Cultural Tour of India 22 Days

India is a subcontinent with many layers of history and culture. Each region in India has its own unique history and traditions. The different linguistic and ethnic groups from the various states of India come together like multicoloured threads to create the fabric of a unified country. Every cultural strand is woven together to create a vibrant tapestry of colourful India.

India's cultural heritage can be seen in its grand monuments built by various rulers in different periods of time. On your India travel itinerary you can see forts, palaces, temples, mosques, tombs, stupas, gurudwaras, cave paintings and exquisite sculpture and carvings.

Itinerary Details

Destinations Covered : Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Udaipur - Ahmedabad - Vadodra - Surat - Mumbai - Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Trivandrum - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Mumbai - Depart

Day 01: ARRIVAL DELHI
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 02: DELHI SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast our company guide will meet you at hotel lobby and proceed to sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi,

Breakfast at Hotel

Start a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi.

OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, and Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Evening Proceed to see the DANCES OF INDIA show in the evening,

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 03: DELHI - AGRA
Proceed for Agra early in the Morning after breakfast,

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

On arrival agra start sightseeing tour of Agra visiting

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Proceed for visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmadullah's Tomb with English speaking guide. Enjoy battery van ride. Return to hotel and relax in the evening.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 04: AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, proceed to Ranthambore by road enroute visit Fatehpur sikri,

Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.

Continue drive to Jaipur,

JAIPUR: The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

On arrival Jaipur, start sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting,

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

Evening transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

Day 05: JAIPUR - AJMER - PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Continue drive to Udaipur enroute visit Ajmer and Pushkar,

In Ajmer visit Dargah,

AJMER: the tomb of a sufi saint Khwaza Muiniddin Chisti and Adhai Din Ka Jhopra named so because the construction took only two and a half days. In the afternoon you are taken to the holy Pushkar where you can visit the renowned Brahma temple on the bank of the Pushkar lake and also you can see the Pushkar fair grounds famous for the Annual fair being held every year in the month of November.

Visit pushkar, At this holiest city of Rajasthan, you may also take a walk on the street around the sacred pond and ghats upto Brahma temple Continue drive to Udaipur,

UDAIPUR:
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush Hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

On arrival Udaipur transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

On arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax,

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 06 : UDAIPUR SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 07 : UDAIPUR - AHMEDABAD
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to Ahmedabad by road,

AHMEDABAD:
Ahmedabad or Ahmadabad is the largest city in Gujarat and the sixth largest city in India with a population of almost 5 million. The city is also sometimes called Karnavati , an older name and as Amdavad in colloquial Gujarati . Ahmedabad is the administrative center of Ahmedabad District , and was the former capital of Gujarat State from 1960 to 1970 , when Gandhinagar replaced it.

The city was founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the Sabarmati river , and served as capital of the Sultanate of Gujarat. The historic center of Ahmedabad is presently a thriving business district. Ahmedabad is mainly divided in two parts, the old city, and new city. The old city has developed rather haphazardly, and most of the roads are narrow and crowded during business hours. The new city has well-structured, wide roads. A wide variety of shops and businesses exist in the city.

In addition to its role as a commercial center, Ahmedabad is also an important industrial center, with chemical and textile industries. Ahmedabad is often described as the Manchester of the East, because of its once-booming textile industry. Ahmedabad is a very beautiful city.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 08 : AHMEDABAD
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad,

Visiting the mosque and the Jain temples. Also visit CALICO TEXTILE MUSEUM to view the different varieties of textile fabrics, visit Mahatma Gandhi's ashram - Sabarmati where he lived for the most part of his life and which was converted into a prison by the British to imprison the Mahatma. Also visit the local bazaar to pick up the local handicrafts of your choice.

Enjoy Deepawali festival in the evening,

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 09 : AHMEDABAD - VADODRA
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to vadodra by road,

VADODRA:
Baroda was the capital of one of the most powerful princely state prior to independence. Baroda now called Vadodara is a pleasant, medium sized city with some interesting museums and art galleries and a fine park etc.

Situated on the south of city of Ahmedabad lies the city of Vadodara. Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums. It is also known as Baroda and rises from the banks of River Vishwamitri. Vadodara is the industrial and cultural capital of Gujarat. Vadodara, originally 'Vadapadraka' means a village amidst the banyan trees. Baroda is known as the garden city of Gujarat. In the centre of Vadodara town is a huge lake.

On arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

Day 10 : VADODRA - SURAT
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed by road to Surat,

Continue drive to Surat,

SURAT: The first authentic reference to the region is found in the Ashoka inscriptions at Sopara near Bombay and Girnar in Saurashtra. The region encompassed between these edicts, and referred to as the Lata region must be the domain of the Mauryan Empire. The history of the period after the Mauryas is ambiguous. Satavahanas, who rose to power in the Deccan might have held sway for sometime but this must be shortlived, as evident from series of coins issued by Kshatrapas who were at the turn of the fourth century defeated by Chandragupta

The next definite phase of stability and expansion commences with the rule of Rashtrakutas (740-975 A.D.). The boundaries of Lata expanded upto Mahl River in the north and Daman in the south. Lata was called both Desa and also Mandala. It came into conflict with Anhilvad Patan, the Ruler of Gujarat, when Mulrai and his son Chamunda tried to wrest Lata from the hands of Barappa, the General in-charge of Lata. Fortunes of Lata continued to fluctuate between warring dynasties of the Solankis (Chalukyas) of the Anhilvad and the Deccan till 1299 A.D., when the Muslims finally conquered Gujarat.

