The Best of India (20 days)

Day 3 - Delhi

Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin! Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride through narrow alleys and lanes in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and largest trading markets of the country; and drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj. While returning back to New Delhi make a brief stop at Rajghat the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, visiting Humayun’s Tomb, the first tomb in India with beautiful gardens, continue visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the world’s tallest brick minaret and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold dome, still in active worship. Drive past President’s House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi and take a photo stop at the iconic war memorial arch, the India Gate.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 4 - Delhi to Agra by Train

After breakfast, we will transfer to the station to board the brand new Gatiman Express to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival at Agra station you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

This afternoon visit the splendid Agra Fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. Then, witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. You may choose to stay back to see the glistening white marble beauty at sunset.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 6 - Varanasi

Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted. After breakfast visit Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum

In evening, experience an evening Rickshaw Ride to the ghats where you take your boat to watch and enjoy the grand ‘Aarti’ ceremony conducted every day at sunset by white-robed priests. The young priests sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 8 - Jaipur

This morning we visit the Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.

This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.

This evening is an opportunity to visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and shop for souvenirs. Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stoned jewels, enamelled ornaments, beautiful carpets and other artefacts and crafts.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 9 - Jaipur

After a leisurely morning, experience a cycling tour in city of Jaipur.  During the tour you cycle through the charming walled city decorated with historic pink stucco buildings; surrounded by  hilltop forts, lovely hills and scrub  forest, charming villages and remote temples & shines villages; cycling is the best way to discover the lesser knows attractions of Jaipur and its pristine country side.

Late in the afternoon, you embark on a short drive to a wilderness camp at the outskirts of Jaipur, for a fascinating elephant safari, followed by high tea served at the garden camp.

This evening you return back to the city where you have the option to learn more about local lifestyle and culture of India with dinner at an Indian home. Spend time talking to your hosts and learn about their way of life. You may also opt for a unique opportunity to step inside an Indian kitchen and learn the age-old art of Indian culinary delights. Your hosts will be happy to share their secret recipes and give you some handy tips about Indian cooking.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 11 - Pali to Udaipur

This morning, drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. En-route visit the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures. Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 12 - Udaipur

Spend the day exploring Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; the grand white marble Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, garden of the maids of honour.

For the remainder enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 14 - Kochi

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi on bicycles.  We will visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town; the St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India; the Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese; the Dutch Palace and Spice market in narrow streets. Stroll past the coastline of Fort Kochi, seeing the Chinese fishing nets, huge levered fishing nets believed to have been brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Here you will also see the daily fish market

Later we drive to visit Phillipkutty’s Farm, a 50-acre estate of ridges and canals. The canals are used for natural fish culture with fresh water prawns among the species cultivated. The major crops grown here are coconut, nutmeg, cocoa, banana, pepper and vanilla along with numerous other fruits, vegetables and spices. There are also a few cows, geese, ducks and hens. At the farm, you get a unique opportunity to interact with the local family, and enjoy a home cooked meal with them. The afternoon offers an opportunity to learn a few tips on traditional Kerala homemade cuisine and enjoy a tour of the family farm.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 15 - Kochi to Alleppey

After breakfast, embark on our drive to Alleppey, the coastal town in the backwaters of Kerala. On arrival, board your houseboat to cruise through the backwaters of Kerala.

Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced while slowly rowing down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as ‘Kettuvallam’. See life on the banks, lush green rice fields, and coconut groves with occasional temple or church as you cruise through the canals. Enjoy the special Kerala style meals prepared by your chef on board.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Days 17 - 19 - Kovalam

3 days free for your own activities or at leisure.

Meals Included

• Breakfast