Arrive Singapore                                                                  at 1530 Hrs

Depart Singapore with Singapore Airlines SQ 406 at 1710 Hrs   

Arrive Delhi                                                                              at 2010 Hrs

(Check in Baggage Allowance is 30 KG per person)      

The capital of India – New Delhi welcomes as you arrive at the IGI International Airport.  Our representative will receive you at the airport in the arrival hall after you clear your immigration and customs.  You will be accorded traditional welcome with garlands made of marigold garlands before you board your bus.  Our representative will escort you to your hotel.

Delhi is a curious mix – of the traditional and the modern. Prepare to be charmed by the seamless intermingling of the old and the new. Monuments that have stood witness to the rise and fall of empires stand harmoniously by new age restaurants and bars that offer a variety of world cuisines!

Overnight at:     Oberoi Maidens Hotel

Room:                 Heritage Room

Meal:                  In flight/own arrangements

Delhi’s recorded history dates back, to over 1500 BC, and each kingdom that ruled over the city left an indelible mark on it.

A cycle rickshaw ride around Old Delhi is a unique experience because you get to witness the city’s sights and delights in a whole new way. Immerse yourself in this charismatic city’s intoxicating, yet chaotic charm on one of these light, three-wheeled vehicles driven by an expert who understands how to negotiate what can appear to be non-navigable streets – it’s quite an art!  This is an offbeat and truly an “Only in India’ experience in the ancient city of Shahjahanabad. 

The experience begins after the visit of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  After this visit, hop on to your rickshaws and enter the colourful, narrow alleys and gullies of Old Delhi.  Discover the gems of the main street of Chandni Chowk. Then proceed into busy streets which are forever

bustling with the clamour and routine of daily trade, offering a glimpse of life back in the day and age when the city started out as a commercial hub. Visit the famous firecracker market, see exquisite silver jewellery, antique items, perfumes and piping hot, scrumptious jalebis, an Indian deep-fried desert. Proceed to Kinari Bazaar or wedding market where one can buy all the paraphernalia required for an Indian wedding. Also visit Asia’s largest spice market, where spices, which in times gone by were once so valuable that they caused invasions and fierce battles, are still traded! On the way, you have the option of sampling some of Delhi’s delicious street food from Jalebis to samosas! You will also drive past Red Fort.

After visiting Old Delhi, enjoy lunch at Chor Bizzare restaurant located in Old Delhi. Chor Bizarre, India’s first theme restaurant captures the spirit of the chor bazaar or thieves market within its kaleidoscopic interiors and serves authentic regional Indian cuisine in a unique atmosphere. Pirates gallery, an attic and quirky are some of the popular descriptions for its eclectic decor. Each dining area is furnished with items that refuse to match; we forgot to steal the matching pieces!

Later visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – where you can witness the community service as this temple feeds 10,000 people every day morning, afternoon and evening and the food is cooked at the temple’s community kitchen.

Those who are interested can volunteer their service as well.   This experience really brings back a ‘soul stirring’ experience which is going to be stored in the memories forever.

government buildings – President’s House, Parliament, India Gate etc. as you will drive past them to reach one of the monuments of Delhi’s Past – Humayun’s Tomb.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy privately guided tour of New Delhi which will include exploring the iconic

Humayun’s Tomb – is unique in many ways – usually kings build tombs whereas this was built by the widow of Emperor Humayun, Hamida Banu Begum in the memory of her husband.  It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style with double dome, which was inspired by Persian architecture. The design of this monument inspired emperor Shahjehan to build Taj Mahal in Agra and you will be able to compare it when you visit both of

them. Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at:     Oberoi Maidens Hotel

Room:                 Heritage Room

Meal:                  Breakfast & Lunch

Agra, the city of Taj Mahal, a poem in white marble built in the 16th century by Emperor Shahjahan as a monument of love. Agra was once the capital of the Mughals and the relics of their glory are scattered all over the city. From the Taj Mahal to the massive Agra Fort, the delicately carved Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb to Akbar’s deserted majestic capital Fatehpur Sikri; Agra is India’s best-known destination and a must on any program.

Enjoy lunch at hotel.

Afternoon visit one of the magnificent forts of Mughal era – Agra Fort.

When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first

architectural venture, rebuilding the Agra Fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture.  Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.  His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna. Today this is a World UNESCO Heritage Site.

After visiting Agra Fort return to hotel.

In the evening enjoy your dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at:     The Taj Gateway

Room:                 Executive Taj View Room

Meal:                  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are tombs of

Mumtaz and Shahjahan within the mausoleum. Done in white marble, it took 22 years and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen to complete this rhapsody in stone (1630-52 AD). The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna.

Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Post breakfast, drive for about 5 ½ hrs. (excluding en-route stops/visits) to the capital of the Princely State of Rajasthan – the Pink city – Jaipur.

