Beach & Backwater Tour Of India

Duration- 17 Nights / 18 Days

Places- Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Mumbai-Goa-Cochin-Periyar-Kumarakom-Alleppey-Kovalam-Trivandrum-Delhi

Mode of Transportation- Flight and Private Vehicle with English-speaking chauffer

Meals- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tour Manager- Available at your service right from your arrival till departure

Tour Guide- Local tour guide will be made available at all the locations

Inclusions- All-inclusive except expense of personal nature like laundry, entry fee of camera etcetera

Hotel Category- Category of your choice.

Golden Triangle- India’s golden triangle is a tourist circuit that connects the national capital, New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so named because of the triangular shape formed by their locations on a map and also because of the vast wealth of cultural and historic treasures to be found in these three cities The trips usually start in Delhi and move south to the site of the Taj Mahal at Agra then west, to Jaipur (the desert landscapes). It is normally possible to do the trip by road, train or plane. The Golden Triangle is now a well-travelled route, providing a good spectrum of the country’s different landscapes in short duration. The circuit is about 450 Miles by road. Each leg is about 4 to 5 hours of seamless driving with few short breaks en route to cover places of historical importance.

Goa- The historic city of Goa exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese. Goa became an overseas territory of the Portuguese Empire for about 456 years. It is one of the most visited tourist place because of its white-sand beaches, active nightlife, places of worship, and World Heritage-listed architecture. It also has rich flora and fauna and one of the rare biodiversity hotspots of the world.

Mumbai- Located on a coastline Mumbai is the financial, commercial, [28]  and the entertainment capital of India. The Portuguese were actively involved in the foundation and growth of their Roman Catholic religious orders in Mumbai. Mumbai has the second largest number of Art Deco buildings in the world after Miami.  Mumbai has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Elephanta Caves  and the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble

Kerala- Kerala – the ‘Queen of the Malabar Coast’, is indeed one of the most gorgeous and enticing holiday destinations in the entire country. Adorned by the enchanting charm of the Arabian Sea, guarded by the lofty Western Ghats, jotted with numerous lagoons, and strapped by a chain of canals, this picturesque holiday casts a magical spell on all its visitors! Fondly called ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala boasts of its bountiful beauty and prismatic offerings.

Day 1– Arrival Delhi

A very warm welcome to India’s capital city!!! Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your English- speaking tour manager and chauffer. Tour manager will help you with hotel check in and discuss the tour details. Depending upon your flight timings local excursions can be planned for the day.

Today’s Excursion- It can be discussed and planned as per your arrival in Delhi

 

Night Stay- Delhi

 

Day 2– Delhi

Post relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a full day city tour. We will cover / pass through all the below listed places of importance. You have option to add / omit places.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Qutub Minar- Built in 1193, it is the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compound also has an iron pillar famous for the rust-resistant composition and is an excellent specimen of ancient metallurgy

• • Humayun Tomb- The tomb of Humayun construction was completed in 1572. The building was the first to use its unique combination of red sandstone and white marble. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• • Agrasen Ki Baoli- Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 60-meter long and 15-meter-wide historical stepwell built in 14th century.

• • Jama Masjid- It was built between 1650 and 1656.At the time of its construction, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The mosque predominantly uses red sandstone & Black marble. The courtyard can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.

• • Red Fort- The Red Fort historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal.  it was completed in 1648. The World Heritage Convention characterises the Red Fort as representing “The Zenith of Mughal Creativity”

• • Raj Ghat- It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s Cremation. It is on the west bank of the Yamuna River

• • Rickshaw Ride- The Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour is special as it is royal and regal. Hop on board our cushy rickshaws and explore the Mughal-built Walled City in a comfortable, eco-friendly and adventurous way. This tour is a mix of Old Delhi Heritage and culture. Immerse yourself in this enigmatic experience and have the best of this Old City.

• • Drive through / Photo stop- President house / Parliament house / India Gate

 

Night Stay- Delhi

 

Day 3– Delhi to Agra via Sikandra (130 miles / 3 hours)

After early breakfast at hotel, we will depart for Agra visiting Sikandra enroute. Upon arrival at Agra check in and relax for a while before we proceed to take a spectacular view of Taj Mahal during the sun set.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Sikandra- The four-storied tomb combines both marble and sandstone in its exterior. The construction of Sikandra was completed in 1613. The tomb with is set amidst a large garden and is enclosed by four battlemented walls, each with a large gateway. The 99 names of Allah have been inscribed on the tomb.

