+44 (0)20 8741 7390 A fascinating cultural tour of some of India s major attractions, this is a journey of dazzling diversity. Encompassing some of the country s most iconic monuments, it also incorporates the jungles of Ranthambore National Park, the historic heritage of the Malabar coast and Kerala s idyllic Backwaters. After exploring something of the Mughal and colonial treasures of Delhi and Agra including the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal and the haunting ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, you ll continue by train to Bharatpur, to explore the wilds of Ranthambore. After searching for the elusive tigers for which Ranthambore is so famous, you then continue to Jaipur, to take in the sumptuous Palace of the Winds and the spectacular Amber Fort. Flying on to India s western coast you then spend some time discovering historic Cochin and the lush hills of the Western Ghats, where you will enjoy tea plantations, hill stations and the landscapes of Eravikulam National Park. The climax of the journey is then spent cruising through the tranquil beauty of the Backwaters, before a relaxing end enjoying the azure waters of Marari Beach. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the rich cultural treasures of Delhi and Agra Safaris in the world-renowned Ranthambore National Park Enjoy an offbeat tour of India s fabulous Pink City Discover Cochin and the beautiful landscapes of the Western Ghats A private cruise through the Kerala Backwaters TOUR INCLUDES: 2 internal flights 4 nights four/five five star hotels, 2 nights safari lodge, 6 nights traditional properties 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners 1 night Keralan Houseboat Private driver and vehicle Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Transport to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: DELHI Arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon you will have a short city tour with your guide, visiting the main cultural and historical sites of this fascinating city. Highlights include a visit to the new town to see Rajpati Bravhan and India gate, and in the old town, the spice market, Jama Majid Mosque and the Red Fort. The tour will end will a visit to the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, after which you will return to the hotel. (B) DAY 2: DELHI - AGRA This morning you will transfer to Agra with your driver; a journey of approximately 4 hours. Giving you time to settle in to your accommodation, later this afternoon your local guide will take you to visit the famous Taj Mahal for sunset, which is a fantastic time to visit the memorial as the marble takes on the gold and pink hues of the sky. Return to your hotel. (B) DAY 3: AGRA - BHARATPUR - RANTHAMBORE Morning visit to the mighty riverside Agra Fort, Agra's other main attraction, which comprises of exquisite palaces and mosques. After your visit to the fort you will be driven to Bharatpur, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri on the way. On arrival to Bharatpur your guide will accompany you to your seat on the train for your four hour journey through the countryside to Sawai Madphur, where you will be met and transferred to your safari lodge in Ranthambore. (B,L,D) DAY 4: RANTHAMBORE Early morning pick up from your hotel to explore the wilds of Ranthambore National Park, where if you are lucky you may see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer and India's largest deer, the Sambar. After your game drive you will return to your accommodation for breakfast and some relaxation. After a leisurely morning and lunch you will be picked up at about 3pm to go back into the Park for your second safari of the day. Evening drinks and supper back at your hotel. (B,L,D) DAY 5: RANTHAMBORE - JAIPUR You will be taken by private vehicle from your hotel in Ranthambore to Jaipur a journey of approximately 4 hours. On arrival to the bustling city of Jaipur you will be taken to your hotel. As a unique feature of Wild Frontiers tours to Jaipur, in the late afternoon and early evening we will organise a specially guided walk through the bustling old town, focusing on the crafts and cuisine of the city. (B)
DAY 6: JAIPUR Today you will have a tour of Jaipur, the 'pink city' visiting the fascinating old Royal Observatory built by Jai Singh II, which houses the largest sun dial in the World, the City Palace Museum, the Palace of the Winds and its impressive facade and finally the stunning Amber Fort, which is a 9km drive from the city. You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the tour. (B) DAY 7: JAIPUR - COCHIN This morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Jaipur and transferred to the airport for your flight to Cochin via Mumbai. On arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel in the old town. This afternoon is at leisure to walk around Fort Cochin and along the waterfront to see the Chinese fishing nets. In the evening you will be taken to the harbour for a beautiful two hour sunset cruise. (B) DAY 8: COCHIN After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The oldest European settlement in India, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country. (B) DAY 9: COCHIN - MUNNAR Today you leave the coast behind and head into the lush hills of the Western Ghats and the hill-town resort of Munnar. Strategically located at the confluence of three rivers, the town sits high amongst the cool highlands, surrounded by tea plantations and the mist shrouded hills of the Western Ghats. (B) DAY 10: MUNNAR A day around Munnar affords a chance to visit some of the tea plantations that blanket the rich verdant hills that surround this lovely hill station. You will also enjoy something of the delights of the nearby Eravikulam National Park, home to the largest population of endangered Nilgiri Tahr in India, as well as several species of rare butterflies. (B) DAY 11: MUNNAR - ALLEPPEY Heading back onto the alluvial plains that lie between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, this morning you will journey by road to the town of Alleppey. Here you will join your private cruise for an exploration of the remarkable Keralan Backwaters, the ideal way to observe life amongst the channels and waterways of the west coast. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: ALLEPPEY - MARAIKULAM Disembarking the boat this morning, you will then transfer to your hotel on Marari Beach. Most of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel or walk along the beach. (B) DAY 13: MARAIRIKULAM Today is at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches and warm waters of Marari Beach. (B) DAY 14: MARARIKULAM - COCHIN You will transfer to the airport at Cochin for your onward flight home. (B)
ACCOMMODATION AGRA TRIDENT A reliable contemporary option in Agra, this four star hotel is built from red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era, it has a stylish lobby with a great intimate bar and restaurant, a large outdoor pool in the courtyard and hammocks dotted around the garden to laze upon when you are not sightseeing. It is well placed for visits to the Taj Mahal and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The wood fire beckons at the al fresco Italian dining experience, using fresh ingredients from the hotel s own garden. Discover the dishes of the Moghul emperors, including mouth-watering curries and kebabs, at the restaurant. Escape the bustle of the city and relax at the wellness centre, using Western, Ayurvedic and Oriental techniques. The fitness centre and swimming pool are ideal for blowing off some steam before sipping on a cocktail contemporary bar. The hotel has a fantastic kids club with a variety of games and activities such as nature walks, pottery and, of course, crickect. COCHIN MALABAR HOUSE The traditional Malabar house is not just a hotel, but also a showcase of contemporary and traditional South Indian art, culture and heritage. Located in the heart of the historical Fort Cochin, the house dates back to 1755 and was home to spice traders and bankers before being turned into Cochin's first boutique hotel. It has 17 rooms and suites all decorated and furnished with carefully selected antiques and art and fitted with modern amenities. There is an Ayurvedic spa and swimmingpool in which to relax and the restaurant offers mediterranean fine dining and the traditional cuisine of Kerala, reflecting the eclectic mix of East and West found in the area. DELHI THE CLARIDGES The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers the guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short Auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. The Claridges has appointed new management personnel to blend tradition with modernity, which gives it a completely refreshing look. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. There are 132 different rooms and suites, all designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style. Wine and dine to your hearts content in the Dhaba, inspired by rustic Punjabi villages, the Jade, serving Chinese-Cantonese cuisine, Sevilla, for all your tapas needs, Pickwicks, a multicuisine buffet that is always open, Ye Old Bakery, where the corn pudding is must try, and the Aura, a romantic, dimly lit bar. JAIPUR
KHANDELA HAVELI Khandela Haveli is a comfortable heritage property with a roof restaurant. The ambience of the property specializes in time-honoured architecture and style. Each of the 22 rooms and suites are clean cut with simple decor, nothing fancy but very tasteful. This is an authentic Shekhawati Haveli in Jaipur. There is a nice roof top restaurant serving good local food as well as a small plunge pool. This is a great mid-range option in a good location (Bani Park) with plenty of charm. MARARIKULAM MARARI BEACH RESORT Marari Beach Resort is a traditional hotel, tranquil beachside haven located in the south of Kerala. Surrounded by coconut groves, near empty beaches and wildflower gardens, the resort attracts almost 80 varieties of birds. Sway in a hammock surrounded by wild birds and flowers or enjoy a cocktail at the beach bar. Villas are basic, yet clean, comfortable and most have French windows opening out into their own private garden or veranda. There are no TV s and so this truly is a place to relax and unwind with only the sounds of the sea to keep you company. Facilities include a swimming pool, tennis court, yoga lessons, and a restaurant that serves fresh fish straight from the sea. MUNNAR WINDERMERE HOTEL Located just outside Munnar, on a 60 acre coffee and cardamon plantation set along the slopes of the Western Ghats, the Windemere Hotel is a traditional property with 18 comfortable rooms and cottages that overlook the mountains and the lush hills of the Chithirapuram Valley. All the rooms come with balconies and large panoramic windows, whilst the hotel's restaurant offers local Keralan cuisine, family inspired recipes and a western style breakfast. Please note the restaurant does not sell alcohol. Guided trekking options around the estate and the surrounding plantations are also available. RANTHAMBORE RANTHAMBORE REGENCY HOTEL Located on the Ranthambore Road, this is a fine four star option and well placed for your tiger excursions. The hotel has 63 comfortable rooms with some lovely Rajput furnishings. The staff are welcoming and there are plenty of shaded area to cool down in the hot desert days by the swimming pool or at the poolside bar. A wellness-spa and restaurant complete the facilities making this a great place to relax in between safaris.
THE TIGRESS RESORT AND SPA Offering an outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre and a fitness centre, The Tigress SPA & Resort is situated in Sawai Madhopur. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and an en suite bathroom. Some units include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. The resort has a number of dining experiences; from the regal authentic Indian restaurant, to the coffee shop surrounded by lush green lawn, to the informal pool cocktail bar to the romantic exotic flavours bar to the outstanding panoramic rooftop barbeque. Outside the tiger park, guests can enjoy a boat ride on the Chambal crococidle sanctuary, local craft session as well as nearby temple and fort visits. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com