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Images of India
Tour Duration: 17 Nights/18 Days
Season: Throughout the yearTour Customizable: YesNumber of Participants: Minimum 1; Maximum 24

Tour Highlights:
  • The tour is a personalized individual tour & can be started any time of year / month. The car, guides will be exclusively for you only. The tour is based on private departures, whereby you can benefit from having a private air-conditioned car, stop en-route for breaks or photo opportunities.
  • Old Delhi (Jama Mosque, Red Fort, Mahatma Gandhi Crematorium, Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar ), New Delhi (Government buildings, Birla Temple, Akshardham Temple (world?s most beautiful temple), Jaipur (Amber Fort, Palace of Winds, Observatorium, Birla Temple, Nahargarh Fort), Agra (Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Itmad-ud-daula).
  • Being based in India, we offer you the best value of your money. Having branch and associated offices all over India, Classic Holidays India guarantees your complete peace of mind and comfort during your India travel with 24/7 support.
  • Finest Hotels in the category chosen.

    Private car round trip: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Cochin - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Goa - Delhi

    Tour Package Inclusions:
  • 17 nights accommodation in mentioned hotels or similar with daily breakfast.
  • All transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned SUV car.
  • Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi through Old Delhi-Jama Masjid, Gurduwara (Sikh Temple), Chandni Chowk Bazaar
  • Rickshaw ride in Jaipur through Bazaars of old pink city
  • One way horse carriage ride from the nearest parking to Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Elephant ride (alternatively by jeeps) to ascend Amber Fort in Jaipur
  • Entrance fee and Indian Vegetarian Rajasthani Dinner at Choki Dhani Village Resort, Jaipur
  • Excursion to Nahargarh (Tiger) Fort in Jaipur to watch the sunset and beautiful view of Jaipur
  • Boat ride in lake Pichola Udaipur
  • Excursion to Elephanta Caves in Mumbai
  • Visit to kathakali Dance Show
  • Motor boat cruise in Backwaters
  • All three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) in an air-conditioned houseboat
  • Entrance fee to monuments
  • Mineral water (1litre) per person per day
  • A local English-speaking guide shall be provided for the sightseeing tours
  • Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges, driver allowances, parking, fuel charges, interstate taxes.

