Discover India

Kerala Tamil Nadu Agra - Rajasthan

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day
Itinerary
1
Arrive Mumbai, Transfer to Hotel
2
Mumbai sightseeing
Morning fight to Trivandrum, Evening Trivandrum Sightseeing.
3
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
4
Kovalam
Drive to Kanyakumari, Visit Sucheendram Temple, Vivekananda
5
Rock and Thiruvalluvar Statue
Kanyakumari to Madurai, Visit Madurai Meenakshi Amman
6
Temple and evening Pooja
7
Madurai To Munnar
8
Munnar
9
Drive - Munnar to Cochin
10
Cochin sightseeing - Fly to New Delhi
Drive - New delhi to Agra, Agra Sightseeing - Taj mahal - Fatehpur
11
Sikri
12
Drive - Agra to Jaipur
13
Jaipur
14
Drive Jaipur to Pushkar
15
Drive - Pushkar to Jodhpur
16
Jodhpur
17
Jodhpur to Manvar Desert Camp
18
Manvar Desert Camp
19
Drive to Jodhpur and fly to New Delhi
20
Fly out

ABOUT MERCURY HIMALAYAN EXPLORATIONS

MHE is one of the pioneers of adventure travel in India. The company was founded in 1982 by Col. "Bull"
Kumar, India's most celebrated mountain climber and decorated soldier.
MHE has been awarded multiple National Tourism Awards for being the most innovative tour operator
in India and for pioneering off-road and ATV expeditions in India. The Sunday Times UK rated MHE as
the "top adventure travel operator in India.
MHE endeavours to conduct responsible and sustainable tourism with minimal impact on the physical,
cultural and social environment of the area. It is firmly committed to preserving our fragile environment,
because of which all MHE tours follow a strict eco-code that involves everyone, starting from the office,
to our clients, the adventure staff on field and the local community.
MHE has a long standing reputation of being one of the safest wilderness operations in the country. All
MHE guides and leaders have been trained in First Aid and CPR techniques. All MHE trips crossing an
altitude of 4,877 metres (16,000 feet) carry a supply of portable oxygen and hyperbaric chamber. In case
of a serious medical emergency we try and organise the fastest evacuation possible by road or air to the
nearest hospital and then onwards to Delhi. All people travelling with MHE are required to buy a travel
insurance from their country of origin, which should include air evacuation in case of medical
emergencies.

DISCOVER INDIA ITINERARY

DAY 01

ARRIVE MUMBAI,

Arrive in Mumbai. A Mercury Himalayan Explorations representative will meet you outside the customs
and immigration area at the airport. They will answer all your questions, brief you on the immediate
arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest up after the long
flight.
DAY 02

MUMBAI SIGHTSEEING

Theres a lot to see and a lot to experience, and one day just isnt good enough. So rather than make it a
whirlwind tour, well take you to some of the defining areas that we know will become a part of the
wonderful memories you carry back. You will leave your hotel after breakfast, at around 10:00 AM, and
your guide will take you to:
Leave your hotel after breakfast (eat heartily, lunch will be a little late) at around 9:30 AM.
Get ready for a guided exploration of Mumbais island city Indias largest and one of the worlds most
populous cities. People born and brought up here swear by the city and would never dream of moving
elsewhere. Others, who drop in and out on work or vacation, wonder why anyone would ever want to
live there! And thats what makes this noisy, bustling, crowded metropolis a city of contradictions. Its
not uncommon to find a large slum area living neck to neck with some of Mumbais poshest apartments
and the cheapest street-side restaurant next door to its most swanky hotel! This is the financial hub of
India and the southern part of the island is often compared to Manhattan at least the real estate
prices there match those in Manhattan, if nothing else! Its also Indias center of movies and television,
because of which its often referred to as Bollywood. Theres a lot to see and experience in
Mumbai.
Youve only got a day, so were going to try and make the best of it! Here goes:
Dhobi Ghat at Mahalaxmi: This place gives washing your dirty linen in public an all-new meaning.
The "Dhobi Ghat" (open-air manually-operated laundry) is a surviving relic of Mumbai's past. It
comes across as a fascinating place, a huge human-powered mass laundry, where 100s of washermen (called "Dhobis" in Hindi) wash clothes in large concrete wash pens and dry them under
an open sky. For the Dhobis, it's generally a hereditary profession, with most of the washermen's families working here for last 2 or maybe 3 generations, their technique having remained
virtually the same. The soiled clothes are first soaked in boiling water with caustic soda and
then "flogged" on a slab to physically rid them of dirt and stains. It comes across as a fascinating

place, a huge human-powered mass laundry! This place is fascinating, an experience. And
contributes to the contradictions we talked about earlier.
Drive past Flora Fountain at Fort: Mumbai's tribute to Roman goddess Flora, the Flora
Fountain intersection at the junction of Mahatma Gandhi Road, Dadabhai Naoroji Road and Veer
Nariman Road is known as Hutatma Chowk (Martyrs' Square), but locals still call it the Fountain,
referring to its central ornate fountain mounted with a statue of the Roman goddess Flora. Before that,
this was the site of one of the three gates of the original Bombay Fort. There are several other
public artworks nearby, including a statue of two martyrs with a flame built in memory of the 105
people shot dead here by police in 1960 during a protest for the creation of Maharashtra state.
Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue at Kala Ghoda: The next stop is the Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue in
Colaba, built in 1884 by Jacob Sassoon of the Mumbai Sassoon family, who also built the Sassoon
Docks. The Jews in Mumbai have been particularly successfully at integrating. They often speak
fluent Marathi, as well as adding an additional Maharashtrian surname to their Hebrew names. The
large light-blue building in the smaller lane to the left of Rhythm House is unmissable. As soon as
you enter you will notice some photographs in the hallway, and it would seem, that Madonnas been
here. Right. She visited this synagogue when she came to Mumbai in 2008. Inside is Victorian stained
glass and heavy teak wood benches. Ladies sit separately during the religious service on the upper
floor. Many years ago most synagogues in the city were full to capacity during festivals. Now most
synagogues cannot match those numbers as thousands of Jewish Indians moved to Israel after its
formation in 1948, leaving only about 4,000 Jews in Mumbai.
Time for lunch: There are several places nearby it depends on your taste buds! We recommend
you head back towards Flora Fountain and eat at Khyber a fantastic Indian restaurant known for
its Kababs. If fish is your food of choice, then theres no better place than Trishna no visitor to
Mumbai leaves without a meal from here! They also serve excellent meat and chicken dishes with
innovative Indian rotis and naans.
Gateway of India is next on the agenda. Built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen
Mary to India in 1911, the towering archway of the Gateway of India, at Apollo Bunder, served as
an entrance to thousands of Company men who arrived on Mumbais shores. Its also the place
from which the last of them departed after Independence and now remains one of Mumbais most
visited sites. The style blends Indian and European architectural styles and looks beautiful when
illuminated at night. Walk around, feed the pigeons, and check out the beautiful historical Taj Mahal
hotel right opposite over 100 years old, this is one of Mumbais most iconic structures. The target
of a terrorist attack in 2008, where 31 people lost their lives, the hotel was rebuilt in 12 months at
a cost US$80 million. Step into this historic building for a cup of coffee if time allows you its well
worth the trip.
Marine Drive: Also known as the Queens Necklace this is a popular scenic drive in Mumbai.

Located at the foot of Malabar Hill, it follows the Arabian Seas coastline for 3km from Nariman Points,
reaching north to Chowpatty Beach. You can join the locals in a relaxing stroll to escape the hustle and
bustle of busy Mumbai. As the sun sets, the lights dotting Marine Drive come on forming the jewels in
the Queens Necklace. The sun setting over Nariman Point is breath-taking and worth the wait.

DAY 03

MUMBAI TO TRIVANDRUM

You have an afternoon flight to Trivandrum. After a leisurely breakfast, you can check out of the hotel
and head to the airport to catch your flight to Mumbai. You will be met at Trivandrum airport by an MHE
representative and taken to your hotel Later drive to your beach resort at Kovalam the international
beach destination of Kerala with shallow water for swimming and other water sports activities. After
lunch enjoy the beach till the sun set in the Arabian Sea.
DAY 04

TRIVANDRUM (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM) SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast you will have a half day city tour to visit the iconic spots Old Travancore Kingdoms
capital Trivandrum includes:
Sri Chithira Art Gallery: - Located near the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery of Trivandrum is an
art lover's paradise. Only a true admirer of art will know the joy of visiting this beautiful art gallery that
has some of the best paintings of famous painters of India. A very famous landmark in Kerala, the
museum has a vast collection of paintings not just from India, but from countries like Japan, China and
Indonesia. The section that attracts all visitors alike is the one that is dedicated to Raja Ravi Varma. This
famous painter has carved a separate niche for himself in the world of art. His paintings look so real that
it seems as if they speak. Raja Ravi Varma was fondly called as "Prince among painters and painter
among princes". Apart from his paintings, one can find the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy
and K.K. Hebar. The famous Tanjore paintings are also displayed here. These dazzling works of art never
fail to enthrall onlookers - encrusted as they are, with minute semi-precious stones that lend an
extraordinary look to the painting. Apart from this, the gallery has a collection of painting miniatures
belonging to the Rajput and Mughal eras.
Padmanabhapuram Temple and adjacent Palace: - Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most
famous Lord Vishnu Temples in Kerala State of the Indian Union. Also known as Sree Ananda
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this Mahavishnu Temple is located inside East Fort,in Thiruvananthapuram
- the capital city of Kerala State. Lord Vishnu is enshrined here in the Anananthasayanam posture (in
eternal sleep), lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake. According to traditions, Sree Padmanabhaswamy
is believed to have been worshipped by Chandra (Moon God) and Lord Indra (the head of the Devas).
The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. Divya Desams are the holiest abodes of the
Lord Mahavishnu that are mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints). Sri Padmanabhaswamy
Temple is also one of the seven Parasurama kshetras (Temples) in Kerala. The city of

Thiruvananthapuram is named after the Lord. The word Thiruvananthapuram literally means "The land
of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy".
After the sight-seeing, you head back to your resort and enjoy the beach.
DAY 05

DRIVE TRIVANDRUM TO KANYAKUMARI, 90KMS, 4HRS

After breakfast, check out the resort and drive to Kanyakumari the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, also a fantastic tourist spot as the regions three major seas converge here (Arabian Sea,
Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal). A holy place for Hindu Pilgrims, you can visit the Padmanabhapuram
palace on the way. Reach Kanyakumari by noon and in the evening have a wonderful sunset from the
Vivekananda rock situated in the sea.
DAY 06

DRIVE KANYAKUMARI TO MADURAI, 244KMS, 5HRS

One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi
Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the
great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre
even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. The Pandyan King Kulasekarar
built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple. Legend has it that, on the day
the city was to be named, as Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people, divine nectar (Madhu) was
showered on the city from his matted locks. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madurai is
famous for jasmine flowers.
DAY 07

DRIVE MADURAI TO MUNNAR, 153KMS, 5HRS

Munnar, the confluence of the three mountain river systems - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala.
Situated at 1600m above the sea level, this hill station is dotted with lakes, reservoirs, mountains
streams, scabrous rocks, wooded valleys and wavy grass hills an amazing topographical variety at short
intervals. Along the quiet drives of Munnar, through the unending sea of tea plantations, a sign of
human life itself is a rare sight apart from similarly attired plantation workers. The unending dominance
of the tea plantations and the mountain flower Neelakkurinji that bloom once in 12 years are both
synonymous landmarks of Munnar.
DAY 08

MUNNAR

After breakfast proceed to the famous Rajamalai wildlife sanctuary. Spend the morning enjoying the
beauty of the rolling grassland among which the rare species of Nilgiri Tahr or Nilgiri Ibex Graz. After
lunch relax and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of nature in Munnar.

DAY 09

DRIVE MUNNAR TO KOCHI, 127HRS, 4HRS

Affectionately called the queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is situated on the west coast of India in the
beautiful state of Kerala. Kochi with its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth was the
cradle of art and culture in Kerala. The contributions made by highly gifted men enriched its image all
the more. Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, offers guests a landscape captured by several camera
lenses, none doing it complete justice - the ancient Chinese fishing nets, the monuments and synagogue
all make for an enchanting evening.
DAY 10

FLY KOCHI TO NEW DELHI

Late morning transfer to the airport for your flight to New Delhi where you will be met by an MHE
representative and proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour will begin
with a visit to The Jama Mosque built in 1650 AD, followed by a visit to the breathtaking Red Fort (163948), built by the Shah Jehan, creator of The Taj Mahal. Then we proceed on to Raj Ghat, the memorial of
Mahatma Gandhi.
The drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), India Gate, President
House Government buildings and Connaught Place, New Delhis main shopping area.
DAY 11

DRIVE TO AGRA, 210KMS, 4HRS

You leave after an early breakfast. Its a 231 KM (143.5 miles) drive and should take around 4 hours
depending on the traffic you hit once you enter Agra city. You can check into your hotel, freshen up,
and then head out to explore Agra Fort. This is a 16th century monument that is today a UNESCO World
Heritage site, and located just about 1.5 miles northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj
Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. After the Agra Fort, have lunch at one
of the local eateries (your guide will be the best judge of that) and then explore what is famously called
the Baby Taj. Often described as the draft of the Taj Mahal, this "jewel box" would have been a mustsee in any other city in the world. But in Agra, it gets overshadowed by its more famous "sibling."
The Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb (Baby Taj) is the hidden jewel of Agra. The tomb is a link in the chain of
Mughal architecture from the red sandstone of Humayun's Tomb to the white marble and pietra dura
inlay, perfected in the Taj Mahal. But the baby Taj is in many ways a better experience than the Taj.
Hardly any one goes there, in the peaceful space one can get quite close to the inlay and its truly
fantastic. The walls of white marble from Makrana are inlayed with semi-precious stones - cornelian,
jasper, lapis lazuli and onyx. Inside the beautiful jaali (netted) screens of carved white marble the light is
wonderful and sublime. Very spiritual.

Taj Mahal - what can one say about this architectural wonder that you havent heard already? Declared
as one of the New7Wonders of the World in 2007, this 1648 monument was built as a monument to
loveand heartbreak, you cannot possibly leave India without breathing in this part of history.
The rest of the day is free for you to roam and explore the ancient city of Agra. Do try and check out
Mehtab Bagh - also called the "Moonlight Garden", this is built on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal
and offers the most amazing view of the monument.
DAY 12

DRIVE TO JAIPUR, 236KMS, 5HRS:30MINS

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning, drive from Agra to Jaipur (221 kms/6 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur
Sikri. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in
its magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later
abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which
is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white
marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shaik Salim Chishti. This tomb was built in 1570 and legend says
that the Moghul Emperor Akbar was without a male heir because of which he made a barefoot
pilgrimage from Agra to seek the blessings of this saint. The saint foretold the birth of a son, and in
gratitude Akbar named his son Salim, who later went to be called by the title Jehangir.
Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies
hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18thit is surrounded by hills topped with
rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect
Jaipurs desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come
visit the city of love, legends and lore.
DAY 13

JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

Morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original
Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest
example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the
palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the
palace which are famous for their design and decorations. This unique capital of the erstwhile warrior
kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state. Afternoon, proceed for a city tour to
visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728
and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing Palace of Winds. This was really a facade built in 1799,
to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former
royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an
excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.

DAY 14

DRIVE TO PUSHKAR, 145HRS, 3HRS

Pushkar, a town holy to the Hindus, it has the only known temple to Lord Brahma in India. Famous for
the Pushkar Camel Fair that takes place in November every year, this is a lovely quaint town to simply
stroll, visit the famous temples and witness Hindu rituals in the evening.
DAY 15

DRIVE TO JODHPUR, 186KMS, 4HRS

Drive to Jodhpur after a good breakfast. Jodhpur was the center of Marwar, one of Rajasthans largest
princely states and a fierce rival of the feudal states of Jaipur and Udaipur. Spend your day here walking
the ancient streets and simply taking in the sights and sounds of this ancient town thats a strange
combination of the old and new.
DAY 16
Jodhpur
The city is dominated by Meherangarh Fort, an ancient fortress with crenellated walls that once gave
protection during the rounds of battles fought by the warring Rajput states. Check in to your hotel and
then spend the afternoon touring Jodhpur, including a fascinating walk up to the uninhabited
Meherangarh Fort through the narrow, winding streets of Jodhpurs medieval bazaars. As you walk
through the Loha Pole, one of the entrance gates to the fort, youll pass by a wall where you can see the
handprints of the widows of the Maharaja Man Singh. His wives committed sati, burning themselves
alive on their husbands funeral pyre following his death in 1843, a part of the tradition of the Rajput
code of honor. Youll also visit Jodhpurs Meherangarh Museum, a group of former palaces. One of
these palaces, the Moti Mahal (the pearl palace), still houses the throne on which all the former rulers
were crowned; other palaces contain fascinating artifacts such as a solid silver elephant saddle and
ornate cradles built for the infant princes.

DAY 17

Drive to Manvar Desert Camp, 112KMS, 3HRS:30MINS

Manvar Desert Camp just 112 KM (69.5 miles) away from Jodhpur airport. The journey should take you
around three hours (maximum) and you will find yourself in the midst of the wilderness surrounded by
sand dunes! The beauty is breath-taking and the feeling of viewing a sunset in the midst of the sand
dunes is hard to describe. Stay in luxurious safari-styled tents with traditional camping-style teak
furniture, rich jute rugs and lovely custom designed block-printed tent linings. The attached tiled
bathrooms have running hot and cold water, flush toilets and proper wash basins. Providing warmth on
cold desert nights is an electric blower in each tent.
Delicious Indian meals are provided in the strategically located dining tent which offers stunning views
of the sunrise, sunset and the countryside thats so beautiful, youd probably imagine it to be a mirage!

Evenings are livened up by camp fire, mashaals (Indian camp fire torches), and local musicians and
dancers. The experience of sitting on a cushion on the dunes by candlelight while mouth-watering
snacks are served to you is amazing. The hospitality, humility and the service of the staff.it all comes
together to make you feel truly royal.
DAY 18

Manvar Desert Camp

Enjoy the luxury of this unique desert camp for another night take a camel ride in the day and head
out for a beautiful tea in the desert at sunset.
DAY 19
DAY 20

Drive back to Jodhpur and fly back to Delhi

FLY OUT