• • Agra Fort- Also known as Agra’s Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor in 1573.It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The 40-hectare fort has a semi-circular plan, its chord lies parallel to the river Yamuna and its walls are seventy feet high.

• • Taj Mahal- The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹32 million, which currently would be approximately USD $1 billion. The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

 

Night stay- Agra

 

Day 4– Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (150 miles / 5 hours)

Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will drive to Jaipur, visiting the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri enroute.

Upon arrival at Jaipur check in and relax for a while before we embark on half day city tour.

Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, due to the dominant colour scheme of its buildings. During the year 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). It is also known as the Paris of India, and it was founded in 1727 UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the Pink City of India, among its World Heritage Sites. It is among the top 10 places of tourist attraction in Asia.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Fatehpur Sikri- It is an abandoned palace city which sits on rocky ridge, 1.9 miles in length and 0.62 miles wide and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 mi) wall on three sides with the fourth bordered by a lake. Some of the important buildings in this city holds both religious and secular importance. The city was built massively and preferably with red sandstone.

• • Guided Tour of Old Jaipur City

• • Visit Shops for Souvenir Shopping

 

Night stay- Jaipur

 

Day 5 –Jaipur

Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will embark on our full day local tour of Jaipur.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Amer Fort- Amer Fort is great example of architecture. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Its construction ensured that a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

• • Jaigarh Fort- The Amer Fort along with Jaigarh Fort, is located immediately above on the Hill of Eagles. The Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war to enable the royal family members and others in the Amer Fort

• • Nahargarh Fort- Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. Nahar in local language means abode of tigers. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for the kind named Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar’s spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name

• • Hawa Mahal- The structure was built in 1799 from red and pink sandstone. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 highly decorated small windows. The original intent of this design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer

• • City Palace- The City Palace, Jaipur was established in 1727. It now houses the Museum and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. The royal family has around 500 personal servants The palace complex has several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and offices 

• • Jantar Mantar- A Jantar Mantar is an assembly of stone-built astronomical instruments, designed to be used with the naked eye. The instrument can be used with an accuracy of about 20 seconds by a skilled observer & to measure the time of day, and the declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies. It is the world’s largest stone sundial. The Jaipur Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Optional Activity-

• •  Elephant Ride to Amer Fort
  •  
  • Jeep Ride to Amer fort
  •  
  • Hot Air balloon – Jaipur City view from the top

 

Night stay- Jaipur

 

Day 6– Jaipur to Mumbai (Flight / 2 hours)

Post breakfast at hotel we will leave for airport to board flight to Mumbai.

Post check in at Mumbai, relax for a while before we embark on a half day city tour.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Gateway of India- The Gateway of India is an arch-monument erected to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V, the first British monarch to visit India, in December 1911. Marine drive- Marine drive is also known as the Queen’s Necklace because, when viewed at night from an elevated point, the streetlights resemble a string of pearls in a necklace with a background of Arabian sea.

• • Rajabai Clock Tower-The big ben of India and represents the son’s love for his mother. Victoria Terminus- The gothic beauty was built as part of golden jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. This UNESCO world site is one of the oldest train stations in India.

 

Night stay- Mumbai

 

Day 7– Mumbai to Goa (Flight / 1 hours)

Post breakfast at hotel we will proceed to Airport to board flight to Goa.

Upon arrival at Goa check in and rest of the day at leisure. You can relax and enjoy the cool breeze at resort’s private beach and later enjoy the night life of Goa.

 

Night stay- Goa

 

Day 8– Goa

We will start early today for dolphin sighting tour which is a perfect opportunity to watch dolphins do somersaults on the waves of the Arabian Sea.

After the dolphin sighting tour, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Post relaxing for a while we will take a half day
local tour of north Goa.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Dolphin Watching- On your dolphin watching trip, be ready to be amazed by the endearing dolphins perform splashes and other tricks in the crystal blue waters of Goa.

