North&South Tour
Tour Duration: 30 Days / 29 Nights
Destinations covered: Delhi – Varanasi – Agra – Fatehpursikri - Ranthambore – Jaipur – Pushkar - Kumbalgarh – Udaipur - Mumbai - Kochi – Athirappally - Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom - Alleppy – Kovalam – Trivandrum – Kanyakumari.
About Delhi: India a land of snake charmers and magicians and the capital of this land of mysteries is Delhi. Delhi is just not a city but a book-- a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poors equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' that is for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true color when one goes around the lanes of Delhi. Delhi-- a window to the kaleidoscope that is India.
Day 01:- Arrive Delhi, meet &assist at the airport&transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone. Overnight in Delhi hotel.
Day 02:- After breakfast visit the ancient capital city, with its magnificent Red Fort the pageant of Indian History, from its origin around 1200 BC, through the periods under the Sultans in the 10th century and Mughals from the 14th Century. Visit the famous Gandhi Memorial, Raj Ghat, Jama Mosque, Gauri Shankar Temple&Chandni Chowk. Then in afternoon visit New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was jewel in the crown of the British Empire. Visit Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Lotus Temple&Laxmi Narayan Temple. Overnight in Delhi hotel.
Day 03:- After breakfast, visit India Gate&the President’s House. After this, at evening, depart for Varanasi by overnight train. Overnight in the train.
About Varanasi: Chaotic, Colorful, Charismatic and Claustrophobic- Varanasi’s ancient alleyways and the bathing Ghats (river banks) leading to the holy River Ganges are an essential part of India. This is India’s Hindu spiritual heartland, a place of pilgrimage, daily devotion and death. Also known s Kashi and Benares, the city of Shiva may be an auspicious place to die, but it is bursting with life.
Day 04:- Arrive Varanasi. Pickup from the station and transfer to the reserved accommodation. Evening visit the Ghats of River Ganges for a mesmerizing Aarti (Prayer), where every evening at dusk, thousands of devotees and tourists gather on the steps of Dasaswamedha Ghat (River Bank) for the Ganges Aarti (Fire worship) ceremony. As the darkness descends, it’s a highly charged spiritual extravaganza where oil lamps are lit, bells clang, incense burns and bhajans (devotional prayers) are chanted. Many devotees light a small basket of flowers and set it adrift on the Ganges. Overnight in Varanasi hotel.
Day 05:- Dawn boat ride on Ganges – Of all the experiences in Varanasi, there is nothing quite as humbling as an early morning boat ride on the Ganges. Set your alarm for a pre dawn start. The driver takes you to the Dasaswamedha Ghat or Assi Ghat for the ride. Sitting in your rickety wooden rowing boat, there’s an eerie sense of peace on the river until the sunrise bathes the river banks in gold and reveals the moving theater of spiritual devotion. All along the river banks, crowds of people are bathing, performing praying ceremony, praying to the Sun god and washing away the sins of Life. During the day city tour like Vishwanath temple, Banaras Hindu University, Archaeological museum etc.& the Sarnath Temple tour which is 10 kms north east and is a thriving center for Buddhists.
Day 06:- After breakfast, you are free at leisure and then in the evening, depart for Agra by overnight train. Overnight in the train.
About Agra: Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the muslims, the fort and the palaces are vivid reminders of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Though its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by the emperor at that time - Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasanttown with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Day 07:- Arrive Agra, pickup from the train station&transfer to the reserved hotel. Freshen up to witness a whole new city of traditions. Afternoon visit the Red Fort – The rusty Majestic Red sand stone fort of Agra standing on the banks of river Yamuna. The construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. Then visit the famous tomb of Itmad – Ud- Daulah, Sikandra Fort and the leather markets of Agra. Overnight in Agra hotel.
