Breakfast at the hotel and then depart by road to Agra.
Approximately 210 kms / 04 hours drive . Your other option would be to take the new Gatiman Express train which gets you to Agra in just 90 minutes.

Forts were an integral part of Indian history. Each place was ruled from the fort in the area and this is where the imperial court was set up. The fort in Agra was built by the emperor Akbar. This is a fine example of the Hindu elements finding their way into Islamic style of architecture. The fort is rather well known for the melancholic tale of emperor Shah Jahan who was imprisoned here by his son in an apartment that overlooked the Taj Mahal.

Though Agra is synonymous with the Taj; another Mughal monument made entirely in marble has arguably more refined workmanship. Itimad-Ud-Daula fondly known as Baby Taj is the tomb of a Mughal noble. It looks like an intricately carved jewel box with its extensive use of the teachnique of Pietra Dura.

At sunset the long awaited visit to the Taj Mahal. Bathed in soft light of the evening sun this monument to eternal love is truly a sight to behold. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

If you like you could also take an extension in your sightseeing and indulge in any of Equinox’s special experiential activities. Contact Equinox for our Agra secrets.

Early morning depart for the first Safari in the Ranthambhore national park.

The erstwhile hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1981. Ranthambore is also cited as a heritage site because of the pictorial ruins of the fort within the park.

Ranthambore National Park is covered by dry deciduous type of vegetation. The wildlife consists of Royal bengal tiger, leopard, wild boar, nilgai, sambar, sloth bear, striped hyena, southern plains gray langur, rhesus macaque and chital.

With jungles come tribes and small local settlements that live off the forest. Contact Equinox for our offbeat activities centered around this small jungle town.

Afternoon depart for a second safari by jeep to see the changes within the jungle from the early morning rise to when the sun starts to set.

After a fulfilling breakfast set off to explore this royal city.
Your day starts with sightseeing of Amber Fort by jeeps.
There is an option for elephant back, however in our endeavor to avoid animal cruelty we do not offer this experience.

This hilltop fortress was the Royal Family’s residence and is one of the most enchanting forts of India. A complex of palaces, temples, mirror inlaid public halls and beautifully manicured gardens, the fortress is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture. Within the fort are enchanting palaces that display the wealth of the erstwhile kingdom of Amber.

City Palace
This beautiful palace was built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. This Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.

Jantar Mantar Observatory
A trip is never complete without the visit of something eccentric and that is exactly what is offered by the 18th century observatory. An overzealous Maharaja of Jaipur constructed these astronomical instruments to make notes of the positions of stars and the constellation.

We at Equinox encourage you to travel like a global local. Not just to stand and witness something but participate in the in the experience that is India. Take part in the aarti ceremony at the Govind Devji temple where many devotees and followers gather in the courtyard to pay their respects. This temple has had the Royal patronage for centuries. But today you will be visiting the presiding deity just like many other Jaipur locals. Don’t forget to buy a small plate of offerings consisting flowers, incense and a coconut to appease the deity.

Indulge in any one of Equinox’s signature experiences to further explore Jaipur off the beaten path.

After breakfast visit this beautiful colonial town with a rich and diverse history.

It is hard to believe but Kochi was once a thriving place for the jewish community
The famous Kochi Synagogue was constructed in 1568 and is the oldest in the Commonwealth countries.. The articles of interest at the synagogue are a clock tower, hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, great scrolls of the Old Testament, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the former rulers of Cochin were recorded.

St Francis Church
Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European Settlement in India and St. Francis Church was the first European Church to be built in India. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries.

Dutch Palace
Dutch Palace, Kochi is more popularly known as Mattancherry Palace. The palace was constructed by the Portuguese and presented to the then Rajah of Kochi. The Rajahs of Keralas made subsequent renovations of the palace, giving it a Hindu texture. In fact, it has become one of the best testimony of the Hindu Temple Art.

Chinese Fishing Nets
A very unusual method of fishing, operated from the shore. Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations set up on bamboo or teak poles and is operated from the shores.

End your day with a Kathkali dance performance
Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of Southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali make-up is the slow metamorphosis of mortals into immortal deities and demons.

Contact Equinox for our signature experiences on exploring this beautiful port town.

Your days in Kumarokam are relatively easy. A chance to unwind and slip slowly into the natural environment that surrounds you.

We encourage you to spend a night in one of Keralas luxury houseboats- a reworked version of the Kettuvallams of olden times, originally used to transport rice and spices.
Using only natural products, these boats are built with bamboo, thatched roofs and wooden hulls. Sticks and wood of the areca nut tree are used for roofing and coconut trees and coir for beds.
Although this is a generations old concept, todays houseboats boast of the same comforts as a luxury hotel with beautifully furnished bedrooms, ensuite modern bathrooms, living spaces and large open decks to sit out and enjoy the views while you sail gently around the canals.

Equinox helps curate a number of experiences depending on the your needs and interests.
Some of these could include a visit to small ateliers of coir workers, visiting a village church and meeting the priest. Visit a banana and coconut plantation.
Contact Equinox for our list of experiences to indulge in.

To get a the feel of the languid pace of life on the backwaters we invite you to visit different homes, and if you like, even learn how to make some traditional delicacies.

(Approximately 20 kms / 45 minutes drive)

Your last morning in India.
Hopefully you could have some time for a last minute relaxation massage before your long flight home, or a last peak at the fishermen bringing in their early morning catch.
Later, departure transfer to Trivandrum International airport in order to connect flight home.