During this early period Rander was the principal commercial centre south of Bharuch. It was a very ancient town where Arabs from Kufa come and settled in the early thirteenth century. They succeeded in overpowering the Jain population of the town and became its rulers. They were enterprising navigators and traded with Malacca, China, Tenasarm, Pegu and Sumatra and added to the prosperity of Rander till the frequent raids from Portuguese turned this fortune. While Rander was declining Surat grew in eminence. It is believed that one enterprising merchant named Gopi-even today a ward in the city is known by his name, viz, Gopipura- settled at Surat. He induced other merchants to settle at Surat and build large houses and public places. The Portuguese traveller, Barbosa writes very highly about Surat and its commercial importance. Precisely for this reason and the wealth generated thereby, that the city fell prey to marauding Portuguese, first in 1512 and then in 1530. Annoyed by this destruction, the Ahmedabad king gave orders to build a stronger castle at Surat, the task which took six years and services of Safi Agha, a Turk ennobled as Khudawand Khan, for completion. Farishta, the noted historian, praises this fortress, calling it strong and well constructed. After this fortification, there commenced a period of growth and prosperity which continued throughout the Mughal period upto Aurangzeb's accession, when the raids by Morathas unsettled the equilibrium.

87 Much before the Maratha raids, European powers were engaged in the battle for supremacy at sea. The growing Portuguese influence was checked by the English who first came in August 1608. The first English ship to arrive at the mouth of Topi was commanded by Captain Hawkins, however, the English had to wait for more than seven years before Sir Thomas Roe could present his credentials to the Mughol Emperor, Jehangir. If took great diplomatic skills on the part of Sir Thomas Roe, for obtaining important privileges in favour of the English. One reason for being able to extract such benefits was the decisive naval victory of the English over Portuguese off the coast of Surat. Thenafter till the end of the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 A.D. the trade continued to flourish, barring Maratha raias in the year 1666 and 1670, which were led by Shivaji, causing heavy damage to the city's commerce. It is important to note that during both these raids the English and the Dutch were left untouched on account of their military might and political aloofness. After the death of Aurangzeb the authority of the Delhi court declined and the governors become more independent. There were internecine struggles for power and supremacy and political equation kept changing till the situation became ripe for the English to take control of the city. They had already assumed a political role and gained a firm footing in Bengal by their victory in the Battle of Plassey. Earlier they had defeated the naval power of the Marathhas under Tula II Angre leaving only the Siddis as the major hurdle to be overcome in their race for supremacy in the western coast.

In February 1759, the English troops under the command of Captain Maitland arrived near the mouth of the Tapi. After dislodging the Siddis from the French Garden which lay on the left bank of the river, a suitable place was located for erecting a battery. For four days a brisk fire was kept up from two twenty-four pounders. This caused breaching of the outer wall, however, the capture of the inner wall and the castle called for heavier shelling. On 4th March 1759, one hundred and fifty one years after the first Englishman had landed on the shores of Surat, the city fell to the attacking army of the English. A new chapter in the annals of the port-city and the country was to begin with the thud of the gun and the strokes of diplomatic maneuvers.

For another forty years the Nawabs owing allegiance to the Delhi court continued as the governors of Surat with the consent of the English. In 1800 A.D., due to the failures of the direct heirs of the Nawab to assume the undivided government, the English assumed the entire government of Rander and Surat. The nineteenth century witnessed considerable educational, cultural and economic development of the region. The roads and a bridge over Tapi was built. A railway line was laid down which considerably improved communication and trade and a few years later the great rise of rices due to the American war brought iarge sums of money to the district by the sale of cotton.

The wind of resistance to the British Empire blew in south Gujarat, with the turn of the century. The holding of the 23rd session of the Indian National Congress in Surat in 1 907 was an event of far reaching consequence because the session witnessed the tragic split between nationalists and moderates. Another very significant event in the history of the whole country was the Bardoli Satyagraho of 1928 against the hike in land revenue by the British. South Gujarat is also associated with the famous Dandimarch. Dandi, where Gandhiii broke the saltlaw, is 25 miles south-west, of Surat.

On arrival transfer to hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

Day 11 : SURAT - MUMBAI
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of surat visiting

On arrival transfer to hotel and relax, overnight stay at hotel,

Castle:

Located on the banks of River Tapti, the castle was built in 1546 a.d to protect the city form the invaders at the instance of Sultan Mahmud III and Khwaja Safar Salmani, an albanian christian who had embraced Islam and was later awarded the title of Khudawan Khan. After few years, it was refortified with Turkish Guns that added to the splendor of the castle. The moat that existed around the fort was filled around 1959. Today, it houses several government offices and offers some breathtaking views of the River Tapti, The Mosques: Surat offers four interesting mosques that including, Khudawand Mosque, Sayyid Idris Mosque and the Jumma Masjid that is located across the River Tapti. Khwaja Diwan Sahib's mosque is reputed as the most interesting mosque with its fine architectural style, Cemeteries: English, Dutch and Americans cemeteries at Surat make an interesting stop-over. Of these the Mausoleum of Oxenden brothers is noteworthy for its domed structure and four pinnacles at the corner. The mausoleum is located near Katargam Gate. The Dutch and American cemeteries are situated at Gulam Falia near the main road leading to Katargam.

