Day
01/ Arrival Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport, you will be met by our
representative and transferred to hotel for an overnight.
Day 02/ Delhi
After
a leisurely breakfast sightseeing tour of New Delhi where ornate
buildings recall the days when India was the Jewel in the crown of
the British empire. Visit the 11th century Qutab Minar ,India
Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House
, Red fort , Mahatama Gandhi Memorial , 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.
Day
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.