North India Tour Packages
India From North To South
A cultural tour of India
India is one land with many cultures and in order to experience a sampling of the
rich diversities of this land we have tailored this unique 28-day journey. Enjoy
the rich and varied history and cultures of over a billion people as we traverse
this massive sub-continent.
Duration : 27 Nights 28 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi , Varanasi , Khajuraho , Agra , Ranthambhore,
Jaipur, Mumbai, Hyderabad, , Mysore, Bangalore, Cochin, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Periyar,
Madurai, Chennai, Mahablipuram, Chennai
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands together.
After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight:
Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India, New Delhi, is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British
India and, certainly, modern independent India. We start our morning tour with New
Delhi and visit first the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament,
Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112
yards into the sky. Later evening tour Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort.
Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next
we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed
by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar
experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. Overnight
at Delhi
Day 03: Delhi / Varanasi (BY flight)
We take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi - one of the oldest living cities
on the Sub Continent. We start our experience with a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple
which houses a huge marble relief map of India. Varanasi is famous for its many
temples and we cover the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir.Then we proceed to
the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The city
is famous also for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where
the beautiful silk sarees are woven. Evening is free to enjoy this 5000-year-old
city.
Overnight: Varanasi (1 night)
Day 04: Varanasi / Khajuraho (flight)
Early morning we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal
principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning
scores of pilgrim and priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy dip and various
other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced as it is so unique.
After breakfast we proceed to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after
attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers.Then
we visit local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs,
culture and hospitality. Later we take flight to Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred
to our Hotel. Overnight:
Khajuraho (2 nights)
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Day 05 Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho visit starts with the temples designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temples were built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and
1050 AD. Today only 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and
belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. The Kandariya is decorated
with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian
art. Afternoon is free to wander in the traditional bazaars of Khajuraho
Day 06: Khajuraho / Jhansi (Drive : 160 KMS / 05 Hours ) Jhansi / Agra , Train
In the morning we drive to Jhansi and on the way - visit Orchha, an amazing medieval
fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River. We then proceed to Jhansi
to embark on the luxury first class train to Agra. Arrive Agra and transferred to
our Hotel. Overnight: Agra (2 nights)
Day 07: Agra
Morning we visit Taj Mahal probably the best known World Heritage Site. Shah Jehan
built a white Marble beautifully carved Monument of love Taj for his beloved wife
Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort, also a World Heritage Site, where Shah Jehan
was imprisoned by his son in the later years of his life to prevent him from spending
the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. Our afternoon is free for
shopping.
Day 08: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Ranthambhore – ( Drive7 hours)
We start the day visiting the incredible World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri the
former Mughal capital where we also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of
the revered Sufi, Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar
leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir, Pilgrims of all denominations visit this
sites with their own prayers. From here we continue our journey to Ranthambhore
National Park.
Overnight: Hotel - 2 nights
Day 09 : Ranthambhore
Early morning we start our photo hunting for the over 300 types of trees, 272 species
of birds, 30 spices of mammals and the tiger. The park is also home to India's smallest
and largest antelopes, Chinkara and Nilgai. The park has a total of 28 tigers, providing
a reasonable opportunity of sighting a few. An afternoon safari will be followed
by time to enjoy the green cool environment of Ranthombhore.
Day 10: Ranthambhore / Jaipur (Drive : 135 / 4.5 hrs)
We depart Ranthambhore for the colourful capital-city of Jaipur. En route we stop
at villages to view the rural contented Rajasthani villages and meet their folks.
Evening is an exciting time witnessing a colourful show of the Rajasthani Folk dances
at the Hotel. Overnight: Jaipur (2 nights)
Day 11: Jaipur
We are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with an elephant ride to the intriguing
Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. Next
we visit the old astronomical observatory, the Palace, home to a rare collection
of Indian art and Hawa Mahal, the most prominent of the buildings in the pink city.
We end the day at the colourful bazaar.
Day 12: Jaipur / Mumbai (flight)
Morning a short drive to airport in Jaipur to connect with our flight to the famous
commercial capital of India, Bombay or Mumbai. A Mumbai wala guide welcomes and
transfers us to our hotel. Overnight: Hotel Mumbai (2 nights)
Day 13: Mumbai
This fascinating city full of life and history is home to the largest film industry
in the world. We start our the city tour with the Gateway of India, Dhobi gat, the
world's largest open-air laundry, Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens and
the Prince of Wales Museum. Afternoon is free to immerse ourselves in the local
culture. Bombay offers a lot of attractions in the areas of art and theatre and
this evening is a good time to experience them.
