Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi:
Cross off another destination from your travel bucket list when you jet off to Delhi. Once you land, you will be welcomed by our friendly representative who transfer you to your hotel. After check in, you can unwind inside your hotel or venture outside and explore India’s capital, which is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines ancient monuments with modern amenities.
Day 2 – Delhi:
Make sure to wear comfy shoes today to prepare for a busy day exploring the sights and sounds of Delhi. Your adventure will start with a drive past the magnificent Red Fort. Founded by Emperor Shah Jahan and just a few decades older than the Palace of Versailles in France, this fort took 10 years to construct from 1638. You will learn how it had the decapitated bodies of prisoners built into the foundations for luck, and is surrounded by an 18m-high wall. Next, you will wander through the narrow lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. You have the option of taking a cycle rickshaw ride through the bazaar, and feeling the exhilaration of having the wind in your hair. Next, you will drive past Kotla Firoze Shah, which boasts ruins of an old fort from the 14th century. Later, you will explore Raj Ghat, which is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, your adventure will continue when you will explore New Delhi by driving past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, and the India Gate. Last but not least, you will end the day on a high with a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is an impressive 72-meter-high minaret.
Day 3 – Agra:
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before checking out and travelling 3 and a half hours to Agra. Once you arrive, you will check-in to your hotel. You will have time to freshen up before an afternoon visit to Agra Fort. Learn how its construction along the bank of the Yamuna River began by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Further additions were made by his grandson Shah Jahan, using his favourite building material – white marble. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but Shah Jahan transformed it into a palace, and later it became his gilded prison for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power in 1658. Next, get ready to be blown away by the beauty of the Taj Mahal. You will visit this landmark at sunset and see the orange sky light up the landmark with an ethereal glow. It is widely considered to be the most beautiful in the world, and today you will finally see for yourself how the Taj Mahal’s stunning architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy are all an embodiment of Mughal art. You will learn how this epic 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.
Day 4 – Agra to Jaipur:
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before checking out and travelling to Jaipur. Along the way you will 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. After a fascinating morning, you will continue your journey to India’s most flamboyant state - Jaipur. Be sure to look out of your car window as you make your way to the hotel, as you are bound to be amazed by this stunning city. It is known for its arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures. Once you have checked-in to your hotel, you will have the evening free to spend at leisure. If you love a bargain, then head to the local markets and put your bartering skills to the test.
Day 5 – Jaipur:
Make sure your camera is fully charged today as you explore Jaipur, which is full of fanatastic photo opportunities. In fact, you will start the day with a photo stop at to the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds as it is sometimes known. 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. Next, you will unravel the breath-taking beauty of Amber Fort this morning, when you visit the hilltop fortress. You will have the option to arrive on a decorated elephant for an added spectacular experience. Get your camera ready as you 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. Next, you will visit 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, you will 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 – Jaipur to Cochin:
This morning you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before being transferred to domestic airport to board a morning flight to Cochin via Hyderabad. You will arrive in Cochin just before 1.30pm. The celebrity treatment will be rolled out for you when our friendly representative will welcome and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have time to freshen up and relax before enjoying a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre in the evening. You will be dazzled as you see this unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. This is the classical dance of Kerala, which dates from the 17th century, and is rooted in Hindu mythology.
Day 7 – Cochin:
Start the day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a full day of sightseeing. You will start the day with a visit to a local residence for a cooking demonstration. This will be followed by lunch. Once you have refuelled you will visit Mattancherry Dutch Palace. You will be wowed by its intrinsically carved ceilings and mural in the rooms of the palace, which was built in 1555. Make sure you see its coronation hall and murals, which are especially fascinating. Next, you will visit St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European Church in India. It was originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal. As you explore the site, you will discover how St. Francis Church was the first church to have been built in the new European style. Next, you will go and explore Chinese Fishing Nets, which are unique to this part of Kerala and a living symbols of a centuries old Chinese influence on this coast. You will also have time to visit the Jewish Town and the Jewish Synagogue.
Day 8 – Cochin to Kumarakom:
This morning you will be driven to Kumarakom. Once you arrive, you will proceed to your hotel for check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax inside the hotel or venture out and explore Kumarkom, which is located on the Southern coast of India. It enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. You will be wowed as you spot million verdant coconut palms that line the rivers and lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. It is hard to resist the blooming perfumes of flowers and the multi-hued birds.
Day 9 - Kumarakom to Alleppey:
Today, you will get the rare opportunity to experience life on a houseboat. Not surprisingly - staying in a houseboat is one of the 50 ‘must do’ activities described by the National Geographic Traveller magazine. Your adventure will start after breakfast, when you will be transferred to the Alleppey Jetty point to board the houseboat. You will fall in love with Alleppy from the moment you arrive. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East”, this pleasant easy-going market town is surrounded by coconut plantations. Its large network of canals, is a major centre for backwater cruises and spectacular snake boat races. Enjoy being at peace with mother nature, once you climb aboard the traditional ‘Ketuvallam’ rice boats, which has been converted into houseboats with bedrooms and attached toilets. Originally, these boats were used as ferries to carry rice. But instead, you will cruise through the backwaters of Kerala, through the narrow canals that crisscross a typical village, rich with green paddy fields and verdant coconut trees. The boat cruise also takes you to small islets to give you a glimpses of village life. Lunch and dinner will be served on board, so you do not have to worry about anything apart from enjoying yourself. As the sunsets, you can cosy-up in your blanket, close your eyes and relish in the bliss of being gently rocked by the tranquil waves of the canal.
Day 10 - Alleppey:
Wake up to the sound of the canal flowing and birds tweeting. As soon as you open your eyes, you will be able to enjoy a delicious breakfast on the houseboat. Be sure to take your time to enjoy such a peaceful start to the day. After your feast, you will set off for Marari . Once you arrive, you will check-in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day as you wish.
Day 11 to 12 – Marari:
You will spend the next few days doing exactly what you wish. You can treat yourself to a pampering treatment at the resort’s spa or unwind by the pool. If you want a bit of adventure then head to the nearby beach where you can experience a host of water sports.
Day 13 - Departure:
Enjoy the final breakfast of your holiday, before checking-out and driving to Cochin International Airport for your flight back home. As you board your plane, your mind will be buzzing with all the wonderful memories you have just created. If you would like to extend your stay or travel in a premium cabin, then please speak with our travel specialist who will be happy to assist you.
