01 Day: Arrival Delhi:
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representatives welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel.
02 Day:
Delhi:
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city
visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a
marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque
in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal
fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw
ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk,
the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting
Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the
British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised
in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the
Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas,
one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s
Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar
, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;
in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and
Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight
at the hotel.
03 Day:
Delhi - Varanasi (By Air):
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport to
board the schedule morning flight to Varanasi. Assistance
on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Later take an
excursion to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi
where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five
holy men; visit Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh
Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon.,
also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection
of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous
Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar
with 4 lions, built in 3rd Centaury BC., symbolize both
Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha.
The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the
modern Indian republic. After visit return to Varanasi,
early evening take half day sightseeing of the city
visiting. Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the
Durga temple dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly
the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple
due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple
premises, In the evening you can take a walk through
the narrow lane to explore and colourful market of the
ancient city. Rest of the evening free for leisure and
individual activities Overnight at the hotel.
04 Day:
Varanasi - Khajuraho (By Air):
Early morning enjoy the boat ride on the Ganges at dawn
when it is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness
the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and
most important religion. While on the boat you will
also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as
per Hindi Rituals. After ride return to the hotel check
out an drive to the airport to board the early afternoon
flight to Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival and check
in to the hotel. Later visit Western group of Temples
consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to
lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated
to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini
temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological
museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the
Chandela dynasty. Return to the hotel for overnight.
05 Day:
Khajuraho - Satna - Agra (By train):
Early morning visit Eastern group of Temples and visit
the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti
Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman
both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Later drive to Satna
117 kms, on arrival transfer to the railway station
to board the schedule train to Agra, arrival in Agra
next day morning. Overnight at the board.
06 Day:
Agra
Early morning arrival in Agra, assistance on arrival
at the Railway station and transfer to the hotel, after
relaxation witness the incomparable Taj Mahal with its’
speculative view. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern
day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example
of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of
the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with
some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour
continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one
can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little
octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across
the river Jamuna. Later visit the Pearl Mosque and the
Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in
memory of her father. In the evening you may visit to
the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal
Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside
their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists
to complete the mini replica of the Taj. The show room
conducts free sound & light show showing the eras
of Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on
every Friday.
07 Day:
Agra - Jaipur (230 kms - 4 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jaipur en route
visit Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur
Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim
Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar,
is an example of robust stability combined with originality.
Each important edifice here represents a type by itself.
Notable among them is the Diwane Khas, Punch Mahal,
the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. Later
continue to precede Jaipur. On arrival transfer to hotel.
After relaxing in the evening visit to Birla Temple,
speculator white marble temple, glitters in the in the
night, at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani -
an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental
cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances
and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic
village. Return to the hotel for overnight.
08 Day:
Jaipur:
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an
excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city,
enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and
from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart
of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal
architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar
Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built
by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of
Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch
the royal processions without being seen, all monuments
are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of
Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the
famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts.
Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can
also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over
the floodlights. Return to the hotel for overnight.
09 Day:
Jaipur - Bikaner (330 kms 6 - 7 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Bikaner. Optionally
en route you can visit Mandawa fort or lunch & can
visit Laxman Garh sightseeing of old Havelis. On arrival
transfer to hotel. After relaxation, take an excursion
tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karni Mata –
at this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely
within the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this
temple is believed to by lucky. Evening free for relax.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
10 Day:
Bikaner - Jaisalmer (330 kms - 6 hrs):
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner
covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588 and
1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall
with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple
- The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important
temple of this complex. After lunch drive to Jaisalmer.
En route you can visit Pokhran came to the limelight
when several nuclear tests were conducted here during
the 1970's and the 1990's. Pokharan Fort is Built in
1532-1584 the yellow sandstone Pokhran fort, though
not as grand a fort as some of the others in Rajasthan
has a few exquisite palaces like the Mangal Niwas, the
Rani Mahal and the Phool Niwas or the Flower Palace,
visit to Pokhran Museum : The Pokhran Museum housed
inside the fort’s premises is fairly small and
contains an assortment of weapons, paintings, pottery
and the costumes which the Maharajas wore. After visit
continue to drive to Jaisalmer on arrival transfer to
the hotel. Rest of the evening free for leisure, overnight
at the hotel.
11 Day:
Jaisalmer:
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jaisalmer
covering Jaisalmer Fort - built on the highest point
of the Tricuta hill, consisting of 99 bastions. Outstanding
features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim
Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon-Ki-Haveli - some of the
beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework
of breath taking intricacy, visit followed by Gadisar
Lake. Later after lunch drive to Sam Sand Dunes - 45
kms en route visit the ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar
Sagar and Mool Sagar Complex, built in 1815 AD, The
complex also houses a summer palace where some beautiful
paintings and pictures are displayed. On arrival at
Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel
safari to discover the various sights and sounds, the
ruins and the temples in and around Jaisalmer in an
authentic and leisurely fashion with entertainment by
folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from
colorful guides thrown in. After safari drive back to
Jaisalmer for overnight stay.
Note: Optionally you can stay
overnight at the Sam Sand dunes in luxury tented accommodation,
enjoy the starry night with ethnic food, folk dances,
bone fire and camel safari in dues in nights hours.
