Diwali | Festival of Lights
 Jodhpur Fortress |
|
15 days / 14 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Kochi | 3 |
| Mumbai | 2 |
| Udaipur | 3 |
| Jaipur | 2 |
| Agra | 2 |
| Delhi | 2 |
Day 01 Arrive Kochi
Arrive Kochi International Airport to a warm A&K welcome and transfer to your hotel.
Taj Malabar (Superior Sea View Room)
Day 02 Kochi
Morning at leisure. This afternoon explore Kochi, with its varied architectural styles. Visit St Francis’ Church, first established by the Portuguese in the 1500s, and one of the earliest European churches in the country where Vasco Da Gama’s body was buried in 1524 before being returned to Portugal 14 years later. You will also visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral built in the late 19th century with impressive murals on its ceiling before stopping at the Chinese Fishing Nets. This evening enjoy a Welcome dinner and traditional Kathakali dance performance relating episodes from the epic Mahabharata and Ramayan. Arrive early to the performance to see the dancers apply their colourful make up and dramatic costumes (B,D).
Taj Malabar (Superior Sea View Room)
Day 03 Kochi-Backwaters Cruise – Kochi
Today leave Kochi and drive to Alleppey and board your houseboat. A journey through the backwaters of Kerala offers one of the world’s truly unforgettable experiences. Glide through the network of silent lagoons, freshwater rivers and hyacinth-covered canals that wind their way through colourful corridors of forest, brilliant green meadows and ancient churches and temples. Amidst such staggering natural beauty, local teams of fishermen congregate to fish from their narrow canoes while women sit weaving beside the shore and children splash in the shallows. Enjoy a traditional Keralan lunch on board and transfer back to Kochi late afternoon (B,L).
Taj Malabar (Superior Sea View Room)
Day 04 Kochi – Mumbai
This morning explore the area known as Fort Cochin. Start at the Jewish Synagogue, to see the attractive 18th century blue ceramic Cantonese tiles, each of which are unique and meticulously hand painted. The synagogue is located in the heart of the area known as “Jew Town”, famous for its aromatic spice market and antiques shops. Time is given to wander the lanes of Jew Town, before continuing on to the Mattancherry Palace, built in the traditional Kerala style known as “nalukattu” (four buildings around a central courtyard). Made from delicately carved wood, the palace is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the walls. Fast fading, one can still see some of these excellent 16th century paintings illustrating episodes from the great Indian epic – The Ramayana. After your tour, fly to Mumbai (B).
Taj Mahal Palace & Towers (Luxury Grand Room)
Day 05 Mumbai
Visit the Gateway of India before a journey by boat across Mumbai harbour to the cave temples on Elephanta Island. This afternoon visit the Prince of Wales Museum, and marvel at its dome of Persian glazed tiles. Walk through the archaeological section and see the jade and silver jewellery collection before viewing the Indian miniature paintings. On the way to the Hanging Gardens pass the Victorian Gothic buildings of the city, stopping at the most remarkable of them all, the Victoria Terminus, built in 1878. The facade is symmetrical with a large central dome flanked by two wings. The booking hall with its arcades, stained glass and glazed tiles was inspired by London’s St Pancras Station. The Hanging Gardens offer a panoramic view of the harbour and a glimpse of the Towers of Silence, the unusual funeral place of the Parsi community. Stop for pictures at the Dhobi Ghat a sight unique to Mumbai and end at Mani Bhavan, where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay whilst in Mumbai and today is a museum dedicated to him and his achievements (B).
Taj Mahal Palace & Towers (Luxury Grand Room)
Day 06 Mumbai – Udaipur
Early morning flight to the romantic lake city of Udaipur. After breakfast head to the City Palace to see the lavish Mughal inspired art and Crystal Gallery, with its eclectic collection of crystal objects and furniture including a complete bedroom set. Continue on to the Bagore Ki Haveli, a splendid Museum exhibiting Udaipur’s traditional arts, crafts, costumes, musical instruments and marble work. This evening enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. Sail past the many picturesque ghats and palaces (B).
