Dreams of Taj with Kerala

Welcome to Delhi, India!

Arrive at Delhi’s Airport. Welcome to India!

You are met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration & customs formalities. Depart for your hotel where you will check-in for your stay.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to the 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

Delhi - Sightseeing the City

New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's - it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks, and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an

"Imperial City" has palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal-style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.

Later visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar (Historical construction of a landmark In 1199, Qutub-Ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m) & Humayun's tomb (This tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the center of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra).

Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate (At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. It’s almost similar to its French counterpart war memorial. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens), President House (The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen) and the Parliament House (This is the symbol of Indian democracy).

Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Drive past the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.

Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old-time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.

Optional Experience
Evening Food trails (with Rickshaw ride) in Old Delhi.
A cycle rickshaw ride around Old Delhi is a unique experience because you get to witness the city's sights and delights in a whole new way. Immerse yourself in this charismatic city’s intoxicating, yet chaotic charm on one of these light, three-wheeled vehicles are driven by an expert who understands how to negotiate what can appear to be non-navigable streets – it’s quite an art! This is an offbeat and truly “Only in India’ experience in the ancient city of Shahjahanabad.

The experience begins after the visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. After this visit, hop on to your rickshaws and enter the colorful, narrow alleys and gullies of Old Delhi. Discover the gems of the main street of Chandni Chowk. Then proceed into busy streets which are forever bustling with the clamor and routine of daily trade, offering a glimpse of life back in the day and age when the city started as a commercial hub. Visit the famous firecracker market, see exquisite silver jewelry, antique items, perfumes, and piping hot, scrumptious jalebis, an Indian deep-fried dessert. Proceed to Kinari Bazaar or wedding market where one can buy all the paraphernalia required for an Indian wedding. At night, the gold and silver decorated borders, laces, and colorful embellishments in this lane twinkle, glitter, and shine, casting flirtatious looks upon innocent passers-by. Visit Asia's largest spice market, where spices, which in times gone by were once so valuable that they caused invasions and fierce battles, is still traded! On the way, you have the option of sampling some of Delhi’s delicious street food from Jalebis to samosas!

Wildlife SOS Bear Sanctuary

After early breakfast transfer to Delhi Train station to board the train for Agra.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Agra train station and proceed to SOS Wildlife.

An opportunity to visit or volunteer with Wildlife SOS at their bear sanctuary.
The Agra bear rescue center is the largest Sloth Bear rescue facility in the world housing over 250 sloth bears who have all been rescued from their lives of torture as dancing bears that used to ply the villages and highways of the region. The visit includes a personal guided tour of the facility including a video presentation of the 'dancing bears' and a short talk on bear conservation and its challenges in India. Interact with the bear keepers and learn about the unique habits of the bears, their rehabilitation, and their new world of the play,

foraging, feeding, and digging. This is truly one of India wildlife's success stories and is a heart-warming experience. The bear sanctuary is also located in the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, which is rarely visited and is a haven't for a wide variety of flora and fauna.

At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce, and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city's origins are dim, but Akbar's grandfather Babur is credited with Agra's founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth-century reign of Shah Jehan, the mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal - Taj Mahal by Sunrise & Agra Fort and Itmad

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal by sunrise.

Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock.

The design & construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction, and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose & golden tints at sunrise & sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to the heights of incomparable history.

After breakfast visit Agra Fort & Itmad

Visit the impressive Agra Fort, where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle-bustle of everyday India.

Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge & Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city.

It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers, and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.

The Itmad-Ud-Duala’s Tomb is situated on the left bank of river Jamuna next to Chini-ka-Rauza. Itmad-Ud-Daula was the title given to Mirza Ghiyas Beg, father of Nur Jahan. He held the post of Lord of the treasure of the empire and later rose to the dignity of wazir under Jahangir. Nur
Jahan. He held the post of Lord of the treasure of the empire and later rose to the dignity of wazir under Jahangir. Nur Jahan completed the construction of the building of the Tomb of her father in 1628 AD, nearly 7 years after his death.

