India

Starting Price:	$4,922.00
Trip Length:	14 days
Includes airfare allowance from New York

Interests:

Houseboats

Kerala Rice Paddy

Mysore Palace

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with Bengaluru, Mysore, Kochi (Cochin) & Houseboat Overnight

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

Following your tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the second portion of your trip will give you a more holistic view of India as you travel through Bengaluru and Mysore. After touring these beautiful cities, uncover the past in the historic coastal town of Kochi and embark on a personal houseboat cruise through the backwaters of the Kerala region.

Dominating the Mysore skyline is the magnificent Maharaja’s Palace that is decorated on the interior with many pieces of fine stained glass, mirrors and gilt. Another must-see is Chamundi Hill, where you can find the beautiful Durga Temple sitting 3300 feet above sea level. Before leaving, you’ll visit the Brindavan Gardens, one of the most beautifully designed terrace gardens in the world. En route to Bengaluru, on your final day, enjoy your time for a stroll along the island of Sriranganathaswamy, in the Kaveri River, to marvel at yet another fine temple before leaving.

In Kochi, you will explore this small historical and multicultural city as you visit India’s oldest synagogue, Vasco de Gama’s tomb, an ancient Dutch Palace and the shoreline to witness the region’s famous Chinese fishing nets in action. The following day will be spent cruising the backwaters of Kerala in a private houseboat. After cruising through a sylvan shoreline, with swaying rice paddies, lush coconut canopies, quiet beaches and local villages, you will spend a night upon the boat. The remainder of the trip is spent at leisure, in Kumarakom, on the shores of Lake Vembanad.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3 star, 4 star, 5 star and Deluxe hotels.

The houseboats are designed for maximum comfort for your cruise and overnight stay. Constructed with materials like bamboo mat, Arecanut trees and coir, each boat features an eco-friendly construction. On the deck is a luxurious tented canopy with a lavishly designed interior, which features exquisite furnishing and bedding, hardwood floors, a full kitchen and an en suite bathroom with a flush toilet and sink.

All meals while on board are included and provide an experience in itself. The onboard cuisine is prepared by a personal chef that involves wonderfully prepared local cuisine with fish delicacies like white prawns, pearl spotted fish, crabs and mussels. The meals include lunch, evening coffee or tea with snacks, dinner and breakfast.

This tour includes airfare allowance from New York, on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via New York; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Visited Cities:
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Mysore, Kochi, Kumarakom

Day 1

Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Day 2

Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3

Begin your morning tour of Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through the streets. You will visit the Red Fort, which was once the most affluent fort and palace of the once reigning Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Your final stop in Old Delhi will bring you to Chandni Chowk, a lively and colorful market that was once the commercial center of the city.
You will then drive to New Delhi which will provide a stark contrast between the old with the new, a recurring theme throughout India. In New Delhi you will visit the India Gate monument, followed by the Parliament House (from the outside) and other extravagant government buildings. Then continue onward to Humayun’s Tomb, built in honor of India’s second Mughal emperor, followed by a visit to The Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), the house of worship. This temple, designed in the form of a lotus, offers a simple message of humanity as a single race and calls for the Oneness of Mankind. Later you will visit the world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar. In store for today are also several other modern day landmarks, as well as some good opportunities to do some shopping.

Note: Yampu recommends one of our optional tours (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures, and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.

Day 4

Begin with a drive to Agra that will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. You will then proceed for your sightseeing tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, India’s most picture perfect work of architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
As you then drive through the city to the Agra Fort, you will get some good images of the local scene and bazaars, and the everyday buzz of India. Once at the Agra Fort, you will be led through its regal chambers that were once home to some of India’s most powerful Mughal emperors

Note: We recommend an optional tour (cost not included) to a showing of Mohhabbat The Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off your day at the Kalakriti Auditorium. Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.

Day 5

Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Jaipur. En route, you will stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatepur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Once arrived, you will check in and have some time to relax before a sound and light show at the city’s Amber Fort.

Day 6

This morning you will return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. As you stroll through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.

Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields, and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.

Day 7

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bengaluru. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure enjoying the city at your own pace.

Day 8

Begin with a morning tour of the city that will bring you to the Bangalore Fort. A pristine example of 18th century Indian military architecture, this fort was originally a mud structure, but was rebuilt from stone under Hyder Ali in 1761. Then stroll through some of the 240 acres of flowering glory at the Lall Bagh Botanical Gardens. Throughout the lush lawns, flowerbeds, lotus pools and fountains you will find a collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical trees, plants and herbs that make up this beautiful site. After the gardens you are free to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9

Begin with a 3-4 hour drive to Mysore. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and continue with an afternoon tour of the city. You will visit the fabulous Mysore Palace, where you can study its finely carved rosewood doors, inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, and royal paintings. On Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays between the hours of 7-8 PM the palace is made into a magnificent spectacle when it is illuminated by nearly 100,000 glowing bulbs. Continuing on with your tour, you will also visit Chamundi Hill and the Durga Temple atop the hill. End you day with a relaxing evening visit to the world class Brindaven Garden.

