Overview
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Highlights
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Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Day 02: Delhi - Agra
Day 03: Agra – Fatehpur sikri – Jaipur
Day 04: Jaipur
Day 05: Jaipur – Ajmer – Pushkar
Day 06: Pushkar – Kumbalgarh
Day 07: Kumbalgarh – Ranakpur – Udaipur
Day 08: Udaipur
Day 09: Udaipur – Mumbai
Day 10: Mumbai
Day 11: Mumbai
Day 12: Mumbai – Bangalore (Flight) – Mysore
Day 13: Mysore
Day 14: Mysore – Bandipur
Day 15: Bandipur – Ooty
Day 16: Ooty
Day 17: Ooty – Athirapally
Day 18: Athirapally – Cochin
Day 19: Cochin
Day 20: Cochin – Alleppey
Day 21: Alleppey- Kumarakom
Day 22: Kumarakom
Day 23: Kumarakom – Trivandrum / Departure
DAY 01:ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive at New Delhi’s ‘IGI International Airport’. Meet with our company representative, warm welcome with fresh flower garlands & then transfer to hotel in your private Vehicle. (Rooms booked from previous night for immediate occupancy)
Later you will proceed for the combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.
Start the tour by visiting Raj Ghat, this peaceful, very well maintained park contains a simple black-marble platform marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Next you will be driven to Old Delhi market, just before entering the market you will embark on a ‘Rickshaw’ to steer through tiny lanes of Chandni Chowk. Ride past the majestic Red Fort & through the main Chandni Chowk street straight to Khari Baoli; Asia’s biggest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, herbs, nuts & food products like rice, tea etc. Hop on to your rickshaws and pass through the tiny lanes of Kinaari Bazaar; lane for Indian attire accessories like borders etc, Dariba Kalan; lane for Silver market. Hop off and bid bye to your Rickshaw Puller at Jama Masjid; A beautiful pocket of calm at the heart of Old Delhi's mayhem, the capital's largest mosque is built on a 10m elevation. It can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people.
Then you will visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara; This magnificent white-marble gurdwara (Sikh temple), topped by glinting golden onion domes, was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, stayed before his 1664 death.
Later drive through Parliament’s street, & around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Short photography stop at India Gate; This imposing 42m-high stone memorial arch was designed by Lutyens in 1921. It pays tribute to around 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in WWI, the Northwest Frontier operations and the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War.(note: photography stop at India Gate is strictly subject to security clearance and subject to vehicle parking availability)
Next visit Humayun’s Tomb, Humayun’s tomb is sublimely well proportioned, seeming to float above its symmetrical gardens. It's thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal, which it predates by 60 years. Lotus Temple for a short exterior photography stop;
Later proceed to Qutub Minar; The Qutab Minar, soaring Afghan-style victory tower and minaret, erected by sultan Qutb-ud-din in 1193 to proclaim his supremacy over the vanquished Hindu rulers of Qila Rai Pithora and a Kashmiri Co-operative, enjoy a Kashmiri Tea ‘Kahwa’ here when you witness the artisans presenting their local arts & products
Transfer to your hotel at the end of the tour
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 2: DELHI - AGRA
Post breakfast and checkout, drive to Agra (200kms/ 4 hours). On arrival, check-in at hotel.
Afternoon proceed to visit Agra Fort; Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Visit a Marble Workshop; local artisans showcase their skill of Marble Inlay work in these workshops. The artisans in Agra are believed to be the descendants of the artists who were actual workers of Taj Mahal
Return to hotel
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 3: AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR BY: SURFACE
Early morning visit Taj Mahal a UNESCO world heritage site constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal that has left tourist spellbound by its beauty for years. Then return to the hotel for your breakfast.
Post breakfast and checkout drive to Fatehpur Sikri(50kms,1-1.5 hours), best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. And said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Highly popular amongst them is Buland Darwaza, which is titled as the largest gateway in the world.