The tomb is located at the center of a quadrangle with gardens laid out on the Char Bagh pattern surrounding it. The structure stands over a raised sandstone terrace measuring 149 feet square and 3 feet and 4 inches high from the ground. The tomb building consists of a central hall, which houses the tomb of Wazir and his wife. Small chambers in which the tombs of other family members are located surround this hall. A sandstone staircase leads to the first floor, where an elegant oblong dome is found surmounting a pavilion over the central hall, topped with pinnacles. This pavilion also contains cenotaphs of plain marble but without any inscriptions. At the corners of the top of the building stand four round towers approximately measuring 40 feet in height, which are surmounted by marble kiosks.
This is a walk initiated by the NGO CURE together with USAID to benefit the local communities surrounding the Taj Mahal. It is a wonderful, unique, and interactive experience that gives a rare ‘behind the scenes' glimpse of the world’s most famous tourist attraction. Take a walk through Kachhpura Village which is in the shadow of the Taj Mahal with one of the village boys. He will show you the lesser-known heritage monuments of HuAprilun’s Mosque and Gyaraha Sidi, and walk you through this historic settlement where you can

meet its people, and discover their way of life as agriculturists next to the Taj. Enjoy tea and pakoras on the rooftop of a village house overlooking the monument and see how creating this experience has benefited the local community. The walk ends at Mehtab Bagh or Moonlit Garden which has exceptional views of the Taj Mahal. The money generated from this tour is used to put sanitation in the village, educate women, and provide initiatives for children.

Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

After breakfast drive to Bharatpur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri - The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. Fatehpur Sikri is the most popular day excursion from Agra, the city of Taj, and the capital of invincible Mughals for a long time.

Today, as one enters Sikri from the Agra Gate, one of the nine gateways on the way to the palace complex, Diwan-I-Aam, or the hall of public audience appears first. It is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard where petitions were heard, proclamations made, ambassadors received, and entertainment programs held. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.

After the sightseeing, continue your drive to Bharatpur and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Afternoon, proceed for a visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary which was created 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple within its boundaries. Initially, it was a natural depression; and was flooded after the Ajan Bund was constructed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the then ruler of the princely state of Bharatpur, between 1726 to 1763. The bund was created at the confluence of two rivers, the Gambhir and Banganga. The park was a hunting ground for the maharajas of Bharatpur, a tradition dating back to 1850, and duck shoots were organized yearly in honor of the British viceroys. In one shoot alone in 1938, over 4,273 birds such as mallards and teals were killed by Lord Linlithgow, the then Governor-General of India. After India's independence, the rulers of the princely states were allowed shooting rights until 1972. In 1982, grazing was banned in the park, leading to violent clashes between the local farmer and Gujjar communities and the government.

Jaipur - Enjoy Light & Sound Show at Amber in The Evening

After breakfast at the hotel drive to Jaipur, on arrival check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure. Evening enjoy Light & Sound Show at Amber.

Jaipur is known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid-out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound.

Jaipur - Excursion to Inspiring Amber Fort and Visit The City Palace Museum

After breakfast, proceed for a half-day excursion to inspiring Amber Fort, 11 Kms from Jaipur. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror, and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered.
Later visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes, and processions also visit the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes, and spires.

Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art, and craft structures in the city. Sawai Jai Singh built its many buildings but some of the structures were also built by later rulers and some of them are even dated to the twentieth century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace.

On entering the complex and before the palace proper lies the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of welcome or reception. Sawai Madho Singh built the palace in the nineteenth century. It was used as a reception center for the visiting personage. The building now forms the Maharaja

Sawai Man Singh II Museum and on display here are a wide array of royal costumes, some vary exquisite and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) Shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints, and folk embroidery. An unusual display is that of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I (ruled 1750-68).

The Hawa Mahal (The Palace of winds), which adjoins the famous City Palace wall, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with several small windows and screens, with arched roofs.

Spend some time in the city’s crowded and colorful bazaars that sell a wide variety of artisan goods and semi-precious stones, which are the local specialty.

Optional Experiences
Evening Enjoy Heritage Walk

Today take a two-hour walk of the Old City with a private local guide. These carefully designed walking tours aim to bring alive the diverse heritage of the city, whether you are visiting traditional temples and monuments or encountering living craft and culture. You will be encouraged to engage with the local community along the way to get a real feel for life in the city

Jaipur - Jaigarh Fort & Nahargarh Fort and Experience The Cooking Session

Today visit Jaigarh Fort & Nahargarh Fort.

The fort, rugged and similar in structural design to the Amber Fort, is also known as Victory Fort. The fort features a cannon named "Jaivana", which was manufactured in the fort precincts and was then the world's largest cannon on wheels. The palace complex (Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir, and Aram Mandir) is located), an armory, and a museum. Jaigarh Fort and Amber Fort are connected by subterranean passages and are considered as one complex.

Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The view of the city from the fort is impressive. Open from 10 AM, not 8:00 am Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshan, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means 'abode of tigers. The widespread belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed the construction of the fort. Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name.

Evening Cooking session followed by Dinner with Nobel family of Jaipur

The hospitality of the Indians is legendary. In Sanskrit Literature the three famous words 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or ‘The guest is truly your god' are a dictum of hospitality in India. Indians believe that they are honored if they share their mealtimes with guests. Even the poorest look forward to guests and are willing to share this meager food with guests. And of importance is the Indian woman's pride that she will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy from her home. Indians are known for their incredible ability to serve food to their guests invited or uninvited.

