South India Tour Packages Rajasthan
Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur – Cochin - Munnar – Alleppey – Houseboat - Kumarakom - Cochin
Day 01: Arrive - Delhi
After a hearty Indian welcome by Rajasthan Tour Planner representative at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi you will be escorted to your pre booked hotel for leisurely night stay.
Day 02: Delhi sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to enjoy a combined sightseeing trip of Old and New Delhi. Starting with the drive to Old Delhi, where, we will drive through Red Fort built by Shah Jahan in 16th century, when he moved to transfer his capital from Agra to Delhi. Just opposite side, we will visit Jama Masjid – largest mosque of India, built by Shah Jahan. Just near to Jama Masjid, we will explore the oldest local market Chandni Chowk, where we ride a rickshaw which will take us through narrow alleys, spice market, colourful bazaar, etc. From here, we will drive through India Gate and India's president's palace (India Gate). Continue drive and reach Humayun Tomb, which is known for its beautiful architecture. Also visit Qutub Minar – the tallest concrete structure in India with 74 meter height, Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun and Lotus Temple (Bahai's Temple).
Day 03: Delhi to Agra
Today, after having a leisure breakfast at the Delhi hotel, we will drive to our next destination Agra, the city known for Taj Mahal. We will enjoy a smooth ride through Yamuna express highway which will take you three hours to reach Agra.
On arrival at Agra, we will do the quick check at the hotel, and proceed to our rooms for bath and change.
In afternoon, we will come to the lobby, where our guide will be there to assist us and to proceed for the sightseeing. Starting the sightseeing of Agra Fort located on the banks of Yamuna. This 15 century fort is made up of red sand stone by Emperor Akbar, where the Shah Jahan –maker of Taj Mahal was kept in prison.
Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-U-Daulah known as 'Baby Taj', as it is built of white marble as Taj Mahal.
Later afternoon we head towards the Taj Mahal, where we will hop on the Tonga, the horse cart that will take us to the main gate of the Taj Mahal, where we begin exploring the Taj Mahal on feet. Built in the remembrance of Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is a true example of love that Shah Jahan had for his wife. The guide will accompany us and give us the detailed information about Taj Mahal.
Day 04: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar when he decided to shift his capital here, but due to the lack of water people left this place.
From here, we will continue our drive to Jaipur, known as a pink city. Upon arrival in Jaipur check into your hotel and there after bath and change, we will drive to the local markets and enjoy the traditional cuisines at the local restaurants.
Enjoy the evening while wandering around the local markets and to understand the city more closely. Leisurely evening and night stay will be at your hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur sightseeing
Today after having breakfast at the hotel, we will move for the full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Starting with the drive to Amber Fort that is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, and surrounded by the Aravali hills, we will ride from the foot of the Fort on elephant's back or jeep to reach at the gate of the fort situated at a height. Our guide will be waiting for us at the entry gate, which will then accompany us inside the Fort and explain the history and importance of the fort. Here, you will see the private courtyard and halls of the royal ladies, private meeting halls for public and govt people of the Rajputs and kings.
After spending a sufficient time at the Fort, we will drive to city for the rest of the sightseeing. Enroute, we will see the Jal Mahal. You can stop and capture it in your cameras.
Continuing further, visit the City Palace and museum, which, still is partially a royal residence and a museum of the old ornaments and clothes of the kings. Visit the largest observatory of Jantar Mantar, constructed to see the astronomical moments. Drive through the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It has a lot of windows, which were made for the royal ladies of the families.
In evening enjoy the busy streets of colourful bazaars of the city.
Day 06: Jaipur – Cochin (by flight)
Following early breakfast at the hotel, you will get assisted to the Sanganer airport to board our flight to Cochin via Mumbai or Delhi.
On arrival at Cochin airport, our Cochin representative will be waiting for you, who will assist you to your hotel. Cochin is among the most important ports of India and has its own importance in commercial and industrial areas. From Arabs to Portugese, everyone have been here, and left a mark on city's history.
Enjoy the guided sightseeing of Cochin, where we will visit Chinese fishing nets which is a livelihood for many fishermen to visit the Fort Cochin area, where we will see the European style bungalows, St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi, Santa Cruz Basilica and Vasco House. The area is also famous for its local Kerala cuisines. From here, we drive to Jewish Synagogue, Jews Town and Dutch palace in Mattancherry of Cochin. Evening if time permits, we will visit the Kerala Kathakali centre, where we will enjoy the live drama and dance performance of Kathakali. This is a dance performance based on the expressions, acting, music and dance. You can see the dancers while doing art makeup and preparing themselves for performances. Drive back to the hotel for night stay in Cochin.
Day 07 : Cochin – Munnar
Today, we will drive to Munnar, which was once the summer residence of Britishers and now has developed into a beautiful hill station sprawling the tea plantations. Lush green mountains and blue skies, makes it a perfect picturesque location. On arrival, check into the resort.
Later after wash and change, visit the famous sites such as Eravikulam National Park known for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the green mountains covered with tea plantations.
Evening, we visit the Tea Museum, where you can enjoy the exotic flavours of fresh made tea. You may purchase them for your home or either can prepare the same to enjoy it in the nice weather.
We spend some time walking in the tea plantation and then come back to our hotel for the night stay.
Day 08: Munnar – Alleppey – Houseboat
After breakfast at our resort in Munnar, we will drive to Alleppey to enjoy the most memorable part of the trip; here we will board our private wooden houseboats which are beautifully furnished with all the amenities. While cruising over the houseboats, we will enjoy canoeing, fishing; explore the life of the local people, selling vegetables, flowers in the small boats. You can see the people busy in their daily schedules and carrying their own domestic activities. You can stop in between and explore the places on foot. Meals will be served on board.
Day 09: Arrive at Kumarakom
Morning while sailing and having the breakfast at the houseboat, we will reach to the Kumarakom, where we will disembark from the Alleppey and drive to our resort at Kumarakom. Kumarakom is known for its beautiful garden retreats, serene backwaters, virgin beaches and bird sanctuary.
On arrival, check into your resort, we will then take a short trip to the bird sanctuary at Kumarakom, which is famous for the migratory birds such as Siberian Crane. One can enjoy the boat ride at the lagoon here, which is the best way to explore the sanctuary.
Night stay will be in the Kerala Backwaters resort.
Day 10: Kumarakom
Day is at leisure to relax at the resort and explore the nearby local villages, markets and try local cuisines.
Day 11: Kumarakom - Cochin
Following a leisurely breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and transfer to the Cochin Airprot to board onward flight.