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Golden Triangle With Goa & Kerala Tour
Golden Triangle With Goa & Kerala Tour
Duration: 15 DAYS
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
Company
representatives will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT and transfer
to your hotel.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the
Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid
- the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort
and palace of the Moghul Empire.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include
a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial
avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Proceed to see DANCES OF INDIA SHOW and WELCOME DINNER.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
By Road
Proceed by surface to Agra. Reach and check into the hotel.
AGRA:
Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village
of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the
name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught
up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble,
narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite
city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra
still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder
which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra.
Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife
Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed,
and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design
balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant
domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor
Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced
within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city in the evening will
introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 04 : Agra - Jaipur
By Road
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.
Drive
to Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that
as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience.
It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition
... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the
days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in
the world.
Proceed to Jaipur and check in at hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western
deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the
KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made
fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth
and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central
power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors
and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that
the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur
is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its
buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates
back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State
Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985,
houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty)
and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly
luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways
include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin
Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony,
which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke
the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur
After
breakfast drive to Amber Palace. Enjoy Elephant Back ascent to the Fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his
descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Continue city sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the
walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City
Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Shopping in the evening or relax. Later proceed for VILLAGE THEME DINNER.
The dinner will be "sit - down service". Overnight will be at
Jaipur.
Day 06 : Jaipur - Mumbai
By Flight
Number : IC 612
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Aircraft : Airbus 320
Departure : 0735 hr
Arrival : 0910 hr
Mumbai - Cochin:
By Flight:
Number : IC 165
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Aircraft : Airbus 320
Departure : 1105 hr
Arrival : 1250 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to the airport for flight to Mumbai and then connecting flight to
Cochin.
Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport / railway station
by our representative and transfer to your hotel.
The
eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open
the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one
of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for
seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship
in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in
the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in
1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial
centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre,
a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre,
a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is
home to nearly thirteen communities.
Enjoy the harbour cruise in the evening. Watch the city as it lights up
slowly at sunset and the dolphins play in the water of the harbour.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 07 : Cochin
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Today
you will visit Cochin, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world.
The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948
the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The
community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel,
the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese
bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell
tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned,
blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that
hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange,
also located in Jewtown.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites
included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama
Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow,
Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting
Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on
the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between
AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels
the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled
out of the sea.
In the early evening proceed for a private harbor cruise. Enjoy watching
the dolphins, the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till the
mouth of the sea and enjoy the sunset.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Over night stay
at hotel.
Day 08 : Cochin - Periyar (THEKKADY)
By Road
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive to Thekkady.
Check in at hotel on arrival.
The
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km
is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a
Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife
and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is
one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.
The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation,
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake
- an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats
are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass
lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers,
gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined
Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart
of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to
watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the
Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary
in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at
close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction
of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the
play in the lake.
Proceed for enjoying a boat cruise in Periyar Lake with lunch break. The
most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a
boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants
coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are
Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs,
Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth
Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to
the lakeside by day.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 09 : Periyar
Breakfast
will be at the resort.
Proceed for a nature trek into the National Park.
In the afternoon visit spice plantations like 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 stay will be at Periyar.
Day 10 : Periyar - Kumarokom
By Road
In the morning proceed to Kumarokom after breakfast.
Arrive at Kumarokom, after a journey of approx. 5 hours enjoying the beauty
of the traditional Keralian houses.
The village of Kumarokom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad
Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird
sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of
migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons,
teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian
stork that live there in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best
way to watch the birds of the Kumarokom sanctuary is a boat trip round the
islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarokom offers visitors many other
leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarokom.
Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world
experience at Kumarokom.
Visit
THE BIRD PARK of Kumarokom. Later, check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala
Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched
houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside
at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat.
A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty
of the backwaters.
Lunch and dinner will be served on the houseboat. Overnight will be at
Houseboat.
Day 11 : Aleppey - Cochin
By Road
Cochin - Goa:
By Flight
Number : IC 575
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Aircraft : Airbus 320
Departure : 1445 hr
Arrival : 1555 hr
Breakfast will be on houseboat. Continue cruise and disembark at Aleppey.
Alappuzha
is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha
remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres
for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few
places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land
of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches
for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.
Enjoy the short drive through the markets and villages over the innumerable
bridges to Cochin.
Take flight to Goa.
Goa, variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise"
and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western
coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic
beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses
have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world. Nestled on
the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa is bounded on the North
by Sindhudurg district of Maharasthra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South
by Karwar Districts of Karnataka, and on the west by Arabian Sea.
Legends
from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu
with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled
Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most
famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the
Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on 19th of December 1961 and became
a Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On 30th of May
1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.
