Day 01: Home Delhi
Arrive Delhi International airport, you will be met and assisted
by our representative to the hotel, check in at the hotel. Relax
and overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning take a sight seeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Morning
visit Old Delhi: The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic
Red Fort, the historical Chandni Chowk and if time permits you can
visit Raj Ghat the Memoir of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon visit New
Delhi visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the 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 Indias leading
industrial families; Qutab Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of
the Slave Dynasty; and the lotus-shaped Bahai Temple. Evening
relax, overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Delhi - Udaipur ( By air at 1700 - 2000)
Morning 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 Chittaurgarh, (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, day free to relax, early evening visit Nagda Ruins - 22
kms away from Udaipur to see Eklingji & Nagda Temples
built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of
Lake bagel. Drive back to Udaipur for overnight.
Day 4: Udaipur
Mornings 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 (By air 0730 hrs / 0920)
Morning 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 Jai 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
Morning 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 Bastion
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 splendor 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 Rajasthan, 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 synonymous 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 (By air at 1320 hrs / 1510 hrs)
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 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 - Kolkatta (Calcutta) (by air 1600 hrs / 2140
hrs)
Time free for independent activities. In the afternoon transfer
to airport to connect flight for Calcutta - Fascinating, Bewitching,
Bewildering. That's Calcutta, (Kolkatta) the capital of West Bengal
and India's largest city, a seething mass of activity with a cosmopolitan
atmosphere, a far cry from Job Charlock's Calcutta of 1690 to which
the metropolis traces its origin. Kolkatta 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
Morning 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 (By air at 0950 hrs / 1045) - Darjeeling
Morning transfer 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. Day free for relaxing &
acclimatizing.
Day 13: Darjeeling
Morning 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 vantage point for a grand view of the Kanchenjunga ranges.
Return to hotel and overnight Morning Day at leisure for independent
activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Madras (by air at 1800 hrs /
2005 hrs)
Morning 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, Saint Thomas 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 (Madras)
Morning, proceed for the city tour of Madras, which is now known
as Chennai and is one Indias 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. Overnight at hotel
Day 16: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram, enroute visit Kanchipuram, one of
India's seven sacred Hindu cities. Historic capital of the Pallavas
and thereafter the Cholas Also called as the city of thousand temples,
it has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty that bear
eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Notable being
the Kailasnatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, finest example of
Pallava architecture. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk saris.
Later proceed to Mahabalipuram, the ancient seaport city of Pallavas,
known for its rock hewn temples with statues of gods and goddesses,
monsters and angels, snakes, water nymphs and animals that crowd
the rock to watch the descent of Ganges flow through Shiva's hair.
Evening drive back to Chennai for overnight.
Day 17: Madras - Cochin (By air at 1500 - 1710)
Morning free at leisure, Later transfer to airport to board the
flight for Cochin at 1300 hrs, assistance on arrival at 1400 hrs,
transfer to hotel. Early evening take a sight seeing 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, Jew town, complete with an immaculately
preserved synagogues. Also visit Mantanacherrry 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 18: Cochin - Allepey (60 kms) - Houseboats - Kumarakom
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 the houseboats.
Day 19: Houseboat - Kumarakom - Mararikulam
Arrive Kumarakom - which is bound by the Vembanad Lake on two sides,
the swaying paddy fields on one side and a bird sanctuary on the
other. Dismemberment at Kumarakom and visit the beautiful Kumarakom
bird sanctuary - it sprawls over 14 acres. here numerous species
of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries,
Teals and several varieties of Herons roost. Thereafter, 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 20 :Mararikulam - Cochin - Mumbai (Bombay)(By air at 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 connect
flight for next destination. Assistance for check in formalities
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