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Best of India Family Vacation 18 Nights / 19 Days
Destinations covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Delhi - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Cochin
Day 01: Arrive Delhi On arrival at International airport, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow and bustling. The beauty and serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), and is tree-lined and spacious.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 and 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
Indian Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Overnight in Delhi - we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.
Day 03: Delhi - Agra (201 Kms 04 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Agra by road.
Agra- Heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century.Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached
Check in at hotel. Evening proceed for Taj Mahal sightseeing.
Taj Mahal For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. The Taj Mahal in Agra India is considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India. The history of the Taj Mahal is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end.
Overnight at Agra
Day 04: Agra- Ranthambore (260 kms, 6 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Ranthambore. Arrive Ranthambore and check in at resort. Rest of day at leisure to enjoy the activities at resort. Get acclimatised to the environment. Overnight at resort
Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It is situated at the confluence of the Aravali Hills and the Vindhyan plateau in the eastern Rajasthan. The Chambal River in the South and the Banas River in the North drain the Ranthambore National Park. Six man-made lakes and many perennial streams add to the beauty of the national park.
The former rulers of Jaipur first felt the need to preserve the area. In 1955, Ranthambore became a game sanctuary and was among the first few protected areas in India. In 1984, Ranthambore Sanctuary acquired the status of a National Park covering almost 400 sq km of area. It was declared as the Tiger Reserve in India, when Project Tiger started in 1972. Currently the tiger count in the park is around 35.
Day 05: Ranthambore
Get up early in the morning and start for safari at Ranthambore national park. Ranthambore national park has different safari zones and each zone has a lot to offer by richness of wildlife. Back from the safari and have breakfast. Afternoon one can visit Ranthambore palace or one has the option to enjoy camel cart ride to the nearby village. Back to resort and after lunch proceed for another safari is search of the king of the jungle. Back to resort and have dinner.
Overnight at resort
Day 06: Ranthambore- Udaipur (262 kms, 6 hours drive by road)
Get up early in the morning and start for safari at Ranthambore national park. Back from the safari, have breakfast and start for Udaipur.
Udaipur- 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, soundand experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace a marvel n granite and marble. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewelson the Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Evening leisure for shoppingOvernight at hotel
Day 07: Udaipur
After breakfast start for sightseeing of Udaipur.
Kumbhalgrah Fort The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravali. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye- view of the surrounding country side. Close by is the Kumbhalgrah Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The fort is accessible only by jeep form Kelwara through the seven gates.
CityPalaceAs the hub of Udaipur the City Palace stands majestically on the hill guarded by crenellated fort walls. A riot of arches, domes, turrets, crenellations and chattris crown the steep fortress.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-Ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the city Museum.
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 and spend some time. (Currently water level is very low and is subject to increase water level).
Enjoy dinner and dance shows. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 08: Udaipur- Jodhpur (250 kms, 6 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Sun City Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert. This imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. In the past, it was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. It was once a major trade center. Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan
Upon arrival check in at hotel
After lunch start for Jodhpur tourist spots stand as a living proof of the splendor, traditions and culture of the Jodhpur. The glorious past of Jodhpur is personified through the various forts, palaces and other monuments of Jodhpur. The main places to see in Jodhpur Rajasthan are:
Mehrangarh Fort:
The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, temples and so on.
UmaidBhavanPalace:
One of the fascinating palaces of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhavan palace. Maharaja Umaid Singh constructed it in 20th century. A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.
Jaswant Thada:
Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
Overnight at Jodhpur
Day 09: Jodhpur- Jaipur (250 kms, 6 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur and on your way stop at CHATRASAGAR for lunch
Jaipur - the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. Jaipur is thecapital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
Reach later in the afternoon and in the evening relax at the palace. Have dinner at Chokidhani where you get to know about the culture and customs of Rajasthan. Rajasthani are known to be very good hosts so enjoy their hospitality. Overnight at hotel
Day 10: Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. 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. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.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 PalaceMuseum.
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.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel
Day 11: Jaipur- Delhi (258kms, 6 hrs journey by road)
After breakfast start to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for shopping
Overnight at hotel
Day 12: Delhi- Cochin (4.5 hrs journey by Air)
After breakfast proceed to airport to catch flight for Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Arrive Cochin and check in at hotel.
Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala).
Overnight at hotel in Cochin
Day 13: Cochin
After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the nearby Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 14: Cochin - Munnar (140 Kms, 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Munnar. Throughout the journey enjoy beautiful streams small water falls, Rubber, Pepper cardamom and Tea plantations and thick forests. Arrive Munnar and check in at resort.
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air.
Day 15: Munnar
After breakfast start for a full day sightseeing of Munnar watch beautiful mist kissing romantic green meadows- mind-blowing hills sleeping under green carpet (Tea Gardens) visit Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary and Tea Plantation.
Overnight stay at Munnar
Day 16: Munnar - Thekkady (120 kms, 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast check out of hotel and start for Thekkady. Drive through panoramic western Ghat hills covered with spice plantations and occasional view of water falls and streams. On arrival at Thekkady check into Hotel
Thekkady - one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife
sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady. Afternoon experience the mind bowing view of calm crystal clear Periyar lake to view the wildlife. Overnight stay at Thekkady
Day 17: Thekkady - Kumarakom (145 kms, 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Kumarakom.
Kumarakom - When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Arrive Kumarakom and check in at resort.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. In the evening one can down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy
the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanad Lake. Overnight stay at the resortDay 18: Kumarakom (Houseboat)
Breakfast at resort. Morning at leisure at resort, 1230 hrs check in at houseboat. Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Sit back and relax while the boat cruises through the narrow serene backwater canals. Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks, dinner and enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from polluted cities and maddening crowd. Overnight stay on House Boat
Day 19: Kumarakom-Cochin (56 kms, 1 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Cochin to board flight for destination ahead with sweet memories of the tour