Kerala with Taj Mahal Tour

Day 01 – Delhi

On arrival you will be met by our representative and will be transferred to hotel, where we will be holding the rooms on ready occupancy basis. After breakfast we would take you for a full day sightseeing of Delhi covering Laxmi Narayan Temple – a modern Hindu temple devoted to Goddess Laxmi and Narayana.
 

India Gate – is located on Raj Path in New Delhi, Parliament House, Jama Masjid – largest mosque in India, Red Fort, Gandhi memorial, Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple. In the evening return to the hotel.

Day 02 – Delhi – Agra

Drive to Agra and check into the hotel. Later we would take you for a full day sightseeing of Agra which will include Taj Mahal – constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj has continued to be a mark of love since ever.
 

Red Fort – is positioned in Agra, on the banks of Yamuna River. It is known as Red Fort because it is built of a kind of red sandstone. You can also visit inside some of the most beautiful structural designs of the Mughal Period Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid, Diwan–i–Khas, Diwan–i–Am and Jahangiri Mahal.
 

Also visit Itmad–ud–Daulas Tomb – It was built much earlier than Taj Mahal in 1622 A.D. The tomb is of particular importance since many of its design outshine the Taj. Later dropped to the hotel to enjoy on your own.

Day 03 – Agra – Delhi

Drive back to Delhi. Check into the hotel .

Day 04 – Delhi – Cochin

Transfer to the airport for flight to Cochin. You will be accorded a warm welcome at the airport , railway station in Cochin and transferred to the hotel. Check in to hotel. Later we will take you for a sight seeing of Cochin – The Dutch palace at Mattancherry is located at 10 kms from Ernakulam is well–known for its medieval charm. It houses a gallery of interesting paintings and murals, thus signifying the rich customs of the Hindus through art.
 

The Chinese fishernets were introduced by Chinese traders are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing.
 

Jewish Synagogue – located at the Jew Street was built in 1568. It is also rated as the oldest synagogue among all Commonwealth Nations. St. Frances Church – first European church here the body of late Vasco Da Gama was originally buried.

Day 05 – Cochin – Munnar

Today you will take a drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check into the hotel and rest of the day is free for you. Munnar which is situated 1600 to 1800 metres above sea level is also one of the most popular and scenic hill stations in India.
 

It is well–known for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, mountain streams, forests. It also has a variety of plantations like tea, coffee, cardamom and other spices, dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries are full with various types of flora and fauna.

Day 06 – Munnar

Day free for sight seeing in Munnar. The main sight seeing spots are The Evarikulam National Park initially established to protect the Nilgiri tahr. Later it was declared as a sanctuary in 1975 and then a national park in 1978.One can also visit Anaimudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in southern India. It is the located in the southern region of the park. Travelers can also explore the Rajamala Hills adjoining the national park, en route to Top Station. The Christ Church is also an essential place to visit in Munnar. Built of stone, it was constructed by the British in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows.
 

One can also visit the Mattupetty Dam – situated at a height of 1700 m is famous for its extremely specialized dairy farm. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Mattupetty lake just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. And the sprawling Kundala Tea Plantationsand the Kundala Lake are additional attractions in the vicinity. Enjoy boating on the lake. which is located 16 km from Munnar. This national park is the home of elephants, lion–tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (a rare mountain goat).

Day 07 – Munnar – Thekkady(Periyar)

Today you will drive to Periyar (4 hrs.). Arrival and check into hotel. Today you will drive to Periyar. Arrival and check into hotel.
 

Visit spice Plantations where you can touch, smell and taste almost all the spices grown here like – Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, Vanilla, and Nutmeg.

Day 08 – Thekkady (Periyar)

Located by the side of the river Periyar, The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the major attraction of Thekkady. Spread over an area of about 777 sq km with about 360 sq. km of which is thick evergreen forest.
 

The sanctuary is natural treasure dwelling of some of the rare species of flora, fauna & wild animals like Tigers, Elephants, Sambars, Gaurs, Lion Tailed Macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Enjoy the boat ride at Periyar Lake from where you can have the unique experience of watching animals in their natural environment.

Day 09 – Thekkady – Kumarakom

Today you will take drive to Kumarakom, upon arrival check into the backwater resort. Kumarakom – Backwaters are one of the exclusive attractions of Kerala, a chain of canals stretching to about 1500 k.m, along with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes. Most of it is naturally formed.
 

Take an evening boat cruise on the Kumarakom backwaters which itself is an incredibly different experience and sail towards the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The bird sanctuary is stretched over 14 acres of land.
 

It is also recognized as the ornithologists paradise, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most desired hub of migratory birds. Every year, over 60 species of migratory birds gather here in large numbers. The prominent species include theSiberian stork, Egret, Darter, Heron, Teal, Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owls.

Day 10 – Kumarakom – Alleppey

Today en board the traditionally decorated houseboats, you will start an over night backwater cruise which will end on next day morning at Alleppey.
 

Alleppey is also known as the Venice of the east. Houseboat cruise is the best way to explore the beauty of backwaters.

Day 11 – Alleppey – Kovalam

Today drive to Kovalam, on arrival check into hotel and after that enjoy day in the sand. Kovalam is a natural bay ideal for swimming, surfing.
 

One can swim in the shallow blue water and have a sunbath in the exotic tropical sun which can adorn you with a good suntan. You can also pamper yourself with Ayurveda & Spa treatments available at the hotels. (optional).

Day 12 – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Kovalam

After refreshing yourself at the beaches, next morning you will go to Kanyakumari – Cape Comorin which ispositioned 87 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. Kanyakumari is the Lands End of India. Here, the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
 

Also Visit: Padmanabhapuram Palace it is recognized for its scheduling and military architecture and continued to be the center of power till 1790, when the capital was moved to Thiruvananthapuram. The main lure of the Padmanabhapuram Palace are its sheer artistic beauty, wall paintings, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings. The Kumari Amman this temple is devoted to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who performed reparation to acquire Lord Shivas hand in marriage. Beautifully placed overlooking the shore.
 

The Kanyakumari Temple – When she was unsuccessful, she promised to remain a virgin (kanya). Vivekananda Memorial – There are two rocks rising out of the ocean, situated southeast of the Kumari Amman temple. One among these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are believed to be imprinted on this rock. It is said that Swami Vivekananda sat in deep meditation here and therefore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970. In the evening drive back to Kovalam .

Day 13 – Kovalam – Trivandrum

Morning city tour of Trivandrum, A must on every tourist itinerary, the Padmanabhaswami Temple the huge structure has an amazing 100 feet high Gopuram, the main temple tower.
 

The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. This temple has an idol 18 feet long which is decorated with gold and precious stones. Within its hallowed limits, the main pavilion amaze with its 400 beautifully carved pillars of granite.

Day 14 – Depart Trivandrum

Later transfer to International airport for your flight back home with wonderful memories to cherish.