Classical India & Kerala
€ 2,411.00 per person ( 12 nights )
Prices include flights, tax, transfers, recommended 4* & 5* hotels, entrance fees, air conditioned vehicles, local English speaking guides and baggage. Prices are subject to availability and based on two people sharing.
One of our most popular combination tours. Experience a taste of Northern India including the Taj Mahal and Kerala, one of the ten 'Paradises Found' by the National Geographic Traveller.
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Day 1 Arrive Delhi Upon arrival into Delhi our local representative will transfer you to your hotel for a two night stay. |
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Day 2 In Delhi. Enjoy a combined full day guided sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Morning tour of Old Delhi includes a drive past the Red Fort and a visit to the Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in Asia, and the Raj Ghat – the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi includes the Qutab Minar – the astonishing victory tower built in the early 13th century, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and a drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapathi Bhawan (the President’s residence). |
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Day 3 To Agra. After breakfast you will drive to Mughal Capital of Agra. Upon arrival you will check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. (B) |
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Day 4 In Agra. Enjoy a guided tour of Agra which includes a visit to the Itmad-ud-Daula, the beautiful tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg built in pure marble and its walls etched with translucent stones. Explore the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Continue to the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks. |
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Day 5 To Jaipur (237 kms / 6 Hrs) After breakfast you will depart for the Pink City of Jaipur. Enroute you will visit Fatehpur Sikri – the beautiful deserted capital of Emperor Akbar. Explore the environs of this historic monument that was built by Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son, only to be abandoned after 14 years due to a lack of water. Upon arrival into Jaipur check into your hotel for a two night stay. |
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Day 6 In Jaipur In the morning, proceed for a guided tour of the fabulous Amber Fort, enroute taking a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal, a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal façade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. At the top of the Amber Fort soak in the spectacular views of the old town below. In the afternoon explore the City Palace Museum full of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals. Proceed to the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Ja Singh in the 18th century. |
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Day 7 To Cochin Fly from Jaipur via Mumbai (approx. 1.35 Hrs) to Cochin (approx. 1 Hr). Upon arrival in Cochin you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. |
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Day 8 In Cochin Morning city tour of Cochin. Highlights include the Dutch Palace, Matan Cherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening proceed for a cruise around Cochin’s harbour. |
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Day 9 To Munnar (140 Kms / 4 Hrs) Morning drive to Munnar where you will explore the world’s highest tea gardens which spread out like a green carpet. |
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Day 10 To Periyar (110 Kms / 3 Hrs) Early morning drive to Periyar through the scenic valley of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. Enjoy a visit to a Spice Plantation. Later that evening relax by the hotel poolside. |
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Day 11 To Kumarakom (130 Kms / 4 Hrs) Early morning proceed to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to view the wildlife by boat. Set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve offers a rare opportunity to enjoy South India’s wildlife and beauty. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lakeside and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. Return back to the hotel for buffet breakfast. Later you will be driven to Kumarakom. After check in rest of day is at your leisure. |
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Day 12 In Kumarakom After breakfast at the hotel you will be taken for a city tour. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the jetty to embark on a leisurely exploration of the Kerala backwaters from the comforts of your houseboat. Return back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B, L) |
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Day 13 To Cochin (90 Kms / 3 Hrs) After breakfast you will depart Kumarakom to Cochin airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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Weekly departure dates until September 2018 |
