This morning you head out to the Old Delhi. Old Delhi came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort that dominates this area is the landmark. Built in the mid 17th century by Shah Jahan, it was plundered by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and later by British soliders. After visiting the fort, we arrive at the 300 year old chandni chowk market. A maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an extra ordinary variety of items and food, the noise and crowds are a quite essential part of any Indian market. We explore the market on a cycle rickshaw, our path leading us through lanes, each dedicated to a particular item, rather like a departmental stores. Leather wear, clothes, bridal wear, jewelry, and of course the aromatic popular street where food ranging from deep fried sweet meats to Paranthas - a bread stuffed with a variety of vegetables.

From here we continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. This is India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan and was his last architectural legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum, which means "mosque commanding a view of the world". It is well worth climbing to the top of the southern minaret for an unrivalled view of Old and New Delhi. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi is Raj Ghat, a simle and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence.

Afternoon we visit The New Delhi - which is a blend of ancient and pre independence India. The Qutub Minar, the tapering monument begun in 1199 was built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually the proto type of all minars or towers in India. A pivot of faith, justice and righteousness, its name carried the message of its founder Qutub -ud-din's own achievements and the inscriptions say that the tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over the East and West. We also visit the Humayun's Tomb which was built by the mother of emperor Akbar. This is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.

Home Visit & A Welcome Dinner: The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.

OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT - A 4* DOWNTOWN HOTEL (Standard Room)

Day 03: DELHI / SRINAGAR (9W 603 - 1115/1235 hrs)

Morning, transfer to the airport in time to board flight for Srinagar.

Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year. ts waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly handcrafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for a memorable holiday.

Meeting and assistance on arrival at Srinagar airport and transfer to the Houseboat on Dal Lake

Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities

OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)

Day 04: SRINAGAR

Morning we proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city.

The larger and more elaborate pleasure garden of the Mughals is the Shalimar Bagh, four kms away. Laid out by Emperor Jahangir for Nur Jahan, this garden is also divided into four terraces and has a water channel running down its centre. On the topmost terrace is the pavilion reserved for the royal visitors. Supported by stunning black marble pillars, the pavilion had tiny niches that were used to keep fragrant flowers in the day and light up the pavilion with lamps at night.

We will also visit the important mosques of Srinagar is the large Jamia Masjid built in 1674. The mosque has thick wooden pillars, each made from an entire deodar tree. One of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, the foundation of the building was said to have been laid as far back as 1398 by Sultan Sikandar. To the southeast is the Rozahbal Mosque, for some esoteric and strange reason known as the 'tomb of Jesus'. Across the River Jhelum lies the Pattar Masjid, built in 1623 for the Empress Nur Jahan. The mosque was later renamed as the Shahi Masjid.

Evening enjoy the Shikara ride on Dal Lake to enjoy the beauty that God has graced this city which is often compared to Venice. You will gat a view of some very interesting places around the lake.

OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)

Day 05: SRINAGAR / GULAMARG

Morning we drive to Gulmarg.

Literally a meadow of flowers, Gulmarg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kashmir valley. A two-hour drive from Srinagar, down roads lined with towering poplars and you arrive at the luxuriant resort with breathtaking views of the splendid mountains and unspoilt expanses of gree or white, depending on the season. Crowded with tourists in winter who come for skiing and winter sports or just to enjoy the snow, Gulmarg also has a good golf course.

Upon arrival check into the hotel

Gulmarg offer plenty of options for nature walks and mild treks along amazing scenes of natural beauty. We would explore the magic of the place

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MT. VIEW (SUITES) - (B, L, D)

Day 06: GULMARG

Full day at leisure for independent activities and walks. Optional trekking and horse ridding on request at the hotel can be made.

Gulmarg like most regions of Kashmir offer opportunities for Pony rides too. You would be helped to undertake pony rides if you wish to.

A Cable Car Ride: Enjoy a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind on Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes, is exhilarating. A Cable Car (Gandola) is installed which is great hit with tourists and it takes tourist's upto Kongdori. The sky-car ride across 5 km and reaching an altitude of 13,500 ft, the highest in the world

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL MT. VIEW (SUITES) - (B, L, D)

Day 07: GULAMRG / PAHALGHAM

Morning we drive to Pahalgham.

After breakfast we proceed for full day excursion to Pahalgam.

At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar , Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the nighttime temperatures do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River running right through the town.

Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great Himalayan. At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer.

