Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi: Buckle up for an amazing adventure when you board your flight to India. You will be welcomed by our friendly guide who will greet you once you land in Delhi and take you to your hotel. After check-in feel free to explore this vibrant city independently. You will adore wandering through India’s capital, which was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and rebuilt it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike.
Day 2 – Delhi: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes today as you set off on a busy day of exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi. Your guide will collect you from your hotel at 9am unless you request otherwise. Your adventure will start inside Old Delhi, when you will visit the 17th century Jama Masjid. You will enjoy a moment of quiet reflection, before walking through the narrow lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. You have the option of taking a rickshaw ride through the bazaars, and feeling the exhilaration of having the wind in your hair. Here you will also visit the Mughal Empire’s Red Fort for a photo stop, before visiting Raj Ghat, which is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, you will unravel the charms of New Delhi. You will drive past The Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys, and then pass India Gate, which is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. You will also drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. Next you will visit Qutab Minar, before exploring the 16th century Humayun’s tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Finally, after such an interesting day, you will return back to the hotel and unwind.
Day 3 – Agra: Get ready to be awe-inspired by the majestic city of Agra, when you travel here this morning on the newly built expressway. You will learn how it was once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, before it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs - Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan. Today, you will see for yourself how it is now a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys, and bustling streets. You will be impressed by how Agra still retains the irresistible charm that made this the favourite city of the Mughals. After checking into your hotel, you will visit Agra Fort in the afternoon. Discover how the massive landmark was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it. Pull out your camera and snap this stunning landmark which houses the Dewan-e-Khas and Dewan-e-Aam that were the halls of private and public audience. Later, you enjoy a visit to Mehtab Bagh for splendid views of the Taj Mahal in the lap of serene landscaped surroundings. In fact, Mehtab Bagh was built as an integral part of the Taj complex as the gardens of the Taj are perfectly aligned with Mehtab Bagh. This makes it the best place to view and take pictures of the Taj Mahal. Finally, head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 4 – Jaipur: Prepare to be completely blown away when you catch a glimpse of one of the seven wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal. Today you will wake up early and leave your hotel to watch the pearly light of dawn paint delicate hues on the Taj Mahal. As you catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of what is widely considered to be the most beautiful building in the world, you will understand why its attracts many visitors desperate to bask in its beauty. See for yourself how Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. Learn how this stunning site was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. At the time, specialists were brought in from as far away as Europe to produce the exquisite marble screens and inlay work - made with thousands of semiprecious stones. Cameras and videos are permitted but you can't take photographs inside the mausoleum itself. After an unforgettable morning, you will return back to the hotel for breakfast, before checking out and heading out to visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. It is of great importance as it was the capital of the Mughal empire between 1571 and 1585 during the reign of Akbar. Finally, you will be driven to Jaipur to check-into your hotel. Feel free to relax in your room or venture out and independently explore Jaipur. You will be amazed by this city, which is the capital of the Rajasthan province and is known for its arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures.
Day 5 – Jaipur: Today you will peel back the stunning beauty of Amber Fort this morning when you visit this hilltop fortress. You will take in the stunning view as you arrive at the imposing fort on a decorated elephant. Get off and explore this magnificent fort, which comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, as well as white marble. It is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. On the way back, there will be a quick stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. This elaborate building, which is now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, used to sneak views of the outside world. Then you will continue to Jantar Mantar, an observatory, built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. The Maharajah, a scientist as well as an astronomer, had the principles of Euclid translated into Sanskrit. Finally, head to The City Palace which is built within the fortified area of the original city, with one of the finest monumental entrances in India. The Palace is now principally a museum housing a collection of great treasures, including miniature paintings, carpets, royal garments and other interesting objects from Jaipur's intriguing past. Interestingly, the former royal family still retains a part of the palace for their personal use. Then finally you will head back to your hotel to spend the rest of the evening as you wish.
Day 6 – Delhi: Spend the morning enjoying your breakfast before embarking on a 5-hour drive back to Delhi Airport in a private vehicle. Be sure to look out of your window and see India’s interesting landscape unfold before your very eyes. Once you arrive at the airport, you will board your flight to Cochin. Once you land, you will be transferred to your hotel in Mararikulam for check-in. You are expected to arrive around 10pm – so unwind and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Day 7- 10: Mararikulam: You will spend the next few days doing exactly what you wish. You can start the day with a delicious breakfast, which is included in the trip, before planning your day. Those wishing to relax can do so at the sun loungers or head to the spa for a pampering beauty treatment. The resort also features an outdoor pool, which is the ideal place to take a refreshing dip. Or guests can go to the nearby beach for a relaxing stroll. Then as the day ends, watch the sun setting from the comfort of your bedroom window.
Day 11: – Departure: Relish in the final breakfast of your holiday. You will have time to enjoy a last-minute stroll on the beach, before being taken to Kochi airport for your flight to the UK. If you would like to extend your stay or travel in a premium class, then please speak with our Travel Specialist who will be happy to assist you.