The Oberoi Udaivilas (Premiere Room)
Day 07 Udaipur
This morning is free to soak up the pleasures of this charming city. This afternoon take a walk in the old city with your escort, where you share space with cows, elephants, people and the ubiquitous Indian “two wheeler”. It is a fascinating experience where you can witness the excitement of ‘Diwali’ Festival of Lights first hand. The walk will take you past houses displaying wonderful examples of folk art, shops selling clothes, art, utensils, shoes and groceries. Your path will lead you to the Jagdish Mandir, one of the focal points of worship in the city. This evening visit an Indian family for a special prayer ceremony followed by dinner (B,D).
The Oberoi Udaivilas (Premiere Room)
Day 08 Udaipur
Morning visit to the small but beautiful complex at Nagda. Known as the “Sas” and “Bahu” temples (literally Temples of the Mother in law and Daughter in law), these elaborately carved 10th century temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the larger Sas temple, there are beautiful friezes with scenes from the Ramayana and images of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Bahu temple has a richly carved archway and columns profusely carved with female figurines. Enjoy lunch at the Devi Garh Fort Palace before meeting your transport for the afternoon – camels! A short safari on camelback through the surrounding villages and farmlands makes an interesting change to your usual mode of transport. Return to Udaipur with a stop at the 8th century Eklinji Temple en route (B,L).
The Oberoi Udaivilas (Premiere Room)
Day 09 Udaipur – Jaipur
Morning flight to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. This afternoon is a city tour visiting the City Palace, the Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) and astronomical observatory. From the palace pass the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Winds, and stroll through the busy Johori Bazaar. This evening join your fellow tour members and escort for cocktails at the Polo Bar (B).
Taj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room)
Day 10 Jaipur
Today visit the hilltop Amber Fort at the old capital of the Kingdom of Kachhawa. Continue on to Dera Amer for a short elephant safari through the country side. Lunch is served at a farm house before returning to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure (B,L).
Taj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room)
Day 11 Jaipur – Agra
Drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. This well preserved Moghul palace city is a marvel of design and construction with the pristine red sandstone buildings as perfect as when they were first chiselled. Arrive in Agra in time to visit the impressive Agra Fort. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, emperor Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life here imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. From the private quarters where he was confined, there is a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river (B,L).
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premiere Room with Balcony)
Day 12 Agra
This morning wake up early and visit the Taj Mahal to enjoy the view of the rising sun.
This stunning mausoleum immortalised the name of Shah Jahan’s last wife Mumtaz Mahal. Decorated with a mosaic of semi precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is one of the world’s most beautiful landmarks. Late this afternoon return to the Taj for spectacular views of the monument at sunset (B).
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premiere Room with Balcony)
Day 13 Agra-Delhi
Drive to Delhi visiting Sikandra, the tomb of great Moghul Emperor Akbar, en route (B).
The Oberoi New Delhi (Premiere Room)
Day 14 Delhi
Today explore Old Delhi as you ride through the narrow lanes on a cycle rickshaw. An areas of grand old houses once homes to wealthy nobles today it is a bustling market. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth. This is an excellent insight to the organised chaos which is quintessentially India. Visit Raj Ghat, the simple yet stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi before returning to your hotel for the afternoon at leisure. Tonight you have cocktails at a private art gallery that has a superb collection of contemporary art, bronzes and lithographs. Some of the artists whose works are exhibited will be invited as well (B).
The Oberoi New Delhi (Premiere Room)
Day 15 Design Your Day Delhi-Depart
Plan your final day in the capital to suit. Choose one of the following activities. A sightseeing tour of New Delhi’s wide tree-lined streets, parkland and Lutyens’ colonial architecture or a half day shopping tour around Delhi. Afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel. This evening you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight (B).
Educated and sophisticated, entertaining and discreet, A&K guides transform a holiday experience. On our Festival of Lights Small Group Journey your tour Escort will be Sushil Dahiya, an accomplished A&K guide with more than two decades experience. An actor, linguist, spiritualist and traveller, Sushil is forever going the extra mile to ensure each of his guest’s Indian experience is special and memorable. An adventurer at heart, when not travelling he resides in New Delhi, often acting for television or training the young ones to speak ‘the Queen’s English’.
