BEST OF INDIA

Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)

In Old Delhi visit the Jama Masjid, the great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, with a courtyard capable of holding 25000 devotees. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, winding through the labyrinthine lanes of the “moonlight place” glimpsing tiny shops crammed with spices and trinkets. Drive past the magnificent 17th century Red Fort, symbolizing the sovereignty of India and finally stop at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

In New Delhi visit Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom; India Gate, the 42-m high free-standing arch, designed by Lutyens, built in 1931 dedicated to 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The interesting Bangla Sahib Sikh temple which feeds thousands of people every day through its huge community kitchen. Drive past the Presidential Building, the official residence of President of India.

Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast, drive to Agra and on arrival check in at hotel

Afternoon visit Agra Fort Behind its forbidding red sandstone battlements lay palaces that tell the story of the Moghul Empire. The most impressive part of the Fort is the Dewan-e-Am, where the Emperor sat on his throne to dispense to his subjects, and the Dewan-e-Khas where he received foreign dignitaries.

Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Today early morning sunrise visit Taj Mahal, the greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Shahjehan built her this memorial. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone. (Taj Mahal remain closed every Friday)

Return to hotel for breakfast and checkout. Drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Chand Baori.

Chand Baori (Stepwell) in Abhaneri village. It was built during the 8th and 9th centuries and has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20 meters & 3 floors to the bottom of the well. The stepwell rose to fame when scenes from “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” were shot here.

After visit continue drive to Jaipur an on arrival check in at hotel.

In the evening together visit Birla temple to see the Aarti ceremony. The small but lovely Birla temple is made of white marble and is perched on a small hillock overlooking the surrounding areas. The evening aarti here with the lamps and devotees chanting religious hymns creates a soothing & spiritual atmosphere.

Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Morning breakfast and then excursion to Amber fort with Elephant joy ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort not only look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

Afternoon visit Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Today morning board flight for Goa via Mumbai.

9W 7202        Jaipur/Mumbai      0830/1020

9W 475          Mumbai/Goa         1120/1230

On arrival transfer to your resort.

Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)

Today sightseeing of Old Goa, best known for its churches –The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous church in Goa. Dedicated to an “Infant Jesus” it was completed in 1605. The church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, who came to Goa in 1542 and today is the patron saint of the community. Across the street from the Basilica, is the other famous church of Goa, the Se Cathedral. Built between 1562 and 1652, the Se Cathedral is believed to be the largest church in Asia.

Afternoon is at leisure to relax in your resort.

Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Dinner)

After early breakfast proceed to airport to board your flight to Bangalore the Silicon Valley of India. 0930 hrs arrive Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore also referred to as ‘The Silicon Valley of India’ you will be received by a representative of Floohoo and transported to Mysore. On arrival at Mysore check in to your hotel for one night.

After lunch embark on a guided tour of Mysore. Your tour will begin with a visit to the stunningly beautiful Mysore Palace, a defining landmark in Mysore. Your guide will narrate the history of the palace, of the family of rulers that lived here and their significance in the history of South India. Later you will visit the church dedicated to St. Philomena.

Later drive to the top of Chamundeswary Hill where you will visit a temple dedicated to a Hindu goddess named Chamundeswary. Descending the hill on your return to Mysore you will see enormous statues of a mythological figures from Hinduism, of a demon named Mahishasura and a celestial black bull named Nandi.

overnight Stay at Mysore (Breakfast & dinner)

Morning proceed to Wayanad.

The cool and beautiful Wayanad will freshens your eyes. Wayanad is a district belongs to Kerala state welcome you with its green coffee plantations, tea gardens and paddy fields. On arrival check in to your resort for two nights.

In the afternoon, you will be escorted on a soft trek in the forest surrounding the resort by its resident naturalist – you are likely to spot Nilagiri Langur, the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Yellow Browed Bulbul besides a wide range of other species endemic to the Western Ghats and a fabulous array of butterflies

Overnight at Wayanad(Breakfast & Dinner)

AM: At leisure or free for independent activities.

After noon at leisure or visit Tholpetty wild life sanctuary. (optional)

Evening enjoy cooking demo by your hotel chef.

Dinner and overnight at Hotel

After breakfast, you will be transported to Calicut (03 hrs drive). Descending the mountains and reaching Calicut in time for lunch. Try a Calicut Special Biryani, a local favourite and simply delicious. Later you will be transported to Cochin (5 hours drive )

On arrival at Cochin check in to your hotel for 02 nights.

