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Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India and Delhi. Reception upon arrival at the International airport and transfer to your hotel.
Delhi, the capital of modern India, is a fascinating city. Overnight in Delhi.
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Day 2: Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi begins with a visit to Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in
India, built in 1650 AD. This is followed by a drive past the Red Fort (Closed on Mondays) (1639-48),
built by Emperor Shah Jahan, creator of The Taj Mahal.
Later proceed to Raj Ghat - the site of the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi begins with a drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD) while
we are on the way to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This striking medieval tower of victory, built by the
slave dynasty, is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands
the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted for over 1500 years. Continue your
tour to visit the Humayun's Tomb. Later drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave, stop for a quick photo
shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan
(Presidential Estate formerly Viceroy's House) and Connaught Place, New Delhi's main
shopping area. Overnight in Delhi.
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Day 3: Delhi / Jaipur
After breakfast, drive from Delhi to Jaipur (258 kms / 5.5 hours). Jaipur, thecapital of Rajasthan,
is a symphony in pink, a colou which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh
in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale
palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur's desert heritage while the teeming
markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts.
Come visit the city of love, legends and lore. On arrival check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Japur.
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Day 4: Jaipur
In the morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which is located 12 kms outside of Jaipur.
The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh.
One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers.
Enjoy the ascent to the Palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the multiple
chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. This unique
capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.
In the afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a
magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal,
an intriguing - Palace of Winds'. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to
view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence
built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent
collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armoury. Note: all monuments in Jaipur will be
closed by 1630 hours. Overnight in Jaipur.
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Day 5: Jaipur / Agra
In the morning, drive from Jaipur to Agra (221 kms/6 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This
deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its
magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later
abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory),
which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard is the
superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint Shaik Salim Chishti. Continue your drive to Agra
and upon arrival check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Agra.
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Day 6: Agra
Proceed for a city tour where you will experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays).
An extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen
Mumtaz Mahal. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul
Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards, its marble mosque and lavish private chambers
reflect the randeur of the Mughal Empire. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Agra.
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Day 7: Agra/Jhansi/Khajuraho
This morning you are transferred from your hotel to the Railway Station in time for the train:
Reception upon arrival at the Railway Station and drive to Khajuraho (172 kms/5 hours).
On arrival check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Khajuraho.
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Day 8: Khajuraho / Varanasi
In the morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. The tour includes a visit to the famous Chandela
Dynasty Temples, which are set in a lovely grass park. These temples are amazing - rising in many peaks
and spirals intricately carved and designed with statues and friezes. The erotic carvings on these temple walls have made
this one of the most talked about tourist site in the country and, perhaps, unmatched in the world.
In the afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport in time for your flight:
Reception upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Varanasi is amongst the oldest
living cities in the world, is also the holiest of Hindu Pilgrimages. Thousands of devotees come
here daily to the Banks of the River Ganga to take a ritual dip and cleanse their souls and to worship
at its many temples. It is not just important for Hindus, but has links with Buddhism and Jainism as well.
It was at Sarnath close by, that Buddha preached his first sermon and Lord Mahavir also
revealed his Jain Philosophy at Kasi. The rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi.
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Day 9: Varanasi
Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the river Ganges. The best time to visit the Ghats is dawn
when pilgrims take their morning dip. The most famous Ghat is the Dasaswamedh Ghat from where we
begin this tour. Enjoy the boat ride while looking out for people on the ghats - the women bathing
discreetly in their sarees, the young men displaying prowess in yogic postures & the Brahmin priests
offering prayers for one and all.
Amidst all this you may also come across the burning ghats, which are cremation sites for the dead.
After breakfast at your hotel, proceed for a city tour of Varanasi. The tour includes visits to
the numerous temples, which dot the banks of the river. Walk through the narrow lanes
and stop by at the bazaars to have a look at, among other things, the world famous Banaras silks.
In the afternoon, visit the buried city of Sarnath, north east of Varanasi. Sarnath is as holy
to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. Having achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha came to
Sarnath to preach his message of the way to Nirvana. Later, Ashoka, the great Buddhist, emperor
erected magnificent Stupas and monasteries at Sarnath. What is visible today are the ruins of a
once flourishing Buddhist monastery and a fine museum
which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures. Overnight in Varanasi.
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Day 10: Varanasi / Delhi / Hyderabad
The morning is at leisure. Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport.
Reception upon arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Hyderabad, India's 5th largest
city, was founded in 1590 by Muhammad Quli, the fourth of the Qutab Shahi kings. They ruled
this part of the Deccan from 1512 until 1687. The city's historical connection traces
itself to the rulers or Nizams whose wealth was and still is legendary. Overnight in Hyderbad.
