Deluxe Escorted Journey Royal Rajasthan & Panoramic South (21 Days/ 20 Nights)
FROM NZ$5999 - AU$4300
This is a fantastic introduction to the diversity of Indian culture. Take in Delhi’s sites, the romantic lake city of Udaipur; explore the Rajasthan cities of Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Be in awe at Udaipur crystal gallery and absorb the magnificent atmosphere at the Taj Mahal in Agra. An entertaining cooking class conducted in a royal residence embeds the flavours of India in your mind, before heading to the beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes, serene hill stations and intricately carved temples that make Southern India such a delight. Relax with two nights on a Kettuvallam, these boats have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for centuries. All this and more awaits you on our popular “Royal Rajasthan & Panoramic South”.
Day 01: Depart New Zealand - Arrive Delhi
The Group will be welcomed by Our Tour Manager at the airport arrival lounge with TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS signboard. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while the hotel formalities is completed. Rest of the day is at leisure with overnight at hotel.
Day 02: : Delhi
After a leisurely start, explore the myriad sights of Old and New Delhi. The wide boulevards of Lutyens' New Delhi contrast dramatically with the narrow streets and scattered monuments that dominate Old Delhi. The city, simmering with life and vitality offers an unusual fusion of historical and modern ages. During sightseeing we visit Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, India Gate and drive past the Parliament House and President Palace, before finishing our day with the rickshaw ride in Chandini Chowk. Overnight at Delhi. (B,D).
Day 03:Delhi – Agra (200 kms / 4 hrs)
Today we travel to Agra the most visited city in India. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-Ul-Khilafat (seat of the Emperor). Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. Afternoon enjoy sightseeing tour and visit Agra fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah. Overnight at Agra. (B,D)
Day 04: Agra – Jaipur (232 kms / 4 hrs 30 mins)
We pay Sunrise visits to the incomparable TAJ MAHAL. This architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-ere for every tourist’s and took 22 years to be completed. Apart from stunning design balance and perfect symmetry it’s noted for elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. We enjoy breakfast before making our way to another marvellous city known as Jaipur. En-route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital city built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. Evening at leisure with overnight at Jaipur. (B,D)
Day 05: Jaipur
After leisurely breakfast we enjoy sightseeing tour of the city founded by the great warrior and astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II In 1727. Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who inhabit it. During our visit to City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal you will witness that the city is laid out using Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Overnight at Jaipur. (B,D)
Day 06: Jaipur
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the old capital of Jaipur rulers and experience another beautiful architect reflecting Hindu and Muslim style. Set amidst the picture-perfect beauty of the rugged hills, it is not less charming in its majestic manner. Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private audience) and the Sukh Niwas where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air-conditioning. Ride on the back of an elephant from the foot of the hill up to the gates of the fortress. Afternoon free for shopping or relax at the hotel. In the evening enjoy Authentic Rajasthani cuisine dinner with overnight at Jaipur. (B,D)
Day 07: Jaipur – Bikaner (240 / 5 hrs)
We travel to Bikaner which is popularly referred as the 'Camel City of Rajasthan'. The city was flourished as a major trade centre during the medieval period. It has many splendid buildings made of reddish-Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Bikaner city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and mosques. Afternoon explore this beautiful city, visit Junagarh Fort and enjoy your stay at Lallgarh Palace. (B,D)
Day 08: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (240 kms / 5 hrs)
We make our way to Jaisalmer, the city of sand dunes. Afternoon take a stroll in the narrow streets and have a glimpse of the wonderful unique costumes, market place, junk jewellery, and lifestyle of Rajputs, the warrior clan of India. Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antiques and old stone work. Overnight at Jaisalmer.(B,D)
Day 09:Jaisalmer
We enjoy the sightseeing tour of the Golden City, starting with the Famous Fort, built in 17th Century, etched in yellow sandstone standing with all its awesome splendour dominating the amber hued city, and the Jain temples with exquisite carvings on marble pillars and domes. In the evening enjoy camel safari and gather at the sand dunes to watch cultural folk dances as the sun goes down over the horizon. Overnight at Jaisalmer. (B,D)
Day 10: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (220 kms / 4 hrs 30 mins)
Today we travel to Jodhpur; built on the edge of Thar Desert, it was founded by Rao Jodha, the chief of a clan known as the Rathores in 1459. It is an island of marble palaces, separated from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions, innumerable bastions and is popularly known as the “Blue City”. Afternoon explore this small but beautiful small town, with a jumble of wide winding streets flanked with pavement stalls and the unusually fascinating lifestyle of folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight at Jodhpur. (B,D)
