Best of India
Duration : 27 Nights / 28 Days
Places to Visit : Delhi – Mandawa- Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
– Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho –
Varanasi – Aurangabad – Mymbai – Kochi – Allepy – Kovalam
– ( Departure )
Day 01. Delhi
After breakfast, full day city tour of old & modern capital of India. Visit
Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction
was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658 ; visit Red Fort ( from
out side only, as it is not permitted to visit from inside due to security reason
), which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638
to 1648 ; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Witness the India Gate, the Presidents House & the Parliament. Visit Humayun's
Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture;
Qutab Minar. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02. Delhi – Mandawa ( Shekhawati)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Mandawa ( Alsisar ), lunch n the way . On arrival,
check in at hotel. late afternoon visit the havelis around this area . overnight
stay at hotel. Shekhawati : - This is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan
and it is situated entirely in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati
is a region and not just a town or fort; it takes its name after its ruler Rao
Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are eminent
for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis that this
region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora
of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating.
Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century.
Day 03. Mandawa – Gajner ( Bikaner )
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Bikaner. On the way visit Fathepur and see some
wonderful Fresco example at here. On arrival at Bikaner, have lunch at a heritage
Hotel. BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the
north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner
retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding
camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.
Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are
the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other
attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted
towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.
After lunch proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort. Continue
drive to Gajner. A place just 19 KMS from the City … with Beautiful Palace
beside the Lake , A place that one can’t forget in his life after visited
once !!!!
On arrival check in at hotel, see the Palace building which is itself a sight
seeing. Entire area is quite big , you might need to use Cycle to cover the
whole area !!!!! overnight stay at Gajner
Day 04. Bikaner – Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Jaisalmer. Lunch at Midway at Pokran. Rising from
the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer.
A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor,
dominating the amber-hued city. The city has an interesting legend associated
with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold
Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop
the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a
descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva
and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.
On arrival, check in at hotel . If time permits , can visit the “Vays Chatri”
Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.
Day 05. Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple,
fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately
carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT
- The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour) See
the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit
Barabagh Hill. In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting
the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the
sky is set on fire ( A camel ride will be provided ) . Dinner will be arrange
by us in the middle of the Thar Desert , with live music & dance perform
by local musician . Return to hotel.
Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.
Day 06. Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Jodhpur . On arrival , Check in & lunch at
hotel .
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar
state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajput
who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive
15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable
bastions encompasses the city.
After Lunch proceed on sightseeing of Jodhpur- gateway to the desert beyond,
home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly
scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of
a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive
rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle
room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. Dinner & overnight
stay at hotel.
Day 07. Jodhpur – Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel, Drive to Udaipur Via Ranakpur. Visit the world famous Jain
temple of Ranakpur. AD 1439. After lunch Continue drive to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur
by late afternoon, Check Inn at hotel. Overnight at Udaipur.
UDAIPUR : One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known
as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the
lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur,
Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of
Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the
advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola-
the city was named Udaipur after him.
Day 08. Udaipur
Breakfast at Hotel . Morning visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around
Sahelion ki Bari (queen's resort for her friends), Fateh sagar Lake and. Afternoon
Boat ride at Lake Pichola and visit “Jag Mandir” . Evening free at
leisure. Overnight in stay at Udaipur.
Day 09. Udaipur – Pushkar
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check In at hotel.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar.
Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed
the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only
Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for
the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell
cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja
Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city
of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets
a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of
peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar
fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest
cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are
52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake.
Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city
of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural
styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose
is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan
with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in
the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and full
moon days.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10. Pushkar – Jaipur (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Breakfast at hotel. Sight seeing of Pushkar and straight drive to Jaipur.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the
eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber
throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of
growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history
- A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the
Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens.
Afternoon , proceed for sightseeing of the city.
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.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its 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.
Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory
and see the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day 11. Jaipur
Breakfast 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. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression. Jaipur is
considered as a shoppers paradise for Textile & Jewelers. Afternoon, free
time will be given for shopping .
Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day 12. Jaipur – Agra
Breakfast at Hotel, drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri built by
emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Lunch on
the way. On arrival at Agra , Check inn at hotel .
Overnight stay at Agra.
Day 13. Agra
After breakfast the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal ( Please note that
Taj Mahal is closed for public on Friday ), which was constructed by Shah Jahan
in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and
was not completed until 1653.
later on proceed for remaining sight seeing of Agra , which include, Red fort,
which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the
time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private
audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was
contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb
she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan;
Day 14. Agra – Khajuraho
Early Breakfast at Hotel. Departure Transfer to Agra Railway station to catch
the train to Janshi.
