– Mr & Ms Julio when they hosted a dinner in Madrid to our Director.

“I can say that the trip finally finished successfully. Thank you very much for your help.”

13 Aug: Arrival Delhi

On arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be transferred to your pre booked hotel.Julio will arrive at 0500 BY 9W 339 from Mumbai and 03 family members will arrive at Delhi at 0820 by BA 257.(Early check in at hotel subject to availability).Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at 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 11^th to 20^th 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.

14 Aug:Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven for a guided Tours of Delhi visiting Jamia Mosque, Red Fort, GhandiSamadi, walk through the small lanes of ChandniChowk.After visiting old Delhi stop for lunch in Connaught Place, which house many famous restaurants of different cuisine. After lunch leave for the Tours of New Delhi Visiting Laxmi Narayan Temple, drive past The Presidents House, Embassy area, followed by visit to India Gate, Himayun Tomb, Bhai Temple (lotus Temple) and QutabMinar.
Evening: Free for Shopping or personal visits.Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

15 Aug: Delhi-Varanasi (By Air)

Today you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to connect your flight (9W 2423     DEL VNS   1050   1210) to Varanasi.On arrival in Varanasi,you will be transferred to your hotel.Rest of the day Free. Overnight at Hotel.

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

16 Aug: Varanasi

Full day for guided sightseeing of Varanasi.If you wish to visit Benares Hindu University,you may do so.In the evening the Ghats and temples are lit with oil-lamp lights or candles.  Participate in an Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating Diyas (lamps) on the river Ganges. Overnight at hotel.

17 Aug:Varanasi

Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges The western banks of Ganges has a string of Ghats – the chain of stone steps, all built with pavilions, palaces and terraces, most of which are mainly used as Dharamsalas where the pilgrims stay during their visit to the holy city.  At dawn, the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals.  A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity.  The sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience.

Later tour to Sarnath, 10-Kms away from Varanasi is the fabled place, which bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, expounding the principles of Buddhism.  The remains date back to as far as the 3rd-Century BC when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar Edicts.  Visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum.  The main attraction is the superb Capital from Ashokan Pill r – the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back Lions which has been adopted as the state symbol Independent India.  Also visit the Mahabodhi Buddha temple and walk around the Deer Park.  Later see the Monastery ruins area, Dhameka Stupa.

18 Aug:Varanasi-Delhi (By Air) -Agra(By Road)

Today you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport to connect your flight (Spice Jet SG 217 VNS DEL 0925 1105) to Delhi.On arrival in Delhi,you will be picked up to drive to Agra.On arrival in Agra,check in at your hotel.As next day is Friday, we will try our best to take you to Taj mahal today evening and if time doesn’t permit,Taj Mahal visit will be on 20^th early morning before driving to Jaipur.Overnight at Hotel.

Agra – globally renowned as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal,a symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz.  The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

19 Aug:Agra

Sightseeing of Agra.Overnight at Hotel.

20 Aug:Agra-Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel,drive to Jaipur (240 Kms / approx. 06 Hours) en route visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, FatehpurSikri.On arrival at Jaipur,check into your hotel for  overnight stay.

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 jewelry, paintings, carvings and colorful textiles, is an enjoyable experience for tourists.

21 Aug:Jaipur

Today you shall have a complete Tours of Jaipur (The pink city of India (Rajasthan)After breakfast you leave for an excursion trip to Amer fort. A Joy ride on elephants Back up to the Fort is real fun. Amer fort built in the 17th century, the Palace is a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is so delicately ornamented with find inlay work that it glows. The fort of Jaigarh, crowing the summit of a peak is of amazing beauty and grandeur. After visiting fort, drive back to city of Jaipur enroute visit Handicrafts factory / cottage industry – housing rajasthani handicrafts-, Gem stones and Antiques for which Jaipur is worldwide famous. Lunch at any restaurant, followed by city Tours drive past the pink city, visit City Palace, JantarMantar, Hawa Mahal, Rajminder Theater. Evening shopping, Dinner at Hotel / Restaurant.Overnight at hotel in Jaipur

22 Aug:Jaipur-Cochin

Today you will be transferred to Jaipur Airport to connect your flight (Go Air G8 347 JAI (VIA BOM) COK 0805 1225) to Cochin.On arrival in Cochin,you will be received and transferred to your hotel in Fort Cochin Area.Evening watch a fusion of various art forms at Greenix Theatre.Overnight at Hotel.

Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.

23 Aug – Cochin

Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon back to Cochin for sightseeing. Evening you may walk around Fort Cochin area. Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise – A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala…. goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms…..watch rare birds….country boat making….a natural fish farm where you can go fishing…. You will witness coir making,toddy tapping before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch -a delicious traditional Kerala dish  under a tree…..While scrolling through this amazing village,you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood.You will see them fishing in the river,the women do the coir making,a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine,men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts,later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible.It’s all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.

Cochin Sightseeing – St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The JewishSynagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The “Dutch Palace” was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring – a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites – which gives the effect of polished marble.

Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era.Jewish,Arabs,Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative headquarters,Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favorite destination for tourists.It’s getting an upgrade once it’s declared as the first heritage city in India.Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route.It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Jains, Sikhs etc. are few among them.

24 Aug -Cochin – Munnar (4 Hour Drive)

Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise. You will drive through Midland crops like Rubber,arecnut,pineapple etc. Afternoon free. Overnight at the Hotel.

