The Royal Palaces

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ROOM CATEGORY INCLUDED

Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 4595 (per person)

Ultimate Luxury Accommodation
Tour Price: US$ 7565 (per person)

Note : Above Tour Cost is not valid from 15th December 2008 to 10th January 2009.

Kerala - Coconut Holiday
including 1 night stay in Luxury Kerala Houseboat
Tour Ref.# HTI 0054/RV
( Itinerary Route ) ( Book Now ! )

	Tour Price: 11 nights US$ 7565 (per person) Destination: North India & Rajasthan Transportation : Air-conditioned Luxury Large Size Car with an expert driver Special Feature: Backwaters, Kerala Houseboat, Kathkali Dance Show etc.

ITINERARY

Day 01 - Arrive Mumbai
Arriving Mumbai, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to hotel The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers which has created its own unique history. From Maharajas and Princes to various Kings, Presidents, CEOs and entertainers, the Taj has played the perfect host, supportive of their every need. Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic cantilever stairway. Assistance for check-in will be provided. After check-in overnight at hotel.
Hotel : The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com 

Day 02 - Mumbai
After breakfast you will be taken for a short trip to Elephanta Caves - 9kms by sea by Motor Boat. These 7th  century rock - cut temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. An epitome of Hindu cave culture, Elephanta consists of seven caves of which the most notable is the Mahesa-murti cave. It has a very impressive size with a main body of 27 meters square supported by rows of six columns each. The main temple consists of a large pillared mandapa (hall) and a freestanding square shrine at the west end of the hall. The pillars and reliefs in the cave are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large reliefs depicting different aspects of Shaivaite iconography. Around the perimeter of the cave are sculptured compartments in this cave with images from the Hindu mythology. They depict Lord Shiva as Andhakasuravadha, impaling the demon of darkness, as Kalyanasundara-the gentle loving god, as Ardhanarishwara, Shiva and Shakti, male and female, Nataraja-Shiva as the cosmic dancer and as Ravana anugraha -the destroyer of enemies. Take a Boat Ride to Elephanta Caves.

Later on half day city sightseeing of Mumbai, as it was formerly known - remains India's city of dreams. Built largely by the British around one of the best-protected natural harbors in the world, Mumbai is India's business center and one of the most important commercial hubs between Singapore and Europe. It generates more than a third of the country's GNP, and half of India's foreign trade moves through this busy seaport on the Arabian Sea. Mumbai also is home to the country's prolific Bollywood film industry, which cranks out more feature films than any place in the world. Covering The Gateway of India which is Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument, numerous viceroys and governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name. After that visit The Prince of Wales Museum - This museum stands not too far from the Gateway of India. It has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china and other antics. Carefully presereved, this mid-Victorian Gothic style building built in 1904 with beautiful gardens surrounding it, is worth visiting in Mumbai.

Also visit Dhobi Ghat, A unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. All for a pittance. The "laundries" are called "ghats": row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 03 - Mumbai - Cochin
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Cochin. On arrival you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel Taj Malabar - Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour, the Taj Malabar combines old-world elegance with modern day convenience. In its heritage wing, built in 1935, graceful Victorian interiors aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin. Its tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Malabar ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 04 - Cochin
After breakfast full day city sightseeing of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, Harbour cruise - Cochin has one of the finest natural harbours. The backwaters extending to the east & south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands, formed naturally by alluvial deposits from the rivers. This evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance Show. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Malabar ( 5 Star Deluxe )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 05 - Cochin - Alleppey
After breakfast check-out from the resort and drive to Alleppey which is one of the most important tourist centers in the Kerala state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming.

On arrival check-in into Punnamada Backwater Resort which is a true copy of Kerala's ancient architecture and ambience brewed with an array of international amenities. Only few yards from the starting point of Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, awaiting you here is a wonderful luxurious resort, the abode of total relaxation for the mind, body and the soul.  Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Punnamada Backwater Resort ( Backwater Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.punnamada.com

Day 06 - KERALA HOUSBOAT
After breakfast enjoy the facilities at the Backwater resort. You can also relax your mind and body at the Ayurveda Centre. In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and board a houseboat for a cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. On the boat ride, enjoy magnificent scenery of these palm-shaded backwaters. Spend the evening on board the house boat enjoying the exciting night life in the lake, the outstanding food and royal service. Enjoy a good night sleep under star and moon light in the house boat. Overnight on the houseboat. (Breakfast/Lunch/dinner)

Day 07 - Alleppey - Kumarakom
After breakfast disembark and drive to Kumarakom which is a lovely village located on the banks of beautiful Vembanad lake, it lies in the Kuttanad region of Kerala. This place is bless by nature, with its untouched beauty and amazingly attractive backwaters, it attracts many tourists every year. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks, in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors.

On arrival check-in into Kumarakom Lake Resort, the finest luxury heritage resort in India , nestles on the serene banks of the Vembanad, the vast stretch of tranquil, emerald green backwaters, in one of India 's hottest holiday spots, Kerala. Sprawling across 25 acres of lush greenery, set in soul-stirring ambience, Kumarakom Lake Resort exudes the charm of Kerala's true heritage. The villas and suites of the resort are a careful reconstruction of manas , the 16 th century traditional homesteads of God's Own Country. Most of them have been transplanted from their original locations across the State and reassembled painstakingly by hand, plank by plank, tile by tile. Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Kumarakom Lake Resort ( Lake Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.thepaul.in

Day 08 - Kumarakom
After breakfast rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Kumarakom Lake Resort ( Lake Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.thepaul.in

Day 09 - Kumarakom - Kovalam
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kovalam which is one of the loveliest beaches in the world. After arrival you will check-in into Taj Green Cove Resort - Located on one of India’s most popular beaches, Kovalam, the property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwater, lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. With its exotic tropical beauty and relaxing hospitality, this getaway is the perfect place to enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul. The rest of of the day is free for you to explore Kovalam beach on your own. You can also take a walk along the rustic countryside. Photograph your family with the back ground of beach and waves. Watch sun set in the Arabian sea. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Green Cove Resort ( Beach Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 10 & 11 - Kovalam
After breakfast full day at leisure at beach side area. Kovalam is one of the loveliest beaches in the world. When you are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Not to speak of the delightful seafood fare including lobsters available at the beach-side restaurants of Kovalam. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the Kovalam beachside is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. At present Kovalam is developed not only as a beach resort, but also as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn in detail the methods of doing Yoga and meditation taught by experts. Overnight at resort. (Breakfast)
Hotel : Taj Green Cove Resort ( Beach Resort )
Hotel Website : http://www.tajhotels.com

Day 12 - Trivandrum - Mumbai (Departure)
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to catch flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Car and driver will be at your disposal until departure transfer to International airport to catch flight for onward journey. (Breakfast)