23 DAYS / 22 NIGHTS PROGRAMME VISITING CHENNAI- PONDICHERRY – TANJORE – MADURAI – PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM – ALLEPPEY – COCHIN – GOA - DELHI – AGRA – JAIPUR – JODHPUR – UDAIPUR – MUMBAI
DATE & PROGRAMME
01. Arrive Chennai.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Chennai, the present gateway to the South is about 350 Yrs old. Chennai is ever growing, changing and pulsating with new activities. Capital of Tamil Nadu, it is the fourth largest cities in India.
Overnight at the hotel.
02. Chennai
After breakfast visit Kalashetra founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936 the institution is devoted to the revival of traditional dance, textile designing, and weaving, which are taught in naturally harmonious environs. Classical dance Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music permeate the very fabric of life in Chennai and the Kalakshetra at Tiruvanmiyur is a school of the Indian art epitomising the revival of ancient culture, crafts and heritage. Kalakshetra was established not only to seek the roots of Indian Culture but also to revive and revitalise Indian arts and crafts, so that they could take their proper place in the mainstream of modern life.
Drive through the flower and Fruit Market, High Court, fort Museum, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral and Snake Park. Also visit Mylapore temple.
Overnight at the hotel.
03. Chennai - Pondicherry (168 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry enroute visiting Mahabalipuram.
Globally renown for its shore temples, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. 58 kilometres from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea - side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder - strewn landscape. Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. 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
Visit the Krishna Mandapam or Cave temple. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief scene of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana to protect a crowd of his kinsmen from anger of the rain God, Indra. Later visit Five Rathas (Pancha Pandava Rathas) – monolithic temples sculpted out of rock in 7th century influenced by Buddhist architecture in resembling the Vihara (monastery) and chaitya hall (temple). The piece de resistance is Arjuna’s penance, the world’s largest bas relief. Also visit the famous Shore Temple – Sculpture on rock, lashed by the waves of the sea, which is a World Heritage monument.
On arrival in Pondicherry check-in at the hotel.
Pondicherry, a former French colony, presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions. An added attraction is the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment. Another hallowed spot is Aurobindo Ashram which draws devotees from all over the world.
Overnight at the hotel.
04. Pondicherry – Tanjore (177 Kms)
After breakfast proceed for half day city tour visiting Aurobindo Ashram which forms the nucleus of many activities and trade of Pondicherry. The Pondicherry Marine Drive, with a 1.5 kms lond promenade is the best place to stroll in on an evening.
The Pondicherry Museum is a treasure trove of antique with a section on French India which is housed in rooms done up in typical French style. Archaeology, geology, sculpture, weapons, handicrafts and art are some of the other sections.
Afternoon drive to Thanjavur and check-in at the hotel.
Modern Thanjavur (Tanjore) is a fertile plain which is referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Tamil Nadu. Located on the eastern cost of central Tamil Nadu, it has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas, one of the greatest dynasties of the South.
The Cholas were great temple builders an Tanjavur bears witness to this being dotted with no fewer than 74 temples – the most famous of which is the Bragatheeswarar temple, a World Heritage monument.
Overnight at the hotel.
05. Tanjore – Madurai (158 kms)
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing visiting Brahadeeswarar temple, this is a magnificient Shiva temple built in 1003 AD by king Rajaraja I , the Chola king and the Palace with the vast labyrinthian buildings, enormous corridors, big halls, watch towers, moat, fort and courtyards.
Afternoon drive to Madurai enroute visiting Trichy.
Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathy, the Rock Fort, 434 steps cut into the Rock side and interspersed which shrines, lead to the temple, yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva.
Visit Srirangam a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which contains within its walls a bazaar as well and the Samayapuram Mari Amman Koil.
On arrival in Madurai check-in at the hotel.
Madurai – It is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai the Temple and the old city are on the southern bank while modern Madurai with its textile mills, engineering industries and large university sprawls around.
Overnight at the hotel.
06. Madurai
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing visiting the Great Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side).
Later visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace – A gracious building in the Indo sacracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes and arches ,the Pazhamudir Solai Temple, and the Kallazhagar Koil.
Overnight at the hotel.
07. Madurai – Periyar (142 kms)
After breakfast drive to Periyar and check-in at the hotel.
Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary spread across 777sq.km. in the picturesque rainforests of the Western Ghats.
Evening boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat. The earliest sanctuary, it was set up in 1934 and forms part of the mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Cruising on Lake Periyar, you are likely to see animals like wild boars, sambars, wild dogs, langur monkeys and wild elephants.
Overnight at the hotel.
08. Periyar – Kumarakom (127 kms)
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom to board House Boat. Lunch at the House Boat.
Kumarakom is the loveliest village in Kerala blessed with natures rare gifts is on the eastern side of vast Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are too exhilarating. An exclusive attraction of this much sought after backwater resort is Kumarakom bird sanctuary.
