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Peregrine Adventures

Essence of India (18 Days)

This is a comprehensive journey that covers the best of India - from north to south. The Mughal cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur pay testament to a glorious past with their magnificent palaces, majestic forts and elegant gardens. Rajasthan is such an evocative place that it is not hard for visitors to feel as if they have been transported back to a time of pomp and ceremony, as befitting the opulence of the rule of the maharajas. The south of India offers the perfect contrast to all this. The colour of the region and the more relaxed pace of life are reflected in the markets, small villages and intricate waterways. Periyar National Park is a haven for wildlife and a timeless refuge from the modern world. A cruise on a rice barge through the backwaters of Kerala is yet another such experience that enable travellers to sit back, relax and reflect on the all-encompassing nature of travelling through a place as culturally rich and diverse as India.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat) Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Day 2 Catch train to Agra. Visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.
Day 3 Visit Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur.
Day 4 Visit Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Jantar Mantar. Optional visit to City Palace.
Day 5 Drive to rural Nimaj and indulge in the timeless splendour of the countryside.
Day 6 Drive to Udaipur.
Day 7 Visit City Palace and Jagdish Temple.
Day 8 Fly to Delhi. City orientation, including India Gate and Janpath Bazaar.
Day 9 Fly to Chennai (Madras) – capital of Tamil Nadu.
Day 10 Explore vibrant Chennai – gateway to the south. Enjoy city tour, then catch overnight train.
Day 11 Arrive in historic Madurai and visit Sri Meenakshi Temple.
Day 12 Travel to Thekkady and visit spice plantation.
Day 13 Explore Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, including ferry ride in the wildlife sanctuary.
Day 14 Drive to Kumarakom, via secluded rural villages.
Day 15 Enjoy a cruise though the backwaters of Kerala. Overnight on rice barge.
Day 16 Drive to Kochi (Cochin) and transfer to hotel in historic area.
Day 17 Kochi sightseeing including Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets and Jewish synagogue.
Day 18 Tour ends after breakfast in Kochi (Tue).

Trip Highlights

  • Delhi
  • Taj Mahal
  • Agra Fort
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Jaipur
  • Amber Fort
  • Nimaj Bagh
  • Udaipur
  • Lake Pichola
  • Chennai
  • Madurai
  • Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve
  • Kerala Backwaters Cruise
  • Kochi
  • Fort Cochin

Trip Facts

Code PIIE
Starts In Delhi
Ends In Kochi
Start Day Saturday
End Day Tuesday
Grade

Cultural adventure
With focus on local cultures and historic sites, these trips have the perfect mix of discovery, exploration, comfort and relaxation. Some trips may include a little walking or a night or two ‘roughing’ it. Check the itinerary for details.

Wildlife & wilderness
With a particular emphasis on wildlife and the environment, these adventures visit some of the world’s greatest game reserves and wildlife regions.

Valid From 31 August 2009