Ultimate India Honeymoon Itinerary

Namaste! Welcome to India!

Our representative will meet you in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Depart for your hotel in a car that will be beautifully decorated with flowers. This is an India wedding custom. You will receive special wedding garlands. On arrival you will be transferred and assisted for your stay at The Imperial Hotel.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorates the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will meet you for a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.

The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fortcontinuing to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque, walk down the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk to reach mosque. It is the largest mosque in India, accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers at one time. Designed by Shah Jahan, this grand red sandstone and white marble mosque was built by approximately 5,000 artisans from 1644 to 1656. You will take a short rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk.

Post sightseeing enjoy your lunch at the famous The Lodi Garden Restaurant. The earthy and organic sensibility of the restaurant is emphasized by lush botanical surroundings, pebbled walkways, cane and wooden furniture and bamboo railings. The wooden floor is a blend of canes, wood, leather and stone that display exotic design patterns. The emphasis has been to blend additional construction, furniture, décor and other man-made intrusions into the natural environment of the restaurant space that is an extension of Lodhi Gardens itself.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar; the five-storied tower with a 14.4meter base that tapers up to two and a half meters at the top is visible for a long distance around. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. It is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal.

In the evening enjoy a special dinner at the Spice route restaurant at your hotel. Adorned with traditional Thai sculptures from the Chiang Mai region in northern Thailand, the courtyard is a visual spectacle.

Today depart by surface for Agra (approx. 4 hours 30 minutes) and en-route visit Akbar Mausoleum in Sikandra.

It is on the same side of the river Yamuna as the Taj. Sikandra was built in 1492 by Sikander Lodhi, a ruler of one of the last dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. Akbar, in his time, ordered the construction of Sikandra again, this time as a site for his mausoleum but he died before it could be completed. His son, Jehangir, completed this work in 1613. The tomb is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The building is of red sandstone and is four stories tall, approximately 31 meters in height. The first three stories are of red sandstone, while the fourth is entirely of marble.

Post your visit at Sikandra, a short drive brings you to your hotel, The Oberoi Amarvilas.

Today early evening by sunset visit the Taj Mahal which the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built in 1630 A.D. to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft. high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb.

The filigree screen, meant to veil the area around the royal tomb was carved out of single block of marble. The Mughals believed that flowers were the symbols of the divine realm, thus in the Taj, pietra dura has been extensively used to translate naturalistic forms into decorative patterns that complement the majesty of its architecture. The monument changes with light and presents different times of the day.

Dinner Under the stars: Enjoy an exclusive dinner by the poolside surrounded by serenity, romance and live traditional Indian music. Indulge in the hotel master chefs” creations from the Royal kitchens of Mughal rulers.

Post breakfast visit the massive Agra Fort which was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it. It houses the Dewan-e-Khas and Dewan-e-Aam (Halls of Private and Public Audience). Its walls and palaces are a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Imperial Mughal Empire and feature a variety of ingenious Islamic inspired devices (some decorative, some more practical) within the fabric of the buildings. It’s a citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves, and terrace pavilions.

Very few travelers ever visit the old part of Agra that was once an important trading center of the Imperial capital of the Mughals known for its abundant consumption of commodities and giving gifts on a large scale.

After your tour of the Agra Fort, take a Rickshaw or Tonga ride to Old Agra to explore hidden alleys. As you enter the lanes of Old Agra you will get to peep inside shops, temples and lives of people to relive the life and times of a city that has an enduring history that predates and goes beyond the glorious era of the Taj Mahal, where it was a prosperous mercantile town during late-Mughal and days of the British Raj.

In the late afternoon, enjoy Hi Tea with a local family and proceed for a walk in Kachhpura Village. A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun’s Mosque. The walk through Kachpura starts with explaining the paintings (sanji art) on the walls done by community girls under youth program.

The central courtyard of the village is a major attraction of Kachhpura. The courtyard was redesigned under the project which offers a view of activities taking place in and around the information center – Street Theatre/Henna Tatto making etc. One can also visit the village school situated near courtyard. The walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to watch the Taj Mahal during sunset.

Post breakfast depart by surface for Jaipur (approx. 5 hours). En-route first visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri, located 37 km southwest of Agra is a magnificent fortified ghost city that was constructed by Akbar in the 16th century to honor the Chishti Saint, Sheikh Salim, who foretold the birth of Akbar’s son, Jahangir. The city is a combination of Hindu and Persian architecture, and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The city was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry. It remains much in the same condition as it was over 300 years ago. Larger than any of the modern cities when it was originally constructed, it is complete with palaces and mosques. It’s near perfect buildings make it an extra ordinary place to walk around in.