Train No. : 2022 ( Satabdi express, considered to be the fastest train in India
)
Departure at Agra : 08:05 AM
Arrival at Janshi : 10:25
On arrival at Janshi , our representative will pick you up from Railway station
and drive own to Khajuraho via Orcha . Sight seeing and lunch at Orcha. Orcha:
Was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap.
Orcha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to
the ages. For, on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and
the palaces and temple built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries
retain much of their pristine perfection. Complementing the noble proportions
of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the
Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant murals encompassing
a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceiling to rich
life. Continue drive to Khajuraho , on arrival at Khajuraho check inn at hotel.
Overnight stay at Khajuraho.
Day 15. Khajuraho
Breakfast at hotel, sight seeing of Khajuraho.
Khajuraho: The temple city of central India, is famous throughout the world
for its exquisitely carved temples in stones. Thousands of visitors and tourists
from all over the world flock together to envisage this immortal saga of Hindu
art and culture engraved in stone by shilpies (stone craftsmen) a millennia
ago. Today, apart from the temples, Khajuraho is a small village but a thousand
years ago it was a large city of the Chandelas, medieval Rajput kings who ruled
over Central India. Khajuraho is 595 km (370 miles) south-east of Delhi and
can be visited by air, rail or road.
The visitor to Khajuraho cannot but be attracted to the vivid erotic sculptures
on the temples walls. The sculptures are mithunas i.e. couple in various erotic
poses. There have been many interpretations of their existence and some have
criticized them severely. According to one authority, a man and woman in erotic
embrace typify the ultimate union of the soul such erotic figures save the temple
from beings struck by the lightening. The reason given for this is that Indra,
Lord of rainand thunder bolt who himself is a great connoisseur of Kama, will
not damage anything pertaining to that.
Day 16. Khajuraho – Varanasi ( Flight)
Breakfast at Hotel. Later on departure transfer to Airport to fly Varanasi.
Flight No : 9W 724 ( Jet airways )
Departure at Khajuraho :13:30 PM
Arrival at Varanasi : 14 : 10 PM
On arrival at Varanasi , our reperesentative will take you to hotel, Check Inn
. Later in the evening visit the Ganga river Ghat to see” Arti “ Puja.
Overnight stay at Varanasi.
Day 17. Varanasi
Morning boat ride tour at river Gangas, return to hotel for breakfast. Later
on Proceed for full day sight seeing and overnight stay at Varanasi.
Varanasi is an important and sacred pilgrimage center for Hindus and a major
tourist attraction. It is situated on the banks of river Ganga. The word Varanasi
has been derived from an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers -
the Varuna and Asi, which flow in the north and south of the city. Varanasi
is also known as Kashi and Benares.
Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is a center of learning
even to this date. Glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion,
it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from times
immemorial.
Ghats: Pilgrims gather at the Ghats to have a ritual bath and worship the rising
sun. The most famous ghat is the Dasashvamedh Ghat, others being Asi, Panchganga,
Barnasangam and Manikarnika, Ghats.
Sarnath: 12 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first
sermon and revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner
peace,and elightenment.
Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi and is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has skillfully been restored as the actual
temple was destroyed by Mughuls
Day 18. Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel , later on transfer to railway station to catch the train
to Bhusawal.
Train No. : 1094 ( Mahanagari Express) Overnight train.
Departure Varanasi at : 11:30 AM
Arrival Bhusawal at: 06:05 AM ( next day)
Day 19. Bhuswal – Aurangabad
On arrival at Bhuswal, our representative will pick you up and transfer to a
local hotel for wash & change . After breakfast drive to Aurangabad . On
the way visit “ Ajanta Cave” On arrival at Aurangabad , check inn
at hotel. Overnight stay at Aurangabad.
Ajanta Caves - The world heritage site, Ajanta caves has 30 Caves dating back
from 200 BC to 250 AD. Cut out from volcanic rocks of Deccan India, they are
located in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills. Two basic types of monastic
Buddhist architecture that can be seen Ajanta are the Chaityas (rayer halls)
and Viharas (monasteries). While Mahayana sex related edifices have religious
imagery, Hinayana sect have theirs plain and stark.
Day 20. Aurangabad
After breakfast , tour of Ellora Caves .
Ellora Caves: Impressive in their own right is the rock-hewn temples and monasteries
of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34
cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875
AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD) 22 more caves, dedicated to
Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. Kailash Temple (cave16), the central attraction
at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight stay
at Aurangabad.
Day 21. Aurangabad – Mumbai
Early breakfast at Hotel. Later on Departure Transfer to Airport to fly Mumbai.
Flight No. : 9W 3104 ( Jet Airways)
Departure at Aurangabad : 08:45 AM Arrival Mumbai at : 09:45 AM
On arrival at Mumbai , our representative will transfer you to Hotel, Check
Inn .
Afternoon Mumbai City tour.
