From
the intricate saris of Rajasthan to the beautiful symmetry of the Taj Mahal,
this compact journey is a photographer's delight and the perfect introduction
to India. You can float past the Ghats on the River Ganges to encounter the
spiritual heart of Hinduism in Varanasi and get off the beaten path exploring
carved stepwells and quaint temples in rural villages. With the perfect
combination of included activities and free time to explore the nation's rich
heritage, you're sure to be caught up in India's incredible tapestry of life.
Duration: 22 Days
Start/Finish City: Mumbai to Kathmandu
Service Level: Premium
Physical Grading: 2
Travel Style: family, Natural
Trip Type: Small Group
Itinerary
Welcome
to the commercial capital of India and home to the famous Bollywood Film
Industry. Enjoy a city tour of South Mumbai and visit the prince of Whales
Museum, Gateway of India, Marine Drive, the Mumbai Stock Exchange, Nariman
Point, High Court, and Hanging Gardens. Rest in your hotel this evening or
enjoy a night on the town on your own.
Today
we take a flight to Aurangabad (403 kms) from Mumbai. You will visit Biwi ka Makbara (a replica of the Taj Mahal,
built by Emperor Aurangzeb) and royal
buildings built during the rule of
emperor Aurangzeb. Rest in your hotel
this evening or enjoy a night on the
town on your own.
Leave
in the morning to visit Ajanta and
Ellora to see the frescoes, painngs and
also the carvings made in the caves during the me Buddhism spread into India. The most imposing excavaon is the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Enjoy the night at leisure in
your hotel.
Early
morning check out and return to Mumbai. Visit Haji Ali, Iskon (Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple) and also Juhu beach if me permits. In the evening, fly to Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to spend
the night.
In
the morning aer breakfast, take a
sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit Fort St. George ‐ built in 1640, St.
Mary's Church ‐ the oldest Anglican church in India built in 1680, and Valluvar Koayam, which is the replica of the temple chariot in
Thiruvarur. In the evening return to
the hotel for overnight.
In
the morning check‐out and set off
for Mahabalipuram [52 kms; 1 hr].
Relax on the beaches and visit the
monuments that Mahabalipuram has
to offer you. The five chariot shaped temples or rathas, the shore
temple and the carved depicons of
episodes from the Mahabharata are
arsc highlights of this historic place in South India. Also visit 6‐8th century Pallave
rock cut caves, Panch Ratha temple, and
the 7th century shore temple where both
Vishnu and Shiva are enshrined under one
roof. In the evening drive back to
Chennai and fly to Trivandrum. Upon your
arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
You
have the day at leisure to enjoy and relax on the pristine beaches. Kovalam is
an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. The
leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse sunbathing, swimming,
herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, and catamaran
cruising. Life on the beach begins late
in the day and carries on well into the night.
Overnight at hotel.
After
breakfast this morning, set off for Allepey [161 km, 3 hrs]. Upon arrival, check in to your houseboat and
prepare for the cruise of a life time.
Coast along the backwaters of your private house on the water. Enjoy freshly cooked meals cooked right on
the boat by your own crew. Spend the
night on the houseboat.
Enjoy
breakfast this morning and drive to Munnar, the famous hill‐station in the mountains [163 km; 4 hrs]. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the stunning city
and its panoramic views of tea plantaons.
After
breakfast, drive to Cochin [127 km; 3 hrs], which sits on the coast of the Arabian
Sea. Visit Fort Cochin, the Dutch Palace,
Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, catch a flight to New
Delhi, India’s bustling capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where you
will spend the night.
After
breakfast, take a city tour of the capital of India. Visit the various temples,
the Parliament House, Raj Ghat, AmarJawan Jyo, Rajpath and the Presidenal
Palace. Overnight at the hotel.
Your
city tour of Delhi continues today as you visit the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk,
Connaught Place, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub
Minar, and Shalimar Baug. Overnight at the
hotel.
In
the morning, leave for your visit to Jaipur [264 km; 4 hrs].
