Duet of North India and Kerala Tour

Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where our representative will assist and escort you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. During check-in, all required documents related to the tour will be given to you, and all your queries concerning the tour plan and services will be explained. Later in the evening, visit the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, where selected episodes from Delhi's historic past are brought to life through narration and special effects amid the historic surroundings of the fort. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visiting the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its red sandstone Mughal architecture, Jama Masjid, one of India's largest and most prominent mosques, and Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue through New Delhi to see President House, India Gate, built to honour Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Afghan Wars, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important example of Mughal garden-tomb architecture, the lotus-shaped Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, and Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening, opt for a Cycle Rickshaw Ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandni Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Mandawa, en route halting at Nawalgarh, a compact town in the Shekhavati region known for its forts and havelis decorated with beautiful frescoes. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads into the bazaar, while the old havelis preserve the artistic character of the prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Continue to the medieval city of Mandawa, known as the Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan for its richly painted havelis and fort. On arrival, check in to a heritage hotel. In the evening, walk through the narrow traditional lanes, observe local life and shops, and enjoy traditional music and dance with a live performance by local artists during the gala dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Mandawa and visit its notable havelis, including Binsidhar Chokhani Haveli, Newatia Haveli and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli is known for its unusual paintings, while Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is noted for its erotic paintings and images, many of which are now defaced. These merchant-built havelis function like open museums, with frescoes depicting mythology, animals, dancers, religion, portraits, local legends, hunting and wrestling scenes. After the visit, check out and drive to Bikaner, en route halting at Deshnok to visit the 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple. Built by King Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the temple features carved silver gates and marble work. Continue to Bikaner and transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a city tour of Bikaner, visiting the popular Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh and never conquered during the entire history of Bikaner. The fort complex contains around 37 palaces, surrounded by a 7-kilometre wall with 37 bastions and two massive gates. Later check out and drive to Jaisalmer, en route halting at Pokhran to visit the massive Pokhran Fort. The town became renowned when India's first nuclear test was conducted here in the 1970s. Built between 1532 and 1584 in yellow sandstone, the fort contains palaces including Mangal Niwas, Rani Mahal and Phool Niwas. Visit the Pokhran Museum, displaying weapons, pottery, paintings and Maharaja-era costumes. Continue to Jaisalmer and take a walk through the local market after arrival. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a city tour of Jaisalmer, the Golden City on the edge of the Thar Desert. Visit the Golden Fort, also known as Sonar Kila or Jaisalmer Fort, built on Trikuta Hill and distinguished by its 99 bastions and the Megh Durbar. Explore the historic havelis of wealthy merchants, including Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, known for their latticework and stone carving. Continue to Gadisar Lake, with its artistic entrance and historic associations. If time permits, visit Amar Sagar, Mool Sagar Lake and the temples of Ladawara. In the evening, drive to Sam Sand Dunes, the gateway to the Great Thar Desert, and enjoy a Camel Ride on the Sand Dunes. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Manvar in Dechu, situated in the Shergarh region of the Thar Desert, an area known for high sand dunes and desert landscape. On arrival, transfer to the desert resort, spread across the desert surroundings and constructed using local materials and techniques. The resort features stone cottages with thatched roofs, open-air courtyard sit-outs, a reading room, book and gift shop and swimming pool, with interiors reflecting the traditional desert character of Marwar. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. In the early evening, transfer by camel for a Desert Safari to the Manvar campsite, reaching the camp by sunset. Enjoy folk dance and music beneath the starlit sky along with a theme dinner. Dinner and overnight at the desert resort.

