A journey from colourful Rajasthan to exceptional Kerala

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrival hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up.Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions - monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Bangla sahib Gurdwara- one of the famous Sikh’s pilgrimage centre in Delhi. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today morning, we discover the history of Old Delhi; crowded, bustling, and still bearing remnants of the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. First, we drive past the Red Fort–the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We then reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. We take a rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars and historical lanes of "Chandni Chowk” and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat–the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. Post lunch, we head to British Delhi (New Delhi area), to visit India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, the Parliament House, and some other colonial buildings built during the British era and designed by a British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the first half of the 20th century. We end the tour with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the mausoleum of the second Mughal emperor Humayun and was built by his widow Haji Begum in 1564 during the reign of her son Akbar. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - We leave for Agra, a bustling city on the banks of the river Yamuna, early in the morning. Agra became the capital of the Mughal empire between 1526 and 1628 and boasts of many magnificent Mughal-era monuments, making it a major tourist destination. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. After we freshen up we head to the Agra Fort, a fortress, palace, and prison made of red sandstone by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It was partly transformed into a palace during the reign of Shah Jahan. Our day concludes with a visit to the stunning Taj Mahal at sunset, a magnificent structure standing on the southern bank of river Yamuna. The ivory-white mausoleum was built by 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century. The allure of the magnificent Taj Mahal never ceases to captivate a first-time visitor. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - After breakfast we drive towards Jaipur – the gateway to colourful Rajasthan. We make a brief stop en-route at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned royal city founded by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. For 14 years this magnificent and well-preserved citadel was Akbar's political capital. Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri in 1585 due to water shortage. After the visit we continue our journey to Jaipur. Established in 1727, Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is one of India's most important heritage towns with a vibrant and colourful history. Jaipur was the first planned city of its time, with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes, and busy markets. Upon arrival, we check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Jaipur's vibrant bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. We explore the Amber Fort, a magnificent sandstone fort complex overlooking the city. We can either walk or take a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. On the way to the Amer Fort, we cross Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. Designed in 1799, the purpose of the structure was to allow royal ladies to watch processions and other roadside celebrations through its 953 'jharokas’, or small windows, without being seen by the public. After visiting the fort, we explore the architecturally rich City Palace with its many regal courtyards, mosques, and pavilions. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring world's largest stone sundial. Our last stop for the day is the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which works to conserve the traditional Indian hand printing technique. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - After breakfast we drive to Pushkar, a small town on the edge of the desert with a tranquil lake, small hills with temples on top, and the world-famous Brahma Temple. Pushkar is frequently visited by Hindu pilgrims and lies by the side of the beautiful Pushkar Lake dotted with bathing ghats and temples. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Post lunch, we take a brief orientation tour around the Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple - dedicated Lord Brahma, the founder of the earth in Hindu mythology. After the temple we have the option of enjoying a camel Cart Ride (Optional) on sharing basis, passing through the villages as the sun goes down. It’s a great opportunity to travel on this popular local transport and to interact with locals. Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - In the morning, drive to Udaipur. On the way, we stopped in Ranakpur, a small town in the hills of Pali district. It is home to one of India's most majestic and significant Jain temple complexes, as well as one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage sites. The main temple that we visit is the Adinath or Chaumukha temple (the four-faced temple) dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath and was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, one of the gifted, liberal and Rajput monarchs of the 15th century. Continuing our drive, we arrived in the beautiful lakeside town of Udaipur. Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan' and the 'City of Sunrise', Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and foreign tourists as the most romantic city in India. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel. In the evening, we enjoy a beautiful sunset view of Lake Pichola, 4 km long and 3 km wide, surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and embankments. Overnight stay in Udaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Today we explore the City Palace, a fascinating collection of buildings built by various Maharanas (Warrior Kings) after Udai Singh and completed in the year 1725. The magnificence of the palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view filigreed balconies and ornate cupola-topped towers. We also visit Jagdish Temple, which was constructed in 1651 CE by Maharana Jagat Singh and is the largest and most beautiful temple in Udaipur. In the afternoon, we visit Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honor), an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter and the ladies of the queen's court. At sunset, a boat trip along Lake Pichola, overlooking the majestic Lake, City Palace, and other historic sites and ghats of Udaipur, allows you to experience the majesty of royal Rajasthan. An overnight stay in Udaipur. (The boat trip is subject to the lake's water level).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - After breakfast, transfer to Udaipur Airport to board the flight to Cochin. Kerala is a paradise where life slows down, so you may appreciate nature's abundance, intricacy, and virtue. On arrival at Cochin International Airport, we will be transferred to our prebooked hotel. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. In the evening you can choose to venture out for a Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - In the morning, we leave for a guided tour of the Fort Kochi area, founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and believed to be the earliest European settlement in India. The true character of the town is found in the old Fort Cochin area of the town. We begin our sightseeing tour with the Mattancherry and Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. Next, we visit the Jewish synagogue dating back to 1568. We then head to the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), established by the Dutch in 1720 for washing army uniforms. We also visit the Chinese fishing nets that line the entrance to the harbour introduced by the Chinese in the late 14th Century, its bazaars, spice market, and the old harbour area. In the afternoon we leave Kochi and drive to Munnar, a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and spend the day at leisure enjoying the ambiance of the town.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - After an early breakfast we drive through the old town of Munnar and arrive at a tiny village of Nagarmudi. From here, accompanied by a local guide, we start our trek. The trail commences with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai hills. As we reach the top, we are rewarded with the spectacular views of the Annamudi Peak, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, Munnar town and some local villages. After enjoying the view and taking photographs we descend down through the same route and head back to the hotel. In the evening we explore the colourful market of Munnar. Optional Visit of tea museum if time allows. Duration of Hiking: 3/4hrs

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - Today we drive to Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road meanders through the Western Ghats with fantastic views and a chance to makes brief stops at some local markets and grape plantations along the way. We arrive at the small bustling village of Thekkady and check-in at the hotel. The entire region is a spice growing centre. In the afternoon we head for a guided short walk through spice gardens and plantations. During the tour we learn about the history, growth and development of wonder spices like, cardamom and pepper. Other crops of the region include tea, coffee and vanilla. We also learn how these spices are used in local cuisine and their medicinal properties. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Thekkady. Walk Duration: - 1-2 Hours

Overnight - Hotel

Day 13 - Early in the morning we leave for jungle trek in the Periyar National Park to catch a glimpse of its abundant birdlife such as kingfishers, storks and hornbill. The trek leads us to the banks of the Periyar Lake. After a breakfast break, we head back to hotel. We then leave for the calm coastal town of Kumarakom. Kumarakom is the first place to implement responsible tourism practices. Upon arrival we check-in and relax at the resort. Later, we embark on a walking tour which that gives us an authentic taste of village life and we also get to see community-based tourism products and services. Next we go through the narrow canals on a country boat operated by the local villagers. As we meander leisurely through the canals on the boat, we observe the daily life on the banks - people working in rice fields, children swimming in the lake, fisherman working and women weaving coconut palm leaves.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 14 - After leisurely breakfast, the morning is free to unwind at the resort or visit the local village before we drive to Alleppey (Board the houseboat at 2 pm). Also known as Alappuzha, the town is the principal centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. We get to experience Kerala's backwaters on-board a traditional thatched roof houseboat. These beautiful boats have been renovated and converted into pleasant cruise ships. We meander along the waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation, catching glimpses of dazzling tropical birds and watching idyllic villages. Our overnight stay is on a boat in the middle of the famous Vembanad lake.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 15 - Our tour of Rajasthan and Kerala comes to an end it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and get a transfer to the Cochin Airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends