There are no group activities planned on the arrival day. Enjoy the city excursion led by the New Delhi Streetkids project guide already on the next morning. This Planeterra project supports over 5,000 children who live and work in the streets of Delhi since their families are too poor, the children have run away from abusive home environments, or are orphans. Many of these adolescents have received training as guides. Then visit to the Old Delhi - explore the spice markets, visit Jama Masjid and Connaught Place, and drive to Agra in the afternoon. Visit to the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Baby Taj, which is the smaller copy of Taj Mahal and sometimes is called "the poor man's Taj Mahal", because, unlike the original monument of love, which is made entirely of white marble, it is built of sand stone, except its marble dome. Then hit the road to Bharatpur, visiting the Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal Empire, and the village of Abhaneri that is famous for step wells en route. Stay for the night in the city of Bharatpur and take an option of visiting Keoladeo National Park, a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds. Then head to the Pink City of Jaipur, which was built according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory in the form of a nine-part mandala. The heart of mandala consists of the Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens and a small lake. The Palace of Winds - Hawa Mahal, was built with original intention to allow royal ladies observing everyday life in the street below without being seen. It has 953 small windows and keeps cool even in hot months. After that visit the Amber Fort and enjoy an option to watch a Bollywood film in Raj Mandir cinema. On the next day return to Delhi for more opportunities to take photographs, re-visit any sites, relax or shop, and get ready for the flight to Kochi in the next morning.
Kochi or Cochin is the biggest city on western coast of India. Since the 14th century it has been the portal hub for traders form entire world, the centre of trade of spices, and the colonial territory of Portugal and Great Britain. Owing this, Kochi is an extraordinary blend of cultural influences - you can see Chinese fishing nets, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and English minors there. Explore the city in your own pace, visit to the gravestone of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, which became the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Fort, the Dutch Palace and the Jew Street with 400 year old synagogue, do some shopping in spice market and attend St Francis Church. In the evening watch the kathakali dancing performance (Keralan tradition dance) that is one of the oldest dance forms in India and combines also drama, music and ritual. Then take a train via Kozhikode to Kalpetta or Wayanad that is one of the most scenic regions of Kerala and is rich in plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and various spices. Meet the locals whose culture is still not affected with the advent of tourism. Then explore nature trails in Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary and visit the Edakkal Caves which is believed to be a shelter of Neolithic people (6,000 BC). Head to the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to spend a night and have a short safari. There is a rich diversity of wildlife, including Nilgiri tahr, sambar, tiger, spotted deer, flying squirrel, and more than 120 species of birds.
In the next morning have a guided tour to Mysore Palace, formerly the seat of the famed Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore. Later, join the throngs of pilgrims at Chamundi Hills, with its Chamundeswari Temple on top, and Nandi the Bull. Visit the Devaraja fruit and vegetable market or maybe join in a yoga class at one of many institutes. The region is famous for producing of more than half of the Indian mulberry silk; therefore don't miss an opportunity to visit factories and purchasing excellent silk products. Then continue with the small village of Mamallapuram, the site of the 7th century Shore Temple. Part of it still is not explored by the archeologists since it is under the water. Then head to Pondicherry –former and the biggest territory of the French colony in India that was important trading point and still has strong French influence. Then take a train to Madurai – important commercial center since 550 AD that is famous for the enormous Sri Meenakshi temple. It is like no any other, and you will understand - why. Then enjoy the excursion in the spice capital of India - Thekkady. The rolling hills around the region grow some of the finest cardamom, cloves, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a lot of medicinal herbs. Enjoy a guided tour of the spice plantations and a tea factory. However the Periyar National Park is primarily famous for Elephants and wild buffaloes which, if lucky, can be seen on an optional early morning boat ride at the Periyar Lake. The region of Kerala is rich in rivers, lakes, lagoons and channels, with over 1000 floating houses, and it sometimes is referred the Venice of the East. The labyrinth of isles, channels and rivers surrounded by palm trees the locals call the Backwaters. This system of inner water supply in Kerala was initially created to foster transportation of spices and rice among the villages. Take a short boat ride to the village of Alleppey, enjoy a night at the local family and find out about living in such unusual circumstances. Spend evening enjoying the hospitality and return to Kochi in the end of the tour.
