22 Nights / 23 Days

Madras / Mahabalipuram / Pondichery / Tanjore / Madurai / Periyar / Munnar / Kumarakom / Allepey / Cochin / Delhi / Mandawa / Jaipur / Agra / Delhi

Day 1 – Your Country / Madras

Late night arrival. Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you! Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 – Madras

Breakfast at Hotel. Leave for visit Madras (also called Chennai).
Madras, now known as Chennai, is a city on the east coast of southern India. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this capital of the state of  Tamil Nadu is India's fourth largest metropolitan city and one of the 35 largest metropolitan areas in the world. The city is a large commercial and industrial centre in India, and is known for its cultural heritage
Madras, the gateway to south India is a centre of south Indian art, architecture, music, dance, and festivals, Fort museum, Government museum and art gallery are interesting. You will also discover the Strong George Saint and the district of George Town. Spare time relaxe on Marina Beach. Overnight at hotel

Day 3 – Madras / Mahabalipuram

After the breakfast, departure for Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram one of the oldest cities of India, is a temple town with imposing shrines and famous for its silk weaving industry. This Golden City of a thousand temples is one of the seven sacred cities of India. It served as the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and Vijayanagar Empire. Some of the best temples in the town are the finest examples of the Pallava architecture
Visit of Kanchipuram and its temples in the course of road, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple - in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in the temple, relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas, dedicated to Vishnu and  Ekambareswarar Temple - renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one of the tallest towers in South India, dedicated to Shiva
Later Proceed to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 4 – Mahabalipuram

After the breakfast. Visit Mahaballipuram.
Mahabalipuram to explore the stunning temples and giant rock carvings, created by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in the 7th century. 14 cave temples have been hewn into the cliff face, but even more remarkable are the nine monolithic “Chariot” shrines, each carved from a single boulder, which stand on the seashore
Overnight at hotel

Day 5 – Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry

After the breakfast. depart for Pondicherry, a former french colony: the town reveals a lingering continental influence in its architecture and layout. Checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 6 – Pondicherry

After the breakfast. Leave for Sigitseeing tour of Pondicherry
This morning visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by a Bengal philosopher in the early 20thcentury. Aurobindo Ashram, you will be transported to a world of bliss and peace. Here the day starts with meditation and visitors are allowed to take a look of Sri Aurobindo and his chief disciple Mother's room.
You will also visit the Pondicherry Museum where among the artifacts you will see the discoveries of Arikamedu, Chola bronze items. Overnight at hotel

Day 7 – Pondicherry / Tanjore

After the breakfast. drive to Thanjavur. On arrival check in at hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Fort & Temple, which is an Chola architectural marvel . This is also listed in the world heritage . Also you will visit Thanjavur Palace & Museum, which houses a library,museum and art gallery. Overnight at hotel

Day 8 – Tanjore / Trichy / Tanjore

After the breakfast. Departure for an excursion for Trichy. Trichy is equipped with two splendid Hindu temples. The first, the temple Sri Ranganathaswamy, This temple is at Sri Rangam Island, in the middle of the Cauvery river. This temple was built by various dynasties including the cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Empire between 13th and 18th centuries.  It covers an area of 2.5 sq.km and the main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple with seven concentric walls and 22 gopurams has a north to south orientation. Sri Rangam island is also known as a centre for religious philosophy and learning. The great Vaishnava acharya Ramanuja taught and wrote in the Srirangam School during the 11th century
The second, the temple Sri Jambukeswara, This temple is situated about 2.5 km east of the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. It has an interior with a large central court, an excellent example of  the Dravidian architecture of A D 1600.  The rampant dragons, elaborate foliated brackets and royal Nayak portraits are incorporated to its courtyards pillars. 
Later return to Tanjore. Overnight at hotel

Day 9 – Tanjore / Madurai

After the breakfast in hotel, Leave for visits. Tanjore was the capital of kings Chola with which one owes the temples of the city and the surroundings. The area, known for its craft industry, is covered with fertile plains, whose rice plantations cover most of the requirements out of rice for Tamil Nadu. The temple of Brihadishwara, dedicated to Shiva, is the jewel of crowned architecture Chola and is registered with the World Inheritance of UNESCO. Departure towards Madurai, one of the oldest cities of India of the South. Checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 – Madurai

Breakfast at hotel and leave to discover the famous Meenakshi Temple. The temple with its 12 “gopurams” from 40 to 50 m in height attracts pilgrims from all over India. Then Leave to city tour and Tirumalai Nayak Palace, built in Indo – Muslim style in 1523. A Madurai is a city where you can find: the streets are constantly invaded pilgrims, beggars, merchants, oxcarts and rickshaws. the center of Madurai is a vast bazaar where you can find the shops, markets and salesmen mixture. In evening, attend the puja ceremony in Madurai Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 – Madurai / Periyar

Breakfast at hotel, Depart for the small village of Thekkady, with the accesses of the National park of the lake Periyar in the middle of the spice plantations.

