Day
01/ Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi meet assist at the airport and transfer to hotel.Night
stay in Delhi.
Day
02/ Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast sightseeing tour of Old & New
Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting
the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated;
Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would
include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive
along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India
Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end
with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Also visit Laxmi
Narayan temple popularly known as Birla Temple. Night stay in
Delhi.
Day
03/ Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur (262 Kms/5 hrs.). Arrive &
transfer to hotel. Later proceed to visit City Palace, still home
to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to
the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling
family are housed here. Also explore the different markets with
colourful handicrafts. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day
04/ Jaipur
After breakfast sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting Amber Fort
Situated atop a hill overlooking the city, was the old capital
before Jaipur was built. The Palace is laid out at different levels
on the hillside and surrounded by a fortress. A ride on a decorated
elephant to ascend the hill to the Palace is a thrilling experience
for every visitor where a ride on the elephant is highlight of
the tour. After lunch visit the Pink city because of the pink
colour of the buildings, is picturesquely situated in the heart
of Rajasthan surrounded on all sides except on the south by rugged
hills crowned with medieval fortresses. Visit the Mubarak Hall,
Chandra Mahal and Pothikhana which house a rare collection of
paintings and manuscripts as well as the museum of Arms and Armoury.
Also visit Jantar Mantar - Jai Singh's observatory and the Hawa
Mahal or Palace of Winds.Night stay in Jaipur.
Day
05/ Jaipur - Agra
Early morning after breakfast drive to Agra enroute visiting the
Deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri (250 kms/ 6 hrs), Fatehpur Sikri
-Twenty seven miles from Agra, Akbar's Capital where phantoms
of ancient pomp and splendour fill a deserted city, silent witnesses
to a vanished dream. The capital had to be abandoned by the emperor
for lack of adequate water supply. The marble tomb of the Saint
'Salim Chisti' and the Bulland Durwaza, the highest gateway in
the world, are some of the highlights of the place. On arrival
transfer to hotel. Night stay in Agra.
Day
06/ Agra
Morning at sunrise visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by
the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal
to enshrine her mortal remains, Also visit the Agra Fort, containing
the Pearl Mosque - the rusty and majestic red- sandstone fort
of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction
was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall
of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays
lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded
peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly
kingdoms. Also visit Itmad-up-Dau’s tomb, built by Noorjehan in
memory of her father. Night stay in Agra.
Day
07/ Agra - Jhansi (By train) Jhansi - Orchha (By surface)
Morning transfer to railway station to board the train to Jhansi
, Arrive Jhansi & drive to Orchha & transfer to hotel.
Later tour of this historical site with magnificient temples and
monuments. Some of the palaces were decorated with painted murals
which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of
painting. Night stay in Orchha.
Day
08/ Orchha - Khajuraho (By surface)
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho Khajuraho- the legendary temples
of khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one
of the world’s artistic wonders, these temples dedicated to the
Hindu pantheon of Gods are covered in carvings that are a paean
to life and love. Built within a short span of a hundred years
by the Chandela Rajputs, the 10th century temples lay forgotten
until they were discovered in the present century. Khajuraho has
achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures.
Arrive Khajuraho and transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night
stay in Khajuraho.
Day
09/ Khajuraho
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love
to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between
950 and 1050 A.D. The divine sculptures in these temples, are
a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime
and spontaneous about it. The murals depict the life and times
of the Chandelas, and celebrate the erotic state of being. They
not only testify to the mastery of the craftsman, but also to
the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under
whose reign, these temples were constructed.
The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions : western,
eastern and southern.
After breakfast explore the Western, eastern and southern temples
of khajuraho while your guide explains the intricate meaning and
legends behind each describable sculpture.
Western Group
Kandariya Mahadeo: This is the largest, and most typical Khajuraho
temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it soars 31 m high. The sanctum
enshrines a lingam, while the main shrine is ornately carved and
depicts various gods, goddesses, apsaras (heavenly maidens) in
elaborate detail.
Chaunsat Yogini: The oldest surviving temple in the group (900
A.D.), this is the sole granite temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Another Kali temple, which was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
is the Devi Jagdambe temple.
