Luxury Travel
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Luxury Holidays India Tour
Duration: 27 Nights / 28 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore
- Jaipur - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Udaipur (Devigarh)
- Mumbai - Cochin - Kumarokom - Thekkady - Cochin - Delhi
Saturday Day One Delhi:
Reach
Delhi by evening and we will receive you at the airport. Company Executive will
introduce to your driver and then drive to the hotel in Delhi.
Reach hotel, check in and relax for the night.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with
a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Sunday Day Two Delhi:
After a late breakfast start a tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the
Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid
- the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort
and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit
to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar and a drive along the ceremonial avenue
- Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's
Residence and the Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic
Enclave.
In the evening proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA show for an insight into the
Indian culture and different dance forms.
Spend night at Delhi.
Monday Day Three Delhi - Agra:
By road
201 km in 4 hr
Proceed to Agra after breakfast at the hotel.
Reach and check in at hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the
little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire
- giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor
to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and
white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm
that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising,
that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which
is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned
by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect
symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately
carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort
is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl
Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj.
Return to hotel and relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.
Tuesday Day Four Agra - Ranthambhore:
By road
241 km in 5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital
and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable
fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of
its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue drive to Ranthambhore National Park.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger
Den being the closest.
Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way.
Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent
as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's
activities are very exciting.
Reach and relax at the beautiful hotel. Enjoy the dinner and retire early
for the night as you will need to wake up quite early in the morning.
Overnight will be at Ranthambhore National Park.
Wednesday Day Five Ranthambhore:
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track
the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort /
lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.
Freshen up and then either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could
also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.
In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari.
The safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800 hr and then return to the resort
/ lodge.
Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will
be at Ranthambhore.
Day Six Ranthambhore - Jaipur:
By road
175 km in 3 hr
Proceed for the early morning SAFARI into the National Park.
Return to the hotel and breakfast will be at hotel.
Drive to the city of Jaipur through rustic villages. Reach and check in at
hotel by afternoon.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back
to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the
Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite
of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history
- A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known
as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens.
In the evening proceed to visit the BIRLA MANDIR or some shopping.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Friday Day Seven Jaipur:
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Relax in the evening or visit the markets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Saturday Day Eight Jaipur - Mandawa:
By road
200 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for Mandawa. This is also called the OPEN AIR ART GALLERY OF INDIA and
you will drive through small royal regions and districts.
Reach the castle where you will be staying for the night.
The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage.
A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa.
Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes
can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani,
Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal
Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh.
The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an
interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard
and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances
during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which
has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Enjoy the royal welcome at the castle and in the evening have a nice dinner
at the castle restaurant.
Overnight will be at Mandawa.
Sunday Day Nine Mandawa - Bikaner:
By road
180 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Take a walking tour of the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business
families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers
are happy to show the visitors around. Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli,
Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli and Bhagchandika Haveli
are of special interest. Spend the morning looking into frescoes.
Start for Bikaner through the desert roads.
BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the
north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner
retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best
riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part
of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on
wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source
of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths
with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed
even from a distance.
Reach and check in at LAXMI NIWAS PALACE which is one of the best palace hotels
in Asia.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Bikaner.
Monday Day Ten Bikaner:
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner after breakfast.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur, founded this desert
town in the North of the state in 1488. Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed
between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh,a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's
army. The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the KARNI
MATA TEMPLE.
In the afternoon your private horse drawn carriage will pick you up for a
ride through the old city around the fort and the royal grounds.
Relax in the hotel during the evening and overnight will be at Bikaner.
Tuesday Day Eleven Bikaner - Jaisalmer:
By road
330 km in 5 hr
Proceed for Jaisalmer after breakfast.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city
of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its
awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which,
Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent
of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy
was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan
and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital
-Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at a beautiful hotel built like a fort. Overnight will
be at Jaisalmer.
Wednesday Day Twelve Jaisalmer:
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple,
fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately
carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT
- The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)
See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also
visit Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani
Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.
Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting
tunes.
Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.
Thursday Day Thirteen Jaisalmer - Jodhpur:
By road
300 km in 6 hr
Drive to Jodhpur after breakfast.
Reach Jodhpur in the late afternoon.
Set
at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales
of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar
state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs
who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive
15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with
8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Relax in the evening at the hotel or go for a walk to the town centre where
the locals flock in the evenings. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Friday Day Fourteen Jodhpur:
Start sightseeing tour of Jodhpur after breakfast.
Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar,
visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a
hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort
are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would
see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit
Jaswant Thada Memorial.
In the afternoon go for a village safari and have a rare glimpse into the
rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable
moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the
countryside.
Evening will be free to explore the town markets. Overnight will be in Jodhpur.
Saturday Day Fifteen Jodhpur - Udaipur:
By road
260 km in 6 hr
Proceed for Udaipur after breakfast.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200
pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds
with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples
and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Udaipur and check into the beautiful palace hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in
by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance
and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences
and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is
an enticing sight.
Relax in the evening and enjoy the views of the romantic city from your hotel.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Sunday Day Sixteen Udaipur:
Breakfast
will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur in the morning, stopping first at
City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors,
colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Visit the 300-year-old Jagdish Temple and the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rajput
kings.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically
above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir
Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time
at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Monday Day Seventeen Udaipur - Devigarh:
By road
20 km in 1 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to the beautiful palace hotel of DEVIGARH.
Rajasthan's folklore is full of love stories-and romance fits beautifully
into the elegant and tranquil surroundings of Devi Garh. Clinging to the rocky
hill like a fairy tale fortress, the Palace casts an enchanting spell with
its innumerable bay windows, canopies, terraces, and balconies. Dine by candlelit
warmth where the silence of the stars is broken only by the sounds of distant
music floating through the night sky. The magic of romance at Devi Garh is
sublime, the effect staggering.
This 23-suite, 6-tented hideaway showcases an incredible array of modern Indian
art and artifacts, from a courtyard reflecting pool carved out of black marble
in the shape of a lotus, to the amazing bronze lotus murals in the Billiards
Room. Tables in the Bar are of inlaid marble on mahogany, inset with chess
boards and scattered with tea candles. There are myriad intimate places in
which to sit, read or gaze at the mountainous vistas, from rooms that are
on one hand ancient, yet on another bright, white and contemporary. Sometimes
a mural that has been uncovered during the restoration is just left as it
has been found, peeking through a sea of whitewash. The designers have not
tried to maintain historical correctness, yet Devi Garh still manages to achieve
a rare balance, demonstrating good design.
Because the suites are individually conceived, it is very difficult to name
a favorite. All are over 700 sq. ft. and include separate sitting and dinning
areas, and some have dressing rooms and dizzy balconies.
Have a leisurely day at this palace and enjoy the spa or just the cuisine
of Devigarh.
Overnight will be in Devigarh.
Tuesday Day Eighteen Udaipur (Devigarh) - Mumbai:
By Flight
Number : 9W 3301
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : ATR Jet
Departure : 0840 hr
Arrival : 1020 hr
After leisurely breakfast proceed to airport for flight to Mumbai.
We will receive you on arrival at the Mumbai airport in the morning.
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross
currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of
India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in
the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed
of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the
cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree)
attitude,Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal
port on the Arabian Sea.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated
cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and
took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati,
the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple
once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.
Proceed to the hotel and relax. This is a beautiful hotel with sea view rooms
and would be a nice experience.
Overnight will be in Mumbai.
Wednesday Day Nineteen Mumbai:
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai after breakfast at the hotel.
You will be visiting among other things, the following:
Mumbai Fort:
The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort
was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's
golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid
down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of
1843, is also worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai:
Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on
land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also
referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street
lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra
Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar
on the other.
Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is
a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point
for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built
to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and
Queen Mary in 1911.
