Unforgettable Incredible India Tour

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Itinerary :

Day01/ Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, meet assist at the airport and transfer to hotel.Night stay in Delhi.

Day02/ Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast sightseeing tour of New Delhiwhere ornate buildings recall the days when India was theJewel in the crown of the British empire. Visit the 11th centuryQutab Minar ,India Gate and the grand government buildings,the President’s House , Mahatama Gandhi Memorial, Also visit Laxmi Narayan temple popularly known as BirlaTemple. Night stay in Delhi.

Day03/ Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur (262 Kms/5 hrs.). Arrive &transfer to hotel. Later proceed to visit City Palace, stillhome to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are nowopen to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belongingto the ruling family are housed here. Also explore the differentmarkets with colourful handicrafts. Night stay in Jaipur.

Day04/ Jaipur
After breakfast sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting AmberFort Situated atop a hill overlooking the city, was the oldcapital before Jaipur was built. The Palace is laid out atdifferent levels on the hillside and surrounded by a fortress.A ride on a decorated elephant to ascend the hill to the Palaceis a thrilling experience for every visitor where a ride onthe elephant is highlight of the tour. After lunch visit thePink city because of the pink colour of the buildings, ispicturesquely situated in the heart of Rajasthan surroundedon all sides except on the south by rugged hills crowned withmedieval fortresses. Visit the Mubarak Hall, Chandra Mahaland Pothikhana which house a rare collection of paintingsand manuscripts as well as the museum of Arms and Armoury.Also visit Jantar Mantar - Jai Singh's observatory and theHawa Mahal or Palace of Winds.Night stay in Jaipur.

Day05/ Jaipur - Agra
Early morning after breakfast drive to Agra enroute visitingthe Deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri (250 kms/ 6 hrs), FatehpurSikri -Twenty seven miles from Agra, Akbar's Capital wherephantoms of ancient pomp and splendour fill a deserted city,silent witnesses to a vanished dream. The capital had to beabandoned by the emperor for lack of adequate water supply.The marble tomb of the Saint 'Salim Chisti' and the BullandDurwaza, the highest gateway in the world, are some of thehighlights of the place. On arrival transfer to hotel. Nightstay in Agra.

Day06/ Agra
Morning at sunrise visit the world famous Taj Mahal, builtby the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen MumtazMahal to enshrine her mortal remains, Also visit the AgraFort, containing the Pearl Mosque - the rusty and majesticred- sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the riverYamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in1566. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) wheremarble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience,the Emperor sat on his gem-studded peacock Throne and metforeign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Alsovisit Itmad-up-Dau’s tomb, built by Noorjehan in memoryof her father. Night stay in Agra.

Day 07/ Agra - Jhansi (By train) Jhansi - Orchha (By surface)
Morning transfer to railway station to board the train toJhansi , Arrive Jhansi & drive to Orchha & transferto hotel. Later tour of this historical site with magnificienttemples and monuments. Some of the palaces were decoratedwith painted murals which represent the finest flowering ofthe Bundela school of painting. Night stay in Orchha.



Day 08/ Orchha - Khajuraho (By surface)
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho Khajuraho- the legendarytemples of khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledgedas one of the world’s artistic wonders, these templesdedicated to the Hindu pantheon of Gods are covered in carvingsthat are a paean to life and love. Built within a short spanof a hundred years by the Chandela Rajputs, the 10th centurytemples lay forgotten until they were discovered in the presentcentury. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appealof its erotic sculptures. Arrive Khajuraho and transfer tohotel. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Khajuraho.

Day09/ Khajuraho
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique giftof love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, werebuilt between 950 and 1050 A.D. The divine sculptures in thesetemples, are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everythingthat is sublime and spontaneous about it. The murals depictthe life and times of the Chandelas, and celebrate the eroticstate of being. They not only testify to the mastery of thecraftsman, but also to the extraordinary breadth of visionof the Chandela Rajputs under whose reign, these temples wereconstructed. The temples are grouped into three geographicaldivisions : western, eastern and southern. After breakfastexplore the Western, eastern and southern temples of khajurahowhile your guide explains the intricate meaning and legendsbehind each describable sculpture.
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WesternGroup
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Kandariya Mahadeo : This is the largest,and most typical Khajuraho temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva,it soars 31 m high. The sanctum enshrines a lingam, whilethe main shrine is ornately carved and depicts various gods,goddesses, apsaras (heavenly maidens) in elaborate detail.
Chaunsat Yogini : The oldest surviving templein the group (900 A.D.), this is the sole granite temple dedicatedto Goddess Kali. Another Kali temple, which was originallydedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the Devi Jagdambe temple.
Chitragupta Temple : Dedicated to the sun-god,Surya, this temple faces eastwards to the rising sun.

