Duration:21 Days
Day 01
Delhi:
Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02
Delhi:
After breakfast proceed for a day tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing 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 and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing 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.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03
Delhi:
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for exploring the temples or museums in the city.
You could also do some shopping on this day. As you are arriving late in the night on the first day you could divide the sightseeing in both the days.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 04
Delhi / Varanasi:
By flight
Flight Number: 9W 333 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Departure: 1040 Hrs
Arrival: 1150 Hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also called CITY OF TEMPLES.
Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight-fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
In the evening you can visit the GHATS for the evening ceremony and the cremations. Overnight stay will be at Varanasi.
Day 05
Varanasi:
Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for day-guided tour of Varanasi.
Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble that features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Overnight stay will be at hotel.
In the evening enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the temple complex.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 07
Khajuraho - Delhi:
Flight: 9W 724 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Departure: 1330 hr
Arrival: 1600 hr
Delhi - Jaipur:
By Road 260 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Enjoy the WESTERN TEMPLES sightseeing in the morning.
In the afternoon take flight to Delhi and drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
Relax in the evening and overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 08
Jaipur:
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone-plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 09
Jaipur - Jodhpur:
By Road 250 km in 6 hr
Enjoy the breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Jodhpur at leisure and on your way you will visit Pushkar. Reach later in the afternoon and, in the evening relax at the palace.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the RATHORE clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the RAMAYANA. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 10
Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at the palace.
Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Visit the BISHNOI VILLAGES in the afternoon and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinate one while driving along the countryside.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 11
Jodhpur - Udaipur:
By Road 250 km in 6 hr
Proceed to Udaipur after a leisurely breakfast.
On your way you will stop at the beautiful temples of RANAKPUR for sightseeing.
The RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century have 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Enjoy a hot lunch in a nice village restaurant or at the FATEH BAGH PALACE and continue drive to Udaipur.
Reach Udaipur and check in to hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Overnight stay will be at Udaipur.
Day 12
Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake and spend some time. (Currently water level is very low and is subject to increase water level)
Enjoy the visit to the CENOTAPHS of the royal rulers and in the evening proceed for a dinner with dances show.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 13
Udaipur - Mumbai
By Flight
Number: 9W 709 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Departure: 0820 hr
Arrival: 0935 hr
Mumbai - Cochin
By Flight
Number: 9W 401 (Jet Airways)
Airlines: Jet Airways
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Departure: 1040 hr
Arrival: 1225 hr
Cochin - Aleppey
Backwater Cruise
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Mumbai. Take connecting flight to Cochin.
Proceed to Aleppey Jetty for boarding your luxurious houseboat (private with private crew) starting the cruise through the backwaters to Kumarakom.
The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch and dinner on the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
The crew on board with fresh ingredients would prepare both the meals and cuisine will be authentic Kerala style.
Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day 14
Kumarokom - Cochin:
By Road
80-km/2 hr
Breakfast will be on the boat.
Start cruise through the backwaters and arrive at Kumarakom enjoying the beauty of the lakes and lagoons.
End cruise and return to Cochin. Reach and transfer to hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
In the early evening proceed for a harbor cruise in the TAJ BOAT. Enjoy watching the dolphins, the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy the sunset.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
Day 15
Cochin:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Today you will visit Cochin, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles, which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
In the evening enjoy the KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION and overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 16
Cochin - Chennai:
By Air
Flight: 9W 3530 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft: ATR
Stopover: Nil
Departure: 1205 hr
Arrival: 1335 hr
Enjoy the leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Chennai.
The first British Warehouse came up in 1639 when the British acquired the sandy beach from the local Nayaks on lease. It was called Madraspatinam then. Later by 1654, the Fort St. George was built. Still later the neighboring villages were included in the city which came either as grants or gifts. Triplicane was rented from the Sultan of Golconda in 1676. In 1744 Robert Clive worked as a writer from the Fort, later to become a military man of British Army. The Fort House, which housed the Governor and his council, were added in the 17th Century, the Assembly Hall in 1910 and the Secretariat in 1925.
All the neighboring areas were merged into the city now known as Madras or as Chennai as it is officially known. Until Independence, Madras was the capital of what in British times was called the Madras Presidency, comprising nearly the whole of South India, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada speaking areas.
In the evening visit the MARINA BEACH and spend some time there.
Overnight will be at Chennai.
Day 17
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram:
By Road 76 km in 2 hr
Proceed for city tour of Chennai in the morning after breakfast.
Santhome Cathedral. Built by Portuguese in the 14th and 15th century, this Cathedral is named after St. Thomas. Historically important, it is one of the pilgrimages for the Christian community.
Fort St. George, one the first few bastions built by the east India Company, marks the beginning of Chennai as a modern city. It occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The state legislature and the secretariat are located in Fort St. George. It houses the St. Mary's church the oldest Anglican Church in India which was built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. The Fort Museum, once a building that housed Chennai's first lighthouse, first commercial bank and first 'club', is now a well-kept repository of tangible memories of early Madras.
Kapaleeswarar Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. The walls and pillars of temple have very delicate and intricate carvings, which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology.
Drive to Kanchipuram - is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks.
Lunch at local restaurant and later drive to Mamallapooram and check in at hotel.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 18
Mahabalipuram:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
In the morning visit the city - built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipooram, this ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cutout of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone. The only shore temple, which remains here, is the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum sanctorum.
Enjoy the afternoon at the beach.
Overnight will be at the beach resort.
Day 19
Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Chennai:
By Road 76 km in 2 hr
Chennai - Mumbai:
By Air
Flight: 9W 325 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft: ATR
Stopover: Nil
Departure: 1430 hr
Arrival: 1615 hr
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and drive to Chennai by afternoon.
Reach and have lunch before boarding for flight to Mumbai. Reach Mumbai and transfer to hotel.
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State, formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the Konkan Coast of western India. Oozing with the self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.
In the evening enjoy the dinner at TAJ MAHAL rooftop restaurant. Overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 20
Mumbai
Proceed for a city tour of Mumbai after a relaxed breakfast.
Gateway Of India - Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Mumbai Fort - The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai - Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.
Hanging Gardens in Mumbai - Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It is built over three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning before being supplied to the town.
Finish the tour and then in the afternoon and return to the hotel. Relax in the afternoon or enjoy shopping in Mumbai. Overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 21
Mumbai - Home
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Enjoy the day relaxing at the hotel or take a short walk of the downtown area. Proceed to the airport in time for flight home or the next destination.
TOUR ENDS
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