Upon arrival check into the hotel Highland

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL HIGHLAND - (SUITES) (B, L, D)

Day 08: PAHALGHAM

This morning we trek to Aru. The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the river. At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the summer. One of course does not have to trek the full way, but, we can return after an hour if we wish to.

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL HIGHLAND - (SUITES) (B, L, D)

Day 09: PAHALGHAM / SRINAGAR

Rafting: Today we will experience white water rafting. The River Lidder near Pahalgam has two short stretches suitable for white water rafting, especially for day trips. As the gradients are not steep, they are excellent for the first timers.

Late afternoon ride back to Srinagar

On arrival check in to the Luxury Houseboat

OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)

Day 10: SRINAGAR / SONMARG

Today morning we drive to Sonmarg - located 96 kms, from Srinagar, is a resort set in a pristine village lying next to the Lidder River. Surrounded with fragrant pine forests, the idyllic resort includes a golf course and spots for angling. The bubbling Lidder harbours a sizeable population of rainbow trout and mahaseer to ensure you don't come away disappointed. The nearby forested slopes are home to the Himalayan brown bear. Once a very popular tourist destination, Pahalgam has camping facilities, ponies for short rides, skiing equipment for the winter and white water rafting in the Lidder. A trip to the Kolahoi Glacier near Pahalgam is worthwhile for the thrilling experience of riding in sledges on the ice.

Upon arrival check into the hotel Highland

Sonamarg is a trekker's paradise and small treks can be taken up with many other leisure activities form this place. Sledging at these snow covered glaciers is offered by the locals and is quite enjoyable.

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL HIGHLAND (SUITE) - (B, L, D)

Day 11: SONMARG / SRINAGAR

Pony Ride: This morning enjoy a spectacular 2 hour return pony trek to the Thajiwas glacier. The journey will take you past several cliffs and valleys as soul stirring scenes of natural beauty unfold at every bend.

Afternoon we drive back to Srinagar.

On arrival check in to the Luxury Houseboat

OVERNIGHT: LUXURY HOUSEBOAT - (B, L, D)

Day 12: SRINAGAR / DELHI (9W 1315/1535 hrs)

Afternoon transfer to the hotel in time to board flight for Delhi

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to your downtown Hotel The Connaught.

OVERNIGHT: THE CONNAUGHT - A 4* DOWNTOWN HOTEL

Day 13: DELHI / AGRA

Morning we drive to the City of Taj Mahal.

Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine… all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history… captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition - luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the arts.

Upon arrival check into hotel Howard Park Plaza. The hotel's cuisine is renowned for its taste and splendour.

Following rest and relaxation, we visit the Massive Agra Fort - Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. Many buildings were constructed within the fort of which very few remain till date. One of the most significant is the Jahangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai.

The Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. Most of the panels in the eastern hall are decorated with the Persian styled stucco paintings in gold and blue. It is believed that a century later, most of the structure were dismantled by Shahjahan and were replaced with white marble pavilions covered with intricate inlay work. Of which the most prominent ones are - the Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam Burj and the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built the Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am.

OVERNIGHT AT HOWARD PARK PLAZA (STANDSARD ROOM)

Day 14: AGRA / DELHI / DEPARTURE

The Taj Mahal is described as "A tear on the face of Eternity" by the poet Tagore and is an enduring monument to love. Built by a grieving Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal built of glistening marble, fabulously decorated in a mosaic of semi precious stones, is a stunning mausoleum.

Taj Mahal changes its mood with the seasons and the different times of the day. At dawn, the marble has a delicate bloom in shell pink, by noon it glliters majestically white, turning to a soft pearly grey at dusk. On the full moon nights, the silver light makes it float away against the star sprangled sky. Monsoon clouds give it a moody blue tint and it appears and disappears like a mirage in the drifting mists of winter. It can be solid and earth bound, fragile and ethereal, white, amber, grey and gold. The many faces of the Taj Mahal displays the seductive power of architecture and jewellery as both are reflected in the Taj Mahal. It is one of the most flawless architectural creation in the world. We will visit this monument of love at Sun-rise.

Later drive to Delhi, along one of India's finest freeways, where you will get opportunity to stop on the way to have some refreshments as well as use wash room facilities.

Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the International airport in time to board flight back home.

cost includes : Accommodation in Twin Sharing Bases; Home Dinner with Indian Family; Transport arrangements by a Fine air-conditioned Car; Services of English Speaking Guide during sightseeing tours; Boat ride at Dal Lake in Srinagar; Airfare for Delhi / Srinagar / Delhi sector in economy class; Pony Ride at Sonamarg; White Water rafting in Pahalgam; Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg.

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