Day 11:Jodhpur – Udaipur (250 kms / 5 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast we travel to Udaipur a most romantic city in Rajasthan. En-rout visit the 12th Century temples of Ranakpur, which stand on 1444 intricate carved marble pillars, each different to the others. It is regarded as the home of an exceptionally beautiful temple complex, lying in the Aravali ranges. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures as height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. Evening at leisure, with overnight at Udaipur. (B,D)
Day 12:Udaipur
The city of Udaipur is lovely land around the Azure water lakes hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. Morning we enjoy sightseeing tour of the Lake City and visit City Palace, located amidst Lake Pichola, comprising of Crystal Gallery, Durbar Hall and Jagdish Temple, Museum, Jag Mandir and Saheliyon ki Bari (the garden for the Maids of Honour to the Queen). A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experience-an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. In the evening take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola provided boats are running on the day. Overnight at Udaipur.(B,D)
Day 13:Udaipur – Mumbai – Cochin (By Flight
After breakfast we board flight to Cochin the biggest and most important port which consist of many small town and village in Kerala and is known as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Daybreak is full of indeterminate promise, a slow lividness at the mist-obscured harbour mouth meets the swelling untamed surge of the ocean. Afternoon at leisure or explore the Fort Kochi which was once a sleepy fishing village on the course of Arabian Sea. Overnight at Cochin.(B,D)
Day 14::Cochin
We enjoy city tour and boat trip along the palm fringed lakes and Backwaters of the area, while sailing along the shady canals we witness everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. Evening watch and experience Kathakali, one of India’s most famous classical dances. Lavish costumes, exotic makeup and masks intensify the beauty of the dancers. Overnight at Cochin. (B,D)
Day 15: Cochin – Periyar (195 kms / 4 hrs)
Today we travel to Periyar, afternoon we take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. On your way back to the hotel, we stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Periyar.(B,D)
Day 16:Periyar/ Thekkady
After leisurely breakfast we visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary on a boat and spot various species of birds, animal and reptiles. The lake is known to be one of India’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries. Its centrepiece the man-made Periyar Lake, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The sanctuary houses the boars, monkeys, langurs, bison, antelopes and around 750 elephants. Overnight at Periyar. (B,D)
Day 17:Periyar - Alleppey (Backwaters cruise) (155 kms / 3 hrs 15 mins)
We travel Alleppey to embark at traditional houseboat. While sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. Enjoy fishing and sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. We stay overnight while cruising and enjoying specially cooked deciduous meals on board. (B,D)
Day 18: Kumarakom – Munnar (200 kms / 5 hrs)
Wake up with the chirruping noise of the birds and enjoy breakfast before we disembark the boat and travel to Munnar. The natural beauty, calmness and beautiful climate throughout the year make Munnar a favourite place. Explore the hills which are covered with tea plants and visit Munnar Lake site before concluding your evening with dinned and overnight at hotel T&U Leisure in Munnar. (B,D)
Day 19:Munnar – Kovalam (370 kms / 7 hrs 30 mins
This morning travel to Kovalam and enjoy beautiful beach stay with an Ayurveda Massage. “Kovalam” means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name, it is an alluring strip of golden sands laced with the rich greenery of coconut palms, pleasant climate making it a tropical paradise. Visit the shops spread along the waterfront of exquisite handicrafts, souvenirs, trinkets, jewellery and clothes. Optionally you can enjoy Ayurveda Treatment offered by resort. Rest of the day at leisure with overnight at Kovalam. (B,D)
Day 20:Kovalam
Enjoy leisurely breakfast as the day is free for your own activities. Alternatively take the opportunity to participate in some adventurous water sports like kayaking, parasailing, surging and catamaran ride. Swim in the refreshing and exhilarating waves. Evening we enjoy farewell dinner with overnight at Kovalam.(B,D)
Day 21: Kovalam – Trivandrum Departure (16 kms / 30 mins)
We enjoy leisurely breakfast before transfer to the Trivandrum airport to board flight for your onward journey. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your home land and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in India.(B)
Tour Ends
Price includes
- Hotel accommodation with private facilities in deluxe category Palace/Heritage/Hotels
- Backwater Cruise
- Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle
- Economy class airfare Udaipur-Cochin
- Train Ticket Varanasi - Agra
- Assistance and all transfers
- All sightseeing as specified
- Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner)
- THO tour manager (min 7 Traveller)
- Local English speaking tour guide
- All Entry fee to the monuments
- Elephant ride at Jaipur
- Camel Safari at Jaisalmer
- Kathakali Dance and Cultural shows
- Authentic Indian cuisine cooking class
- Boat ride at Udaipur, Cochin and Periyar
- Kathakali Dance show at Cochin
- All collectable taxes
| Confirm Group Departures |
| Start Delhi |
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2010 |
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| 15 Oct |
03 Nov |
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12 Mar |
01 Apr |
| 27 Nov |
16 Dec |
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