Rajasthan with the Thar Desert Safari
Day 1: Departure
Day 2: Arrive Delhi
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 3: Delhi
After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi. The day begins with sightseeing at Old Delhi and a visit to Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Parliament House. End the day with a visit to the capital's most striking monument; the 70 meter high Qutab Minar.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 4: Delhi / Agra (Approx. 125 miles / 200 kms / 3 hour drive)
Today visit the iconic city of Agra; an intoxicating mix of architectural gems, the monument of love, imposing forts and unforgettable stories between all of this, the warmth and hospitality of charming people. Visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 5: Agra / Jaipur (Approx. 163 miles / 205 kms / 6 hour drive)
Early in the morning behold the glorious sight of the sun casting its mellow rays on the Taj Mahal. Sunrise is the best hour to experience the Taj Mahal as the light reflects off the marble to give it a magnificent golden hue. Have breakfast at the hotel and check out. Leave for Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the sandstone city.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast, leave for a half-day excursion to the Amber Fort. En-route make a photo stop at the palace of winds, the Hawa Mahal. A visit to the City Palace in the afternoon, which now houses the royal residence and museums with a fine collection of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts and paintings, followed by a stopover at Jantar Mantar, wraps up the day.
Overnight at the hotel (B, D)
Day 7: Jaipur/ Mandawa (Approx. 113 miles / 180 kms / 5 hour drive)
Set out for Mandawa after breakfast and check-in to your hotel on arrival. The fort town of Mandawa lies in the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. This small town is an attraction for its beautifully made forts and palaces, known as 'havelis'.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 8: Mandawa / Bikaner (Approx. 103miles / 164 kms / 5 hour drive)
After breakfast drive to Bikaner and check-in to your hotel. Visit the Junagarh Fort which lies to the northeast of the old walled city of Bikaner. This historical monument was built by Raja Rai Singh, a general in Akbar's army, in 1593. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 9: Bikaner / Jaisalmer (Approx. 205 miles / 333 kms / 6 hour 30 minutes drive)
Proceed to Jaisalmer after breakfast and check-in to your hotel. Walk along the lively and colorful markets of Jaisalmer in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 10: Jaisalmer
After breakfast set out to discover the beauty of the Jaisalmer Fort which overlooks the city. This ancient monument, built in 1156, holds not only the Jain Temple complex within it, but is also famous for its stunning havelis such as the Patwa Haveli, the Salim Haveli and the Nathmal Haveli. Drive to the Royal Cenotaphs in the evening and see the beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 11: Jaisalmer / Jamba (Approx. 128 miles / 205 kms / 4 hour drive)
After breakfast, begin the journey to the Dera Dune Retreat at Jamba. The world's first retreat on top of a sand dune, this is a perfect place to get away to and enjoy the solitude of desert life. Watch the evening come alive with traditional Rajasthani musicians and dancers from nearby villages.
Overnight at the Dera Dune Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 12: Jamba
An exciting jeep safari, after breakfast, takes you to the surrounding villages. Interact with the Bishnoi tribes that inhabit this region and see for yourself, the simple lives of these people. Discover the 29 (bis-nou) tenets laid down by the 15-century guru, Jambeshwar and visit the temple of 'Jambaji,' the founder of this tribe. Share your interest and craft with the children of the school in the afternoon. A Camel safari to visit the salt pans completes the desert experience.
Overnight at the Dera Dune Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 13: Jamba / Jodhpur (Approx. 100 miles / 160 kms / 3 hour drive)
Leave for Jodhpur after breakfast. Pay an unforgettable visit to the imposing Meherangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph. The evening is spent exploring the lively local markets of the city with a visit to the clock tower to end the evening. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 14: Jodhpur / Delhi (Flight 9W3312 / ETD: 1330 / ETA: 1500) Departure
After breakfast, visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace. An incredible royal residence done in the art-deco style, the Palace has now been converted into a luxury hotel. The Maharaja of Jodhpur and his family continue to live in this Palace. From there on, leave for the airport to board your flight to Delhi. Our representative will escort you from the Delhi airport to your hotel where you may freshen up. Thereafter, drive to the international airport to board your outgoing flight.
North India with Village Safari
Day 1: Departure
Day 2: Arrive Delhi
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel
Day 3: Delhi
After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi. The day begins with sightseeing in Old Delhi and a visit to Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the President's estate and the Parliament House. End the day with a visit to the capital's most striking monument, the 70 meter high Qutab Minar. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 4: Delhi - Mandawa (Approx. 268 kms / 6 hour drive)
Drive to Mandawa and check-in to your hotel on arrival. Situated in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, the fort town of Mandawa lies in the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. This small town is an attraction for its beautifully made forts and palaces, known as havelis. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 5: Mandawa - Jaipur (Approx. 180 kms / 5 hour drive)
Depart for Jaipur, the home of India's legendary Hindu warriors, whose historic forts, palaces, and gardens lend a timeless quality to this region. You may spend the day at leisure exploring the colorful and lively markets of Jaipur. Dinner with a Noble family at the Sankotra Haveli is a memorable experience. Overnight at the hotel (B, D)
Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast, take a half-day excursion to Amber Fort. En-route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds – the Hawa Mahal – a 5 storied structure built in the 18th century .In the afternoon, visit the City Palace which occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the royal residence as well as museums with a rich collection of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit the Jantar Mantar (1728-34) built by King Jai Singh II who had a great interest in astrology. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 7: Jaipur - Ranthambore (Approx. 170 kms / 5 hour drive)
Drive to Ranthambore after breakfast. En-route, stop at a local school and spend time with the children. Check-in to your hotel at Ranthambore and have lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the incredible Ranthambore fort. In the evening there will be a talk on wildlife, accompanied by a slide show. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8: Ranthambore
See the forest greet a new day in an early morning game drive into the Park. The Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. After lunch, resume the search for tigers during the afternoon game drive. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 9: Ranthambore - Kalakho (Approx. 170 kms / 4 hour drive)
Drive to your next destination, Kalakho. On arrival at the Dera Village Retreat, which has been specially created to explore the Living Cultures of India, you will be given a traditional welcome. Enjoy a local folk dance and music performance at the Retreat, in the evening. Overnight at the Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 10: Kalakho
After breakfast, visit a local village on camel back. Here, you will meet the colorful Meena tribe. Spend time meeting the villagers and learning about life in rural India. Later, in the afternoon go for a hike to the nearby hills. Overnight at the Retreat. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Kalakho - Bharatpur - Agra (Approx. 170 kms / 4 hour drive)
Proceed to Bharatpur after breakfast for an exciting cycle-rickshaw ride through one of the India's finest bird parks, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park). Drive to Agra and en-route, explore Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful sandstone city. At Agra you will check-in to your hotel and later in the afternoon pay a visit to the majestic Agra Fort. Overnight at the hotel. (B)
Day 12: Agra / Delhi (Approx. 220 kms / 4 hour drive)
Proceed to Bharatpur after breakfast for an exciting cycle-rickshaw ride through one of the India's finest bird parks, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park). Drive to Agra and en-route, explore Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful sandstone city. At Agra pay a visit to the majestic Agra Fort before checking into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (B)
Day 13: Departure
Kolkata with Brahmaputra River Upstream Cruise
DAY 1 (Saturday): Arrive Kolkata
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Visit to the Victoria Memorial – Kolkata's best known monument. It has a rich collection of miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. Of special importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and a large artillery collection. (Please note that the Victoria Memorial Museum remains closed on Mondays)
Visit the St. Paul's Cathedral, built in the Indo-Gothic style in 1847 by Major W.N. Forbes of the East India Company. This Cathedral has the rare distinction of being the first Episcopal Church of the East. The St. Paul's Cathedral is similar in design to the famous Canterbury Cathedral.
Pay a visit to Mother Teresa's House – 'Nirmal Hriday' and also visit Shishu Bhawan located near her house. Overnight at the hotel (B)
DAY 2 (Sunday): Kolkata / Guwahati (by Flight) / Kiriakara (Join the main tour)
Drive to the airport to take the flight to Guwahati to join the main tour. (B)
Time permitting, we will visit the Kamakhya temple on the way to the ship.(closed from 1.00 pm to 3:30 pm) This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire, whose name is Kama Khya,the granter of desires. Animal sacrifices take place here almost daily.
At 14:00 hrs., the M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail to Kiriakara. Guests will be given safety briefing followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 3 (Monday): Kiriakara / Tezpur
Spend the day sailing to Tezpur – the upstream cruise offers a perfect vantage point for viewing life on the mighty Brahmaputra. Enjoy a massage in our spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. You may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting glimpse of the Gangetic Dolphins or do some bird watching from the decks. There's lots to do onboard. The book lovers are sure to enjoy our well stocked library; see a presentation on ‘The Wildlife of Kaziranga’ or watch a DVD on the tribes of Assam. Overnight onboard (B, L, D).
Day 4 (Tuesday): Tezpur / Kaziranga
Start the day by sailing to Tezpur where we will visit a tea plantation after breakfast. Wander through the manicured tea gardens of the Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation, watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assam tea. Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation is a top-class resort in the Planter bungalow tradition which takes you back to the colonial days. Later, our ship sails towards Silghat.
After lunch, leave for a jeep safari to the Kaziranga National Park. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Wednesday): Kaziranga / Bishwanath
Rise before dawn and set off for the Kaziranga National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime elephant safari to look for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. After breakfast at the resort in Kaziranga, return to the jungle for a jeep safari. You return to the ship for lunch as it continues to sail to Bishwanath. We take smaller boats to visit this charming village. Watch the village women weave cotton and silk in almost all the houses here as they happily share their experiences with you. In the evening, enjoy a dance performance onboard followed by a demonstration of the technique of wearing an Assamese sari. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 6 (Thursday): Bishwanath Ghat / Towards Majuli
As the ship sails to Majuli, there is time to enjoy a massage in the spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. You may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting glimpse of the Gangetic Dolphins or do some bird watching from the decks. Arrive at an isolated island for drinks and dinner. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 7 (Friday): Majuli Island
Arrive at Majuli in the afternoon and after lunch onboard, visit the Satra's. Majuli is a treasure house of Assamese culture and ancient monasteries dedicated to the preservation of the arts that have existed here since the 15th century. Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satras. These Satras became the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. Even today, Satras preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewelry and other articles of cultural importance. In Majuli, visit the Samagudi Satra and enjoy the masked dance. You will also meet the Mishing people in their village.
Return to the M.V. Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on 'Vaishnavism in Assam'. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Saturday): Majuli / Nimati / Sibsagar
Start your day with a visit to Auniati Satra. Visit the prayer hall, the monks quarters and watch the art of fan making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience.
Sail to Nimati. Disembark and travel overland to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. Sibsagar, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire, the Ahom. The Thai-speaking Ahoms came to the area from Yunnan, China, in the 13th century AD. The town is built round the Sibsagar Lake, dug over a 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734, is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India.
Back onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu, there is time to relax and pack before the farewell dinner. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 9 (Sunday): Disembarkation / Flight to Kolkata
Disembarking at Nimati, guests departing from Dibrugarh Airport will have an early morning departure. Travel time is four hours through the rich paddy fields of Assam. Fly to Kolkata from Dibrugarh. Check into your hotel. (B)
Day 10 (Monday): Departure
Early morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to onward destination.
