TOUR ROUTE:

Delhi, overland to Agra, overland to Jaipur, fly to Udaipur, Fly to Mumbai, Fly to Chennai and drive to Mamallapuram, drive to Pondichery, drive to Tanjore via Kumbakonam, Madurai, drive to Munnar, Periyar National Park, House boat at Kumarakoram, drive and visit Cochin.

Trip Duration:

18 Days

Trip Type:

Culture, Walking, Wildlife, Beach, Monuments

Trip Highlight::

Historic Capitals, ancient forts, monuments, temples, local markets, elephant ride, boat ride, beaches, short optional walks, Wildlife

 

Trip Cost:

US$ 3700 Per Person
Single room supliment US$ 1130.
For private trips (2 pax US$ 3950) (3-4 pax US$ 3640).

Included:

- Accommodations in listed or similar hotel.
- Daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Overland transfers and sightseeing by A/C vehicle.
- Entrance fees.
- Local English speaking Guides.
- Full size group will also be accompanied by one national Wind Horse Tour Leader/Escort.
- Internal flight tickets (Jaipur to Udaipur, Udaipur to Mumbai, Mumbai to Chennai).
- Please note cost excludes flight from Cochin.

Not Included:

- Indian Visa.
- International airfare to Delhi and from flight out of Cochin.
- Meals those not listed in the inclusion.

Itinerary in Details

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi airport. Meet and transfer to a hotel.
Overnight in Hotel City Park.

 

Day 2: Delhi- Agra (B/L)

In the morning, visit some of the landmark monuments of Old Delhi and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, President’s House, India Gate and other historical sites. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and drive to Agra after lunch.
Overnight in Agra, Hotel Holiday Inn.

Day 3 & 4: Jaipur (B/L)

At sunrise visit Taj Mahal and Red fort in Agra. Next drive to Jaipur and visit Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Next day visit Amber Fort, Hawal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and stroll through the market of Jaipur.
Overnight in Jaipur, Hotel Narain Niwas Palace.

 

Day 5: Udaipur Tour (B)

In the morning fly to Udaipur. Visit Bhartiya Lol kala Mandal folk Art Museum & Gallery, Saheliyo Ki Bari Garden, Pratap Smarak memorial and drive along Lake Fateh Sagar. In the evening, ride a boat on Lake Pichola and enjoy the views of Palaces and landscapes including Lake Palace.
Overnight in Udaipur, hotel Raj Darshan.

 

Days 6 & 7 Mumbai (B)

Visit City Palace in the morning and its museums in Udaipur. Later fly to Mumbai. On the following day go to the Gateway of India and take a ferry to visit Elephanta Caves. Later visit Prince of Wales museum, Mani Bhawan, Kamla Nehru Park, Jahangir Art Gallery and Juhu Beach area.
Overnight in Mumbai, hotel Ramee Guest Line.

 

Day 8: Chennai & Mamallapuram (B)

Fly to Chennai (Madras). From Chennai airport travel to the seaside town of Mamallapuram. Visit Arjuna‘s Penance’ (bass relief), ‘Five Rathas’ (chariots) and the famous ‘shore temple’. We will also make a special visit to a sculpture studio.
Overnight in Mamallapuram, GRT Temple bay Resort.

 

Day 9: Pondicherry Tour (B/L)

Drive along the scenic east coast for about 2 hours to Pondicherry. Explore the area by walking through French quarters and visit an Ashram & Center of Aurobindo.
Overnight in Pondicherry, Le Duplex or similar.

 

Day 10: To Tanjore via Kumbakonam (B)

Early morning drive to Tanjore. En-route visit temples of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram (Airawatheshswar temple). In Tanjore, visit the World Heritage Brihadeshwara Temple and the Palace Museum.
Overnight in Tanjore, hotel Parisutham.

 

Day 11: Madurai (B/L)

Drive to Madurai to visit the famous Meenakshi Temple and stroll through the market area.
Overnight in Madurai, Hotel GRT Regency.

 

Days 12 & 13: Munnar Tour (B)

Board the train from Madurai to Bodi Nayakannur (2 ½ hrs ride). Next take a delightful drive up the Cardamom hills to Munnar, a popular hill resort with winding roads, picturesque towns, surrounded by tea estates and colorful market. Next day we take a jeep and visit Munar including trip to Eravikulam National Park.
Overnights in Munnar, Hotel Tall trees.

 

Day 14: Munnar to Periyar (B/L)

Drive through tranquil countryside and rich plantations to Thekkady or Periyar, home of one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger reserve. In the evening, take a boat trip on Periyar Lake to see the wild animals.
Overnight in Periyar, Muthoot Cardamom County resort.

 

Day 15: House Boat (B/L/D)

In the morning enjoy walk through spice and coffee plantations. Descend the hills of Periyar across rugged country roads through spice, tea and rubber plantations to Kumarakom. Board air-conditioned houseboat (Kettuvallams), which is our overnight accommodation as well as our transport for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil “Backwaters” of Kerala.

 

Days 16 & 17: Cochin Tour (B/L/D)

Disembark from the houseboats and drive for a little over an hour to Cochin (Kochi). Wander the old lanes of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry Palace. Here we come upon such incongruous sites comprised of a traditional Dutch architecture, a Portuguese palace, a synagogue and other oddities that reflect the European influence on Cochin. In the evening enjoy a traditional dinner and attend a performance of a traditional dance drama ‘Kathakali’. The following day is a free time in Cochin for shopping, rest or to pursue your own interests.
Overnight in Hotel Abad Atrium.

 

Day 18: Departure transfer (B)

Transfer to the Cochin airport. Flight out of Cochin is extra depending on your next destination.

 

Trip Start Date(s):

04 Oct, 2009 - 21 Oct, 2009

08 Nov, 2009 - 25 Nov, 2009

06 Dec, 2009 - 23 Dec, 2009

Trip Price:

US$ 3700 Per Person
Single room supliment US$ 1130.
For private trips (2 pax US$ 3950) (3-4 pax US$ 3640).

 

Group Size:

Max. 9 pax (Minimum 2)

Meals:

Breakfast and some lunches and dinners