Early morning, you may opt for a Jeep Safari to explore the nearby desert villages and observe local lifestyles and traditional crafts, including carpentry, metalwork, pottery and cobbling. Return to the resort, check out and drive to Jodhpur, en route visiting a Bishnoi Village. The Bishnois are traditionally regarded as guardians of animals and hold deep respect for living things. Visit local handicraft makers, including shoemakers, potters and hand weavers, while observing men in traditional attire and women wearing ancestral silver jewellery. Along the way, watch and photograph wildlife such as blackbuck, chinkaras and peacocks protected by local villagers. Continue to Jodhpur, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha and historically the capital of Marwar. In the evening, you may explore the local market and visit authentic restaurants. You may choose On the Rocks, an open-air restaurant offering Rajasthani hospitality, authentic food and folk music and dance. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Clock Tower, massive Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, the mausoleum of Rajput King Jaswant Singh, and Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum, one of India's imposing royal palaces and part of the heritage hotel complex. Later check out and drive to Udaipur, en route halting at Ranakpur to visit the ancient Jain Temples, built in the 12th century and known for detailed stone architecture. You may opt for lunch at Maharani Bagh, an authentic heritage hotel, at your own cost. Continue to Udaipur and check in to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola. You may also opt for dinner at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the lake, at your own cost. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, founded in 1568 AD by Rajput King Udai Singh and set around Lake Pichola and the Aravalli mountain range. Visit the City Palace Complex, a major landmark and former royal residence, with notable areas including the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish Temple. Continue to Sahelion Ki Bari, a garden associated with the royal women, and Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, displaying Rajasthan's traditional ornaments, clothing, puppets, masks, dolls, paintings and folk musical instruments. In the evening, visit Lake Bageela, 22 km away, for a sightseeing tour of the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bijaipur, en route visiting Chittourgarh, home to one of India's largest historic forts. The fortified citadel preserves the history and traditions of Rajput resistance through its palaces, temples, towers and chhatris. Explore Kirti Stambha, Rana Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika Mata Temple and the State Archaeological Museum. Continue to Bijaipur and transfer to Castle Bijaipur, an original 16th-century palace where the Royal Family of Bijaipur still resides. The castle stands in the Vindhyanchal ranges and recalls battles fought against the Mughals and Marathas. Pre-dinner drinks are served on the lawn or old courtyard, followed by traditional Indian music and dancing, while dinner is served amid the fragrance of Queen of the Night flowers. Dinner and overnight at Bijaipur.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Ranthambhore, one of India's finest tiger reserves. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. The region combines wildlife with the historic landscape of Ranthambhore Fort, an old hilltop citadel overlooking the forest. The park was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and became part of the first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. It was once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur and is now particularly known for its tiger population and opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The remainder of the evening is free for leisure. Dinner and overnight at the jungle resort.

After breakfast, take a Jungle Safari by Open Canter, accompanied by an expert naturalist, to explore Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's important habitats for observing tigers in their natural environment. During the dry season, tigers can often be seen near watering holes and are more visible through the dry forest. The sanctuary is also home to leopards, deer, wild boar and sloth bears. You may also opt for a Jeep Safari to explore the park and its surrounding valleys. Return to the hotel for lunch. Later visit the historic Ranthambhore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, along with Jogi Mahal and the famous Temple of Ganesha within the fort. Afterwards return to the jungle resort for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. En route visit the historic Step Well at Abhaneri, situated in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur. Built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty and dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness, the step well reflects the practical and architectural traditions of historic Rajasthan. Continue to Jaipur, widely known as the Pink City, founded in 1727 A.D. by Jai Singh II and planned according to the principles of Shilpa Shastra. The city is also known for handwoven carpets, precious stones, handicrafts, marble, textiles, blue pottery and handmade paper. After refreshment, enjoy the evening at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic Rajasthani village-themed resort featuring folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel rides and traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan, situated just outside Jaipur and built in the 15th century by Rajput King Man Singh. Continue to Nagargarh Fort, located close to Amber Fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace, the present residence of the royal family of Jaipur, followed by Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Jaipur King Sawai Jai Singh and known for its historic astronomical instruments. Visit Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, and Birla Temple, built in white marble. In the evening, you can visit Amber Fort for its Light and Sound Show, presenting the 600-year history of the citadel and the 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later explore the bustling market by Cycle Rickshaw Ride. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. En route stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who blessed Emperor Akbar with the birth of three sons. Its historic complex combines Mughal planning with distinctive architectural forms. Visit Diwan-e-Khas, Panch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Continue to Agra and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, visit Oswal Emporium to see its replica of the Taj Mahal, which took 10 years for the artists to build, and enjoy the Mohabbat-the-Taj: The Saga of Love light and sound show, presenting the story of the Taj Mahal and the history associated with its creation. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, known for its fusion of architectural styles and its association with the story of eternal love. Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1576 AD by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Within the red sandstone fortifications are the Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Shahjahan was imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb and could see the Taj Mahal from Musamman Bhurj. Afterwards visit the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 km from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan in tribute to her father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. En route stop at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, a major Mughal mausoleum whose design combines Hindu and Muslim architectural influences. The monument reflects the architectural character of the Mughal period through its gateways, gardens and decorative details. After the visit, continue to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight for Cochin. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, visit Fort Cochin, the historic quarter shaped by Arab, British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese influences, and St. Francis Church, one of the historic European-built churches associated with Vasco da Gama. Subject to opening days and timings, visit the Jewish Synagogue, an important part of Mattancherry's Jewish heritage, and Mattancherry Dutch Palace, known for its historic collections and traditional Kerala architectural elements. In the evening, enjoy the Kathakali Dance, one of India's best-known classical dance traditions, with elaborate costumes, distinctive makeup and masks that emphasize the dancer's expressive movements. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Munnar, a hill destination in the Western Ghats whose name refers to the meeting of three mountain streams, Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The region is known for its tea plantations, hills, lakes, forests and rich biodiversity, with tea estates covering the slopes like a broad green carpet. Munnar was once used as a summer retreat by British rulers and is now one of Kerala's important hill destinations. The surrounding region also includes forests, wildlife sanctuaries and tea, coffee and spice plantations. Take a short tour of the Munnar Tea Factory & Museum. The remainder of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore the hill station of Munnar. Visit Pothamedu for views of coffee, tea, cardamom and other spice plantations. Continue to Devikulam, 7 km from Munnar, known for its lawns, flora, fauna and surrounding mountains. Visit Blossom International Park, around 3 km from Munnar, followed by Mattupetty Dam and Reservoir, 13 km from Munnar, also known for the Indo-Swiss Farm and a dairy farm. Continue to Echo Point and Kundala Lake. In the evening, you can take a Tea, Coffee and Spice Plantation Tour and visit the tea museum. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Periyar (Thekkady). On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. After refreshment, visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's major wildlife sanctuaries and a tiger reserve covering 778 square kilometres. The sanctuary is known for elephants, wild boars, gaur, sambar and other wildlife, along with birds such as grey heron and ibis. Enjoy an Elephant Safari in the park and Boating at Periyar Lake to observe animals along the water's edge, with the possibility of seeing a rare tiger and bathing elephants. Later take a Spice Plantation Tour to see cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, tea and coffee estates. On the way back, stop at the local spice market to shop for fragrant spices. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey, the centre of Kerala's backwater cruises and a town surrounded by an extensive network of canals. On arrival, check in to the houseboat and begin the Backwaters Tour through Sailing Boat, passing through tropical countryside, palm-fringed narrow canals, paddy fields and tiny hamlets along the waterways. Along the route, see Chinese Fishing Nets, reminders of historic trade links, groups of ducks swimming through the canals and colourful birds flying across the landscape. You can also try your hand at Fishing from the Houseboat. In the evening, enjoy the sunset from the houseboat's sun-deck. The houseboat includes a sitting-cum-dining area, private bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully equipped kitchen with a Chef and Srank (Driver). Enjoy the dinner of your choice cooked and served by the Chef. Dinner and overnight at the houseboat.