Day 10

Today, you will drive back to Bengaluru. En route, you will visit Sriranganathaswamy, an island palace on the Kaveri River. Most renowned as the place where Haider Ali and Tipu Sulutan once ruled much of Southern India during the 18th century, this site is a standing testament to their celebrated resistance to the British.
Finally, arrive at the Bengaluru airport for you flight to Kochi. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 11

Today visit the Jewish Synagogue of 1568, the oldest in the nation. An interesting and intimate building, the floors are delicately hand painted with willow pattern floor tiles that originated from Canton, China in the 18th century. Located in Jew Town, this area is also one of the local spice trade centers. Also visit the ancient Dutch Mattancherry Palace. Originally built by the Portuguese (in 1557), but later renovated by the Dutch (1663), the most notable feature is the astonishing murals embellished throughout the palace rooms that depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharta and Puranic legends.
Another stop is taken at the St. Francis Church, which is also the oldest European built church in the commonwealth, constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese. Although his remains were transferred to Lisbon, here lies the tombstone of the famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Also pay a visit to the shore to see the amazing Chinese fishing nets in action, which are both unique and beautiful in form. Finally, cap off your evening by enjoying a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Day 12

Drive approximately 2 hours to Alleppey to board your houseboat. Once aboard, you will cruise along the backwaters for a few hours, passing small villages and observing the local lifestyles. En route, you will be astounded by the lushness of the coconut trees. Today you will also see coir making, tea shops, paddy fields, temples and beaches all the way until sunset. Once night arrives, the boat will be anchored at a beautiful and serene part of the lake, where you can enjoy the comfort of superb local cuisine prepared by your personal onboard cook. Lunch is also served onboard today.

Day 13

Awake to your pristine surroundings for a prepared breakfast before you disembark on land to Kumarakom for the remainder of your trip. Kumarakom is a popular and scenic destination located near the city of Kottayam that is most well known for its backwater tourism. Located on Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Vembanad, there are many resorts that offer boating, yachting and fishing. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying the panoramic views of the lake and exploring the region.

Day 14

Depart for Kochi for your connection to Mumbai and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Delhi
3-star	Star Rocks, or similar
4-star	Royal Plaza, or similar
5-star	The Claridges, or similar
Deluxe	The Oberoi, or similar
Agra
3-star	Hotel Amar, or similar
4-star	Trident Oberoi, or similar
5-star	The Gateway Hotel, or similar
Deluxe	Amarvilas, or similar
Jaipur
3-star	Alsisar Haveli, or similar
4-star	Trident Oberoi, or similar
5-star	Jaimahal Palace, or similar
Deluxe	Oberoi Rajvilas, Taj Rambagh Palace or similar
Bengaluru
3-star	Justa the Residence, or similar
4-star	Lemon Tree Hotel, Ista Bangalore, or similar
5-star	Oberoi Bangalore, or similar
Deluxe	Taj Westend, or similar
Mysore
3-star	Royal Orchid Metropole, or similar
4-star	Hotel Regaalis, or similar
5-star	Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, or similar
Deluxe	The Windflower Spa and Resort, or similar
Kochi
3-star	Hotel Arches, or similar
4-star	Malabar House, or similar
5-star	Vivanta by Taj Malabar, or similar
Deluxe	Brunton Boatyard, or similar
Kumarakom
3-star	Lemon Tree Vembanad, or similar
4-star	Coconut Lagoon, or similar
5-star	Kumarakom Lake Resort - Luxury Pavilion, or similar
Deluxe	Kumarakom Lake Resort - Heritage Lake View Villa with Private Pool, or similar

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

14 days , from $4922

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	$4922	$6250	$7307	$9496
Single	$7208	$9840	$11907	$16043

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars ($).

Price Includes:

One way international airfare from New York to New Delhi and Mumbai to New York

One way domestic airfare from Jaipur to Bengaluru, Bengaluru to Kochi and Kochi to Mumbai

All accommodations with continental or buffet breakfast

All meals on houseboat including lunch, coffee, tea and snacks, dinner and breakfast

Service of deluxe air-conditioned vehicle

One time entrance fees at all monuments

Services of English speaking local guide for excursions

All currently applicable taxes including service tax

Notes:

Jewish Synagogue remains closed on every Friday & Saturday
The Red Fort in Delhi remains closed on every Monday
The Taj Mahal in Agra remains closed on every Friday
The Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum in Mumbai remain closed on Mondays
Supplements may occur between 1 – 20 November and 20 December – January 2012. Please ask a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
All travelers require a passport valid up to six months after their intended stay in India. While in India, passports are also required to have at least two blank pages.
For citizens of most countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and members of the EU, an Indian visa is required to enter and exit India for any purpose. All visitors must apply for visas at an Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad before entering the country. Visas are not available upon arrival.
Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in India, the government requires travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Besides this, there are no other vaccine requirements, although it is wise to be up to date on your routine inoculations. All travelers should consult their physician or a travel health clinic with plenty of time before their departure date.

Malaria is present in all areas throughout the country, including the cities of Mumbai and Delhi, except in areas greater than 2,000 meters in elevation. If you will be visiting an area of India with malaria, you will need to discuss the best ways for you to avoid getting sick with your physician.

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