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21 DAYS - Activity Level : Easy

Delhi - 3 Days
Varanasi - 1 Day
Agra - 2 Days
Ranthambore - 2 Days
Jaipur - 2 Days
Udaipur - 2 Days

Mumbai - 2 Days
Aurangabad - 2 Days
Mumbai Airport - 1 Day
Cochin - 2 Days
Backwaters - 2 Days

Highlights

Eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Guided Walk Through Four Ancient Bazaars
Cycle Rickshaw and Tuk-Tuk Ride Experience
An Amazing Museum and an Art Gallery
Kathakali Dance Performance
Backwaters Houseboat Cruise in Kerala
Cooking Lesson and Home Dining Experience
Sunrise and Sunset Boat Cruises on the Holy River
Ancient Aarti Prayer Ceremony at Varanasi
Sunrise and Sunset Visits to the Taj Mahal
Three Wildlife safaris at Ranthambore Tiger Park
Elephant and Camel Back Rides
Rajasthani Village Walk
Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
Fisherman's Village Walk at Cochin

This Journey is also available as a customizable Escorted Private Tour

Mar 4^th: Arrive at Delhi - most flights arrive either in the evening or at night, and we strongly recommend that our guests consider arriving a day earlier as this allows you to recuperate from jetlag and serves as insurance against international flight delays and cancellations. An additional night's hotel stay can be added at the time of reservation.

You are greeted as you exit the jet bridge from your plane and are escorted through the complete arrival process, including immigration, baggage claim, and customs. After this process you will be met by an Easy Tours Travel Facilitator or your Accompanying Tour Director and ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are now driven to your top-ranked luxury hotel and assisted with your check-in if it is 3 pm or later.

The Leela Palace Delhi has large opulent rooms and interiors, a selection of fine dining options that include Indian and western cuisine, and a great location in Delhi's Diplomatic Enclave that is conducive to easier sightseeing while avoiding the bad traffic of the historic and vibrant city. The Leela Hotels have been awarded the World's Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure, USA, based on the results of their World's Best Awards Readers Survey in 2021. This is the second year in a row the hotel group has won this award. The Leela Delhi is the capital's top ranked hotel, as is the Leela Palace Udaipur where you will stay. In Delhi you are staying in a Royal Club Room, which offers 24-hour butler service and access to the gorgeous Royal Club Lounge. Premium spirits, cocktails and wines are part of the evening Club hours, as are delicious canapes which can serve as dinner for most guests. While you are here, we recommend that you take the time to enjoy the incredible facilities of your hotel, including their beautiful heated rooftop infinity pool and their wonderful spa and its fascinating offerings, which include a spice massage. Yoga sessions are available in the mornings.

A Note about Meals during your exploration: We are the foremost experts on culinary travel in India, as evidenced by the unique culinary journeys we also offer. On this cultural exploration, there are seven special dinner experiences during this journey, plus the two included dinners at the Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambore National Park. We do not include dinner every night during this exploration as we feel that this is a waste of your money, but you have the option to ask to do so for a supplement. Experience tells us that our guests frequently have a very light dinner at the end of the day, and to pay the $100 per person or more for the dinner options at your luxury hotels, palaces, and resorts is a bad value in our opinion. Most of the hotels and resorts have multiple dining venues that you may want to try. For example, your Delhi lodging is home to one of the world's highest rated Japanese restaurants, as well as an excellent French-Italian restaurant. All meals we include are among the finest cuisine options available in India, including the lunches at restaurants personally experienced and handpicked by our founder. Almost all the dining venues you experience with us will offer choices between fresh and incredible local cuisine and high-quality western options.

Mar 5^th: Delhi. (B, L, D) Begin your exploration of India with a drive to the awe-inspiring 12th century Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delhi has over 500 ancient structures strewn over its vast expanse, with many of them in various states of disrepair. In terms of amazing achievements of man from almost a millennium ago the Qutab Minar is unmatched in its architectural brilliance and longevity.

This 240 ft tall medieval tower is a symbol of victory and a spectacular example of Persian architecture, with intricate carvings and gorgeous inlaid calligraphy. There is a winding stairway inside the tower that goes up all the way to the balcony at the very top of the tower – unfortunately, this is no longer accessible for visitors.

Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of the Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque, stands the legendary 2500-year-old Iron Pillar. The pillar stands 23 feet and 8 inches tall, weighs about 7000 pounds, and has inscriptions that are still legible to a great extent. This massive cast iron structure is said to have been moved from its distant cave shelter to Delhi around the 12th century and has not rusted over the millenniums.

From here you will proceed to Lutyens' historic New Delhi. Upon arrival you will stop at the following attractions -

From here you will be driven to visit the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, making your way through Connaught Place, which is New Delhi's downtown and still retains its colonial architecture and design. You can choose to break for lunch either before or after your next experience. If you would like to have a complete lunch during this afternoon, your Tour Director Guide will make restaurant suggestions based on where you are at that time, and your cuisine preferences. Because of the plentiful breakfast options, many of our guests just ask for a banana or other light snack for lunch.

The Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is a large gold domed Sikh House of Worship and is the most prominent Gurudwara in Delhi. It was first built as a small structure in 1783 and then expanded over the next few decades. The campus includes the temple, a kitchen, a school, an art gallery, and the Sarovar (Holy Tank) whose water is called Amrit (Holy Nectar). As with all Sikh Gurudwaras, volunteers, including children and the elderly, the extremely wealthy and not so well-off perform almost all the chores required to keep the Gurudwara functioning. A fascinating part of this is the daily langar (community meal), and you will witness as thousands of meals are served to all visitors who want one, regardless of race, religion, gender or belief. Only vegetarian food is served, so that no religions dietary restrictions are violated. Click here for a CNN story on how U.S. based Sikhs contributed with large langars during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Continue your exploration of Delhi with a visit to the magnificent tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Delhi has such an abundance of amazing monuments that this Tomb Complex (1562 A.D.) does not quite get the acclaim that it deserves.

A five-minute drive from here will take you to the gorgeous Lodi Gardens. Spread over 90 acres of extremely expensive real estate in the heart of New Delhi, this massive verdant garden area has ancient trees lush landscaping with beautiful flower beds surrounding an interesting collection of royal tombs from the 15th & 16th century. A large number of birdlife is also found here.

From the gardens you will be driven a very short distance to the Lodi Art District - https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/lodhi-art-district-st-art-india/NQKi787tb1GHJA?hl=en. Delhi may not be famous for its street art and murals, but the large amount of street art found all over this upscale part of the city will both surprise and delight you. The subject matter ranges from quirky to distinctly ethnic Indian and there will be surprises around every corner. After these stops a fairly short drive on tree lined avenues surrounded by embassies of the world's major nations will bring you back to your hotel.

Sometime during the day today, a tailor will take measurements for your traditional Indian apparel which will be expertly tailored and presented to you at Jaipur. You will be shown options for colors and other customizable elements and can select based on your preferences. These garments will be made of fine materials and will make some of the special experiences on your exploration even more memorable.