    Services not included:
  • Any airfare (domestic or international)
  • Visa and Travel Insurance
  • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Our quote is not valid for period other than mentioned above
  • Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, any Insurance, airport departure tax etc.
  • Call (800) 471-9882 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8401441
    Tour OperatorClassic Holidays (India) Pvt. Ltd.
    OfferOffer valid through 4/1/2010
    Duration
    18 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    Itinerary
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1DelhiWelcome to Delhi!: You will arrive at the Delhi International Airport. Delhi is India's second largest metropolis next to Mumbai, which is located in the northern part of the country. The architectural features in the city are similar to those which can be seen in Athens, Rome and Istanbul.
    Day 2DelhiExploring Delhi: Your first day you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. You'll be mesmerized by the 100-foot, red-stone boundary walls of Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite this ancient structure is the Jama Masjid, built in 1656. Found in front of the Jama Masjid is the 1656 AD construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together. You will also tour the town in a Rickshaw. Along the streets of old Delhi you will see the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Next, you will visit the Humayun Tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was completed by his wife during the 16th century. Shahjahan had the vision for the structure of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar, a 220-foot tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, was built between 1199 and 1368 AD. It runs counter to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you'll see the buildings of government and parliament and India Gate which is 130-foot wall built in memory of the soldiers who died during the First World War.
    Day 3AgraFrom Delhi to Agra: From Delhi, you will enjoy the drive to Agra, and get to visit Sikandra, the amazing grave of Akbar, the most influential of all Mughal emperors. The grave lies 6 miles before Agra. Agra is placed on the deposits of the Yamuna River and was under the Mughal rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries. The highlight of the Golden India tour triangle package is visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal (1631-1653). This amazing piece of architecture made of light-colored marble, was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his departed wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its architecture reveals why it's one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For 21 days, 20,000 expert workers from Italy, France, Iran and Asia worked on the memorial. Upon your arrival you can go to your hotel for a good night's rest.
    Day 4JaipurFrom Agra to Jaipur: After breakfast, you will inspect the wide and vast Agra fort at the west deposit of the Yamuna River. Agra fort was built in the 1600's by Akbar and was finished by his grandson. After the visit, you will go as far as Jaipur, the cap of the country Rajasthan, which is also popularly known as Pink City because of its pink houses' frontal façade and metropolis fence. On the way, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, which is 22 miles from Agra, the other large city of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar shifted his cap to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 days due to the scarcity of water, it was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and back again to Agra. Arrival to Jaipur is scheduled in the afternoon, and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.
    Day 5JaipurExploring Jaipur: After an early breakfast you will drive to fort Amber (6 miles), the former capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs. On the way, you will stop to visit the city's landmark: the Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). Built during the 18th century, the five-story building features 953 windows and niches from which the royal women observed the procession in the street without being seen. Next you will visit Amber fort, which lies on 400-foot-tall hill and is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. Afterwards you will visit the Pink city Jaipur. The city palace built in 1734 lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum. After that you will visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory. It was built in the 18th century by the city founder Jai Singh II. The instruments are out of stone and marble and served to explore the night skies. You will then return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
    Day 6JodhpurJaipur - Jodhpur: After breakfast, you will drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur the second largest city in Rajasthan and once the capital of the Marwar. Today the city lies around the imposing Mehrangarh fort. The Mehrangarh fort was built in 1459 on a 110-foot-tall sandstone hill. From the top of the hill you can see the old town and the priests' houses painted blue which gives the town it's name of 'blue city'. You will then travel on to Jaswant Thada, a large Cenotaph, which was built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. After lunch, you can stroll through the old markets, where you can also buy various spices for yourself. You will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
    Day 7UdaipurJodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur: After breakfast, you will drive to Udaipur. En route you can visit Ranakpur where three beautiful Jain temples built during the 14th and 15th centuries still stand. The head temple Adinatha (1439 AD) took 65 years to carve the marble into 80 domes supported by 1444 different carved pillars (no two are alike). It is one of the five holiest places for the Jain Pilgrimage. After your visit, you will enjoy lunch at the nearby restaurant and proceed to Udaipur. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
    Day 8MumbaiUdaipur - Mumbai (Bombay): During the morning you will explore Udaipur which lies in the Girwa valley in the middle of the Aravali hill and is described as a romantic city with its lakes, gardens, temple and palaces. You will visit the city palace built in 1570 AD by Maharana Udai Singh at the bank of the Pichola Lake. This impressive complex of different palaces is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal influences. You will then visit the Jagdish temple. Built in 1651 AD this temple is a beautiful example of the Nagara style temple architecture. You will also enjoy a boat trip on the Pichola Lake.
    Later in the evening transfer to airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Arrival in Mumbai and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Mumbai.
    Day 9MumbaiMumbai: In morning, after breakfast, proceed for the half day sightseeing of Mumbai. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and with around 21 millions of inhabitants is the second largest city of the country after Kolkata. It is even bigger than New Delhi and Chennai. Mumbai is the capital of the state Maharashtra. Located on the west coast of the Arabian Sea the city has more than 50 percent of India's cargo go through it's harbour, making it the busiest and largest harbour city of the Indian subcontinent.
    The most famous symbol of Mumbai, the gateway of India was built in 1924 in the city area Colaba by George Wittet (1878-1926). He was the designer and builder of many of the noblest buildings in the city. The 13-foot-high gateway of India was opened during December 1924.
    Also visit the Elephanta Caves. The caves temples of Elephanta of 7th century A.D. lie opposite the harbour of Mumbai on an island in the bay of Mumbai. During 1987 the caves of Elephanta were listed by UNESCO as one of its World cultural heritage sites. They contain a row of works of art connected with the Shiva cult.
    Day 10CochinMumbai to Cochin by Flight: Morning, you will be transferred to airport to board the flight to Cochin. After your arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a short break. After break, you will go on a Cochin expedition. First you'll visit the St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Then on to the Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace built by the Dutch and subsequently on handed over to the local queen. At the harbor, you can view unusual Chinese fishing nets, which marks the visit of Chinese folk in Cochin. You'll also discover the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1558. Around the Synagogue, you can purchase a lot of unique and old products. That evening you will enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show which depicts 400 years of history and old legends in this breathtaking dance drama. The dancers wear painted fantastic costumes and color their faces with red, green and black inks. Every gesture and movement by every dancer has a special meaning. After the show you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
    Day 11KumarakomCochin - Kumarakom: Early morning, after breakfast, you'll drive to Kumarakom, famous for its panoramic backwaters. Arrival and transfer to hotel. There you will enjoy a boat ride in the Backwaters. Along the bank, you will see the traditional life of people living on the banks nestled in coves of coconut and palm trees. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
    Day 12AlleppeyKumarakom - Alleppey: After a hearty breakfast, in Kumarakom you will be transferred to houseboat, where you can start your private overnight houseboat trip to Alleppey. The entire day will be spent in the Backwaters where breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served. Here, you will glide along the canals and observe the daily live of the Kerala people living on the banks of Backwaters. At night you will settle down to spend it in the house boat on the lake.
    Day 14KovalamKovalam: Free time at leisure at beach.
    Day 15GoaKovalam - Trivandrum - Goa: Morning drive to Trivandrum and transfer to airport for flight to Goa. Arrival and Transfer to Hotel. Evening free to relax at Beach.
    Day 16GoaGoa: After breakfast, you'll take a half-day sightseeing tour of Goa. You'll visit Miramar Beach, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the city of Panjim- bustling with shops and tourists. The afternoon is at leisure so you can relax on the beach. You'll have an overnight stay in Goa.
    Day 17GoaGoa:Free time at leisure at beach.
    Day 18Delhi/MumbaiGoa to Delhi/Mumbai by Flight: Afternoon transfer to Dabolim airport of Goa to board the flight to New Delhi. After arrival transfer to international airport to fly back home.
    Day 13KovalamAlleppey - Kovalam: Morning drive to Kovalam and transfer to hotel.
    Kovalam is located about 20 km south of Thiruvananthapuram. With its long sandy beaches, Kovalam is the very popular holiday place among Indians as well as among foreigners. With a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing, Kovalam Beach offer plenty and diverse leisure options - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body ayurvedic massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc.