En-route you will stop to visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri – a city planned by Mughal emperor Akbar as his new capital. A 16^th century English traveller Ralph Fitch described it as ‘considerably larger than London and more populous’. However, Fatehpur Sikri remained the Mughal capital for only ten years – the bigger structures like the mosque and the palaces still stand tall, witnesses to the rising and waning interests of its Mughal rulers.  Fatehpur Sikri is loved by those who like awesome architecture.

Lunch at Laxmi Niwas palace Bharatpur.

After lunch continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, check-in at your hotel.

Jaipur – 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 jewellery, paintings, carvings and colourful textiles, is an enjoyable experience for tourists.

Overnight at:     Royal Heritage Haveli                                                   

Room:                 Suite Room

Meal:                  Breakfast & Lunch

Step into the Jantar Mantar, by the City palace, a bizarre garden of structures. Be amazed at how astronomers calculated eclipses and planetary positions accurately without sophisticated computers!  Your next stop will be

the impressive City palace, now a public museum, which lies in the heart of the old Jaipur city. Marvel at the magnificence of Rajasthani architecture and artistry that blends seamlessly with distinct Mughal influences. The palace, which was once the private royal museum of art and artefacts from world over is now open to public.  You will also drive past the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).

Spend some time in the city’s crowded and colourful bazaars that sell a wide variety of artisan goods and semi-precious stones, which are the local speciality.  An exciting afternoon awaits you as you drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, surrounded by fortified battlements. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake.

Return to hotel and enjoy free time until your evening dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at:     Royal Heritage Haveli                                                   

Room:                 Suite Room

Meal:                  Breakfast & Dinner

Depart Jaipur by Air India AI-612:                      at 1355 Hrs

Arrive Mumbai “Economy Class”:                       at 1550 Hrs   

(Check in Baggage Allowance is 25 KG per person)

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Mumbai (formerly Bombay), situated on the western coast of India, is the city of glamour and megastars, of industrialists and business houses, of a futuristic lifestyle and an amalgamation of the West with the traditional Maharashtrian culture. Apart from being the financial capital of India, it is also the capital of India’s most progressive state, Maharashtra. Mumbai is the gateway of India, the point of arrival for most of the visitors who travel to Mumbai on business or holiday. Today Mumbai stands tall as India’s commercial capital and the country’s most cosmopolitan city.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at:     Trident Nariman Point

Room:                 Superior Room

Meal:                  Breakfast & Dinner

This mercurial character of the city, when observed in the morning is quite unique. Seeing this lively city wake up, gives you deep cultural insights into the real Mumbai that go beyond the glossy glass facades and urban boardrooms. You experience the underbelly of this magnificent city and understand what makes Mumbai tick. Mumbai by Dawn is a tour that pays homage to the people of Mumbai and venerates all those who go about their business obstinately with one purpose – a better life. At the start of this tour you will find yourself at the clamorous and chaotic docks, where amidst understanding the life and times of the Koli fisher-folk (the original inhabitants of Mumbai), you will see the arrival and grading of 25 tonnes of fish. You will also witness a one of its kind fish auctions of the famous Bombay Duck. You will be right in the centre of all the action when thousands of illiterate vendors will sort out newspapers of 7 different language, that too in the middle of the road. You will understand the logistics of the food distribution in the city as 100 tonnes of meat, fruits and vegetables enter the various markets. These markets are not only a great introduction to the people of Mumbai, but also a photographer’s dream come true. Milkmen driving past with milk canisters; delivery of freshly baked bread and the melee of colour and fragrance at the flower market – all these bazaars add to the frenzy of Mumbai. Another highlight is the ‘all herb mandi’ spread across a popular bridge. Possibly the only market of its kind in the world, this green market has thousand vendors sitting atop a bridge selling various leafy vegetables. What’s interesting is that when you walk the same lanes a few hours later, you wouldn’t find any evidence of the morning’s flurry.

We end this tour with a walk across a cricket ground and learn about the game that has captured the hearts of a billion. All in all, we assure you, this cavalcade of life in the morning will show you the real spirit of Mumbai. It comes at a price – Waking up at 05:15 AM for one.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Mumbai covering all the highlights of the city – we call it Mumbai Mania. Starting point for almost every soul that wants to explore the city, this tour too starts from the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s very own victory arch, built to commemorate the landing of King George the fifth and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar.

Further exploring fort area of Mumbai, Kala Ghoda.  You will drive past large number of the city’s heritage buildings, and is full of museums, art galleries and educational institutions like the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (earlier Prince of Wales Museum – closed on Mondays) and The Arts Trust.

