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Magical India Tour

Day 1 Arrive Delhi
This evening arrive at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport. A representative will meet you outside the customs gate and escort you to your hotel in an air-conditioned car.
On arrival at the hotel, a traditional Indian welcome of aarti- tikka- garland will be accorded.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: None

Day 2 Delhi
The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising Number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British.

AM: tour of Old Delhi. Visit the 400-years-old Jama Mosque, the largest in India, followed by a cycle rickshaw ride through the teeming bazaar. Continue to Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PM: drive through Lutyens' Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's Palace and India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honour of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War -I. Explore the famed Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and culminate the tour at Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tallest brick minaret in the world, at 238 feet (72m).
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 3 Delhi - Agra
AM: drive to Agra covering a distance of 200kms in approx 5 hours.

Agra - Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow lanes and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Arrive in Agra and check in to your hotel.

PM: visit Agra Fort. An imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques. Later visit Taj Mahal by sunset.

The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem - created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. (Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays).
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 4 Agra - Jaipur
AM: drive to Jaipur covering a distance of 260kms in approx. 6 hours.
En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri
- the deserted red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century.

Jaipur, "The City of Victory", was first intended to be "Sawai Jaipur", named after the boy Prince who commissioned it - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743. Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colors of a sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the color of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name "The Pink City".

Arrive Jaipur in the afternoon and check-in at hotel
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 Jaipur
AM: visit Amber Fort, the ancient citadel of the Kachhawa clan. Enjoy an elephant ride to the fort or a jeep transfer.

PM: visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, built in the 1700s but still appears futuristic. Continue to City Palace that houses the Maharaja's private collection of textiles and armory. Culminate the tour with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, fondly called the 'Palace of Winds'.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 6 Jaipur - Jodhpur
This morning drive to Jodhpur covering a distance of 320kms in approx. 6 hours. Or fly - Kingfisher flight IT 4301 - 3:10pm / 04:10pm
Arrive in Jodhpur & check-in at your hotel.

Jodhpur, also called the 'Blue City' was once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur. It is still a marvelously medieval city. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. Reminder of the day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 Jodhpur
AM: enjoy an orientation tour of Jodhpur city. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh fort which dominates the town ringed with its massive protective walls. Continue your tour to Jaswant Thada, located a short

PM: Enjoy Jeep safari to Bishnoi villages to meet the potters & skilled weavers of Salavas - known for their high quality durries.

Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 Jodhpur - Osian
AM: drive to Osian covering a distance of 60kms in approx 1½ hours.

Osian - An ancient town in the Thar desert, and was a great trading center between the 8th and 12th centuries when it was dominated by the Jains. Osian has a wealth of lavish and exquisitely sculptured temples, most of which have withstood the ravages of time. Arrive in Osian and check-in at Camel Camp. Enjoy a Camel ride on the picturesque sand dunes by sun-set. In the evening at the Camp enjoy folk entertainment followed by dinner.
Overnight at Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09 Osian - Udaipur
AM: drive to Udaipur covering a distance of 290kms in approx 6 hours. Or fly - Air India flight AI 471 - 2:00pm / 2:40pm
En-route visit Ranakpur boasts some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai and sequestered by mountains. Lunch at Maharani Bagh Orchid.

Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water's edge, raise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur and is replete with fantastic hill top fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism.

Arrive in Udaipur and check in at your hotel. Reminder of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 10 Udaipur
AM: sightseeing tour of Udaipur city.
Visit City Palace; a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas; the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The entrance is through Hathii Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved 'chhatris' and of course the architecturally brilliant facade all contribute in making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience.

Evening, embark on a boat cruise on the placid, mystical waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the midst of the enigmatic deserts of Rajasthan.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 Udaipur - Delhi
AM: visit Eklingi, believed to be the Ruling deity of the once Princely State of Mewar. The beautifully sculpted temple complex includes 108 temples and the main temple dates to the 15th century. Continue to Nagda, now in ruins, was the scene of frequent Muslim invasions. It has two 11th century temples ornamented with unusual carvings.
Later transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi. Jet Airways flight 9W 2628 - 15:30 hrs / 17:10 hrs .
Arrive in Delhi & transfer to an airport hotel (Day use room for Wash & Change will be provided till 22:00 hours).
Late evening an Akorn airport representative will escort you back to Delhi international airport and assist in completing your departure formalities
Meals included: Breakfast