Welcome Dinner and Cultural Orientation: This evening you will join your fellow group explorers for dinner along with your Tour Director Guide at your hotel. Your expert guide will give you an introduction to Indian history and present-day culture, and then answer any questions you may have. You will have a choice between two delicious set-menus with Indian and western cuisine options.

Mar 6^th: Delhi. (B, L) You are driven to ancient Old Delhi this morning. One of your most enduring memories of India will be your next experience as you walk through the ancient Chandni Chowk Bazaar, home to the world's largest spice market. The cacophony of sounds which have echoed through the centuries, the cries of hawkers and the animated bargaining, along with the incredible colors and the diverse smells emanating from the street food stalls and spice markets combine to make for an experience that is unique to this ancient bazaar. This will be followed by an e-rickshaw ride which ends up taking you to the Jama Masjid (1650 A.D.), the largest mosque in India.

It is an active place of worship and its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. Bare legs and shoulders are not permitted inside the mosque and we include rented sarongs and scarves.

After this you will drive close by for lunch, a choice between set menus at the historic Curzon Room in the century old Maidens Hotel which is part of the Oberoi Group.

Your next stop after lunch will be at the awe-inspiring Red Fort. The great city inside the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort offers visitors a large number of architectural and historical attractions. The Red Fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire for more than two hundred and fifty years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing example of a blend of Persian, Indian and European architecture. Both this fortified city and the Jama Masjid were built by Shah Jahan, the emperor who created the Taj Mahal. After exploring the Fort, you are driven back to your hotel so that you can arrive before Delhi's hard to describe rush hour begins.

Mar 7^th: Delhi - Varanasi. (B) You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel in the mid-morning and driven to the airport after the rush hour and you are assisted with boarding your early afternoon flight to Varanasi (Banaras). India's holiest city is the oldest continuously inhabited city on our planet with a history that dates back five millennia. You will fly on India's best full-service airline and passable meal options will be served.

Before heading to your lodging, you are driven to Sarnath, a major Buddhism pilgrimage site, as it is most easily accessed from the airport.

Sarnath was also where the first Buddhist Sangha was formed and the area is home to a number of other ancient Buddhist monuments that you will drive by. A highlight of the visit to Sarnath is a brief stop at the very small Archaeological Museum with its impressive collection of artifacts, which include the spectacular 4 headed lion that is India's national emblem.

From Sarnath you will head towards the ancient city and your boutique small palace hotel. Arrive at the historic Nadesar Palace and you are assisted with your check-in. This is the only luxury lodging option in Varanasi and it is situated in the middle of 28 acres of verdant gardens, making it an oasis in the middle of this extremely congested city. You are at leisure for the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy the facilities.

Mar 8^th: Varanasi. (B, L) Two of the highlights of your time in Varanasi are the sunset and sunrise cruises on the Ganga. This morning you can sleep in or you can join your Tour Director Guide and start your day with a sunrise morning boat cruise on the Ganga. It is a surreal experience to arrive at the Ghats just before dawn and witness the eons old scene - the most devout Hindu's are waiting at the holiest Ghats to greet the rising sun as they immerse themselves in the Ganga, while others on the wide riverbank steps meditate and practice yoga. It is also a great opportunity to experience some of Hinduisms ancient and iconic rituals.

You can simultaneously witness the religious ceremony as a recently deceased Hindu's ashes are immersed in the river so that their soul can achieve salvation, while nearby another Brahmin priest orchestrates the naming ceremony of a newborn.

Return to your palace for breakfast and to freshen-up and get some relaxation, or enjoy the historical structure and its gorgeous gardens for a couple of hours. Acceptable dining options are very limited in Varanasi and, before you venture out in the early afternoon, you will be escorted on a two-minute walk will bring you to the highly rated Chowk Restaurant at the Taj Ganges Hotel for lunch. The Taj Ganges is located on the same campus as your Palace Hotel and you can order a la carte from their extensive menu of Indian and/or western offerings.

Head back to the Holy River and you will now explore the other really ancient parts of Varanasi, including visits to some of the iconic temples that lie along the banks of the holy river – please note that, as your Tour Director Guide will point out, some temples are only open to Hindu's. You will walk through the narrow lanes and through the crowded bazaars to discover a way of life that has not changed much over the past few millennia. Your Tour Director Guide will guide you on a walk on some of the Ghats - it is a lot less crowded on these Ghats before the evening ceremony and sunset rituals, which allows for a close-up look as pilgrims and locals go about their rituals and related activities. The Ghats on the holy river's banks stretch for a few miles and are always full of activity, but the middle of the whole expanse is where the holiest Ghats are located and where the main evening ceremony takes place.

You can float your own lamps from your boat while you watch the ancient prayer and oil lamp ceremony at sunset. Your boat enables you to enjoy a great view of the ceremony and hundreds of lamps as they float down the holy river.

Mar 9^th: Varanasi - Agra. (B, D) You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel in the morning and driven to Varanasi airport where you will be assisted in boarding your flight to Agra. This flight departs right around noon and airplane food is served during it if you are so inclined, or you can choose to get a snack after checking in at your resort after arrival. You are driven from Agra airport to your luxury resort and assisted with your check-in. Easy Tours includes an upgraded room with a private balcony that overlooks the Taj Mahal, framed by the lush gardens and trees of the Amar Vilas. There are nightly cultural performances at the resort, just as there will be at your resorts in Jaipur, Narlai, and Udaipur.

Special Dinner Experience at the Oberoi Amarvilas: Description by Oberoi Hotels - A specially crafted meal, served by your butlers, under the stars and beside cascading water bodies. Choose between a specially curated four course dinner and our recommended Royal Indian 'thali'.

Mar 10^th: Agra. (B, L) Enjoy a sunrise visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. Morning is the best time to experience it during most of the year, except for some years during which morning fog in late December and most of January can affect photography. Since it is more expensive for Indian tourists to enter at this early hour the massive monument and its surrounding Mughal gardens have a lot fewer visitors than the rest of the day. The world's greatest monument dedicated to love is obviously a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal was completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 A.D. as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular white marble mausoleum was created by about 22,000 skilled craftsmen, many of whom were brought here from far away nations, and it took twenty two years to complete. As the rising sun's rays illuminate the precious stones inlaid in the marble they will gleam momentarily and change colors. When you experience the Taj Mahal with an Easy Tours' Tour Director Guide who shares unique insights into its innumerable facets, some of their passion for this masterpiece may rub off on you. Return to your resort in time for breakfast and then enjoy the amazing facilities and views of your resort for a couple of hours.

Join your Tour Director Guide in the very early afternoon and head out for lunch which will be a lavish buffet featuring both Indian and Western options at the popular Taj Bano restaurant in the upscale ITC Mughal Hotel – ITC Hotels in India are recognized for the excellence of their cuisine. After lunch you will head to the first red sandstone fort of North India, the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1565 by India's greatest Mughal ruler, Emperor Akbar. Its royal audience halls, immense stone courtyards, marble mosque and the private royal chambers give us a glimpse of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. There are unique views of the Taj Mahal from a section of the fort, including the room where Emperor Shah Jahan's infamous son and successor, Aurangzeb, imprisoned his father during the latter years of his life.