After sightseeing tour, Proceed by road to Mumbai,

In the morning, go for the excursion of Ajanta & Ellora. The Ajanta Caves date back to the 2nd century BC. The 30 rock caves are adorned with Buddhist sculpture and frescoes. The rock-out Caves of Ajanta nestle in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe. The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the Caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and the various Buddhist divinities. The cave at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 29 km north of Aurangabad which encompass 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century AD. Ellora has been designed as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Drive to Mumbai by road,

MUMBAI:
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.

Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.

Enjoy a local beach in the evening.

Overnight will be at Mumbai.

Day 12 : MUMBAI SIGHTSEEING
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visiting

Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.

Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.

Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

Flora Fountain / Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.

Victoria Terminus / Western Railway Station: At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolise progress.

Mumbai High court: An attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.

Rajabai Clock tower: Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.

Hanging Gardens in Mumbai: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It is built over three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning before being supplied to the town.

Transfer to hotel and relax, Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 13 : MUMBAI
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to start the tour of ELEPHANTA CAVES. For this you would need to take the ferry service to the caves island.

The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture.

The Elephanta caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings belonging to the period between 9th - 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. Legends and history suggest that the great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that these caves were built by the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja in 6th century AD.

As the worship of the figure of the Buddha began to be encouraged with rise of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, a shrine was introduced to house Buddha's image, replacing the cells at the centre of the back wall. The Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta.

Day 14 : MUMBAI
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to visit places in Mumbai, Picnic at Beach,

Dinner at reunion Mumbai, and overnight stay at Mumbai,

Day 15 : MUMBAI - KOCHI
On arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax,

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Feel the essence of Kerala in Kath kali Dance in evening. Overnight will be at Cochin.

Overnight will be in Cochin.

Day 16 : KOCHI - MUNNAR
Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Munnar by road, most beautiful Hill Stations of Kerala, "Munnar". Munnar is famous for its manicured tea plantations and quiet colonial atmosphere. Check in the Munnar Hotel and spend

MUNNAR:
Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics discovered around the area point to Stone Age civilization. However the written history begins from the 10th century onwards.

In Tamil, the word Munnar means three rivers and as it is at the confluence of three mountain streams, the name is apt. In the year 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit the area and the Tamilians (known as 'Muthuvans') also migrated to Munnar and nearby places during this period. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

In 1877 said Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore, leased 588 sq. km of land around Munnar to a Mr. J D Munro, a British lawyer cum tea planter. This tract, henceforth called the Kannan Devan (Kannan Thevar) Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle.

Overnight in the hotel

Day 17 : MUNNAR
Morning breakfast at hotel and full day excursion in Munnar,

Overnight stay at Munnar,

Day 18 : MUNNAR - THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY
After breakfast proceed to Alleppey,

ALLEPPEY:
Aleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large networks of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar Coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

Enjoy the boat ride in the harbour watching the dolphins playing and enjoying the city from the water.

Day 19 : ALLEPPEY - TRIVANDRUM
Morning after breakfast, proceed for Trivandrum by road, on arrival transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax,

TRIVANDRUM:
Thiruvananthapuram city and several other places in the district loom large in ancient tradition, folklore and literature. South Kerala, particularly the Thiruvananthapuram district, had in the early past a political and cultural history which was in some respect independent of that of the rest of Kerala. The Ays were the leading political power till the beginning of the 10th century A.D. The disappearance of the Ays as a major political power synchronised with the emergence of the rulers of Venad.

In 1684, during the regency of Umayamma Rani, the English East India Company obtained a sandy spit of land at Anchuthengu (Anjengo) on the sea coast about 32 km's north of Thiruvananthapuram city, with a view to erecting a factory and fortifying it. The place had earlier been frequented by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch. It was from here that the English gradually extended their domain to other parts of Thiruvithamcore (Travancore).

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 20 : TRIVANDRUM - KOVALAM
On arrival our company representative give transfer to kovalam, proceed to kovalam by road, on arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax,

KOVALAM:
Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just sixteen kms away from Trivandrum. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 21 : KOVALAM - KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM
Morning breakfast at hotel and Proceed to Kanyakumari for day trip, Located at the Southern most part of India, it is a place at the confluence of the Indian ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea. The multicolored sand is an unique feature of the beach here. 400m off the coast, in a rocky island, stands a memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here in 1892. Evening after sunset, back to the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 22 : DEPART KOVALAM - MUMBAI - HOME COUNTRY
Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport to catch flight to onward destination with sweet memories of tour to India,

TOUR END