Delhi - Day 1
Meet at airport and transfer to hotel. Relax at hotel.
Delhi - Day 2
Relaxed morning. Afternoon: Tour of Old and New Delhi, including Red Fort, Qutab Minar and India Gate, House of Parliment, President's House, and riksha ride thru the market in Old Delhi. Welcome dinner.
Delhi - Day 3
Morning visit The Crafts Museum which was designed by leading Indian architect Charles Correa. In a natural setting, there are over 20,000 examples of Indian art and architecture. Most of the exhibits represent some of the rarer arts in India, especially from the remote tribal belts.
Afterwards we visit Dilli Haat for local crafts. Situated in the heart of Delhi, the unique Dilli Haat is an upgraded version of the traditional weekly market, offering a delightful amalgam of craft, food and cultural activities.
Afternoon/evening independent. You may like to stroll the neighborhood around the hotel which is next to some of the best choice of restaurants, fruit and veg kiosks and typical north indian bazaar bustle.
Fly to Varanasi - Day 4
Departure 1020, arrival 1130. Transfer to hotel.
Late afternoon/early evening visit the Old City as it comes alive with preparations for the evening ceremony. Evening attend aarti puja (light ceremony) on the banks of the Ganges.
Varanasi- Day 5
A visit to Varanasi reveals the spiritual heart of India, and the best way to experience this is to tour the Ganges in a country boat at sunrise. Pilgrims, yogis and mystics flock to the ghats (steps) which lie along the banks of the Ganges, to take a cleansing dip in India's holiest river, practice yoga, meditate, or to complete mundane earthly chores such as washing clothes and vessels. Early morning life in this city revolves around the ghats. Varanasi today, is the oldest living city in the world. One of India's most sacred cities, a devout Hindu believes to die and be cremated in Varanasi is to gain "moksha" or release from the eternal cycle of rebirth.
After the boat ride, walk through the narrow alleys with your guide, sharing space with cows, scooters, cycle rickshaws, shops and people, to the banks of the Ganges visiting the temples and watching the rituals of Hindu worship.
Afternoon, visit Sarnath , the spiritual centre of Buddhism (where Buddha gave his first sermon . The ancient ruins are fascinating including the Dhamekh Stupa which is believed to mark the spot where Buddha preached his famous sermon; the archaeological museum is excellent. There is also a monument dedicated to Buddha and a modern Buddhist temple with murals by a Japanese painter depicting the story of the life of Buddha.
Fly to Khajuraho. Departure. 1200 Arrival. 1300 / - Day 6
Afternoon visit the temples from the Chandella period, 9th- 11th century that are illustrated with remarkable sculptures of the classic erotic literature the Kama Sutra. Also visit the old village of Khajuraho.
Drive Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwailor/ - Day 7
Morning drive to Orchha (170km/ 105 miles) which was the capital of the kingdom of the Bundella Rajputs from 1531 to 1783. We visit Jahangir Mahal Palace, an Indo-Persian style palace of the Mughul period and the Ram Raja Temple, built in the 17th century. Lunch and continue drive to Gwailor (2 hrs).
Drive to Agra (2 hrs) - Day 8
After check in visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the first white marble inlaid grave in pure Indo-Persian style, built between 1622 and 1628. Afterwards visit Sikandra and Agra Fort. Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal.
Drive Agra-Fatephur Sikri- Jaipur - Day 9
Drive to Jaipur; enroute visit Fatephur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571, it is one of the world's most perfect ghost cities and a marvel of design and construction. It is a synthesis of the flourishing styles of the Persian courts and the prevailing Hindu Islamic trends. Fatehpur (town of victory) Sikri was built by Akbar, the third and greatest of the Great Moguls. It is over 400 years old and today its pristine red sandstone buildings are as perfect as when they were first chiseled. The town was erected after a holy man, Sheikh Salim Chisti, living in Sikri, decreed the births of three sons to Akbar after all his children had died in infancy.
There are three sections to the City: The Royal Palace , outside the Royal Palace and the the Jami Masjid (the location of the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a masterpiece in brilliant white marble). The centerpiece of this remarkable monument is the Jewel House of the Diwan I Khas. Architecturally extraordinary, the four doorways lead into a single storey room where a huge central pillar carved to baroque richness, supports a seat reached by mid air walkways.
Late afternoon arrival in Jaipur. Independent rest of day to relax (swim, massage), visit markets.
