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James & Rita E
Monterey Ave, Minnesota , USA Jan 1970The trip was expertly planned by Wind Horse The Jewels of India Tour with extension Tour of Varanasi - TID 8710 (Feb 3 to Feb 23, 2015) In the
The Jewels of India Tour
Simply the best overview of India
18
Days
CULTURE
Trip highlights
Historic Capitals, ancient forts, monuments, temples, local markets, elephant ride, boat ride, beaches, short optional walks, Wildlife
This trip that summarize in a way that no other tour can match its richness of history, the monuments, diversity of landscapes, culture, people and even the different activities that have been included. This trip without a doubt captures the essence of the true spirit of India. Start your India journey from Delhi covering Udaipur following Mumbai, Chennai, Pondicherry, Munnar and Tamil Nadu tours. Finish with south India tours, which cover various historical and religious sites.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Welcome at Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi International airport you will be met by Windhorse representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel City Park or similar
Day 02: Delhi- Agra
In the morning, visit some of the landmark monuments of Old Delhi and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, President’s House, India Gate and other historical sites. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and drive to Agra after lunch.
Overnight stay at Hotel Holiday Inn or similar
Day 03 & 04: Jaipur
At sunrise visit Taj Mahal and Red fort in Agra. Drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. On the following day visit Amber Fort, Hawal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory and stroll through the market of Jaipur.
Two nights stay at Hotel Narain Niwas Palace or similar
Day 05: Jaipur – Udaipur
In the morning fly to Udaipur. Visit Bhartiya Lok kala Mandal folk Art Museum & Gallery, Saheliyo Ki Bari Garden, Pratap Smarak memorial and drive along Lake Fateh Sagar. In the evening, ride a boat on Lake Pichola and enjoy the views of Palaces and landscapes including Lake Palace.
Overnight stay at hotel Raj Darshan or similar
Days 06 & 07: Mumbai
Visit City Palace in the morning and its museums in Udaipur. Later fly to Mumbai. On the following day go to the Gateway of India and take a ferry to visit Elephanta Caves. Later visit Prince of Wales museum, Mani Bhawan, Kamla Nehru Park, Jahangir Art Gallery and Juhu Beach area.
Overnight stay at hotel Ramee Guest Line or similar
Day 08: Mumbai – Chennai & Mamallapuram
Fly to Chennai (Madras). From Chennai airport travel to the seaside town of Mamallapuram. Visit Arjuna‘s Penance’ (bass relief), ‘Five Rathas’ (chariots) and the famous ‘shore temple’. We will also make a special visit to a sculpture studio.
Overnight stay at Mamallapuram in GRT Temple bay Resort or similar
Day 09: Mamallapuram – Pondicherry
Drive along the scenic east coast for about 2 hours to Pondicherry. Explore the area by walking through French quarters and visit an Ashram & Center of Aurobindo.
Overnight stay at hotel Le Duplex or similar.
Day 10: Pondicherry – Tanjore via Kumbakonam
Early morning drive to Tanjore. En-route visit temples of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram (Airawatheshswar temple). In Tanjore, visit the World Heritage Brihadeshwara Temple and the Palace Museum.
Overnight stay at Tanjore in hotel Parisutham or similar.
Day 11: Tanjore – Madurai
Drive to Madurai to visit the famous Meenakshi Temple and stroll through the market area.
Overnight stay at Hotel GRT Regency or similar
Days 12 & 13: Munnar
Board the train from Madurai to Bodi Nayakannur (2 ½ hrs ride). Take a delightful drive up the Cardamom hills to Munnar, a popular hill resort with winding roads, picturesque towns, surrounded by tea estates and colorful market. On the following day take a jeep and visit Munar including trip to Eravikulam National Park.
Two nights stay at Hotel Tall trees or similar
Day 14: Munnar to Periyar
Drive through tranquil countryside and rich plantations to Periyar (Thekkady), home of one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger reserve. In the evening, take a boat trip on Periyar Lake to see the wild animals.