After this, you get to see the Dabbawalas or the 6 sigma workers of Mumbai sending over

5, 00, 000 boxes of lunch to their rightful owners with extreme precision. Studied by consultants and business schools for the secrets of their proclaimed near-flawless efficiency, the Dabbawalas have been feted by British royals (Prince Charles) and titans of industry (Richard Branson) alike. Even FedEx, which supposedly knows something about logistics, has paid them a visit.

Further driving down to what’s presently called the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), this station has a unique place in Indian history. The first train of India departed from CST and travelled a distance of 40kms. Today, the station sees a footfall of nearly a million people daily.

Our next stop, a popular tourist spot known as the Dhobhi Ghat. It has the power to make your jaw drop. With nearly most of Mumbai’s washing done here, it comes as a little surprise that these guys can be safely christened as the ‘Washing Machines’ of Mumbai.

Next stop, Mani Bhavan is one of the few important places hallowed by Mahatma Gandhi’s close association.

Post tour return to hotel & in the evening your dinner will be at the hotel.

Overnight at:     Trident Nariman Point

Room:                 Superior Room

Meal:                  Breakfast & Dinner

Depart Mumbai by Jet Airways 9W-407:              at 1040 Hrs

Arrive Kochi “Economy Class”:                                   at 1245 Hrs   

(Check in Baggage Allowance is 15 KG per person)

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.

The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state’s cities, Kochi (earlier Cochin) have long been eulogized in tourist literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea.’ Strategically located on the east–west sea route, Cochin is Kerala’s major port, boasting of one of the finest natural harbours in the world, which forms the hub around which the city revolves. With its wealth of historical associations and its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsula, the city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Apart from being a major commercial hub, Kochi is also a major tourist attraction in southern India. Main attractions are Fort Kochi, Mattanchery Palace, and Synagogue.

In the evening, explore a unique live dance performance of India – Kathakali.  This is one of the major forms of Indian Classical Dances and you could easily relate it to Kerala when you see the mask.  You could also witness the behind the scenes of this dance form, starting from the make-up session (preparation for the show) at the back-stage till end of the live performance in a theatre. It is another “story play” genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colorful make-up, costumes and facemasks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear.  Kathakali primarily developed as a Hindu performance art in Kerala.  The fully developed style of Kathakali originated around the 17th century, but its roots are in temple and folk arts, which are traceable to at least the 1st millennium CE.

Overnight at:     Fragrant Nature

Room:                 Dukes Chamber

Meal:                  Breakfast & Dinner

Kumbalangi is a stretch of backwaters connected by interlocking waterways to the whole of Kerala. It is an ideal getaway location for tourists from all over the world. What makes it more interesting to visit Kumbalangi is that it is a virgin landscape unspoiled by excessive presence of tourists. Here you will find the calm, quiet and tranquil landscape with warm inhabitants who depend on nature for their survival.

A day in Kumbalangi can be a festival to remember…a treat for the eye and the mind Kumbalangi is rich with exotic local cuisines, boat building and masonry, manually operated coir looms, fish farms etc.

All this while the people in her estates are still working – on the ruts that spin the golden palm fibres in to strong coir, on the crab farms catching fresh crabs and lobsters, on the countless Chinese fishing nets favouritely called ‘cheena vala’, upon the coconut trees where the tappers toil to collect natural fermented liquor called toddy, upon the green fields where the men and women sing and reap their fortunes

Row the country canoes, climb up the coconut trees, enjoy catching crabs from the natural pools and ponds that exist in the farm for the purpose. The traditional method for catching crabs is a sight to watch and study and can be a master on this art.

Learn how to prepare fishing nets for a day out at backwaters and how to spread them. Throwing the net in the circular pattern is an art by itself. Cage fishing also exists on some Scandinavian islands. In the estate though, a traditional method is used. Branches of trees are immersed in water for weeks. These offer a sweet haven for young fishes and they stay here. After many weeks, the branches are covered with a net and then they are removed. The fishes get trapped in the net. You can learn to set the trap and how to catch the fishes within.

The Chinese fishing net is a fishing technique that originated in China and spread to Kerala. Kerala had countless trading posts all along her costs during pre-history. China was an important trading partner during those days. The cheena vala (Chinese fishing net) is the only existing form of stationary net fishing system in the world. you will find a number of them along her vast green grounds facing the backwaters

Coir manufacturing forms an important part of the local economy. Coir is in demand internationally as a geo-fabric that is used to manufacture eco-friendly carpets and mats. Coir weaving is done to specialised ruts. You can watch and try your hand eye coordination here.

Later return to Kochi for lunch at God’s Own Curry.

Visit a Kerala Family and experience a meal, interact with a family members and cooking demo. They are business family who have a beautiful water front house. They can accommodate up to 25-30 guests if needed.  The host Mrs. Renu Abraham Pottamkulam is a very good cook and is quite know for her hospitality among friends and relatives.

