Kerala Travel Packages :: Kerala with Rajasthan

Travel Duration : 24 Nights/ 25 Days for Kerala with Colorful Rajasthan
Places Covered : Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Changanacherry - Aranmula - Kovalam - Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Kishangarh - Delhi

Day Tour 1: Arrive at Cochin
Breakfast would be at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Cochin.
Arrive Cochin and transfer to our accommodation at Fort Cochin, the site of historic palaces, churches, an ancient Jewish synagogue and architecture reflecting the visits of Portuguese, British and Dutch traders.

Cochin is a diverse and colorful port/city, spreading over 4-5 islands and peninsulas. The main town of Ernakulam is on the mainland. All the islands are connected by a ferryboat network and therein lies the charm of an exploratory two days here. Around the headland of Fort Cochin, a phalanx of cantilevered Chinese fishing boats dip into the sea at high tide. In its back streets, there is an aroma of ginger, cardamom and other spices, piled high in every nook and cranny.

Relax for the day.
Overnight at Cochin.

Day Tour 2: Arrive Munnar (By road in 4 hours)
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Munnar.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Lunch on the way to Munnar and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Munnar.

Day Tour 3 - 4: Munnar
We have a choice of mountain walks depending on the weather and changing restrictions. One option is to climb Chokran Mudi (2179m), which takes us through forestry and tea plantations onto a high granite ridge with dramatic views of the Western Ghats and beyond, over mountains and ridges into Tamil Nadu. This is the toughest day on the trip, approx. 5-6 hours with some effort required, but the views on top will be ample reward. Look out for eagles and kites and maybe tiger or bison droppings, though we will be far too noisy for a close encounter with either of the latter! Our other route is easier, in the Parvatti Hills. Pleasant and varied, it starts in the tea plantations and leads through forest inhabited by lion-tailed macaque monkeys and onto a broad grassy ridge which is often shaded by trees. From the top, Ainimudi (Elephant Mountain, 2694m) and Chokran Mudi look spectacular.

All meals for both the days would be included in the tour.
Both the nights will be at Munnar.

Day Tour 5 : Arrive at Periyar (By road in 4 hours)
Breakfast at hotel.

A four hour drive southwards over rolling hills and coffee plantations to the PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, one of the major wildlife reserves in India. Indian elephants, wild boars, lion-tailed monkeys, ibex, tigers, leopards and sloth bears are on the list. The park surrounds a large, many-fingered lake and a dawn or dusk foray on one of the boats will be a thrilling experience.It is from the lake rather than vehicles that the wildlife is viewed. The sanctuary is rich in bird life. Great hornbills, kites, darters, herons, egrets, owls and kingfishers are in abundance. Surrounding the reserve are many small spice plantations and we spend an absorbing afternoon searching for pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and betel.

Lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day Tour 6 : Periyar
Early breakfast and reporting at the boat landing on Lake Periyar to cross over to the starting point of the trek. After about two hours of hard walk, you hop on to a country raft (its just bamboo poles bound together) paddled by tribal boatmen. Absolute silence is the secret and soon you will be able to witness wild animals strolling down to take a drink from the lake. If it's your lucky day, sightings could include Elephants, Bison, Bore, Samba, Hyena and of course different bird species. Tigers being very shy of humans are very rare sightings but one never knows… After about three hours on the raft, head back to firm land and walk back to civilization and your Village Resort. It's been a long day and you deserve to put your legs up and enjoy a tall cooler.

Lunch would be packed and served in the jungle while a lavish dinner would be served at the hotel.
Overnight would be at the resort.

Day Tour 7 : Arrive at Changanacherry (By road in 4 hours)
Breakfast would be at the resort.

A pleasant ride back out of the hills takes us to Changanacherry, on the fringe of the coastal plain. We pass rice-fields, banana, tapioca, rubber and coffee plantations, cross-waterways and nudge our way through bustling small towns. We stop en route for an authentic south Indian meal served on banana leaves.

Our boat awaits and we begin a thrilling and colorful boat ride (3 hours) through the 'backwaters' to Ambalaphuza, all sitting on the roof to see more! The term 'backwaters' actually refers to the extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons that lace the coastal plain interior coastline and stretch from Cochin almost down to Trivandrum. Small canoes, elderly sailboats, coconut-laden barges, tiny skiffs full of school children, Chinese-style Junks and thatch-covered country craft are common sights.

Our accommodation for the night is a simple but idyllic bungalow. (Very comfortable authentic heritage bungalow with attached bathrooms).
Dinner would be laid out in the dining room of the bungalow.

Day Tour 8 : Changanacherry
Rest, or go for a walk along the waterside.

You can take part in a host of "Village Activities" and off course they would be all under supervision of the local helpful villagers. One such activity is to climb a coconut tree and pluck your own one. You could also take a small raft and go out fishing with local baits and handmade fishing rods.

Overnight would be again in the Bungalow.

Day Tour 9 : Arrive at Aranmula
Leave after breakfast for another memorable cruise down the backwaters to Chengannur. A short distance away (10km) is Aranmula, set amid rice fields and coconut palms.

We stay at a dance and arts centre in simple Indian Style Accommodation. A French woman, who recognized that without arts and cultural program based in South India, many of the old traditional musical and martial arts risked dying out, set up the centre dramatic.

