Classical India
More than a country, India is a many-splendoured assortment of sights, sounds and tastes.
Classical India gives you the perfect introduction to the Indian experience – from the regal magnificence of Delhi and Agra, to the historic aura of Rajasthan and the serene beauty of Kerala. Rest assured, it will leave you asking for more.
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Chhatra Sagar – Rohetgarh – Narlai – Udaipur – Mumbai – Cochin – Alleppey – Kovalam
Duration : 21 Days & 20 Nights
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Day 2 – Delhi
Your private guided tour of the capital today highlights the remarkable contrast between Old and New Delhi. Your excursion includes the Jama Masjid, the largest Friday mosque in India. From here we suggest a walk in the heart of Old Delhi – a great way to absorb the sights and sounds. You will also see the monumental buildings set along wide boulevards of Lutyens` New Delhi, including India Gate and the President`s residence.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 – Delhi – Agra
Delhi – Agra (Train Shatabdi Exp. Dep 0615 hrs Arrive 0812 hrs).
This morning you will rise early and transfer to the train station to board your express train to Agra. Here you will enjoy a guided tour of the city, including a visit to the legendary Taj Mahal, built as a memorial to the wife of Shah Jehan. You will also see the Red Fort, where Shah Jehan spent the last few years of his life imprisoned here by his son, looking across the Yamuna River at his accomplished Taj Mahal, and I`tma-ud-daulah, sometimes known as the “Baby Taj”.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 – Agra – Jaipur
Day 5 – Jaipur
Full day sightseeing in and around the `Pink City` of Jaipur. In the morning you will visit the magnificent Amber Palace with your guide. Capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs until 1727, this fort complex can be ascended on elephant back and there are great views from the top. Later, back in Jaipur, you will discover the treasures of the City Palace which houses an important museum, the intricate facade of The Palace of the Winds and the fascinating observatory.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 6 – Jaipur – Ajmer – Nimaj
Jaipur – Ajmer – Nimaj (Train Shatabdi Exp. Dep 1030 hrs Arrive 1240 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later transfer to railway station for train to Ajmer.
On arrival drive to Nimaj. Nimaj is a tranquil hideaway in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, an excellent place to relax and unwind during a tour of Rajasthan.
Arrive and check-in at Chhatra Sagar.
Chhatra Sagar – your accommodation is one of 11 luxury tents, with permanent bathrooms, located above a reservoir which is the seasonal home to flocks of migratory birds. Wake at dawn to watch the sun creep over the horizon and, as nature stirs, tea will be brought to your tent’s terrace.
There is plenty to keep you busy: the nearby village is still something of a secret, the camp’s organic vegetable farm makes for a fascinating guided tour, and the hills around the lake are perfect for walking. Nimaj is equidistant between Jaipur and Jodhpur and makes a relaxing place to recharge your batteries after experiencing India’s city life.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 7 – Chhatra Sagar
A relaxing change from the hustle and bustle that India is famous for and time to recharge with a unique opportunity to learn about rural life in Rajasthan. There are tours of the nearby village and the camp’s organic vegetable farm on offer plus bird watching and nature walks.
End the day around an inviting bonfire.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8 – Chhatra Sagar – Rohetgarh
ontinue westwards by road to the Rohetgarh. Less than an hour from Jodhpur, this ancestral home has been converted into a luxury hotel where the descendants of the original owners are your hosts, which makes for an atmospheric alternative to staying in the ‘Blue City’ itself.
It is easy to see how the writers Bruce Chatwin and William Dalrymple gained inspiration for their books whilst staying here. The nearby lake is a haven for waterbirds and a perfect place for a relaxing picnic, while the beautiful gardens are at their best as you sip a chilled fresh lime and soda by the pool.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9 – Rohetgarh
Day 10 – Rohetgarh – Narlai
Day 11 – Narlai
Day 12 – Narlai – Udaipur
Day 13 – Udaipur
Day 14 – Udaipur – Mumbai – Cochin
Day 15 – Cochin
Day 16 – Cochin – Alleppey
Breakfast checks out from Hotel and we drive down to Alleppey . At 1230 hrs checks in at houseboat for a memorable backwater tour Kerala. Sit back and enjoy scenic beauty as the houseboat moves slowly over the glittering water festooned by the white lilies with the only companion of duck and sometime fishes come out to say hello and hi to you. Also enjoy the vivid contrast of the green and the blue as the boat glides along the gorgeous green of the fringed palms the ripples in the blue water blend in to little wavelets. Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks, dinner and overnight stay will be on the houseboat. All the foods are prepared in a hygienic way using fresh spices and vegetables by our Chefs.
Overnight stay at houseboat.
Day 17 – Alleppey – Kovalam
Alleppey (Houseboat) – Kovalam
Enjoy the morning breakfast at the houseboat. On arrival at Alleppey finishing point jetty check out from the houseboat at 09 am and we transfer you to Kovalam. Kovalam is considered to be one of the finest beach resorts in the world. On arrival check into the pre-booked hotel, freshen up and enjoy welcome drinks. Later enjoy rest of the day at leisure on the beach at Kovalam.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kovalam.
Day 18 – Kovalam
Day 19 – Kovalam
Day 20 – Kovalam
Day 21 – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Kovalam – Trivandrum (Departure)
Enjoy healthy breakfast at the hotel and enjoy rest of the time at leisure. Later we transfer you from Hotel to Trivandrum – airport for yours onwards journey or way back home.
In this way your memorable tour to India ends. Waiting for your next visit to this Green and Cultural Paradise on Earth,