Jaipur - Day 10
Morning visit Amber Fort. At one time the capital of the Kacchawa Rajputs before it was shifted to Jaipur, the rugged exterior belies a beautiful and delicate interior. The gates of the palace are approached on elephant back. Afterwards, visit the City Palace where the museums display textiles, carpets, costumes and manuscripts from the personal collection of the royal family; the Jantar Mantar Observatory which uses extraordinary shaped stone monoliths covered in marble to read the time accurately even today; and the colorful market dominated by the elegant facade of the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Afternoon Lunch independent to relax or stroll the markets.
Fly to Udaipur - Day 11
After hotel check-in, visit the City Palace, Museum and Crystal Gallery. Afternoon enjoy a walking tour with guide, of the cobbled, narrow quaint streets in the area outside the City Palace gates; visit miniature painting studios if interested. Sunset private boat ride on Lake Pichola. Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is an early 17th century haveli, typical Mewar architecture, with its charm and aesthetics, situated on the eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola .
Udaipur-Mumbai - Day 12
Morning excursion to Ranakpur Jain Temples with 1444 pillars. Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard, Ranakpur is one of five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. Noted for its grandiose scale and elaborate ornamentation, of the three temples, the Adinatha is the most outstanding. Built by Daranshah in 1439, the temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara saint. The whole, including the extraordinary array of 1444 sculptured pillar’s each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, Jain mythology and cosmology, is fascinating. Afternoon Lunch and independent time to stroll bazaars.
Evening flight to Mumbai. transfer to hotel and overnight at hotel.
Mumbai - Day 13
Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun -- this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to -- Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernization.
Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal. Over the years, as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today's India -- the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values.
It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern -- its all here for you to savour and enjoy!
Break fast, Visit to Gateway of India, Elephanta caves, Chatrapati Shivaji Teminus (Victoria Terminus) Musuem, Bollywoood Studio.
Mumabi-Aurangabad - Day 14
Morning time to rest. Transfer to airport for afternoon flight Bombay-Aurangabad Departure 15:40 / Arrival 16:25). Transfer to Hotel.
Aurangabad is a convenient base for organizing visits to the famous rock-cut temples of Ajanta & Ellora. The town is named after Aurangzeb, the last of the six great Mughal Emperors, who built a mausoleum here for his wife. The most notable feature of these cave temples is that entire hillsides were cut away with the artisan’s chisel to produce these sculptures, which are some of the world’s most exquisite. Ellora’s 34 caves are over 10 centuries old and represent elaborate sculptures from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. The caves at Ajanta date back to the 5th century and contain paintings and sculptures of major events in their life.
Aurangabad - Day 15
A full day excursion to the caves at Ajanta which date from 200 BC to 650 AD. All together, there are 29 caves. These caves or vihararas (monasteries) are remarkable for the quality of their murals, which relate the life story of Buddha and reveal the life and culture of the people, royal court settings, family life, street scenes of the time, as well as superb re[resentations of birds and animals. In some of the caves, the murals relate to the Buddha’s previous births, showing the progress of his soul.
Ellora The Buddhist, Jain and Hindu caves at Ellora, noted for their sculptures, are considered to be the finest in India and date between 600 and 1100 AD. The landmark of this collection of rock-cut sculptures is the magnificent Kailasanatha Temple, the only building that was begun from the top and is a tribute to the imagination and craftsmanship of those who conceived and built this masterpiece. It is the most extraordinary free-standing monolithic temple (there are only two of these in India), with unique carvings of the Ramayana and Vishnupurana. You will spend the morning visiting the most outstanding of the 34 cave temples in the area. We will also visit sites in Aurangabad, time permitting.
Aurangabad-Mumabi-Cochin – Day 16
Arrival at airport and transfer to hotel, free for leisure and overnight at hotel.Kochi has been luring wanderers and traders for over 600 years and remains a living homage to its varied colonial past: giant fishing nets influenced by Chinese merchants, a 16th-century synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses built half a millennia ago and the crumbling residuum of the British Raj. The result is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. It’s a delightful place to spend some time, soak in the history, peruse art galleries and nap in some of the finest heritage accommodation in India.
Cochin - Day 17
Afternoon sightseeing to include St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands. The church was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace"built in 1557 AD . The central hall on the 1st floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic Legends connected with Hinduism gods. Next we'll see the Chinese Fishing Nets along Vypeen Island (set up between 1350 - 1450 AD). These cantilevered fishing nets were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan.
Kodanad- Elephant training center - Day 18
Full day excursion to Kodanad, the head quarters of Malayattur forest division, known for the Elephant Kraal‚ and is about 45 km from Ernakulam (Cochin/Kochi) and 12 km to the east of Perumbavoor town. Kodanad, set on the southern banks of the Periyar River amid the beautiful high ranges near Perumbavoor is one of the largest elephant training centers of Kerala. Earlier elephants captured from the Malayatoor forests (the forests in the east and north of Kodanad) were trained here.