Golden Triangle with Brahmaputra River Downstream Cruise
Day 1 (Monday): Departure
Day 2 (Tuesday): Arrive Delhi
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result was a well laid out city with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world. Overnight at the hotel
Day 3 (Wednesday): Delhi
After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi. The day begins with sightseeing in Old Delhi and a visit to Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the President's estate and the Parliament House. End the day with a visit to the capital's most striking monument; the 70 meter high Qutab Minar. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 4 (Thursday): Delhi / Agra (Approx. 220 kms / 5 hour drive)
After breakfast drive to Agra. En-route visit Sikandra– the city named after Sikandra Lodhi – holds the tomb of the mighty Akbar. The construction of this mausoleum was started by Akbar himself but was completed in 1613 by his son Emperor Jehangir. On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset – surely the greatest monument of love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 laborers worked for 17 years to build this edifice. It was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 5 (Friday): Agra/Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (Approx. 260 kms / 5 hour drive)
After breakfast, visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12-meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan – helped create this massive structure. Later drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the sandstone city which was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it boasts of palaces, forts and mosques representing a variety of architectural styles. On arrival check in to the hotel. Enjoy dinner with a Noble family at the Sankotra Haveli. (Experiencing the Living Cultures of India) Overnight at the hotel (B, D)
Day 6 (Saturday): Jaipur
After breakfast, take a half-day excursion to the Amber Fort. En-route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds – the Hawa Mahal – a 5 stored structure built in the 18 century. It has 953 windows and niches from where ladies of royal family could see the processions and events in the city without being visible to other people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort (11 kms. north of Jaipur) perched on a height of 130 m high on the Aravalli hills. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the Palace fort.
In the afternoon visit the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the royal residence and museums with a rich collection of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts and paintings. Also visit the Jantar Mantar (1728-34) built by King Jai Singh II who had a great interest in astrology. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 7 (Sunday): Jaipur / Dibrugarh / Nimati / M.V. Mahabaahu
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and transfer to the Jaipur airport to fly to Dibrugarh via Kolkata (Jaipur/Kolkata and Kolkata/Dibrugarh. JAI/CCU by 6E-207 at 0820/1030& CCU/DIB by 6E-205 at 1230/1355 hrs.). Arrive at Dibrugarh airport and transfer to Nimati (4 hour drive), where you will be welcomed onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu. After check in and guest safety briefing, enjoy the Captain's welcome dinner. Overnight onboard (B,L,D)
DAY 8 (Monday): Nimati / Sibsagar / Majuli
Drive to Sibsagar, the ancient city of the Ahom Kings. Sibsagar, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire – the Ahom. The town is built around the Sibsagar tank, dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India.
Be back onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu (after a four hour excursion), for lunch and set sail for Majuli. In Majuli, visit Samagudi Satra and enjoy the masked dance. (This trip will take approximately 3 hours) Return to the M.V. Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on 'Vaishnavism in Assam'. Dinner onboard Overnight onboard (B,L,D)
DAY 9 (Tuesday): Majuli / Sailing towards Bishwanath Ghat
Majuli is a treasure house of Assamese culture. Ancient monasteries dedicated to preservation of the arts have existed here since the fifteenth century. Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satra – the hub of culture, art, and religion. Even today, the Satra preserve weapons, utensils, jewelry and other articles of cultural importance. Sail to the Kamalabari jetty and drive to Auniati Satra. Visit the prayer hall, the monks quarters and seethe art of fan making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience. (This excursion takes approximately 4 hours) Also meet the Mishing people in their village. Return to the M.V. Mahabaahu and set sail towards Bishwanath ghat. Arrive at an isolated island for drinks and dinner. Overnight onboard (B,L,D)
DAY 10 (Wednesday): Arrive Bishwanath Ghat
Arrive at Bishwanath after eight hours of sailing and drop anchor. After lunch, take the smaller boats to visit this charming village where you can see the local women as they weave cotton and silk in their homes. Return to M.V. Mahabaahu. In the evening, enjoy a dance performance onboard followed by a demonstration on how to wear an Assamese sari. Dinner onboard. Overnight onboard (B,L,D)
DAY 11 (Thursday): BishwanathGhat / Silghat / Tea Plantation
Sail to Silghat and drive to a tea plantation. Wander through the manicured tea gardens, watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assamese tea. Return onboard for lunch.
Leave for a jeep safari in the western range of the Kaziranga Park. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-horned Indian Rhinoceros but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Dinner onboard. Overnight onboard (B,L,D)
DAY 12: (Friday): Kaziranga National Park
Rise before dawn and set off for the Kaziranga National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime elephant safari to look for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. Breakfast at a resort. Drive to the Kohora gate for a jeep safari. Return to the M.V. Mahabaahu for lunch. Set sail towards Guwahati. Dinner onboard. Overnight onboard (B,L,D)
DAY 13 (Saturday): Guwahati
Sail to Pandu. Relax on board with Spa facilities, swimming pool, gymnasium or simply indulge in some bird watching from the decks. Your guide summarizes the rich legacy of the Assamese culture and civilization for you. Arrive at Pandu port, just after lunch and depart for a visit to the Kamakhya Temple from the periphery (Sanctum closed from 1.00 pm to 3:30 pm). Animal sacrifices take place at the temple almost daily. After an orientation visit to Guwahati city, return to the M.V. Mahabaahu. Enjoy the farewell dinner. Overnight onboard (B,L,D)
DAY 14 (Sunday): Guwahati / Departure
After breakfast leave for the airport to board the flight to you
Bhutan with Brahmaputra River Upstream Cruise
Day 1 (Sunday): Departure
Day 2 (Monday): Arrive Kolkata
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel
Day 3 (Tuesday): Kolkata / Paro by Flight & Paro / Thimphu (Approx. 41 miles / 65 kms / 2 hour drive)
Fly to Paro. The flight over the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the world's highest peaks, taking you right into the Dragon kingdom's cloud scraping airstrip at the lush green Paro valley. (alt. 7000 ft). Upon arrival in Paro, meet your Bhutanese tour director and then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the government offices and the King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 4 (Wednesday): Thimphu
Get an insider's view of the Bhutanese culture. Explore the traditional arts at the famed School of Arts & Crafts in Thimphu. Visit the Tango Gompa and the National Library which houses an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist literature. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School). In the evening visit the colorful market of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Thursday): Thimphu / Punakha (Approx. 44 miles / 70 kms / 4 ½ hour drive)
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha. In the afternoon visit Khamsum Yulley, Namgyal Chorten (the newly built stupa) and Wangduephodrang Dzong. Stretched along the hilltop, above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, the imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town's most visible feature. This district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate, mined in a valley, a few kilometres out of the town. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 6 (Friday): Punakha / Paro (Approx. 110 miles / 176 kms / 5 hour drive)
Spend the morning at leisure. Later drive to Paro and check-in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7 (Saturday): Paro
The first stop of the day is Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong ('fortress of the heap of jewels'). Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Songtsen Gampo, a Tibetan King. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Sunday): Paro / Guwahati / Onboard M.V Mahabaahu
After breakfast, drive to the airport to board your flight to Guwahati. Our representative will meet you at the Guwahati airport. Time permitting, we will visit the temple of Kamakhya on the way to the ship (Please note that the temple is closed from 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm). This Temple is devoted to the eternal feminine, the goddess of desire – Kama Khya – the granter of desires. Animal sacrifices take place here almost daily.
At 14:00 hours, the M.V. Mahabaahu sets sail for Kiriakara. Guests will be given a safety briefing, followed by a special Captain's welcome dinner. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 9 (Monday): Kiriakara / Tezpur
Spend the day sailing to Tezpur – the upstream cruise offers a perfect vantage point from where to view life on the mighty Brahmaputra. Enjoy a massage in our spa, soak in the jacuzzi or swim laps in the pool. You may prefer to scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins or do some bird watching from the decks. There's lots to do onboard. The book lovers are sure to enjoy our well stocked library. In the late afternoon, enjoy a presentation on 'TheWildlife of Kaziranga' or you could watch a DVD on the tribes of Assam. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 10 (Tuesday): Tezpur / Kaziranga
Wander through the manicured tea gardens of the Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation, watch tea pickers at work and taste the perfect cup of Assam tea. The Wild Mahseer Tea Plantation is a top-class resort, in the Planter bungalow tradition, which takes you back to the colonial days. Later, our ship sails towards Silghat.
After lunch, depart for a jeep safari to the Kaziranga National park. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Kaziranga National Park is located in the flood plains on both sides of the Brahmaputra. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, deer, bison, and a rich variety of birds. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 11 (Wednesday): Kaziranga / Bishwanath
Rise before dawn and set off for the Kaziranga National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime elephant safari to look for the elusive rhinoceros and tiger. After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, return to the jungle for a jeep safari. Lunch is back on the ship as it sails to Bishwanath. Here, we take smaller boats to visit this charming village. Watch the village women weave cotton and silk. In the evening, enjoy a dance performance onboard followed by a demonstration of the technique of wearing an Assamese sari. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 12 (Thursday): Bishwanath Ghat / Towards Majuli
While the ship sails to Majuli, spend a lazy day pampering yourself onboard the ship. Relax, swim, go for a massage to the spa or simply sit on the deck and unwind. Arrive at an isolated island for drinks and dinner. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 13 (Friday): Majuli Island
Arrive at Majuli in the afternoon and after lunch onboard, visit the Satra's. Majuli is a treasure house of Assamese culture. Ancient monasteries, dedicated to the preservation of the arts, have existed here since the 15th century. Written records are found of the visit of Shankardeva, a social reformer, during the 16th century. He promulgated a form of Hinduism that was also called Vaishnavism. He established monasteries or hermitages that were called Satras. These Satras became the hub of culture, art, religion and lifestyle. Even today, Satras preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewelry and other articles of cultural importance. In Majuli, we visit Samagudi Satra and enjoy the masked dance. We also meet the Mishing people in their village.
Return to the M.V. Mahabaahu and enjoy a talk on 'Vaishnavism in Assam'. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 14 (Saturday): Majuli / Nimati / Sibsagar
The morning starts with a visit to the Auniati Satra. Visit the prayer halls and get a rare peep into the living quarters of monks and see the art of fan-making. A drum dance is the perfect way to end this cultural experience.
Sail to Nimati. Disembark and travel overland to Sibsagar, the ancient capital city of the Ahom Kings. Sibasagar, which literally means 'the ocean of Lord Shiva', is strewn with the tell-tale ruins of a powerful empire – the Ahom. The Thai-speaking Ahoms came to the area from Yunnan, China, in the 13th century AD. The town is built around the Sibsagar Lake, dug over 200 years ago. On its banks are located some of the famous temples of Sibsagar. The Shiva Temple, constructed in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Hindu temple in India.
Back onboard the M.V. Mahabaahu, there is time to relax and pack before the farewell dinner. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 15 (Sunday): Disembarkation
Disembarking at Nimati, guests departing from Dibrugarh airport will have an early morning departure. Travel time is four hours through the rich agricultural fields and paddies of Assam.