When the Taj Mahal closes right after sunset you will enjoy the short walk to your resort which is just a few hundred yards away.

Mar 11^th: Agra - Ranthambore. (B, D) You are assisted with your check-out from your resort and then you are driven to the Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri, located just off the highway before you turn into the countryside towards Ranthambore. Snacks and refreshments will be available in your vehicle enroute. The massive 10th century Chand Baori stepwell is one of the most impressive in all of India and is located next to a charming Rajasthani village. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/india-beautiful-stepwells-spc/index.html. The depth of the stepwell is that of a modern 7 story building, and there are stairs (no longer accessible to visitors) leading down to the bottom from three of the 100 foot plus wide (35 meters) sides, creating symmetry and beauty to the ancient structure.

Continue on with your journey to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park). The second half of this drive is through rural Rajasthan and there are multiple photo opportunities of the colorful villagers as they go about their daily activities. You will also encounter many camels and other livestock on this drive. Upon arrival you are assisted with your check-in at your ultra-luxury tented jungle camp. You will stay in a luxury tent at the top-rated Oberoi Vanyavilas, and all three meals are included at your jungle resort.

Since 2006 Easy Tours of India has tracked the percentage of tiger sightings for our guests in Ranthambore National Park. More than 85% of our guests have had tiger sightings during this period, with most of them getting multiple sightings.

Mar 12^th: Ranthambore. (B, L, D) Covering an area of 410 square kilometers, Ranthambore National Park runs along the eastern spur of the Aravalli Mountain range until it meets with the Vindhya ranges. Ranthambore was once the Jaipur rulers' private hunting ground. In 1972 it was declared a Sanctuary and was brought under the Project Tiger Conservation platform. Dry deciduous forest covers most of the park, and the vegetation is lush around the many small lakes and ponds. The open grasslands that are the tiger's favorite terrain account for much of the land on the higher slopes.

Enjoy wildlife safaris into the park in the morning and afternoon. In between safaris, you have the option of a guided visit to the Ranthambore Fort. This excursion does have a fairly steep climb with almost 300 stairs that are always surrounded by dozens of monkeys. The massive Fort is one of the finest examples of the ancient Hindu concept of Vana-Durg, or a fort protected by a jungle. The history of this Fort (built in 944 A.D.) is a chronicle full of tales of blood and valor. Successively occupied by the Muslims, Rajput's and Mughals, the insides of the fort today lie partly in ruin. There are superb views of the park to be had from its ramparts. There is also an ancient temple located in the fort which attracts a continuous stream of pilgrims from the surrounding villages. A note of caution – a large number of aggressive langurs (a larger than average South Asian monkey) have made the Fort area their home and it is not advisable to have food or shiny objects visible as you tour the fort as such items will be aggressively snatched away and this could cause injury.

Mar 13^th: Ranthambore – Jaipur. (B, L, D)Enjoy your last safari into Ranthambore in the morning. Return to your resort after the safari to freshen up and have breakfast. You are assisted with your check-out from your resort by noon and we recommend you have at least a light lunch (this is included in the pricing) before you are driven to Jaipur. Sawai Madhopur, the community located next to Ranthambore, is a rural small town, and you will drive through it to get a glimpse of life here before you head for the UNESCO World Heritage City of Jaipur.

Upon your arrival at Jaipur, you are assisted with your check-in at your boutique luxury palace hotel Located in the heart of the city's most prestigious area, with 47 acres of lush manicured greenery, your home in Jaipur is the awe-inspiring Rambagh Palace, the Maharaja's former residence. The Palace is next to Jaipur's finest golf course, the Rambagh Golf Course. There are Rajasthani cultural performances at your palace almost every night.

After checking in you will be presented with your bespoke Indian garments and whenever you are ready, today or on another day, the Palace Butlers will be happy to assist you in donning your new clothes – lady colleagues at the Palace will assist ladies with their clothing. Today is a good day to dress up as an Indian Royal as your dinner experience befits the apparel.

Royal Dinner Experience: Dinner will be at an incredibly charming and atmospheric venue this evening. The unique Steam Bar & Restaurant on the Rambagh Palace grounds is comprised of a lovingly restored 19th century narrow-gauge steam train and a recreated colonial era railway station – you can eat in the train compartments or on the authentic colonial era platform next to the train. You will select from a choice of wonderful multi-course set menus with delicious Jaipur and western cuisine options – your preferences will be required prior to this.

Mar 14^th: Jaipur. (B, L) Start your day after breakfast with an excursion to the Galtaji (Monkey Temple) Temple Complex. The complex of temples here is collectively known as the Monkey Temple because a large tribe of monkeys lives here and believes they own the complex. The temple complex has several ponds that are fed by springs on the hill tops and Hindu pilgrims consider taking a dip in these to be purifying. The monkeys agree and swim around the main pond with reckless abandon and many of them can be seen diving into the water from various locations.

Monkeys are everywhere and they are obviously in-charge! Observing them can be fascinating for someone not used to their social behavior and grooming practices and rituals.

From here you will be driven to the Amber Fort and Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring complex was completed in 1599 AD after 25 years of construction. You will be driven to the back entrance of the main complex as Easy Tours does not offer elephant-back ascents up the ramparts of the complex because many of the elephants are not treated well. Please note that there are organizations that rescue and care for such elephants in camps in the Jaipur region and in many other parts of India.

Your Tour Director Guide will regale you with the history of the various structures as you take in the amazing workmanship of the craftsmen who created them. Return to the valley beneath the fort/palace complex and you will head to the Pink City, stopping for lunch at the Jaipur Trident Hotel along the way – this upscale hotel is owned and operated by the Oberoi Group and is located on the road from Amber to the Pink City.

Guests who want to do so will be driven back to your lavish Palace for a late afternoon of relaxation. Jaipur is India's shopping mecca for all sorts of exquisite hand-crafted items, fabrics, carpets, as well as jewelery, and those who are interested in shopping can have their Tour Director Guide serve as a personal shopper until the late evening while your chauffeur takes the rest back to your nearby palace hotel.

Mar 15^th: Jaipur. (B, L) Begin your exploration of the walled pink city of Jaipur. You will start with a stroll through the fascinating main bazaar in the heart of the pink city and watch the locals as they shop for pretty much everything a consumer can possibly want. This atmospheric and crowded bazaar has street sellers of vegetables, fruit and other goods occupying the curbs with their displays. There are stores selling spices, nuts, flowers, toys, footwear, hardware, and a lot more, mixed in with street food vendors and brick and mortar eating establishments. Byzantine alleys lead into inner courtyard shops.

After a few minutes of walking, you will get a photo opportunity at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind).