Evening attend Kathakali dance performance, We arrive by 5 pm to watch the performers apply their elaborate make-up and costumes. Overnight in Cochin.
Drive, then cruise to Kumarakom - Day 19
When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Kumarakom the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more.
As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom is transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams, lagoons, brooks break their banks and provide nourishment to springs and shrubs that sprout from every available space.
Water birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form their niche. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.
The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam, blooms the tourist and the local people.
Upon arrival, a short informal demo of simple home cooking, followed by lunch with the family. It is a wonderful place if bird watching is one of your hobbies and a great place to spend time at a village and meet the locals. Dinner and overnight individual cottages all facing the bacwkaters.
Kumarakom - Kerala Backwaters - Day 20
After breakfast, a short boat cruise to Farm house, a small homestead located on an island in the midst of the Kerala backwaters. The farm is part of an island reclaimed in the early 1950ís. The 50-acre farm is 5 feet below sea level and has an interesting mix of intercrop cultivation. See the cultivation of various tropical fruits and vegetables including coconut, banana, cocoa, nutmeg, pepper and the culture of fresh water prawns. A short demo of simple home cooking, followed by lunch with the family. It is a wonderful place if bird watching is one of your hobbies and a great place to spend time at a village and meet the locals. Return to farm house for the overnight.
Drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (140 km/4 hrs) - Day 21
Varied agro-climatic conditions in Thekkady (Periyar) offers vast scope for production of herbs from mint to parsley to oregano. Spice Village is located in the Periyar wilderness, high in the western ghats of Kerala. For centuries, the area attracted voyagers and adventurers, mercenaries and empire builders, kings and merchant princes. Men and women are drawn not only by the lure of spices, but by the romance and wild beauty of the land. The Portuguese and the Jews of Cochin visited as traders, turning the natural bounties of the area - pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace and anise-- into wealth.
The Periyar hills became nature's taste factory in the 14th century, as Cochin became nature's harbour, the port for a spice-hungry world. Later, the area came under the Kingdom of Travancore, and many of its plantations, orchards and hunting lodges date from that time. The Raj too, left its mark on the Cardamom Hills. Early efforts at conservation came from its dedicated forest rangers, who loved the land and its people as their own. On the road to Spice Village, the earth is a fertile outpouring, every conceivable shade of green, flecked with the crimson and gold of mountain flowers. This is a world of forests patterned in dappled sunlight, plantations of rubber, coffee and spice; rolling highlands and crisp, cool air.
Afternoon boat ride on lake Periyar to view wildlife. Home to bison, sambars, wild boars, monkeys, nilgiri langurs, a wide variety of birds, and some 750 elephants.
Drive to Madurai (180 km/4 hrs) - Day 22
After hotel check-in and lunch, tour of Meenakshi Temple. The temple was built in the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The Gopurams are covered from top to bottom with profuse multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The main temple has long galleries and large halls supported by columns. The Hall of 1000 Columns has musical pillars.
Evening return to Meenakshi Temple on cycle-rickshaws to witness the nightly spiritual ceremony (pooja) in which Lord Shiva is carried in a palanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests to the temple of his consort, Parvati, to spend the night. He is brought back to his temple in the morning. Every day the timing for this night ceremony procession is different as they follow the almanac so it done during an auspicious time. On certain nights of the month there is also a Golden Chariot ( in Tamil known as Thanga Ratham ) which has the miniature idol of Goddess Meenakshi which goes around from the Meenakshi Kalyani Mandapam to the East Gate (called Aadi Veedhi) prior to the nightly ceremony, around 7.30 p.m. Announcements are made same day if it is going to be held. Dates cannot be known in advance.
Fight from Madurai - Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Day 23
Morning fly to Chennai Departure 0830, Arrival 0945. On arrival drive to Kanchipuram (1.5 hr). 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. These silk weavers came from neighboring Karnataka and make saris woven in jewel colors and decorated with gold threads. Most of the weavers work from their own homes and we'll arrange a visit to one home for you, if interested. Evening culminate the visit by the beautiful Shore temples at sunset. Drive to Mahabalipuram for overnight at beach hotel.
Mahabalipuram-Chennai-Home - Day 24
Morning relax; enjoy the resort facilities and the beach. Late afternoon drive back to Chennai for flight to home. Rooms available for wash/change/dinner. late night transfer to Intl Airport.