Vishwanath Temple : The temple enshrines a three-headedimage of Lord Brahma. Lions guard the northern entrance tothe structure, while elephants flank the southern flight ofsteps that lead upto it. A Nandi bull faces the shrine.
Lakshamana Temple : The lintel over the entranceof this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, shows the holy trinityof Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu'sconsort. The sanctum is adorned with a three-headed idol ofVishnu's incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha.
Matangeshwara Temple : This temple, whichhappens to be outside the precincts of the western group,is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It boasts of an eight feet highlingam.
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EasternGroup
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Parsavanatha Temple : The largest in thegroup of three Jain temples, the Parsavanath image in thistemple, was installed in 1860.
Ghantai Temple : This Jain temple has a friezedepicting the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, and a Jain goddessperched on a winged Garuda.
Adinatha Temple : The last of the Jain temples,is dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinatha, and is gorgeouslyadorned with sculptures of yakshis among others.
The three Hindu temples in this group are the Brahma temple,which has a four-faced lingam, The Vamana temple which isembellished with images of ravishing apsaras at their alluringbest; and finally the Javari temple, with its ornate gatewayand lavish carvings.
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SouthernGroup
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Duladeo Temple : Dedicated to Lord Shiva,the highlights of this temple are the sensuous images of theapsaras, and other exquisite sculptures.
Chaturbhuj Temple : This temple sports ahuge, elaborately carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum. Nightstay in Khajuraho.

Day10/ Khajuraho - Varanasi (By Air)
After breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight forVaranasi-said to be the India’s most sacred city situatedon the western bank of the holy river Ganga. It is also theoldest living city in the world. As a place for devotion andworship, with hundreds of temples dotting the city , sunriseon the river front as seen from a boat can be a spirituallyuplifting sight. It has a fascination uniquely its own, aquality of sublime beauty, a timeless eternal appeal. Varanasiis the city which cannot be described, only experienced. ArriveVaranasi and transfer to hotel. Later proceed for sight seeingof Varanasi (the oldest and holiest city of India) coveringTemples, Aurangazeb’s Mosque and one of the biggestuniversity of India. Evening view “Aarti” ceremonyon the Ghats. Night stay in Varanasi.

Day11/ Varanasi - Bombay (By Air)
Early morning boat ride on the Holy river Ganges to view thereligious activity at the bathing Ghats for an insight intothe cultural background of India. It provides an absorbingspectacle of thousands of Hindus engaged in their ritual bathing.Later excursion to Sarnath, 10kms. East of Varanasi, is oneof the Buddhism’s major centers of India. After attainingenlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave hisfirst sermon. Today Sarnath is considered as one of the richestplace to have antiques since the Ashoka period to the 12thcentury. Afternoon transfer to Airport in time to connectflight for Bombay. Arrive, meet assist at the airport &transfer to hotel. Night stay in Bombay.

Day12/ Bombay
After breakfast proceed for half day tour of Mumbai coveringGateway of India – The stone archway designed by Wittettin the 16th century Gujarati style, Prince of Whales Museum,Chowpatty Beach, Dhobhi Ghat- a vast outdoor laundry &Marine Drive. Night stay in Bombay.

Day13/ Bombay - Cochin (By Air)
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Cochin.Arrive Cochin & transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeingtour of Cochin covering The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry isrenowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally calledthe Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest Europeanchurch in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica, originally builtin 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are hugecantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochiby Chinese traders. Finally, the Willingdon Island, namedafter Lord Willingdon, is the headquarters of the SouthernNaval Command of India. Night stay in Cochin.

Day14/ Cochin - Periyar
After Breakfast drive to Periyar (185 Kms/5 hrs). The Houseboatwill cruise at a leisurely pace along palm-fringed waterways,giving a panoramic view of Kerala Village Life. Night stayin Periyar.

Day15/ Periyar
Morning Drive to Periyar (130Km drive).The Periyar Forestis one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Lying atan altitude of 900 – 1800m above sea level and spreadacross 777sq.Km, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declareda Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversityof wildlife and scenic beauty, it’s the only sanctuaryin India where you can view wildlife at close quarters fromthe safety of a boat on the lake. Periyar’s biggestattractions are the Herds of Elephants that come down to waterand play at the lakeside. Night stay in Periyar.