About Fatehpursikri: Also known as the Ghost city or the haunted city – which was estranged capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar build in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. The founding of Fatehpur Sikri reads like a fairytale. When all else had failed, the Emperor Akbar came here in search of the renowned Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chishti, to ask the blessing of a son. His prayer was heard, and soon a son was born. In honor of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim and vowed to found a new city. So Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent new city rose on the craggy hills 40 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
About Ranthambore – National Park: is positioned at the convergence of the Vindhyan plateau and Aravali hill, in the Eastern region of Rajasthan. Two rivers, namely Banas in the North and Chambal in the South, flow through this National Park. You can also find six artificial lakes and quite a few perennial streams passing through the Ranthambore National Park. In the year of 1955, this Park got declared as a game sanctuary. However, its status of a national park came in the year of 1980. The year 1972 marks the commencement of Project Tiger. It was at this point of time when this park was conferred the status of a tiger reserve in the country. Ranthambore National Park is spread on an area of 1,334 sq kms together with its neighboring sanctuaries - the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. In this park, there are some areas earmarked for the tourists where they can wander at their heart’s will and explore the fauna and flora housed here.
Day 08:- Early Morning at the sunrise visit the Magnificent TAJ MAHAL- One of the 7 wonders of the world&surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. It was built by Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. Then after breakfast drive to Ranthambore - (Ranthambore contains the Royal Bengal Tigers in their natural habitat as well as other animals such as Leopards, Elephants and many smaller animals. Safaris by jeep/ canter&Elephants are accompanied by an expert ranger) via Fatehpursikri (Also known as the Ghost city or the haunted city) – which was estranged capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar build in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Arrive Ranthambore by road from Agra. Check in the reserved hut/ room of the resort. Visit the 1000 years old Ranthambore fort&in evening walk around the surrounding areas of the National Park. Overnight in the resort.
Day 09:- After breakfast spot the tigers while you are driven in the dense jungles of Ranthambore on a Safari with the reserved Canter / Jeep for tiger tracking &bird watching, take some memorable pictures. Overnight in the resort.
About Jaipur: The capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City. It was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. With broad avenues and spacious gardens, this capital of Rajasthan – Jaipu, is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas (The Kings). The bustling markets of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
Day 10:- After breakfast drive to Jaipur – the fabled Pink City of the desert. Arrive Jaipur and transfer to the reserved hotel. In evening, visit the Pink city&its famous Pink Markets, locally known as Badi Chopar and Choti Chopar. Visit the famous Jaigarh Fort, Stone observatory and the Water Palace. Overnight in Jaipur hotel.
Day 11:- After breakfast visit the famous Amber fort. Ride up on the elephant back to the former capital of the Royals set against the back drop of the wooded hills see the luxurious and decorated rooms of the kings and queens also called as Sheesh Mahal. Later visit the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) an architectural gem which is having hundreds of big&small windows which were used by the queens to greet and see their kings in older days of Purdah system (The women were not allowed to step out in public). Then visit the Jantar Mantar, City Palace and the stone observatory. Overnight in Jaipur hotel. About Pushkar: Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site. Since many of them were destroyed by Aurangzeb (A Mogul king), but subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple in the world dedicated to this deity. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of lord Brahma's consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway. Day 12:- After breakfast depart for the famous Pushkar city. En route also visit the famous Muslim shrine The Ajmer Sharif in Ajmer. Arrive Pushkar, check in the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Day 13:- After breakfast visit the temples of Pushkar (Lord Brahma Temple- one& only in the world)&in evening enjoy the sunset at the Pushkar lake . Overnight in Pushkar hotel. About Kumbhalgarh: Located to the south of Jaipur and about 105Km from Udaipur is Kumbhalgarh. The city is cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges and the formidable medieval citadel-Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Kumbhalgarh is famous for the Kumbhalgarh Fort which was built and designed by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century AD and is the second principal fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. About Udaipur: Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace - a marvel in granite and marble. This city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Day 14:- After breakfast drive to Udaipur (The city of Lakes&Palaces). Via Kumbhalgarh. Visit the beautiful city of Kumbalgarh, situated in the chain of the mountains of Aravalis, the famous Kumbalgarh Fort. Then proceed to Udaipur, arrive Udaipur, check in your hotel. Overnight in Hotel. Day 15:- After breakfast morning city tour covering The Lake Palace, City Palace museum, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion ki Bari (Queen’s resort for their friends), Bhartiya lok Kala Mandir&the Pratap Memorial. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 17:- After Breakfast, full day city tour of Mumbai covering Gateway of India, Colaba Market, Prince of Wales museum, Kala Ghora, Mumbai University, Town Hall, Municipal Building, Marine Drive, Chowpaty, Dhobhi Ghat etc. Overnight in Mumbai Hotel.