Chitragupta Temple: Dedicated to the sun-god, Surya, this temple
faces eastwards to the rising sun.
Vishwanath Temple: The temple enshrines a three-headed image of
Lord Brahma. Lions guard the northern entrance to the structure,
while elephants flank the southern flight of steps that lead upto
it. A Nandi bull faces the shrine.
Lakshamana Temple: The lintel over the entrance of this temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu, shows the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu
and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort. The sanctum
is adorned with a three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations,
Narasimha and Varaha.
Matangeshwara Temple: This temple, which happens to be outside
the precincts of the western group, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It boasts of an eight feet high lingam.
Eastern Group
Parsavanatha Temple: The largest in the group of three Jain temples,
the Parsavanath image in this temple, was installed in 1860.
Ghantai Temple: This Jain temple has a frieze depicting the 16
dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a Jain goddess perched on a winged
Garuda.
Adinatha Temple: The last of the Jain temples, is dedicated to
the Jain saint, Adinatha, and is gorgeously adorned with sculptures
of yakshis among others.
The three Hindu temples in this group are the Brahma temple, which
has a four-faced lingam, The Vamana temple which is embellished
with images of ravishing apsaras at their alluring best; and finally
the Javari temple, with its ornate gateway and lavish carvings.
Southern Group
Duladeo Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the highlights of this
temple are the sensuous images of the apsaras, and other exquisite
sculptures. Chaturbhuj Temple: This temple sports a huge, elaborately
carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum.
Night stay in Khajuraho.
Day
10/ Khajuraho - Varanasi (By Air)
After breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi-said
to be the India’s most sacred city situated on the western bank
of the holy river Ganga. It is also the oldest living city in
the world. As a place for devotion and worship, with hundreds
of temples dotting the city , sunrise on the river front as seen
from a boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight. It has a fascination
uniquely its own, a quality of sublime beauty, a timeless eternal
appeal. Varanasi is the city which cannot be described, only experienced.
Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sight
seeing of Varanasi (the oldest and holiest city of India) covering
Temples, Aurangazeb’s Mosque and one of the biggest university
of India. Evening view “Aarti” ceremony on the Ghats. Night stay
in Varanasi.
Day
11/ Varanasi - Bombay (By Air)
Early morning boat ride on the Holy river Ganges to view the religious
activity at the bathing Ghats for an insight into the cultural
background of India. It provides an absorbing spectacle of thousands
of Hindus engaged in their ritual bathing. Later excursion to
Sarnath, 10kms. East of Varanasi, is one of the Buddhism’s major
centers of India. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came
to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Today Sarnath is considered
as one of the richest place to have antiques since the Ashoka
period to the 12th century. Afternoon transfer to Airport in time
to connect flight for Bombay. Arrive, meet assist at the airport
& transfer to hotel. Night stay in Bombay.
Day
12/ Bombay
After breakfast proceed for half day tour of Mumbai covering Gateway
of India – The stone archway designed by Wittett in the 16th century
Gujarati style, Prince of Whales Museum, Chowpatty Beach, Dhobhi
Ghat- a vast outdoor laundry & Marine Drive. Night stay in
Bombay.
Day
13/ Bombay - Cochin (By Air)
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Cochin. Arrive
Cochin & transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of
Cochin covering The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for
its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish
Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town.
The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The
Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese.
The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed
to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Finally, the Willingdon
Island, named after Lord Willingdon, is the headquarters of the
Southern Naval Command of India. Night stay in Cochin.
Day
14/ Cochin - Periyar
After Breakfast drive to Periyar (185 Kms/5 hrs). The Houseboat
will cruise at a leisurely pace along palm-fringed waterways,
giving a panoramic view of Kerala Village Life. Night stay in
Periyar.
Day
15/ Periyar
Morning Drive to Periyar (130Km drive).The Periyar Forest is one
of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Lying at an altitude
of 900 – 1800m above sea level and spread across 777sq.Km, the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978.
Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic
beauty, it’s the only sanctuary in India where you can view wildlife
at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Periyar’s
biggest attractions are the Herds of Elephants that come down
to water and play at the lakeside. Night stay in Periyar.