Continue your drive toward Jaipur (200kms,4-4.5 hours). On arrival, check-in &Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 4:JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of Jaipur. You will visit Amber Fort. Elephant ride uphill & Jeep ride downhill at the fort. Nostalgic Amber Fort, near Jaipur in Rajasthan, is one of the most well-known and most-visited forts in India. During downhill, visit a very heritage structure – Panna-Meena ka kund, which is a square-shaped stepwell, with adjoining stairs on all four sides and a room on the northern wall. You will then way back to the city, en-route we will stop at Jal Mahal, Possibly the most serene sight amidst the chaos of Jaipur is the beautiful Jal Mahal Jaipur, the Water Palace. Short stops at the Jewel & Carpet Workshops in Jaipur are must to witness how the local artisans create marvels from raw materials.
Later in the second half of the day, visit Jantar Mantar, a large grassy enclosure containing eighteen huge stone astronomical measuring devices constructed between 1728 and 1734. City Palace, originally built by Jai Singh in the 1720s and having lost none of its original pomp and splendour. Before you start exploring the local markets, stop for photography at the one world’s most famous façade Hawa Mahal.
Post your exploration in the local market. Return to hotel & Overnight in the hotel
DAY 5:JAIPUR – AJMER – PUSHKAR BY: SURFACE
Post breakfast, drive to the holy city of Pushkar (145kms/3hrs). Stop midway to visit Ajmer where the Dargah of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is sited. The visitors from all faiths and sects come to take Saint’s blessings, as his blessings are infallible for all.
After the visit to Dargah, resume your drive to Pushkar. The city is one of the most sacred Hindu towns in India. Upon reaching Pushkar, check-in at hotel. Overnight in the hotel
DAY 6: PUSHKAR – KUMBALGARH BY: SURFACE
Post breakfast; proceed to visit to the holy city Pushkar covering the sightseeing of Brahma Temple which is the only temple in the world and Pushkar Lake- believed to be formed by the tears of Lord Shiva.
Later checkout from hotel and drive to Kumbhalgarh (230Kms/5 hours)
Upon arrival, proceed to check-in at hotel, overnight in the hotel
DAY 7: KUMBALGARH – RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR BY: SURFACE
Post breakfast, proceed to visit Kumbhalgarh fort.
Later checkout from hotel and drive to Udaipur (120Kms/2-3hrs), en route stop at Ranakpur Jain Temples.
Dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, Ranakpur Jain Temples include several other temples within the campus like the Surya Temple, Chaumukha Temple, Amba Temple and the Parshwanath Temple. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check-in at hotel. Overnight in the hotel
DAY 8: UDAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing of Udaipur city.
Starting with a drive around Fateh Sagar Lake. Next, visit the Folk Museum, Mewar Art Gallery and Sahelion Ki Bari Garden: – A major garden in the northern part of the city, built for a group of 48 young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. Later visit Jagdish Temple& then proceed to the ornate City Palace: The spectacular City Palace was built in 1725 by Maharana Udai Singh and overlooks Lake Pichola. The Palace comprises of 11 palaces including the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna, all of which are ornately decorated. The City Palace also houses the world’s largest private collections of crystals.
Later proceed to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, post boat ride take a stroll through the local shops.
Return to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 9: UDAIPUR – MUMBAI BY: FLIGHT
Post breakfast, checkout from hotel and transfer to Udaipur airport to take flight for Mumbai
Upon arrival in Mumbai airport, you will be met and transfer to hotel, check-in at hotel
Overnight at hotel
DAY 10:MUMBAI
Breakfast at hotel & proceed for city tour,
Start the tour by visiting Mahalaxmi Dhobhi Ghat the world’s largest outdoor laundry, every day for over 120 years the dirt has been washed from thousands of kilos of clothes by the dhobis (washermen and women) of Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat. Panoramic tour of famous building of Mumbai Rajabai Tower, Bombay High Court, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Crawford Market - With a 50 feet high sky lit awning, Crawford Market is the place to shop for a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and meat. Fort - The Fort area in Mumbai is choc-a-bloc with old Victorian, Gothic buildings. An important financial and commercial center this area is always full of activity. The BSE or the Bombay Stock Exchange on Dalal Street is also located in this area. Mani Bhavan- is a simple old-style, two storied building on Laburnum Road, Mumbai. Whenever Gandhiji was in Mumbai between 1917 to 1934, he stayed here. It is now converted into a museum and research centre. Mani Bhavan has a story to tell as it housed Gandhiji occasionally during the times when he grew in stature and strength, from a queer type of an agitator to a world figure by successfully introducing Satyagraha (individual as well as mass) as a new and effective weapon to fight all evil and injustice.Admire the collection of Indian paintings and sculptures at the Prince of Wales Museum.
