Classic India With Kerala

You will arrive at New Delhi International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a MECH representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. India's capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. One of the most historic capitals in the world, Delhi is a treasure trove that reveals the ultimate combination of tradition and trends. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have 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. Its many-layered existence is tantalizing and can entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery. Overnight in Delhi

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. This morning we will take you on a tour of the magical city of Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and architectural extravaganza dating to 1658; drive past Red Fort (Remain closed on Monday’s), a magnificent structure of red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mogul empire and the fabled shopping bazaar, Chandni Chowk (Silver Street). Also visit Raj Ghat and see the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi Afternoon guided tour of New Delhi. Visit India Gate - War Memorial Arch, Qutab Minar (Tower of Victory) - built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India and Humayun’s Tomb - the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Also drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President’s Residence, the Parliament House – the Government headquarters and other Government buildings After sightseeing return back to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi

Buffet Breakfast at the hotel Morning you will be driven to Agra (approx 205 kms/ 4 ½ hours). Enroute visit Akbar’s Mausoleum at Sikandra. On arrival proceed for Check –in at the hotel. Sikandra - located 10km from Agra on the Agra-Delhi road. The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, is situated in the middle of a peaceful garden. Akbar started its construction himself, blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles and was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 AD. The tomb is a splendid example of the combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture and represents Akbar's philosophy and secular outlook. Upon arrival in Agra, proceed for check-in at your hotel. The city of Agra, the quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the embodiment of royal grace, imposing architecture and power. Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. No tour to India can be complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile capital of the Mughals and the city of the Taj Mahal, the world's most beloved monument. With its laidback lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable city of the world. Later visit the Great Fort of Agra, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra fort was built under the direction of Akbar, by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul and added to by his son Jehangir and grandson Shahjahan. An imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost 3 kilometres (two miles) long. Also visit Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah). Overnight in Agra

Early morning visit the world renowned Taj Mahal by sunrise (Closed on Friday). Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are tombs of Mumtaz and Shahjahan within the mausoleum. Done in white marble, it took 22 years and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen to complete this rhapsody in stone (1630-52 AD). The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna Return back to your hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast you will be driven towards Jaipur (approx 237 Kms/06 Hours) en-route visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Located 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built which leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal's House and the Diwan-i-Khas. Following visit, continue your drive towards Jaipur. Upon arrival proceed for check-in at your hotel. The vibrant capital of Rajasthan renowned for its forts and palaces is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink-colored buildings in its old city. An ideal base for touring the royal state, the city has the distinction of being the third jewel of India's "Golden Triangle". Its main claim to fame is that it is India's first 'planned' city built by the famous 18th century astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state; it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan's multifaceted attractions. Its beautiful buildings including the City Palace, Amer Fort and the landmark Hawa Mahal are truly worth seeing. Browsing through the markets in Jaipur, where skilled craftsmen display jewellery, paintings, carvings and colourful textiles, is an enjoyable experience for tourists. Overnight in Jaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. You will visit Amber Fort with a photo stop 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. Continue on drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area. Later, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. The highlights of the tour include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Proceed to the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. End the tour with a rickshaw ride in the colorful bazaar of the old city. Return back to your hotel after sightseeing tour Overnight in Jaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning you will be met at your hotel by MECH Representative & transferred to airport to board flight for Mumbai. Departure: Jaipur At: 0800 hours Flight: 9W 2052 Arrival: Mumbai At: 0935 hours Upon arrival, remain in transit to board flight to Goa Departure: Mumbai At: 1340 hours Flight: 9W 2103 Arrival: Cochin At: 1525 hours Upon arrival, you will meet at the airport & assisted transferred to your hotel for check-in. Cochin: The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state’s cities, Cochin or Kochi have long been eulogized in tourist literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea.’ Strategically located on the east–west sea route, Cochin is Kerala’s major port, boasting of one of the finest natural harbours in the world, which forms the hub around which the city revolves. With its wealth of historical associations and its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsula, the city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities Overnight in Cochin

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning half day sightseeing tour of Cochin city including visit to Mattancherry (closed on Friday), was built in 1555 and its coronation hall and murals at Ramayana are noteworthy features. You will visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India [closed on Friday and Saturday] built by a thriving Jewish community in 1568 A.D. Now the community has dwindled in numbers, however the synagogue is beautifully preserved. Continue visit Chinese fishing nets. The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin's waterfront. These are large nets, which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still used by the local fishermen of Fort Cochin. Also visit to the St. Francis Church [closed on Sunday during Mass], originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal. Five Portuguese priests who arrived with Albuquerque built St. Francis church in 1510. Afternoon at leisure for independent activities Evening proceed for Harbour Cruise Overnight in Cochin.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning you will be driven to Munnar (approx 130 kms/3 hrs), upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Breath taking beauty and a haven of peace and tranquillity make Munnar one of the most idyllic tourist destinations in Kerala. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, exotic species of flora and Fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests, aroma of spice scented cool air, Munnar has all these and more. Overnight in Munnar

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning your journey continues to the spice land of Thekkady (approx 125 kms/ 3 hrs). Upon arrival, proceed for check into your hotel. Thekkady - the heart of God's own country! The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. In the Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. Afternoon visit to Spice Garden The spice plantation in Thekkady is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation Overnight in Thekkady

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning you will be driven to Kumarakom (approx 127 kms/3 ½ hrs drive). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Kumarakom the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for independent activities. Afternoon board Houseboat to explore the Kerala’s backwaters Return to hotel and overnight at hotel.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure for independent activities. Check out from your hotel at 1200 hours. Later you will be met at your hotel by MECH Representative & assisted transferred to Cochin Airport (Approx. 90 Kms/ 3 hours) to board flight to Mumbai. Departure: Cochin At: 1605 hours Flight: 9W:404 Arrival: Mumbai At: 1755 hours Upon arrival Mumbai, you will be met at the airport and transfer to International airport to board flight for onward journey NO HOTEL ACCOMMODATION ENVISAGED ON THIS DAY.