Sikkim and Bhutan
Day 1: Departure
Day 2: Arrive Kolkata
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 3: Kolkata / Bagdogra (by AI 721 / 1340 hrs.) / Darjeeling (Approx. 50 miles / 80 kms / 3 hour drive)
After breakfast, our representative will escort you to the airport to board the flight to Bagdogra. A beautiful drive, through the tea gardens, will take you to Darjeeling. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 4: Darjeeling
Well before dawn you will go to Tiger Hill, famous for its magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and the eastern Himalayan peaks. On the way back, visit the Ghoom Monastery. Breakfast is at the hotel. You will also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and the museum. Adjacent to this is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – a high altitude wildlife park and home to the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Deer, and the Panda. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 5: Darjeeling / Gangtok (Approx. 60 miles / 96 kms / 2 ½ hour drive)
After Breakfast, drive to Gangtok through the landscaped tea gardens of Darjeeling and the Teesta valley. Evening is at leisure to explore the local markets. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 6: Gangtok
After breakfast, set out to explore the famous Rumtek monastery – this was the official seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Lunch is followed by a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Set in serene surroundings of oak, birch and ash woods, the Institute was established in 1958. Built in traditional style, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world's largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. A pleasant walk through the Orchid Museum is an excellent way to end this wonderful day. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7: Gangtok / Pemayangtse (Approx. 50 miles / 80 kms / 2 hour drive)
Leave for Pemayangtse after breakfast and, on arrival, check-in to your hotel. The Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim is held in the highest regard and considered to be one of the oldest monasteries, dating back to 1705.This will be a memorable visit. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8: Pemayangtse / Kalimpong (Approx. 48 miles / 77 kms / 2 hour drive)
After breakfast, drive to Kalimpong and check-in to your hotel. Later take a short trip to Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery located at the top of Durpin Dara, from where you can get a panoramic view of the town and the mountains. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs. You will also visit the flower nurseries which grow and export exotic flowers like Amaryllis Lilies, Roses, Gerberas, Dahlias, Gladiolai, Orchids and Cacti – the display of colour here is simply breathtaking. In the evening explore the interesting bazaar of Kalimpong. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 9: Kalimpong / Phuntsoling (Approx. 70 miles / 112 kms / 3 hour drive)
Drive to Doars after breakfast. You will visit the Jaldapara Sanctuary which is home to the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and also serves as a frequent feeding ground for elephant herds. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 10: Phuntsoling / Thimphu (Approx. 140 miles / 224 kms / 8 - 9 hour drive)
After an early breakfast, set off for Thimpu, en-route cross the border between India and Bhutan. On the way you will come across Chuzzom, a confluence of the rivers Parochu and Thimpuchu. You will also get to see the three stupas representing three different styles of stupa architecture – Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese. At Thimphu, check-in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 11: Thimphu
Get an insider's view into Bhutanese culture at the famed School of Arts & Crafts in Thimphu, Tango Gompa and the National Library which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. Your experience is further enhanced by a visit to the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School). End the day with a walk through the colorful market of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 12: Thimphu / Punakha (Approx. 44 miles / 70 Kms / 4 ½ hour drive)
Have an early breakfast and leave for Punakha. In the afternoon explore Punakha Dzong – a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. This is followed by a visit to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 13: Punakha / Paro (Approx. 110 miles / 176 kms / 5 hour drive)
After a relaxed morning, proceed to Paro. Check-in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 14: Paro
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong. Originally built as a watchtower it now houses the National Museum. As you walk down the trail you will come across Rinpung Dzong, 'fortress of the heap of jewels'. Next is a visit to Drukgyel Dzong, an old fortress which was reduced to rubbles, centuries ago, during a war fought by the Bhutanese and the Tibetians. The day ends with a visit to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 15: Paro / Kolkata (Flight: KB210 ETD: 0720 ETA: 0800 or KB124 ETD: 1000 ETA: 1030)
Drive to the airport after breakfast where our representative will assist you in boarding the flight to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata, our representative will escort you to your hotel. An orientation tour of Kolkata will include some fascinating monuments like the Victoria Memorial and the St. Paul's Cathedral. Also visit the Indian Museum, which possesses one of the best collections of Indian art in the entire subcontinent. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 16: Kolkata departure
You will be escorted to the International airport to board your outgoing flight.
South India with Kerala River Cruises and Festivals
Day 1: Arrive Chennai
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 2: Chennai / Mahabalipuram (Approx. 36 miles / 58 kms / 1 ½ hour drive).
After breakfast, visit Fort St. George which was built by the British East India Company. The fort also houses a quaint little museum known as the Fort Museum. Later on, drive to Mahabalipuram. En-route visit the Cholamandal Art Village, a colony where about 30 artists and sculptors live and work. You can get some great bargains here. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 3: Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram (Approx. 41 miles / 65 kms / 1 ½ hour drive)
Take a half-day excursion to Kanchipuram, also known as the, 'city of a thousand temples'. The most famous of these are the Ekambeshwara temple and the Varaderajaswamy temple. Drive back to Mahabalipuram to explore its five 'Pagodas' or chariots . Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 4: Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (Approx. 86miles / 138 kms / 3 ½ hour drive)
Drive to Pondicherry after breakfast and check-in to your hotel. Discover the huge cream and brown church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of Pondicherry's finest Catholic churches. You are sure to be enthralled by the stone sculptures, bronze weapons and paintings at your next stop, the Pondicherry museum. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 5: Pondicherry / Tanjore (Approx 111miles / 177 kms / 5 hour drive)
In the morning, drive to Tanjore. Explore the Brihadeeswara Temple, the main attraction of Tanjore. Visit the art gallery which has a rich collection of bronze and stone statues, dating from the 9th to the 12th century. Tanjore is famous for its paintings. Visit the village and marvel at artists making Tanjore paintings using gold foil. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 6: Tanjore / Trichy / Madurai (Approx. 94 miles / 150 kms / 5 hour drive)
In the morning, leave for Madurai, via Trichy and visit the Rock Temple and Sri Rangnathaswamy Temple. Later drive to Madurai which is also known as the Temple City and is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. The evening will be spent at the Meenakshi temple to witness 'aarti' ceremony. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 7: Madurai
After breakfast, visit the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. We will also visit the weaver's colony to learn how the famous Madurai cotton is woven. Later in the afternoon, visit the Gandhi Museum and explore the Tirumalai Nayak Mahal. Enjoy the sound and light show which gives a musical glimpse into the rich history of Madurai. Later in the evening, explore the colorful markets of Madurai . Overnight at the Hotel (B)
Day 8: Madurai / Periyar (Approx. 91 miles / 145 kms / 4 ½ hour drive)
After breakfast, drive to Periyar and check-in to your hotel. Enjoy a boat ride to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 9: Periyar / Backwaters (Houseboat) (Approx. 134 miles / 215 kms / 5 hour drive)
In the morning, visit the spice plantations and later drive to the starting point of your boating trip to board the luxury houseboat. Traditionally called a Kettuvallom, or rice barge, the shallow and rounded hull of the boat is made without using a single nail. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 10: Backwaters (Houseboat)
On this comfortable floating home you may spend your day relaxing and unwinding. As you slowly cruise along the backwater canals of the Arabian Sea, you may choose to stop and explore some of the many small villages, farmlands, old temples and churches that you come across. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 11: Backwaters (Houseboat) / Cochin (Approx. 56 miles / 90 kms / 2 ½ hour drive)
After breakfast, drive to Cochin and check-in to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Cochin. In the evening watch a Kathakali dance performance, the most developed form of dance-drama of India. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 12: Cochin
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Cochin. Fort Cochin, your first stop, where the Portuguese flag was first hoisted, is also believed to be the oldest settlement in India. Thereafter, visit the St Francis Church, built in 1510 by Friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama. The gorgeous view of the ocean from the beach, enhanced by the Chinese fishing nets, first erected between 1350 and 1450 AD makes an extremely picturesque sight. This is followed by a visit to the Jewish Synagogue (closed to non-Jews on Fridays and Saturdays). Depart for the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) which contains mythological murals and traditional Keralite flooring.
End your day with a traditional cooking demonstration and dinner with Nimmy, a professional cookery instructor and her stockbroker husband, Paul. Overnight at the hotel (B, D)
Day 13: Departure Cochin
You will be escorted to the international airport to board your outgoing flight.
Karnataka with 7 nights Backwater Cruise (South to North)
Day 1: Arrive Bangalore
You arrive at Bangalore airport. After clearing India Immigration and Customs, you step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative.
(No meals)
Day 2: Bangalore - Mysore (Approx. 150 Kms & 4 Hrs. drive)
Morning after relaxed breakfast, check-out and drive to Mysore (also known as Mysuru). Along the way, we visit the river island town of Srirangapatna, with its celebrated 9th-century Hindu Ranganatha Temple. The Indian ruler Tipu Sultan made his capital here and opposed the English East India Company forces in four wars until he fell in a siege in 1799, the temple and the island as a whole has become an important pilgrimage site.
After our touring here, we arrive in Mysore and check-in to the hotel on arrival.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 3: Mysore
This morning, we visit the Chamundi Hills, site of the 12th-century Chamundeshwari Temple with its 1,008 ancient steps leading to the summit. The highlight of this lofty temple is the statue of Nandi, the enormous bull used as a mount by Hindu god Shiva, which sits on the 800th step of the temple. The ornately carved granite bull presides over the temple’s visitors; at over 15 feet high and 24 feet long, it dwarfs the iconic Charging Bull statue in New York’s Financial District.
Our next stop brings more magnificent architecture, as we visit the Palace of Mysore, the Indo-Saracenic blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles that remains the home of the Maharajahs of Mysore and counts among India’s most popular attractions. The palace before us, among India’s most grand, and the fourth to stand on this site, replaced the last which fire destroyed in 1897. An exquisite opulence greets us within through a dazzling array of carvings, chandeliers, mosaics, stained glass, paintings, and frescoes. From these two overwhelming structures, we move to a humbler stop: a visit to a local workshop to learn how the local sandalwood incense is made by hand. We have the afternoon free for exploration and lunch on our own. Options include wandering the local markets to find Mysore’s renowned silk saris and ties, spices, and sandalwood crafts.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 4: Mysore – Kabini (Approx. 65 Kms & 1.5 Hrs. drive)
Morning after breakfast, leave for Nagarhole National Park, established in 1955, whose abundant wildlife, including leopard, Indian bison, wild dog, deer, antelope, hyena, and more make it one of India’s finest preserves. In the summer months, this park also hosts the world’s greatest concentration of Asian elephants, estimated at 8,000–14,000, who migrate here to feast on riverbed pastures.
On arrival, check in the hotel and have lunch together. We then set out on a boat safari that takes in some of Nagarhole’s 247 square miles. If we are fortunate, we may spot the critically endangered Oriental white-backed vulture, or some of the other threatened bird species that find shelter in Nagarhole. We dine at our lodge tonight.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 5: Kabini
Today morning we take a safari in an open-air 4-wheel-drive vehicle through Nagarhole in search of wildlife. After our excursion, we return to the lodge for breakfast. You will have free time to relax before lunch together at the lodge. Later, enjoy the coracle ride followed by the village walk. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 6: Kabini - Calicut (Approx. 170 Kms & 5 Hrs. drive)
Today after breakfast, we make the five-hour drive to Calicut, dubbed the “City of Spices” in antiquity for its role in the thriving eastern spice trade. Stop at the plantation for the lunch, we will take a walk with the plantation owner to learn about the spice crops grown in this area.
