North and South India Tour
VISITING: DELHI - JAIPUR -AMBER - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA- JHANSI - ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO - VARANASI -DELHI - CHENNAI- MAHABALIPURAM - KANCHIPURAM- PONDICHERRY - TANJORE - TRICHY - MADURAI - PERIYAR- MUNNAR - COCHIN - ALLEPPEY - TRIVANDRUM
DAY 01: DELHI
Arrive New Delhi.
Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Check-in time is 12 noon.
Delhi– Delhi as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of ‘Dilwalas’ or for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi. Delhi– a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. From a string of historical monuments to modern commercial centers, Delhi has evolved into an exceptional and dynamic destination offering a wealth of shopping and sightseeing activities. Tourism in Delhi has undergone a sea change in recent times as the city is in the process of a steady makeover.
DAY 02: DELHI
Morning guided city sightseeing tour of Old Delhi –
having a panoramic view of Red Fort and then visit to Jama Masjid which is considered the biggest in India, Chandni Chowk – a typical Bazaar with narrow lanes and traditional traders Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
Afternoon guided city sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting – the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Parliament House, Laxmi Narayan Temple [Birla Mandir, Connaught Place and government buildings.
Overnight at your hotel.
Morning drive to Jaipur enroute visiting countryside and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon guided city sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting the Maharaja’s City Palace, the Observatory, the Museum, and the impressive Palace of Winds with the intricate facade carved out of pink sandstone. Jaipur is about 275 km from Delhi and 250 km from Agra and forms the most chosen tourism golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trapping of modern metropolis but yet flavored strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveler. Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 04: JAIPUR -AMBER – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA BY SURFACE (250 KMS/5 HRS)
Morning guided excursion to Amber Fort.
The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort.
Later proceed to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri .
Fatehpur Sikri– Twenty-seven miles from Agra, is Akbar’s Capital where Phantoms of ancient pomp and splendor 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 in Agra transfer to your hotel.
AGRA – Home of the world-famous TAJ MAHAL, best described as “poetry in marble’, because of its beauty, grace and exquisite workmanship. Also visit AGRA FORT, standing opposite the TAJ on the banks of the Yamuna River, which contains a wealth of palaces and monuments that recall the days of Mughal splendors.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 05: AGRA
Morning guided city sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal (Close on Friday) stands serene and awesome, on a raised marble platform, by the banks of the Yamuna, testifying to the timelessness of art and love. Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the soft moonlight, exudes a shell – pink glow at dawn, and at the close of the day, takes on the tawny, fiery hue of the majesticsun.Shahjahan built the monument in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the ‘lady of the Taj’. It has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The construction of the Taj commenced in 1631, and was completed in 1653. Workers were gathered from all over the country and from Central Asia, and about 20,000 people were recruited to translate this wild dream into a reality.
Among the other monuments that Agra takes pride in is the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the red sandstone Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen, Jodhabai, was one of the earliest constructions illustrating the fort’s change from a military structure to a palace.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 06: AGRA – JHANSI- ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO
Morning transfer to railway station to board train for Jhansi.
Assistance on arrival and drive to Khajuraho enroute visiting Orchha.
ORCHHA: The history of Orchha is linked with the local Bundela rulers. The Bundela dynasty was founded by one of the local Rajput princes in the 11th century. The main attraction of Orchha is the Orchha fort complex, located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces to visit within it. There are a number of interesting temples to visit in Orchha. The Raja Ram Temple, which was formerly a palace, is an important tourist spot.
On arrival transfer to your hotel.
KHAJURAHO: – once the capital of a powerful dynasty of Hindu kings called the chandelles (959 A.D.) it is today famous for its magnificent temples, considered to be among the most vibrantly original words of Hindu architecture and Sculpture. Visit the western and eastern Group of temples. The temples built by the Chandela dynasty are undeniably the main sightseeing attractions. . The temples are split into three groups: the western group, the eastern group and the southern group. Of these, the western group is perhaps the most notable.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 07: KHAJURAHO
Morning guided city sightseeing tour visiting the Eastern and Western temples.
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. is India’s unique gift of love to the world. Khajuraho is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. 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.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 08: KHAJURAHO – VARANASI (BY AIR)
Morning transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Varanasi.
