14 Day Faces of India

Itinerary Highlights

Day1 D - DELHI
You will be met at the airport & transferred to your hotel & while the hotel formalities are completed, there will be a traditional welcome with a Garland and Tilak. The rest of the day is a time to relax & unwind.

Day2 B/D - DELHI
After breakfast a brief introduction to this bustling city with a fascinating blend of the past and present. You will visit Qutub Minar, Humayun Tomb & India gate, then head towards Chandni Chok to enjoy a rickshaw ride & the glamour of Silver Street.

Day3 B/D - DELHI & JAIPUR
Today we travel to Jaipur – the world renowned Pink City. Enjoy the colourful markets & its people. You’ll become aware of all the different types of exotic dress of the locals as they reflect a heritage, traditions & religions. The bazaars sells embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie-dyed scarves & much more. Jaipur has beautiful gardens and parks & marvelous heritage hotels - fit for a Maharaja.

Day4 B/D - JAIPUR (Elephant Ride)
Today you’ll visit the Amber Fort. When possible, you will enter the gates of the fortress in style – as kings & queens have done before, on the back of an elephant. Set in a stunning picturesque location, the Fort is built in a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour & visit the Maharaja's City Palace (the home of the previous royal family), the Observatory & the Hawa Mahal also known as (Wind Palace) which was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.

Day5 B/D - JAIPUR & AGRA
An overland journey of approx 41/2 hours to Agra. Agra holds the most adored monument of Love, the famous Taj Mahal. En-route you’ll visit Fatehpur Sikri (also known as the abandoned city of Mughasl), where our local tour leader will reveal the history of this beautiful city.

Day6 B/D - AGRA
We pay a sunrise visit to the immortal Taj Mahal. An intense expression of love of an Emperor Shahjahan to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD & still stands in its full glory. We return to our hotel for breakfast before we visit the Agra Fort & the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. This is followed by a visit to a marble factory & a carpet factory. After dinner, the evening is free at leisure.

Day7 B/D - AGRA & COCHIN
Today we return to Delhi where you’ll board afternoon flight to Cochin. The South of India is very different to the North & this makes a wonderful contrast to your journey. In the afternoon you’ll enjoy boat ride through backwaters of Cochin & witness daily life as locals continue with their daily business. The evening is reserved for the famous Kathakali Dance Show, which is later followed by dinner.

Day8 B/D - COCHIN – MUNNAR
Today we travel to Munnar, which used to be the Summer Resort of the British Administration in South India. Munnar still fondly reflects its colonial charm & is famous for its tea plantations. Built in Keralite traditional architecture Nalukettu, our resort is located in the centre of cardamom plantation. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the spice plantation – you could go for a walk, go tramping or bird watching & of course the opportunity to interact & enjoy locals.

Day9 B/D MUNNAR
Enjoy your leisurely breakfast. The day is free to relax. There is an additional option to visit the tea museum, take a short trip to the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others) or simply relish this time of peace & tranquility as women pluck the tea leaves at the enchanted tea estates.

Day10 B/D - MUNNAR – THEKKADY
Today we travel to Periyar (approx 2 hours). This is an area known for its rolling hills, spice plantations and elephant sightings. In the afternoon we board a boat on a Wildlife Safari as we tour the spice plantations around Periyar Lake. Cinnamon, cardamom, pepper & nutmeg are all grown here & the strong aromas will entice you. It will be explained how they are grown & harvested & how they end in our supermarkets.

Day11 B/L/D – KETTUVALLAM & board a Backwater Cruise
We travel to Kumarakom and embark our traditional deluxe backwater cruise at Kettuvallam. This is not roughing it, you’ll have your own ensuite. Cruise the picturesque canals, lakes & coves from your fully equipped houseboat. This is a day of pampering as your chef & valet will look after your every need. This is spectacular event & you’ll overnight on the boat.

Day12 B/D - ALLEPPEY & KOVALAM
Wake up to the songbirds of this aquatic region & after breakfast we disembark for an approx 4 hour journey to Kovalam. Kovalam is a beautiful beach holiday Resort with palm fringed beaches, shimmering white sands & crystal clear waters. A sense of wellbeing will be irritable as you are spoiled by a fantastic Ayurveda massage. Enjoy your day of leisure at the beach.

Day13 B/D – KOVALAM
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Today is a day to relax, there is no time & no scheduals to keep to. You are free to spend your day at will until we meet for dinner.

Day14 B – TRIVANDRUM
The day is yours to enjoy until your transfer to the Trivandrum airport for an onward flight.