 

TOUR COST:
2 people in double room
$2242
3-4 people in double room
$2064
5-6 people in double rooms
$1857
single room supplement
$1334
domestic airfare for Jaipur-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Delhi (subject to change) = US$420 per person

Rates valid Oct. 1 2011 to April 15, 2012, except for Nov. 1-15 2011 and Dec. 20 2011 to Jan. 5, 2012

The Land Cost includes -

* 10 nights + 1 Day use accommodation on twin share at following hotels (in case of single room, please add single room supplement) -Day 01-03 Delhi Oberoi Maidens Superior room
Day 03-04 Agra Hotel Trident Deluxe Garden view
Day 04-06 Jaipur Hotel Trident Deluxe Garden view
Day 06-08 Jodhpur Ajit Bhawan Palace Deluxe room
Day 08-09 Osian Osian Camel Camp Tent
Day 09-11 Udaipur Hotel Trident Deluxe Garden view
Day 11 Delhi Hotel Radisson Superior room Day Use
*
Daily buffet breakfast.
* Full board (all meals) at Camel Camp in Osian
* Transportation using an air-conditioned Toyota Innova for 1-2 pax and air-conditioned Tempo Traveler (Indian-made mini-van) for 3-6 pax for all transfers, sightseeing & excursions as mentioned in the program.
* Entrance fees at all monuments (1 visit).
* Services of English speaking local guide for all sightseeing and excursions as mentioned in the program.
* Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi.*
* Elephant/Jeep ride to visit Amber Fort in Jaipur.
* Camel ride on the sand dunes in Osian.
* Boat ride (shared) on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
* Basic porterage at airports and stations.
* Bottled Mineral water during sightseeing and long drives.
* Personalized meet & greet on arrival/departure by a representative.
* All taxes included.

The Land Cost does not include -
*
Expenses of personal nature like personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc.
* Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Tips to drivers and guides.
* International airfare, visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.
* Domestic airfare - quoted separately as a supplement.

Extension Tour: 1 - 03 nights / 04 days Delhi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

Day 12 Delhi - Khajuraho
Morning transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Khajuraho. Jet Airways flight 9W 723 - 10:50am/1:25pm Meet on arrival by a Representative & transfer to your hotel.

Khajuraho is world renowned for its temple architecture. The famous sculptures in the sandstone temples of Khajuraho are truly beautiful, executed with a joy, fluidity and lack of inhibition that is rarely to be found in modern India. They are widely acknowledged as some of the most exquisite temple art in India. The 22 temples were built by the Chandela dynasty that died out in the 10th century, are in three distinct groups - the westernmost has a nightly son et lumière.

PM: Visit Western group of temples (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Interesting talk on the erotic temples of Khajuraho and their significance in the evolution of temple architecture.

Evening enjoy a fascinating 'Son-et-Lumiere' in the complex of the temples, which traces the story of these unique temples from the 10th century to the present day.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 Varanasi
AM: Visit Eastern Group of Temples that comprise of two historic Jain temples - the Adinath Temple lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, and the Parsvanath Temple, the largest Jain temple, sculpted with charming detail.

Later transfer to airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Jet airways 9W 724 - 1:30pm/2:10pm.

Meet on arrival by an a representative & transfer to your hotel.

Varanasi is probably the place in India that has the most profound impact on visitors. Formerly known as Benares, it sits on a bend of the Ganges, and its spiritual significance comes from its status as a "crossing place", where Gods and Goddesses can descend to earth. It has been a pilgrimage site since the sixth century BC; Hindus try to visit at least once in their lifetime to pray and bathe in the holy river. The Old City, a maze of tiny alleys, has several temples, including the Golden Temple - which is only accessible to Hindus - and many cows, which have traffic priority! Evening visit the ghats (hundreds of stone steps flanking the riverbank) to witness a special Hindu 'aarti' prayer ceremony by the Ganges River.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14 Varanasi
Early morning take a boat ride on the Ganges - an incredible sight, when thousands of pilgrims bathe in the spiritually cleansing waters. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Orientation tour of the city - visiting Benaras Hindu University & Bharat Mata Temple.