Periyar- The most attended natural reserve of India of the south, the park of Periyar extends on 777 km square and includes/understands an artificial lake of 26 square meters on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats.  Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices.

Check in at hotel. Over night at hotel

Day 12 – Periyar / Munnar

Early morning Private boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar - an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Than Drive to Munnar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel
Munnar, largely blanketed by tea plantations, this little hill resort offers breath-taking scenery. Situated at an altitude of 1525 metres, this town has a local bracing climate. The atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. There are enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and lovely views of low flying clouds and mist filled valleys .
Over night stay at hotel.

Day 13 – Munnar

Breakfast at hotel. Leave for the Sight seeing tour of Munnar visit Pothamedu, Devikulam,Eravikulam National Park,Kundala Dam, Mattupetty, Echo-Point etc.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 14 – Munnar / Kumarakom

Breakfast at hotel. Then departure in direction of Kumarakom. On arrival, Checkin at hotel. At the end of afternoon, Leave for walk on the lake Vembanadu with laying down sun. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 15 – Kumarakom / Allepey (backwaters)

After breakfast we drive to Allepey and board our private Houseboat. Travel through the lush green backwaters towards Kumarakom enroute seeing various local activities of the people living along the backwaters. Our crew will cook the delicious Keralan food and show places of interest along the way. Overnight and dinner on  Houseboat

Day 16 – Allepey / Cochin

After the breakfast taken under the veranda of the boat. Leave for Cochin. On arrival checkin at hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour Cochin
Cochin -  is also known as the cosmopolitan city of Kerala. There are number of islands around Eranakulam. Kochi -the Queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting island and has one of finest natural harbors in the world. The other two islands are Bolghatty island and Willingdon island. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to this district and left their impressions on the places around this district.
Cochin - Kerala’s commercial center, it has a fine natural harbour. Cochin(Kochi) gateway for Kerala is famous for Mattanchery Palace, Fort Cochin, Vasco Da Gama Square, St. Francis Church, Wellington Island, Bolgatty Island, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing nets and Jewish Synagogue. Watch Kathakali Dance in Cochin the well known dances of  India
Kathakali -  Kerala owes its transnational fame to the nearly 300-year-old classical dance form of Kathakali, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam and Ramanattam

Over night stay at the hotel

Day 17 – Cochin / Delhi(Domestic Flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival Checkin at Hotel.
Over night stay at the hotel

Day 18 – Delhi 

Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi.
DELHI – India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that what constitutes Delhi today is a conglomerate of seven cities.

Morning: Proceed for tour to Old Delhi. Visiting, Red Fort (From outside) – The old walled city from Mughal India, the chief attraction is the huge fort that contains within it palaces and impressive public buildings. Chandni Chowk – The main street of Old Delhi is the colourful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid – The great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Raj Ghat – On the banks of the Yamuna River, a simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures.

Afternoon: Continue to visit New Delhi, Rajpath – The Kingsway is another focus of New Delhi. It is immensely broad and is flanked on either side by Ornamental ponds. India Gate – This 42 mtr high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WWI and Afghan fiasco in 1919 Rashtrapati Bhawan – The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. Qutab Minar – This is a soaring tower of victory which was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It is nearly 73 mtr high and tapers from a 15-mtr diameter base to just 2.5 mtr at the top. Humayun's Tomb  - This 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 construction of the Taj Mahal
 
Overnight at Hotel

Day 19 – Delhi / Mandawa

Drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel

MANDAWA – Often called the open air art gallery of Rajasthan, the region of medieval Shekhawati comprises the present day districts of Sikar & Jhunjhunu. The high quality frescoes which this region is famous for date between 1750 & 1930. A majority of the frescoes have been executed on the havelis or mansions.

Visit the fresco-painted homes in the Shekhawati region.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 20 – Mandawa / Jaipur

Breakfast will be at Hotel. Proceed to Jaipur

JAIPUR – The city blushing pink is the picturesque capital of Rajasthan, more famous as the ‘Pink City’. It was colourwashed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England visited India in 1883 A.D.. Founded in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with ‘Shilpa Shastra’ – the epochal treatise of Hindu architecture. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani 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 - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 21 – Jaipur / Amber / Jaipur

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  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.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.

Proceed for sightseeing of the city.

HAWA MAHAL( only a photo stop)  - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 22 – Jaipur / Agra

After Breakfast Leave for Agra. Proceed to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur sikri - An emperor builds a magnificent city as an act of gratitude to a penniless saint, makes it the capital of his empire and then for inexplicable reason abandons it.

Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After just fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great city of victory fell silent. Its echoing corridors still seen to wait for the king to return. The hill top city lies 37 kms from Agra. This deserted city has two distinct complexes. The first comprises the royal enclosure of the palace, the harem and official buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint, with a mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back in the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the gateway after a triumpant campaign, o be welcomed by his delighted subjects and the royal courts. It reflects the many faceted character of the man who inspired it. The ruthless empire builder who enjoyed all the trapping of power and as liberal enlightened man who took a passionate instant in every aspect of life, be it religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.
Later Leave for Agra. Upon arrival check into hotel
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 23 – Agra / Delhi / Your Country

After Breakfast Leave for Agra Sightseeing tour
VISIT TAJ MAHAL [ built by Shah Jehan for his queen Mumtaj Mahal ], perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the World & the construction of Taj Mahal believed to have taken 22 Years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. Taj Mahal witness the spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable
Visit Red Fort  - Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandson. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the building inside the fort is now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India

Leave for Delhi. On arrival Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight back home with the sweet memories of India.

Hotel Proposed - LUXURY

Chennai- Radisson Grt Hotel, The Park, Le Royal Meridien
Mahabalipuram- Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove
Pondicherry- Bungalow on the Beach/ Le Dupleix/ Hotel De Lorient
Tanjore- Hotel Sangam
Madurai- GRT Regency/ Hotel Sangam/ Taj Garden Retreat
Periyar- Shalimar Spice Garden/ Spice Village/ Taj Garden Retreat/ Aranya Niwas/ Lake Palace
Munnar- Club Mahindra Lake View Munnar/ Windermere Estate
Kumarakom- Kumarakom Lake Resort/ Coconut Lagoon
Cochin- Brunton Boatyard, The Trident Hilton, Le Meridien
Delhi- The Imperial/ The Grand/ The Park/ The Claridges/ Hotel Taj Palace / The Oberoi/ The Taj Mahal/ The Manor/ The Metropolitan Hotel Nikko
Mandawa- Castle Mandawa
Jaipur- The Raj Palace/ Le Meridien/ Samode Haveli/Jai Mahal Palace/ The Trident Hilton
Agra- Jaypee Palace/ Taj View/ The Trident Hilton

Hotel Proposed - DELUXE

Chennai- Hotel Ambica Empire, Radha Park Inn, Ambassador Pallava, Benz Park Tuilip, The Residency, Comfort Inn Marina Towers
Mahabalipuram- Ideal Beach Resort/ MGM Beach Resort
Pondicherry- Anandha Inn/ The Promenade
Tanjore- Ideal River View Resort
Madurai- Hotel Germanus/ Royal Court
Periyar- Wildernest/ Tree Top
Munnar- Sienna Village/ Deshadan Mountain Resort/ Abad Copper Castle/ Tall Tree
Kumarakom- Winsdor Castle/ Abad Palmshore Beach Resort/ Abad Whispering Palms
Cochin- Hotel Casino, Fort Heritage, Fort Cochin, The Avenue Regent, Abad Plaza, Abad Atrium Hotel, Abad Airport Hotel
Delhi- Hotel Marina/ The Connaught/ Hotel Dee Marks/ Hans Plaza
Mandawa- Castle Mandawa / The Desert Resort
Jaipur- Alsisar Haveli/Park Plaza/ Shahpura House/ Holiday Inn/ Megh Niwas
Agra- Howard Park Palza/ Utkarsh Vilas/ The Grand Imperial/ Hotel Mansingh Palace

Hotel Proposed - ECONOMY

Chennai- Hotel Shan Royal, Hotel Dasaprakash, Hotel Shelter
Mahabalipuram- Mamalla Heritage/ Hotel Shelter
Pondicherry- Hotel Mass
Tanjore- Hotel Parisutham
Madurai- Hotel Pandian
Periyar- Jungle Village
Munnar- Fort Munnar/ Forest Heaven/ Munnar Heights
Kumarakom- Winsdor Castle / Tharavadu Heritage Home / Paddy Fields
Cochin- Wyte Fort, Hotel renaissance, Abad Metro, Hotel Abad Fort Cochin
Delhi- Hotel Metro Heights/ Hotel Metro City/ Hotel Singh Sons/ Hotel Singh Palace
Mandawa- Hotel Mandawa Haveli
Jaipur- Hotel Arya Niwas/ Hotel Mandawa Haveli / Tara Niwas/ Comfort in hawa mahal
Agra- Hotel Amar/ Hotel Atithi / Hotel Royal Regency

Tour Package Includes:
❂ Hotel accomodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
❂ Surface Travel by airconditioned car
❂ All airport, railway station, other transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary.
❂ Local English speaking guides.
❂ Elephant ride in Amber Fort, Jaipur (Subject to availability),
❂ Boat ride in Udaipur (common Boat).
❂ All applicable taxes, parking fees, driver allowances etc.

Tour Package does not include:
❂ International or domestic flights.
❂ Airport taxes, Visa Charges, Insurance.
❂ Entrance fee to monuments.
❂ Minibar, Tips, laundry.
❂ Any item not shown in Cost Includes.

Notes:

• There will be a supplement for Christmas / New Year / Pushkar festival time.
• There can be some variation in the price according to the hotels finally booked.