Mr. James Smith: Arrive Delhi by SQ-402 at 0540Hrs.
On arrival, after clearing Immigration, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel RED FOX HOTEL AEROCITY
Check in to your hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast & enjoy a sleep and stay till other members arrive.
We will pick you up from your hotel after picking up the other members
Mrs. Jennifer Smith (x 4) : Arrive Delhi by AI-214 1145Hrs.
Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to Agra via Red Fox to pick up your husband.
Agra was the capital of the Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi’s empire from 1501. It passed to the Mughal’s soon after and in 1526 Emperor Babar transformed Agra, giving it a unique character and beauty. A great patron of the arts, he made changes to the culture and life-style of his people, which in turn brought forth some of the finest craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility ever seen in this part of India.
Over the next few centuries, Agra witnessed a rise in pomp and pageantry under the rule of three great Mughal monarchs - Emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. All lavished their love and riches on this fabled city, making it one of the great centres of art, culture, learning, and commerce.
Arrive Agra, check in at the hotel & spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Agra
Early morning, check out (Packed Breakfast) and drive back to Delhi.
Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India, is a fusion of ancient and modern. Standing at the western end of the Gangetic Plain, it is a vibrant city rich in culture, architecture, beautiful gardens and human diversity. Its rich history is reflected in magnificent monuments, in museums and in galleries. It comprises two contrasting yet harmonious parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India from the 12th to the 19th centuries, while New Delhi was created by the British Raj and replaced Calcutta as the capital in 1931. It is India’s main international gateway, and the travel hub of Northern India.
In Delhi, you will be taken to the airport fro your flight to Udaipur
SECTOR AIRLINE FLIGHT DEPARTURE ARRIVAL CLASS
Delhi / Udaipur Indigo 6E-2554 1325 hrs 1445 hrs Economy
Udaipur, the 'City of Dreams' also known as the Venice of the East, is interspersed with shimmering lakes, marble palaces and fountains. It is often referred to as the most romantic city in India. It was built in traditional Rajput style in 1559 A.D. by Maharana Udai Singh and was originally the capital of the State of Mewar. It's beautiful lake setting; graceful architecture, bustling bazaars and historical past make Udaipur rather special.
Upon arrival in Udaipur, you will be met & transferred to your hotel.
Check in at your hotel & remainder of the day at leisure (no car for local use).
Overnight in Udaipur
Daily breakfast at your hotel.
The entire day is at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Udaipur on your own (no car available or local use).
Overnight in Udaipur
Post breakfast, check out and you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Cochin via Mumbai (flight change).
SECTOR AIRLINE FLIGHT DEPARTURE ARRIVAL CLASS
Udaipur / Mumbai Indigo 6E-748 1000 hrs 1135 hrs Economy
Mumbai / Cochin Indigo 6E-223 1325 hrs 1535 hrs Economy
Kerala’s long history of international trade has made it eclectic, which in turn has influenced many aspects of culture and religious balance. Cochin (formally Kochi), by reflecting this, has become one of India’s fascinating cities. Beautifully located on a cluster of islands and peninsulas it surrounds a large natural harbour. Much of the past has survived in its many historic sites.
Cochin is an attractive city with serene backwaters, and lagoons with feathery coconut palms. The older parts, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, are an unlikely blend of Indian and medieval Portuguese. Now the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, it is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India after Mumbai.
Check in at the hotel & spend the rest of the day at leisure (no car for local use).
Overnight in Cochin
Breakfast at hotel.
Start your day with Cochin Sightseeing with an English speaking guide.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557, it was presented to the Cochin Raja, Veera Kerala Varma as a goodwill gesture. In 1663 it was substantially renovated by the Dutch, hence its other name. The coronation of many Rajas took place here and in the Coronation hall dresses, turbans and palanquins are displayed. By far the most notable aspect of the Palace is the superb murals in the bedchambers and other rooms. They depict scenes from the Ramayana and legends of Lord Shiva, and are almost certainly the best in India. (Closed on Fridays)
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry: The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. (Closed on Fridays & Saturdays)
St. Francis Church: Close the Fort Kochi it is the oldest church in India, built in 1503 by Franciscan Friars. On his third visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama the Portuguese trader, who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi and was buried in St. Francis Church. Fourteen years later his remains were exhumed and taken back to Portugal. Despite this his grave inside the church is clearly marked.
Chinese Fishing Nets: It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan installed these fishing nets here. Oddly, outside China these nets are only found in and around Cochin. Today many fishermen still earn their livelihood using these massive nets, which are dotted along a stretch from Fort Cochin, opposite Vypeen Island.
Evening, enjoy Kathakali Dance Drama Show.
Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, South India, which dates from the 17th century. Kathakali recitals are drama and are danced with elaborate masks and costumes. They are emotive and narrative, while other dance forms have either one of them. The dancers use their stunning costumes and make-up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions.
Overnight in Cochin
Post leisurely breakfast, check out & drive to houseboat jetty. Embark on your Houseboat Experience.
Houseboat on the Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala are a series of interconnected waterways, lakes, inlets and riverine estuaries that form an intermeshed network along the coast of Kerala.
Today’s houseboats on Kerala’s backwaters were originally barges, traditionally known as “Kettuvallam” constructed using only natural materials - wood, rattan and bamboo, in harmonious tones of brown and honey. In earlier times, when the backwaters were the “roads” for transporting spices, chillies, coconuts, coffee, tea, coir and rice to Cochin and waiting ships, Kettuvallam were the trucks.
In their new role as comfortable houseboats they have solar-powered lighting, chic spacious bedrooms, and shower rooms with WC, a fully equipped kitchenette and large decks on which to relax. Although they were mainly polled along the backwater channels, Kettuvallams are now motorized so that longer distances can be covered efficiently. The crew includes two boatmen and a cook.
Lunch & dinner and breakfast on board.
Overnight in Houseboat
Post breakfast, disembark and you will be driven to Mararikulam.
Situated 60 kms from Cochin, Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm. The village of Mararikulam tucked away behind a line of dense palms that rise like a sudden rampart of green out of the sands The isolation of the islands have ensured the preservation of their pure culture and pristine nature to the present day
Sprawled expansively across 25 acres of land, the Marari Beach Resort is separated from the sea by a windbreak of palms. There are 52 cottages built in the style of a traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style. Simplicity and harmony mark the interiors, which nevertheless contain all the comforts of a modern resort. The cottages are separated by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit-laden trees.
Check in at your resort and spend rest of the day at leisure (no car for local use).
Overnight at Mararikulam
Daily breakfast at your resort.
The entire day is at leisure for individual activities (no car for local use).
You can simply opt for array of activities at your resort, viz. Visit Butterfly Garden, Bird Watching, enjoy yoga and meditation classes or explore local fishing villages on bicycle, etc.
Overnight in Mararikulam
After an early breakfast, check out and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home by SQ-401, which departs at 0955 hrs.