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, located 16 km from Trivandrum on the Malabar Coast. On arrival, transfer to the beach resort. Kovalam is known for its sheltered bay, coconut-lined coastline, Ayurveda treatments and massages. After relaxation, enjoy beach activities at Kovalam Beach, including surfing, skiing and kayaking, or simply enjoy sunbathing and an Ayurveda Massage under the tropical sun. The name Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees, reflecting the landscape along the coast. Overnight at the beach resort at Kovalam.

After breakfast, enjoy the day on the sandy beach at Kovalam. You may opt for water sports and wellness activities including Sunbathing, Water Skiing, Angling, Para-sailing and Surfing. You may also experience renowned Ayurveda Massage, herbal body toning and treatments offered at many resorts. Ayurveda, meaning the science of healthy living, derives its name from the Sanskrit words AYUSH (Life) and VEDA (Knowledge) and traditionally considers individual requirements when treatments are planned. You can also enjoy a Special Cultural Programme and Catamaran Cruising. Overnight at the resort at Kovalam.

After breakfast, check out from the beach resort and drive to Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of peninsular India, where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet. On arrival, check in to the hotel. After relaxation, visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Devi Kanya, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati, and Gandhi Mandapam, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. In the early evening, take a Boat Cruise to Swami Vivekananda Memorial, where Swami Vivekananda meditated and decided to carry his message of peace across the world. Continue to the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a landmark of Kanyakumari. In the evening, enjoy the sunset from Murugan Kundram Hills, with the rare possibility of seeing the rising sun and setting sun on the same horizon. Overnight at the hotel in Kanyakumari.

After enjoying the charismatic Sunrise at Kanyakumari and breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Trivandrum. En route, explore the Horse Palace, Napier Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery and Padmatheertha Kulam (Temple Pond). These attractions provide a final introduction to the cultural and artistic heritage of the region before departure. After sightseeing, continue to the airport to board the scheduled flight for your onward journey. With the completion of this journey through North India, Rajasthan and Kerala, the tour concludes with happy memories.