Wondrous Cultural Journey of India

After breakfast, we’ll get you started on your tour: taking you to Old Delhi: visiting Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India –  and driving past Red Fort – once the most opulent fort and jewel of the Mughal Empire (Red Fort is closed on Mondays). Then a rickshaw ride in the old city market of bustling Chandani Chowk.

Then you will see the ‘other’ side – New Delhi. Interestingly, New Delhi offers more historical sites than Old Delhi but reflects a colonial past. At the same time, you will be amazed by the bustle of people getting about the malls, cinemas and of course the food – so many street food options and restaurants to indulge in.

After breakfast we will drive you to Agra, a 4 hour drive covering 205 kms. Upon arrival at your designated hotel, you will be able to rest before stepping out.

Sheroes Hangout Café will be your first stop. This Café is testament to women who are survivors of acid attacks. Run solely by them, it houses a centre that runs campaigns, a library, a boutique where you can purchase handicrafts (and support their cause) and of course great food and drink.

The Café empowers these women and creates awareness for an issue that is very problematic in India.

Early morning, you will be taken to see the wondrous Taj Mahal. Sunrise is considered the best time to see the palace. It is often said that the Taj Mahal seemingly changes colour, depending on the light and how the weather prevails, reflecting different hues of colour on this symbol of love. A testament of Emperor Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz, this white-marbeled palace commands a magical view across the crescent-shaped grassy floodplains of the Yamuna river. A timeless achievement in the range of Indo-Islamic architecture: finely-carved screens, seamless domes and perfection in symmetrical design… this UNESCO Heritage Site took 21 years to construct…a site to behold at sunset.

You will return to the hotel for breakfast and then leave for Jaipur, a 5 hour journey   (240 kms).

Jaipur is bejewelled by grandeur, brilliant architecture and history. You will start your tour by heading for the Amber Fort which houses halls, temples and gardens. On to Sheesh Mahal where elaborate mirror work takes precedence. In the City Palace complex, the seven-storeyed Chandra Mahal is a wonder with each floor housing unique paintings, mirror work, intricate woodwork and sculptural works of art. There is a beautiful peacock gate at the entry to the Mahal complete with screened balconies and a pavilion at the roof with a panoramic view of the city. The evening will wind down with a walk through the bazaar, a maze of arts and craft, made by using rich traditional artisan skills.

You will have an early start following check out. You will be transferred to the Jaipur airport to board your next flight to Kochi via Ahmedabad. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your designated hotel for check-in.

In the evening, you will watch a live performance of Kathakali. This genre of classical dance form has its roots in Kerala. Associated with storytelling like other Indian classical dance arts, the story in ‘Kathakali’ is also communicated through impressive gestures of face and hands complimented by music and singing. 

Kathakali is distinct because of the very exaggerated facial make-up or masks that amplify the facial expressions while the style of dance and movements reflect the age-old martial arts and athletic conventions prevalent in Kerala. Kathakali is greatly followed and admired.

In the morning, you will be taken to Malabar Coast: a gateway to many faiths and cultures. Historically, Muziris – the name of an ancient port city here – traded in precious goods. The earliest Jewish settlers came here, Christianity and the first mosque came to be in Muziris. A flood damaged Muziris, conceding its trading position to Cochin. However, it is still a great testament to the inter-faith existence as its numerous places of worship will show you. After lunch you go on a tour of Kochi’s highlights: including Cheenavala: the place where fishing nets were introduced during Kublai Khan’s era and are still only found here in Kochi.Your final stop: Fort Cochin; built during a colonial past.

The Kettuvallam, or ‘tied together boat,’ is made with Jak tree lashed together with coir rope and reinforced with coconut fibre and boiled cashew shell goop. These large boats have been used for decades as a means of transport goods in Kerala. But today you will board one, complete with comfy chairs, bamboo and palm thatched canopy for shade, even one or two small bedrooms with an ensuite washroom. Enjoy the ride in the backwaters here, in the warmth of the sun…while a cook conjures up a sumptuous meal and a small crew keeps the impressive boat going.

Today is your day to completely plan as you wish; feel free to explore the property and surroundings. A day to perhaps reflect on your tour, as it draws to an end: photographs, adventures, sounds, sights, food, people… you will have so much to reminisce!