Cultural & Wild Rajasthan with Kerala Backwaters Tour

On arrival at Delhi airport, welcome by our representative and transfer to Delhi hotel. Your tour begins with exploration of the medieval part of Delhi: Old Delhi. Color, bustling bazaars, the hussle-bustle of the streets and Mughal architecture of the old town contrast with the formal splendor of New Delhi, whose wide boulevards offer ever-changing perspective, are worth watching. Monuments like the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk neighborhood and Qutub Minar will be part of your visit. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Delhi hotel.

Early morning depart for Agra, aboard the Shatabdi train. On arrival at Agra, you will be received at the railway station and directly taken, along with Agra tour guide, to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), fascinating masterpiece of India. Thereafter, visit Agra’s Red Fort and continue towards Dholpur along the Chambal River. On arrival at Dholpur, you will be transferred to the heritage hotel. You will have the opportunity to live in the days of Maharajas, spending a night in a luxury hotel that is part of these hotels to charm. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Dholpur hotel, amidst Gharial sanctuary along Chambal River.

During a boat trip on the Chambal River, you will have the opportunity to see many animal species like Gangetic dolphin, gharial (a type of crocodile), turtles etc. The sanctuary is now one of the few places where you can observe the Gharials , endangered species. Stroll through the village before leaving for Bharatpur. Post lunch, drive to Bharatpur. On arrival at Bharatpur Keoladev Bird Sanctuary, you will be transferred to pre-booked hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Keoladeo National Park. The ecosystem of this reserve is particularly well adapted to birds. After watching the flora and fauna of the bird sanctuary, return to hotel, have delicious breakfast and drive to Abhaneri. On arrival at Abhaneri, visit Baori, a deep water collection basin with carved steps. Walk around the village of Abhaneri, previously called Abha Nagari, and explore rural life. Thereafter, proceed to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, check in at the hotel to spend the day in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort, situated on a hill. Discover the great Jantar Mantar observatory, still in working condition; the Hawal Mahal or Palace of Winds, an extension of the City Palace complex and meant for the royal family women to see public and procession without being seen; the City Palace complex is one of the most impressive examples of art and Rajput & Mughal architecture. At amber Fort, take an excursion to the main gate on the back of a caparisoned elephant. Later, explore local colourful and buzzing bazaars.

After breakfast in Jaipur hotel, depart to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan known for town with murals painted havelis. The villages are scattered and nothing suggest the presence of beautifully decorated houses built between the 18th and the early 20th century. It is in these villages surrounded by sand dunes are found havelis, mansions whose interior and exterior walls are decorated with frescoes. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Post lunch, explore the rustic township with painted havelis.

Morning is free for your leisure. You can go on a morning stroll to explore the village life in Rajasthan or rest at the poolside in Mandawa hotel. Early noon, depart for New Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, check in at the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cochin in southern India. On arrival at Cochin, you will find yourselves in a totally changed atmosphere – from a desert region full of great forts and castles to the area replete with water and rice fields. Meet your guide and depart to Alleppey, the most preferred destination of Kerala to enjoy the backwaters. Get on a kettuvallam, a traditional boat converted into a floating hotel. Cruize through the canals of the backwaters to meet the locals. The cruise is without guide. Lunch on board. Your crew will prepare a dinner of Kerala cuisine. Overnight stay will be in the houseboat.

Have breakfast on board your houseboat thereafter leave this magical place and go to the hills and wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. Pass through the scenic beauty of the farms of various plantations while driving towards the wild life sanctuary of Periyar. On arrival at Thekkady, check in at the resort. Post lunch, a boat ride on the lake awaits you for offering an opportunity to observe the wildlife that comes to drink at the lake. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Periyar resort.

Visit the spice plantations or trek in the Periyar National Park. Depart for Devalokam, located along the river Kannadipuzha. You will settle in the farm dedicated to sustainable development of agriculture, which produces a variety of organic food. Walk through the jungle, watching the farm operation and have interaction with the locals. Overnight stay is planned in Devalokam in Periyar.

After delicious breakfast in Periyar National Park, depart for Cochin. On arrival at Cochin, check in at the hotel. After relaxing a bit, proceeed on for a guided tour of Kochi. Discover the old city of Cochin, long coveted by foreign powers due to trade in spices and silk. Visit the Chinese squares to see quaint fishing nets arranged between the district of Fort Cochin and Vypin Island; Dutch Palace; the Jewish quarter, many antique shops and souvenir shops; surrounding streets lined with warehouses. Walk through the busy streets. Overnight stay has been planned in Kochi hotel.

After breakfast in hotel, you will be transferred to Kochi airport to board flight for your onward destination.