12 Day:
Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 kms – 6 hrs):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur, en route
visit to Osian Village, ruins of an ancient city called
Osian, an oasis in the desert, A drive to this ancient
township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated
by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15
beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of
these, the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya
or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata
Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you
may opt to visit On the Rocks a garden restaurant serving
ethnic food followed by live music and folk dance, located
at Ajit Bhawan. Later return to the hotel for overnight
stay.
13 Day:
Jodhpur - Udaipur (276 kms - 6 hours):
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jodhpur
including Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort situated at an
altitude of about 125 meters and is spread over an area
of 5 sq. km and it has seven gates, Jaswant Thada is
a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh, followed by visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace
which is a majestic Palace building that presently functions
as a hotel and museum. Later check out the hotel and
driver to Udaipur. En route visiting the Jain temples
at Ranakpur Temples of 12 Century – The cluster
of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble,
built out of marbles with 108 carved pillars each carved
differently from others, Come across as a marvellous
feat of architecture. One can have lunch at Maharani
Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and visit to local families on
the way. After visit continue to proceed to Udaipur,
on arrival transfer to hotel. Later in the evening you
can take Boat ride at Lake Pichola and also opt for
dinner at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the Lake.
Overnight at the hotel.
14 Day: Udaipur:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur,
visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over
looking at the Lake Pichola, the additions were made
to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved
become the larges place in Rajasthan, Main attraction
of Place are Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum
and Jagdish Temple. Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that
is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of
Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok
Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses,
ornaments, puppets ,masks, dolls folk musical instruments,
folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week,
puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening
from 1800 to 1900 in an adjacent open air theatre. &
Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Followed
by visit to Eklingji & Nagda Temples - built in
white marble with a double storied porch on the bank
of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur. Overnight at
Udaipur.
15 Day:
Udaipur - Mumbai (By Air):
Early morning checkout and transfer to the airport to
board the morning flight to Mumbai. On arrival transfer
to the hotel. After relaxation you can take a visit
to the city life of Western Suburan visiting Iscon Temple
and shopping at the big malls like Shoppers Stop, In
Style, West End. If you are staying at South Mumbai,
you can visit Gateway of India, Marine drive also known
as queens necklace in the night, Mahalaxmi Temple and
for shopping visit to Cross Road, Phoenix Mill- Bombay
Bazaar. Optionally you can have dinner at choice of
city restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.
16 Day:
Mumbai:
After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay,
drive to ( if you have not visited 1st day) Gateway
of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta
Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of
the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars
that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross
beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous
sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring.
The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed
Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the
preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise
back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the
Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold
& Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit
Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive,
Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel
for overnight.
Note: Elephanta, Prince of
Wales museum are closed on every Monday.
17 Day:
Mumbai - Cochin: (By Air):
Morning after breakfast checkout and transfer to the
airport to board the morning flight to Cochin. On arrival
transfer to the hotel Cochin; Oasis state of Kerala
& on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly
Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. This
inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents
a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; visit
to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town
of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue &
the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This evening
a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a
Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters
of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today.
As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered
Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use
of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday
life of families living on narrow spits of land between
the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one
of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes
& Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty
of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin.
18 Day:
Cochin - Munnar (200 kms - 4 hours drive):
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival
transfer to the hotel, the word "Munnar" means
three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni
and Kundala) are joining together here. During the British
rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government
officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold
climate throughout the year make it the favourite tourist
place. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around
Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside
Munnar range exposes it's beauty. The Munnar hills are
covered by tea plants, which make the feeling of seeing
a wide green carpet. Munnar also has the highest peak
in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 M. Anamudi
is an ideal spot for trekking. Later visit Eravikulam
National Park (15 km from Munnar,) The Nilgiri Tahr
can be observed at close quarters here. This park is
established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex).
The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable
to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
Enjoy the tea plantation and Munnar Lake site. Return
to the hotel for overnight stay.
19 Day:
Munnar - Periyar: (110 kms 2 ½ hour drive):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, on
arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries
covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve.
Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height
of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests
of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals
found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars
and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done
in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we
may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in
the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops
of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc.
on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the
local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight
at Periyar.
20 Day:
Periyar - Alleppey (114 kms - 2 ½ hours) Backwaters
tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom:
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on
arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey
of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside
enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake
boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing
enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the
vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets
lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic
sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets,
the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found
on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks
and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring
pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land,
you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening
enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving
towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity;
sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached
English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with
a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.
21 Day:
Kumarakom:
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive
to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater
town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings
where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later
visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks
of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous
species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy
kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of
Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher,
it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at
all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss
out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh
water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
22 Day:
Kumarakom - Cochin (92 kms - 2 hours.) - Delhi - Home
Town (By Air):
The breakfast will be served on board, then disembark
from the houseboat and drive to Cochin On arrival transfer
to the airport to board the schedule flight for Delhi.
On arrival transfer to the international airport to
board the schedule flight back to home country. On departure
tour concludes with happy memories. |
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