Day
16/ Periyar - Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai (137 kms/4.5 hrs). Evening visit
the Famous Meenakshi Temple , a structure in the Dravidian style
of architecture. The history of the city dates back over 2,000
years when it was the capital of the Pandyas. The most interesting
feature of the temple is its Hall of a thousand pillars. Night
stay in Madurai.
Day
17/ Madurai - Trichy
After breakfast drive to Trichy (316 Kms/8hrs). Evening Visit
Temples of Trichy one of the very ancient towns of Tamil Nadu,
has many interesting relics of Pallay art ( 7th century A.D.)
- only 6 miles away is the great temple of Srirangam - an island
on the Cauvery. This is a massive temple with a 100 pillar hall
highly decorated with carvings. Night stay in Trichy.
Day
18/ Trichy - Tanjore
After breakfast drive to Tanjore (54 kms/2 hrs) . Afternoon sightseeing
of Tanjore. Also called a city of temples, Tanjore is dotted with
no fewer than 74 temples - the most famous of which is the Brihadeshwara
temple. Visit this fascinating temple and the Thanjavur Palace.
Tanjore is once the capital of the Cholas, a powerful dynasty
of the kings who ruled from the 10th to the 14th Centuries A.D.
is to this day, a well known center of classical art and literature.
Also visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library containing rare collections
of ancient books and manuscripts in various languages on various
subjects. Night stay in Tanjore.
Day
19/ Tanjore - Pondicherry
After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry (177 kms/ 6hrs). Afternoon
sightseeing of Pondicherry visiting This former French Colonial
city in Tamil Nadu didn't come under Indian rule until 1954. Pondicherry
otherwise known a Puducherry means a "New Hamlet" which
is located on the Coromandal Coast. Here people speaking 55 different
languages reside and inspite of Linguistic plethola there is no
restlessness but absolute harmony. It's main attraction is actually
outside of town: the ashram at Auroville, built by followers of
Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher/prophet born in 1870. The International
town where people of different countries reside belongs to humanity
as a whole. Matrimandir the famous monument is constructed by
the Auroville Society which represent the flower Lotus. Also visit
400 years old Manakula Vinayagar Temple which has several fresco
paintings on the walls telling the life story of half human and
half animal lord. You shall also visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram named
after Sri Aurobindo, who was a National Leader, famous for his
integral Yoga and philosophical literary works. A French Lady,
Madam Mirr Richard, followed his spiritual path and the Samadhi
of both Sri Aurobindo and Mother are situated at main premises
of the Ashram. Night stay in Pondicherry.
Day
20/ Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram (100 kms/3 hrs). Afternoon
brings you to the shore temples lashed by the sea. This is one
of the early temples to be constructed in this area. The "Five
Rathas", a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures
carved out of solid rock - aare almost like an artist's experiment
in variety of form. Later on relax on the beach. Night stay in
Mahabalipuram
iDay
21/ Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai
Morning excursion to Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, is
one of the oldest towns in India. It is famous for both its temples,
many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven
silks. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India
and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu.
Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple,
the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries.
With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when
silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its
particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns.
Visit the local homes of the weavers and watch them create magic
out of silk thread into saris. Mahabalipuram is a small, quiet
seaside resort with a unique 7th century Shore Temple, a lovely
beach and some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in the world.
Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was
already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This, town was
a workshop for temple building. Visit the seven pagoda style shore
temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or
temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal
figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples
of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single century
long burst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of Narasimhavarman
1 (AD 63068). End the visit by photography of the beautiful Shore
temples at sunset. Night stay in Chennai.
Day
22/ Chennai
After breakfast Sight seeing of Chennai The capital of the state
of Tamil Nadu and the cultural Gateway to South India, Chennai
is in some respects unlike other Indian cities. The National Art
Gallery, the Museum with some beautiful temple prizes and the
finest collection of South Indian bronzes are quite interesting.
St. Mary's Church, Peoples Park and the beautiful Marina Beach
which is the second longest beach in the world as well as the
clock towers are worth visiting and evening see traditional Dances.
Night stay in Chennai.
Day
23/ Departure
Transfer to airport for the onward journey.