    After a short break, make an excursion to Trivandrum (15 Km). You'll visit there the following:

    Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
    Built in 1733 in the Drawidian Hindu-style, this temple is the main attraction of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple area, to which belongs a pond surrounded by old Brahmanen (Priests) houses, extends over an area of 2400 m². Particularly remarkable is the seven-storied Gopuram (temple tower) over the main entrance. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Vishnu. It is the only temple in Kerala, where non Hindus are alloed in inner sanctum. It is also well-known for its mural paintings and stone carvings.

    Napier Museum
    In 1880 built museum combines elements of British colonial architecture with traditional features of kerala architecture. It houses a collection of bronze figures, wooden, ivory and stone carvings, a temple chariot, musical instruments and religious objects.
    Kuthiramalika Palace
    The former palace of the ruler of Travancore is a wood construction in the typical Kerala style with remarkable carvings. A part of the palace is now a museum (Puthenmalika Museum), in which among others Ivory Throne of the Raja (King) of Travancore is exhibited.

    Sri Chitra Art Gallery
    To see here are miniatures of the Rajputs, Mughal and Thanjavur school as well as paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. Even the modern Indian painting is displayed, including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlava & Nicholas Roerich.

    Other attractions are the Kanakakkunu Palace, the zoo opened in 1857 - one of the oldest in India - the Priyadarshini Planetarium, Many administration buildings from the colonial period as well as numerous temples, mosques and churches. The evening is free to relax on the Beach. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call (800) 471-9882 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
     (Season: 4-16-2009 to 9-15-2009) Standard - Twin$1,922.00 (USD)Quote
     (Season: 9-16-2009 to 4-15-2010) Standard - Twin$2,148.00 (USD)Quote
     (Season: 4-16-2009 to 9-15-2009) Deluxe - Twin$2,623.00 (USD)Quote
     (Season: 9-16-2009 to 4-15-2010) Deluxe - Twin$2,994.00 (USD)Quote
     (Season: 4-16-2009 to 9-15-2009) Luxury - Twin$3,508.00 (USD)Quote
     (Season: 9-16-2009 to 4-15-2010) Luxury - Twin$4,098.00 (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer
    *There will be an obligatory supplement charge on Christmas and New Year Eve.
    *Twin - Cost per person on twin sharing basis for minimum two persons traveling.
    *All prices are in US Dollars

    Hotels Selected:
    Luxury (5 star): Delhi: The Metropolian; Agra: Taj Gateway Hotel; Jaipur: Le Meridien; Jodhpur: Taj Hari Mahal; Udaipur: Laxmi Vilas Palace; Mumbai: Taj President; Cochin; Hotel Trident; Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon; Alleppey: Delux Houseboat; Kovalam: Taj Green Cove; Goa: Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort
    Deluxe (4 star): Delhi: The Connaught; Agra: Clarks Shiraz; Jaipur: Clarks Amer; Jodhpur: The Ummeid; Udaipur: Udaikothi; Mumbai: Emerald; Cochin; Hotel Casino; Kumarakom: Water Escapes; Alleppey: Delux Houseboat; Kovalam: Uday Samudra; Goa: Majorda Beach Resort
    Standard (3 star): Delhi: Gautam Deluxe; Agra: Hotel Usha Kiran; Jaipur: Heritage Hotel Shahpura House; Jodhpur: Balsamand Palace; Swaroop Vilas; Mumbai: Empire Royal; Cochin; Abad Atrium; Kumarakom: Paradise Resort; Alleppey: Delux Houseboat; Kovalam: Hotel Samudra; Goa: Marquis Beach Resort

    Triple rooms are available on request

    Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

    Pl. note that hotels mentioned is subject to availability. Otherwise hotels of similar category will be provided. Cost ascertained on traveling of minimum 2 persons. All hotels charge Christmas and New Year supplement charge directly.
     
     
    Contact us for more information:
    703-471-4800 or 800-471-9882 outside the Washington DC metro area. Or you may Email us