Next visit Crawford Market and see the meticulous Hanging Gardens on top of Malabar Hill. In the evening, cruise past Marine Drive in your vehicle and reach Colaba.
Later in the evening free time in COLABA - The hub of tourist activity in Mumbai, Colaba is known for its street stalls, cafes and kitsch ambience
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 11:MUMBAI
Early morning post breakfast, you will be transferred to the Gateway of India. Then there is Elephanta Caves, located on an island about 10 kilometers away from the shores of Mumbai. Take a ferry (shared) to the island. These caves comprise of temples carved from solid rock dating back to the 7th century. The main attraction is the three-headed bust of Lord Shiva, famously known as ‘Trimurti’. (note: you are required to walk uphill for this tour)
Return to hotel, rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in the hotel
DAY 12:MUMBAI – BANGALORE BY FLIGHT
BANGALORE– MYSORE BY SURFACE
Post breakfast checkout from hotel and drive to Mumbai airport to take flight for Bangalore
Upon arrival at Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, starts your drive to Mysore (150km/3-4hrs). On reaching Mysore, check-in to hotel.
Relax for some time. In the evening, visit the Brindavan Gardens which are designed in a symmetric manner and are highlighted with terrace gardens and gazebos.
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 13:MYSORE
Early morning explore Mysore during a Heritage walking tour and get a feel of this charming city. Pass by some lovely colonial structures, old local monuments and temples and learn the stories behind them with your guide. End up your tour with a good local cuppa filter coffee before heading back to your hotel for breakfast.
Post breakfast visit the Maharajah's Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings in India. Inside, you will find a kaleidoscope of stained glass, beautiful carved wooden doors and mosaic floors. Continue towards the colourful Devarajan Market and later visit the Chamundi Temple, overlooking Mysore from the 1062 metre summit of Chamundi Hill. At the top of the 1,001 steps up, lies the 12th century temple that houses a golden statue of Chamundi - the Hindu goddess worshipped by the Maharajas.
In the afternoon proceed to visit Srirangapatna (16km from Mysore) - the island fortress of Tipu Sultan and the early capital of the Mysore Wodiyars - Here you will find monuments such as Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets built in 1787, Tipu’s Summer Palace (known as the Daria Daulat Bagh) built completely on wood and converted into a museum that houses some fantastic artefacts and paintings related to Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, and the Gumbaz where lie buried Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali and others of the royal family. Also visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: temple that is dedicated to the Hindu God Ranganatha. The temple is considered a monument of national importance.
Return to your hotel
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 14:MYSORE – BANDIPUR BY SURFACE
Post breakfast, start your road journey to Bandipur (75kms/1-2hrs). Upon arrival check-in at your prebooked resort.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is one of the most famous biospheres in South India, formed by extending the Venugopal Wildlife Park, set up in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas, Bandipur National Park is one of India’s most famous Tiger reserves for tiger sightings, spread over an area of 880 sq. km.
Post lunch at resort. The afternoon is scheduled for wildlife exploration in Bandipur National Park. Enjoy a jungle safari in an open jeep. Here one can enjoy good photographic opportunities. The jungle visit lasts for about 3 hours.
Return to the resort for dinner and Overnight in the hotel
DAY 15:BANDIPUR – OOTY BY SURFACE
Post breakfast in the morning, check out of the hotel and leave by road for Ooty(50kms/1-2hrs).
Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty is a hill station in Tamil Nadu. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway. Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone.
