North and South India Tour for Gaundez & Kalinda From April 13 To 28, 2013

ITINERARY :

Day 1, Saturday, April 13, 2013, DELHI:

(Room Holding from 12th April night to allow early check in on 13th April morning). Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at 5 am. My representative will receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Relax in the morning. As requested no arrangements for picking Kalinda up at Railway Station in Delhi are made because she will be arriving in the evening. You could visit one or two of the city's museums:

(1) Crafts Museum: This museum celebrates living crafts of India. It was set up over a period of 30 years starting in the 1950s and 60s by the efforts of the renowned freedom fighter late SmtKamaladevi Chattopadhyay, when the area was envisaged as an ethnographic space where craftsmen from various parts of India would come in to work towards preservation of various traditional arts and crafts. By the 1980s it already had a substantial collection, and in time the museum space gradually evolved and transformed into its present shape. Today the museum holds over 35,000 rare and distinctive pieces reflecting the continuing tradition of Indian craftsmen through painting, embroidery, textiles, various crafts of clay, stone and wood, all housed in a building designed between 1975 and 1990 by architect Charles Correa,[1][3][4] incorporating traditional architectural vocabulary into a modern design.

(2) National Museum: This is a museum of Archaeology and Anthropology from 3000 BCE to Pre-British era. In the Buddhist section there is an original Urn containing the real ashes of Lord Buddha.

(3) National Gallery of Modern Art: This museum is located near India Gate in the heart of Delhi that was designed by the British architects Edwin Lutyens and James Baker as capital of India to replace Kolkata.

Overnight in Blueberry Hotel in Karol Bagh (3-Star + category, about 3.5 miles northeast of India Gate)

Day 2, Sunday, April 14, 2013, DELHI: After breakfast drive to the Qutub Minar. This area was the capital of Chauhan Rajput rulers until the second battle of Taraori in 1192 when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by the Afghan ruler, Muhammad Ghur. The Afghan conqueror returned back to Ghur in Afghanistan after appointing the commander of his army, Qutubuddin Aibak as his governor in Delhi. Soon after Muhammad Ghur was assassinated in Ghur and Qutubuddin Aibak proclaimed himself a sovereign monarch. He was originally a slave of Muhammad Ghur, who rose among the ranks of his army to become his favorite commander. Qutubuddin Aibak destroyed 20 Hindu and Jain temples to use their material to start the construction of Qutub Jami Mosque – oldest Islamic mosque in India. Many Islamic rulers of the Sultanate and later periods added to and repaired this minaret. An iron pillar in the courtyard that never rusts was originally the flag post of a Hindu Vishnu Temple built by Chandragupta II (375 to 417 CE). The Kufic Islamic calligraphy is unique in this mosque because it was sculpted in red sandstone by Hindu artisans under direction of Islamic scholars. The artisans did not know Arabic language and made the endings of letters curved, as they used to do in Brahmi and Devnagri script of Sanskrit language. Later drive past the government buildings of India’s capital, planned & designed by the British architect, Edwin Lutyens and his friend Sir Herbert Baker: Office of Prime Minister, Office of Home Minister, President’s official residence, Parliament House and India Gate.

Later sightseeing of Humanyun’s Tomb that may have served as inspiration for the architecture of the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra. End the Delhi sightseeing with the grand Jama Masjid that was built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Later enjoy a thrilling Rickshaw ride in the historic Chandni Chowk Bazaar. After dinner enjoy a sound and light show in English language in the Red Fort from 8.30 to 9.30 pm. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3, Monday, April 15, 2013, DELHI - AGRA: After breakfast drive to Agra on the new Express Highway. On arrival check-in hotel. Sightseeing of ‘Itmad-ud-Daulah’ the mausoleum of Mirza Ghiaz Beg and Begum Asmat, the parents of Queen Nur Jahan and grand-parents of the Arjumand Bano Begum, the queen for whom the world famous Taj Mahal was built later. This mausoleum was designed by Queen Nur Jahan and was the first Mughal monument in which the art of Pietra-Dure was used on an extensive scale.

Agra Fort: Later visit the red sandstone palaces of Emperor Akbar in his Agra Fort and the white marble palaces of Emperor Shahjahan in the same fort. Emperor Akbar was an unique ruler in world history to have a vision of uniting the world’s religions while in contemporary Europe the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre by a mob of Roman Catholics against the Huguenots, the French Calvinist Protestants in 1572 was being perpetrated. Rightfully Emperor Akbar is referred to as ‘the Great’ in the world history. Through his tolerant and liberal policies towards his subjects who were mostly not Muslims, he created a vast and rich empire on the Indian sub-continent. Even in 21st. century the exceptionally successful business leaders are referred to as ‘Moguls’. (Lunch in a city restaurant: Shivakash is near the Taj Mahal).