Afternoon excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha had preached his first sermon. Also visit the archeological museum* at Sarnath. Enjoy a Cycle-Rickshaw ride through the narrow streets & market.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15 Varanasi - Delhi
Morning visit the silk looms of Benaras or a bead factory nearby. Later transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi. Jet airways 9W 724 - 2:30pm/ 4:00pm.
Arrive in Delhi & transfer to an airport hotel (Day use room for Wash & change will be provided till 22:00 hours).

Late evening a airport representative will escort you back to Delhi international airport and assist in completing your departure formalities.
Meals included: Breakfast

TOUR COST:

2 people in double room
$719
3-4 people in double room
$650
5-6 people in double rooms
$558
single room supplement
$316

The Land Cost includes -
*
4 nights + 1 Day use accommodation on twin share at following hotels (in case of single room, please add single room supplement) -
Day 11-12 Delhi Oberoi Maidens Superior room
Day 12-13 Khajuraho Hotel Radisson Jass Deluxe room
Day 13-15 Varanasi Hotel Radisson Superior room
Day 11 Delhi Hotel Radisson Superior room Day Use
*
Daily buffet breakfast.
* Transportation using an air-conditioned Toyota Innova for 1-2 pax and air-conditioned Tempo Traveler (Indian-made mini-van) for 3-6 pax for all transfers, sightseeing & excursions as mentioned in the program.
* Entrance fees at all monuments (1 visit).
* Services of English speaking local guide for all sightseeing and excursions as mentioned in the program.
* Sound & light show at temple in Khajuraho.
* Boat ride on river Ganges.
* Rickshaw ride in Varanasi.
* Basic porterage at airports and stations.
* Bottled Mineral water during sightseeing and long drives.
* Personalized meet & greet on arrival/departure by a representative.
* All taxes included.

The Land Cost does not include -
* Expenses of personal nature like personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc.
* Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Tips to drivers and guides.
* International airfare, visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.
* Domestic airfare - quoted separately as a supplement. ( Present Air Fare (economy class) -Delhi-Khajuraho = $147 per person, Varanasi-Delhi =

$163 per person
* The airfare is subject to change

Extension Tour: 2 Tiger Country: 04 nights / 05 days Delhi - Bandhavgarh - Kanha - Mumbai

Day 12 Delhi - Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh
Morning transfer to Delhi airport to board flight to Jabalpur. Kingfisher flight IT 4375 - 06:10am/ 08:20am. Meeting and assistance on arrival in Jabalpur. Drive through farmland & the Vindhyan Hills to Bandhavgarh National Park (205km, approx 4 hours drive).
On arrival in Bandhavgarh, check-in at your hotel.

Bandhavgarh National Park, has acquired a reputation as one of the very best for consistent Tiger sightings. It lies in a region steeped in history and, in the heart of the reserve, atop an 800-metre plateau, stands the ruin of the magnificent hilltop fort which bears testament to the succession of dynasties which once ruled this area.

PM - enjoy a game drive inside the Bandhavgarh National Park.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 Bandhavgarh
Morning & afternoon - Enjoy game drives inside the Bandhavgarh National Park. Go in search of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 Bandhavgarh - Kanha
This morning drive to Kanha National park converging distance of 240km in approx 5 hours.
Arrive in Kanha & check-in at your hotel.

In Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is among the best known Tiger Reserves in the country and one of the best areas where one can observe the majestic tiger in its natural habitat. The lush green heavily, wooded forests interspaced with meadows provide the flourishing animal-life with an ideal habitat, to live and breed.

PM - enjoy a game drive inside the Kanha National Park.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 Kanha
Morning and afternoon game drives at Kanha national park by Jeep. Go in search of the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife.
In the morning, you may also be taken tiger tracking (Subject to sighting of tiger) on elephant back, which will offer you the best chance for spotting the tiger. The elephant amble through the tall grass to spots where tigers lurk.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 Kanha-Nagpur-Mumbai
This morning drive to Nagpur airport covering a distance of 260kms in approx. 5 hours. Arrive at Nagpur airport & board your flight for Mumbai.Jetlite flight S2 176 - 5:05pm / 6:20pm Arrive in Mumbai & transfer to an airport hotel (Day use room for Wash & change will be provided till 22:00 hours). Late evening, a representative will escort you to the International airport and will assist with departure formalities for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast

TOUR COST:

2 people in double room
$1599
3-4 people in double room
$1576
5-6 people in double rooms
$1484
single room supplement
$1024