Jaipur is India's capital for jewelery, and the largest supplier of exquisitely crafted jewelery to much of the world, and Johri Bazaar (jewelers' market) is a historic enclave that happens to be the center of the largest precious stone cutting area on our planet. You will experience a short walk through a section of the area (please note that all the jewelry manufacturers are located on higher floors and so you will not be seeing the jewelers at work) and soon arrive at a small boutique hotel, The Johri. This five-room inn has an excellent restaurant where you will enjoy lunch. Locally sourced fresh organic vegetarian cuisine is served here, and you will order ala carte from their extensive menu of seasonal and regional offerings. We strongly recommend all their chaat and appetizer items, but their main entrees are not to be missed either.

After lunch you will proceed for a visit to the Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a fascinating stone observatory built in 1728. Among other instruments, it includes a massive stone sun dial that is accurate to within 2 seconds.

Located next to Jantar Mantar is the City Palace, the royal residence that was built in a delightful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. A part of this massive complex is still occupied by the Royal family and is not accessible to the public. Your Tour Director will regale you with stories of royalty as you admire their trappings. This immense complex also houses a number of museums that include displays of armor, miniature paintings, and a large and impressive collection of ancient royal garments and accoutrements.

Mar 16^th: Jaipur – Narlai. (B, L, D) You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel in the morning after a slightly early breakfast that, as always, contains dozens of Indian and western preparations, as well as many options for made to order dishes. Join your Tour Director Guide and your chauffeur and you are now driven to historic Rawla Narlai, a 17th century Royal Hunting Lodge located right in the middle of a wonderful and authentic ancient village. Rawla means Royal Palace, Narlai is the name of the village.

Most of the so-called rural tourism offered in Rajasthan is of smaller villages that receive a constant stream of visitors and most of their guest experiences are, at least partially, staged.

The ancient royal lodge has been meticulously restored by its owners, the Royal Family of Jodhpur, and calling it boutique would be a vast understatement. There are two wings – one being the original 17th Century hunting lodge, and a more modern wing that was built around 20 years ago. Near the lodge and visible from various vantage points is a massive ancient volcanic granite boulder called Elephant Hill, with a historic small Hindu Temple at its peak, and many caves carved into its facade.

Please note that the lodge is a unique rural historical experience and is not a luxury hotel – the amenities will not match your previous lodging. Although the rooms in the new wing are larger and have more modern conveniences and much more natural light, we recommend the rooms in the ancient wing as their incredible historical charm is a unique experience not found elsewhere. However, if you do not want a paucity of natural light, we recommend the new wing. Rooms in both wings have upscale traditional Rajasthani artwork, furnishings and décor, and the heritage wing rooms obviously have more antiques. If you choose the new wing, you will still experience a lot of the 17th Century lodge's original features. You will select your room preference at the time of your reservation.

The cuisine served at the lodge wins accolades from everyone who stays here, and most of it is sourced from their own organic farms and orchards, as well as other farms surrounding the village. The chefs are attentive and will customize your meals to your preferences, and just like in every resort that you will stay in while in Rajasthan, there are live local cultural performances every evening. The lodge also offers exceptional service levels – nothing is too much for the staff.

After checking in and a slightly late lunch, you will enjoy an extended walk through the large village to get an introduction to the lives of the simple but proud Rajasthani villagers. There will be young boys and girls herding goats, sheep, and cows around the area, and many other experiences that are only found in rural Rajasthan. There will also be multiple opportunities to view various indigenous activities. if you communicate with the villagers through your Tour Director Guide, their simplicity, warmth, and hospitality will captivate you.

Ancient Stepwell Dinner Experience: After sunset you will be assisted in climbing aboard a traditional bullock cart and transported through the dark countryside to a charming 16th Century stepwell. Your magical dinner will be at the stepwell, accompanied by live local folk music and accented by 1200 oil lamps adorning the steps of the stepwell. As you enjoy a multi-course dinner of local delicacies and the lodge's attentive service, the oil lamps and countless stars will illuminate this amazing night.

Mar 17^th: Narlai – Udaipur. (B) Guests can select one of two activities for the early morning today, or choose to relax and sleep in. Couples and family/friends can temporarily separate to enjoy one or the other – advance notice of your preference will be needed.

The first option, after tea/coffee and a snack, is to accompany one of the lodge stewards (they do this daily) up the 756 ancient hand carved steps that lead to the peak of Elephant Hill where you can enjoy the spectacular views and visit the small Hindu Temple. Your lodge steward will carry a hot beverage and snacks for your refreshment at the top of the boulder.

Sightings of tigers at India's better National Parks are much more frequent than leopards, but leopard sightings are fairly common around Narlai, which is not a National Park. At the least you will enjoy an adventure into small rural communities and the jungle – 88% of our guests have had one or more leopard sightings during this adventure. The ride is bumpy as you are traversing rough terrain.

In both cases you will return to the lodge to have a late delicious breakfast and then you can enjoy your fascinating surroundings for a little while. You will be assisted with your check out just before noon and then you will proceed for the drive to Udaipur with a stop enroute. A very short scenic drive will bring you to one of India's least mentioned historical and architectural marvels, the 15th Century Jain Temple that is an active place of worship.

Explore the awe-inspiring marble Ranakpur Jain Temple Complex. The main temple's twenty-nine halls are supported by fourteen hundred and forty-four massive yet intricately carved marble pillars, and no two are of the same design. There is an abundance of intricate sculptures and friezes and the enormous scale of the monument and the exquisite details of its design have to be experienced to be believed.

After this you will continue on with your journey to Udaipur. This is one of the most picturesque drives in all of India, and snacks will be available in your vehicle during the drive. As you go through the Aravalli hills there will be photo opportunities of village life and livestock, including many camels. The rolling landscape, the languid lifestyle, and the charm of the local villagers will make you ask for frequent stops during this 2-to-2.5-hour journey. Arrive at magical Udaipur in the early evening and you are driven to a jetty where you are assisted in boarding the Leela Palace boat and then you will enjoy the short cruise to your exquisite top ranked luxury resort. Your upgraded room has gorgeous views of the lake and Jag Mandir Island both from the room and its small balcony, and the Island is beautifully lit up at night. This evening you can enjoy the unique local entertainment that the resort orchestrates in the evenings.

Mar 18^th: Udaipur. (B, L, D) Enjoy a slightly early breakfast this morning. The reason for the slightly early morning breakfast is that the City Palace Complex has an hour at the beginning of every morning where they charge a little more and thus get significantly fewer visitors at that time. Your exploration of the vast complex will almost certainly take longer than an hour, but you will have done most parts that the later visitors will flock too.

The fabled City Palace Complex contains multiple old palaces and other structures. You will explore beautifully decorated rooms with thousands of exquisitely sculpted mirrors covering the walls, massive ivory doors (a dark reminder of Indian royalty's passion for hunting), brightly colored stained-glass windows, expansive inlaid marble balconies, and the unique peacock courtyard. There are amazing views to be had from this structure, especially of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir Island. Enjoy a tour of the amazing Crystal Gallery which houses the world's largest collection of priceless crystal. Marvel at pieces like the complete bedroom furniture set in crystal and the gorgeous crystal fountains in the courtyards.

