Best of India

Overview
A 21 Days tour, Best of India takes you to important tourist destinations of South India as well as North India. Your trip starts from Kerala's ancient harbour town Cochin which is home to Mattancherry Palace. Next tranquil backwaters of Kerala such as Kumarakon offers a heaven like sight. From Cochin you will board flight to Mumbai for visiting the tourist attractions of Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur. Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort , Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar are highlights of these cities. Best of India will further take you to Kashmir, 'the Paradise on earth' which offers a number of visual feast for your eyes.

Inclusions
Accommodation, Meal, Transport, Services of English Speaking Guide during sightseeing tours, Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur, Boat ride at Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin, Pony Ride at Sonamarg and Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg.

Exclusions
Shopping and other meals apart from breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Detailed Itinerary
Namaste - We welcome you with folded hands

Day 1: Arrival / Mumbai
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Mumbai and transfer to the hotel - Sun N Sand.
Traditional welcome with garlands as our representative welcomes you aboard your deluxe car. During the ride to your hotel, our representative would introduce India, as well as some common Indian customs and courtesies. 'Namaste' and welcome to India or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God).

Overnight: Sun N Sand Hotel - (Superior Room)
Day 2 : Mumbai / Cochin (9W 41 - 135 / 122)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect your flight to Cochin, a fascinating 4* hotel replete with character. The sea food restaurant here is a tremendous place in case you are fond of eating fish. Cooked in typical Kerala style and marinated with coconut and mild herbs, the food leaves a refreshing tingle on your taste buds. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel Casino

Kathakali Dance : A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make-up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry.

Overnight : Casino Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 3 : Cochin
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour. An ancient harbor town, Cochin reflects the influence of the many foreign traders who visited the city. The Jewish synagogue, one of the oldest in India, is set in the heart of the area known as "Jew Town" surrounded by an aromatic spice market, and interesting shops selling antiques. We spend time in the surrounding markets and walk to the Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as nalukattu (four buildings). The palace exhibits memorabilia from the raja of Kochi' collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the wooden walls. The royal bedroom has ceilings and walls covered with forty-five 16th century paintings illustrating the Ramayana. Afternoon at leisure for independent activities

Overnight : Casino Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 4: Cochin / Kumarkom
Today after a relaxed morning we drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, check in to Coconut Lagoon which has rightly carved its place among the top heritage resorts of the world. The resort is on a small island and can be reached only by boat. The accommodation consists of individual cottages built in the traditional Kerala style, relying heavily on wood and some with private pools. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities. You have the option for participating in Cookery demonstration of the Resort.

Overnight : Coconut Lagoon (Mansions)
Day 5 : Kumarkom
Day is free for independent activities. Today you can also enjoy the optional ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages. You could also to visit the adjacent Kumarakom Bird sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake is known for its varied avian population. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarokom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Overnight : Coconut Lagoon (Mansions)

Day 6 : Kumarkom / Maraikulam
Today we drive to Maraikulam. The Marari Beach is a Brand New Hotel built in the style of an traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style. The 4 sq.ft spacious villas are all air-conditioned with twin or double beds, mini bar, coffee making facilities and delightfully furnished veranda with ceiling fan. The bathrooms are spacious and modern, built in traditional Kerala style with an open-air courtyard, complete with a banana or Pappaya tree.

Overnight : Marai Beach Resort (Standard Room)

Day 7 : Maraikulam
Full day at leisure for your independent activities. You may hike into local villages or hire bikes to cycle along the beach or ride along the countryside.

Overnight : Marai Beach Resort (Standard Room)

Day 8 : Maraikulam / Cochin / Mumbai (9W 42 - 13/145 hrs)
Mumbai / Delhi (IT118 235/223 hrs)
Morning at leisure for independent activities. Afternoon transfer to Cochin airport in time to board flight to Mumbai to make your onward connection to Delhi. Meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel The Connaught.

Overnight : The Connaught Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 9 : Delhi
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. This morning you head out to the Old Delhi which is dominated by the Red Fort. After visiting the fort, we arrive at Chandni chowk market. We explore the market on a cycle rickshaw, our path leading us through lanes, each dedicated to a particular item, rather like a departmental stores.
From here we continue to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan and was his last architectural legacy. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi is Raj Ghat, a simle and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence.