Munnar …breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country with unending expanses 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…. It’s the place you would love to visit… It’s the place you would wish never to leave. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.

25 Aug: Munnar

After  breakfast at the Hotel, drive to Marayoor Sandalwood forest for a soft trek and later to visit a tribal village.You will have a traditional lunch at the village.Afternoon you will be taken to Chinnar National Park for a 3 hour trekking through the forest.Return to Munnar for overnight stay.

Munnar is a misty, lush green hill station up in the Anamalai range of Kerala; Munnar’s tea gardens, some of the highest in the world, stretch up the sides of the hills and are interspersed with pockets of forest rich in birds. It is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Surrounded by almost 30 tea gardens that give it a picturesque view, Munnar is near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats.

Exotic and pristine, Marayoor is a unique place where tourism meets adventure. The enchanting beauty of Marayoor offers diversity in every aspect of the land and culture. Hamlets, rocky hills, rivers, brooks, cave temples, paddy and sugar cane fields, waterfalls, sandal wood and bamboo forests…Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests grown in natural abundance. Marayoor is the only place in Kerala where natural sandalwood forest is seen. Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists.Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing.Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.

As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. In your journey to Anamalai, you will touch the main land again but on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. On the way you can see an entirely different way of village life from Kerala. The vast expanse of hundreds of crops, sacred groves, termite mount temples and if in season, can participate in a village festival like fire walk, Jelly Kettu (Bullfight) etc. Chinnar wild sanctuary is the haven for two highly endangered species-the grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise.

Proceed to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Hiking through the wildlife zone and visit to a Mesolithic Cave art site. As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. Chinnar Sanctuary is located in the eastern slope of Western Ghats sharing its flora and fauna with Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. The sanctuary has an area of 90 sq.km. Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophyticvegetation. The undulating terrain with rocky patches manifolds the scenic splendor of the sanctuary. As the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 m above sea level within a few kilometreradius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation.

This sanctuary has also rainfall ranging from 600 mm to 3000 mm and a dry season ranging from three to six months. Elephant, gaur, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, grizzled giant squirrel, hanuman languor, long eared fish owl etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species.

26 Aug – Munnar – Periyar ( 3.5 Hours drive)

Today, you will be transferred to Periyar, the famous wildlife destination of Kerala.On arrival visit a Spice farm.Afternoon go for a boating in Periyar.Evening shopping for spices. Overnight at Hotel.

Indian agriculture began by 9000 BC as a result of early cultivation of plants, and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Plants and animals—considered essential to their survival by the Indians—came to be worshiped and venerated.

Indian spices include a variety of spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent (South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the Subcontinent, while others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries.Spices are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavor should be added first. Curry is not a spice, but a term which refers to any side dish in Indian cuisine. It could be with a gravy base or a dry item. A curry typically contains several spices blended together.

Periyar – Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve 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.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opportunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

27 Aug – Alleppey Houseboat (4.5 Hour Drive)

After an early breakfast at the resort, drive to Alleppey to board your exclusive Houseboat for a cruise through the backwater villages followed by overnight stay on board.Your meals are freshly cooked and served on board. Explore the amazing backwater life of Kerala! Overnight at the Houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejuvenated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words.Its to be lived and evolved by yourself.

28 Aug – Alleppey-Kumarakom (1 Hour Drive)

After breakfast on board, check out and drive to Kumarakom,which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. You may opt to go for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage.Also you go for a village walk through the nearby villages. Overnight at the Resort.

The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, it’s never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. And that is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

29 Aug – Kumarakom – Marari Beach (1 Hour Drive)

Enjoy your breakfast on board.Later, checkout & drive to a heritage home in Alleppey for a cookery show followed by lunch.Later proceed to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala. On arrival check in at the resort on the Beach.Rest of the day at leisure on the beach.You may opt to go for an Ayurvedic Massage or a village walk.Overnight at the Resort.

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colors. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment with the local cuisine. Traditionally, in Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. One has to take food with right hand. This cookery demo is not just being in the kitchen, will give you hands on experience, you’ll learn to prepare 3-4 variety of Kerala’s delicacies in a friendly, relaxed, informal environment. Each dish will be demonstrated, prepared and cooked.

Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at its best. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

30 Aug – Marari

Full day at the resort. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more… An authentic experience of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. You may opt to take an Ayurvedic Massage…Visit the fishermen villages…By evening it may interesting to visit the local temple to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialization.Overnight at Resort.

31 Aug – Marari Beach

Full day at leisure to enjoy your beach stay. Overnight at the Resort.

01 Sept– Cochin Departure (2.5 Hours Drive)

Like all good things, your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience. Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Cochin International airport to connect your flight to Mumbai from where you will connect your flight to Madrid on 02 Sept ETD 0225 & 0155.

Hotels Suggested

• Delhi:Metropolitan www.hotelmetdelhi.com
• Varanasi:Gateway By Taj www.thegatewayhotels.com
• Agra:Courtyard By Marriot www.marriot.com
• Jaipur:Crowne Plaza www.crowneplaza.com
• Cochin:Spice Fort www.duneecogroup.com
• Munnar:The Leaf www.theleafmunnar.com
• Periyar:Spice Village www.cghearth.com
• Kumarakom:Coconut Lagoon www.cghearth.com
• Houseboat:Evergreen www.evergreen-kerala.com
• Marari:Marari Beach Resort www.cghearth.com