India Highlights Grand Tour – 15 Days

On your arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel. Delhi was the capital of Indraprastha and capital of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata. This magnificent city has been inhabited from the 6th century BC and has been a capital of many kingdoms. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times and is called the "city of cities". Delhi's culture has been influenced by its different rulers and the city is full of beautiful monuments. The Mughal rulers influenced the food habits of the residents and Mughlai cuisine originated here. Due to the proximity of different states, all festivals are celebrated here. Old Delhi is a maze of small lanes and old buildings and New Delhi has large road with huge buildings. Delhi is the capital of India and is the hub for politics. Overnight in Delhi.

Your morning tour starts with Old Delhi, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 AD. You will visit the Raj Ghat where father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. You will be visiting the museum that was built to commemorate him. You will be driven past the iconic Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, a very popular and a busy market in Old Delhi to the next stop - Jama Masjid, one of the iconic, historic and largest mosques in India - built by Shah Jahan. A rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk could be quite interesting as this part of the city is quite crowded as it is full of shops. These numerous shops sell delicious mouth-watering food, clothes, jewels, household, etc. and are virtually a shopper's paradise.

In the afternoon, you will visit Qutub Minar, touted as India's largest Minaret. Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1192 by Turk ruler Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Your next stop is India Gate, built in memory of the Unknown Soldier. You will be driven past the Parliament House, President's House and other Government Secretarial Buildings. Overnight in Delhi.

This morning you will drive to Agra. Agra, the former capital of Hindustan, is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna. Agra is a major tourist destination of India and a part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Jaipur. Agra, also known as Akbarabad, went through its peak during the time of the Mughals and was the capital of the Mughal rulers Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan. In the visit of Agra, you will be taken to the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. This beautiful building is elegantly built with white marble by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between the years 1631 and 1648, and it was built in the memory of his favorite beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Standing majestically on the banks of the Yamuna River, this breathtaking, beautiful monument is synonymous with romance and love.

Your next stop, Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its architectural structure, and was built in the 16th century during the Mughal Empire. This place comprises several fairy-tale palaces like Khas Mahal and Jahangir Palace. Over here you will also get a chance to see Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas, which are also known as the private audience hall and the public audience hall. Afternoon can be spent visiting more places of interest or shopping. Agra is famous for inlaid marble work and handicrafts made of marble, wood, and metal. The transport is at your disposal within the city limits. TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS. Overnight at hotel.

This morning, you will be transferred from Agra to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Fatehpur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century holds exceptional testimony to Mughal civilization and is one of well-known UNESCO World heritage site of India and has various historical monuments. You will visit the Jama Masjid, followed by the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the five storied Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza a graceful monument and stupendous piece of beautiful architectures. It is central portico with a total of three arched entrances and is locally known as Horseshoe gate. You will visit Ibadat Khana, Mariam-uz-Zamani's palace, Naubat Khana and Birbal's house.
After the visit of Fatehpur Sikri, you will be driven to Jaipur. Jaipur, also known as the pink city is the capital of Rajasthan. Many captivating palaces are present here having breathtaking design and architecture. In the 18th century Prince of Wales had visited Jaipur and the entire city was painted in pink color and due to these pink buildings, the city is known as the pink city. Origin of Jaipur lie 260 years back. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh and Jaipur got its name from this king. The rest of the day could be spent visiting the Jaipur bazaars or walking down the crowded colorful streets. The transport is at your disposal with-in the city limits. Overnight is in Jaipur.

The morning journey starts from Amer Fort, also known as Amer Palace, the earlier capital of Jaipur. This magnificent fort was constructed in red sand-stone and marble by Raja Man Singh and is divided into four sections, each with a courtyard. The main entrance gate is Suraj pol, having a fascinating architecture. Near the Ganesh Gate, there is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Sila Devi. The Diwan-e-Aam - Hall of public audience, Diwan-e-Khas - hall of private audience, Sheesh Mahal - palace of mirrors and Sukh Niwas are quite beautiful.