Afternoon we visit The New Delhi - which is a blend of ancient and pre independence India. The Qutub Minar, the tapering monument begun in 1199 was built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. We also visit the Humayun's Tomb which was built by the mother of emperor Akbar. This is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.

Overnight : The Connaught Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 10: Delhi / Agra
Morning we drive to the City of Taj Mahal. Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine… all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history… captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. Upon arrival check in to your hotel.
After lunch we visit the Massive Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 7 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. Many buildings were constructed within the fort of which very few remain till date. One of the most significant is the Jahangir Mahal built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai.


Taj Mahal changes its mood with the seasons and the different times of the day. At dusk, the marble has a delicate bloom in shell pink, turning to a soft pearly grey at dusk. On the full moon nights, the silver light makes it float away against the star sprangled sky. Monsoon clouds give it a moody blue tint and it appears and disappears like a mirage in the drifting mists of winter. It can be solid and earth bound, fragile and ethereal, white, amber, grey and gold. The many faces of the Taj Mahal displays the seductive power of architecture and jewellery as both are reflected in the Taj Mahal. It is one of the most flawless architectural creation in the world. We will visit this monument of love at Sun-set.

Overnight : Howard Park Plaza (Standard Room)

Day 11 : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri /Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After just fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great city of victory fell silent. The hill top city lies 37 kms from Agra. This deserted city has two distinct complexes. The first comprises the royal enclosure of the palace, the harem and official buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint, with a mosque and lofty gateways.

To wander among the red sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back in the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the gateway after a triumpant campaign, to be welcomed by his delighted subjects and the royal courts. Its reflects the many faceted character of the man who inspired it. The ruthless empire builder who enjoyed all the trapping of power and as liberal enlightened man who took a passionate instant in every aspect of life, be it religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.

Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival, check into Shahpura House. Afternoon is designed for escorted walks with our guide in Jaipur's shady animated streets - or for independent discovery. The city is best explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city.

Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enamelled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.

Overnight : Shahpura House (Standard Room)

Day 12 : Jaipur
In the morning we visit the fort palace at Amber, its forbidding exterior belying a bejeweled interior whose richness reflects the sumptuous styles of the surrounding Mughal courts. We will approach the fort on elephant back. Our tour of this architectural delight includes the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public Audience, an open pavilion with cream marble pillars supporting an unusual striped canopy shaped ceiling with a portico with double red sandstone pillars; the Ganesh Pol which separates the private and public areas is decorated with mosaic and painted decorations; the Diwan I Khas or Hall of Private Audience has a curved Bengali roof and has marble pillars and a painted ceiling. The Hall of Mirrors, the pleasure palaces inlaid with ivory and sandalwood reflect the Mughal influence, whilst the baradari the 12 arched pavilion reflect both Mughal and Hindu influences.
Afternoon we stop at the city palace, a series of open courtyards, simple stables and buildings leading to the richly decorated royal rooms of the Chandra Mahal. The museum within the palace house a fabulous collection of textiles, carpets, manuscripts and costumes from the personal collection of the royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the ancient observatory, is the creation of the scholar king Sawai Jai Singh. The name literally means "Instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". An attractive and fascinating place, there are extraordinary shaped stone monoliths faced with marble, which are accurate even today.

Adjoining are structures, which depict the 12 zodiac signs that enable instant readings to be made. We end our day at the colorful market dominated by the elegant tapering Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Nine storey high, decorated with delicately carved niches and balconies, this pink sandstone façade served as a concrete "purdah" or screen for ladies of the royal harem, who would watch the activities of the city from a position of privacy.

Overnight : Shahpura House (Standard Room)

Day 13 : Jaipur / Delhi(27 kms)
Delhi / Srinagar (9W 63 - 1115/1235 hrs)
Morning drive to the Delhi airport in time to board flight for Srinagar. Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley, the Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year. Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly handcrafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for a memorable holiday.