Assistance on arrival in Varanasi and straight drive to Sarnath.
Sarnath – Sarnath- the buried Buddhist city-seven miles from Varanasi where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon in the quietness of Deer Park and set the “Wheel of Law,” is where you will visit the Sarnath Museum with the Ashoka Pillar.
Later drive back to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel.
Varanasi (also known as Banaras) is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that to die in the city, is to attain instant salvation. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi is the tract of Holy Land lying between the rivers Varuna and Assi. Which flow into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the city of light, since of the twelve “Jyotirlinga” is installed here.
Evening enjoy Rikhshaw Ride and witness Aarti at banks of river Ganges.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 09: VARANASI – DELHI – CHENNAI (BY AIR)
Early morning boat ride on the Holy 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. Visits ghats and temples on the bank of the river.
Later transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Delhi and further to Chennai.
Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
CHENNAI, one of the metropolitan cities in India, is often called the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions and long heritage. The city is a true reflection of this country’s diversity. Chennai has flourished into a charming and welcoming city, in a time span of just over 350 years. This city encourages all forms of development, both modern technology and the traditional arts and crafts, and embraces a series of paradoxes.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 10: CHENNAI
Morning guided city sightseeing tour of Chennai.
Chennai too has many places for tourist’s interest viz. Fort St. George, High court Building, Marina beach, Theosophical Society, Calluvar Kottam, Mgr Film City and other places of Interest. The Fort stands as a symbol of the British Raj, amid state offices, facing the sea in the east of the city, just south of George Town. It is the first British fort build around1653 by the British East India Company.
Marina Beach–Abutting the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has one of the loveliest beaches. The 4.5 km long beach is the second longest beach in the world. A stroll along the Marina, whether in the morning or evening, refreshes one. The old Saracenic buildings dotting the other side of Kamarajar Salai, a main road along the Marina, would bring back memories of good old British Raj. The Senate House of the University of Madras and the old buildings now housing government offices, such as Ezhilagam and the Director General of Police office. They wear a mystical look in the morning when the Sun rises.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 11: CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM BY SURFACE
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram enroute visiting countryside. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Later half day guided city sightseeing tour.
Mahabalipuram –
It’s globally renowned for its shore temples; Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. , this tiny sea – side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder – strewn landscape. The sculpture, here, is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses. Mahabalipuram art can be divided into four categories: open air bas – reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas (‘chariots’ carved from single boulders, to resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions). The famous Arjuna’s Penance and the Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 12: MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM – PONDICHERRY
Morning guided excursion to Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram is among the most famous of t he ‘temple cities’ of Tamil Nadu. Its temples house different Hindu sects. Though today it is only a destination for pilgrims, and a repository of major architectural monuments, in antiquity it occupied a more preeminent place in the history of South India. The city was the political capital of the Pallava rulers during the 7th – 9th Centuries. It remained an important city during the succeeding Chola and Vijayanagara empires. Visiting famous temples: The Kailashnatha temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest temple of Kanchi. It reflects the freshness and simplicity of the early Dravidian style of temple architecture and was built by the Pallava king Rayasimha. It can also be described as the worthy successor of the rock temples at Mahabalipuram, which were also built by the Pallava rulers.
After visiting Temple visit the silk weaving center.
Later proceed to Pondicherry enroute visiting countryside and transfer to your hotel.
Pondicherry town (now known as ‘Puducherry’) is the headquarters of the Union Territory of Pondicherry which comprises Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yaman and Mahe – four widely separated towns, the first two enclaves in Tamil Nadu, the other two enclaves in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala respectively, made one by their French connection.
Overnight at your hotel.
Morning guided city sightseeing tour of Pondicherry visiting Government Place with the Raj Nivas at one end, is an old-fashioned tree-lined square from which the residential lanes of the town radiate. You can walk down these roads, still named in French, and admire the pretty colonial cottages and shops. Aurobindo Ashram is the soul of Pondicherry. It was founded by the great spiritual leader Sri Aurobindo Ghose in 1926 and now houses his samadhi as well as that of The Mother, his main disciple. The ashram attracts thousands of visitors of all nationalities. Pondicherry Museum is housed in a century-old building and has an impressive collection of artifacts, ranging from the Chola and Pallava period to the French colonial days. Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is an impressive 18th century church near the station. Botanical Gardens in the old town were established by the French in 1826 and display the formal European garden design. You can see 1,500 types of shrubs and trees from all over the world here. Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 14: PONDICHERRY – TANJORE
Morning drive to Tanjore enroute visiting countryside. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon guided half day city sightseeing tour visiting Thanjavur palace, Art Gallery, Hall of museum ,Schwartz church etc.