• • Fort Aguarda- Aguada Fort that has a legacy of 400 years old history. You will get a breathtaking view of the Arabian sea and witness the architecture of the Portuguese that reflects through this fort
    Beaches- We will cover few beaches of north goa like Calangute Beach, Baga Beach and Anjuna Beach.

 

Night stay- Goa

 

Day 9– Goa

After relaxing breakfast at hotel and morning stroll on private beach, we will proceed for half day tour of South Goa followed by River Cruise in Evening.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Churches- Walk through historical Old Goa Churches: - St Francis Xavier, Se Cathedral Basilica of Bom Jesus

• • Beaches- We will spend some time on Miramar beach

• • River Cruise- Later in evening we will set on cruise on Mondovi River.

 

Night stay- Goa

 

Day 10 –Goa to Cochin (Flight / 5 hours)

Post breakfast at hotel, pack your baggage for the next destination “Kerala”. We will be spending whole day at Goa exploring beautiful beaches. The whole day is at leisure in Goa.

Late evening post early dinner we will leave for Airport to board flight to Cochin.

Cochin popularly known as “THE QUEEN OF ARABIAN SEA” is a major port city, situated on the west coast of Peninsular India. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Western Ghats on the east. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the breathtaking scenic beauty and age-old charm of Kerala. Kerala is hailed as a “Gods own country”.

Post arrival at Cochin, check in and relax

 

Night stay- Cochin

 

Day 11– Cochin to Munnar (90 miles / 4 hours)

After early breakfast at hotel, we will spend half day touring Cochin and later move ahead on our scenic tour to Munnar. It’s a beautiful drive through lush green hills and tea gardens. The scenery is spectacular and you can linger awhile at the Neriamangalam bridge for a view of the Periyar River and also at the waterfalls at Cheeyappara and Valara (seasonal).

Munnar- Munnar is a hill station which sits on the confluence of three mountain streams surrounded by dense greenery. Munnar was the summer resort of the British full of rolling hills, stunning tea plantations, spice plantations and much more. It is the ideal holiday destination to unwind all your stress.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Chinese Fishing Net- The Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi are often regarded as one of the most picturesque sights in Kochi. Legends say that these nets were originally brought down from the royal courts of Kublai Khan, the great Chinese emperor and introduced in 14th century.

• • Fort Kochi- The ancient Fort Kochi exhibits the traits of the different cultures of English, Dutch and Portuguese infused in its age-old architecture

• • Jewish Synagogue- The Jewish Synagogue was originally built in 1568 and later restored by the Dutch. The synagogue has a gold pulpit as well as hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles that were imported from China. An exquisitely beautiful Belgian chandelier illuminates the synagogue and the unique clock tower further adds to its charm.

 

Night stay- Munnar

 

Day 12– Munnar

Start the day with refreshing sunrise and relaxing breakfast before embarking on day long local tour of Munnar.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Eravikulam National Park- Located in the hills of Munnar, this national park is famous for endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The forest spread over an area of 60 square miles is divided into; core area, buffer area and tourism area. Core area and buffer area is not open to the public.
    (Note: Eravikulam National Park will be closed from Feb to Mar every year for the two months due to the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr.)

• • Kundala Lake- Kundala dam is an artificial dam, Asia’s first arch dam. Though it pulls with its serenity and beauty, you could be lucky to spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which blossom once in 12 years in the adjacent hills and valleys of Kundala Lake. Boating in Kundala offers options of pedal boating, row boating and shikara rides.

• • Mattupetty Dam- Mattupetty Dam and the lake are beautiful scenic spots of Munnar, located near peak and surrounded by tea plantations, spice gardens and rolling hills. The dam area is also an ideal picnic spot and a lovely trekking path. It offers boating facilities by speedboats and motorboats.

• • Carmelagiri Elephant Park- Enjoy short elephant safari, that too in the rocky topography of Munnar.

• • Blossom Park- This exotic piece of land has fresh flowers, river, lush green landscape, embracing migratory waterbirds, and mountain butterflies. The facilities offered here are adventure trails, boating, nature walks, bird watching, roller skating, badminton, etc.