Day16/ Periyar - Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai (137 kms/4.5 hrs). Eveningvisit the Famous Meenakshi Temple , a structure in the Dravidianstyle of architecture. The history of the city dates backover 2,000 years when it was the capital of the Pandyas. Themost interesting feature of the temple is its Hall of a thousandpillars. Night stay in Madurai.

Day17/ Madurai - Trichy
After breakfast drive to Trichy (316 Kms/8hrs). Evening VisitTemples of Trichy one of the very ancient towns of Tamil Nadu,has many interesting relics of Pallay art ( 7th century A.D.)- only 6 miles away is the great temple of Srirangam - anisland on the Cauvery. This is a massive temple with a 100pillar hall highly decorated with carvings. Night stay inTrichy.

Day18/ Trichy - Tanjore
After breakfast drive to Tanjore (54 kms/2 hrs) . Afternoonsightseeing of Tanjore. Also called a city of temples, Tanjoreis dotted with no fewer than 74 temples - the most famousof which is the Brihadeshwara temple. Visit this fascinatingtemple and the Thanjavur Palace. Tanjore is once the capitalof the Cholas, a powerful dynasty of the kings who ruled fromthe 10th to the 14th Centuries A.D. is to this day, a wellknown center of classical art and literature. Also visit theSaraswathi Mahal Library containing rare collections of ancientbooks and manuscripts in various languages on various subjects.Night stay in Tanjore.

Day19/ Tanjore - Pondicherry
After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry (177 kms/ 6hrs). Afternoonsightseeing of Pondicherry visiting This former French Colonialcity in Tamil Nadu didn't come under Indian rule until 1954.Pondicherry otherwise known a Puducherry means a "NewHamlet" which is located on the Coromandal Coast. Herepeople speaking 55 different languages reside and inspiteof Linguistic plethola there is no restlessness but absoluteharmony. It's main attraction is actually outside of town:the ashram at Auroville, built by followers of Sri Aurobindo,a philosopher/prophet born in 1870. The International townwhere people of different countries reside belongs to humanityas a whole. Matrimandir the famous monument is constructedby the Auroville Society which represent the flower Lotus.Also visit 400 years old Manakula Vinayagar Temple which hasseveral fresco paintings on the walls telling the life storyof half human and half animal lord. You shall also visit SriAurobindo Ashram named after Sri Aurobindo, who was a NationalLeader, famous for his integral Yoga and philosophical literaryworks. A French Lady, Madam Mirr Richard, followed his spiritualpath and the Samadhi of both Sri Aurobindo and Mother aresituated at main premises of the Ashram. Night stay in Pondicherry.

Day20/ Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram (100 kms/3 hrs). Afternoonbrings you to the shore temples lashed by the sea. This isone of the early temples to be constructed in this area. The"Five Rathas", a group of monolithic monuments andanimal figures carved out of solid rock - aare almost likean artist's experiment in variety of form. Later on relaxon the beach. Night stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day21/ Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai
Morning excursion to Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram known as the Golden City of aThousand Temples, is one of the oldest towns in India. Itis famous for both its temples, many of them remarkably wellpreserved and for its hand-woven silks. Kanchipuram is oneof the seven sacred cities of India and it is the only oneassociated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit EkambareshwarTemple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the VaikunthaperumalTemple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weavingtradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was theroyal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularlyfine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns. Visitthe local homes of the weavers and watch them create magicout of silk thread into saris.

Mahabalipuram is a small, quiet seaside resort witha unique 7th century Shore Temple, a lovely beach and someof the most beautiful rock cut temples in the world. Situatedon the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was alreadya famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This, town was a workshopfor temple building. Visit the seven pagoda style shore temples,lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or templechariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figurescarved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidianarchitecture. They were constructed in a single century longburst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of Narasimhavarman1 (AD 63068). End the visit by photography of the beautifulShore temples at sunset. Night stay in Chennai.

Day22/ Chennai
After breakfast Sight seeing of Chennai The capital of thestate of Tamil Nadu and the cultural Gateway to South India,Chennai is in some respects unlike other Indian cities. TheNational Art Gallery, the Museum with some beautiful templeprizes and the finest collection of South Indian bronzes arequite interesting. St. Mary's Church, Peoples Park and thebeautiful Marina Beach which is the second longest beach inthe world as well as the clock towers are worth visiting andevening see traditional Dances. Night stay in Chennai.

Day23/ Departure
Transfer to airport for the onward journey.