On our visit we will be the special guests at a performance of music and Kathakali, the classical dance drama of South India.
A speciality at the centre is Kerala-style vegetarian food served on banana leaves, delicately prepared and delicious. Overnight would be at the ARTS CENTRE.

Day Tour 10: Aranmula
We join workshops on dance, music, woodcarving, yoga and Kalaripayat - the martial art of South India. To be an accomplished Kathakali dancer or to engage in Kalaripayat at a high level takes many years of dedicated study, and this introduction allows us to glimpse another world where priorities are very different to the West. We can book a relaxing Ayurvedic body massage and also watch the elaborate Kathakali make-up being painted on the evening's dance performers.

All meals would be vegetarian. Overnight would be at the ARTS CENTRE.

Day Tour 11: Biking
We cycle along narrow rural lanes, linking small villages. We will encounter some traffic when cycling through small towns, but for the most part the roads are quiet and fairly flat. Often beyond the palm trees there will be views of the Arabian Sea. It will be an exciting new dimension and will bring many friendly encounters with the local people.

Each day, an early start (6.30am) to cycle for around four hours before the sun climbs too high.
Overnight would be at a small beach hotel closer to Alleppey. Lunch and dinner would be at the resort.

Day Tour 12: Biking
A morning cycle ride to arrive at Varkala in time for a dip in the Arabian Sea. Varkala is in a beautiful location and balanced between traditional India and growing pressures of tourism. We stay in a simple guesthouse with delicious delicately prepared Kerala food. There is an important Hindu temple and bathing GHAT here and each new year a well attended Hindu festival spread over several days dedicated to an enlightened guru, Sree Narayana Guru, attracts thousands of pilgrims to a nearby village.

Meals would be at the resort.
Overnight at a GARDEN RETREAT.

Day Tour 13: Biking
Spend the morning cycling in the beach and meeting locals. Rest of the day would be spent relaxing.
All meals will be at the resort. Overnight at the Garden Retreat.

Day Tour 14: Reach Kovalam
The final day's biking through coconut palms and small fishing villages ends just to the north of Trivandrum. A local taxi ride completes the journey and we spend our last evening in Kerala in beach bungalows by the Arabian Sea at Kovalam.

Lunch would be at Trivandrum or Kovalam depending on the time.
Dinner would be a lavish spread of SEAFOOD and LOCAL WINE.

Day Tour 15: Departure
Breakfast at resort.
Transfer to the airport of Trivandrum for flight to Mumbai or Delhi.

Day Tour 16: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT and transfer to your hotel.

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 Tour 17: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a half day tour of Old & New Delhi.

OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Day Tour 18: Delhi - Agra (By Road 221 km/05 hrs)
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed by surface to Agra. Reach and check into the hotel.

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 galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite 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.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj Mahal.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.

Day Tour 19: Agra - Jaipur (By Road 221 km/05 hrs)
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.

Drive to Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of it's grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.

Reach and check in at hotel.

JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day Tour 20: Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Amber Palace. Enjoy Elephant Back ascent to the Fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

Continue city sightseeing.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Shopping in the evening or relax. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day Tour 21: Jaipur - Jodhpur (By Road 280 km/06 hrs)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Jodhpur. Reach Jodhpur and check into hotel.

Set at the edge of the THAR Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the RATHORE clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the RAMAYANA. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

In the afternoon visit Mehrangarh Fort (1459 AD) by Rao Jodha who considered themselves the descendents of Lord Rama. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day Tour 22: Jodhpur - Udaipur (By Road 250km/05hrs)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Udaipur.

Visit Ranakpur en route. A visit to the famous Jain Temple, dating back to the 15th century is part of the itinerary. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Reach Udaipur and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day Tour 23: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur in the morning, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid 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 middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Visit the 300-year-old Jagdish Temple and the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rajput kings.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day Tour 24: Udaipur - Pushkar (By Road 250km/05hrs)
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast.

Reach Ajmer. Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century AD and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 AD when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.

Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif Tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims.

Visit the DARGAH. Reach Pushkar by noon and relax. Check in at PUSHKAR PALACE.

PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

Overnight at PUSHKAR.

Day Tour 25: Pushkar - Kishangarh - Delhi (By Road 352km/07 hrs)
Drive to Kishangarh after breakfast.

KISHANGARH is situated on the National Highway 8 in the Center of Rajasthan, 100 Km South West of Jaipur. It is primarily known for its world famous Miniature Paintings and Handicrafts and for the largest marble and granite cutting industry in the Country.

Around the fort of Kishangarh is the moat and garden - on which "Phool Mahal" was built in AD 1870 and was the Palace of the flowers for the Maharaja's of Kishangarh A private residence of the Royal Family of Kishangarh opens for the discerning traveler. The Palace has lovely views of centuries old "Gundalao Lake" - where herons fly and peacocks strut in fanned delight. The lake water beneath the graceful Palace is a paradise to flamingoes, pelicans, wild duck and the SARUS CRANE.

Lunch will be at PHOOL MAHAL PALACE.
Start for Delhi and reach by evening. Transfer for connecting flight home from the international airport.

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