Indian Panorama with Backwater Cruise (North to South)
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Duration18 Days
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Region
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Best Time
- September - April
Introduction
Far Horizons take you on a special journey showcasing the traditional Indian culture imbibed in the vibrant streets and monuments throughout the Northern region of India with luxury on wheels. The mesmerizing Kathakali dances and multi-hued temples are the highlights of the tour. No trip to South India would be complete though, without a cruise along the beautiful backwater lagoons of Kerala on a luxury riverboat - the perfect way to end a holiday to this enchanting, and wonderfully relaxing, region.
Tour Highlights
- Travel like a Maharaja on the leading luxury train of India “The Maharaja Express”
- Explore the Serenity of Kerala backwaters while cruising on the Kerala River Cruise
- Village visits and interaction with the local people
- Cooking demonstration and home hosted meal
- Experience Kathakali Dance, Martial Arts and Bronze Art work of Multicultural city “Cochin”
Destinations Covered
Kochi
Queen of the Arabian SeaKochi (formerly Cochin) is a cosmopolitan city in the state of Kerala with a bustling commercial port. Kochi is the financial capital of Kerala and, with a population of more than 2 million, the biggest urban agglomeration in the state. It is one of the major tourist destinations in India.
Kumarakom
The Enchanting BackwatersThe village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region in Kerala. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoo, Wild Duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and fascinate all visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many leisure options.
Kavalam
A Green HavenKavalam is a village in Kuttanadu, Kerala state, Alappuzha District. India. It is located on the borders of Alapuzha and Kottayam districts, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The Pampa river flows through the village to merge into the famed Vembanad Lake. Its natural scenic beauty is legendary and has been used by many filmmakers. Relatively untouched by modernity, Kavalam is a green haven.
Alappuzha
Venice of the EastAlappuzha is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways, over a thousand houseboats and an important coir industry. Head out towards the backwaters and Alleppey becomes graceful and greenery-fringed, disappearing into a watery world of villages, punted canoes, toddy shops and, of course, houseboats.
Delhi
The City of GloryDelhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Jaipur
The Pink CityJaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst Indian as well as international travellers. Jaipur is often called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly colored buildings, which were originally painted this color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red color originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
Agra
The Majesty of the TajAgra is the city of the Taj Mahal, in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort in the city and Fatehpur Sikri on the outskirts of Agra. There are also many other buildings and tombs from Agra's days of glory as the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Khajuraho
A living work of Art
Varanasi
Sacred, Soulful and SpectacularVaranasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi is the India of your imagination. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Cochin
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Day 2
Cochin
Kochi
We have a tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicenter of the spice trade for centuries. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences.
We begin with the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The Dutch renovated and expanded it a century later, earning it its name. The palace also contains some of India’s finest mythological murals; the walls depict scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (Dutch Palace remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays).
Then we see St. Francis, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India. Not immune to the turbulence of the colonial era, the originally Catholic St. Francis changed hands – and denominations – with each new power that took control of Kochi, becoming a Protestant Dutch Reformed church under the Dutch in 1663 then Anglican under the English in 1804.
Next we pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi. These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity with their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men. Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century or possibly travellers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.
Lunch and dinner on own
Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 3
Cochin / R.V.Vaikundham
Kochi
This morning from your hotel drive to the nearby village Nettoor to a Kalari centre – the authentic training centre of Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala said to have been the origin of all martial arts including Karate. Drive to the nearby village Marad and embark on our boat by noon. The team on-board welcomes you in the boat and help’s you with smooth check-in. Gather at the lounge for a safety briefing about the boat and about the cruise. We set sail, gently cruising by the islands interspersed along rivers, lake, coastal estuaries and lagoons, leaving the skyscraper lined horizon of the city of Cochin behind. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch and relax on-board.
Our expert will talk about Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, and its geographical, cultural and social significance.
By evening we arrive in the ancient village, Vaikom. By tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the ancient temple of Shiva. We take a tour around the temple to get to know about its history and architecture. The architecture of temples in Kerala is based on ancient science of construction and geographical features of the land. As per the traditional architecture, each element of temple represents an element of human body and, a temple is not only the space for spiritual enlightenment but also the venue for harmonious social networking. Return to boat. After dinner, we retire for the night.
Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
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Day 4
Vaikom-Chenganda-Kumarakom
Kumarakom
After breakfast on the boat,by tuk-tuk or by foot we proceed to the cultural centre in the locality to watch the traditional dance performance – Kathakali, the traditional dramatic and mimetic dance form, which plays stories from epics. It is a unique blend of dance, music, action, literature and make-up.
Commence the cruise to Chenganda village. The people of this rustic village are having a laid-back and peaceful life. Spend time with the coir weavers, the shell harvesters and farmers, engaging in conversation about the riparian life and watching various indigenous techniques of fishing. Return to the boat for lunch.
Cruise through Thanneermukkom barrage. The barrage at Thanneermukkom built across Vembanad, the largest lake of Kerala, divides the lake into two, one half with perennial salty water and the other with fresh water enriched by 5 rivers flowing from the hills. We talk about indigenous practices of paddy cultivation in Kuttanad.
Cruise through the expanses of lake Vembanad experiencing its wetland ecosystem. We visit a farm house by evening.This house is located on an island which was made by the men of the house, by reclaiming land from the Backwaters. A walk in the farm will be educative. The hostess will demonstrate the preparation of traditional Syrian Christian cuisine. You may also try your hand at cooking and listen to the story of her family, of three generations of hard working men, and equally strong women who supported their pioneering spirit. We will have dinner at this house. Return to the boat and retire for the night.Vaikom-Chenganda-Kumarakom.
Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
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Day 5
Kumarakom - Kavalam
Kumarakom
Having an early and light breakfast, we set out by country boat to watch the migratory and endemic birds of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is a cluster of lagoons of lake Vembanad, with the backdrop of mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves.
Waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck are some of the endemic species seen here. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Return to the boat, refresh and while cruising a more elaborate breakfast will be served.
While cruising the lake we get a glimpse of the rich wetland ecosystem of Lake Vembanad. Lunch will be served while cruising. We arrive in Kavalam where river Pampa reverses its course and drain into Lake Vembanad. You may take the ferry to explore the region, walk along the dykes surrounding the expanses of paddy fields and interact with the farmers and women’s collective.. Return to the boat and cruise till dusk, further interior to Veliyanad village. After dinner retire for the night.
Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
- Day 6 Kavalam-Kainakari-Pulinkunnu
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Day 7
Pulinkunnu-Nedumudy-Champakkulam-Changankari
Kavalam
After breakfast, cruise to Nedumudi. On arrival at Nedumudi we drive through the quaint and scenic villages for a little over one hour to Mannar, which is famous for bell metal and brassware crafts. We interact with the artisans and watch the indigenous method of casting of traditional lamps, utensils and ornate locks. Return, refresh and have lunch and relax on-board.
We cruise to Champakulam village. Kerala’s old spice trade used to pass through this town en route to Cochin and other ports on the west coast. Settled more than 1000 years ago by Syrian Christian traders, who later converted to Roman Catholicism under the Portuguese, the people chose to keep their syncretic cultural heritage.
This can be seen in the monumental St Mary’s Church on the riverside. Built in 1550, the foundations are said to be as old as 5th century AD. Architecturally, it is a mélange of several European styles, from the Levantine altar and structure to the Dutch arches that tower overhead.
We visit the old church, a school, the local artisans (open on weekdays) who skillfully and passionately craft biblical heroes. Take a look at the narrow and long Snake boat (Chundan Vallom) of the villagers, gracefully docked on the shore. These types of boats, which are being used for races today in modern days, were once maritime war boats and their structure and design reflect the prowess of ancient Kerala architecture and are one of the icons of Kerala culture. Over one hundred oarsmen power these boats in races where they sail at speed generated to the beats of drums at the aft.
Cruise to Changankary village till dusk, passing through the serene canals. You may relax on board or take a walk. After dinner retire for the night.
Overnight on board RV Vaikundam (B, L, D)
- Day 8 Excursion from Changankari
- Day 9 Thottappalli-Karumadi-Kanjippadom
- Day 10 Kanjippadom-Punnamada / Disembark at Alleppey / Deboard & flight to Delhi
- Day 11 Board Maharaja Express
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Day 12
Maharaja Express - Jaipur
Jaipur
Wake-up to a delicious on-board breakfast. Later, to take a closer look at the history of Jaipur, visit the ancient Amber Fort which is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. Post visiting Amber Fort return to train for lunch. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Evening enjoy dinner on-board as train leaves for Ranthambore.
Overnight on-board Maharajas Express (B, L, D)
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Day 13
Maharaja Express – Ranthambore & Fatehpur Sikri
Agra
Early morning train arrives at Sawai Madhopur and you would then proceed for an exciting game drive at Ranthambore National Park. After an on board breakfast the Maharajas' express departs for the ancient Mughal capital, Fatehpur Sikri.
Post on-board lunch, as train arrives in Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to explore the deserted city, Fatehpur Sikri where once the Mughal emperor, Akbar ruled. Return back to the comfort of Maharaja Express and enjoy dinner on-board. Overnight on-board Maharajas Express (B, L, D)
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Day 14
Maharaja Express - Agra
Agra
This morning train arrives at Agra and you would then proceed for a visit to Taj Mahal. Later, proceed for a Champagne Breakfast at Taj Khema.
Post on-board lunch, you will have an opportunity En-route to witness Pietra Dura Marble Inlay Work.
Return back to the comfort of Maharaja Express and enjoy dinner on-board.
Overnight on-board Maharajas Express (B, L, D)
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Day 15
Maharaja Express – Orchha & Khajuraho
Khajuraho
Early morning train reaches its next destination, Orchha. Post on-board breakfast visit Orchha. Enjoy your lunch on-board as train proceeds to Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho and proceed to visit the Western group of Khajuraho temples, the beginning of spiritual escapade in our Indian luxury odyssey.
Later return back to train for on-board dinner and train leaves for Varanasi.
Overnight on-board Maharajas Express (B, L, D)
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Day 16
Maharaja Express – Varanasi
Varanasi
Enjoy breakfast & lunch on-board as trains continues for Varanasi. Reach Varanasi and visit the Silk weaving centre and Sarnath. Followed by boat-ride on Ganges to witness the magnificent evening Aarti ceremony at Ganges. Post dinner at exclusive venue proceed to Maharaja Express.
Overnight on-board Maharajas Express (B, L, D)
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Day 17
Deboard Maharajas Express in Delhi
Delhi
After Breakfast, we will deboard the train at the Safdarjung Railway station at Delhi and will transfer to the hotel.
This afternoon, explore the Old Delhi. On the tour of “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colourful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Drive past the Red Fort, and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India.
A bicycle rickshaw would take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
- Day 18 Departure