Overnight stay at Muthoot Cardamom County resort or similar
Day 15: House Boat
In the morning enjoy walk through spice and coffee plantations. Descend the hills of Periyar across rugged country roads through spice, tea and rubber plantations to Kumarakom. Board air-conditioned houseboat (Kettuvallams), which is the overnight accommodation as well as the transport for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil “Backwaters” of Kerala.
Overnight in House Boat
Days 16 & 17: Cochin
Disembark from the houseboats and drive for a little over an hour drive to Cochin (Kochi). Wander the old lanes of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry Palace. Here we come upon such incongruous sites comprised of a traditional Dutch architecture, a Portuguese palace, a synagogue and other oddities that reflect the European influence on Cochin. In the evening enjoy a traditional dinner and attend a performance of a traditional dance drama ‘Kathakali’. The following day is a free time in Cochin for shopping, rest or to pursue your own interests.
Two nights stay at Hotel Abad Atrium or similar
Day 18: Departure transfer & Journey Home
Transfer to the Cochin airport. Flight out of Cochin is extra depending on your next destination or Fly back home.
Group Size Max. 9 pax (Minimum 2)
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MealsMeals As specified in the itinerary Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
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Trip AccommodationDeluxe 4 star type Hotels, resorts and houseboats
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RouteDelhi, overland to Agra, overland to Jaipur, fly to Udaipur, Fly to Mumbai, Fly to Chennai and drive to Mamallapuram, drive to Pondichery, drive to Tanjore via Kumbakonam, Madurai, drive to Munnar, Periyar National Park, House boat at Kumarakoram, drive and visit Cochin.
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Trip Type Culture, Walking, Wildlife, Beach, Monuments
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, November, December
Good MonthsApril, October
Lean MonthsMay, June, July, August, September
Prices & Dates
Cost Information
US$3700 Per Person on twin sharing
Single room supplement US$ 1130 Per Person extra.
For private trips (2 pax US $3950 Per Person on twin sharing) (3-4 pax US $3640 Per Person on twin sharing).
Trip Dates:
Private Journeys for independent travel with your own dates.
| Start date | End Date | Remarks | Status |
Included
- Accommodations in listed 4 star hotels (or similar) or in a heritage hotel.
- Daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Overland transfers and sightseeing by A/C vehicle.
- Entrance fees.
- Local English speaking Guides.
- Full size group will also be accompanied by one national Wind Horse Tour Leader/Escort.
- Internal flight tickets (Jaipur to Udaipur, Udaipur to Mumbai, Mumbai to Chennai).
- Please note cost excludes flight from Cochin.
Not included
- Indian Visa.
- International airfare to Delhi and from flight out of Cochin.
- Meals those not listed in the inclusion.
Accommodations
Hotels in New Delhi
Hotel City Park
The hotel's warm interiors decorated with traditional works of art, hand picked local artifacts and tasteful furnishings;all coupled with the excellent service from staff. It is conveniently located approx 25 Kms from airport and 10 Kms from down ...The Hans, New Delhi
THE HANS, NEW DELHI is a boutique hotel strategically placed in the heart of the capital city of New Delhi. Located in Connaught Place,the business & commercial district, the hotel stands at the juncture where the two distinct faces of Delhi meet. ...
Hotels in Mumbai
Hotel Ramee Guestline Juhu
Ramee Guestline Hotel-Juhu is a delightful boutique hotel (rated 4 star) conveniently located in the heart of Mumbai's famous Juhu beach area, a short drive from both the airports and the railway station. Just 100 meters from Juhu beach and within ea...
Hotels in Mamallapuram
GRT Temple Bay Beach Resort
GRT Temple Bay, a stunning 5 Star Hotels in Mamallapuram or (better Mahabalipuram),promises an exotic locale,rooms exclusively designed with your comforts in mind and lots of hotel amenities.It is situated in the historic city of Mahabalipuram,merely...
Hotels in Pondicherry
Hotel Le Dupleix
Le Dupleix is conveniently located in the heart of French Pondicherry, an easy walk from the beach, the park and the central shopping area....