Continue drive to Calicut and check-in to the hotel on arrival. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L)
Day 7: Calicut - Cochin (Jan Shatabdi at 0610 / 0947 Hrs)
Early this morning we transfer to the railway station, where we board a train and head south along the coast to Kochi (formerly called Cochin), the first of Europe’s colonies in India.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 8: Cochin
Morning breakfast at hotel. Later we have a walking tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicentre of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences. We begin with the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The Dutch renovated and expanded it a century later, earning it its name. The palace also contains some of India’s finest mythological murals; the walls depict scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (please note: the Dutch Palace closes on Fridays and Saturdays. Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India. Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804.
Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi. These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity, their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men. Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century or possibly travellers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 9: Cochin - Alleppey & board RV Vaikundam (Backwater Cruise)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), a prominent ancient trade centre visited by the Greek, Arabs and Romans.
Alappuzha (Alleppey) or Venice of the East as visualized by the British, or the present-day Rice bowl of the State, Alappuzha is blessed with natural bounties. This coastal town is built on strips of land along a magical network of rivers, lakes and lagoons. Seafood, coir, rice and metals & minerals are the major resources of Alleppey(Alappuzha).
Upon arrival in the town, we take a walk along the old part of the town and the market.
Proceed to the jetty and embark on RV Vaikundam. Check-in and set sail to experience the serene and green world of meandering waters and expanses of paddy fields and coconut plantations. This spectacular water world, of fertile land, tropical greenery and rich avian & aquatic species, at the Southernmost corner of Indian peninsula is disconnected from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life.
Passing by low-lying paddy fields and tiny hamlets, you may see country boats loaded with paddy or local produces or duck farmers herding schools of ducks, or local people criss-crossing by canoes.
We arrive in Kanjippadom village by evening. Take a leisure walk, visiting a dock for building or repairing of traditional wooden boats. It will be enjoyable to see how the coir rope tying process is used to lash the wooden planks of the boats together.
Explore the birds of the region. Return to boat and cruise till the fishermen lay their nets.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 10: Cruise Kanjippadom - Naluchira Village
After breakfast, we sail to a quaint village. Here a statue of Buddha of 11th century is preserved in a tiny shrine. Take a relaxing walk in the village indulging in the serenity of the surroundings. We cruise to Thrikkunnappuzha village till evening. The lunch will be served while cruising. The Enjoying calmness, soothing and refreshing, arrive in Thottappalli village close to the sea coast. Take a short walk to the beach to enjoy the sunset. Return to take a short cruise to Naluchira village.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 11: Cruise - Aranmula Village Excursion
After breakfast, drive to a temple inside a sacred grove where snakes are revered and worshipped with much piety. The cult of worshipping serpents is still prevailing in Kerala.
We continue the journey through the midland to Konni to spend time with elephants at a shelter at the backdrop of forest. Elephants have significance in Hindu mythology and culture. The trip leader will share interesting facts about role of elephants in temple festivals in Kerala.
Proceed to Aranmula village which is home to a family of craftsmen who are skilled at making mirror out of a special combination of certain metals. The secret of the trade has been passed down through generations. Visit the mirror makers.
Listen to the story of the ritualistic Snake boat regatta of the village. Have lunch at a beautiful house of the village, located on the bank of the Holy River Pampa. Return to Thottappalli village to board the boat and cruise to Thakazhi village, interior village of Kuttanad- the expanses of land reclaimed from the shallow waters of lake and peripheries of rivers for cultivating paddy, during a period of famine in the beginning of last century. These paddy fields are at lower level than the sea and are protected from flooding by building dykes around them. It is very picturesque to sail in canals 10-15 feet above the surrounding paddy fields.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 12: Cruise - Changankari - Pulinkunnu Village
Arrive in Changankari village to take a leisurely walk. Stop by to watch toddy tapping.
Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town en route to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese, the people chose to keep their syncretic cultural heritage. This can be seen in the monumental St Mary’s Church on the riverside. Built in 1550, the foundations are said to be as old as 8th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.
You may visit an old church, a school, the local artisans (open on week days) who, skillfully and passionately craft biblical heroes.
On a dock on the shore you will find the Snake boat (Chundan Vallom) which is the pride of the villagers. These types of boats being used for races today in modern days were, once maritime war boats and their structure and design reflect the prowess of ancient Kerala architecture. Life in the village comes to a state of exuberance and enthusiasm during the annual Snake boat race, despite being celebrated at the peak of monsoon rains. Return to the boat and cruise to Nedumudi. Lunch will be served while cruising.
Excursion: Drive from Nedumudi / Mannar
Drive through the scenic expanses of greenery and waterways, to the village Mannar (1.30hrs).
The village is famous for the traditional ornate locks, and lamps and vessels of different sizes and designs. These items are being used in temples and houses for ritualistic practices. The large utensils are for preparing food for feast. Interact with the artisans; inspire them, watching the indigenous method of casting of lamps, utensils and locks. Return to Nedumudi. Cruise till dusk and arrive in Pulinkunnu village.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 13: Cruise - Kuttanad - Kavalam
Cruise to Kainakari. This village in Kuttanad is of vast stretches of paddy fields, dykes criss-crossed by narrow canals.
This day as we cruise through the interior yet vibrant village, we visit a traditional Ayurveda centre. Interact with Ayurveda doctors and get to know about this ancient knowledge on holistic way of life. You may try any of the wellness massages, as per the recommendation of the doctor.
A short cruise ahead we arrive at Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin.
Saint Chavara was an Indian Catholic priest and social reformer. He was the co-founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.), and of a similar one for women, the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (C.M.C.). The ancestral home of the Saint has now been preserved as a museum.
You may also visit a toddy shop and see the various local cuisines like tapioca, duck and variety of fishes, which goes along with Toddy.
Cruise to Kavalam. Here we watch local folk dance (Kai kotti kali) performance by school children. We continue the cruise till dusk.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 14: Excursion - Kumarakom
Arriving from Kavalam, we visit a farm house. This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. Experience the cordial living of a mother and her daughter-in-law. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may try your hand at cooking and also ask for their story of family of three generations of hard workingmen, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit.
We set out by Canoe to watch the migratory and endemic birds of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is a cluster of lagoons of Vembanad lake at the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves.
Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.
Return to the boat and cruise to Thanneermukkom.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 15: Cruise on Lake Vembnad
Arrive in Vechoor village. You may watch the morning prayers in an old church or take a leisurely walk. Breakfast will be served while cruising to Chenganda village.
The people of this village are engaged in coir making and fishing. Interact with them. The will demonstrate how to collect mussels and their indigenous methods of fishing and farming. Return to boat for lunch. Our Chef will demonstrate the preparation of mussels. You may also try your hand at it.
By evening we arrive in an ancient village Vaikom, in Kottayam-the land of natural rubber, by early evening. Watch cultural performance at a cultural centre in Vaikom.
Visit the temple of Lord Shiva. Witnessing civil rights’ movement against discrimination for socially and financially under-privileged entering the temple or even using the public spaces around the temple, Vaikom got prominence in the history of Kerala during Indian independence movement when unity was of utmost importance. Take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala is unique. It is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, each element of temple represents an element of human body, and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking. Vaikom temple is one of the biggest in Kerala.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 16: Cruise - Alleppey - Cochin - Departure
Cruise to Cochin through the serene Backwaters, passing by green and quite islands. Disembark by 9.30pm at the jetty at Marad in Ernakulam. Drive to the Kalari at Nettoor to watch authentic Kalaripayattu performance, Regarded as the oldest and most scientific in the world, kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is an integral of the Malayali culture. Bodhidharama, a Buddist monk, who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, is believed to have presented the world with a self-defense system; from which evolved almost all the present day martial are forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of malabar - kalaripayattu the mother of all martial arts.
Visit the Folk lore museum at Thevara.
Thereafter, transfer to Cochin airport to connect with flight to onward destination or take an extension to Marari Beach resort for relaxation.
Karnataka with 7 nights Backwater Cruise (North to South)
Day 1: Arrive Bangalore
You arrive at Bangalore airport. After clearing India Immigration and Customs, you step into the receiving area where you will be met by our representative.
(No meals)
Day 2: Bangalore - Mysore (Approx. 150 Kms & 4 Hrs. drive)
Morning after relaxed breakfast, check-out and drive to Mysore (also known as Mysuru). Along the way, we visit the river island town of Srirangapatna, with its celebrated 9th-century Hindu Ranganatha Temple. The Indian ruler Tipu Sultan made his capital here and opposed the English East India Company forces in four wars until he fell in a siege in 1799, the temple and the island as a whole has become an important pilgrimage site.
After our touring here, we arrive in Mysore and check-in to the hotel on arrival.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 3: Mysore
This morning, we visit the Chamundi Hills, site of the 12th-century Chamundeshwari Temple with its 1,008 ancient steps leading to the summit. The highlight of this lofty temple is the statue of Nandi, the enormous bull used as a mount by Hindu god Shiva, which sits on the 800th step of the temple. The ornately carved granite bull presides over the temple’s visitors; at over 15 feet high and 24 feet long, it dwarfs the iconic Charging Bull statue in New York’s Financial District.
Our next stop brings more magnificent architecture, as we visit the Palace of Mysore, the Indo-Saracenic blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles that remains the home of the Maharajahs of Mysore and counts among India’s most popular attractions. The palace before us, among India’s most grand, and the fourth to stand on this site, replaced the last which fire destroyed in 1897. An exquisite opulence greets us within through a dazzling array of carvings, chandeliers, mosaics, stained glass, paintings, and frescoes. From these two overwhelming structures, we move to a humbler stop: a visit to a local workshop to learn how the local sandalwood incense is made by hand. We have the afternoon free for exploration and lunch on our own. Options include wandering the local markets to find Mysore’s renowned silk saris and ties, spices, and sandalwood crafts.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 4: Mysore – Kabini (Approx. 65 Kms & 1.5 Hrs. drive)
Morning after breakfast, leave for Nagarhole National Park, established in 1955, whose abundant wildlife, including leopard, Indian bison, wild dog, deer, antelope, hyena, and more make it one of India’s finest preserves. In the summer months, this park also hosts the world’s greatest concentration of Asian elephants, estimated at 8,000–14,000, who migrate here to feast on riverbed pastures.
On arrival, check in the hotel and have lunch together. We then set out on a boat safari that takes in some of Nagarhole’s 247 square miles. If we are fortunate, we may spot the critically endangered Oriental white-backed vulture, or some of the other threatened bird species that find shelter in Nagarhole. We dine at our lodge tonight.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 5: Kabini
Today morning we take a safari in an open-air 4-wheel-drive vehicle through Nagarhole in search of wildlife. After our excursion, we return to the lodge for breakfast. You will have free time to relax before lunch together at the lodge. Later, enjoy the coracle ride followed by the village walk. Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 6: Kabini - Calicut (Approx. 170 Kms & 5 Hrs. drive)
Today after breakfast, we make the five-hour drive to Calicut, dubbed the “City of Spices” in antiquity for its role in the thriving eastern spice trade. Stop at the plantation for the lunch, we will take a walk with the plantation owner to learn about the spice crops grown in this area.
