South India with Delhi
Duration: 24 Nights / 25 Days
Destinations covered : Delhi, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Agra, Jaipur, Bangalore, Bannerghatta, Mysore, Nagarhole, Bandipur, Ooty, Cochin, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Trivandrum, Kanyakumari
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 & 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 & bustling. The beauty & 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), & is tree-lined & 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 & 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-Ranthambore (403 Kms – 8 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Ranthambore.
RanthamboreNational 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.
Arrive Ranthambore and check in at wildlife resort.
Overnight at resort.
Day 04: 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 05: Ranthambore – Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (358 Kms 7.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Bharatpur.
Bharatpur- One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
Arrive Bharatpur and check in at resort.
Relax in the evening .Overnight at the hotel
.
Day 06: Bharatpur
After Breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Bharatpur.
Visit
KeoladeoGhanaNational Park: Once the royal hunting grounds of the princes of Bharatpur, today this national park is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world housing over 400 species of water birds.
Also visit Lohagarh fort, Museum, Ganga & Laxman Mandir.
Overnight at the hotel
.
Day 07: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary-Agra (56 Kms 1.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Agra.
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.
Arrive Agra and 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 08: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (235 kms-6 hours drive by road)
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur.
Enroute visit
Fatehpur Sikri - The city of victory beautifully preserved. The sandstone mansions of Sikri are experiments in art and architecture and to a great extent uphold Akbar's ideals and visions.
Later continue your drive to Jaipur, transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day free. Evening optional visit to Raj Mandir cinema hall famous for its beautiful interiors or "Chokhi Dhani" - A five star ethenic village Resort for dinner on direct payment basis.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: 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 Mughal 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 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.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jaipur-Bangalore (1985 Kms 4 hours by air)
After breakfast according to the time transfer to airport to catch the flight for Bangalore.
Bangalore: Reputed as garden city of India Bangalore is capital of Karnataka houses finest temple Gangadhareshware Temple (Cave Temple) -Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon.
Arrive Bangalore and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Bangalore
After breakfast visit Lal Bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Bangalore- Bannerghatta-Bangalore (22 Kms 30 minutes drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Bannerghatta National Park.
Bannerghatta - It is a Home to many endangered animal species. It is a natural forest and has one of the largest collections of carnivores in any bio-park in the state. This zoological garden is spread over area of about 25000 acres. It consists of dense forest and scrub land becoming Home for wild animals like bison, leopard, wild boar as well as being an important corridor for elephants migrating between the eastern and western Ghats. One of the main attractions here are the lion and tiger safari. Other attractions here are a butterfly park, crocodile farm, and serpentarium. In addition, a portion of the park is used as a sanctuary for wild rescued animals from circuses.
An elephant ride in the herbivore safari facilitates viewing of these animals in the natural habitat including the bison, spotted deer, black buck, barking deer etc.
Evening return to Bangalore.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Bangalore-Mysore (139 kms 3 hours drive by road)
After Breakfast drive to Mysore.
Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mind-boggling array of attractive destinations.
Afternoon visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Vrindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Mysore -Nagarhole National Park (80 Kms- 2 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed to Nagarhole National park. On arrival check in to resort and relax.
NagarholeNational Park: is also known as "
Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 km from Mysore. Sprawling between Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka it covers an area of 640 sq km. The exclusive hunting ground of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls.
Nagarhole National Park is Home to large elephant population, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears. The large predators prey on a variety of ungulates, like gaur, deer, spotted deer, common muntjac, four-horned antelope, mouse deer and wild boar. Gray langurs, lion-tailed macaques and bonnet macaques represent the primates in the park. Mostly jungle comprises Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak trees. On Border Mountain area Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs are found.
In the evening enjoy jungle safari. After safari return to resort watch wildlife picture and Overnight at resort.
Day 15: Nagarhole National Park - Bandipur (100 Kms -3hours drive by road)
At 0615hrs after coffee/tea proceed for coracle ride, (local boat) followed by elephant ride (subject to availability of elephant). After breakfast check out and proceed to Bandipur National park.
BandipurNational Park: has been declared Tiger Reserve by Indian Government. Situated at 90 Kms from Mysore it adjoins Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. It is Home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants (as per the 1997 census [2]), along with leopards, dholes, Gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
On Arrival check in to a resort.
Enjoy wildlife safari at 16.00hrs. At 1900hrs watch wildlife film, dinner and overnight at Resort.
Day 16: Bandipur - Ooty (80kms -3hours drive by road)
Morning proceed for trekking at 0630hrs. Return to resort at 0900hrs.
After breakfast checkout and proceed to Ooty. As serpentine road approaches Ooty gurgle of streams, beautiful mist make a impression of welcome to Ooty.
Ooty, Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level Ooty is one of most popular hill station of India. Ooty is Home to peak Dodabetta perched on altitude of 2637 is the merging point of eastern and Western Ghats and the highest peak of Nilgiri. Other tourist attraction includes botanical garden, Ooty Lake, Coonoor etc.
On arrival check in hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore green valley and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 17: Ooty
After breakfast proceed for full day sight seeing visit to Botanical Garden - is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill, Rose Garden - the rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources with 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties, Aquarium: It is close to bus station and is run by Dept. of Fisheries. In this aquarium, department rears exotic fish varieties. Deer Park - It is one of the high altitude animal parks in India, Dodabetta, and Enjoy boat ride in Ooty Lake.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 18: Ooty - Cochin (281kms 7hrs drive by road)
After breakfast drive to 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 19: 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 20: Cochin- Kumarakom (77 kms, 1.5 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 canoe down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake. Overnight stay at the resort.
Day 21: 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 22: Kumarakom-Alleppey (38 kms, 40 minutes drive by road)
After breakfast start for Alleppey.
Arrive Alleppey and check in at Houseboat and enjoy an over night cruise cum stay in your houseboat. Food will be served in the houseboat. Enjoy the unique experience of a day on backwaters in a houseboat, and meander through the labyrinth of canals, that makes Kumarakom a top world destination. The backwater ride paints vivid picture of the traditional country life in all its natural beauty.
Over night stay at the houseboat.
Day 23: Alleppey - Trivandrum (157 Kms, 3.5 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Trivandrum.
Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.
Arrive Trivandrum and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit Museum Complex, Padmanabha Swami Temple, Science and Technology Museum, Veli Tourist village.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 24: Trivandrum - Kanyakumari – Trivandrum(89 Kms 1.5 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess – Kanyakumari Amman. Mythological stories depict that Goddess parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanniya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to reach the hand of Lord Shiva. This place is also a popular pilgrimage. The tourists who visit this southern most tip of India would certainly enjoy the exuberant scenes of the sunsets, the sunrises especially on full moon days. The nature of the sand in the beaches of Kanyakumari is unique as it is multicolored.
Arrive Kanyakumari and start a half day sightseeing tour which includes Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kamarajar Manimandapam and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
In the evening drive back to Trivandrum.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 25: Trivandrum
After breakfast drive to International airport to board flight for destination ahead with sweet memories of Kerala, Gods own country.
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