Although this restaurant has always had one of the best locations in Udaipur, with the option to dine al fresco with a spectacular view, its cuisine used to be just about average. The restaurant is now operated by the Taj Hotel group because of which the quality of the cuisine has significantly improved and the food is now very good. You will order from a large selection of Indian and western entrée options.

After lunch you are driven to visit the Monsoon Palace, a small hilltop structure that offers amazing views of the picturesque city of Udaipur and its lakes and palaces. The journey up the hill takes you through a protected wildlife sanctuary and occasional small wildlife sightings can be experienced.

Return to the lake area and proceed for a cruise on captivating Lake Pichola in one of the Leela Palace boats to enjoy wonderful sunset views of Lake Pichola and magical Udaipur. Return to your resort after the cruise.

Evening: Your Tour Director Guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to the City Palace complex where you will witness the ancient traditional Holika Dahan ceremony, or custom of lighting the Holi Pyre, on the night before Holi. The Royal Family of Mewar (Udaipur and the surrounding regions) performs this celebration with great pomp and ceremony. A grand procession led by the Royals arrives and then the ceremony begins. After the ritual prayers for this occasion, the King lights the pyre. The end of the event is a traditional dance by a local troupe, performed only at this one occasion every year.
Dinner is included at the City Palace after the ceremony.

Mar 19^th: Udaipur. (B, L, D) Today is Holi, the festival of colors, one of India's biggest festivals. We do not recommend celebrating Holi in almost all cities of India as this festival includes intoxicated youth who can get aggressive in the celebratory crowds. The upscale area (in the small city of Udaipur) where our guests celebrate is an exception and the celebration here is a lot of fun. The locals take to the streets and everyone douses each other with powdered colors as well as colored water. You will walk through residential neighborhoods and small bazaars as you celebrate. Our guests are provided with traditional Indian clothing on the day before Holi and you are welcome to keep the colored clothing as a memory afterwards. Return to your gorgeous resort after your celebration for their lavish buffet with Indian and western cuisine.

Afternoon - you are at leisure to enjoy the extensive facilities, available activities, and views at your amazing luxury resort this afternoon. None of Udaipur's attractions and bazaars will be open today.

Lake Pichola Special Dinner Experience: This evening you will join your fellow group explorers for dinner along with your Tour Director Guide at your resort. There is fascinating ethnic entertainment every evening at your resort, and today that will be followed by a special candlelit dinner on the lakefront terrace above the resorts Indian Fine Dining Restaurant. We strongly recommend the Royal Dinner with a mouthwatering array of dishes that the Udaipur Royals feasted on, but a set menu with multiple courses of western food is also available.

Mar 20^th: Udaipur – Mumbai (B) You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel in the morning. With its small-town atmosphere, laid back Udaipur is one of India's best places to explore on foot, and your Tour Director Guide will take you for walks in small local bazaars and other interesting parts of this charming city. You will also enjoy a slightly bumpy (there are no shock absorbers) three-wheeler scooter ride through the streets.

In the afternoon you are driven to the airport which is located well outside the city and assisted in boarding your mid-afternoon flight to Mumbai. Your flight in on India's best full-service airline and passable meal options will be offered during the flight.

Upon your arrival in Mumbai, you will be driven to your oceanfront lodging and assisted with your check-in.

The legendary hotel (not including the adjoining Taj Mahal Towers, a nondescript mid-level hotel that opened in 1973) started construction at the end of the 19th century, and was completed in December 1902, well before the Gateway of India monument that it faces. Your upgrade to a suite in the Palace Wing includes Taj Club facilities and its associated benefits.

The area around your hotel is where middle class residents of Mumbai come in the evenings to enjoy the ocean breeze and socialize. It is a great place to walk on your own, as locals sit on the seaside promenade and street vendors hawk their wares to them, from street food to toys to foot massages! You can safely and comfortably explore the surroundings of your Mumbai lodging until the late evening.

Mar 21^st: Mumbai. (B, L) Proceed for a guided city tour of Mumbai. The tour begins across the street from your hotel, at The Gateway of India, situated overlooking Mumbai's harbor. This structure was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai and India in 1905. After this a short drive takes you to the impressive Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, previously known as Victoria Terminus.

From here you will enjoy a walk-through Mumbai's most interesting areas, stopping every few minutes to admire historic attractions while being surrounded by local residents going about their daily activities. The next 3 hours will be an experience where you will walk just under 2 miles, stopping frequently at the multitude of attractions. You will stroll through busy street bazaars and public parks where cricket is being played on most days, stopping to take in the incredible architectural details of century plus old Gothic and Victorian buildings that were constructed during the British Raj.

You will admire the historic Flora Fountain, and then another short walk will take you to Horniman's Circle. Next, after a 2-minute walk, is Mumbai's Town Hall, situated by the Mumbai's docks. After this you will take another short walk and stop to enjoy a brief tour inside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, which was known as the Prince of Wales Museum until very recently. This is Mumbai's premier museum, designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, and includes sections of paintings, archeology, and natural history. Another 5 minutes of walking will end up with a break for an a la carte snack for lunch at the iconic Leopold Café, a popular establishment that has been serving food to Mumbai's residents since 1871 and was one of the targets during the 2008 Mumbai terrorism attack.

After lunch you will drive to Mumbai's main Dhobi Ghat where you will observe the Dhobi's doing Mumbai's laundry by flogging the clothes on stone in the same manner that they have for more than a century. Over 100,000 pieces are laundered every day and hung to dry on seemingly unending clotheslines, then ironed, and delivered to far reaching areas of Mumbai. The profession is passed on from generation to generation.

Continue your exploration by driving further on Marine Drive and go up Malabar Hill where the Hanging Gardens provide a panoramic view of the city and bay. In the middle of the afternoon, avoiding the infamous Mumbai rush hour traffic, you are driven back to your hotel to enjoy its surroundings, views, and extensive facilities.

Mar 22^nd: Mumbai – Aurangabad. (B) You are assisted with your check-out in the morning and then you will proceed to explore more of the fascinating metropolis of Mumbai. Your first stop after a short drive on the Queen's Necklace will be at Mani Bhawan, Mahatma Gandhi's Museum. This small historic mansion is located in an upscale Mumbai neighborhood and is the location from where the Mahatma started many of his Satyagraha (passive resistance) movements against the British rulers. The stop here will include an opportunity to look through glass panels into the small simple room where he stayed and worked, including his meagre belongings such as two spinning wheels, his thin small mattress on the floor, and more. Another room has photos of his life from childhood until his assassination.

An even shorter drive will bring you to another of Mumbai's landmarks, the Haji Ali Dargah. Built in 1431 and located on an islet of the coast, this beautifully handcrafted structure hosts the tomb of the Sufi Saint and also serves as an active mosque. A wealthy merchant from what is now Uzbekistan, he gave up all his belongings and traveled the world spreading Islam until he finally settled in the area that is now Mumbai.