Dinner and overnight at the House Boat.
09. Arrive Alleppey by house boat
After breakfast disembark at Alleppey and check-in at the Resort.
Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwaters tourist each year, attracting several thousand of tourist.
Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches., marine products and coir industry.
Later lunch at a village house served on banana leaves.
You can enjoy the Ayurvedic massage at the Resort in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
10. Alleppey – Cochin (63 kms)
After breakfast drive to Cochin and on arrival check-in at the hotel.
The commercial capital and most cosmopolitan city of Kerala is Cochin (Kochi), is also known as Queen of Arabian Sea. It is one of the finest natural harbours of the world, this was once a major center of commerce and trade with British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguees, Dutch etc..
Afternoon half day sightseeing tour to visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Church.
Evening witness Kathakali dance show at the cultural center.
Kathakali the classical dance form of Kerala,was originated in Kerala 400 years ago.
It took shape mainly from Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattom,Chakyarkoothu, Ashtapadyattom and Krishnanattom. A complete art, Kathakali constitute 3 fine arts - abhinayam or acting, nrityam or dancing and geetham or singing, and is a pantomime in which the performing artiste does not sing or speak. So music is a very essential aspect of Kathakali and the bhagavathar or the singer plays a key role in the staging of the art form.
Overnight at the hotel.
11. Cochin - Goa by flight
Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Goa.
Meeting and assistance on arrival in Goa and transfer to the hotel.
Skirted by white topped, sprays of salty blue waves, Goa is a tiny speck of sun drenched, palm fringed, hillock speckled, lush Greenfield-dappled paradise. Goa’s 105 Kms coastline is studded with 29 beaches lined by golden sand, a natural harbour, a large network of inland waterways, centuries-old churches and temples renowned for sorship and pilgrimage, and a cultural diversity that has no parallel in the world. In terms of tourist attractions too, Goa’s offerings are superb. With their tradition of hospitality, varied lifestyles, cultural heritage, colourful fairs and festivals – Goa and Goans offer so much more than the rest of the world.
Overnight at the hotel.
12. Goa
After breakfast proceed for half day city tour starting from the slopes of Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim & river Mandovi. Then to Donapaula for a view of india’s largest natural harbour Marmgoa, Old Goa visiting Basillica of Bom Jesus wherein is enshrined the body of St.Francis Xavier in a sliver ornate casket. St. Cathedral ,the biggest church in the East. St.Cajetan, built like St.Peters(Rome). Chruch of Holy Rosary & St. Monica.
Overnight at the hotel.
13. Goa - Delhi by flight
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi.
Meeting and assistance on arrival by our representative. Traditional welcome with garlanding and transfer to hotel.
Delhi, the capital of the country, and one of India's fastest growing cities, has spread far beyond the "seven cities", created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Remnants of the glorious past survive cheek-by-jowl with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country.
Overnight at the hotel.
14. Delhi
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat- the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi, Drive past the Jama Masjid , one of the largest mosques of India, also Red Fort, Enjoy rickshaw ride in the local markets of Chandni Chowk, Qutab Minar – gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234 ft. , India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in World War) drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (formerly the viceroy’s residence) and Parliament house and Government buildings.
Overnight at the hotel.
15. Delhi - Agra (204 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Agra and check-in at the hotel.
Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomise the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.
Afternoon proceed for half day city tour visiting the world famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort – Taj Mahal - One of the most photographed tourist attractions in the world, Taj Mahal is the attraction that pulls the tourists from all over the world. The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which is split by watercourses-a reflection of the Persian style. (Taj Mahal remains Closed on Friday)
Later visit Agra Fort - Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna and beautified with palaces and gardens by Jehangir, Agra Fort today dominates the center of the city. The crescent-shaped fort with its 20-metre high, 2.4-km outer walls contains a maze of buildings that form a small city within a city. One can enter the fort only through the Amar Singh Gate. The public access is limited to the southern part of the fort, which includes nearly all the buildings of tourist interest. The Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience) were built by Shahjahan for receiving audiences.
Jehangir's palace built by Akbar was the largest private residence in the fort. Close to Diwan-i-Khas, stands an octagonal tower known as Musamman Burj. It was here that Shahjahan breathed his last after seven years of imprisonment. Other places to see within the fort include the Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden).
Overnight at hotel.
16. Agra - Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (237 Kms)
After breakfast depart by surface for Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri Thirty-nine kilometres from Agra stands Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city of yesteryears. The city was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in AD 1564 in honour of the Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Fatehpur Sikri was intended to be the capital city but the shortage of water and unrest in the north-west made Akbar abandon it after 14 years .
One of the major attractions of this city is the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Other places of interest include Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s Palace and Birbal Bhavan. On arrival in Jaipur check-in at hotel.
Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan, named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. It has, long been established, on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India's Golden Triangle, just 300 kilometres southwest of Delhi, and 200 kilometres west of Agra. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri.
In the evening, visit Chokhi Dhani - An ethnic village resort, the vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides.