After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where
people really know how to relax.
Reach and transfer to hotel. Relax at the beach in the evening.
Overnight will be at Goa.
Day 12 : Goa
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of Goa.
Situated on the Mandovi River, it still shows a strong Portuguese heritage
in its plazas, cathedrals and architecture. Although it is best known for
its 65 miles/105 km of magnificent, palm tree - lined beaches along the
Arabian Sea, Goa has other attractions of significance. Among them are the
Portuguese Catholic Church of Old Goa and the Basilica of Bom Jesus (most
of the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is exhibited there on occasion.)
The tour includes visits to Mapusa town, Mayem Lake, Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute
beaches and Fort Aguada in North Goa and the South Goa tour covers Old Goa
Churches - Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Margao, Colva and Mormugao.
Return back to the resort and spend evening by the beach.
Overnight will be resort.
Day 13 : Goa
Relax
at the beaches of Goa. You would also take a tour of the churches and beaches
on one of the mornings.
Overnight will be in Goa.
Day 14 : Goa - Mumbai
By Flight
Number : IC 164
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Aircraft : Airbus 320
Departure : 1435 hr
Arrival : 1535 hr
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Spend the morning at leisure and then in the afternoon take flight to Mumbai.
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and
cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic
city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay
lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally
composed of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing
with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass"
(carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub
and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated
cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and
took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati,
the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple
once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.
Enjoy the
CHOWPATTY BEACH area in the evening.
Chowpatty
beach situated at the end of Marine Drive has a moderate expanse of sand and
is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu
religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty like the Annual Thread-Tying
Ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards
the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions.
Overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 15 : Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai.
Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is
a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting
point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument
was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King
George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the
old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings
from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers,
who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan
war of 1843, is also worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built
in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous
thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of
the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come
to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end
to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.
Flora
Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city was
erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere.
Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly
Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological
figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman
Goddess of flowers, at the top.
Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station: At the site of the Koli's original
temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's
most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations
in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences.
It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced
in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage of over 1500 feet.
The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an
ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and
Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet
dome crowning the centre.
Mumbai High court: An attractive building in early English Gothic style,
situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive
architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy surmount the Central
structure.
Rajabai
Clock tower: Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University
building rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five
elaborately decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the
cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.
Enjoy the shopping in the city.
Drive to the airport for flight home in the evening with sweet memories
of India.
TOUR ENDS
THE TOUR WILL INCLUDE:
a) ACCOMMODATION AS PER OCCUPANCY,
b) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
c) AIR-CONDITIONED CAR FOR ALL TRANSFERS & SIGHTSEEING,
d) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES FOR ALL TOURS,
e) MEET AND ASSIST AT THE AIRPORT(S) ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE,
f) DAILY BREAKFASTS AT HOTELS,
g) ELEPHANT BACK ASCENT AT AMER FORT, JAIPUR,
h) DANCES OF INDIA SHOW AT DELHI,
i) TOLL TAXES, DRIVER ALLOWANCE, PARKING,
j) OVERNIGHT HOUSEBOAT CRUISE AT BACKWATERS,
k) HARBOUR CRUISE AT COCHIN,
l) ALL MEALS WHILE ON HOUSEBOAT,
m) NATURE TREK AND BOAT RIDE AT PERYAR,
n) TRANSFERS AT GOA,
o) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
HOTELS :
| City |
Deluxe / Luxury Hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
The Claridges / Imperial / The Oberoi |
02 |
| Agra |
Hilton Trident / Amarvilas |
01 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace / Rajvilas |
02 |
| Cochin |
Le Meridien / Taj Malabar |
02 |
| Periyar |
Taj Garden Retreat / Spice Village |
02 |
| Backwaters |
Deluxe Houseboat / Luxury Houseboat |
01 |
| Goa |
Taj Fort Aguada / Taj Exotica |
03 |
| Mumbai |
Marine Plaza / Taj Mahal |
01 |
PRICING: (PER PERSON IN US$)
| OCCUPANCY |
CONSIDERING DELUXE HOTELS
|
CONSIDERING LUXURY HOTELS
|
| Sharing a double room |
2555 |
3999 |
Please note that lunches and dinners are not included along with camera, etc.
fees at the monuments and personal expenses. All hotels mentioned are subject
to availability at the time of quotation and prices are on per person basis
for minimum two adults traveling together. The car included in the tour cost
is an ac sedan which will be very comfortable. Vehicle is not included in
Goa at disposal. One day would be more than enough to see the monuments and
churches of Goa. Local airfare applicable is 720 $US and is separate to the
tour cost. Presently quoted airfare is on the basis of the DISCOVER FARE.
Any fuel surcharge applicable by the airline (s) will have to be paid separately
on actual.
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