Your journey of a lifetime begins in New Delhi. Arrive at the international airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. It is recommended that you spend your first evening at leisure in your hotel to recuperate from your international journey. Few places on earth combine beauty, history and escapism to such dazzling effect as the great city of Delhi- the sprawling and fascinating capital of India. The title “A Tale of Two Cities” is apt as Delhi bridges together two different worlds. The Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, contrasts with the British-built centre of New Delhi. On this journey you will scratch the surface and discover a land sprinkled with dazzling gems of India’s “golden” legacy.

OVERNIGHT IN DELHI

After breakfast, your visit will include a tour of Old Delhi and the immense Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India. You will also see the legendary Red Fort and Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Finally, awaken the senses with a thrilling rickshaw ride through the busy markets of Chandni Chowk. Also visit Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & go on a rickshaw ride through the silver street in Chandni Chowk. New Delhi offers a fascinating contrast: here, you will walk the wide, straight boulevards and pass the monuments of the Empire. Walking the imperial residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan, to the mighty arch of India Gate, designed by Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, the eternal flame burns day and night to remember the soldiers in the Indo-Pakistan war. Continue to the Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar. Another highlight is the Bahai Temple with its lotus dome.

OVERNIGHT IN DELHI

After breakfast, you will start your adventure by driving to the city of Jaipur. On arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Jaipur, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, is a dusky pink pearl sitting elegantly on the edge of the desert. Rose painted Mughal palaces slope to the old town’s bazaars, filled with textiles and jewelery. We have lined up an evening of drama and atmosphere at the world-famous Light and Sound Show, which is an entertaining way to discover the history of Amber Fort and Jaipur. Scripted by renowned Bollywood filmmaker Gulzar and performed near Maota Lake, folk music and colorful lighting combine to bring to life the historical legends revolving round the 28 kings of the Kachwaha dynasty.

OVERNIGHT IN JAIPUR

After breakfast, explore the splendour of Amber Fort, set on a rugged hill with impressive yellow sandstone battlements and a craggy facade. It was built to protect against any threat from the Mongol invaders. Once guarded by the Mughal armies, the steep lane up towards the fort is now lined with red and gold decorated elephants patrolling the ancient kingdom. Want to enter the fort from exceptional heights? A delightful elephant ride is just the ticket, which will lead you up the hill to the main entrance. Later you will drive past the Hawa Mahal. In the afternoon visit the City Palace and museum, before continuing to Jantar Mantar, a structural masterpiece displaying the science of early Indian architecture.

OVERNIGHT IN JAIPUR

Romance is in the air as we arrive at the Taj Mahal at the brink of dawn. Discover a love poem in stone as you behold the sight of the sun striking its glowing cupid arrow onto the dome that radiates like a giant golden trinket. Taj Mahal cannot be left out of India’s Golden Triangle! The finest example of archaeological brilliance, it is the country’s most famous attraction. Traveler Eleanor Roosevelt said that its white marble “symbolizes the purity of real love.” The Taj was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the resting place for his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. What else but great love could have inspired such outstanding beauty?

OVERNIGHT IN AGRA

After breakfast, you will head towards Delhi via the newly built Taj Expressway. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kochi. Before you catch your flight to Kochi, you could do some souvenir shopping at the domestic airport . On arrival in Kochi you will be met by another representative & will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you into the heart of this magnificent and beautiful city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left their outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars. Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon.

Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends. Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

At a height of 1,500 metre, set amidst mountains once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea plantations. Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea, sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its freshly brewed cuppas.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajmalai Wild Life Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam.

Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Today you will also experience the Kathakali & Martial Arts show.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital and check into your next hotel. Along the way you will also explore Thekkady. The afternoon is at your leisure. Feel free to walk through the spice market in the Kumily Village. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace!

First up is the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama, with majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological stories. Kalaripayattu is the oldest form of martial arts, with elaborate movements and the sounds of slashing swords. Return to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Post breakfast at the hotel, step out for a blissful day in the natural heaven for wildlife. 

Tourists rush from all over the country to experience the exotic wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is amidst dense forests and make way for thrilling mountain walks. Experience boating in the lake where you can spot many more interesting species of animals as you admire the beauty called Thekkady.

After spending quality time with nature, head to the Tribal Heritage Museum which features different types of artifacts displaying the culture, dressing, rituals, etc. of the Mannan settlement. You can also check out the spice market in the Kumily Village and pick fresh aromatic cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace from the market.

Post breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart to Alleppey via Kuttikanam which is a hill station in Idukki district and is best known for trekking and adventure sports.

You can explore the cardamom and tea plantations which surround the entire place. Later head to Alleppey and experience the memorable cruise through the iconic backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is the most popular backwater cruising destination in Kerala and is termed as “Venice of the East”. Kerala claims its title as ‘God’s Own  Country’ due to its captivating charm and wonder.

Your comfortable and luxurious house boat will take you through paddy fields and lined up coconut trees. Indulge in some traditional Kerala cuisines served on board made with various tasty spices and flavours.

Marvel the Chinese fishing nets, ancient temples, rustic buildings, paddy fields and swaying coconut trees along the coastline. Having experienced an overnight stay in a houseboat, you have lived a perfect vacation in Kerala

OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out of your houseboat at around 10am and heading to Marari Beach. En route, visit the Coir Village and Coir Factory. (“Coir” is a natural fibre made from the husk of a coconut and dates back to the 1800s.)

Afterwards, make your way to the St Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal – Kerala’s 7th basilica and the first ever in Alleppey, making it the most popular church in the Alappuzha district. Believed to possess the power to heal mental and physical disorders, the church was first constructed in the 16th century but has been renovated several times.  

You’ll then continue to Marari Beach and check into the beach resort.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARI BEACH

After breakfast, kick off your day with some sightseeing. Your first stop will be the Velorvattom Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to have been built some 700 years ago. 

Later, proceed to the Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple, said to be the only temple in Kerala where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were seen sitting face to face. Devotees believe that a visit to this temple will make your wishes come true.  

Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to visit the local markets, go on a stroll or bike ride through the fishing villages before heading back to the beach resort.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARI BEACH

Take some time to relax at your accommodation after a tasty breakfast. Today there is no set itinerary so you’re able to explore Marari Beach at your own pace.

 This is one of Kerala’s best beaches; it’s tranquil, fringed by coconut groves and there’s sand, sand, sand as far as the eye can see. OVERNIGHT STAY IN MARARI BEACH

After a hearty breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Kochi Airport to board your flight home. We hope you’ve had a brilliant stay in Kerala! 

END OF TOUR