Chowpatty Beach: Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine Drive
has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of
Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty
like the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin
caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi'
immersions.
Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of
the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir
Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the
'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological
figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess
of flowers, at the top.
Juhu Beach: Juhu is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India.
Located 18-km north of the city centre, it's a beckoning beach on the shores
of Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find
the bungalows of the famous film personalities. Many shootings are held here
too.
Hanging Gardens in Mumbai: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging
Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly
known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a hill.
The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords
a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It is built over three
reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning
before being supplied to the town.
Relax in the evening and overnight will be at the hotel.
Thursday Day Twenty Mumbai - Cochin:
By Flight
Number : 9W 403
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1220 hr
Arrival : 1405 hr
Take flight to Cochin after a relaxing breakfast.
Reach and transfer to hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw
open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into
one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven
for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European
town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the
last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795.
During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and
its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military
base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity
and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Relax in the afternoon. In the early evening proceed for a harbor cruise in
the TAJ BOAT. Enjoy watching the dolphins, the fishing island and the Bolghatty
Palace. Cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy the sunset.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
Friday Day Twenty One Cochin:
Breakfast
will be at the resort.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included
in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa
Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue,
Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing
nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of
balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450.
Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the
best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
Enjoy the
KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION at SEE INDIA FOUNDATION.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
Saturday Day Twenty Two Cochin - Kumarokom:
Backwater Cruise
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Aleppey Jetty for boarding your luxurious houseboat (private with
private crew) starting the cruise through the backwaters to Kumarokom.
The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at
your own pace. You will have lunch and dinner on the Houseboat. A ride on
the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Both the meals would be prepared by the crew on board with fresh ingredients
and cuisine will be authentic Kerala style.
Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Sunday Day Twenty Three Kumarokom:
Breakfast will be on the boat.
Start cruise through the backwaters and arrive at Kumarakom enjoying the beauty
of the lakes and lagoons.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake,
and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary
here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds
and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl,
cuckoo, wild duck and the migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live
there in flocks are a fascination for visitors. This is an unbelievably beautiful
paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves
interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies.
Check in at resort and relax. In the afternoon visit the BIRD SANCTUARY.
Enjoy the serenity of the place in the evening. Overnight will be in the backwater
resort.
Monday Day Twenty Four Kumarokom:
Enjoy
the breakfast at the restaurant.
Spend the day walking around the resort gardens and visiting the different
unique parts of the resort. You can also make good use of the AYURVEDIC SPA
which is so much a part of the holiday in Kerala.
Overnight will be in Kumarokom.
Tuesday Day Twenty Five Kumarokom - Thekkady:
By road
180 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for Thekkady - drive through tea estates, spice gardens and wild forests.
Arrive at Thekkady after a memorable drive of approx. 4 hours.
The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial
river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place
in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram,
'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river,
formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi' (Sukasandesam -stanza
66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor)
to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital
of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar.
It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely
damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape
to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD
1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new
port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result
of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an
Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar which is now known as the Vyppin
Islands.
Enjoy the boatride at the LAKE watching the wild animals.
In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight
will be at Thekkady.
Wednesday Day Twenty Six Thekkady:
After very early or packed breakfast start for the National Park. Your guide
will accompany you on a short trek through the lush green forests showing
you different spices and plants. There would be occasional animals and you
will have lunch inside the forest.
Return by evening and relax at the resort. Overnight will be in Thekkady.
Thursday Day Twenty Seven Thekkady - Cochin:
By road
150 km in 4 hr
Cochin - Delhi:
By Flight
Number : 9W 404
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1505 hr
Arrival : 1940 hr
After breakfast drive to Cochin. Reach and proceed straight to the airport
for flight to Delhi.
Reach and proceed to the hotel. Rest of the day will be free for shopping.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Friday Day Twenty Eight Delhi - Home:
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Day will be free for shopping and visiting
museums.
In the evening take flight to Delhi for connecting international flight home
with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
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