Post sightseeing tour, you will be transferred to the Taj Rambagh Palace in Jaipur for your stay.

Evening is reserved for short Wedding Puja Ceremony at a Hindu Temple

In the Hindu religion, puja for a newlywed couple is very suspicious. In this puja, the priest will wish a long and healthy married life for the couple. You will need to go to the temple and will have to walk without shoes in the temple premises.

In the morning proceed for a half – day sightseeing tour of the city.

High above the city, the towers and domes of the Amber Fort are reminiscent of scenes from a fairy tale. The palace itself is within the enormous fort complex and is replete with halls, gardens, pavilions, and temples. The Hall of Mirrors is not to be missed where one lit matchstick can illuminate the entire room. You will ascent the fort on elegantly draped elephants.

Post sightseeing tour drive to “Dera Amber Camp” which is located at the foothills of the Aravali Range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on the their fields bordering a pretty lake. Here enjoy an exclusive elephant Safari and lunch.

Later visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions.

Evening Walking Tour – Bazaar, Cuisine and Local Crafts

From its creation in 1727, the royal families and nobles of Jaipur patronized the craftsmen and artisans of the city. These traditions continue to this day and modern day Jaipur is considered the craft capital of India. Traditional methods are still used to produce many valuable and highly prized items. Using skills passed down through generations, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen in the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji.

On this fascinating guided evening walk mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling some of the regions culinary delights: try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. The iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of the winds is the meeting – point at which this two and a half hour walk begins. Here you also have the option of seeing and trying the art of Henna painting,

Today your next destination will be Nimaj (approx.230 kms/ 5 hours). On arrival check into Chhatra Sagar.

Today Chhatra Sagar has developed into a lush green oasis. With its wide – open spaces and enchanting views, it is a special property. Luxury tents have always been an important part of Rajput lifestyle. Constant campaigns in far -flung lands meant long stays in tents under inhospitable conditions. Tents were the only luxury available and soon these evolved into mobile, mini-palaces. Chhatra Sagar captures the essence of this romance.

The descendants of the people invited here by Thakur Chhatra Singh still live in settlements around Chhatra Sagar. Predominantly farmers and shepherds, they live a self – contained and harmonious life that has changed little in the last century. Chhatra Sagar continues to recharge their wells and provide water for their livestock.

In the evening take a bird watching tour near the campsite.

Here you will love the silence, the bird-watching, the isolation, the village walk, the fresh pomegranate juice on the terrace and the tangible humanity of this singular place.

The Rathore family deeply loves the land, and view water harvesting as an ancestral responsibility. Stewards and guardians of a unique place, their personal involvement and constant presence reinforce the commitment while on the village tour one will witness the same. Following their conservation effort, over 200 varieties of wildlife have returned, egret, heron, kingfishers, antelope, wild boar, small jungle cats, all easily observed from the ramparts of the dam or on nature walks into the habitat. The sustainability quotient is optimal—the camp serves all locally sourced food, has intense community involvement, and is furnished by indigenous craft. The property employs 30 local families from the nearby village of Kheda Deogarh, sponsors teachers, provides medicine, classroom furniture and brings specialized educators who address subjects ranging from family planning to recycling to soil conservation. They bring to the equation a natural grace and elegance, making the experience an altogether authentic one

Post breakfast at the camp, depart by surface for Udaipur (approx. 6 hours). The drive takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. The scenery along the way is superb and you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life. Among the sights you see are colorful villages, farms where an ancient system of irrigation using bullocks and a Persian wheel are still in practice, outdoor schools and the sartorially vibrant people who add a splash of color to the countryside. There are endless opportunities for photography. Your destination is one of the architectural gems of the area, The White Marble Temples at Ranakpur. Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard. Ranakpur is one of the five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. Noted for its grandiose scale and elaborate ornamentation, of the three temples, the Adinatha saint. The whole, including the extraordinary array of 1144 pillars each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, is fascinating.

Post lunch at Fatehbagh Palace; continue driving to Udaipur and on arrival check into the romantic and beautiful Taj Lake Palace hotel.

Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus – laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country. The city’s inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white.

Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes that lead on to a fertile plain, it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola add to the magic of Udaipur.

In the morning enjoy a yoga session with an expert at the hotel. Cleanse your mind, body and soul as you experience a state of sheer tranquility and peace through the ancient art of yoga. The term yoga signifies the union of the Atma, or individual soul, with the Parmatma or universal soul. The practice at Taj Lake Palace emphasizes balance and harmonizing the body, mind and emotions. This experience takes place each morning on the Mewar Terrace overlooking the quiet waters of Lake Pichola.