Continue drive to Calicut and check-in to the hotel on arrival. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel (B, L)
Day 7: Calicut - Cochin (Jan Shatabdi at 0610 / 0947 Hrs)
Early this morning we transfer to the railway station, where we board a train and head south along the coast to Kochi (formerly called Cochin), the first of Europe’s colonies in India.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 8: Cochin
Morning breakfast at hotel. Later we have a walking tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicentre of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences. We begin with the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The Dutch renovated and expanded it a century later, earning it its name. The palace also contains some of India’s finest mythological murals; the walls depict scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (please note: the Dutch Palace closes on Fridays and Saturdays. Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India. Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804.
Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi. These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity, their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men. Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century or possibly travellers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 9: Cochin – RV Vaikundam (Backwater Cruise)
Morning after breakfast, check-out and proceed to witness the Kalaripayattu performance, Regarded as the oldest and most scientific in the world, kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is an integral of the Malayali culture. Bodhidharama, a Buddist monk, who visited China during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Ling dynasty, is believed to have presented the world with a self-defense system; from which evolved almost all the present day martial are forms. Scholars believe that his philosophy was influenced by the ancient martial culture of malabar - kalaripayattu the mother of all martial arts.
Thereafter, we arrive at Maradu jetty in Ernakulam (the urban area of Cochin) to embark on the River Cruise Boat RV Vaikundam.
After having the traditional lunch on- board, we set sail to explore that magnificent network of waterways formed along the coastal belt by the rivers from the Western Ghats before draining into the Arabian Sea. . Amidst the rapid development in the city, the Backwaters of Cochin remains placid, giving life to many island villages. The serene and scenic sights are heartening. By evening we arrive at an old town Vaikom, in Kottayam–the land of natural rubber latex and spices.
Witnessing civil rights’ movement against discrimination for socially and financially under-privileged entering the temple or even using the public spaces around the temple, Vaikom got prominence in the history of Kerala during Indian independence movement when unity was of utmost importance.
We take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala is unique. It is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, the each element of temple represents an element of human body, and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 10: Cruise Vaikom - Vechoor Village
Morning after having breakfast on the boat, we visit the cultural centre in Vaikom to watch traditional dance performance Kathakali.
Cruise to Chenganda village. We visit a rustic village Chenganda, along the Backwaters, where people are having a laid-back and peaceful life, occupied with coir making and fishing.
Meet the people, the coir weavers, and coconut harvesters and mussel and prawns farmers and discuss about riparian life over a drink of tender coconut water. Watch various indigenous techniques of fishing: using shore-based ‘Chinese nets’, by drifting nets and or by hand. Return to the boat for lunch.
Cruise through Thanneermukkom barrage. The barrage divides the lake into two– one half with perennial salty water and the other with fresh water enriched by the rivers. Arrive in Vechoor village. You may take a walk or relax on board.
Proceed to the farm house by evening. This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. Experience the cordial living of a mother and her daughter-in-law. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may also try your hand at cooking and also ask for their story of family of three generations of hard working men, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 11: Excursion - Kumarakom
Today having an early and light breakfast, set out for escorted canoe ride to watch the migratory as well as endemic birds of Kumarakom-which is a cluster of lagoons of Vembanad lake at the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves.
Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.
Return to the boat, refresh and while cruising elaborate breakfast will be served. We cruise to the interiors of Kuttanad-the expanses of land reclaimed from the lake for paddy cultivation, when the region was severely hit by famine during the colonial period. These paddy fields are lying below sea level and protected by building dykes around them. The barrages in the region control the flow of Sea water during tides.
Watch a folk dance performance (Kaikotti kali) by the girls of the village. Return to the boat and cruise till dusk, to further interior, to Veliyanad village. Relax on-board overnight.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 12: Cruise - Kainakari - Pulinkunnu Village
This day we cruise to another interior yet vibrant village. En route we visit a traditional Ayurveda centre. Interact with the doctor and get to know about this ancient knowledge on the holistic way of life. You may try any of the wellness massages, as per the recommendation of the doctor.
A short cruise ahead we arrive at Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin.
Saint Chavara was an Indian Catholic priest and social reformer. He was the co-founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.), and of a similar one for women, the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (C.M.C.) . The ancestral home of the Saint has now been preserved as a museum.
After having lunch, cruise to Pulinkunnu village. Get closer to the laid-back, yet harmonious, life, paddling along narrow canal by country boat, interacting with the villagers.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 13: Cruise Kuttanad - Changankari
Morning after having breakfast, we drive through the scenic expanses of greenery and water ways, to the village Mannar (1.30hrs). The village is famous for the traditional ornate locks, and lamps and vessels of different sizes and designs. These items are being used in temples and also in the houses for ritualistic practices. Inspire the craftsmen, interacting with them while they indulge in an indigenous method of casting of lamps, vessels and locks.
Refresh, have lunch on-board and relax. We cruise to Champakkulam village. Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town en route to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese, the people chose to keep their syncretic cultural heritage. This can be seen in the monumental St Mary’s Church on the riverside. Built in 1550, the foundations are said to be as old as 8th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.
You may visit an old church, a school, the local artisans (open on week days) who skilfully and passionately craft biblical heroes. We come across the Snake boat (Chundan Vallom) of the villagers, gracefully docked on the shore. These types of boats which are being used for races today in modern days were once maritime war boats and their structure and design reflect the prowess of ancient Kerala architecture and are one of the icons of Kerala culture. Life in the village comes to a state of exuberance and enthusiasm during the annual Snake boat race, despite being celebrated at the peak of monsoon rains.
Cruise through canals and arrive Changankari till dusk, passing through the serene canals. You may relax on board or take a visit around a temple, watching the evening rituals. You may interact with the devotees.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 14: Cruise Aranmula - Thottappalli
Morning after having early breakfast, drive to Konni to spend time with elephants at a shelter at the backdrop of forest. Elephants have significance in Hindu mythology and culture. The trip leader will share interesting facts about role of elephants in temple festivals in Kerala.
Proceed to Aranmula village which is home to a family of craftsmen who are skilled at making mirror out of a special combination of certain metals. The secret of the trade has been passed down through generations. Visit the mirror makers; see the ancient temple of Krishna, see the mural art of the local artists and meet a snake boat builder.
Lunch will be arranged at a local house of beautiful architecture and located on the bank of Pampa, the holy river of natives. The host will talk about the ritualistic annual regatta.
Drive to Thottappalli and relax on the boat. En route, visit temple worshipping serpents. Arrive in Thottappalli and board the boat. Refresh and have tea/coffee with snacks during a short cruise to a tiny settlement. Take a walk to the beach. On the way, you may visit a toddy shop. Toddy is a local alcoholic beverage made from the sap of tender flower of coconut palm and had accompanied by tapioca.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 15: Cruise Kanjippadom - Pallathuruthy Village
We plant a coconut sampling for the village. Arrive in Karumadi village. Here 11th century statue of Buddha preserved in a small shrine. After taking a walk through this quiet and rustic village, cruise to Kanjippadom village to visit a dock where on week days you can watch building or repair of wooden boats. You might be able to see the art of traditional Kettuvallum or, coir rope lashed wooden plank boat building techniques.
After lunch, cruise through Pallathuruthy village and arrive at a small lake (Vattakkayal) amidst paddy fields. Take a relaxing walk, watch toddy tapping. Return to boat after beautiful sunset. Toddy will be served during the farewell theme dinner.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 16: Cruise Alleppey - Cochin - Departure
The ancient Port town, criss-crossed by rivers, lakes, canals, lagoons and paddy fields, named as the Venice of the East, as per the visualization of the British. Check-out and take a guided tour of Heritage part of the town. Visit the old markets, temples, churches and mosques and the beach.
Thereafter, transfer to Cochin airport to connect with flight to onward destination or take an extension to Marari Beach resort for relaxation.
The Wildlife Tour of India
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi. The day begins with sightseeing in Old Delhi and a visit to Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the President's estate and the Parliament House. End the day with a visit to the capital's most striking monument; the 70 meter high Qutab Minar. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 3: Delhi / Jaipur (Approx. 145 miles / 232 kms / 5 hour drive)
Leave for Jaipur after breakfast and check-in to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the colorful markets of Jaipur. End your day with a memorable dinner with a noble family at the Sankotra Haveli. Overnight at the hotel (B, D)
Day 4: Jaipur
After breakfast, take a half-day excursion to the Amber Fort. En-route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds – the Hawa Mahal – a 5 storied structure, built in the 18 century. Proceed to the Amber City Fort (11 kms. north of Jaipur) perched 130 meters high on the Aravalli hills. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an elephant ride to the top of the palace- fort.
In the afternoon visit the City Palace located in the center of Jaipur. It now houses the royal residence as well as museums with a rich collection of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit the Jantar Mantar (1728-34) built by King Jai Singh II, who had a great interest in astrology. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 5: Jaipur / Kalakho (Approx. 56 miles / 90 kms / 3 hour drive)
After breakfast, drive to Kalakho where you will be greeted at the Dera Village Retreat, specially created to explore the Living Cultures of India. In the evening, visit a nearby village on camel back and camel carts. Here you will meet the very colorful Meena tribe. In the evening enjoy a traditional folk dance performance at the Retreat. Overnight at the Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 6: Kalakho / Bharatpur / Agra (Approx. 69 miles / 111kms / 4 hour drive)
Visit the BharatpurBird Sanctuary after breakfast. It is one of the world's finest bird parks. Take an interesting cycle-rickshaw ride through the park and see the large variety of birds here.Drive to Agra and en-route explore Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful sandstone city. Arrive in Agra and check-in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 7: Agra
Early in the morning, behold the glorious sight of the sun casting its mellow rays on the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world and surely the greatest symbol of love and devotion. (Please note that Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the magnificent Agra Fort. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 8: Agra / Jhansi (Train: Bhopal Shtb ETD: 0817 ETA: 1043) / Khajuraho (Approx .110 miles / 175 kms / 5 hour 30 minutes drive)
Leave for the railway station, after an early breakfast, to board the Shatabdi Express to Jhansi. Drive from Jhansi to Khajuraho. En-route, stop at Orchha – a small charming town. The Ram Raja temple at Orchha, with its soaring spires and palatial architecture, is sure to leave you spellbound. Explore the Laxminarayan Temple, the interiors of which are covered with the most exquisite wall paintings. Continue your journey to Khajuraho and check-in to your hotel on arrival. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 9: Khajuraho
After an early morning breakfast, visit the famous Khajuraho temples (A World Heritage Site).These temples, which completed a thousand years of their existence in 1999, come to life with voluptuous and erotic sculptures. Spend the day exploring this heritage city. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 10: Khajuraho / Bandhavgarh (Approx. 131 miles / 210 Kms / 6 hour drive)
After breakfast, proceed to Bandhavgarh. The Bandhavgarh National Park was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and is presently a famous natural hub for tigers. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 11: Bandhavgarh
The morning and afternoon will be spent on safaris to the National Park. Bandhavgarh has one of the highest densities of tigers and you have a very good chance of seeing a tiger up close. Enjoy a presentation on 'Wildlife' in your hotel in the evening. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 12: Bandhavgarh
Spend another day exploring the National Park .Enjoy a visit to the local village and hear interesting stories about tigers from the villagers who have learned to co-exist with the tiger. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 13: Bandhavgarh / Kanha (Approx. 156 miles / 250 Kms / 6 hour drive)
After an early morning jungle safari you bid farewell to Bandhavgarh and drive to Kanha – one of India's finest wildlife reserves where you can sight spotted deer, sloth bears, langur (monkeys) and the unusual guar. Arrive at Kanha and before dinner, enjoy a presentation on the 'Wildlife of Kanha' by your Naturalist. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 14: Kanha
The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous novel 'Jungle Book'. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 15: Kanha / Kawardha (Approx. 63 miles / 100 kms / 2 hour drive)
Watch the jungle greet a new day with an early morning jungle safari. Drive to Kawardha after breakfast which is an unexplored destination, 100 kms from the Kanha National Park. The lush green fields and forests in this region are rich in bird life and provide a home for the gentle Baiga tribe. The beauty of this area is further enhanced by the surrounding Maikal range. This region is known for its Bhoremdeo temples which have been compared to the Khajuraho temples. The remaining time would be spent in exploring the nearby tribal villages at leisure. Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 16: Kawardha / Raipur (Approx. 79 miles / 127 kms / 3 hour drive) / Mumbai (Flight IC-269 ETD: 1235 ETA: 1615)
After breakfast, leave for the Raipur airport to board your flight to Mumbai. In Mumbai, you shall be escorted to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 17: Mumbai
Spend the day experiencing the "Living Cultures" of Mumbai – Meet the 'dabbawallas' (hot-lunch delivery system for Mumbai office workers) and see the 'dhobi-ghat' (manual laundry system) The 'dabbawallas' have been the subject of international attention from many management institutes as they have evolved a fool-proof system of pick-up of home-cooked food from people's homes and delivering them to their offices – with virtually no mistake, ever.