From here you will be driven to Mumbai Airport and be assisted in boarding your short mid-afternoon flight to Aurangabad. You can have lunch from the snacks available at your Business Class Lounge at the airport if it is not too full, or eat at any of the scores of cafes and restaurants in Mumbai's wonderful new terminal. Arrive at Aurangabad and you are driven to your comfortable hotel and assisted with check-in to your suite. Although this is the best lodging in Aurangabad and close to the airport, it is a mid-level upscale hotel and does not compare with your previous lodging.

Mar 23^rd: Aurangabad. (B, L) The Ajanta & Ellora monuments and caves (both are, individually, UNESCO World Heritage Sites) near Aurangabad are widely recognized as India's two most amazing archeological sites, and among the world's most amazing achievements of ancient man. All our guests' wonder why they are not part of other tours. Many guests have stated that, combined, they are more impressive than the monuments in the Angkor Region, not even taking into account that these two sites are twice as old as the amazing structures in Siem Reap!

After breakfast you will enjoy an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta. A choice of sandwiches and accompaniments that will be edible for a few hours is included from your hotel for this excursion. Buddhist monks and local craftsmen began excavating, sculpting, and painting at Ajanta in the 2nd century B.C.

These 28 caves are a testimony to the devotion of the Buddhists, as well as the talents of their skilled craftsmen.

Of particular interest is the concept of Vertical Excavation. When your Easy Tours Tour Director passionately explains this concept and describes the processes, you will be awed by the achievements of the craftsmen. Although the caves themselves are very impressive in their design and massive volume of sculpturing and excavation, it is the art inside the caves that will take your breath away. The incredible artistry and colors of the paintings and sculptures is unique – such art has not been seen anywhere else, not just in India, but anywhere in the world. Ajanta's incredible paintings are even more impressive considering that the color and texture you're admiring today was created by artists about two thousand years ago.

Mar 24^th: Aurangabad – Mumbai. (B, L) You are assisted with your checkout from your hotel after breakfast and we recommend that you leave your baggage with the bell desk. Proceed for an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora. A choice of sandwiches and accompaniments that will be edible for a few hours is included from your hotel for this excursion. Explore the magnificently sculptured cave temples and monasteries of Ellora. There are 34 Caves here, and any one of them would individually be considered a significant attraction in most nations. They were built between 600 - 1000 A.D. and are devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Seventeen of these caves illustrate a resurgence of Hinduism in this area, as reflected by their Hindu themes, sculpture and art.

The epitome of this is Cave 16, the awe-inspiring Kailash Temple. It was finished during the 8th century and is supposed to evoke one of the abodes of Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. The Kailash Temple is notable for its immense scale and detail; it is the most awe-inspiring of all of the amazing monuments at Ajanta/Ellora.

On your way back to Aurangabad you will stop at Daulatabad Fort. If you are tired you can relax in the vehicle for a short while as it does require a bit of a trek. This 14th century hilltop Fort is an impressive sight but what will amaze you is your Tour Director's illustration of the multiple ingenious architectural facets that were used to make it virtually impregnable. The once sloping sides of the massive stone hill were manually carved sheer on all sides so that no one could climb straight to the top.

Return to your hotel to pick up your baggage and use the facilities to freshen up. We recommend that you consider eating at one of the hotel food outlets before heading to the airport. At the appropriate time you are driven to Aurangabad airport in time to board your late evening flight to Mumbai. You are greeted at the airport by a hotel representative, and ushered to your chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your upscale airport hotel where you are assisted with your check-in to your suite.

Mar 25^th: Mumbai – Fort Kochi (Cochin). (B, L) You are assisted with your check-out after breakfast and then a hotel vehicle will drive you to the domestic terminal of Mumbai Airport. You are assisted with boarding your no-frills flight to Cochin. Upon your arrival at Cochin Airport your North India Tour Director Guide will bid you farewell after introducing you to your Kerala Tour Director. Guiding in South India requires proficiency in the local languages - India has 19 languages and over 500 dialects. Unless they have lived there for a long time, North Indians are not able to communicate effectively in local Southern Indian languages.

You are driven to historic Fort Kochi to the bayfront location of the renovated 19th Century Dutch boat building facility that is your lodging, Brunton Boatyard, and assisted with your check-in to your sea facing suite.

It has by far the best location and some of the finest coastal Keralan cuisine, very different from other cuisines in India with its Dutch and Portuguese influences – the restaurant chefs and servers will amaze you at every meal. You are right next to most of the major attractions of this fascinating historic small town, ideal for morning & evening walks. Excellent Ayurvedic massages and treatments are available in their small spa.

Mar 26^th: Cochin. (B, L) This day will start with a 1-minute walk from the Brunton Boatyard to the most photogenic of Cochin's attractions, the Chinese fishing nets.

Ownership of the net and its prized location is handed down from generation to generation. The lowering and raising of the nets, with the fishermen deftly walking up and down the angled wooden poles and manipulating them in and out of the water with thick, well-worn ropes, has a synchronicity and rhythm that is fascinating to observe.

Continue exploring more with an 8-to-10-minute walk through historic Fort Kochi's charming streets and alleys that are surrounded by Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, and full of chic small cafes, boutique stores, art galleries, and a lot more. Arrive at Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and experience its impressive collection of colorful artworks. A 5 minute walk from here will bring you to the St. Francis Church, which was established by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503. This is the first European church built in India, and the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, the first European to reach India by sea, was buried in its courtyard for a few years before his remains were returned to Portugal.

A 2-minute walk will bring you to David Hall, a 17th century historic building that has been painstakingly restored and houses a rotating selection of art exhibits, mainly focusing on young artists. David Hall is operated by the CGH Earth Group, owners of the Brunton Boatyard, and a company that is quite possibly the most socially and environmentally progressive hotelier on our planet. The excellent and popular small café in the building will be your stop for lunch, and you will order ala carte. The food is CGH Earth quality, but here the focus is on casual Indian and western cuisine and drinks, including woodfired thin crust pizza's prepared in an Indian clay oven – we strongly recommend trying the seafood topped 'Fort Cochin' Pizza!

After lunch a 10-minute drive through Fort Kochi will bring you to the Dutch Palace which was actually built by the Portuguese in 1555 and is famous for its detailed carved wooden murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Puranic legends. Also known as Mattancherry Palace, this is an unattractive squat building that bears no similarity to the opulence of other palaces, or even mansions, in India. Very near the palace is the Jewish Synagogue which was built in 1568 and is still an active house of worship for the few remaining Jews in the area.

Next you will walk on Jew Street which runs through Jew Town – ancient street signs still identify these names! Fort Kochi's ancient and colorful Jew Street now has antique stores and souvenir and art outlets. There was a Jewish presence in Kochi from 70 A.D. and the charming synagogue once was a busy house of worship for the locals. Return to the Brunton for some relaxation and their wonderful service and facilities.