Taj Mahal: Sightseeing of the world famous Taj Mahal in mild glow of sunset. Ample time to explore the vast garden complex, the main white marble mausoleum and peripheral buildings. Arjumand Bano Begum married Prince Khurram who succeeded to the Mughal throne. He honored her with title of Mumtaz Mahal or crown of the palace. During the 18 years of their marriage they never parted, she accompanied him even on the battle field. She died delivering their 14th. child at Burhanpur (eastern Maharashtra State) where the Emperor was fighting the Marathas. Only 4 sons and 3 daughters survived till adult age. The youngest son, Aurangzeb, killed all his brothers in the battles of succession and imprisoned his own father, Shahjahan in his palaces at Agra Fort for the last 8 years of his life. After 17 years of construction the Taj Mahal was completed in 1648 according to an inscription on its main gate. Later enjoy a demonstration of the inlay of semi-precious stones in marble done by craftsmen whose forefathers had worked to decorate the Taj Mahal about 380 years ago. They still use the similar hand driven tools to create works of Pietra-dure that are even more intricate than the workmanship in the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Hotel Taj Resort: This is a 3-star hotel located just 500 yards from the east gate of the Taj Mahal.

Day 4, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – ABHINERI VILLAGE NEAR DAUSA - JAIPUR: After breakfast drive about an hour to Emperor Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri – The capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar from 1571 to 1584. Emperor Akbar went to a Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chistie when he did not have a male heir to the throne. The saint correctly prophesied that the Emperor would have three sons. When his Hindu queen, Jodha Bai, became pregnant, the emperor moved with her to Sikri village to be near the saint. Gradually a whole new capital evolved with an exceptional and unprecedented blend of religious and secular architecture. The emperor invited Jesuit monks from Goa to teach him about the Christian religion. He also invited scholars of other religions to teach him. In the palaces and the mosque in Fatehpur Sikri one witnesses a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Islamic architecture. After the demise of saint and perhaps because of many other reasons Emperor Akbar moved from Fatehpur Sikri. After being lived in for only 14 years the city was deserted for almost 400 years until the beginning of the 20th. century when Archaeological Survey of India started the renovation of the capital, which is still continuing. Drive further west to Abhineri Village for sightseeing of the 9th. century CE Chand Baori, the deepest step-well in the world. Have lunch in the Umaid Lake Palace Hotel. Drive another hour to the pink city, Jaipur. In the afternoon arrive in Jaipur and check into hotel. Later proceed to enjoy the demonstrations of wooden block textile printing, woolen carpet weaving and cutting & polishing of colored precious/semi-precious stones. Overnight in Lord's Plaza Hotel is a new 4-star hotel that is located just outside one of the southern gates of the historic pink city. The room interiors are modern and they are spacious.

Day 5, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, JAIPUR: After breakfast enjoy a morning excursion to Amber the old capital of Kachhwaha Rajput rulers. Crossing the Pink City stop at the Hawa Mahal, a royal parade viewing gallery for the women of Maharaja’s family. Enjoy the leisurely ride on back of an elephant from the foot of the hill up to the hilltop palaces of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Maharaja Man Singh in Amber Fort. The palaces of Maharaja Man Singh originally had fresco paintings on the walls, fragments of some of them are still visible. The palaces of Mirza Raja Jai Singh have decoration with convex mirrors in the ceilings and beautiful stained mica windows. Lunch in Surabhi Restaurant in Jaipur city. This restaurant has an interesting collection of the Turbans in a small museum. In the afternoon enjoy the visit to Chandramahal residence of royal family, Sarvatobhadra hall of private audience, Diwan-e-Am art gallery and Mubarak Mahal garment gallery in the Jaipur City Palace. All but one of the 17 instruments of Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory of Sawai Jai Singh are still functional. The Samrat Yantra sundial in this observatory is the largest in the world and has accuracy of 2 seconds. The observatory is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The astronomer ruler also built India’s first planned city, Jaipur in 1727. In honor of the visit of Prince of Wales, Prince Albert Edward, son of Queen Victoria, in 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II had the external facades of the entire city painted in Geru (Rose-Pink) mineral color. Since then Jaipur has remained in this color, though now synthetic paints are used for the old city buildings. Overnight Lord’s Plaza Hotel.

Day 6, Thursday, April 18, 2013, JAIPUR - PUSHKAR: After breakfast drive about 3 hours to the Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar. On arrival check-in hotel. Later visit the Brahma Temple and other temples on the Pushkar Lake bank. Overnight in Pushkar Bagh, a very good 4-star hotel.

Day 7, Friday, April 19, 2013, PUSHKAR – JAIPUR - MUMBAI: After breakfast leave Pushkar at about 8.30 am. On arrival at Sanganer airport in Jaipur, board Indigo flight # 6E 295 departing at 1.30 pm and arrive in the domestic Santa Cruz airport in Mumbai at 3.15 pm. My representative in Mumbai will receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. As Kalinda knows her way around the city, I would suggest that you have a chauffeur driven Tata Indigo or similar size car at disposal for both the days in Mumbai. You would not require a guide. For more information please see the city description page in my website. Overnight in Residency Hotel on D.N. Road in central Mumbai (3-star)

Day 8, Saturday, April 20, 2013, MUMBAI: After breakfast drive to the boat pier at Gateway of India to board the first boat to Elephanta Caves on luxury upper deck. This boat departs at 9 AM. Kalinda can plan the afternoon time in Mumbai. Overnight in Residency Hotel.