Later visit historical sites like the Gateway of India and the Mani Bhawan and drive past the Victoria Terminus. Explore the Crawford market later in the evening. Overnight at the hotel (B)
Day 18: Departure
You will be escorted to the international airport to board your outbound flight.
Tiger, Mountain & River
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
After negotiating Immigration and Customs, step into the receiving area, where you will be met by Far Horizons staff and escorted to your hotel, located in the heart of New Delhi. Expect to reach the hotel approximately thirty minutes after landing.
Afternoon you explore “Old Delhi,” with its narrow dirt roads, its myriad people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Driving past the Red Fort (you will visit the grander red fort in Agra), you trade your motor vehicle for a bicycle rickshaw, which will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square – so named because of the silver merchants). Negotiating alleyways, which seemingly get narrower and narrower you, end up at the Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India. After exploring the Mosque and getting an insight on ‘Islamic India,’ we head to a Sikh temple. Experience one the most visible and vibrant of India’s religion – the Sikhs. The Sikh men stand out in any crowd with their colorful turbans and beards. We visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a Sikh temple). At one time this was the bungalow of Raja Jai Amber from Jaipur. This is a very active temple and hundreds of pilgrims come every day to pray and meditate in the halls and rooms. Sunset will find us at the famous India Gate with its vast lawns, where tens of local families come to enjoy sunset and picnic.
Welcome dinner.
Overnight at hotel Shangri-La Hotel (D)
Day 2: Train to Kathgodam (Shatabdi Exp–0600/1140 hrs) / Nanital (1 hr. approx.)
Early morning check–out from the hotel and transfer to railway station for your Train to Kathgodam. You will be received on arrival in Kathgodam and transferred to your hotel in Nainital.
Evening at leisure on own.
Overnight at The Naini Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 3: Nainital - Binsar (86 kms, 3 hrs approx.)
Check out from your hotel and drive to Binsar.
Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon from the 11th to 18th centuries AD. Binsar was established in 1988 for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak forests of the Central Himalayan region, and it has over 200 bird species.
Arrive at your hotel and check-in. Evening at leisure on own.
Overnight at Binsar forest retreat (B, L, D)
Day 4: Binsar
Today we will go for a jungle walk with packed lunch. Starting from the Retreat, we first descend down to the Veeneshwar temple. After a short walk along the tarred road we branch off at the water tank that stores water from a Sroth (natural spring) It is a gentle climb of about a kilometer, with numerous short-cuts, fallen trees, and langur activity. Branch off, towards a patch of forest thick with Deodar and Cypress trees. Half a kilometer further, we join the Panchchuli Trail – a wide dirt path, the level for the most part, that leads us to Zero Point. To the right of the Panchchuli trail, one can see the Himalayas, with unobstructed views of the Panchchuli peaks. A gorgeous sight in the evening, as the sun begins its descent and the hills change colors from orange to pink before the sun dips below the horizon and the Himalayas turn dull white. It is a leisurely and very enjoyable walk. Time for long conversations before reaching Zero Point, where the sight of the majestic Himalayas brings on silent contemplation.
Overnight at Binsar forest retreat (B, L, D)
Day 5: Binsar
Today, drive to Jageshwar (approx. 51kms/ 2 hrs ) with a picnic lunch. Jageshwar is located at an altitude of 1870 mts, in the Jataganga river valley near a Deodar forest. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple city comprises a cluster of 124 large and small stone temples, dating 9th to 13th century AD, with many preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which include Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, Nava-grah temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple. Also, visit a Small Museum (Closed on Mondays) just close to the Temple complex depicting the idols and culture of the historic era of the region.
Return to Retreat.
Overnight at Binsar forest retreat (B, L, D)
Day 6: Binsar – Kasauni (62 kms, 3 hrs)
Today, check out from the resort and drive to Kausani.
En-route you will visit the Bagnath temple. This old temple is located at joining of two rivers Gomati & Sarya. The approach road to temple passes through narrow roads with local shops in both sides.
After that, visit Baijnath Temple Complex - A famous temple town on the banks of the Gomti in the Garuda Valley. It is a 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. In this temple complex, the main attraction is the black stone idol of Goddess Parvati at the main entrance. The temple will enamor you with not just its architecture, but also its artful representations of Hindu mythology, such as idols, sculptures, and carvings. An idol of Nandi, the loyal chariot of Lord Shiva greets you at the entrance.
Arrive Kasauni and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel Buransh (B, L, D)
Day 7: Kasauni
Today we will take you for an excursion to Dhakuri, 3 hrs drive from Kasauni and 3 hrs trek to get the close view of the snow-covered mountains forming the southern wall of Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
Evening free at leisure on own.
Overnight at hotel Buransh (B, L, D)
Day 8: Kasauni - Corbett (156 kms, 5 hrs approx.)
Corbett is India’s oldest national park, established in 1936 and named after hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a vital role in its protection. The beauty of Jim Corbett National Park is that it is not just one forest, but many rolled into one, changing with seasons, terrain, and time of day. It’s got stunning grasslands, where the grass grows taller than people. It’s got riverine vegetation growing alongside the Ramganga and Kosi rivers that meander through the park. And thick jungles of sal and deciduous trees that fill the air with their faint fragrance. Check in to the resort.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
In the evening you can do the various activities offered by the resort.
Overnight at Jim’s Jungle Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 9: Corbett
Today morning, we go for the Safari. Though Corbett’s star attraction is the royal Bengal tiger, one of its greatest delights is its large herds of elephants. Visitors can also spot four types of deer, the sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, and hog deer. There are wild boars a plenty and the animals are known to give tigers a tough fight during a hunt. The park has leopards and jackals, and gharial can sometimes be spotted basking in the sun by the water. If you spot a large hole by the trail, there’s probably a monitor lizard hiding inside. The Ramganga River is full of otters, and there are mongooses that often get into fights with snakes like cobras, vipers, pythons, and kraits. The park has a rich avian population and one of the chief pleasures of an early morning safari is the variety of birdsong that fills the air. Return to the resort. In the afternoon, explore the sights, sounds and smells of the surrounding forests as you trek into the jungle escorted by a trained naturalist. The naturalists introduce you to the jungle ecology.
Overnight at Jim’s jungle Retreat (B, L, D)
Day 10: Corbett
Today you check out from your resort and drive to Dhikala. This is the largest and the most varied zone in Corbett, offering the best opportunities for overnight stays in century-old forest rest houses. Dhikala contains a diverse range of habitats from the moist deciduous forests to the vast open grasslands, which is widely considered to be a prime habitat for the Tiger and the Elephant. With many unique habitats, including the Ramganga river and reservoir, this zone is a haven for a wide range of species in Corbett. Dhikala’s higher altitude suits the Ghoral, a goat antelope, while the Gharial and Maggars, as well as the great Mahaseer, inhabit the rivers below. The Hog Deer, the fourth Deer species found in Corbett, is also exclusive to Dhikala. You will do your Safaris from this place.
Special Note: Accommodation at Dhikala will be in government lodge and it is very basic.
Overnight at Dhikala (B, L, D)
Day 11: Corbett – Pantnagar (drive 94 kms, 2 hrs) & Fly to Delhi (AI 9816 - 1120 / 1215 hrs) Flight operates on Wed/Fri/Sat & Sunday only.
Check out from the resort and drive to Pantnagar to board your flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi you will be received by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel near the airport.
Overnight at Hotel Pullman (B)
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Delhi International airport to connect with flight to onward destination (room reserved till 12 noon)
Mythical Hampi & Serenity of Backwater Cruise
Day 1: Arrival - Hyderabad
On arrival in Hyderabad, our representative will meet you at the Airport and you will be taken to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (No meals)
Day 2: Hyderabad
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Hyderabad.
We will visit an amazing blend of Indo-Islamic architecture; Charminar represents the glorious history of the city. Built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, Charminar is a square-shaped structure which is 56 meters high and 30 meters wide. Popularly known as ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, Charminar was constructed in the honour of Bhagmati, wife of Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah; immediately after he had shifted his capital to Hyderabad, which was earlier in Golconda.
After Charminar visit one of the oldest and most popular shopping areas of Hyderabad, Laad Bazaar is located adjacent to Charminar. It is said that this market was equally lively even during the times of the Qutub Shahis and the Nizams. Presenting an ages old heritage, the “Laad Bazaar” has got its name from the word “Laad” meaning Lacquer. This market boasts of an incomparable varieties of bangles, which have Lacquer has one of its key material.
Located atop 280-foot-high hillock of Kalapahad, the beautiful Birla Mandir has derived its name from the industrialist Birlas who have constructed Birla temples in various parts of the country. Constructed in 1976, it is said it took close to 2000 tonnes of white marbles to build this stunning temple which was brought from Rajasthan.
Later we will visit Chowmahalla Palace, with literal meaning of ‘four palaces’ in Urdu language was built in the 18th century. It was during the reign of fifth Nizam, Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, from 1857 to 1869, that the palace was completed. Initially spread across an area of 45 acres, the palace now covers 12 acres of land.
Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 3: Hyderabad to Vidyanagar by flight: 2T 183 at 1145 / 1255 Hrs.
Vidyanagar to Hampi by road: Approx. 29 Kms. / 18 Mi. / 40 Mins.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to board your flight to Vidyanagar.