Upon arrival in Ooty, check-in at the hotel, Overnight in the hotel
DAY 16:OOTY
Post breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour to Pykara Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Golf Course, Rose Garden and Tea Museum.
In the evening, enjoy boating at the Ooty Lake, and later return back to the hotel
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 17:OOTY – ATHIRAPALLY BY SURFACE
Post breakfast checkout from hotel, drive to Athirapally (250Kms/6-7hrs). It is considered as the land of forests, rivers and great waterfalls.
Upon arrival Athirapally, check into the hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore the sights and sounds of Athirapally.
Dinner and Overnight in the hotel
NOTE: We have removed toy train ride, since no seats are available on toy train from 14- 16 Aug
DAY 18:ATHIRAPALLY – COCHIN BY SURFACE
Post breakfast, proceed to visit Athirapally Waterfalls known as the Niagara Falls of India. The spectacular view of the cascading waterfalls from heights of 80 feet is an experience par excellence. It lies within the wilderness of the Sholayar Range which offers a beautiful breath-taking view.
Continue drive to Cochin (75Kms/2hrs). On arrival in Cochin, check-in at hotel, Overnight in the hotel
DAY 19:COCHIN
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will experience real life of Cochin during an Ethnic tour – start with the visit of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks, have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on every postcard.
Next visit is at the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and the Santa cruz Basilica, one of the finest and imposing churches in India.
Later visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century.
Later transfer to hotel. Overnight in the hotel
DAY 20:COCHIN – ALLEPPEY
Breakfast at the hotel. Post checkout drive to Alleppey(50Kms/1.5hr) and embark your Houseboat for a Backwaters cruise. These Houseboats are a reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times and made out of huge planks of Jack wood, joined with coir from Coconut shells. The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are at times the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns.
The Allepey district is one of the most popular areas where you can cruise the backwaters. It is also one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea-level, using a system of dykes. Cruise through the palm fringed canals enjoying the beauty of rural village life. Enjoy a sumptuous Keralan Lunch on Board. The trip continues through a wonderful area of the lush green vegetation.
Dinner and overnight at houseboat.
DAY 21:ALLEPPEY- KUMARAKOM
Post breakfast disembark from houseboat at Kumarakom and transfer to your pre booked resort. This city slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks, weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The attached bird sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Check-in at your backwater resort. Rest of the day free to indulge in Resort activities or explore various activities organised around. Canoe Rides, Village walks, sunset cruises or a Rejuvenating Ayurveda Massage (Payable locally) .
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 22:KUMARAKOM
Breakfast at hotel. day free to indulge in Resort activities or explore various activities organised around.
Overnight in the hotel
DAY 23:KUMARAKOM – TRIVANDRUM AIRPORT
Breakfast in the hotel, In time drop at Trivandrum airport with happy memories of India Trip with Glimpses Holidays.
*****End of Our Services******
Inclusions/Exclusions
Cost includes:
- 22 Nights’ accommodation on Double/Twin Sharing Basis at proposed hotels or similar + 01 Night in Houseboat.
- Daily breakfast at hotel, except in Bandipur & Alleppey houseboat where it is on full board basis (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) and in Athirappilly where Breakfast &dinner is included.
- Meeting and assistance services on arrival / departure.
- Air – conditioned chauffeur driven Toyota Innova Crysta for city sightseeing, tour, excursion etc. as per program.
- English Speaking Local city tour guide will be provided during sightseeing in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Pushkar, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, Mysore, Ooty and Cochin only
- Entrance fee to monuments for one time visit as per detail itinerary.
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi.
- Elephant ride uphill and Jeep ride downhill at Amber fort, Jaipur.
- Shared Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
- Shared ferry to Elephanta Caves and back, Mumbai.
- 01 Shared Canter Safari into Bandipur National Park.
- Shared boat ride on Ooty Lake, Ooty.
- All parking, road taxes, government taxes and driver allowances.
- Tour assistance throughout the tour.
- All presently applicable Government taxes.
Add-ons
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