Hotels in Madurai
GRT Regency Hotel
GRT Regency Madurai is one of the newest addition to GRT hotels and resort. Like every GRT property, Regency is tasteful and luxurious with 57 centrally air-conditioned rooms. ...
Hotels in Munnar
Tall Trees
Set amongst stunningly verdant woodlands and cardamom plantations, The Tall Trees is a quintessential nature hideaway. 66 acres of virginal wilderness entrancingly held together by the overarching presence of trees. The 19 rooms accommodation at The...
Hotels in Thekkady
Muthoot Cardamom County
Nature's own little hideout nestled in the hills of Thekkady, bordering the Periyar Tiger Reserve, here is a great getaway from the grit and grime of the bustling concrete world. Muthoot Cardamom County is a four star resort perched on the gradient o...
Hotels in Cochin
Abad Atrium Hotel
Abad Atrium Hotel is a DELUXE HOTEL located in downtown area of Ernakulam, The elegantly appointed guest rooms surround a central atrium with capsule lift giving the ambience of a garden hotel. ...
Hotels in Jaipur
Shahpura House
In 1956, Rao Dhir Singh, created the Shahpura House, once residence of erstwhile rulers and scion of the Shekhawat clan of Rajputs. The house has been converted into a hotel by Rao Dhir Singh and the doors have been flung open to the visitors from al...
Hotels in Udaipur
Udai Kothi
Udaikothi, a luxuriously built Palatial Style Hotel near the lake pichola.Udai Kothi offers guests the best of both worlds the latest standards blending happily with old-world charm.It has all those architectural and decorative features that make liv...
Hotels in Thanjavur
Hotels in Agra
Trident Agra
The Trident, Agra is 1.5 kms from the historic Taj Mahal, located on the Fatehabad road. The central courtyard and stone work at the hotel are reminiscent of the Mughal era. Spread over an area of six acres of landscaped gardens, Trident Agra offers ...Radisson Blu Hotel Agra
With its modern architecture and timeless appeal, the Radisson Hotel Agra Taj East Gate Road is more than a hotel - it is a destination. Located on 4.5 acres of land just one kilometre from the world-renowned Taj Mahal, our hotel in Agra, India proud...
Trip Guide/Leader
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Rajat Gupta
×Rajat Gupta
Rajat Gupta is the gun young at Wind Horse Tours, New Delhi. With his advent there is infusion of fresh ideas, exuberance and passion , that changing travel scenario demands. He completed his degree course in Tourism Management in 2014.
At Wind Horse Tour, India, he is setting pace for innovations and fresh perspectives to thrive and to meet new demands. With opening of window for Visa on Arrival for many countries by Indian Government, this has thrown door wide open for travel industries to redesign structural patterns in term of infrastructures and itineraries.He inherited the passion for the travel business from his father Santosh Gupta. While growing up or still now the travel talks hogs the limelight at the dinner table. He alway knew what he wanted or how he wants to shape up his career. Choosing travel management course was a conscious choice to hone his passion.
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Gaurav Goyal
×Gaurav Goyal
Gaurav Goyal remains stalwarts of Wind Horse Tours, India since its inception in 2005. Along with company he gained salience. His friend says ” He aged once he started to work “. Like any other works, it was hardly a stroll in park at the start. In initial days, where every little aspects was overwhelming to learn but he weathered the storm tenaciously and befitting he is in the stage where a rave review from the guests is just like another day in the office.
He grew up in old Delhi locality and did his college from there itself. He is familiar with every nook and corner around Delhi and surrounding regions. This assist in untying knots of intricate history of Delhi and its monuments it harbours in its fold when taking guests on tours.
When not guiding, you can find him in cricket ground with a Kookaburra cricket ball in hand all geared up to disturb the three timbers that batman passionately guard.
Reviews / Testimonials
Trip Photos
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- Qutab Minar – Delhi
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- Amber Fort – Jaipur