It is like Welcome to a home. Kerala has a lot to offer – from its pristine beaches to the sparkling backwaters. But no visit is complete without adding that magic ingredient – an authentic meal at a Kerala home, prepared specially by – Renu Abraham Pottamkulam and Tracy Thomas.
They have opened the doors of their beautiful home on the back waters of Kochi, so guests can gorge on traditional delicacies. Guests can see the women in action and also learn a thing or two about the age-old recipes that have been passed on for generations adding zest to local cuisine.
Renu an excellent cook has been serving up delicious meals for her friends and family for the past 40 years. Her culinary skills developed through watching her mother and mother in law in action at their homes. Her daughter-in-law Tracy has a passion for food and has joined hands with Renu to set up and run God’s own Curry – Local Cuisine with a Personal Touch.
Let these women serve a slice of Kerala, an experience you can get nowhere else in God’s Own Country.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a tour of Kochi visiting to St. Francis Church, see the Chinese Fishing nets, besides visiting the Synagogue and Dutch Palace. You will first proceed to Mattancherry, where you will visit one of the oldest Jewish Synagogues in India – Paradesi Synagogue built by a thriving Jewish community in 1568 A.D. Now the community has dwindled in numbers, however the synagogue is beautifully preserved. You can see the religious scrolls and the beautiful hand-painted tiles from China, which decorate the synagogue. It’s fascinating interiors include 19th century Belgian Chandeliers, a ladies gallery and an elegant brass pulpit.

These are large nets, which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still used by the local fishermen of Fort Cochin. Continue your tour to the St. Francis Church (closed on Sunday during Mass), originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal. Five Portuguese priests who arrived with Albuquerque built St. Francis church in 1510. This church, said to be the oldest European church built in India, was the original burial site of Vasco da Gama in 1524.

Later drive back to hotel.

Overnight at:     Fragrant Nature

Room:                 Dukes Chamber

Meal:                  Breakfast & Lunch

Munnar is a magnificent hill station in the Western Ghats at about 5000 feet above sea level. This is one of the best hill stations in Kerala and is the major centre of Kerala’s tea industry. Munnar means three rivers and the town is located at the confluence of 3 mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Lunch in a local restaurant/hotel.

Overnight at:     Munnar Tea Country Resort

Room:                 Horizon View Villa Non-AC Room

Meal:                  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Lunch in a local restaurant/hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed for Eravikulam National Park the first of its kind in Kerala, where the endangered Nilgiri Thar is protected. Spread over 97 sq. km., this park holds the largest viable population of Tahr, several other species of rare animals, birds and butterflies.

Overnight at:     Munnar Tea Country Resort

Room:                 Horizon View Villa Non-AC Room

Meal:                  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

On arrival check-in at your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Lunch in a local restaurant/hotel.

Overnight at:     Aveda Resort

Room:                 Poolside Cottage

Meal:                  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Return to hotel after the tour.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at:     Aveda Resort / Kumarakom Lake Resort

Room:                 Poolside Cottage / Meandering Pool Villa

Meal:                  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This evening we drive to Kochi airport to board flight to Singapore.

Depart Singapore by Singapore Airlines     SQ 467                  at 2255 Hrs

Arrive Singapore                                             at 0555 Hrs    (next day)

(Check in Baggage Allowance is 30 KG per person)

Arrive Brisbane                                                         at 1645 Hrs

Our cost includes:

• Return economy airfares from Australia to India
• Pre-paid taxes and fuel surcharges
• 13 Night’s 4* or 5* accommodation on Double / Twin Sharing (single supplement available on request)
• Daily breakfast
• 7 lunches and 11 dinners
• All transfers, sightseeing & excursions by air-conditioned mini-coach as per itinerary
• One-time entrance fee at the monuments as per the programme
• All activities, sightseeing/excursions as per the itinerary
• City tours in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai & Kochi
• Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi
• Volunteer at a Delhi temple
• Dinner at India’s first themed restaurant in Delhi
• Jeep ride up & down hill at Amber Fort
• Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal
• Visit to Agra Fort
• Mumbai by Dawn & Mumbai Mania tour
• Kathakali Dance performance in Kochi
• Cooking Demonstration with lunch in Kochi
• Tea picking and tasting in Tea Plantations of Kerala
• Kerala Backwater cruise with lunch
• Participation in eco-tourism activities at Kumbalangi Village
• Services of qualified licensed English-speaking accompanying escort for the entire duration of the tour
• Activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Assistance of representatives on all arrival and departure transfers and in each city
• Packaged drinking water throughout the tour during long journey [02 bottles per person per day]
• Current road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes
• All currently applicable Government taxes

Our cost excludes:

• Any expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mineral water/soft drinks tips/gratuities, shopping etc. unless otherwise specified
• Still & Video camera fees at monuments and sites which can be paid on spot as required
• Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions
• Visa fee for India
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.