Optional Experiences - Morning Biking tour of Jaipur

Early this morning you will experience the Pink City by bike! You take to the streets just as they are waking up, to sample some of the most famous street food (all hygienically prepared), and to witness a puja at one of Jaipur’s most important and popular temples. There is time to bargain like a local at one of the vegetable markets and to make the obligatory photo stop at the Palace of Winds, before sampling breakfast at the world-famous LMB eatery.

Kochi - Discover 'The Queen of the Arabian Sea'

Breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Kochi. You will be met upon arrival at the Kochi airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Kochi is also known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' due to its natural harbor being one of the finest. Kochi is a city made of islands connected to Ernakulam on the mainland by bridges and ferries. The interesting city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. This quaint town has seen historic visits from seafaring traders in the past from Portugal, China, etc. bringing to it different cultures that make up its fabric.

Kochi - Cooking Demo

After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Kochi.

Visit the ancient Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace built by the Portuguese in 1557. This palace was presented to the ruler of Kochi as a gesture of goodwill. The Palace’s alternative name “Dutch Palace” resulted from substantial renovations by the Dutch after 1663. The most important feature of the palace is the astonishing murals that adorn some of the palace rooms, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara, and Durga.

Another stop is made at the St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays), the oldest European-built church in India. Constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars who accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvarez Cabral. He famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Also, pay a visit to the amazing Chinese fishing nets operating on principles of physics advanced for their times. Cochin’s Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of their kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

This evening pick up from the Hotel & proceed to a local theatre where you will learn about Kerala's fascinating art form, Kathakali. The Kathakali performers begin to train for their art at a young age, and their study continues for a lifetime. Here you will enjoy a dance performance.

Cooking Demo:

Visit a Kerala Family and experience a meal, interact with family members, and cook a demo. They are a business family that has a beautiful waterfront house. It is like Welcome to a home Kerala has a lot to offer – from its pristine beaches to the sparkling backwaters. But no visit is complete without adding that magic ingredient – an authentic meal at a Kerala home.

They have opened the doors of their beautiful home on the backwaters of Kochi, so guests can gorge on traditional delicacies. Guests can see the women in action and learn a thing or two about the age-old recipes that have been passed on for generations adding zest to local cuisine.

Renu an excellent cook has been serving up delicious meals for her friends and family for the past 40 years. Her culinary skills developed through watching her mother and mother-in-law in action at their homes. Her daughter-in-law Tracy has a passion for food and has joined hands with Renu to set up and run God’s Curry – Local Cuisine with a Personal Touch.
Let these women serve a slice of Kerala, an experience you can get nowhere else in God’s Own Country.

Alleppey - Board your Houseboat to Sail through Narrow Lakes and Canals

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the jetty to board the houseboat. Cruise through narrow lakes and canals towards Alleppey.

The backwater in Kerala is a network of 930 miles (1500 km) of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers, and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. Before trucks became popular, the main cargo transportation was through backwaters by 'Kettuvalloms'. Kettuvallom means, ‘stitched boat’. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges, and ferry services, gradually the Kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now, these Kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

Today things are a bit more modern, although a lot of effort has been made to keep the traditional touch there. Today’s houseboats are converted ‘kettuvalloms’. They are designed for a comfortable cruise and overnight stay. The boat is constructed with Eco-friendly materials like a bamboo mat, Arecanut trees, and coir. A distinctive feature of the Kettuvallom is the design suggesting the possible Chinese influence. The canopy’s sides can be lifted.

Dining onboard is an experience in itself. Though based on the tradition of fish and vegetables, in keeping with the demands of a cosmopolitan clientele, the cuisine served aboard our houseboats features a far more sophisticated menu than a Kettuvallom. The ethnic meals are prepared on board by a personal cook and fish delicacies like white prawns, pearl spotted fish, crabs, and mussels are the specialties.

Once on the boat, you will cruise along the backwaters for a couple of hours. Pass small villages and see how the local people live. The lushness of coconut trees will astound you en-route visiting villages to see coir making, tea shops, paddy fields, temples, beaches, etc. till sunset.

At night the boat is anchored at a beautiful and quiet part of the lake.

Kovalam - Leisure Day by the Beach

After breakfast, disembark your houseboat & drive to Kovalam. Rest of the day at leisure & free to relax by the beach.

Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, a state in south India. It is located around 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. [The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into the limelight in the early seventies with the arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach. Kovalam has three crescent-shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of meters are ideal for swimming.

On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Kovalam - Day at leisure

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is at leisure to explore on your own.

Kerala - Departure Flight

After breakfast at the hotel depart to Trivandrum airport to board flight for onward destination.