Tanjore was the capital of the Chola Kings, this small town of Thanjavur is famous today for its beautifully architecture temples and the amazing bronze works it creates. It is centre for the classical arts like dance and music.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 15: TANJORE – TRICHY
Morning visit Brihadeeswara temple and later proceed to Trichy enroute visiting countryside. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
Trichy or Tiruchi or Tiruchirappalli, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery lies in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Trichy has a rich cultural heritage. A bustling commercial centre, Trichy is renowned for its khadi industries, diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth and glass bangles. Trichy is a city known for its educational institutions, industries, and temples.
Overnight at your hotel.
Madurai – The Temple City : Madurai is the second largest city of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its temples, especially for the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, it derives its name from the divine nectar (Madhu) that was showered from the locks of Lord Shiva according to a popular legend. The city has a rich cultural heritage which it has inherited from the great Tamil era, which is more than 2500 years old. Once the capital of the great Pandya kings, Madurai was an important cultural and commercial center even as early as 550 AD. Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 17: MADURAI – PERIYAR
Morning half day guided city sightseeing tour visiting famous Meenakshi temple and huge Dravidian civilization temple complex.
The Meenakshi temple complex at Madurai is a city temple. It has eminent and exquisitely carved towers enveloping the temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakashi in Madurai. Considered as the south gateway, the Meenakshi temple consists of the twin temples of God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, each one as high as about nine storeys
The Meenakshi temple has majestic stonewalls and towers rising out of the swarming streets of the city center. The image of Goddess Meenakshi is said to be carved out of a single emerald. This exotic temple was renovated by various kings, adding coiled corridors and larger-than-life sculptures. According to the legend of this temple the marriage of the goddess Meenakshi to Shiva actually took place in Madurai and is still celebrated every summer with great enthusiasm and gaiety.
Later proceed to Periyar enroute visiting countryside and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 18: PERIYAR – MUNNAR
Morning visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & also enjoy the Boat Ride on Lake Periyar, situated on the Periyar lake in the hills of Western ghats and is the finest sanctuary for viewing and photgraphing Indian Wild Elephants. You can have the opportunity to see the Sambar, Barking deer, Wild Boars, Tigers, Panthers, Wild Goars, Spotted Deer, Leopard. Periyar Wildlife Park in Kerala is one of the most captivating wildlife parks not only in India but in the world. In 1895, the British undertook water resource management plans for the area and started work on a dam and an artificial lake under the auspices of Col.
Later drive to Munnar enroute visiting countryside and transfer to your hotel.
Munnar lies in Idukki district, at the confluence of three mountain rivers. It is pronounced “Moon-aar”, meaning ‘three rivers’ in Malayalam. The rivers; Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala meet in the center of the town. The place is encircled by wooded hills of the Annamalai Ranges, with the towering bulk of Anamudi, which is peninsular India’s highest peak, at 2695 m.
Overnight at your hotel.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 20: COCHIN – ALLEPPEY
Morning drive to Alleppey enroute visiting countryside and on arrival transfer to your House Boat.
Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake – boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition – the Nehru boat race takes its name from India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake – boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.
Overnight on House Boat. (B ,L ,D)
DAY 21: ALLEPPEY – TRIVANDRUM
Morning drive to Trivandrum enroute visiting countryside. Later guided city sightseeing tour.
Trivandrum, now called Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital of Kerala, the ‘God’s own country.’ Located at the southwestern tip of India, the city is bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. The place is home to some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage. All these go a long way in making this place a much sought-after-tourist destination.
Kovalam Beach, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, the Napier Museum, Sree Chitbra Art Gallery are some of the famous tourist attractions here.
Overnight at your hotel.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 23: TRIVANDRUM OUT
Morning transfer to airport in time to board flight for onward destination. Check-out time is 12 noon.
Bon Voyage |
Note: all the above arrangements are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. |