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India Tours >> Discover India >> Grand India Tour
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Grand India Tour
Delhi - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi - Kolkatta - Bagdogra - Darjeeling
- Chennai - Cochin - Alleppey Back waters - Mararikulam - Mumbai
(Duration: 20 days) |
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| Day 1- Arrive Delhi |
| Depart for Delhi The colour & romance of India greets you as you disembark from your plane in Delhi - it is one of the most historic capitals in the world and two of its monuments- the Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb, which has been declared as the World Heritage Sites. It is also one of the greenest capital. For the visitor, it serves as a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, the complexities and dynamism of India. Meeting and assistance upon arrival thereafter transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. |
| Day 2- Delhi |
| Breakfast in the hotel. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, proceed for the sightseeing of New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayun's tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End of the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Thereafter, time free for souvenir shopping Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel. |
| Day 3- DELHI / UDAIPUR (FLT, CD 7471 - 1700 / 2000) |
| Breakfast in the hotel. Later in the morning proceed for city tour of Old Delhi - was the capital of Moghols between the 12th and the 19th centuries. Delhi for centuries has been the seat of power. Here there are many mosques, monuments and forts the most notable being the famous Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. The medieval atmosphere of the bazaars of Old Delhi contrasts sharply with the open, spacious streets of New Delhi, the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British. Also visit Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi's. Later in the afternoon, transfer to airport to connect flight for Udaipur - the romantic city of Lake. Udaipur was originally the capital of the state of Mewar, takes its name from Maharana Udai Singh. He founded the city in 1568 after retreating from the third attack by armies of the Mughal Emperor Akbar on the city of Chittor, (which was then Mewar's capital), One legend claims that he chose the present location of Udaipur for the capital after a sadhu, or wandering holy man, told him that if he built his capital on the edge of Lake Pichola, it would never be captured. Meeting upon arrival and transfer to hotel . Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 4- Udaipur |
| After breakfasts proceed for the city tour of Udaipur - set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city. Visit the romantic and stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola, the magnificent City Palace - built in 1725, the ancient palaces of the Mewar Royal Family for centuries, the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around the other nearby lakes. Return to hotel. . Afternoon, visit the Sahelion-ki-Bari also called as the garden of demoiselles and its pond covered with lotus flowers, thereafter visit the school of paintings, which specializes in Miniatures. In the evening, enjoy the boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit of Jag Mandir in the middle of the Romantic Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 5- UDAIPUR / JAIPUR (FLT CD 7472, 0730 / 0920) |
| After breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for Jaipur - the Capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the city-capital in the tone of an autumnal sunset, literally lush pink when prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1883. Interspersing the play of red and pink were white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural highlights of Jaipur's buildings. Jaipur had been like that since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Nai Singh II had it built that year. Arrive and check in to hotel. In the afternoon, tour of the Pink city visiting the imposing City Palace now a museum - the principal Residence of the former ruling family, Jantar Mantar - the ancient Observatory, Hawa Mahal - the exotic Palace of the Winds & the picturesque bazaars of the walled city. Return to hotel in the evening and overnight. |
| Day 6- Jaipur |
| After breakfast proceed for the visit the Amber Fort built in the time of Mughals. The area used to be always ready for the war. Amber was residence of the Maharajas. By seeing the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace, you will be able to imagine the power of the character. You will ascend this 11th centuary Baiston on a gaily decorated Elephant . Visit the Palace with its crimped rooms of mirrors and the old harem, true labyrinth. The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence of the splendour of the rulers of 16th & 17th century. Possibility of attending Puja at the Kali temple. Puja is the time of the prayers according to Hindu rites'. One can enter in the temple only naked feet and without leather articles on oneself Thereafter return to Jaipur, the capital of Radjasthan, ground of knighthood of high feats of arms. Afternoon at leisure for souvenir shopping. Return to hotel and overnight. |
| Day 7- JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA (260 KM) |
| Morning depart for Agra synonumous with Taj. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri - the extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years later, but which, during its brief span, the city had more significant than London in both grandeur and population continue towards Agra. Upon arrival - check in to hotel. Afternoon, discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between 1565 and 1573, whose military power cannot be questioned. It was the residence of the Mughal Emperors. Each one left there its print, Red sandstone of Akbar and Jahangir, White marble of Shah Jahan. This fort rises on the edges of Yamuna River; surrounded by a wall from 20 to 33 meters top and 2500 m perimeter. Return to hotel.Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 8- AGRA / VARANASI (FLT CD 7407, 1320 / 1510) |
| Morning proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerize the visitors. It is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor Shah Jehan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. In the afternoon, transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi - is among the oldest living cities in the world, it is also the holiest a 'Hindu pilgrimages. Thousands come daily to Varanasi to take a ritual dip in the river Ganga, to cleanse their souls of sins and to worship tit its, many temples. Meeting upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 9- VARANASI |