The Land Cost includes -
*
5 nights + 1 Day use accommodation on twin share at following hotels (in case of single room, please add single room supplement) -
Day 11-12 Delhi Oberoi Maidens Superior room 1
Day 12-14 Bandhavgarh Tiger Den Resort Cottage 2
Day 14-16 Kanha Tuli Tiger Resort Cottage 2
Day 16 Mumbai The Leela Kempinski Premium room Day Use
*
Daily buffet breakfast.
* Transportation using an air-conditioned Toyota Innova for 1-2 pax and air-conditioned Tempo Traveler (Indian-made mini-van) for 3-6 pax for all transfers, sightseeing & excursions as mentioned in the program.
* Entrance fees at all monuments (1 visit).
* Services of Naturalist for game drives as mentioned in the program.
* Tiger show on Elephant back (subject to sighting of Tiger)
* Basic porterage at airports and stations.
* Bottled Mineral water during sightseeing and long drives.
* Personalized meet & greet on arrival/departure by an AKORN representative.
* All taxes included.

The Land Cost does not include -

* Expenses of personal nature like personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc.
* Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Tips to drivers and guides.
* International airfare, visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.
* Domestic airfare - quoted separately as a supplement.
Present Air Fare (economy class) - Delhi-Jabalpur = $126 per person, Nagpur-Mumbai = $121 per person
* The airfare is subject to change

Extension Tour: 3 Ajanta & Ellora Caves: 02 nights / 03 days


Day 11 Udaipur - Mumbai -Aurangabad
Morning transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai. Air India flight AI 471 - 3:15pm / 4:25pm. Arrive at Mumbai airport & connect your flight to Aurangabad. Kingfisher flight IT 4139 - 7:00pm / 8:10pm. Meet on arrival by a representative & transfer to your hotel.

The city of Aurangabad was founded by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city 'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. A region that has been inhabited since the Stone Ages, Aurangabad has seen several dynasties come and go, absorbing the culture of each into itself.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 Aurangabad
This morning, visit the Ellora caves, located 30 kms from Aurangabad. The 34 caves are famous for their remarkable sculptures. What makes these caves unique is the fact that they are dedicated to three different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. One of the key features is the Kailasa temple at Ellora, an unparalleled piece of ancient Indian architecture. Return to the hotel for late lunch and later sightseeing of Aurangabad, visiting Bibi-Ka-Maqbara. The so called "poor-man's Taj Mahal" was built in 1679 as a mausoleum for Aurangezeb's wife, Rabd-ud-daurani. It is an imitation of the Taj in both design and execution.
Reminder of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 Aurangabad
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Ajanta caves. Way back in 1819, a party of British army officers were on a tiger hunt in the forest of western Deccan and suddenly spotted their prey, on the far side of a loop in the Waghora river. High up on the horseshoe- shaped cliff, the hunting party saw the tiger, silhouetted against the carved facade of a cave. On investigating, the officers discovered a series of carved caves, each more dramatic than the other. There are thirty caves, including some unfinished ones. Of the Ajanta caves, five are 'chaityas' or prayer halls and the rest are 'viharas' or monasteries. Hewn painstakingly as monsoon retreats or 'varshavasas' for Buddhist monks, the cave complex was continuously lived in from 200 BC to about AD650. The painting within the cave delineates the life and teaching of Buddha, his early life as a prince surrounded by women and the splendor of court life.

Transfer back to hotel. Later transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Mumbai. Indian Airlines flight IC 888 - 5:30pm / 6:25pm. Arrive in Mumbai & transfer to an airport hotel (Day use room for Wash & change will be provided till 22:00 hours). Late evening, a representative will escort you to the International airport and will assist with departure formalities for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast

TOUR COST:

2 people in double room
$569
3-4 people in double room
$552
5-6 people in double rooms
$448
single room supplement
$201

The Land Cost includes -
*
2 nights + 1 Day use accommodation on twin share at following hotels (in case of single room, please add single room supplement) -
Day 11-12 Aurangabad Taj Residency Deluxe room
Day 12 Mumbai The Leela Kempinski Premium room Day Use
*
Daily buffet breakfast.
* Transportation using an air-conditioned Toyota Innova for 1-2 pax and air-conditioned Tempo Traveler (Indian-made mini-van) for 3-6 pax for all transfers, sightseeing & excursions as mentioned in the program.
* Entrance fees at all monuments (1 visit).
* Services of English speaking local guide sightseeing & excursion as mentioned in the program.
* Basic porterage at airports and stations.
* Bottled Mineral water during sightseeing and long drives.
* Personalized meet & greet on arrival/departure by an AKORN representative.
* All taxes included.

