Destinations:Delhi-varanasi-Khajuraho-Orcha-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur-Aurangabad-Mumbai-Mumbai-Cochin-Chennai-Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram-Mumbai

ITINERARY

Day 01: Delhi

Arrive at the International airport. Transfer to the hotel. Relax and prepare for the exciting activities ahead.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi

After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city. The tour will begin with a drive to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles and the division in the walled city. The tour will include Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India and Humayum Tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden- tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the constructions of Taj Mahal. Also visit the Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. Later drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.

Afternoon visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638- 48 when the Mughul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi-Varanasi

Morning after breakfast ,proceed to airport to board the flight for Varanasi.
Varanasi is one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. Visit Sarnath for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. In the evening visit the Ghats for the evening ceremony . Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Varanasi

Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religion. Board a boat and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge.
Walk through the cobblestone street along the banks of river Ganga. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
After Breakfast Proceed for day tour of Varanasi. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. The 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
The Banaras Hindu University considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05:Varanasi-Khajuraho

Morning after a leisure breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight for Khajuraho.
Situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho and check in at the hotel. In the evening enjoy the Sound & Light Show at the temple complex. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Khajuraho

Morning visit the temples which are world famous.These temples are the most exquisite specimen of Hindu architecture and sculpture in medieval India. Though sculptures are the main attraction to common visitor. The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Visit all of the temples of Khajuraho divided into three geographical groups: Western, Eastern and Southern. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: Khajuraho – Jhansi – Jhansi – Agra

Morning after breakfast. Drive to Orchha. It is a medieval city founded by the Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century. The town is known for its Chattris which were built in the memory of the kings. The place is flanked by the river Betwa. lunch at Orchha. Proceed for sightseeing within the Fort Complex.
Reach Jhansi and take a deluxe train to reach Agra by evening. Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and the irresistible charm of the Mughals. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughals cuisine. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08: Agra

Proceed for a sunrise view of the Taj Mahal. The epitome of love and romance, Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a dedication to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Taj Mahal is an architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Return back to the hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon visit of Agra Fort.Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Itmud-Ud-Duala is also known as BABY TAJ, has a special place in the chronicles of both history as well as architecture. This is precisely because Itmad ud Daula is the very first tomb in India that is entirely made out of Marble. This is actually a mausoleum that overlooks the River Yamuna and is a tomb of Mir Ghiyas Beg, a minister in the court of Shah Jahan.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09 : Agra-Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri

Morning drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings . Continue drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Jaipur is known as the Pink City on account of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
Evening visit Birla Temple to know the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 : Jaipur

Morning after breakfast, Proceed to Amber Fort. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Elephant rides or a hired jeep can take one up to the towering heights of Amber fort.
City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthan architecture. The City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consist of outsized astronomical instruments which is still in use.
Hawa Mahal is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine work and elaborate balconies. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Evening visit Choki Dhani . Experience a true flavour of Rajasthani culture.Enjoy a cultural evening with a folk dance performance by local tribal artistes. A sumptuous Indian dinner will mark the perfect end to a great day. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 : Jaipur- Udaipur

Drive to Udaipur, The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar, a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Afternoon Visit City Palace known for mirrored walls , ivory doors, colored glass windows, marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. The richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan. .
Maharana Sangram Singh build Sahelion-Ki –Bari garden complex with fountains and lakes and a small palace inside for his beautiful daughter.
In the evening take a lake cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichhola by sunset and visit the island palace Jagmandir where according to legends the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan lived and got inspired to build the Taj Mahal later. (optional ) Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 : Udaipur- Aurangabad

Proceed to airport in the morning to board the flight for Aurangabad. Arrive Aurangabad meet the representative at the airport followed by transfer to hotel. After check-in to Hotel, visit the Museums Sunheri Mahal / Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum, Bibi Ka Makbara and Daulatabad Fort. Once known as Devgiri, this fort served as the head quarters of the powerful Yadava rulers. In the 13th century, the Sultan of Delhi made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, or City of Fortune visit to Aurangabad Caves. They are almost forgotten caves of Aurangabad which lie just outside the city. Excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD, they reflect Tantric influences in their iconography and architectural designs. In all there are nine caves which are mainly viharas (monasteries). Overnight at Hotel

Day 13 : Aurangabad-Ajanta + Ellora & Back

In the morning, excursion of Ajanta & Ellora. Proceed for a full day sightseeing with excursion to Ajanta Caves. Ellora Caves and Aurangabad Caves.
Ellora Caves are the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, Mahayana Buddhist caves , Hindu caves and caves of the Jain faith, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kailas Temple, the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Chiseled by hand from a single massive rock, it includes a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, vestibule, sanctum, sanctorum and tower which bear testimony to the excellence of Dravidian art.
Ajanta caves are nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100 km from Aurangabad. The 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta are in the shape of a mammoth horse- shoe . The Caves date from the 2nd century BC. carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta, once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders features several ‘chaityas’ (chapels) and ‘viharas’ (monasteries). The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures of Buddha’s life are famous throughout the world as the earliest and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art. Return to Aurangabad. Overnight at Hotel. .

Day 14 : Aurangabad-Mumbai

Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport for the flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and meet the representative at airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Mumbai formerly called ‘Bombay’, is also entertainment hub of India which produces maximum movies in a year and that’s why most of the people call it “Hollywood of India”. After check-in to Hotel, proceed for the afternoon tour.
Visit Gateway of India (This famous monument was built to welcome the visit of the British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary)
Marine Drive, also known as Queen’s Necklace because of the dramatic curve of street lights at night that form the shape of a necklace,Hanging Gardens and the Prince of Wales Museum. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15 : Mumbai-Chennai

Morning excursion to Elephanta caves by boat- an island 9 kms from Mumbai . The islands are famous for the rock cut cave temples dating back to 4-9 century AD. The caves have been cut from rocks with large sculptured interiors. After Elephanta excursion, transfer to Airport to board the flight to Chennai. Arrive Chennai and Transfer to the hotel . Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16 : Chennai

Chennai, the cultural center and gateway to Tamil Nadu is a fascinating jumble, dominated by glittering high-rise emporia and corporate buildings. But between all these, Chennai still has a traditional charm of its ancient past. Shored along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has evolved from a tiny fishing village to the country’s fourth-largest city. sightseeing will include all the major attractions of the city like Fort St. George, 17th century British military High court, Marina Beach, Government Museum Complex, Parthasarathi Temple, Sri Kapaleswarar Temple etc. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17 : Chennai-Kanchipuram-Mahabalipuram

In the morning, proceed towards Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram, which was the ancient capital of the Pallavas. It is famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls.Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks and Sarees. After sightseeing of Kanchipuram, continue journey to Mahabalipuram. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 18 : Mahabalipuram

Mammallapuram or commonly known as Mahabalipuram stands as a silent witness to the glory of its creators and sculptors. Breathtakingly manmade & natural beauty of Mahabalipuram attracts tourists, due to its monumental splendor and sunny beaches. Sightseeing Tour of the city includs the Temples and monuments like seven pagoda (Shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea) and the seven Rathas (temple chariots), animal figures carved out of solid rock (the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture) etc. Most of them were constructed during 7th Century. Evening at leisure to enjoy the beaches. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 19 : Mahabalipuram-Chennai

Morning after breakfast drive back to Chennai to board the flight back home..