Hotel Taj Palace is held from 12 Noon today for three night stay
It is
believed that Delhi has been rebuilt seven times with the ruins of one city
becoming the foundations for the next. The Mughals ruled here from 12th
century. The British captured it in 1803 reducing the Mughal rulers to
puppet kings, and in 1911 founded New Delhi, which became the capital of
independent India in 1947. The sun warmed stones of ancient forts, tombs,
mosques and palaces lie scattered across its sprawling expanse, a reminder
of an almost continuous settlement along the Yamuna River.
0600 hrs: You will be picked up from hotel Taj Palace for day trip to
Agra by road. One way road journey takes about four hours. On arrival Agra
visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Later depart by road back to Delhi.
It
was during the Mughal era that Agra first gained prominence, during the 16th
and 17th centuries when it served as their capital. The Moghul passion for
building endowed Agra with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.
Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal between 1630-1653 as a
memorial in white marble to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is one of the
Seven Wonders of the World and the greatest love stories ever written with
white marble and precious stones. Perhaps the most perfect architectural
monument in the world.
The massive Agra Fort was started by Akbar
in 1565, and was added to over the years. Initially it was a military
structure, with 2.5 Km long, 20 metre high double walls protecting its
inhabitants. By Shah Jahan's reign it had partilly become a palace. This
rusty red sandstone fort stands like a crescent on the bank of Yamuna River.
It is one of the finest forts in India and is a silent witness to the rise
and fall of the imperial Mughal Empire. Visit its numerous palaces,
pavilions and buildings that echo the story of Mughal Empire.
Day 3 Day free for independent activities
Day free
for independent activities. Hotel check-out time is 12 Noon. Transfer to the
Delhi airport on own for flight 9W 354 to Mumbai, departing at 1940 hours
and arriving at 2135 hours. On own hotel & transport arrangements on
arrival Mumbai
9W 487 departs Mumbai at 1950 hours and
arrives Chennai at 2135 hours. On own hotel & transport arrangements in
Chennai
9W 491 departs Chennai at 1315 hours, arriving Cochin
at 1415 hours. You will be met on arrival at Cochin airport & will be
transferred to your hotel. Afternoon tour of Cochin city. Overnight at hotel
Taj Malabar.
With its wealth of historical associations and
beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or
Kochi, reflects the eclecticism of Kerala perfectly. Traders from the West
came to Kerala as far back as the 3rd century B.C. and took back with them
spices, ivory and teak. Much later, in the 15th century, the Portuguese,
Dutch, French and British came to this region in the guise of merchants,
some to stay on as colonial rulers. They all left their impression on the
town. Modern Cochin is a splendid mosaic myriad where Portuguese
architecture and British influences all blend harmoniously with the basic
thread of Kerala's rich heritage. Here you can also see the oldest church in
India.
Depart by road from Cochin to Thekkady, a journey of
about six hours. Afternoon game viewing by common boat. Overnight at hotel
Taj Garden Retreat.
Day 8 Depart by road from
Thekkady to Kumarakom, a journey of about four hours. Overnight at hotel Taj
Garden Retreat for two nights
Kumarakom at Vembanad Lake, is
situated in a former rubber plantation and is home to water fowl as well as
migratory birds such as the Siberian stork. This is definitely a place to
sit back and relax.
Day free for independent activities
Embark houseboat at Kumarakom. Overnight on Houseboat
Depart
by boat for backwater cruise. The journey is very interesting, passing
through palm fringed lakes and along narrow shady channels.
Disembark houseboat at Alleppey and depart by road to Kovalam, a journey of
about four hours. Overnight at hotel Uday Samudra.
Kovalam is a
long and one of the most beautiful beaches in South India, 16 kms from the
capital Trivandrum, from where fishermen launch their catamarans, and others
fish from the shore using huge nets.
Transfer to the
Trivandrum airport for flight IC 963 to Male, departing at 1020 hours.
INCLUSIONS:
Quotes include:
- 03 + 06 night accommodation in double standard AC rooms with attached
bath inclusive of all taxes applicable as on date (any additional taxes
if levied by the government will be extra). We will use a two bedroom AC
houseboat.
- Fixed menu continental breakfast at hotels. Houseboat on full board.
- All ground transportation for airport transfers (only in Cochin &
Trivandrum), drives and sightseeing as specified by one air-conditioned
chauffeur driven Toyota Qualis. One common boatride on Lake Periyar in
Thekkdy
- Services of local area professional English speaking guides for
sightseeing in Agra & Cochin inclusive of entry fee to the monuments
- Portage at Cochin & Trivandrum airports based on 01 bag per
person.
- Assistance in Delhi, Cochin & Trivandrum if and as required by
our local representatives.
- Present economy class domestic airfares on Jet Airways for
Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai/Cochin have been mentioned separately than land
quote.
EXCLUSIONS: Quotes exclude:
- Any extra meals anywhere except as mentioned.
- Any transport & accommodation in Mumbai & Chennai.
- Airport transfers in Delhi
- Transport on free days
- Still/video camera fees anywhere
- Tips to porters, guides, drivers etc anywhere.
- Accompanying guide or escort.
- tour/health insurance.
- Items of personal nature - phone calls, laundry etc.
- Hard/soft drinks or bottled mineral water.
- Any international airfares and international airport departure tax.
- Any item not included in itinerary and inclusions.