Meeting and assistance on arrival at Srinagar airport and transfer to the Houseboat on Dal Lake. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities

Overnight : Luxury Houseboat - (B, L, D)

Day 14: Srinagar
Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city. The larger and more elaborate pleasure garden of the Mughals is the Shalimar Bagh, four kms away. Laid out by Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan, this garden is also divided into four terraces and has a water channel running down its centre. On the topmost terrace is the pavilion reserved for the royal visitors. Supported by stunning black marble pillars, the pavilion had tiny niches that were used to keep fragrant flowers in the day and light up the pavilion with lamps at night.

We will also visit the important mosque of Srinagar, the large Jamia Masjid built in 1674. The mosque has thick wooden pillars, each made from an entire deodar tree. One of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, the foundation of the building was said to have been laid as far back as 1398 by Sultan Sikandar. To the southeast is the Rozahbal Mosque, for some esoteric and strange reason known as the 'tomb of Jesus'. Across the River Jhelum lies the Pattar Masjid, built in 1623 for the Empress Nur Jahan. The mosque was later renamed as the Shahi Masjid.

Evening enjoy the Shikara ride on Dal Lake to enjoy the beauty that God has graced this city which is often compared to Venice. You will gat a view of some very interesting places around the lake.

Overnight : Luxury Houseboat - (B, L, D)

Day 15 : Srinagar / Gulmarg
Morning we drive to Gulmarg. Literally a meadow of flowers, Gulmarg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kashmir valley. A two-hour drive from Srinagar, down roads lined with towering poplars and you arrive at the luxuriant resort with breathtaking views of the splendid mountains and unspoilt expanses of gree or white, depending on the season. Crowded with tourists in winter who come for skiing and winter sports or just to enjoy the snow, Gulmarg also has a good golf course.

Upon arrival check into the hotel. Gulmarg offer plenty of options for nature walks and mild treks along amazing scenes of natural beauty. We would explore the magic of the place

Overnight : Hotel Mt. View - (B, L, D)
Day 16 : Gulmarg
Full day at leisure for independent activities and walks. Optional trekking and horse ridding on request at the hotel can be made. Gulmarg like most regions of Kashmir offer opportunities for Pony rides too. You would be helped to undertake pony rides if you wish to.

Cable Car Ride: Enjoy a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind on Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes, is exhilarating. A Cable Car (Gandola) is installed which is great hit with tourists and it takes tourist's upto Kongdori. The sky-car ride across 5 km and reaching an altitude of 13,5 ft, the highest in the world

Overnight : Hotel Mt. View- (B, L, D)

Day 17 : Gulmarg / Pahalgham
Morning we drive to Pahalgham. After breakfast we proceed for full day excursion to Pahalgam. Situated about 95-km from Srinagar, Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the nighttime temperatures do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River running right through the town.

Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great Himalayan. At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. Upon arrival check into the hotel Highland

Overnight : Hotel Highland - (B, L, D)

Day 18 : Pahalgham
This morning we trek to Aru . The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the river. At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the summer. One of course does not have to trek the full way, but, we can return after an hour if we wish to.

Overnight : Hotel Highland - (B, L, D)
Day 19 : Pahalgham / Srinagar
Morning free for leisure and independent activities. Late afternoon ride back to Srinagar
On arrival check in to the Luxury Houseboat.

Overnight : Luxury Houseboat - (B, L, D)

Day 20 : Srinagar / Delhi (9W 1315/1535 hrs)
Afternoon transfer to the hotel in time to board flight for Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Overnight : The Connaught Hotel - (Standard Room) (B, L, D)

Day 21 : Delhi / Departure
Today transfer to the International airport in time to board flight back home

End of Services…
Thank You for Giving Us an Opportunity to Serve You.
Indicative Low Season Cost Based on 2 People Traveling Together - US$ 2326 Per Person

Feedback
It’s almost impossoble to cover the best of India in 22 days but Trinetra made it possible for us. We covered the major destinations of South India, North India and West India on this tour.


A wonderful trip that gave us the opportunity of seeing the Best of India with the comfort benefits. Thanks to Trinetra tours and the guide Narayan


Manoj was a very competant guide and was well-informed about India. With him we saw the best of India without any incovenience.