Late this afternoon you can enjoy the Brunton Boatyards complimentary tea, which includes some delicious finger food and good coffee options, before boarding the Brunton Boatyard's boat (the last boat made by the Dutch shipbuilder, over 60 years ago) and joining other hotel guests for a sunset cruise on Cochin's massive Harbor. Upon your return from the cruise, you have the option to join a few Brunton guests for their regular cooking class, followed by dinner at their excellent History Fine Dining Restaurant. Brunton Boatyards description of the class is - Brunton Boatyard's master chefs share some of their skills with you at the evening cookery classes. Here you will learn the secrets of traditional Kerala cooking. And of course, you will enter the magical world of Indian spices. What they are, how to use them, combine them, and savor the special magic they bring to even the most commonplace foods.

Mar 27^th: Cochin – Kumarakom Lake Resort/Backwaters. (B, L) You are assisted with check-out from your boutique lodge in the late morning and you now proceed on about a 1.5 hours scenic drive to the charming pastoral region of Kumarakom. Upon arrival at your gorgeous lakefront resort you will feel that you have traveled back in time. This is when you will really start understanding why the state of Kerala dubs itself as 'God's Own Country'. You are in a location that defines the word idyllic, with a calmness and peace not found almost anywhere else.

You will have lunch upon arrival, ordering from a choice of set menus at the fine dining restaurant of the resort, before checking into your Heritage Lake View Villa with Private Pool.

Your magical resort offers a variety of unique local activities as well as great places to walk around in. The activities include evening cultural performances such as Kathakali dance and Keralan martial art performances. Other complimentary activities include, but are not limited to, evening tea (coffee and other beverages are available) snacks at their charming outdoor traditional tea stall, guided tours of their organic farms, and a lot more. There is also the large lakefront resort pool for those who are interested.

The architecture of the resort is uniquely traditional Keralan, with large sections of teak that were transported directly over long distances from centuries old Keralan homes and then painstakingly put together plank by plank. Some of Kerala's best Ayurvedic practitioners and therapeutic treatments are highly recommended – the staff at the resort will assist you in planning this. Many guests from Western Europe take advantage of the 1-to-3-week complete Ayurvedic packages at the resort, which include special diets that are designed individually for your needs – we can facilitate such an extension if you so desire. The Fine Dining Restaurant, Ettukettu, offers a fine selection of Keralan, Indian, and other cuisines, while the lakefront seafood bar, Vembanad, offers incredible fresh seafood.

Mar 28^th: Kumarakom Lake Resort - Backwaters Cruise - Kumarakom Lake Resort. (B, L, D)Enjoy breakfast from the large selection of delicious choices that are available to you, both as a buffet and on the made to order menu – just like at the Brunton Boatyard, trying out the amazingly flavorful local fruits is highly recommended.

Most descriptions and photographs of the backwaters illustrate the incredible lushness and beauty of the vegetation around the fresh water canals, rivulets and lakes, with the charming water bodies and the abundance of coconut trees and other exotic plants creating a subtropical environment not found elsewhere on this planet. To many of our guests the most charming part of their cruise is the opportunity to be part of a unique way of life that hasn't changed much for a few centuries, because you are literally seeing life as the locals have lived for a long time in this area.

Although now there are small dirt and paved roads leading to most homes and other structures, the residents of this area have always depended on the waterways for most of their movement from one place to another, and this practice continues today. What are streams to you are their streets and alleys, and much of the time you are cruising through their backyards.

You will witness men, women and adolescents rowing themselves to their destination, children in crisp uniforms being rowed back from school, women doing their laundry and dishes by hand in the fresh water streams, fishermen and produce sellers rowing up to the backdoors of the small homes to sell their wares to housewives, farmers in their water-soaked fields, pier-stations with passengers waiting for the commuter longboats that ply these waters, children swimming and playing in the shallower streams, and a whole lot more. As you take in the amazing cornucopia of visual delights, the cook and other staff make sure that all your needs are taken care of, while serving you with freshly made local cuisine for lunch.

At sunset, when all houseboats on the backwaters anchor on the shores of the lake, you will disembark from your houseboat directly at the jetty of your magical lakefront resort.

Farewell Dinner: This evening you will join your fellow group explorers for dinner along with your Tour Director Guide at your resort. There is fascinating ethnic entertainment every evening at your resort, and today that will be followed by a special candlelit dinner in the lawns facing the backwaters. Bid farewell to your companions as you enjoy a delicious meal from a choice of Keralan or western set menu's – please note that the seafood options are wonderful at your resort.

Mar 29^th: Kumarakom Lake Resort – End of Tour. (B) Arise a little early this morning and you will experience the backwaters as few visitors ever do. After some morning tea or coffee, you will be assisted in boarding a traditional Keralan small rowboat and head out for an exploration before the regular daily activities on the lake start. Your boat will be rowed by a local who has grown up on the backwaters and you will cruise through smally waterways that the larger tourism boats cannot access. The serenity and charm of your idyllic surroundings at this time of day is worth getting up early for this morning. Return to your resort for another delicious breakfast.

There are three departure options on this day and your choice will be influenced by where your international flight departs from Delhi or Cochin. Please note that almost all international flights depart from India's airports either very late at night or early in the morning.

Departure Option 1: For guests who have roundtrip flights in and out of Delhi.

Mar 29^th: Kumarakom – Cochin – Delhi. (B)You are driven to the airport (additional costs will apply for the Cochin – Delhi flight) and assisted with your check-in and then you bid farewell to your Kerala Tour Director – this flight will not include your Tour Director flying with you. Most international flights out of Delhi are either very late at night or early in the morning. If you do not require lodging as your flight is in the evening your chauffeur will be available to you for up to 4 hours to explore in the area around Delhi airport, or dine nearby. If your flight is in the early or late morning/early afternoon, upon your arrival in Delhi you will be greeted at the airport and driven to the Oberoi Gurgaon (room charges apply) and assisted with your check-in. During your check-in, please remind the hotel staff of your flight departure timing - Easy Tours will already have informed them.

Mar 30^th: Delhi – International Flight Check-out at the appropriate time (your room is available until noon) and a luxury Oberoi vehicle will transfer you to the airport where you will board your international flight. At the airport you will be introduced to your Airport VIP Services Representative who will escort you through customs and immigration.
Our services end with your Oberoi Gurgaon assisted check-in.

Departure Option 2: For guests who booked multi-city international flights arriving in Delhi and departing from Cochin. Some of the better international airlines, including most of the major Far and Middle Eastern airlines like Singapore, Qatar, Cathay, Etihad and Emirates have international flights departing from Cochin in the early morning.

Mar 29^th: Kumarakom – Cochin – International Flight. (B)If you are on one of these flights you will check out of your resort and be driven back to Forth Kochi before noon – you can opt to check out and have lunch at the resort on self-pay basis. Arrive at Fort Kochi and experience a public ferry ride to Cherai – your baggage will remain in your vehicle as you explore during the early afternoon, and your vehicle will take a long drive to meet you at Cherai. Visit the 19th century Azheekkal Sree Varaha Venkateswara Temple – the temple Ratha (Chariot) is unique and very impressive. You can briefly stop at the Pallipuram Church which was completed in 1577 by the Portuguese. You will depart the area towards the airport (about 1.5 hours with normal traffic) before 4pm as rush hour along the way can cause significant delays. Arrive next to the airport and you are assisted with your check in at your upscale airport lodging, the Courtyard by Marriott, which is fairly upscale and far superior to U.S. based Courtyard's. During your check-in, please remind the hotel staff of your flight departure timing - Easy Tours will already have informed them.

