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Best of India’s Natural Wonders
Day 1:
Arrive in Delhi, where you will be escorted to your hotel. Choose from the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel *5-star or the Jaypee Vasant Continental *4-star.
Day 2:
This morning, embark on a tour of old and new Delhi. Start at the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city.
Day 3:
This morning, drive to Agra, the capital of the great Mughal Empire. En-route, visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar in Sikandra. In the afternoon visit the magnificent monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Also visit the Agra Fort. Stay at the Taj View Hotel *5-star or the Trident Hilton *4-star.
Day 4:
Today, drive to Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City” where you will stay at the Taj Rambagh Palace *5-star or the Trident Hilton *4-star. En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. This evening visit Jaipur’s colorful Bazaar.
Day 5:
Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. This morning, enjoy an elephant ride that takes you to the Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture. In the afternoon, tour the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Also visit the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds). Due to the renovation of the entrance gate of Amber Fort, the elephant ride will not be available from May 1 - 30, 2008. As an alternative, a jeep ride will be utilized.
Day 6:
Today, fly to Udaipur where you will stay at the Taj Lake Palace *5-star or the Trident Hilton *4-star. Next, tour the City Palace Museum. Later, visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651; and Sahelion Ki Bari.
Day 7:
This morning, visit Rankapur Temple, one of the largest Jain temples in India. Also enjoy a cruise on lovely Lake Pichola and see Jagmandir Palace.
Day 8:
Today, fly to Mumbai where you will stay at Taj Mahal Palace and Tower *5-star or the Taj President Hotel *4-star. Start your city tour with a visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate King George and Queen Mary’s visit in 1911. Also see the Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach and Crawford Market.
Day 9:
Today, travel to Elephanta Caves, built to honor Lord Shiva. Next, explore the rock-cut figures and carvings by the famous sculptors Ajanta or Udayagiri. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 10:
This morning, fly to Bangalore and drive to Mysore where you will stay at the Lalitha Mahal Palace *5-star or the Regaalis Hotel *4-star. En-route, visit Srirangapatanam on the banks of the River Kaveri. Later, visit a silk farm.
Day 11:
Start the day touring Mysore. Visit the grand Palace of Mysore. In the afternoon explore the temple of Somnathpur, the most well preserved of the Hoysala temples.
Day 12:
Enjoy the morning at your leisure. Then take an afternoon train to Chennai where you will stay at the Taj Coromandel Hotel *5-star or the The Park Hotel *4-star.
Day 13:
This morning, take an excursion to Mahabalipuram, home to the great Pallava artisans. Also tour the city of Chennai and see the Fort of St. George and Marina Beach.
Day 14:
Today, fly to Tirchy, then travel to Tanjore where you will stay at the Sangam Hotel *3-star. Visit the Brihadeeswara Temple, the finest example of Dravidian architecture. Also visit the Palace built by the Nayak Kings in 1550 and the Royal Museum.
Day 15:
Take a drive to Madurai, the oldest city in Tamil Nadu dating back 2500 years. Stay at the Taj Garden Retreat *4-star.Explore the Shree Meenakshi Temple complex. Tonight, enjoy a “Sound & Light Show”.
Day 16:
Today, drive to Periyar, known as India’s “Spice Village”. Enjoy an evening visit to a spice plantation. Stay at the Spice Village *4-star or the Taj Garden Retreat *3-star.
Day 17:
This morning, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see elephants and tigers. Also take a lake cruise, jungle walk and see enchanting wild animals. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 18:
Today, board a deluxe Houseboat and cruise the backwaters of Kerala. See life unfold on the emerald waterways.
Day 19:
Disembark and check-in to at the Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa *5-star or the Coconut Lagoon Resort *4-star. Unwind with various optional Ayurveda facilities available at your resort.
Day 20:
Today, drive to Cochin where you will stay at Taj Malabar Hotel *5-star or the Le Meridien Hotel *4-star. Enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance that combines literature, music, painting, acting and dance.
Day 21:
Start the day visiting a Jewish Synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth. Next, tour ancient Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace built by the Portuguese, and St. Francis Church. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 22:
Explore Cochin at your leisure and catch up on some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, fly to Delhi.
Day 23:
Head to the airport for your onward flight.
YOUR HOTELS
Delhi: Taj Mahal Hotel ***** or Jaypee Vasant Continental ****
Agra: Taj View Hotel ***** or Trident Hilton ****
Jaipur: Taj Rambagh Palace ***** or Trident Hilton ****
Udaipur: Taj Lake Palace ***** or Trident Hilton ****
Mumbai: Taj Mahal Palace & Tower ***** or Taj President Hotel ****
Mysore: Lalitha Mahal Palace **** or Regaalis Hotel ***
Chennai: Taj Coromandel Hotel ***** or The Park ****
Tanjore: Sangam Hotel ***
Madurai: Taj Garden Retreat ****
Periyar: Spice Village **** or Taj Garden Retreat ***
Alleppey: Deluxe Houseboat
Kumarakom: Radisson Plaza Resort & Spa ***** or Coconut Lagoon Resort ****
Cochin: Taj Malabar Hotel ***** or Le Meridien Hotel ****
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