Mumbai : This city, a union of seven islands, was named by its natives after
the goddess Mumbadevi. After the Portuguese occupied the islands in 1534, they
renamed it Bom Bahia, for the natural harbour, which served as a safe place
for its ships. The religious and business pursuits pulled people to Mumbai from
all over the country. When the Portuguese left the land the city started developing
into a metropolitan city and an industrial center. Today, the city is the country's
financial and cultural centre and also owns a thriving film industry. This is
the city of dreams where people come to strike their luck.
Overnight stay at Mumbai.
Day 22. Mumbai
Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for an excursion to the Elephanta Caves. Rest of
the day free for Shopping .
Overnight stay at Mumbai .
Day 23. Mumbai – Kochi ( Cochin )
Breakfast at Hotel. Later on Departure Transfer to Airport to fly kochi.
Flight No. : 9W 401 ( Jet Airways)
Departure at Mumbai : 10:35 AM
Arrival Kochi at : 12:20 PM
On arrival at Kochi, welcome, assistance and transfer to hotel, check Inn .
Lateron make a short drive to Mattanchery to visit the Dutch Palace, JewishSynagogue.
Overnight stay at Kochi.
Day 24 : Kochi
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sight seeing to Fort Kochin to visit the old
churches and the huge Chinese fishing nets which adorn the northern shores.
Rest of the day free to relax. Evening enjoy “Kathakali “ dance show
. Overnight stay at Kochi.
Kathakali, literally meaning `story-play', is a dance-drama originated in the
17th century in Kerala, one of the smallest states in India lying on the west
coast of the Indian peninsula. However, its roots could be tracked back even
to the earlier times. Koodiyattom, the only surviving form of Sanskrit theater
in India has been preserved in Kerala for centuries, now, by a small community
called Chakyar as a part of their hereditary temple service. Krishnanattom,
another form of dancedrama considered fore runner to Kathakali in its origin,
is performed even today at the famous Sree Krishna temple in Guruvayoor as an
offering to the Lord. Besides these two forms, elements from martial, ritualistic,
socio-religious arts have also influenced in the making of Kathakali. Though
Kathakali is only 300 years old, a great deal of enrichment and refinement has
taken place in every aspect of its technique during this short period. Scholars
are of opinion that Kathakali is the result of a fusion between all Indian theater
tradition represented by Koodiyattom and the indigenous tradition of folk dance
forms.
Day 25. Kochi – ( Kumarakom ) – Alleppey
After breakfast drive to the small town of Kumarakom. Here we board our houseboat,
converted from a Kettavallum or traditional rice barge, and sail the beautiful
backwaters of Kerala. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons,
lakes, rivers and canals, and the people who live in this region have created
their own distinct lifestyles. From our comfortable houseboats we witness the
peaceful way of life on these amazing waterways and our overnight stay on board
will be a real highlight of our holiday. Next morning we dock at Alleppy. (
all meals will be provided at House boat )
Houseboat : No trip to Kerala is complete without a backwater cruise on a houseboat.
In Earlier times Kettuvalloms were the crafts used in the houseboats and Modern
houseboats are a tribute to traditional design, ingenuity, aesthetic values
and commitment to the environment. Many of them are equipped with solar lighting,
chemical toilets and outboard engines for when you want to skim the waters.
The best way to cruise the backwaters of Kerala however, is in a leisurely laid-back
manner with your weather beaten poleman gently gliding the boat across the waters,
leaving you time to take in the sights. And the sights are there for the taking.
Day 26. Alleppey - Kovalam
Breakfast at House boat, Our Car will pick you up from House boat , little sight
seeing of Alleppy Later on drive to Kovalam (Trivandpuram ) .
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western
Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of
the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned
beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage
make it a much sought after tourist destination.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple: The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated
to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of
architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among
the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord
Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: The palace was built by Maharaja
Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet,
musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in
the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings.
The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the
royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Since there
is no good accommodation out here , so almost all the tourist stay at Kovalam
( just 25 minutes drive from the city )
Kovalam Beach : This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favorite
haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent
beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular.
Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Day 27. Kovalam
After breakfast city sightseeing to the imposing Padmanbha Swami Temple (non
Hindus are not allowed, so the visit will be outside the temple) and the adjascent
Kuthira Malika Museum. Afternoon Excursion to Kanaykumai . Later on return to
Hotel.
Overnight stay at Kovalam
Day 28. Kovalam - Trivandrum – Departure
After breakfast transfer to Trivandrum airport to board flight to your onward
destination (Can be directly Mumbai / Delhi / Chennai / Banglore ) Please note
that British Airways has direct flights from these four cities.
Suggested Hotels :
Option : A : Deluxe Hotels : Can be considered as 4 star hotels by standard.
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