The Land Cost does not include -
*
Expenses of personal nature like personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc.
* Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Tips to drivers and guides.
* International airfare, visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.
* Domestic airfare - quoted separately as a supplement.
Present Air Fare (economy class) - Udaipur-Mumbai = $121 per person, Mumbai-Aurangabad = $100 per person, Aurangabad-Mumbai = $100 per person
* The airfare is subject to change

Extension Tour: 4 Colonial Heritage & Waterways of Kerala: 04 nights


Day 11 Udaipur - Mumbai - Kochi
Morning transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai. Air India flight AI 471 - 3:15pm / 4:25pm. Arrive at Mumbai airport & connect your flight to Kochi. Air India flight IT 681 - 5:35pm / 7:20pm. Meet on arrival by arepresentative & transfer to your hotel.

Kochi - With its wealth of historical associations and its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, the fascinating city of Cochin perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Cochin now renamed Kochi, boasts of one of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast and has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures, which bear testimony to the different influences that the city has acquired from the world over.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 Kochi - Kumarakom
AM: City tour of Kochi - the oldest European settlement in India, with an amazing blend of architectural styles. Visit the old Jewish quarter built with a synagogue (Closed on Friday and Saturday), the Dutch-built Mattancherry Palace (Closed on Friday), Portuguese Church of St Francis and the Chinese fishing nets sweeping above the water in the old town of Fort Cochin.

Later drive to Kumarakom (80Kms / approx. 2 hrs).

Kumarakom slumbers on the bank of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets. Arrive in Kumarakom & check-in at your hotel. Reminder of the day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 Kumarakom
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon embark on a "Kettuvallam", the traditional riceboat of this beautiful coastal region for a day cruise on the backwaters through unforgettable and tranquil palm-fringed landscapes. Lunch would be served onboard.
Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 14 Kumarakom
Day at leisure, you can choose from the following activities:-
*
Ayurvedic/Spa treatments.
* Cooking demonstration with the Chef.
* Bird watching tour.
* Short excursion to a local market place at Kottayam.
* Lunch with a local family at their Spice farm.

Overnight at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15 Kumarakom - Kochi - Fly Back
Morning at leisure. PM: transfer to Kochi airport for your flight to Mumbai. Spice Jet flight SG 136 - 5:25pm / 7:35pm. Or international departure from Kochi directly. A representative will meet you on arrival & transfer to Mumbai's International airport and will assist with departure formalities for your onward flight.

TOUR COST:

2 people in double room
$1070
3-4 people in double room
$966
5-6 people in double rooms
$840
single room supplement
$449

The Land Cost includes -
*
4 nights + 1 Day use accommodation on twin share at following hotels (in case of single room, please add single room supplement) -Day City
Day 11-12 Kochi Hotel Casino Standard room
Day 12-15 Kumarakom Vivanta by Taj - Kumarakom Superior Charm view
Day 15 Mumbai The Leela Kempinski Premium room Day Use
*
Daily buffet breakfast.
* Lunch on Houseboat.
* Transportation using an air-conditioned Toyota Innova for 1-2 pax and air-conditioned Tempo Traveler (Indian-made mini-van) for 3-6 pax for all transfers, sightseeing & excursions as mentioned in the program.
* Entrance fees at all monuments (1 visit).
* Services of English speaking local guide sightseeing & excursion as mentioned in the program.
* Kathakali dance show at an auditorium in Kochi.
* Day cruise (Houseboat) on the backwaters of Kerala in Kumarakom.
* Basic porterage at airports and stations.
* Bottled Mineral water during sightseeing and long drives.
* Personalized meet & greet on arrival/departure by an AKORN representative.
* All taxes included.

The Land Cost does not include -
*
Expenses of personal nature like personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc.
* Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Tips to drivers and guides.
* International airfare, visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.
* Domestic airfare - quoted separately as a supplement
Present Air Fare (economy class) -Udaipur-Mumbai = $121 per person, Mumbai-Kochi = $116 per person, Kochi-Mumbai = $116 per person * The airfare is subject to change