A village in northern Karnataka in India, Hampi is a haven to travellers from all over the world. Stunningly beautiful, this idyllic place sprawls on the sides of River Tungabhadra and is one of the sites to house ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. UNESCO has credited Hampi ruins as a World Heritage Site and rightly so, for visiting these ruins is more like a lesson in history and lost kingdoms.
Arrive Vidyanagar and drive to Hampi. On arrival in Hampi, check into your hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 4: Hampi
After breakfast ready for sightseeing tour of Hampi, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Someone rightly said “If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi”
The foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire was laid in Hampi in 1336 A.D, making it the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India. It later became famous for its support towards renovation/reconstruction of temples re-establishment of Indian culture, its support for music, art and literature throughout India. Today the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur and fabulous wealth, palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men of infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.
Vithala Temple Complex - The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars. Here see the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that revolve. In front of the shrine stands the great mantapa. Resting on a richly sculpted basement, its roof is supported by huge pillars of granite, each consisting of a central pillar surrounded by detached shafts, all cut from one single block of stone.
The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 120 feet tall tower on its eastern entrance. The temple contains the shrines of Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneswari.Parts of this temple are older than the Vijayanagar kingdom itself. The work of this style dates back to the 11th or 12th century.
Hazara Ramaswami temple is believed to have been the private place of worship of the royal family. The chief attraction of the temple is the series of scenes from the Ramayana carved on two of the inside walls of the mantapa. The genesis of the place known today as Hampi dates back to the age of the Hindu epic Ramayana when it was the site of Kishkinda, a monkey kingdom.
Later visit the Achyutaraya Temple and walk through the bazaars of Sule and Hampi.
Return to hotel by evening.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 5: Hampi to Vidyanagar by road: Approx. 29 Kms. / 18 Mi. / 40 Mins.
Vidyanagar to Bangalore by flight: 2T 418 at 1355 / 1455 Hrs.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Vidyanagar airport to board your flight to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore, check into your hotel.
Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 6: Bangalore to Cochin by flight: 6E 425 at 1110 / 1215 Hrs.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Bangalore airport to board your flight to Cochin.
Cochin is perfect blend of ancient and modern, a lively city at just an hour's drive away from renowned backwater of Kerala. Posh cafes sit right by the side of Chinese fishing nets that were installed here in 1350 AD; India's largest man-made island is a major attraction and so is the Paradesi Synagogue that was built in the year 1560. St Francis CSI Church once housed the remains of Vasco da Gama and is also the oldest European church in India.
On arrival in Cochin, transfer to your hotel.
In the evening watch a Kathakali dance performance, the most developed dance-drama art of India where facial expressions and hand gestures combine with movement to create this highly expressive traditional Kerala art form which depicts great Indian epics. Distinct among the six classical Indian dances, Kathakali is a highly dramatic and mimetic dance depicting various stories from Indian epics.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 7: Cochin
Morning have breakfast at hotel.
Later visit Fort Kochi, your first stop, where the Portuguese flag was first hoisted is also believed to be the oldest settlement in India. Thereafter, visit the St. Francis church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama. The gorgeous view of the ocean from the beach enhanced by the Chinese fishing nets, first erected between 1350 and 1450 AD makes extremely picturesque sight. Proceed the old commercial area Mattancherry an take a walk along the Jew Street. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed to non-Jews Fridays and Saturdays) and the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) which contains mythological murals and traditional Keralite flooring.
Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 8: Cochin - Backwater Cruise
This morning we arrive in Nettoor village in Cochin to watch Kalari Payattu-the traditional martial art performance, at an authentic training centre-Kalari. Drive to the nearby village Marad and embark on RV Vaikundam, by noon. The team on-board welcome you to the boat and help you with smooth check-in. Gather at the lounge for a briefing about the boat and about the cruise a. We set sail. Unwind, as the boat leaves behind the rapidly growing city and gently cruise in to the interconnected rivers, lake and coastal estuaries. We pass by the interspersed islands and islets covered by coconut trees. Enjoy the traditional lunch and relax on-board.
We talk about Cochin, the Queen of Arabian Sea, and its geographical, cultural and social significance.
By evening we arrive in the ancient village, Vaikom. By tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the ancient temple of Shiva. We take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, the each element of temple represents an element of human body, and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking. Return to boat. After dinner, we retire for the night.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 9: Backwater Cruise – cruise to Vaikom
After meditation/yoga/taking walk in the village in the early morning, we have our breakfast on the boat. By tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the cultural centre in the locality to watch the traditional dance performance - Kathakali, the traditional dramatic and mimetic dance form, which plays stories from epics. It is a unique blend of dance, music, action, literature and make-up.
Cruise to Chenganda village. The people of this rustic village are having a laid-back and peaceful life. Spend time with the coir weavers, the shell harvesters and farmers, engaging in conversation about the riparian life and watching various indigenous techniques of fishing. Return to boat for lunch.
Cruise through Thanneermukkom barrage. The barrage at Thanneermukkom built across Vembanad, the largest lake of Kerala, divides the lake into two– one half with perennial salty water and the other with fresh water enriched by 5 rivers from hills.
We talk about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation in Kuttanad
Cruise to the expanses of lake Vembanad experiencing its wetland eco-system. We visit a farm house by evening.
This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from Backwaters.
A walk in the farm will be educative. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may also try your hand at cooking and listen to the story of her family, of three generations of hard working men, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit. We will have dinner at this house . Return to boat and retire for the night.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 10: Backwater Cruise - Birding
Having an early and light breakfast, we set out by country boat to watch the migratory and endemic birds of Kumarakom, which is a cluster of lagoons of lake Vembanad, at the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves. Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Return to the boat, refresh and while cruising elaborate breakfast will be served.
Having lunch on-board while cruising through the wetland eco-system of the lake and the low-lying paddy fields and coconut groves we arrive in Kavalam. Here we watch a folk dance performance (Kaikotti kali), by the girls of the village. Return to the boat and cruise till dusk, further interior to Veliyanad village. After dinner retire for the night.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 11: Backwater Cruise – cruise to Kainakari
After meditation/yoga/leisurely walk in the village, we have our breakfast on-board. This day as we cruise through the interior villages we visit a traditional Ayurveda centre. Interact with Ayurveda doctor and get to know about this ancient knowledge on holistic way of life. You may try any of the wellness massages based on the recommendation of the doctor.
A short cruise ahead we arrive at Chavara Bhavan, the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Chavara which is now preserved as a museum. Saint Chavara, the first canonized Catholic male saint of Indian origin, was the co-founder of the first congregation for men, the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate-C.M.I., and of a similar one for women, Congregation of the Mother of Carmel-C.M.C.
Return to boat. After having lunch on-board, cruise to Pulinkunnu village. Get closer to the laid-back, yet harmonious, life along the way, paddling along narrow canal by country boat, interacting with the villagers. Return to boat. After dinner retire for the night.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 12: Backwater Cruise – Excursion to artisan villages in Kuttanad
After breakfast, cruise to Nedumudy. On arrival at Nedumudy we drive through the quaint and scenic villages to Mannar which is famous for bell metal craft. Interact with the artisans; inspire them, watching the indigenous method of casting of traditional lamps, utensils and ornate locks. Return, refresh and have lunch and relax on-board.
We cruise to Champakkulam village. Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town en route to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese, the people chose to keep their syncretic cultural heritage. This can be seen in the monumental St Mary’s Church on the riverside. Built in 1550, the foundations are said to be as old as 5th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.
We visit the old church, a school, the local artisans (open on week days) who skillfully and passionately craft biblical heroes. Take a look at the Snake boat (Chundan Vallom) of the villagers, gracefully docked on the shore. These types of boats, which are being used for races today in modern days, were once maritime war boats and their structure and design reflect the prowess of ancient Kerala architecture and are one of the icons of Kerala culture. Cruise to Changankari village till dusk, passing through the serene canals. You may relax on board or take a walk. After dinner retire for the night.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 13: Backwater Cruise – Excursion to the midland
After having early breakfast, we drive to the prosperous and picturesque midland to Konni village (You may have to wait near a railway cross), at the backdrop of forest. Spend time with elephants at a shelter camp. Elephants are integral part of Kerala culture. It is the State animal and is featured on the State’s emblem. Pageant of caparisoned elephants accompanied with percussions is the high-light of all temple festivals in Kerala.
Proceed to Aranmula village which is home to a family of craftsmen who are skilled at making mirror out of a special combination of certain metals. The secret of the trade has been passed down through generations. These mirrors have the distinctive feature of 100% reflection unlike the common mirror. Also, it is considered as one of the auspicious item that brings prosperity in house. Visit the mirror makers and inspire them. The ancient temple of Krishna, Snake boat building, the mural art, the school of traditional architecture are the other high lights of this old village of heritage value.
On your return, we will be passing by small plantations of rubber, banana and tropical trees, sawmills beautiful houses of contemporary design and traditional architectural elements, small and prospering townships. Lunch will be arranged at a local house of beautiful architecture, located on the bank of Pampa, the holy river of natives. The host will talk about the art of Snake boat building and the ritualistic annual regatta in Aranmula.
Drive back to Changankari. After refreshment, cruise through Thakazhi enjoying the picturesque and serene villages along, to the coastal village, Thottappalli, passing by the spillway at the southern area of Kuttanad preventing the saline water from flooding the low-lying paddy fields.
We take a leisurely walk to the beach. Return to boat. After dinner retire for the night.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 14: Backwater Cruise – Excursion to Karumadi Village
Today we will have early breakfast and take a short drive to visit an ancient scared grove where serpents are worshipped. This is the only temple in Kerala having female priests. You can take walk inside and see the rituals going on. Return to Thottappalli. We have our breakfast on-board.
Honoring your cruise with us, we plant a coconut sapling for the village. Coconut tree is considered as the ‘Kalpavriksha ‘or Divine tree of Kerala. All parts of coconut tree are useful in one way or the other: the water inside is a healthy drink; the fresh kernel and the oil extract from dried kernel are inevitable components of every cuisine; fiber from the coconut husk is used to make coir, mats and geotextile; the palm fronds are used for thatching roof; the wood suitable for making furniture and all the dried parts of coconut make good firewood. Last but not the least, the toddy – the local alcoholic beverage that boost for the laborers after toiling in the fields.
After breakfast we arrive in a quaint village - Karumadi village.
We take a walk around a small shrine preserving the ruin of a sculpture of Buddha that belongs to the early centuries of current era.
Along the way we interact with toddy tappers, who are in to the occupation of collecting the sap of coconut palm to make the local alcoholic beverage –Toddy. We learn from him the process of making toddy and may take a sip from his pot!
We visit the village Kanjippadom for a leisurely walk. We meet the carpenters at the boat building yard and talk about the traditional method of building wooden boats (Kettuvallom), joining wooden planks using coir, cotton and natural resin.
Tonight we celebrate our sojourn over farewell dinner on board RV Vaikundam.
Overnight on-board on RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
Day 15: Backwater Cruise – Cochin – Departure
After having a sumptuous breakfast we disembark at Punnamada in Alleppey.
