Day 1 Arrive Delhi
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 In Delhi
A full day's sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan - the President's House; Humayun's Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and the Bahai Temple - beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower. We will be happy to recommend restaurants and lovely places to stroll in the Delhi evening.
Day 3 Drive Delhi to Agra (220kms/4 hours)
You will be driven to Agra - City of the Taj Mahal, a great monument to love and one of the world's most beautiful buildings. On arrival, check in to your selected hotel and after a quick lunch head out to see the sights of Agra. Begin at the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah - the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jehangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jehan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal.
Day 4 Drive Agra to Jaipur (250kms/5 hours)
Your drive to Jaipur takes you via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital. After the visit, continue to Jaipur, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still. On arrival, check in to your Jaipur hotel for a 2 night stay.
Day 5 In Jaipur
A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, 11 kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they believe their fated souls move to its rhythms.
Day 6 Fly Jaipur to Udaipur
Transfer to Jaipur Airport in time for your flight to Udaipur, the famed "city of sunrise" also called the Venice of the East. Met on arrival in Udaipur and transferred to your hotel. An evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola, with the shimmering waters of the Lake combined with the City Palace in the background is a magical way to end your day in Udaipur. Spend 2 nights in Udaipur.
Day 7 In Udaipur
A half day's sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the opulent City Palace - towering over the lake, this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagdish Temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe and Saheliyon ki bari is a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a delightful lotus pool.
Day 8 Fly Udaipur to Mumbai
Transfer to Udaipur Airport in time for your flight to Mumbai - a spicy masala of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood, history, great cuisine, beaches and much more! Afternoon free to explore the colourful bazaars and shopping malls or to relax in your hotel surrounds.
Day 9 In Mumbai
A half day's sightseeing tour of Mumbai includes The Gateway of India - a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the visit of King George IV; Mani Bhavan - where the father of our Nation resided for 15 years; the Marine drive; the Prince of Wales museum - considered one of the best museums in the country; the Hanging gardens & Victoria Railway Station. Overnight in Mumbai, we will be happy to recommend restaurants for dinner tonight.
Day 10 Fly Mumbai to Cochin
You will be transferred to Mumbai Airport for your flight to Cochin. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel. There will be some free time to enjoy the hotel or head out and explore your surrounds. In the evening you will be collected for a Kathakali Dance Show.
Day 11 In Cochin
Cochin's half day sight seeing includes Cochin Harbour where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight; Mattancherry Dutch Palace; The Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church (built in 1510 Vasco Da Gama was originally buried here). Overnight in Cochin.
Day 12 Drive Cochin to Kumarakom (85kms/1.5 hours)
This morning drive to the tranquility of Kumarakom where you check in to your chosen retreat and enjoy the remainder of the day discovering nature's beauty at your own pace.
Day 13 In Kumarakom
Day at leisure in Kumarakom - a charming emerald peninsula jutting into Lake Vembanad whose waters run into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. Set out to explore the area by boat or bicycle and enjoy the spectacular flora and fauna or relax in your hotel and treat yourself to delicious Keralan cuisine and pampering treatments.
Day 14 Drive Kumarakom to Kovalam (175kms/3.5 hours)
Drive to Kovalam, one of India's internationally renowned beaches, with its sheltered natural bay, azure blue waters and a spread of green palm groves, it is a tropical paradise. On arrival, you will be delivered to your Kovalam hotel for a 2 night stay. The remainder of the day is free so that you can relax and enjoy the sandy beaches.
Day 15 In Kovalam
A day in Kovalam to be as relaxed or as active (in the water sports department) as you like, be sure to try some local seafood specialties and perhaps have one more ayurvedic treatment.
Day 16 Drive Kovalam to Trivandrum airport (20kms/30 mins) & depart Trivandrum
You will be transferred to Trivandrum Airport for your onward flight.
