India Desert Beaches Tour

Overview
This is the package which will make your full in leave with India. Cover the best of it, Delhi - Agra - Jaipur belt which then proceeds to finest beaches of Goa, Cochin, Munnar, Kovalam.

Inclusions
Accommodation, Meal, Transport, Services of Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours, Elephat ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur), Entry ticket for Chowki Dhani...

Exclusions
Shopping and other meals apart from breakfast and home dinner with Indian family.

Day 01 : Arrival Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be welcomed by our representative then transfer to the hotel where we are holding the room on ready occupancy basis. Overnight stay in Delhi

Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India's leading industrial families; Humayun's Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai's Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur (260 Kms - 5 ½ hours)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jaipur, en route visit to Nimrana Fort, on midway of Delhi and Jaipur. It is massive fort converted into a luxury heritage hotel. You can opt for lunch there. After visit continue to drive to Jaipur. On arrival transfer to the hotel After some rest & relaxing in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator white marble temple, glitters in the in the night, at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 04 : Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over the floodlights. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra (240 Kms - 5 hours)
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra en route visit the Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. After visit continue to drive to Agra. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. The show room conducts free sound & light show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Return to the hotel. Overnight at Agra.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

Day 06 : Agra
Early visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its' speculative view at the time of Sunrise. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. Later visit the Pearl Mosque and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Later visit to Dayal Bagh, is the headquarter of the Radhasoami religious sect, founded in 1861 this tall, unfinished facade of marble, lined with exquisitely carved pillars and panels, was estimated to cost about five million rupees when it was conceived. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Note: Taj Mahal closed on every Friday.
Day 07 : Agra - Delhi (200 Kms - 5 hours)
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi one the way visit Sikandra, (4 kms from Agra) mausoleum of Emperor Akbar built in 1492, The Tomb is combination of Muslims and Hindu Architectural styles. After visit continue to drive to Delhi, you may opt to take stop over at Mathura birth land of Lord Krishna to visit the temple in Mathura, visiting the Bankey Bihari temple, ISKCON temple and other temples in and around Vrindavan. Afterward proceed to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening is free to visit local markets of Delhi. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Day 08 : Delhi - Goa (By Air)
Early morning after breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the morning flight to Goa. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for leisure and beach activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 : Goa
After breakfast, the day free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa -10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus; the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is one of the most important sight of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mondovi River and houses a lighthouse. And in the evening enjoy Cruise over Mondovi River. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 10 : Goa
Morning after breakfast, rest of the day is free to explore Goa or beaches on your own. Today you can go (of your own) for Carville Cruise for casino and entertainment. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 11 : Goa - Cochin (By Air)
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the morning flight to Cochin. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Later take a local sightseeing Santa Cruz Cathedral, Parishath Thamburan Museum in old Durbar hall with typical Kerala architecture & later Hill palace Museum. Evening free for leisure and shopping, over night stay in the hotel

Day 12 : Cochin
Morning after breakfast take a sightseeing of Cochin visiting Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin.
Day 13 : Cochin - Munnar (200 kms - 4 hours drive)
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival transfer to the hotel, Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here. During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make it the favorite tourist places. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which make Periyar the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later take visit Rajmalai Wild Life sanctuary - this is the only sanctuary in India where Indian Ibex's are found, followed by visit Kannan Devan Hills from here you can have a panoramic view of Munnar Tea Estates & the Lake of Munnar. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14 : Munnar
After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by visit to Pothamedu which offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain walks. Later visit Devikulam (7 km from Munnar). This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Return to the hotel for overnight stay at Munnar. Optionally you can visit Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) the park is 97 sq. km, situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. Later return to the hotel for overnight at Munnar.

Day 15 : Munnar - Periyar (110 kms 2 ½ hour drive)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Periyar, on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - a Tiger Reserve. Discover the park; animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild animals found here and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Periyar

Day 16 : Kumarakom - Kovalam (140 Kms - 3 hours)
After breakfast disembark the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. En route visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. After visit continue to drive to Kovalam. On arrival transfer to the beach resort. Rest of the day free to rest and individual activities in the beach resort. Optionally one can enjoy herbal oil massage. Day will be used to watch beach lifestyle. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Kovalam - Trivandrum - Cape Camorin - Kovalam (excursion 84 kms - 2 hours)
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of Trivandrum city, (16 kms) the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Later drive to Cape Camorin also known as Kanya Kumari 85 kms, this place is at the tail tip end of India, one can see the 3 seas meet over here (Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal) on arrival visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda Rock & Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive back to Kovalam for overnight.

Day 18 : Trivandrum - Mumbai (By Air) - Hometown (By Air)
Morning after breakfast, rest of the day is free for individual activities. Later transfer to the airport to board the afternoon flight for Mumbai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight to your hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories