ARRIVAL IN DELHI

Meet upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport and check into the hotel for rest and relaxation after a long flight. Evening dinner provided with overnight stay in Delhi.

DELHI / RISHIKESH (245 km 5 / 6 HR)

Departure: 9:00am

In the morning we begin our journey with a drive to Rishikesh.  Driving through streets of Delhi, we will see the India Gate, Parliament House and Chanakyapuri, a famous embassies area. In the evening, arrive in Rishikesh, a small town with an elevation of 356m at the foot of the Himalaya Mountains known as the world yoga and meditation capital, famous for its ashrams, Ghats, Hindu temples, Holy River Ganges, beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Evening walk on Ganga shores. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.

IN RISHIKESH

Departure: 4:30am

We begin our morning with a drive (about 45min) to get to the highest point of Rishikesh called Kunjapuri, also the sight of a famous Goddess temple for Hindus at an elevation of 1990 meters. If the weather is clear, from the top enjoy the sunrise over spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas Mountains and admire views of Rishikesh and the Ganges River. Afterwards, trek down (30 min) and drive back to Rishikesh for breakfast! Rest for a short while and at 11:00am, join us for a combined sightseeing tour of Old Rishikesh and Haridwar. Visit Bharat temple, old market, Triveni Ghat, Chandi Devi temple and Har Ki Paidi. Return to Rishikesh in the evening and stay overnight.

IN RISHIKESH

Departure: 10:00am

Depart after breakfast to the Vasishtha cave for meditation, followed by a 2 kilometer nature walk to Neergarh waterfall. We’ll sightsee famous Ramjhula and Lakshman Jhulla suspension bridges, Shivananda ashram, walk through silver sandy beaches of Ganges. In the evening we’ll witness a traditional Goddess Ganga Aarati ceremony. Stay overnight in Rishikesh.

RISHIKESH / (245km 5-6 h) DELHI DOMESTIC AIRPORT / COCHIN 

Departure: according to flight time

Begin with an early morning drive to the Delhi domestic airport to catch a flight for Cochin. Upon arriving in Cochin, we will check into our hotel. Evenings will be free for personal activities, walking and exploring the surroundings.  Cochin is a city that was influenced by many international cultures such as Portuguese, Chinese, British and Dutch. Stay overnight in Cochin.

IN COCHIN

Departure:  10:00am

After breakfast at 9:00am, we will sightsee Cochin which is a city historically known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea.” We will visit the Mattanchery Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue established in 1568 where the scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved. Visit St. Francis’ Church where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524 and the Chinese fishing nets.  Fort Kochi is an excellent place to explore on foot. Catch a show of classical Kathakali dance.  Arrive back at the hotel for an overnight stay.

KOCHIN / ALLEPY HOUSE BOAT (90 KM 1.5HR) 

Departure:  10:00am

Depart to the Allepy and check into a houseboat at 12:00pm. Meet the captain and the chef. The boat will take us along winding canals and waterways dotted by tiny villages and vast green paddy fields. At about 8:00pm dinner will be served. Overnight stay at the Houseboat.

ALLEPY HOUSEBOAT / VARAKALA BEACH (119 KM 3 / 4 HR)

Departure:  9:00am

After breakfast served in the houseboat, we will disembark at the jetty around 9.30am and leave Allepy for Varakala beach.  Arrive at Varkala at about 2:00pm, check into the hotel and freely spend the day on beach activities. Overnight stay at a hotel at Varakala.

IN VARAKALA BEACH

Spend morning time enjoying the beach, getting ayurvedic massage or shopping, etc. At 4:00pm, proceed for a short excursion to see Kappi Lake and Vishnu temple in Varkala village.  Overnight stay in Varakala.