 

Night stay- Munnar

 

Day 13– Munnar to Thekkady (75 miles / 3 hours)

After relishing relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will drive towards next highly picturesque destination Thekkady. As we move, the wooded terrain clears to reveal a breathtaking plantation, filling our lungs with fresh mountain air and rich fragrance of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

Thekkady is a small town near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Spice Plantation- One of the major spices produced in the area is cardamom. Kerala contributes about 70 percent of the national production of cardamom with the major chunk coming from the plantations in this region. The pepper plantations are something else that are worth seeing. The sunlight seeping through the shapely leaves of the pepper plants is an alluring sight.

• • Cultural Show- In the evening enjoy martial arts and Kathalkali performances

 

Night stay- Thekkady

 

Day 14 – Thekkady to Kumarakom (100 miles / 4 hours)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for next destination Kumarakom after spending half day exploring Periyar.

Kumarakom is popularly known as the ‘Venice of East’ is a popular destination famous for its backwater tourism. This exotic backwater village consists of a cluster of island villages in and around the Vembanad Lake. 

Today’s Excursion- At Periyar

• • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary- It is the only wildlife sanctuary in India that offers the unique opportunity of viewing wild life in their natural habitat at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed by trekking, boating or jeep safari. 

• • Elephant Junction- Enjoy Elephant ride and sight of bathing Elephant

• • Bamboo Rafting for adventurers- By rafting you will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the
    lake.

• • Boat Ride– Enjoy sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake

 

Night stay- Kumarakom

 

Day 15 – Kumarakom to Alleppey (2 miles / 30 minutes)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel proceed to board your houseboat.

Houseboat- A houseboat is about 100 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making are local and ecofriendly, bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. These houseboats are fully furnished single room, double room, and triple rooms.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Houseboat Tour- You will be on houseboat for next 22-24hours. Cruise through the backwater, discover the swaying beauty of the narrow canals, verdant paddy fields, coconut lagoons and coir villages; overnight stay will be in the houseboat.

 

Night stay- Houseboat

 

Day 16– Alleppey to Kovalam (100 miles / 4 hours)

Post breakfast on the boat house you will disembark from houseboat and proceed for beach location Kovalam. It’s a beach location where there is no activity planned for the day. You are free to explore beaches which are near your hotel.

Kovalam is a small beach town, there are three large beaches at Kovalam divided by rocky outcrops providing distinct bays which you can choose to explore.  Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and Samudra the most peaceful and private.  Swim in the azure waters of the Arabian sea, sunbathe, play beach cricket or enjoy a calming Indian massage.  The beach is well serviced with amenities but they are not overpowering and do not disrupt the gentle ambience of the palm-fringed golden shores. 

Today’s Excursion-

• • Beaches- We will cover Lighthouse beach and Samudra beach

Optional activity-

• • Water sports- The water activities which are offered include parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and backwater cruise.
  •  
  • Ayurvedic Massage / Spa

 

Night stay- Kovalam

 

Day 17– Kovalam

Post breakfast at your hotel whole day is at leisure to explore beach and indulge in ayurvedic massage. Or you can opt for the optional tour.

Optional Tour-

• • Tour of Kanyakumari (50 miles / 2 hours)- This is the farthest land point of India. With your entry in Kanyakumari, you can see the charming excellence wherein the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal converge with one another. Following this, you will be taken for a pontoon ride to the prestigious Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

• • Vellayani Lake- This freshwater lake also serves as a host to Snake Boat Races in Kerala.

 

Night stay- Kovalam

 

Day 18– Kovalam to Delhi (Flight / 3.30 hours)

Post breakfast at your hotel we will proceed to Airport for our onward journey to Delhi.

 

Night stay- Delhi (Depending upon your onward journey)

 

Note: This is just a time bound sample itinerary indicative of how and what all could be explored. We can customise the tour as per your requirements. Set your expectations and we will offer memorable experience. Please reach out to us for personalised holiday experience.

All Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation for 17 Nights / 18 Days

All mode of domestic transportation

Jungle safari / Elephant ride

Houseboat

All the entry tickets

English speaking tour guide at all the locations

International flight

Travel insurance

Any service / activity not mentioned in Itinerary

Expense of personal nature like laundry, entry tickets for camera etcetera

Optional tours / activities

Water sports activities

Ayurvedic massage / Spa