Day 14: Mumbai / Hyderabad (flight)
A short flight will take us to Hyderabad. The inherent charms of the city's rich
past, its exotic cuisine and imposing monuments, old bazaars and lilting accents,
its central location and its emerging information technology makes it the most talked
about city in India today. Overnight: Hotel Hyderabad (1 night)
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Day 15: Hyderabad / Bangalore (flight) and Bangalore / Mysore (drive 139km /
84 mi)
Today we take a short flight to Bangalore where, upon arrival, we are met and taken
on a scenic drive to Mysore. The evening is free to enjoy the many attractions this
cultural center of Southern India offers Overnight: Hotel , Mysore (2 nights)
Day 16: Mysore
Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerize with its
quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens,
imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples._Our morning tour includes
the Maharajah's Palace, the Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi Shiva's Mount.
The evening is free to enjoy the Vrindavan Garden and City Palace, which is beautifully
lit on certain days.
Day 17: Mysore / Bangalore (drive 139km / 84 mi)
A short drive gets us to Bangalore, also now known as the high-tech centre of India.
Our tour of this beautifully clean city covers the Botanical Garden, the Visveswariah
Museum, and the famous Mysore Arts and Craft Center. Bangalore is the capital of
Karnataka. It is called the Garden City due to its delicate blossoms and greenery
that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best
feature, with pleasant summers and mild winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city,
where a variety of cultures and customs thrive. Kempe Gowda founded the city in
1537 - is today a bustling and diverse city with ancient arts that flourish alongside
the Silicon Plateau of India.
Overnight: Hotel in Bangalore (1 night)
Day 18: Bangalore / Cochin (flight)
Today we experience a different part of India in the southern city of Cochin. Upon
arrival at the airport we are met and transferred to our beach hotel. Afternoon
is free to enjoy the silver sanded beaches of Kerala and an inspiring sunset view
over the Bay of Bengal.
Overnight: Hotel Cochin (2 nights)
Day 19: Cochin
Today we explore Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, with one of the finest
natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain
and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred
to as the Venice of the East. Here we tour the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church,
the Jewish Quarter with its old synagogue and take a boat tour to visit the Bolghatty
Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action.
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Day 20: Cochin / Kovalam (drive 250km / 152 mi)
A scenic drive takes us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near
Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed
stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed
away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories make
this beach an incredible paradise.
Day 21: Kovalam
Today we enjoy a visit to the "Lands End" of India: Kanniya Kumari is
the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal,
the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular
sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch the sun set
while the full moon is rising in another part of the sky!
Day 22: Kovalam / Varkala / Kumarakom (backwater boat ride)
After breakfast, we proceed towards Varkala: one of the unspoiled beach resorts
of India. We then enjoy a backwater cruise to Kumarakom - backwater country - by
speedboat or a luxury cruise ship. This will be an interesting experience with spectacular
views and photo opportunities.
Overnight: Hotel , Kumarakom (2 nights)
Day 23:Kumarakom
Get set for an incredible day. We start with a boat ride to visit the Kumarakom
Bird Sanctuary. Those adventurous enough may indulge in water sports such as windsailing
and water skiing. For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters.
Day 24: Kumarakom / Periyar (drive 120km / 73 mi)
A day at Periyar sanctuary game viewing. One of the most well-known wildlife sanctuaries
in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year.
Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the
animals in their natural habitat. Evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Periyar (1 night)
Day 25: Periyar / Madurai (drive 180km / 110 mi)
Today we drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in the South. En route we stop
to enjoy a traditional Puppet show. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction
of Madurai and its huge Gopurams tower over the city. The Meenakshi Temple has a
thousand pillared 'Mandapam'. There are precisely 985 pillars and each of them is
delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars that produce
music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved of a single granite
rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has sponsored the creation
of great literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time. The city,
apart from temple, is crammed with shops, street markets, pilgrims, hotels and restaurants.
Overnight:
Hotel, Madurai (1 night)
Day 26: Madurai / Chennai (Madras) (Flight)
A short flight to Madras or Chennai, The capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and
is the cultural Gateway to Southern India. Chennai, in many respects, is unlike
other Indian cities. It is the fourth-largest city in India and has a long history
of attracting and nurturing the region's finest thinkers, artists, and crafts people.
It is also the focal point for India's 2000 year of Christian history. Christ's
Apostle Thomas is said to have preached, died and buried in Chennai.In the afternoon
our tour start first with The National Art Gallery & Museum, which contains
some of the best collections of bronzes in the country, including the famous icon
of Natraja. Our Next stop is at St. Mary's Church-built in 1680. This was first
English Church in Chennai and is India's oldest surviving British church. We end
our tour with a visit to Peoples Park and the beautiful Marina Beach, the second
longest beach in the world, and the clock towers.
Overnight: Hotel, Chenai (2 nights)
Day 27: Excursion to Mahablipuram
We take an excursion to the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. This group of
sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel
Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples
in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such
as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands
of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.
Day 28: Chennai / Departure
After a journey traversing from the north to the south of this sub continent, we
bid a farewell to India as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight.
From Chennai.
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