Overnight at your hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

Fort Kochi is a water bound region to the south west of mainland Kochi – wandering through its serene by-lanes and bustling thoroughfares lined with examples of early colonial history in the subcontinent is indeed a special with its narrow islands and peninsulas. While mainland Ernakulam boasts of concrete shopping malls and glitzy apartment buildings, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi exude an old-world charm with their blend of Dutch, Portuguese and English architecture and quaint narrow streets.

In the morning, you will be taken on a guided tour of the heritage area in Fort Kochi – visiting the St. Francis church and Chinese fishing net. From Fort Kochi the tour will go on to an ancient spice market in Mattancherry, explore the antique shops on Jew Street, visit the oldest Synagogue on the subcontinent and then the Dutch Palace. On conclusion of the tour you will be taken to a restaurant in Fort Cochin for lunch.

After lunch proceed to Kodungallur (2 hours drive) to visit St. Thomas Church. St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the apostle houses holy relics from the olden days. St. Thomas is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and challenging personality. He had preached the gospel from Ethiopia to China. Many a church in West Asia considers him as the father of its faith. At Kodungalloor, he established the first Christian church in India and is the architect behind other Churches in Kerala:

Evening drive back to your hotel

Overnight at Cochin ( Breakfast & dinner)

After early breakfast proceed to to visit the famous Bharananganam St. Alphonsa Church (2 hrs drive)

it is the place holding the mortal remains of Saint Alphonsa (1910–1946). Saint Alphonsa is the first woman to be conferred sainthood from the Kerala Church, which traces its origins to the visit of St. Thomas around 2,000 years ago to preach the gospel in India, and the second Indian to get that status after St Gonsalo Garcia. The death anniversary of Saint Alphonsa, which falls on 28 July is an important day for the devotees. Every year on this day, thousands of devotees visit this holy shrine, where the mortal remains of the saint is preserved, to pray and seek her blessings.

Later drive to Alleppey (1 hour 30 minutes’ drive) On arrival at Alleppey boat jetty board your houseboat for one night cruise through stretches of the fascinating backwaters here. After an introduction to the crew of your houseboat the cruise begins, serenely coursing through canals past hamlets, reach Champakulam, where you will visit the ancient St. Mary’s church here believed to have been founded by St.Thomas in AD 427. You will also get to see a ‘Chundan’, a boat of indigenous design used in popular races in the area and later visit a local market.

The sunset is spectacular with the water and sky shimmering crimson in unison. This is perfect time to board a country craft or canoe to go up the numerous canals right up to the many houses and their evening activities. Glide past chatting women who wash the vessels in the water or see children tend to their ducks. The best part is that the villagers are unaware of what unusual sights they make for the visitors or the wonder that the onlooker feels about their lives.

The cruise halts close to sunset and you will stay on the boat overnight at a point that is the confluence of three rivers.

Overnight at House Boat (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

YOUR SLEEPING CABIN

All boats now offer en-suite cabins with double bed and shower/washroom. Air conditioning will be provided only night hrs.

FOOD ABOARD THE BOAT

All meals are cooked and served aboard the boat and feature the typical Kerala cuisine. Indeed, may Keralites believe that you get the best food in houseboats!

INCLUSIONS

• All Meals
• AC during sleeping hours
• Soft Drinks

EXCLUSIONS

• Alcoholic Beverages

Cruise continues after an early breakfast, disembark at Kumarakom and proceed to Mannanam St. Joseph Church. The church is an important pilgrimage center for followers of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. The church was commissioned by him on May 11, 1831 and completed in 1837. It was subsequently renovated in 1955 and 1996. The church compound also houses the residential unit used by the saint. In 2014, when Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara was canonized as a saint, 60000 people attended the thanksgiving mass at the church complex which was celebrated by 100 priests.

After the visit drive back to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a hamlet beside the Vembanad Lake. On arrival at Kumarakom check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You could opt to enjoy an Ayurveda massage. In the evening, the hotel’s chef will hold a cookery demonstration of how some of Kerala’s traditional cuisine is made and you could perhaps learn a few recipes. And later before dinner the hotel will showcase some of the traditional art forms of Kerala. Overnight at Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and the bird sanctuary spread across the islands is home to a fascinating variety of endemic and migratory birds.

Overnight at the Kumarakom (Breakfast & dinner)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Cochin to board your flight to your onward destination.