Arrival Night - Delhi

You will arrive late in the evening at Delhi international airport. Following customs, immigration, formalities and baggage collection, a Festive India Tours representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminals building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.

Day 01 - Delhi

The seat of many powerful empires in the past, its long history can be traced in its many carefully-preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs. This morning after breakfast you will visit the “Jama Masjid, Qutub minar and drive past the India gate, The Parliament buildings, Rashtrapati bhawan”. Night stay at leisure.

Day 02 - Delhi

A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. Delhi showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernising country. Dotted with monuments there is much to discover here. In the morning after breakfast at hotel you will go to visit Lotus temple and Hymaun’s tomb. Later in the evening experience the colourful chaos of the capital’s narrow streets and bazaars. Night stay at leisure.

Day 03 - Agra

The magical allure of the Taj Mahal draws tourists to Agra like moths to a wondrous flame. And despite the hype, it’s every bit as good as you’ve heard. The village of Vrindavan is where the young Krishna is said to have grown up. Pilgrims flock here from all over India. In the morning you will proceed on a drive to Agra en route visiting Vrindavan. After arriving at Agra you will check into leisure. Later you will visit “Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah”. Night stay at leisure. Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Day 04 - Ranthambore

This famous national park is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan. Comprising 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges, at its centre is the 10th-century Ranthambhore Fort. Early in the morning you visit “The TajMahal” which stands on a raised marble platform at the northern end of the ornamental gardens, with its back to the Yamuna River. Later you will proceed on a drive from Agra to Ranthambore. Arrive Ranthambhore and Check into the hotel. Later go for a visit to Ranthambhore fort. Night stay at leisure.

Day 05 - Ranthambore

Scattered around the fort are ancient temples and mosques, hunting pavilions, crocodile-filled lakes and vine-covered chhatris (burial tombs). The park was a maharajas’ hunting ground until 1970, a curious 15 years after it had become a sanctuary. Early morning game viewing on Gypse/ Shared Canter. Embark on an exhilarating journey into the forest for an encounter with the jungle cat. Following the game drive return to the hotel for breakfast. Later proceed for an afternoon Game Drive. An opportunity for another encounter with the Royal beast Night stay at leisure.

Day 06 - Jaipur

Enthralling, Historical Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Capital, is the gateway of India’s most flamboyant state. The city’s colourful, chaotic streets ebb and flow with a heady brew of old and new. Early In the morning after breakfast you will leave for Jaipur. After arriving at Jaipur you will check into leisure. In the evening you will drive to Amer Palace for light and sound show en route taking a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal and Jalmahal. Night stay at leisure.

Day 07 - Jaipur

At the city’s heart, The City Palace continues to house the former royal family, The Jantar Mantar, The royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect and just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort, Jaipur’s star attraction. Early in the morning you will go to visit Amer fort (include: Elephant Ridding). After visiting Amer fort you will visit City palace and Observatory. Later in the night you are welcome at “Nahargarh Fort” for your Dinner. Night stay at leisure.

Day 08 - Mumbai

Mumbai is India’s financial powerhouse, fashion epicentre and a pulse point of religious tension. Today in the morning transfer to the airport for your flight to the vibrant port city of Mumbai. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore – maybe stroll along the seafront boulevard to Chowpatty Beach to sample some street food. This evening a heritage walk takes you into the heart of the historic fort area. Explore the ‘White Town’ – the European half of the old town, admire the Victoria Terminus, F.W. Steven’s gothic masterpiece, and stroll along the Heritage Mile of Mumbai which reflects the city’s colonial history. Night stay at leisure.

Day 09 - Mumbai

Later visit the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, an incredible temple complex featuring shrines and intricately-carved sculptures. Explore the city with visits to the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and the Prince of Wales Museum. Observe the city’s famous Dabbawalas (Tiffin meal delivery service) in action at one of the stations. Visit the Jain temple, Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhawan where Gandhi once stayed. Night stay at leisure.

Day 10 - Kumarakom

Kumarakom, 16km west of Kottayam and on the shore of vast Vembanad Lake – Kerala's largest lake – is an unhurried backwater village with a smattering of dazzling top-end sleeping options and a renowned bird sanctuary. Today in the morning transfer to the airport for your flight south to Cochin, a coastal city made up of a series of islands and canals. Drive south to Kumarakom which is famously the gateway to the beautiful backwaters and lakes of Kerala. Night stay at leisure.

Day 11 - Kumarakom

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors Boating and Fishing facilities. This morning is a treat for nature lovers as you’ll visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. During a short trek through the estate you may see a variety of species including egrets and Siberian cranes. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Night stay at leisure.

Day 12 - Alleppey

Alleppey is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways and more than a thousand houseboats. Wandering around the small but chaotic city centre and bus-stand area, with its modest grid of canals, you'd be hard-pressed to agree with the “Venice of the East”. Transfer to the jetty to board a private, traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise on the tranquil backwaters. Your comfortable boat features one to four bedrooms, all with a bathroom, open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising of a captain, chef and multilingual guide. Night stay at Houseboat.

Day 13 - Cochin

Serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers and travellers to its shores for over 600 years. Kochi is also a centre for Keralan arts and one of the best places to see Kathakali. Disembark and drive back to Cochin, stopping en route at Kumbalangi, a traditional fishing village where you can observe local activities such as crab farming and net making. This evening, admire elaborate costumes, dramatic make-up and a combination of classical dance and drama during a traditional Kathakali dance show. Night stay at leisure.

Day 14 - Cochin

Explore the city on a half-day tour which visits the Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese in 1555, renovated by the Dutch over a hundred years later and today houses works of art. You’ll also visit the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace, and learn about the city’s colonial history as you witness the blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture during a walking tour of Fort Cochin. Night stay at leisure.

Day 15 - Cochin

Transfer to Cochin airport in the morning for your onward flight.