Mar 30^th: Cochin – International Flight. (B)Check out of your hotel at the appropriate time based on your flights timing and a courtesy hotel vehicle will drive you to the small airport. At the airport you will be introduced to your Airport VIP Services Representative who will escort you through customs and immigration.
Our services end with your Courtyard by Marriot assisted check-in.

Departure Option 3: Ocean Resort in Goa or the Maldives Options.

Upgrades and downgrades in room/suite/villa type are available at our preferred resorts upon request. You also have the option to reserve your own resort stays, and have Easy Tours include flights and any transfers that are required. You can ask for more details and pricing about one or more of these resorts when you submit the Reservation Form for the Main Tour.

The Leela Goa
(Luxury - $$$$)

About The Leela Goa: The best beach and resort in India's iconic laid-back coastal region of Goa. This is an expansive 75 acres peninsula made of lush tropical gardens with a river on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Lagoons with lotuses meander through the resort and there is a beautiful wide and uncrowded beach, while on the other end of the resort is a riverfront fine-dining restaurant. Multiple water sports are available and need to be arranged directly with the resort.

We recommend the expansive Club Suite or Club Suite with Plunge Pool room types. These suites have associated benefits as well as golf course and Arabian Sea views. We can reserve other room types if you prefer.

While at Goa we recommend one day of sightseeing that will include the Churches and Convents of Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to a picturesque Spice Plantation for a local naturalist guided tour and lunch from their all-natural farms, the charming community of Fontainhas, recognized by UNESCO as a Heritage Zone which has vibrantly colorful 18th & 19th Century Portuguese mansions and streets. This needs to be added to your itinerary soon after you reserve your tour.

Getting to Goa from Cochin: From Cochin Airport you will be on a connecting flight on a no-frills airline, but the two flights will be about an hour each. There will be a cost reduction for the last night's hotel stay from the main tours pricing if you select Goa, which will be adjusted in the Leela Goa option pricing. Upon your arrival at Goa airport and you are greeted by your VIP Airport Concierge as you disembark your plane and you will now be escorted through baggage claim and introduced to a facilitator who will escort you to your luxury oceanfront destination.

Departing from Goa: Some international airlines, including two highly rated airlines, Qatar and Emirates, have nonstop flights from Goa to their main hubs (and from there to many airports in the United States), thereby eliminating the need to fly to another city in India at the end of your time in Goa. Alternatively, your Goa excursion can include a nonstop flight back to Delhi, and if your flights departure timing requires, a stay near Delhi Airport.

Recommended Maldives Resorts

You already know about the Maldives! The unmatched clarity of the water and the drop-dead beauty of the surrounding corals at our recommended luxury resorts in the Maldives have to be seen to be believed. You can choose to just relax enjoy this heaven on earth, or select from available adventure activities include snorkeling, scuba diving (PADI certified), and parasailing and a lot more.

The two Maldives resorts we recommend below are restricted to guests who are 15 years or older. For families with younger children please contact us for our recommendations.

>Getting to the Maldives from Cochin: Accessing the Maldives from Cochin will require a slightly earlier departure from the Oberoi Vrinda on your last morning, before boarding a short nonstop no-frills flight from Cochin to Male. Please note that this flight only operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You will be greeted at Male airport and escorted to the boarding of your scenic seaplane ride to the island resort. There will be a nominal cost reduction for 1 night's airport hotel stay from the main tours pricing if you select the Maldives option, which will be adjusted in the Maldives Resort Option's pricing.

Departing the Maldives: Many international airlines, including Singapore, Cathay, Qatar, Etihad and Emirates, have nonstop flights from the Maldives airport to their main hubs, thereby eliminating the need to fly back to India at the end of your time in the Maldives. If you so require, your excursion can include a flight back to Delhi, and, if your international flights departure timing requires, a stay at the Oberoi Gurgaon near Delhi Airport.

Hurawalhi Maldives
Luxury ($$$$$)

Gorgeous luxury resort on a private island with over-water and beachfront lodging options. Largest all-glass underwater restaurant in the world.

Your resort stay at Hurawalhi starts with a B&B package. Half Board, Full Board, and All-Inclusive Plus Packages are available. All Meal Packages do not include the underwater restaurant (available for addendum charge with meal packages). Some of the available experiences also have individual charges paid directly to the resort.

We recommend you review the resorts website - https://www.hurawalhi.com/ for details on the available Villa/Suite types, the list of available activities and water sports and excursions, some of which are included while others aren't, and the comprehensive details of the All Inclusive Plus Plan, which we recommend for most guests.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
(Ultra-Luxury & Ultra All-Inclusive - $$$$$$)

There are only 15 Over Water Villa's on this completely solar powered island. Their signature concept of Anything. Anywhere. Anywhere. that is unmatched even in the ultra-luxury lodging industry. Sustainable in every part of their operations.

The experience starts at your arrival on Male Airport. You are greeted and taken to their private VIP Lounge until it is time for you to be escorted where the seaplane awaits.

Ultimate all-inclusive luxury - we recommend you view details of the resort and their incredibly comprehensive list of luxurious inclusions: https://www.kudadoo.com/

Please review the following aspects on their website

Residences: 13 One Bedroom Residences, 2 Two Bedroom Residences

Exquisite Culinary Journeys: Multiple Luxury Culinary Experiences. Underwater Restaurant has an extra charge.

Wine Cellar: Over 80 Top Rated Wine Labels and close to 10 highly ranked Champagnes are included. There is an Extra Charge for the Owners Very Private Wine Selection.

Luxury Spa: Unlimited Holistic Treatments

Play: Unlimited water sports of all kinds. Unlimited PADI Diving and Snorkeling among amazing corals and a plethora of marine life. Unlimited Luxury Sailings, Deserted Island Picnics, Dolphin Expeditions and more.

Holi is celebrated all over India and its many regions. In our opinion, the best place for upscale explorers to safely observe and participate in Holi is the charming, laid back city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. Besides being one of India's best cities to relax and explore, with its abundance of hills, lakes and palaces, Udaipur's residents tend to be more cultured than some of the people found in India's larger cities, where foreigners participating in Holi celebrations can draw unwanted attention and even some harassment.

When our guests participate in Holi in an upscale area of Udaipur along with our guides and staff, they can experience the best of Holi festivities without any risk of other participants paying them undue attention. We provide traditional Indian clothing to all our guests for this festival, and the resulting multi-hued attire is yours to keep afterwards.

All our guests also get preferred seating for the ancient and colorful Holika Dhan ceremony at Udaipur's City Palace on the eve of Holi. The King of Udaipur and the Royal Family lead the ritualistic ceremony with the King lighting the traditional Holika Pyre, which is followed by regional cultural entertainment and a sumptuous feast