Post breakfast you have the full day to enjoy sightseeing and experience what the city has to offer.

Starting at Jagdish Temple built in 1651. Notice the many heritage mansions that line the city boulevards, the art shops and boutiques that lead to the old bathing ghats that fringe the banks of Lake Pichola. Visit City Palace, (part of which has been converted into a museum housing the largest collection of crystal in the world,) and see the gorgeous peacock mosaics, striking blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, glass and porcelain figures and miniature paintings are just two of Udaipur’s main attractions.

Later proceed for “Walk for the Tongawallahs.” The Walk for the Tongawallahs has been designed to help revive this once popular and eco-friendly mode of transport in Udaipur. Tongas were once the favorite mode of transport for the ladies of the royal house in Udaipur. Today these Tongas are becoming increasingly marginalized in favor of auto-rickshaws and other pollution belching motorized vehicles. There are only 10 Tongas left in Udaipur today. . You will visit Bagore-Ki-Haveli and Sahelio-ki-bari with the Tongawallahs.

In the afternoon, take a boat-cruise on Lake Pichola, covering the City Palace and Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator of the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Evening is reserved for Private Dinner at Lily Pond at the hotel.

Our Lily Pond is a lush, green garden stretching throughout the courtyard with a sparkling fountain and gorgeous shrubbery. This is where the ruler of Mewar met with his subjects and greeted the onset of spring.

Today, you will dine in harmony with nature as splashing fountains and chirping birds provide an organic soundtrack. Your moonlit dinner under the stars with its atmosphere and savory aromas combine to create a dining experience you will not forget.

Morning is at leisure (Check out time from the hotel is 12 noon.)

Optional activity – On direct payment basis

Jiva Spa Boat

Glide around the lake in the style of the Sovereign Royalty of the House of Mewar. In this case, the journey is the destination. Guests are cocooned in sumptuous comfort for a half or full day of divine royal ritual. Enjoy traditional Indian aromatherapy, signature body treatments and sensuous soaks in a bath while watching the birds of the lake flying around. Of course there is nourishment. Spa cuisine, fresh juices and champagne can be enjoyed. A waving of the lights and fragrant floral blessings comprise a lovely parting ritual that ends this memorable day on a lovely note. The Relaxation Boat offers tailor made experiences for different times of the day or change of seasons.

Early evening assisted departure transfer to the airport in time to board flight for Mumbai. (AI 471 – 1745/1905 hours)

On arrival at Mumbai airport, met and transfer to the hotel.

Today morning assisted departure transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Mangalore. (AI 665 – 1100/1215 hours)

On arrival at Mangalore airport, you will be met by resort car and driver and driven to Taj Vivanta Bekal Resort (approx. 2 hours)

Nestled in the midst of a languid environment, sprawled across 25 lush acres, located on the meandering Kerala backwaters by the side of the Kappil River and with easy access to the beach, Vivanta Bekal promises a departure from the usual for the senses. With luxurious villas and suites inspired by the traditional Kettuvallam, an indulgent Jiva Grande spa complex with blissful Spa villas, decadent dining options and unique “Vivanta Motif” experiences.

Rest of the day will be at leisure to relax at this wonderful and beautiful property

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for visiting Bekal Fort. This is a must-see, must-do. Marvel at the magnificent sea fort that dates back to Tipu Sultan. A 30 ft observatory tower, well preserved tunnels, moats, a well, temple, and a bastion that breaks out in splendor to the sea. It’s all here, a feast for the eyes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this beautiful setting.

Afterwards, the day is at leisure or to enjoy spa treatments at the Jiva Grand Spa.

Morning is at leisure to pursue independent activities.

In the afternoon, proceed for a half – day excursion with a wholesome banana leaf lunch on board a houseboat, an experience that is not be missed while in Kerala.

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a visit to the backwaters. A series of canals, which thread their way through the state to the sea, it allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to get from road transport. Along the way you will pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school and farmers transporting their produce to the market, and women completing household tasks such as laundry and washing utensils. You will disembark from the boat to wander in the villages and talk to the people.

In the evening enjoy a special farewell to India private dinner near the riverside.

Morning is at leisure.

You will be driven by resort car to Mangalore airport (apporx. 2 hours) to board the flight for Mumbai. (9W 432 – 1455/1615 hours)

On arrival at Mumbai, you will be met and transferred to the Leela hotel (where a day use room will be blocked until final departure)

Later assisted departure transfer to the International airport in time to board the flight for your onward destination.

This Honeymoon will be a trip of a lifetime and your memories will last a lifetime.