About Kochi: Kochi (Cochin) is palm-green commercial town of Kerala and the city consists of the mainland Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry, Fort Cochin, Vypeen Island and Bolghatty Island. Ernakulum is the modern city where shopping market etc. are located. From older times, Arab, Chinese, Dutch and British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi and left their impression on the town. The Chinese fishing nets swaying in the breeze over backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture, Bolghatty Palace in Kochi enrich the heritage of Kerala.
Day 18: Cochin: After breakfast, drop at the Kochi airport for your onward flight to Kochi. Arrival at Cochin, our representative will be at the Airport to receive you. On arrival transfer to the reserved hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in Kochi Hotel.
Day 19: Cochin- After breakfast, sightseeing of Cochin, Includes Jew Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing net etc. Overnight at Hotel.
About Athirappally Waterfall: Athirappally Waterfall is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges and originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. . It is one of the most spectacular sights and is locally also know as – The Niagra Falls of India. It about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. Combined with the greenery, it induces the freshness into any tired soul - A tranquil and much needed escape from the stressful life we generally live. The soothing and calming water flow sounds takes you to some another world, right in the lap of nature. The magic of Athirampally&the nature cannot be described by words as it starts calmly from the high ranges, and further crashes through the rocks overhung with trees, these waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the 'Picturesque' - Not only calm and sweet, but something wild and natural too.
Day 20:- After breakfast, drive to Athirappally Waterfalls which is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin). Arrive&check in the reserved hotel. Then visit the Athirappally Waterfalls, commonly known as the “Indian Niagra Falls”. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in Athirappally hotel.
About Munnar: Munnar with its impeccable beauty is the most famous holiday destination in South India. In the green and serene Kamman Devan Hills lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar. Munnar is located about 6,500 feet above the sea level along the western coasts on the eastern border of Kerala. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
Day 21:- Athirappally – Munnar- After breakfast, drive to Munnar. Munnar is known as "Nature Lover's Paradise" and is at 1800mts above the sea level. Afternoon arrival at Munnar. On arrival check in to the reserved hotel. After arrival visit to Rajamalai Sanctuary and the evening is free at leisure. Overnight at Munnar Hotel.
Day 22: Munnar: - Morning after breakfast you will be taken for a sightseeing of Munnar, which Includes Matuppetty, Kundala Dam for boating, Eco point&Pothenmendu View Point. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
About Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary / Thekkady: Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though it’s a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to see the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake. Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.
Day 23: Munnar- Periyar/ Thekkady- This morning after breakfast you will be driven 3 to 4 hours through the most picturesque route covered with flora and fauna typical to Kerala to reach Thekkady, a quaint hamlet next to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival you will check-in to the reserved hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in Thekkady Hotel.
Day 24: Periyar/ Thekkady:- After breakfast, game viewing boat ride in Lake Periyar (Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary Tour is through this boat ride). Evening free at Spice Markets or Spice plantation visit (optional). Overnight at hotel.
About Kumarakom: In 1878, the marshy mangrove on the bank of the Vembanad Lake was cleared and replaced by coconut plantations. The person in the wake of this maneuver was one George Alfred Baker of Essex who had arrived in India sixty years earlier to take up missionary work in Kottayam. The Englishman was so awestruck by the splendor of Kumarakom that he settled here and made Kumarakom his abode. Just 12 km from Kottayam, this exclusive backwater destination sited on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The flourishing pastures and the countryside life are interspersed with the beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Stretched across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a desired haven of migratory birds and a bird lover’s paradise. Teals, egrets, darters, herons, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in teams and are an enthrallment for guests.
Day 25: Thekkady - Kumarakom- Morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Kumarakom. Rest of the day at leisure at Kumarakom visit The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Pathira Manal Island. Overnight at the reserved hotel.