Day 9, Sunday, April 21, 2013, MUMBAI –KOCHI: After early breakfast transfer to domestic airport to board the flight to Kochi. There are two alternatives - one flight leaving at 6.20 am and the other leaving at 11.40 am. The later flight is costlier than early morning flight. Kochi is a port city in Kerela and famous for its seafood and spices. The city is built on a saltwater lagoon and consists of a cluster of islands and peninsulas. Each of these islands is connected by ferry to the town of Ernakulam on the mainland. My local agent in Kochi will receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Sightseeing:

Perhaps the best recognized sights of Cochin are the giant cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, suspended like spider webs along the Fort Kochi coast. Unlike regular fishnets, they are operated from the shore, mounted on teak and bamboo poles and rendered stable by large stones that are used as counterweights. By some accounts, they were brought by Portuguese colonists from Macau, while others claim it was Chinese traders from the court of Kubla Khan himself. Proceed for sightseeing in Cochin:

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE: Built in 1568 by a Jewish community that had settled around Kochi. The interiors of the synagogue feature exquisite blue hand-painted Chinese willow tiles of which no two are alike. Other major attractions include magnificent Belgian chandeliers that adorn the central area, an oriental rug and gold crowns received as gifts from visitors.

Also in the neighborhood, International Pepper Exchange, dealing in the global trade of black pepper. Other landmarks of note include Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate and Bastion Bungalow.

Enjoy a boat ride to Bolghatty Palace, built by the Dutch colonists to serve as the Dutch Governor's Residence, it is now a hotel. Also visit the Vipin Islands where, if you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of the dolphins in the serene waters of the Arabian Sea.

In the evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Drama with live instrumental music and recital. Overnight in Renai Cochin Hotel (4-star hotel).

Day 10, Monday, April 22, 2013, KOCHI - THEKKADY: After breakfast drive about 180 kilometers in about 5 hours to Thekkady. This drive, through the Western Ghats through dense forest and coffee plantations, will bring you to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on the banks of the Periyar Lake. One of major wildlife sanctuaries in India, it is home to the elephant, sambhar deer, bison and illusive Bengal Tiger. You may also encounter great hornbills, kites, darters, herons, egrets, owls and kingfishers. The sanctuary is surrounded by Spice Plantations and the rich aroma of cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon pervade the atmosphere. Overnight in Thekkady Wild Corridor (4-star +) in Spice Village.

Day 11, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, THEKKADY - PERIYAR: Periyar National Park is one of the most famous Nature and Animal reserves in south India. In the 77 square kilometers protected area live 800 elephants and around 35 tigers among many other wild animals. Visitors have several options. Early morning or late afternoon boat ride on the Periyar Lake running through the sanctuary provides an opportunity to watch wild animals like elephants, deer and scores of water birds. Also to be recommended is a trek with a reserve guide. The highlight is a singular program that combines the trekking and bamboo rafting which takes the visitor deep into the national park. Often on such an excursion wild elephants can be observed. Overnight in Thekkady Wild Corridor.

Day 12, Wednesday, April 24, 2013, THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM: After breakfast drive about 150 kilometers in about 4 hours to Kumarakom. On arrival check in to the traditional thatched Kerala Houseboat for a languid cruise through Kerala's unique backwaters that are a network of lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas. They are home to a self-sustaining eco-system teaming with aquatic life. The houseboats look traditional from the exterior but are fitted with all modern amenities and full kitchen to serve all meals. In the evening the boat will moor by the lush paddy fields and you can explore the area at your own pace. Overnight in your deluxe air-conditioned houseboat.

Day 13, Thursday, April 25, 2013, ALLEPPEY - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-AMRITAPURI: Wake up early to enjoy the unforgettable view of the sunrise on backwaters. As morning progresses you will see village markets buzzing with vendors selling fresh catch. After breakfast on houseboat, drive about 150 kilometers in about 4 hours to Thiruvananthapuram. After a stop in Thiruvananthapuram, drive another about 3 hours to Amritapuri - the Ashram of Anandamayima. The directions are to go by the Beach Road from Karunagappally. This road crosses the backwaters by a road bridge and brings you directly into the Ashram premises. Overnight arrangements on your own in the Ashram.

Day 14, Friday, April 26, 2013, AMRITAPURI: Full day at the Ashram.

Day 15, Saturday, April 27, AMRITAPURI (KOLLAM) KANYAKUMARI: After breakfast drive from Ashram to Kovalam. In the afternoon drive further 83 kilometers to Kanyakumari. Overnight in Hotel Sparsa.

Day 16, Sunday, April 28, 2013, KANYAKUMARI - KOCHI: In the morning take a boat ride to the Vivekananda Rock Island and memorial. Later drive about 190 kilometers in about 6 hours to Kochi.