------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delhi
- Jaipur - Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Bombay -
Cochin - Periyar - Madurai - trichy - Tanjore - Pondicherry
- Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai ( 22 Nights / 23 Days )
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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 , 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.