We take a guided tour to experience the heritage of this ancient port town and bustling trade centre. Visit the old market, temples, churches and mosques, the beach and the oldest light house of the country.(B)
Culture of South India and Andaman Islands
Day 1: Arrival - Hyderabad
On arrival in Hyderabad, our representative will meet you at the Airport and you will be taken to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel (No meals)
Day 2: Hyderabad
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Hyderabad.
We will visit an amazing blend of Indo-Islamic architecture; Charminar represents the glorious history of the city. Built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, Charminar is a square-shaped structure which is 56 meters high and 30 meters wide. Popularly known as ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, Charminar was constructed in the honour of Bhagmati, wife of Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah; immediately after he had shifted his capital to Hyderabad, which was earlier in Golconda.
After Charminar visit one of the oldest and most popular shopping areas of Hyderabad, Laad Bazaar is located adjacent to Charminar. It is said that this market was equally lively even during the times of the Qutub Shahis and the Nizams. Presenting anages old heritage, the “Laad Bazaar” has got its name from the word “Laad” meaning Lacquer. This market boasts of an incomparable varieties of bangles, which have Lacquer has one of its key material.
Located atop280-foot-high hillock of Kalapahad, the beautiful Birla Mandir has derived its name from the industrialist Birlas who have constructed Birla temples in various parts of the country. Constructed in 1976, it is said it took close to 2000 tonnes of white marbles to build this stunning temple which was brought from Rajasthan.
Later we will visit Chowmahalla Palace, withliteral meaning of ‘four palaces’ in Urdu language was built in the 18th century. It was during the reign of fifth Nizam, Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, from 1857 to 1869, that the palace was completed. Initially spread across an area of 45 acres, the palace now covers 12 acres of land.
Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 3: Hyderabad to Vidyanagar by flight: 2T 183 at 1145 / 1255 Hrs.
Vidyanagar to Hampi by road: Approx. 29 Kms. / 18 Mi. / 40 Mins.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to board your flight to Vidyanagar.
A village in northern Karnataka in India, Hampi is a haven to travellers from all over the world. Stunningly beautiful, this idyllic place sprawls on the sides of River Tungabhadra and is one of the sites to house ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. UNESCO has credited Hampi ruins as a World Heritage Site and rightly so, for visiting these ruins is more like a lesson in history and lost kingdoms.
Arrive Vidyanagar and drive to Hampi. On arrival in Hampi, check into your hotel.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 4: Hampi
After breakfast ready for sightseeing tour of Hampi, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Someone rightly said “If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi”
The foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire was laid in Hampi in 1336 A.D, making it the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India. It later became famous for its support towards renovation/reconstruction of temples re-establishment of Indian culture, its support for music, art and literature throughout India. Today the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur and fabulous wealth, palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men of infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.
Vithala Temple Complex - The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars. Here see the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that revolve. In front of the shrine stands the great mantapa. Resting on a richly sculpted basement, its roof is supported by huge pillars of granite, each consisting of a central pillar surrounded by detached shafts, all cut from one single block of stone.
The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 120 feet tall tower on its eastern entrance. The temple contains the shrines of Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneswari.Parts of this temple are older than the Vijayanagar kingdom itself. The work of this style dates back to the 11th or 12th century.
Hazara Ramaswami temple is believed to have been the private place of worship of the royal family. The chief attraction of the temple is the series of scenes from the Ramayana carved on two of the inside walls of the mantapa. The genesis of the place known today as Hampi dates back to the age of the Hindu epic Ramayana when it was the site of Kishkinda, a monkey kingdom.
Later visit the Achyutaraya Temple and walk through the bazaars of Sule and Hampi.
Return to hotel by evening.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 5: Hampi to Vidyanagar by road: Approx. 29 Kms. / 18 Mi. / 40 Mins.
Vidyanagar to Bangalore by flight: 2T 418 at 1355 / 1455 Hrs.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Vidyanagar airport to board your flight to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore, check into your hotel.
Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 6: Bangalore to Kabini by road: Approx. 210 Kms. / 130 Mi. / 5 Hrs.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Kabini.
Kabini is the most beautiful forest gateways since it combines hills, forests and river. Part of the Nagarhole National Park, it is on the periphery and is beautifully located with thick forest on one side and a gentle river on the other. Though named after the river, the area is actually the banks of the backwaters of the dam built across the river Kapila.
On arrival in Kabini, transfer to your hotel. Evening is free t relax at resort.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7: Kabini
Morning enjoy boat safari on Kabini river to witness the wildlife. Post lunch proceed for the another safari by canter.
Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8: Kabini to Mysore by road: Approx. 75 Kms. / 47 Mi. / 2 Hrs.
Morning have breakfast at hotel. Later check out and drive to Mysore.
known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant with its rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. The charm of this city leaves no one untouched. Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore has played a significant role in the history of South India.
On arrival, check into hotel.
Later in the evening proceed for guided walk of the city and Walk by some charming old heritage structures that have played host to greats such as Gandhi and Nehru. See how the story of Mysore connects to several significant historical events around the world. As locals to the best food places in town so that you can bite into delicacies that you’ll remember!
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 9: Mysore
After breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing of Mysore.
Mysore Palace, a priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Palace was built over a thousand years ago, in AD 897. After a fire in 1897, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV rebuilt the palace as we see it today, under the supervision of architect Henry Irwin. An eclectic synthesis of architectural styles the palace is one of India’s most dramatic national monuments. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore.
Also, visit Jagan Mohan Art Gallery, the Gallery has an excellent collection of decorative arts from across the world that includes several examples of furniture, silver, glass, pewter, ceramics and textiles. Highlights of the exhibition are the display of English glass, exquisite Japanese porcelain and wooden furniture and carvings from China. The ground floor is devoted to the Mysore royal family. There are portraits and murals that depict the genealogy of the Mysore kings and princes including detailed paintings of royal weddings.Another exhibit at the gallery is the display of musical instruments, which includes an excellent collection of traditional Indian instruments like the veena, sitar, sarangi, tabla and mridangam.
Later visit Chamundi Hills is about 13 kms from Mysore and atop the hills is the famous Chamundi temple. ‘Chamundi’ is the fierce form of ‘Shakti’. She is the slayer of demons. She is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and the presiding deity of Mysore whose people hold her in great esteem. For several centuries they have held the Goddess, Chamundi, in great reverence. A panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the hills.
Evening is free to walk around the colouful local market of Mysore.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 10: Mysore to Bangalore by road: Approx. 150 Kms. / 94 Mi. / 3 Hrs.
Bangalore to Chennai by flight: 9W 873 at 1630 / 1735 Hrs.
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Bangalore airport to board your flight to Chennai.
On arrival, check into your hotel. Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 11: Chennai to Mahabalipuram by road: Approx. 50 Kms. / 31 Mi. / 1 Hr.
Morning after breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Chennai
Fort St. George which was built by the British East India Company and also houses a small quaint museum known as the Fort Museum.
Later visit San Thome Basilica, a Roman Catholic basilica, built in 16th century by a Portuguese explorer over the tomb of Saint Thomas.
Later in the afternoon drive to Mahabalipuram.
An archaeologist's delight, this city boasts a large collection of ornate stone-carvings, made on uncut rocks, which lay scattered in the complex and make it seem like an open museum.
On arrival, check into your hotel. Evening is free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 12: Mahabalipuram
Morning after breakfast, embark on a half-day excursion to Kanchipuram, also known as the ‘City of a thousand temples’.
The most famous of these are the Ekambeshwara temple and the Varaderajaswamy temple. Drive back to Mahabalipuram to explore its five ‘Pagodas,’ or chariots.
Mahabalipuram is commonly known as the “City of the Seven Pagodas,” even though five of the seven pagodas are actually rathas (stone chariots). The Pallavas, the ruling power of South India during the 7th and 8th Centuries and prolific patrons of the arts, reached their greatest architectural achievement in the visually dramatic temples at Mahabalipuram. A wealthy maritime trade with Southeast Asia enabled the Pallava monarchs to construct a large number of temples and sculptural programs, which garnered them both religious merit and promoted the political and social ideals of South Indian society.
Later visit the photogenic and windswept Shore Temple, dramatically perched near a promontory overlooking the Bay of Bengal. You can see the aforementioned Panch Rathas (Five Stone Chariots), at the southern end of town. The rathas, which date to the 7th Century, are extraordinary examples of rock shrines made from monolithic stone and are named for the heroes of the epic Indian tale the Mahabharata.
In the centre of Mahabalipuram is the main cluster of temples and rock sculptures. Life size stone statues of an elephant, bull and a lion guard these delicately sculptured temples. Depictions of scenes from Indian mythology carved out of stone cover the temples. One of the most elaborate is the Bhagirathi’s Penance, which despite its mammoth proportions, is intricately carved. So large is the bas-relief that it is often described as a “fresco in stone.” In fact, a number of stonecutters still work in Mahabalipuram and continue to produce high-quality traditional sculptures.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 13: Mahabalipuram to Chennai by road: Approx. 50 Kms. / 31 Mi. / 1 Hr.
Chennai to Port Blair by flight: 6E 188 at 0825 / 1040 Hrs.
After early breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to Chennai airport to board your flight to Port Blair. On arrival, check into your hotel.
Proceed to Carbyns Cove Beach, it is 7 Kms from the town, is the coconut-palm fringed beach, ideal for swimming, surfing and sun-basking. Visit Anthropological Museum & Cellular Jail. At Evening time you can observe -The saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in “SOUND & LIGHT SHOW” in Cellular Jail.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 14: Port Blair to Havelock Island by ferry
Today we will by ferry you will be taken to Andaman’s most fascinating Island known as Havelock Island.
With snow-white beaches, teal shallows, a coast crammed with beach huts and some of the best diving in South Asia, Havelock has a well-deserved reputation as a backpacker paradise. Havelock Island at the Andaman is the most popular spot for scuba diving. Home to one of the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world, the waters here are pristine, and teeming with diverse marine life.
On arrival, check into your hotel. Evening is free to unwind at the beach.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 15: Havelock Island
Morning have breakfast at hotel. Later proceed to the famous for Radha Nagar Beach, one of the best beach in Asia.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 16: Havelock Island to Neil Island by ferry
Today we will by ferry you will be taken to Neil Island.
Neil Island is a tiny but beautiful island, with unexplored coral reefs, brilliant bio-diversity, white sandy beaches and tropical forest and vegetation; it is one of the hot tourist spots in the Andaman. is known as the ‘vegetable bowl’ of the Andaman. The settlers named the beaches after mythical characters of the epic Ramayana (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, Ramnagar etc.)
On arrival, check into your hotel. Evening is free to unwind at the beach.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 17: Neil Island
Morning have breakfast at hotel. Later explore the few of the best beaches of Andaman, known for swimming and coral-watching with a vast sandy stretch. The beaches are a broad spur of white shell sand with shallow water and offer a good snorkelling option. Sunbathing and swimming are other activities. One can view spectacular sun-set from the beaches.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 18: Neil Island to Port Blair by ferry
Morning have breakfast at hotel. Later check out and transfer to jetty to board your ferry to Port Blair.
On arrival, check into your hotel and relax.
Overnight at hotel (B)
Day 19: Port Blair to Chennai by flight: 6E 624 at 1110 / 1320 Hrs.
After having breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to airport to board your flight to Chennai to connect your international flight.(B)