Day 26: Kumarakom - Alleppey- After breakfast transfer to the reserved house boat. (On all Meal Basis) that is waiting to take you on a tour through the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the, protection of the cabin. The population's whole life takes place here on the water. The people, sail, fish, swim and bath here. They are so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour, while they are up to their necks in water. Peddlers take care of the supplies and the public transport goes on the water. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. The trip goes through a wonderful area full of palm trees, rice fields and floating water plants that surround the boat like Emerald Green Island. Overnight onboard the Houseboat.
Day 27: Alleppey - Kovalam: After Breakfast check out from House Boat and drive to Kovalam. Day Free at Liesure at Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at the reserved hotel.
Day 28: Kovalam –Trivandrum- Kovalam- After Breakfast sightseeing of Trivandrum. Thiruvananthapuram literally means Ananthapuri, "the city of Ananthan", the Thiru (Great/Lord) Ananthan's Puram (City). Ananthan is the serpent Sesha on whom Padmanabhan or Vishnu reclines. The temple of Anantha, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is the most religious icon of the city. Other sightseeing places are Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, the name Kuthiramalika means 'palace of horses' derived from the frieze of 122 wooden horses on the exterior walls. Veli Tourist Village, which has an excellent waterfront park with a wide range of aqua entertainment facilities like fishponds, wading pools and landscaped garden. Shangumugham Beach where one can watch the amazing sunset. Overnight at the reserved hotel.
About Kanyakumari: Situated in the farthest south of the country, it adjoins the points of the three oceans - The Arabian Sea, Tthe Bay of Bengal and The Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari is surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains, bordered by colorful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea – coast. This land is so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches that it can be seen as a mixture of all the cultures right in the lap of Mother Nature. The British gave it a name Cape Comorin as the English men's lack of ability to pronounce the local name. Apart from the never ending and a breath taking sea shores and clean beaches the famous attractions are - Kanyakumari Temple, Nagaraja Temple, Tiruchendur, Thanumalayan temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Vattakottai
Day 29: Kovalam – Kanyakumari- After Breakfast, check out form the Hotel&drive to Kanyakumari. Later proceed for local sightseeing tour visiting Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kummari Ammal Temple, Gandhi Mandapam etc. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 30: Departure transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward Journey. *** THE TOUR ENDS ***
INCLUDES:-
EXCLUDES:-
Note:- Special Numerology/ Astrology/ Hypnotherapy/ Past Life Regression Therapy Sessions Arranged in Delhi. Cycling/Bike Tours&Personal Yoga Sessions in Delhi:- If you are interested, please feel free to ask for further details.
Note:- House Boat:- The cruise commences at 1230 hrs with lunch served on board and continues till dusk. At dusk the boat will anchor in a wide waterway or lake for the night (The backwaters close to boat traffic at dusk as the fisherman lay their nets in the backwaters. Other boats are not allowed to ply in the backwaters after dusk. On the following day the cruise commences again after breakfast and the guest will be dropped at Alleppey by 0900Hrs. Overnight stay at the House Boat.**Since houseboats are stationed in the bank of the backwater during the night the problem of mosquito and water borne insects do come up hence you are kindly requested to carry mosquito and insect repellent along with you. The choice of food in the houseboat is very limited and mostly basic south Indian meal is served. The quality of the houseboat cannot be compared with the quality of the rooms in the hotel where the guest is staying. The rooms are basic and small. The main concept of the houseboat is to explore the backwater beauty of the region at the closet to the nature.
PRICE:-
This tour will cost US$ / EUROS/ GBP XXX (Indian Rs. XXX)per person on Twin/ Double/ Triple share basis. The prices depends on various factors like number of people travelling, hotel and car categories used, any specific fixed/ rough/ estimated budget to follow, dates of travel, how many people are travelling, etc. SO PLEASE CONTACT US for personalizing this tour. The prices can change depending on the fluctuations in the rate of exchange between US$/ Euros/ GBP and Indian Rupee, the government taxes, gas prices, flight/ train fares etc. (If any). No bookings are done yet and the prices/ availability can change without prior notice depending on the governing factors like availability, room category etc. All prices when quoted, will be tentative price unless booked and paid. A change in date/ hotel/ vehicle type etc will change the prices.