In Jaipur, you will be taken to the Maharaja City Palace, a royal palace with seven storeys, as well as Jantar Mantar, the observatory. This wonderful observatory attracts mathematicians as well as astronomers from the whole world. City Palace is the perfect blend of all three excellent styles (Mughal, Rajput, and European). Drive past to Hawa Mahal, which is popular all over the world for its magnificent architecture. You will be taken through Pink Rose Garden as well as the business centers of Jaipur. A tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping. Jaipur is famous for clothes, carpets, precious and semi-precious stones and jewelry and various handicrafts made of wood, metals, etc., and also for silk paintings and miniatures. The transport is at your disposal within the city limits. Overnight is in Jaipur.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Udaipur; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, proceed with sightseeing tour of Udaipur, a splash of color in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which hours the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in gardens of the maids-of-honor, with beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains. Later drive around the Fateh Sagar Lake.

Also visit Crystal Gallery, Housed in the Fateh Prakash Palace is the world-famous Crystal Gallery; it’s spread across the upper-gallery of the glittering The Durbar Hall. Crystal Gallery has been hailed as probably the single largest private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. The collection includes a bewildering number of objects d'art, dinner sets, perfume bottles, decanters, glasses, washing bowls and even furniture. The Crystal Gallery also houses the only crystal bed in the world!
Afternoon enjoy a Common boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight is at the hotel.

In time transfer to airport to board flight for Goa. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Half day sightseeing starts from the slopes of Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and river Mandovi. Arrive to Donapaula for a view of India's largest natural harbour Marmgoa. Proceed to Old Goa visiting Basillica of Bom Jesus where in is enshrined the body of St. Francis Xavier in a silver ornate casket. Then to St. Cathedral, the biggest church in the East. St. Cajetan built like St. Peters (Rome), Church of Lady Rosary and St. Monica. Overnight at hotel.

You will be transferred to the Goa airport to board the flight for Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, you will be transferred to your hotel. Mumbai earlier called “Bombay” is the finance capital of India and consist of seven islands such as Colaba, Old Women's Island, Mazagaon, Parel, Matunga-Sion and Mahim. Mumbai influxes a huge number of tourists from across the world throughout the year for the purpose of pilgrimage, sightseeing or simply for an employment opportunity. It gets described as the city of peopling shrouded in wealth as well as people rolling in extremely poverty, where one can see highly posh area like Juhu and Cuff parade along with Asia's biggest slum area like Dharavi. Overnight is in Mumbai.

Morning half day visit to Gateway of India, Mumbai's principle landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V's visit to this colony in 1911. Drive past the Afghan Church. Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the 'Queen's Necklace'. Visit Jain temple and Hanging Gardens which offer a splendid view of the city, Juhu, Chowpatty, Kamala Nehru Park and also Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai. Drive past Haji Ali Mosque, a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint on an island 500 m. out at sea and is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Stop at the 'Dhobi Ghat' where Mumbai's 'dirties' are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry. Watch the local train passing close by on which the city commuters 'hang out like laundry' - a nice photography stop. Continue to the colorful Crawford market and to the Flora fountain in the large bustling square, in the heart of the city. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day at leisure. (No Transport services on this day) Overnight at hotel.

In time transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast full day sightseeing of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. You visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace”. The central hall on the I floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic legends connected with Hindu gods. Amazing are the Chinese fishing nets. These cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. They were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city.

After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Alleppey. By noon board your private Houseboat for overnight stay.

Quote “Houseboat “experience through backwaters are very unique, but we suggest not to compare the facilities / luxury amenities with any of the star hotels “
“Houseboat or Kettuvallams “are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels
Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view.
Cruise through the tranquil backwaters, wider and narrow canals passing by lush green paddy fields, villages, temples, churches, rustic houses etc. giving you opportunity to view the life on the backwaters –it beats at its own gentle rhythm. You will step into a different world altogether – this will surely be the highlight of the tour.
The meals will be served on board.
Terms & Conditions at Houseboat-Alleppey
Ø Normal Houseboat cruise start from 12:00 Noon to 17:30hrs & next day from 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM
Ø Between 1730hrs and 06:30hrs, the boat will be anchored in safer place (in the lake or canal) for dinner and overnight stay
Ø Meal plan applied on full board basis (i.e.; inclusive of breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Ø The Menu will be Traditional Kerala with 01 non- veg for lunch & 01 non- veg for dinner
Ø Beverages like soft drinks & any additional dishes items apart from normal menu to order will be charged extra on actual.
Ø Air conditioners in the room will be switched from 2100 PM to 0600 AM

Leave Cochin (By Flight)
Later you will be transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.