| Early morning 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 religions. Thereafter, return to hotel for breakfast Later, walk through the narrow lanes and colourful bazaars in the heart of the old city and visit the temples. The visit includes the famous Kashi Vishwa Nath Temple, Banaras Hindu University. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath Temple - 5 miles out of Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with sculptures found at the site. Return to hotel and overnight |
| Day 10- VARANASI / DELHI (FLT IC 805, 1600 / 1815) / CALCUTTA (FLT IC 202, 1945 / 2140) |
| Breakfast at the hotel. Time free for independant activities. In the afternoon transfer to airport to connect flight for Calcutta - Fascinating, Bewitching, Bewildering. That's Calcutta, ( Kolkata) the capital of West Bengal and India's largest city, a seething mass of activity with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a far cry from Job Charnock's Calcutta of 1690 to which the metropolis traces its origin. Kolkata was the first capital of the British in India. The city was established in 1686 when the British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. It progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Kolkata and until 1911, it remained the capital of the British government in India. Being the centre of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage, totally unlike any other city in India. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 11- CALCUTTA |
| After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Kolkata visit Victoria Memorial - a grand edifice constructed in the memory of Queen Victoria. This building houses a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves of the land. Howrah Bridge is another landmark that denotes the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The second largest planetarium in Asia, the Birla Planetarium is another site that attracts attention of all regardless of their age. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly River. St. Paul/'s Cathedral, National Library, Shaheed Minar, Fort William, Rat Park and Marble Palace. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 12- CALCUTTA / BAGDOGRA (FLT IC 721, 09050 / 1045) / DARJEELING |
| After breakfast tarnsfer to airport to connect flight for Bagdogra. Upon arrival met at the airport and continue towards Darjeeling - Perched at the height of 2,134 meters with a backdrop of the mighty Himalayas peaks , Darjeeling allows you to sample the joys of cool , healthy , gracious and adventurous living . Darjeeling also holds a special interest for botanist , ornithologist , trekker , photographer and artist , apart from holiday seekers. In the afternoon proceed for the sightseeing of Darjeeling - The Tibetan buddhist monastery, the Ghoom Monastery with a 15 - foot high statue of Maitreya Buddha, is the most famous monastery of the town. There is a Padmaja Naidu zoo, showing the himalayan black bear, panther, leopard and the siberian tiger among other animals. The Observatory Hill is a vantagepoint for a grand view of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Return to hotel and overnight |
| Day 13- DARJEELING |
| After breakfast Day at leisure for independant activities. Overnight at hotel. |
| Day 14- DARJEELING / BAGDOGRA / CALCUTTA (Flt, 9W 618, 1400/1500) /
Chennai (Flt, IC 765- 1800/2005) |
| Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Bagdogra airport to connect flight for Calcutta. Upon arrival connect the onward flight for Madras - now known, as Chennai is one India's four metropolises located on the Coromandel Coast, it is the gateway to south India and also an important harbour. Chennai has a blend of Dravidian and Gothic architecture in its buildings. It was the first citadel of the British. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Visit the St. George Fort built in 1640 A.D which now houses the Tamil Nadu State Legislature and Secretariat, San Thome Cathedral, which is said to contain the remains of St Thomas and the famous bronze Museum. Arrive Madras - meet & transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. |
| Day 15- Chennai / COCHIN (FLT, IC 975 - 1500 / 1710) |
| Breakfast in the hotel Morning at leisure. In the afternoon transfer to airport to connect flight for Cochin - city with one of the finest Natural harbours in the World, has been Kerala's center of trade for innumerable centuries. With its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands, narrow peninsulas and a long history. Meeting upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. |
| Day 16- Cochin |
| After breakfast proceed for the city tour of Cochin. It has one of the oldest churches in India, 500 years old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the historical Palace built by the Portuguese, Jewtown, complete with an immaculately preserved synagogues. Also visit Mattancherry Palace : Built by the Portuguese. More important are the astonishing Murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabaratha and puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna Kumara and Durga. These beautiful murals rarely seem to be mentioned, although they are one of the wonders of India. Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 17- COCHIN / Alleppey HOUSEBOATS |
| Breakfast in the hotel Depart for Alleppey - one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Arrive Alleppey and check in to house boat Proceed for an overnight cruise towards Kumarakom. The journey will take us through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey to Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets, typical villages and regattas (boats snakes) for which Kerala is very famous. Dinner and Overnight on board |
| Day 18- Alleppey / MARARIKULAM |
| Breakfast will be served on board. Arrive Alleppey
Jetty, on arrival continue towards Mararikulam. Mararikulam is a sleepy fishing village located between the port city of Cochin and Alleppey. And here, amidst the coconut groves is the Marari Resort. Rest of the day at leisure near the beach. Overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 19- MARARIKULAM / COCHIN / BOMBAY (FLT, IC 166 - 1030 / 1215) |
| Morning transfer to Cochin airport to connect
flight for Bombay Arrive Bombay and proceed for the sightseeing of
Bombay. Bombay now called Mumbai is the Gateway to India & Capital of
Maharashtra . It is country's foremost sea port, commercial centre and
centre of worlds largest film industry commonly called the Bollywood.
Afternoon, depart for the visit of the city: visiting Gateway of India -
The imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture built in 1911
, Hanging Gardens, the Aquarium and Marine Drive (also known) as "Queens
Necklace". Then visit the museum of Wales, walk towards the Victoria
station and the market of Colaba. Thereafter, transfer to hotel where a
courtesy room will be provided for wash & change. Later in the evening,
transfer to airport to board the flight back home. |
| Day 20- BOMBAY / Back Home |
| Board on the flight for onward journey. Arrive on the same day. |
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