoured. Walk through history as you see the Buland Darwaaza, Paanch Mahal, the Hiran Minar that Akbar built in memory of his Favourite elephant, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Jama Masjid, Birbal’s House and the Diwan-i-Khas. On arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.
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Day 04 Jaipur :- This morning proceed for a half day tour of Amber Fort. For an experience that’s truly royal, visitors can reach the fort through snaking pathways on elephant back. In Amber, you will see magnificent palaces, with walls covered with mirrored mosaic. The fort is built in red sandstone and white marble; the palace complex has very interesting apartments, the like of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar-the astronomical observatory. The palace has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons. The Jantar Mantar was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728, a testament of his passion for astronomy. Also visit the five story façade of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Overnight in Jaipur.
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Day 05 Onward :- Transfer to the Jaipur airport / railway station, or Delhi airport (4hrs) for your onward destination.
Regal Rajasthan
Jaipur/ Bikenar/ Jaisalmer/ Jodhpur/ Udaipur - 7 nights / 8 days |
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Day 01 Jaipur :- Arrive Jaipur. Meet, assist and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar the astronomical observatory. The palace has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons. The Jantar Mantar was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728, a testament of his passion for astronomy. Also visit the five story façade of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Famous for it’s honeycomb like structure, the Hawa Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sandstone, and was built originally for the women of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. Overnight in Jaipur.
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Day 02 Jaipur :- This morning proceed for a half day tour of Amber Fort. For an experience that’s truly royal, visitors can reach the fort through snaking pathways on elephant back. In Amber, you will see magnificent palaces with walls covered with mirrored mosaic. The Fort is built in red sandstone and white marble ; the palace complex has very interesting apartments. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.
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Day 03 Bikaner :- In the morning drive to the imposing walled city of Bikaner (7 hrs). bikaner has many magnificent building made of reddish pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Bikaner has been able to preserve its traditional aura of the medieval era. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bikaner
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Day 04 Jaisalmer :- Morning excursion to Deshnok, to visit the Karni Mata Temple. This 600 year old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a famous mystic of her times, believed to be an incarnation of goddess Durga. There are plenty of rats scurrying here, fed by devotees, owing to the belief that these rodents will be reincarnated as holy men. In the afternoon, drive to Jaisalmer (8.5 hrs). Arrive by late evening and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Jaislamer
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Day 05 Jaisalmer :- In the morning your city sightseeing will include a tour of the JaislamerFort where everything, including outer walls, temples and houses, are made of soft yellow Jurassic sandstone. Visit some of the countless havelis spread across Jaisalmer, which are reputed as the city’s real showpieces. In the evening you will visit the Sam Sand Dunes of the Thar Desert…a great place to see patterns carved out bye winds on the sand. Experience an unforgettable camel ride through the dunes at sunset. Overnight in Jaislamer.
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Day 06 Jodhpur :- Early morning drive to Jodhpur (7 hrs). Arrive Jodhpur, and check into your hotel. Jodhpur is at the edge of the Thar Desert and known for its impressive fortified bastions. In the afternoon, proceed on a half day city tour including the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Museum and the old city. The majestic Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most formidable structures, housing some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels and latticed windows. The Jaswant Thada is a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 AD, in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Overnight in Jodhpur.
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Day 07 Udaipur :- Drive to Udaipur (6 hrs) enroute stopping at Ranakpur. Ranakpur is a pilgrimage destination, famous for the exquisitely carved Jain Temples. Arrive Udaipur and check into your hotel. Udaipur has a wealth of enchanting lakes that makes it an oasis in the otherwise barren Rajasthan. In the evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight in Udaipur
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Day 08 Onward :- Morning city sightseeing includes the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Museum and Sahelion Ki Bari or ‘Garden of the Maids of honour’. The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagdish Temple enshrines a black stone omage of Vishnu a Jagannath, lord of the Universe. The “Garden of the Maidens” complex brings back the lavish lifestyle of the ladies of the court and their friends. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination
Kerala
Cochin/Munnar/ Thekkady/ Kumarakom - 6 nights / 7 days |
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Day 01 Cochin :- Meet and assist upon aarival at Cochin airport, and transfer to your hotel. Cochin is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. In the afternoon, proceed for a city tour of Cochin, including the Dutch Palace (Friday closed), the Jewish Synagogue (Saturday closed), where scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved, St. Francis Church (1510) where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524, Dutch Cemetery, the Chinese fishing nets at the entrance of Cochin Harbour and Willingdon Island. Overnight in Cochin.
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Day 02 Munnar :- In the morning, check out of your hotel and drive to Munnar (5hrs). One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Munnar.
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Day 03 Munnar :- Full day at leisure to explore the hill station. Munnar town is located 5200 ft above sea level. The Sita Devi Lake, Mattupetty Lake and Kundala Lake are memorable spots renowned for their scenic beauty. Eravikulam National Park is a rare wild garden of rolling grasslands and evergreen tropical forests. Anamudi, the tallest peak in South India is located here. Top Station is a picturesque place with laterite, rocky mountains where the rare Neelakurinji flowers (which flower once in 12 years) are seen. Devikulam, Rajamalai, Pallivasal etc are other interesting places. Overnight in Munnar.
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Day 04 Thekkady :- In the morning, check out of your hotel and drive to Thekkady (5 hrs). Arrive Thekkady early afternoon and check into your hotel. Thekkady -777 sq.km of lush green tropical forests is the natural habitat of elephant, bison, spotted deer, sambar, bear and many colorful birds. Periyar sanctuary, the main attraction of Thekkady, is one of the best sanctuaries in India for watching and photographing elephants at close quarters. The Periyar Lake lies at the heart of the sanctuary. Enjoy a cruise in the lake (departure 1600 hrs), which is unique experience. Animals in their natural surroundings can be viewed while cruising on the lake. Trekking, elephant rides, watchtowers etc. are the other main attractions. Overnight in Thekkady.
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Day 05 Kumarakom :- In the morning, leave Thekkady for Kumarakom (4hrs) by car. Arrive Kumarakom by noon and check in to your hotel. Kumarakom is a charming village on the Eastern bank of Vembanadu Lake surrounded by paddy fields. The lake’s majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of breath-taking greens and deep blues. Overnight in Kumarakom
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Day 06 Kumarakom :- Early in the morning, visit the bird sanctuary-the main attraction here. It sprawls over an area of 14 acres and ahs numerous species of birds, including darters, Bitterns, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy famous Kerala cusine…here, fish is a very important item on the menu for lunch and dinner. ‘karimeen’ –a spotted fish is a special gift of the backwaters. It is possible to hire small boats and go fishing, or enjoy the ayurvedic massages. Overnight in Kumarakom
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Day 07 Onwards :- Transfer to Kochi Airport / railway station for your onward destinations.
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