Today you will see Birla Temple or the Lakshmi ‐ Narayan Temple, situated just below the Mo
Dungari. This is a modern temple built
of white marble on top of a hill,
dominang the skyline of south Jaipur. Tour the City Palace ‐ located in the heart
of the walled city. Jantar Mantar is
across the road from the palace and is one of
the five observatories in India. Built by Sawai Jai Singh, this is one of the largest and the best
preserved. Over night at hotel.
Leave
for Amber Fort in the morning ‐ Amber
(pronounced Amer) is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the
ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before
the capital was shied in the plains to
present day Jaipur. Kanak Vrindavan ‐ located in the foothills of Nahargarh Hills on the way
towards Amber, is a popular spot for
picnic and film shoots. Behold the Hawa
Mahal ‐ poet‐king Sawai Pratap Singh built this Palace of Winds. This is the most easily
recalled landmarks of Jaipur and is also
its icon. Located in the City Palace, it
is best viewed from the outside for the
palace is really a facade. Your evening is free for shopping and leisure. Overnight in the
hotel.
After
check in, visit the Taj Mahal ‐ this immortal poem in white marble is the finest expression of love
known to man. Your next stop is Agra
Fort ‐ built in 1565 AD, this fort is a masterpiece of design and
construcon. A must see is also the tomb
of Salim Chish. Overnight in the
hotel.
Check
out in me to board your train bound for
Khajuraho. Enjoy the sights through the countryside as you travel towards Khajuraho. On arrival,
transfer and check‐in to your hotel and
stay overnight.
Visit
the Kandariya Mahadev Temple. Perfectly
symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Though
the four temples that stand at the
corners of the main shrine are now in
ruins, the main shrine has an
exquisitely carved entrance arch with a
multude of themes, the Chaunsat Yogini
temple ‐ the only
granite temple in the Khajuraho group.
Devi Jagdambe Temple ‐ another Kali
Temple (originally dedicated to Vishnu), Chitragupta temple ‐ dedicated to the sun‐god, Surya. The image of this powerful deity in the inner
sanctum is parcularly imposing: 5 high,
and driving a seven‐horsed chariot.
Vishwanath Temple ‐ lions flank the northern steps and elephants the southern, leading up to the
temple. Within, there is an impressive three headed image of Brahma. The exteriors are exquisitely carved. Overnight
at the hotel.
Morning
depart Varanasi by air. On arrival check in to your hotel. Aernoon free at leisure to explore
Varanasi on your own. Overnight at the
hotel.
After
breakfast, visit the Ghats where Hindus come from across India to purify themselves from all their
sins. This also serves as a beginning of
an individuals new self. Also not to be missed
are the narrow by‐lanes (called as Galis) of Varanasi, Manmandir Observatory, the Tulsi Manas temple
dedicated to Lord Rama, Ramnagar Fort
and the museum. Overnight in the
hotel.
Check
out and depart for Kathmandu, Nepal by air. On arrival, transfer to your hotel
and enjoy your day at leisure to roam
and explore the city by yourself. Overnight in the Hotel.
Enjoy
a morning tour of Kathmandu and Swambhounath Stupa ‐ the most ancient and
enigmac of all the valley's holy shrines
‐ which lies 2 km west of Kathmandu, across the
Vishnuma River. The golden spire of
Swayambhunath Stupa crowns a wooded
hillock and offers a commanding view of Kathmandu city. Boudhnath Stupa is the biggest stupa in
the Valley. The Stupa, well known as
Khas, is also a World Heritage Site. It looms 36 meters high and presents one
of the most fascinating specimens of
stupa design. Pashupanath Temple is Nepal's
most scared Hindu shrines and one of the subconnent's greatest Shiva sites, a sprawling collection
of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions
raised over the centuries along the
banks of the sacred Bagma River. Afternoon tour to Patan City. Overnight
in the hotel.
After
breakfast, check‐out and head to the airport for your flight back home
with a heart full of memories!