Travelpack

Day 1: Delhi
Upon arrival at the Delhi airport, you will be met by our Tour Manager and transferred to your hotel. 14:00 Hrs: Standard check in time. The rest of the day at leisure and then an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 2: Delhi
It’s time to enjoy a full day city tour of Delhi to give you a feel for this magnificent city as you explore its historic sights. Your first stop is Raj Ghat which is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, This is Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. Heading west from the Red Fort you’ll explore the bustling cultural delight of the colourful market on a 'cycle rickshaw', then through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue. A truly unique experience. The Red Fort is a 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone and surrounded by a huge 33 metres high boundary wall. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.

In the afternoon you will head into New Delhi, visiting Humayun’s Tomb, an impressive garden tomb with high arches and a double dome, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered to be the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Then continue on to the wonderful Qutab Minar – a major landmark of Delhi, with its the beautiful grounds featuring a huge ‘tower of victory’, which stands over 72 metres high. You will then drive on to Rajpath and through to India Gate and the Lutyens Delhi, with its tree lined boulevards leading to the British Viceroy’s Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan), now the official residence of the President of India, the Secretariat, India Gate and Parliament House.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra by surface, 210 Kms/ 4 Hours
Today you will be driven to the romantic city of Agra. Upon arrival at Agra, check in to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4: Agra
After breakfast enjoy visiting the world famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, built one of the world’s most famous buildings, the ‘Taj Mahal’. Its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship have been described as ‘a vision, a dream, a poem, and a wonder’. You’ll also visit the 16th century Agra fort. This commanding red sandstone monument stretches for 2.5 kilometres along the banks of River Yamuna, encompassing serene gardens and terraced pavilions, with striking views of the magnificent Taj Mahal across the river, as well as the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the ‘Baby Taj’. In the evening you’ll enjoy a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, which is a garden complex, situated on the riverbank opposite the Taj Mahal.

Day 5: Agra to Jaipur by surface, 265 kms, 6 ½ Hours
Drive to Jaipur with an en route visit to Fatehpur Sikri - the imperial ruins of the dream capital city of the Great Mughal Emperor - Akbar. Then continue on to Jaipur, the famed ‘Pink City’ and the capital of Rajasthan, known for its palaces, its three hill forts and for being a shopper’s paradise. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to explore the surrounding area and the colourful bazaar. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur
This morning we take you to Amber, capital of the old state of Dhundhar, which is located on the rugged hills that surround Jaipur. Ride the colourfully painted elephants up the hill, admire the massive gateways, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions and palaces that recall the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. During the afternoon visit the City Palace (which still houses the erstwhile Royal family); Jantar Mantar, the Royal Observatory and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - built for the royal ladies to watch the activities on the market street below, without being observed. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 7: Jaipur to Delhi by surface, 258 kms / 6 Hours
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, check in to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Depart Delhi by flight for onward journey
Transfer from your hotel to Delhi airport in time to board the flight for onward journey.

Extension to Kerala Backwaters - £1375

Hotels:
Cochin - Radisson Blu 5*
Periyar - The Elephant Court 4*
Backwaters - Ac Houseboat
Kovalam - The Travancore Heritage 3*
Mumbai - Sun-n-Sand 5*

Includes:
- 8 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 1 night on Full Board basis at Houseboat
- All transfers, sightseeing & excursion as mentioned in itinerary by air-conditioned car
- Entrance fees to the monuments
- Services of local English speaking guide as per the itinerary during city tour 
- Kathkali dance show in Cochin
- Boat ride at Lake Periyar
- Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers

Day 8: Delhi to Cochin by flight
You will be transferred from Hotel to Delhi airport in time to board flight for Cochin.

Cochin:
The Gateway to Kerala was once an important spice-trading route on Arabian Sea where Vasco D Gama landed in 1498 and boasted that he has come for soul and spices. Upon arrival at Cochin, check in at hotel.

Day 9: Cochin
Your morning sightseeing tour of Kochi includes a visit to the Dutch Palace and Synagogue. En route see the famous Chinese fishing nets. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance show.

Day 10: Cochin to Thekkady (Periyar), 195 Km/6 hrs
Take a scenic drive through tea and spice plantations and blue hills and arrive at Periyar for a 2-night stay

Day 11: Thekkady (Periyar)
During the morning take a two-hour boat safari on the mist-shrouded lake, which offers excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife, especially herds of elephants. Afternoon visit the tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations that surround the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 12: Thekkady to Kumarakom, 140 Km/5 hrs
You’ll leave just after breakfast, driving back down to the coast and the melodically named town of Kumarakom boat jetty on the banks of lake Vembanad to embark houseboat boat.The Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, and canals. These are best experienced while slowly punting down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as ‘kettuvallam’. Embark on your houseboat, a renovated cargo boat with either one or two bedrooms, kitchenette and all modern conveniences. A 3 member crew will cater for your comforts and meals. See life on the banks, lush green rice fields, and coconut groves with occasional temple or church as you cruise through the canals. An experience you will savour for a long time.

Day 13: Alleppey to Kovalam by surface
After breakfast Disembark at the boat jetty from houseboat and drive to Kovalam. Upon arrival at Kovalam, check in at hotel.

Day 14 & 15:Kovalam
Both days are at leisure with overnight stays at your hotel.

Day 16:
Kovalam to Trivandrum by surface
Trivandrum to Mumbai by flight

In the morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Trivandrum airport in time to board the flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 17: Depart Mumbai by flight for onward journey
Transfer from your hotel to Mumbai airport in time to board the flight for onward journey.

Extension to Goa - £945

Hotel:
Goa - Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort 4*

Includes:
- 7 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis
- Return airport transfer by air-conditioned car

Day 8: Flight from Delhi to Goa 
You will be transferred from your hotel to Delhi airport in time to board the flight for Goa. Upon arrival at Goa airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9 - 14: Goa
On each day you will be at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Day 15: Depart Goa by flight for onward journey
Transfer from your hotel to Goa airport in time to board the flight for onward journey.

Hotels:

• Delhi - The Suryaa New Delhi 5*
• Agra - Crystal Sarovar Premiere 5*
• Jaipur - Hotel Royal Orchid 4*
• Delhi - Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity 5*