North India With Kerala

Places to See : Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kovalam - Trivandrum
Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days

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Day 01 : ARRIVAL DELHI

Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02 : DELHI – VARANASI

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

VARANASI IS THE WORLD'S MOST ANCIENT LIVING CITY. SUNRISE ON THE RIVERFRONT, AS SEEN FROM A BOAT, CAN BE SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING SIGHT. CROWDED WITH TEMPLES, AND ITS LABYRINTH OF STREETS, THE CITY ATTRACTS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TOURISTS. THE RELIGIOUS CAPITAL OF HINDUISM, VARANASI IS THE CARPET MANUFACTURING PLACE OF INDIA. IT WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS KASHI - THE CITY THAT ILLUMINATES. THE PRESENT NAME IS DERIVED FROM THE FACT THAT THE CITY IS AT THE CONFLUENCE OF THE RIVERS VARUNA AND ASI.

Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Evening – Prayer ceremony at the banks of River Ganges in Varanasi.

Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.

Day 03 : VARANASI

In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.

Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. Proceed for a guided tour of Varanasi in the afternoon including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Benaras Hindu University and other important monuments.

Evening free to explore the various banks of Varanasi

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day 04 : VARANASI – KAHJURAHO

Transfer to airport for flight to Khajuraho. Situated in the heart of india, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint, rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage, honoured by the world as india's unique contribution to human civilisation. the chandela dynasty built eighty-five temples here. twenty remain as embodiments of indian architectural and sculptural art at its most evolved state. even ten centuries after they were constructed, the temples of khajuraho reflect an eternal philosophy relevant to all mankind. the temples of khajuraho is a world heritage site and belong not just to india but to the world. Khajuraho is one of the few millennium destinations of the world.

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Visit the Western set of Temples and enjoy Sound and Light Show. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 05 : KHAJURAHO – JHANSI – DELHI

Early breakfast will be at the hotel. Start sightseeing of the TEMPLES.

The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven. They were built during the mighty Chandela dynasty, the majority were constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the eighty-five original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition including the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai Temples, each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture.

Afternoon proceed for Jhansi en-route visit ORCHHA – A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex.

Continue your drive to Jhansi. Upon arrival you will be transferred to railway station to take the train for Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi transferred to pre-booked hotel check in hotel and relax.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 06 : DELHI – COCHIN

Catch the flight from Delhi to Cochin. Which departs from Delhi at 12:30 AM and reach Cochin at 15:30 Hrs. in the afternoon. On arrival kochi (Cochin) transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax,

KOCHI (COCHIN): The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 07 : COCHIN

After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing in Cochin. The commercial town of Kerala, Kochi- a vibrant, lively city of palm green filled with interesting artifacts in every corner. The combination of main land Ernakulam is the business and tourist heart of Kerala.

Places to be visited:

Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry : The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568, The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the Copper Plates on which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest, is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch. In the mid 18th century the clock tower was added. Its floors are paved with exquisite had painted blue-willow tiles imported from China. Of these no two tiles are alike. The great scrolls of the old testament the copper plates in which the grands of privilege made by the Cochin Rules were recorded and the exquisite Chinese and Painted Tiles are of great interest. The Synagogue is open from 10 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 5 pm on all days except Saturdays and Jewish holidays. The boasts of Rabbi gives visitors a full account of the synagogue and the history of the Jews in Kerala. Although this ancient community of Cochin has new dwindled to Hebrew language remain in Jew Town.

St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin : Reputed to the the oldest church in India built by the Europeans (The Protestant church was built originally by the Portuguese in AD 1510 and is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India). It is situated in Fort Cochin 10 km. away from style and renamed St. Francis of Assisi Church. Vasco Da Gama the Governor of Portuguese territories in India was buried in here before his mortal remains were taken to Portugal, fourteen years after his death. But the original tablet still remains here. Old records of the Church can been seen here. The most important one is the "Doop Book" of the Dutch Baptismal register maintained till 1804. Some old cadjan leaf manuscripts preserved in the church give information about the life of the Portuguese and Dutch settlers here. Grave stones from the graves of Vasco Da Gama and Portuguese and Dutch are embedded on the walls of Church. Brass tablets in memory of many Europeans especially the English are also embedded on the walls

Santa Cruz Basilica Church : This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur

Evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance show.

Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 08 : COCHIN – MUNNAR

After leisurely breakfast proceed for Munnar.

MUNNAR: Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics discovered around the area point to Stone Age civilization. However the written history begins from the 10th century onwards.

In Tamil, the word Munnar means three rivers and as it is at the confluence of three mountain streams, the name is apt. In the year 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit the area and the Tamilians (known as 'Muthuvans') also migrated to Munnar and nearby places during this period. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

In 1877 said Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore, leased 588 sq. km of land around Munnar to a Mr. J D Munro, a British lawyer cum tea planter. This tract, henceforth called the Kannan Devan (Kannan Thevar) Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle.

Upon arrival visit

Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)
Situated at a height of 1700 Mts , Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here.Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm Visit Time : 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar)
Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam (7 km from Munnar)
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar)
This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.

Attukal (9 km from Munnar)
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Evening back to Munnar check in hotel and relax.

Overnight stay will be at Munnar.

Day 09 : MUNNAR – PERIYAR

Proceed for Periyar after breakfast.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, ‘Akananuru’, ‘Purananuru’ etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the ‘Choorni Nadi’ or ‘Thamraparni Nadi’ (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the ‘Azhimugham’ of the Periyar which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.

Upon arrival visit.

Mangala Devi Temple:
Mangala Devi is an ancient temple and is located 15 km from Thekkady. It lies hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level.

Kumily:
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is located on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping center and spice trade center.

Murikkady:
Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

SPICE PLANTATION, This will be an interesting tour at one of the family farm houses. Proceed to the SPICE MARKET to have a look at the finished products.

Evening proceed for enjoying a Boat cruise in Periyar Lake with lunch break. The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day.

Overnight will be at hotel in Periyar.

Day 10 : PERIYAR – KOVALAM

After early breakfast proceed for Kovalam.

KOVALAM: Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".

Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

Upon arrival check in hotel. Evening enjoy on the beach.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 11: KOVALAM

Morning leisurely breakfast at hotel and full day enjoy free time at beaches of Kovalam,

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 12 : KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM

Today as per your flight timings you will be transferred to the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.

Tour Ends

Trip Details

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