New Delhi Agra Rajasthan Goa Karnataka Kerala By Train – 26 Days

After breakfast our city tour begins with premier tastefully done Mughal architectures – Red Fort [Drive Past], Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid Mosque & Humayun’s Tomb. Walk in the slim streets of busy ‘Chandni Chowk’ with lots of Indian fast-food joints to try out, savour an ice-cream as you click pictures at ‘India Gate’. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, there will be some leisure time to wander the city, possibly taking in the rich classiness of the beautiful Itimad-ud-Daulah, a 17th century tomb constructed for the Emperor Jehangir’s chief minister that reflects the marble majesty of the more famous Taj Mahal (hence its rather apt title of ‘Baby Taj).

In the evening board your train for Jaipur. Night stay is in Jaipur

Today enjoy the day on your own. In late afternoon you shall be transferred to Jaipur railway station to board train for Udaipur. It is a scenic 6 -7 hours train journey.

On arrival at Udaipur you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Enjoy a free day in Udaipur or try optional happenings such as discovering the Monsoon Palace or enjoying Rajasthani cuisine with a cooking class,

In the evening board your train for Bundi. On arrival at Bundi check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Bundi – surrounded by Aravalli hills has interesting monuments such as forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols, chattris & carved pillars. Travel around various Step wells of Bundi which have been made over a period of three centuries by royal families & people of Bundi who took interest in a worthwhile cause.

Also, stopover at Taragarh Fort and its Palace. In time get transferred to Kota to board your overnight train for Mumbai.

On arrival at Mumbai, you shall be transferred to your hotel.

Mumbai – the financial hub of India attracts people from all over the country to its prosperous streets. After freshen up explore Gateway of India built by Parsis community, escaping persecution in Persia during the 17th century. Also see Prince of Wales Museum, having an outstanding compilation of Indian miniatures from the Mughals and Rajasthan schools. Overnight stay is in Mumbai

Note that check in time at hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availability at the time of check in.

Move by early morning train to Goa. Along this train route see stunning scenery as we surpass the amazing countryside of Western Ghats..  Goa shores were colonised by Portuguese in 16th century. Till today the Portuguese influence is still very much apparent – the main religion is still Roman Catholic and siestas are still widely applied in the hot afternoons. Overnight stay.

Today in afternoon take a walk around Panjim city where you will find glimpses of European style in balconies, red tiled roofs etc.
Also visit a local spice plantation, to learn a little of the spices and plants that grow between these fertile landscapes. A journey of the gardens with a local guide will disclose the massive wealth of Goa’s aromatic treasures, containing pepper and nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon.
Night stay is in Goa

On arrival at railway station you will be driven for 1.5 Hours for check in at Hampi hotel.

Visit the Hampi group of temples exploring Virupaksha temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple. Mesmerize yourself with art and architecture of the Hampi site. In the evening opt for a visit to the local bazaar or stay at leisure. Night stay is in Hampi

Note that check in time at the hotel is around 1200 Hours. Room is subject to availability at the time of check in.

Relax at your hotel. At the time of checkout drive to  railway station to board your train for Mysore.

[The train is basic with overnight beds]

Morning drive to Bylakuppe and discover the Namdroling Monastery - home to nearly 5,000 Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns Namdroling Monastery is recognized as a base for teachings of the Buddha and the Nyingma belief - the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Carry on to Madikeri for your overnight stay

Morning board a train from a nearby railway station for Kochi [ Kerala]. This train will take you to God’s Own Country – Kerala.

Verged by the Arabian Sea in the West, Kerala is blessed with an exceptional set of terrestrial features such as a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, plush hill stations and exotic wildlife. On arrival at Kochi get transferred to your hotel.

Today, view 16th century St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India. Head to the harbor where local fishermen continue to use cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, distinctively unique to Kochi, living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast dating back to the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. Time to relax before tonight's colorful Kathakali dance performance, Kerala's popular classical and emotional form of dance, drama and music.

Today, drive to Periyar National Park hanging high in the Cardamom Hills, the best-known wildlife sanctuary in South India, home to elephants, antelope, deer and many species of birdlife. Its diversity of flora and fauna, virgin lakes and impressive forests will surely make this visit most memorable.

Optionally wander leisurely through one of the area's spice plantations. You'll hear about the many different ways to use these spices in both medicines and in the preparation of food.

Today check out and we shall directly drive you to Cochin airport to board your flight for onwards journey. Tour Ends