After traditional Rajasthani dinner return to Jaipur for overnight at hotel.
17. Jaipur
After breakfast excursion to Amer Fort - At a short distance of 11 kms. from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below.
One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience" and the Sukh Niwas where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air-conditioning. Here are the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court in privacy.
There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry", with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall of Mirrors".
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting City Palace and Jantar Mantar (Observatory).
The City Palace is now converted into a museum, except a small portion that is still used by the royal family of Jaipur. Built in the fortified campus style, the palace covers almost one-seventh part of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion that is devoted to the arms and ammunition used by the royal family in the past. Other important attractions are the Textile and Costume Museum, Art Gallery, Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am.
Drive past Hawa Mahal - Strange though it may seem, this most famous landmark of Jaipur is not actually a palace but a series of sandstone screens. This pink structure was constructed so that the ladies of the palace could watch the royal processions without being seen by any outsider. This sandstone edifice was named Palace of Winds after the many brass wind vanes that adorned it until 1960s. Later visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory - situated in the heart of the city where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century.
Overnight at the hotel.
18. Jaipur – Jodhpur (332 kms)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur and check-in at the hotel.
Jodhpur, Nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur . The town was once known as Marwar, which means 'Land of Death', probably, referring to the harsh desert climate. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Afternoon proceed for half day sightseeing tour visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. This fort is one of the largest fort in India. the fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq km, with seven gates. It has been a witness to the splendor of bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous places in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpur sculptures. Mehrangarh literally means "Majestic Fort".
Later visit Jaswant Thada which is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir.
Umaid Bhawan Palace - This immense palace known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used. the only palace built in 20th century under the famine .It was built in a time of peace and is quite western in its design. It was built as a famine relief project which employment to people for 16 years. It has its own theatre, eight dining rooms, and a banquet hall which seats three hundred people.
A Ball Room had been built, catering to the Westernized royal lifestyle. Much of the interior of the palace is in the art deco style. In fact, it is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of art deco in the world. Deep within the palace is an indoor swimming pool, with a mosaic of zodiac symbols. The palace now runs as a hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as royal residence.
Government Musuem - This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, sculptures, antique weapons, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
Overnight at the hotel.
19. Jodhpur- Udaipur (259 kms)
After breakfast drive to Udaipur enroute visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temple which was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.
The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike.The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath. The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.
On arrival in Udaipur check-in at the hotel.
Udaipur, There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The city's inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white.Surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola.
Overnight at the hotel.
20. Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, Completely white and majestic, the City Palace stands on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. Its main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725.
The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence, is another fascinating monument Jagdish Temple, Built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
Drive around Fateh Sagar is a beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Queen resort for her friends) is a small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants. Bharatiya Lok Kala Musuem has interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings and the high point of the exhibits puppets.
Evening boat cruise on Pichola Lake 4 km long and 3 km broad., surrounded by splendid hills palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Visit the island palace Jag Niwas which is beautifully set in the Lake.
Overnight at the hotel.
21. Udaipur - Mumbai by flight
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai. On arrival board flight for Aurangabad.
Mumbai – Aurangabad by flight
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Aurangabad the only tourist district of India having two-world heritage monuments to its credit. Barring these heritage monuments of Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad and Bibi-Ka-Maqbara the district is rich in monuments, historical and religious, of National importance.
By and large the Foreign tourists visit India to see the beauty of “Taj” the dream in marble, to experience the world of Lord-Budha and to speak to the colors sculptures of Ellora- Ajanta and Ellora are the creations of the dedicated artists of the by-gone days of this region. Besides the groups of the heritage caves there are large number of caves of equisite beauty at Pitalkhora, the earliest rock-cut-temples of Western India, at Ghototkacha in the panoramic gourge of Jajla hills and at Aurangabad the sculptural beauty of which is unmatched, on the periphery of the city itself.
Overnight at the hotel.
22. Aurangabad
After breakfast full day excursion to the Ajanta & Ellora Caves. Ajanta Caves (106 kms) dating back to the 2nd century BC. The 30 rock hewn caves are adorned with Buddhist sculpture and Frescoes portray in epic from the Religious and secular life through eight centuries.
The ellora caves encompass 34 rock-cut shrines representing Jain Hindu and Buddhist art dating from 4th to 9th century AD. The most remarkable of them is the Kailash Temple ment to be a replace of Lord Shiva’s celestal abode, Kailash. It is the best rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
23. Aurangabad – Mumbai by flight
After breakfast proceed for half day city tour visiting the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, built by Aurangzeb as a tomb for his wife, an imitation of the Taj Mahal at Agra. A Himroo factory where beautiful cotton and silk fabrics are produced. Panchakki- A watermill within which there is a Tomb of a Muslim Saint.
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to International airport to board flight for onward destination.
End of the programme. Check-in is at 1400 Hrs & check-out time is 12 noon at all hotels.
