The Jungle Book, The Phantom, Bollywood, colorful, spicy, populous, culture and nature beyond the ordinary. Much can be said about India and the best thing is to experience it for yourself. Feel the temperature difference from southern India to the north with Delhi and even further north out the southern border of the Himalayas. The homeland of yoga and the realm of the mythical gurus. Here are experiences for all the senses, all the time. It has been said about New York in songs that it is “the City that never sleeps” New Delhi is really the city that never sleeps. Short for IND by abbreviationfinder, India is country located in southern Asia according to countryaah.
India – 20 days
Day 1 Departure from Sweden
Day2 Delhi
Early arrival at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport will be met by our local transfer representative to your hotel. The rest of the day on your own. Take the opportunity to explore the surroundings around the hotel on foot.
Search for hotels in The Imperial, Delhi
Day 3 and 4 Delhi
For two days you will explore Delhi with your guide. Among other things, you will take a guided tour of Old Delhi with a visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1658. With a capacity of 25,000, Jama Masjid is India’s largest mosque. It’s also time for a Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, or “Silver Street”, Dehli’s commercial hub. In the narrow alleys, traditional crafts are kept alive. You will also see Red Fort or “Lal (Red) Qila (Fort)” built in red sandstone and a witness to the splendor and opulence of the Mughal era. Your trip through New Delhi includes, among other things, a visit to Humajun’s tomb, a complex in Mughal architecture, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the same style that created the Taj Mahal in Agra. India Gate was built to celebrate the honor of the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. Since 1971, the flame that marks the grave of the unknown soldier has also been burning here. You are also passing the official residence of the President of India. Until 1950 better known as the “Viceroy’s House” and served as the residence of the Governor General of India.
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Day 5 Delhi – Agra
Early breakfast for further drive to Agra, about 3 hours. In the afternoon you visit Agra Fort and at sunset you visit the Taj Mahal. The story of the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest love tribute, tells the story of the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan who had the tomb built over his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. She died in childbirth when she gave birth to her fourteenth child. Shah Jahan was completely devastated by her death and wanted to be faithful to her with her building all her life. According to legend, he wanted to build another Taj Mahal on the other side of the Jumna River. It would be in black marble and intended for his final rest.
Hotels: Amarvilas, Agra (Breakfast)
Day 6 Agra – Delhi
Early in the morning, visit the Taj Mahal once more at sunrise before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Later in the morning you will also visit Agra Fort. In the afternoon you return to Delhi by car.
Search for hotels in Trident, Gurgaon
Day 7 Delhi – Raipur – Kanha National Park
After an early breakfast you will be picked up for transfer to the airport and departure to Raipur. On arrival you are welcomed by your guide and continue by car towards Kanha National Park (4.5 hours) Your journey goes through the Indian countryside with beautiful landscapes and in the small villages along the way the children happily wave after the unusual visitors. Once at Kahna National Park, check in at & Beyond Banjaar Tola Kanha Tented Camp. Within weeks of opening in February 2009, the camp not only had very pleased guests with incredible but was also named by the magazine National Geographic Adventure as one of the world’s 50 best Ecolodgers.
Lodge: & Beyond Banjaar Tola Kanha Tented Camp, Kanha National Park (breakfast, dinner)
Day 8, 9 and 10 Kanha National Park
For three full days you will explore Kanha with your guides. Kanha National Park is one of India’s largest parks and was one of the first tiger reserves established with the initial launch of Project Tiger in 1973 aimed at protecting tigers and their ecosystems. Nature consists mostly of sal and bamboo forests, grass landscapes and is crossed by lots of small streams. The park, which is considered one of the most well-kept in all of Asia, is home to no less than 22 different mammal species including Sambar deer, chausingha (the world’s only antelope with four horns), gaur, bear, wild dog, panther and tiger. Eagles, owls and hawks are some of the 200 bird species found in the forests.
Lodge: & Beyond Banjaar Tola Kanha Tented Camp, Kanha National Park (breakfast, lunch, dinner incl. Drinks)
Day 11 Kanha – Raipur – Cochin
After breakfast overlooking the river, return to Raipur. Your flight via Mumbai to Kochin departs in the afternoon. Upon arrival in Kochin, you will be met by your guide for transfer to your hotel. Brunton Boatyard your hotel for the next two nights is a carefully renovated boat factory! Here you enjoy the tranquility and from your balcony you follow the bustling activity on the canal that leads out to the Arabian Sea. Brunton Boatyard offers a variety of activities such as. sunset cruise, city walks and yoga.
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Day 12 Cochin
You have the whole day on your own to explore Kochin. The obvious highlights such as the Chinese fishing nets, the market and The Dutch Palace, the program is adapted to your wishes. Kochin has for centuries been a lively trading port, something that is still experienced in the markets and shops of Fort Kochin. In the old town you will find strong Portuguese, Dutch and British influences in a wonderful mix.
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Day 13 Backwaters
After breakfast you will be picked up by your guide for further travel south to Alleppey and Backwaters. This “Venice of India” is an impressive labyrinth of canals and on board your private houseboat you will see everyday life floating by. Service and accommodation are of the highest standard and the small crew pampers you with culinary specialties from southern India and shares their knowledge of life here in Backwaters.
Hotels: House boat, Backwaters (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 14 Kumarakom
The day in Backwaters starts early so we recommend morning coffee at dawn as the activity on the canals comes to life with fishermen picking up their nets and villagers tackling the daily tasks. The impressive bird life in Backwaters is also most active in the early morning hours. In the morning you dock at Kumarakom Lake Resort where you check in for the next two nights.
Hotels: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom (Breakfast)
Day 15 Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a sleepy little village beautifully situated on a peninsula in Vembanad. A cluster of small islands is nestled among an intricate web of mangrove forests, rice fields and coconut groves, intersected by canals, lagoons and streams. After breakfast, you canoe in a canoe together with your guide through the narrow canals to experience the life of the people from a slightly different perspective. The afternoon on its own.
Hotels: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom (Breakfast)
Day 16 Kumarakom – Marari Beach
At lunchtime you will be met by your guide and driver for further travel to Marari Beach and the long beaches along Kerala’s central coast. Marari Beach is secluded at a safe distance from major cities. Here under the coconut palms you enjoy the peace, the sea and the delicious food of southern India. Marari Beach Hotel also offers a variety of activities and excursions for those who wish.
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Day 17 and 18 Marari Beach
The days are free for your own activities.
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Day 19 and 20 Return journey
Transfer during the night back to Kochin for further travel back to Europe
