ROCS Guided Holidays 2024

VISITING: Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Bangaluru, Mysuru, Udhagamandalam, Ooty, Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kochi 18-Day Grand Journey from North to South Incredible India

18 DAY GUIDED TOUR € 4439 FROM 07 - 24 OCT

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. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 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 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. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 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 back to your hotel in Kumarakom. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 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 Kochi (approx. 60 kms/2.5 hours drive. Kochi (Cochin) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Keralan backwaters. The city was formed in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for the Malabar Coast’s spice trade. The rulers of Kochi invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting Jews and Christians who built places of worship and created their own communities. Upon arrival, check in at the 5* Fragrant Nature Hotel. In the afternoon experience the best of Kochi with the sightseeing tour and explore several famous attractions like historic Fort Kochi, home to colonial-era architecture, churches, and cobblestone streets. Stroll through the bustling spice markets of Mattancherry, where you can buy exotic spices and experience the aromas of Kerala. Visit the Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, and witness its architecture and interiors. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 18 – KOCHI - DUBAI - MALTA Transfer to the airport for flight back to Malta via Dubai.

INDIA 2024

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