ROCS Guided Holidays Incredible India 2024

Incredible India’s Golden Triangle Including the Magnificent Taj Mahal

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic Toy Train ride. The Nilgiri Mountain railways, built by the British in 1908, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 46-Kilometre toy train operates from Ooty to Mettupalayam but we will partake in a shorter journey on the train i.e from Ooty to Coonoor. After deboarding, drive back to hotel on Ooty. DAY 14 – OOTY – COIMBATORE – ERNAKULAM - KUMARAKOM Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive from Ooty to Coimbatore Railway Station (approx. 90 kms/3 hours drive) to board your train to Kochi. Upon arrival in Ernakulam, continue your travels with a beautiful picturesque drive to Kumarakom, covering approximately 52 kilometres and taking around two and a half hours. When reaching your destination, the luxurious 5* Gokulam Grand Resort and Spa awaits to welcome you with its impeccable hospitality. Indulge in a smooth check in process before settling into your lavish accommodations. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 15 – KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY Following breakfast, you will go on a scenic drive to Alleppey for backwater Cruise (approx. 35 kms/1 hour drive). Take a cruise in a traditional rice barge through the canals and backwaters where you will see rural life that has remained unchanged for centuries. Rice barges, or ketolases (‘roped together’) as they are called in Malayalam, are built from jackfruit logs lashed firmly together with coconut fibre and are poled along the waterways by one or two men. Previously, these vessels were used for transporting rice, coconuts and other commodities to market. Enjoy a delecable lunch on board as you soak in the tranquil surroundings. Disembark from cruise and drive DAY 16 – KUMARAKOM Have breakfast at the hotel. Today is a day at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 17 – KUMARAKOM - KOCHI Commence your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel, then drive to Meals: Breakfast and Dinner back to your hotel in Kumarakom. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Continue your tour with a visit to the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, an 18th century stone astrological and astronomical marvel built by Maharaja Jai Singh. Conclude your day with a leisurely exploration of the local market. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 8 - JAIPUR Savour a delectable breakfast, preparing you for a delightful morning walking tour through the Bazaars and Cuisine Crafts of Old Jaipur. Commence your journey from Sanganeri Gate, strolling through the vibrant fruit and vegetable market and lively alleyways adorned with original havelis — many still inhabited by traditional merchant families. Pause at the family-owned temple of Siddhi Ganesh, a sacred space dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the embodiment of good luck in Hinduism. Immerse yourself in the intricate artistry of gold painting and enamelling on marble, skillfully demonstrated by a local artist. Witness the exquisite ‘gota’ embroidery, a form of gold and silver thread embroidery applied to saris and traditional Indian attire. Embark on a visit to a fifth-generation Meenakari craftsman, recipient of the prestigious President’s award, in his workshop. Join him for tea in his 200-year-old residence, a direct descendant from a family of chief hakims (physicians) who served the Emperors during the Mughal Dynasty. His traditional haveli, adorned with fine chandeliers, period furniture, and traditional carpets, stands out as a highlight of the walk. Marvel at his rare art collection, a true spectacle. For food enthusiasts, Ghee Walon ka Rasta beckons — an entire street dedicated to gastronomic delights! Indulge in a variety of Indian savoury snacks, including samosas, kachoris, and pakoras. Proceed to Gopal Ji Ka Rasta, the epicentre of Jaipur’s renowned jewellery shops, nestled amidst a bustling atmosphere with en-thusiastic bargain hunters. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 9 – JAIPUR – BENGALURU Breakfast and transfer to airport for your flight to Bangaluru. Upon arrival transfer to your 5* Taj MG Road Hotel for check in. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 10 – BEGALURU - MYSURU Have breakfast in the morning, and then drive past the Bangaluru city, and later continue drive to Mysuru enroute visiting Srirangapatnam, the former capital of two of South India’s most powerful 18th century rulers, Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The fort was besieged and stormed by the British in 1782 and again in 1799. After this visit continue your drive to Mysuru. Upon arrival, check in at the 5* Radisson Blue Plaza.

Mysuru, a city in India’s southwestern Karnataka state, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysuru from 1399 to 1947. In its centre is opulent Mysuru Palace, seat of the former ruling Wodeyar dynasty. The palace blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput styles. Mysuru is also home to the centuries old Devaraja Market, filled with

spices, silk and sandalwood. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 11 – MYSURU After a delightful breakfast, proceed to sightseeing tour which includes visit to Mysuru Palace - The Maharajah’s Palace, completed in 1912, dominates the centre of Mysuru. The building is a synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic architecture, designed by Henry Irwin, a British Architect. It is topped with a single brass-plated dome, surrounded by turrets, giving it a fairytale appearance, which is further enhanced on holidays when it is lit up by approximately 10,000 light bulbs. The interior is also lavishly decorated with stained glass, mirrors, pillars, paintings, and jewels. Later continue to Chamundi Hills for a view of Mysuru town. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 12 – MYSURU - UDHAGAMANDALAM (OOTY) After a nice breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Udhagamandalam known as Ooty (approx. 125 kms/4 hours’ drive). On arrival in Ooty, check in at your 5* hotel The Savoy Ooty, IHCL Selection. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 2240m, Ooty is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district. It is the most popular hill station in the Southern India. Nature has been generous with this region which is by far the most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like conifers, eucalyptus and pine dot the hillside in Ooty and its environs. Rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the town on your own. DAY 13 – UDHAGAMANDALAM (OOTY) Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Here you will witness a gamut of regionally exclusive and ornamental plants, explore the Government Museum featuring a host of tribal artifacts, district’s ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of region. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

INCREDIBLE INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE 2024

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