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Day 11: Hyderabad
Enjoy a full day trip to Ramoji Rao Film City. The largest, most comprehensive and professionally
planned filmproduction center in the world - the Ramoji Film City is one of its kinds. It has surpassed
the size and facilities offered at the Universal Studios of Hollywood. Located at an hour's distance from
Hyderabad, the 10,000 million rupees Film City spreads over an area of more than 1000 acres. A cursory
glance at this fantasy world is enough to leave the visitors speechless and awe-struck. Tastefully landscaped,
meticulously maintained, exquisitely designed with palace-like edifices, temples, beautiful rock figurines,
shopping arcades, railway station, airport and all that a producer can dream of! All a producer has to do is - enter the film
city with the script and the cast and leave with the completed film reel! Overnight in Hyderabad.
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Day 12: Hyderabad / Chennai
This morning, you proceed for a sightseeing tour of Hyderabad. The tour begins from The Charminar.
Standing in the heart of the Old walled city and surrounded by lively bazaars, this huge arch of
triumph was built by Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of a plague in Hyderabad.
Its name means four Towers - a 16th century Gateway. Next to Charminar is the Mecca Mosque, one of the
largest mosques in the world, its construction began in 1614 during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah
and was not finished until 1687. Later, visit the Archaeological Museum which, is located in the public garden
and has a small collection of archaeological finds, with copies of paintings from the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra.
The garden also features an aquarium in the Jawahar Bal Bhawan. Drive pass the Osmania Hospital, High Court, State
Building and finally walk down
to the crowded bazaars filled with shops selling Hyderabad pearls, incense and copper utensils.
Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport in time for your flight:
Reception upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Chennai - India's fourth largest
city, Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai was the site of the East India company's
first settlement founded in 1639 on land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijaynagar
rulers of Hampi. The East India Company was an English trading establishment and thus was the forerunner to the British
Empire which, came into political prominence towards the end of the 17th Century. Chennai is basically a conglomerate of
over grown villages,
and being a major port, today it is also known as the gateway to the South. Overnight in Chennai.
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Day 13: Chennai
Morning excursion to Kanchipuram - just 71 kms from Chennai, Kanchipuram is the golden city of a
thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its many gopurams can be seen while approaching the
city from a long way off. Kanchipuram was successively the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijaynagar.
During the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples here, were built in by the Pallavas. The city was also a great
seat of learning and sri Sankaracharya, Appan, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikku, Bodhidharma lived and worked here.
Today, it is known not only for its temples but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.
In the afternoon, excursion to Mahabalipuram. An ancient coastal port, south of Chennai, world famous for its shore
temple, Mahabalipuram was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty
after the fall of the Gupta Empire. The whole of Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures in living rock,
Monolithic shrines scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within and the world?s biggest Bas relief in rock, are truly
wondrous examples of the sculptor's art. The famous temples of the Rathas , the Penance of Bhagirath, the Shore Temple
and the eight Mandapams.
(Shallow, rock cut halls) are also located at the beach. Overnight in Chennai.
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Day 14: Chennai / Bangalore
In the morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Chennai. The tour begins from the St. Mary's Church, built
in 1678 - 80, was the first English Church in Chennai. The Saint Thomas Cathedral, built in 1504, then re-built in
neo - gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Also visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, constructed in pure Dravidian style.
The Sri Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, built in 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas.
Other attractions include the National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes, the
bronze gallery, archeological section.
Drive past the High Court Building, Fort St. George and the famous film studios.
Reception upon arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bangalore.
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Day 15: Bangalore
Full day trip to Mysore (139 kms/3.5 hours each-way). Up on a hill overlooking the city is
the temple to Chamundeswari, its patron goddess. The major tourist attraction is the Mysore Palace,
the beautiful profile of this walled Indo-Saracenic Palace, the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, graces
the city skyline, rebuilt in 1912. The Mysore Arts and Crafts Centre is famous for its fine craftsmanship
in wood, ivory, sandalwood and silk. The tour also includes a visit to the Zoological Gardens and the St. Philomena's
church, one of the largest churches in the country, built in the Victorian Gothic style.
Return to Bangalore. Overnight in Bangalore.
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Day 16: Bangalore / Goa
Morning, sightseeing tour of Bangalore: The tour begins with a visit to the visit the Government
Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery - one of the oldest in the country, established in 1886, which is
endowed with relics from prehistoric Mohenjodaro period. The tour concludes with a drive
past the Vidhana Soudha, the High Court and the Nandi Bull Temple.
Reception upon arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Goa is the most comprehensive beach resort
in the country. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa's towns and villages with a unique culture.
Panjim, the capital city and Margao an important town, have private houses and government buildings dating
back to Portuguese times. Unforgettable Goa, a heady blend of serenity and excitement down a 100 km coastline,
studded with some of the world's most beautiful beaches - Calangute, Colva, Baga, Dona Paula, Bogmalo.
Idyllic seaside stretches where you create your own kind of holiday. Overnight in Goa.
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Day 17: Goa
Morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Goa. The tour begins from Old Goa - visit
the St. Francis of Assisi Church, built in 1661, it contains gilded and carved woodwork, old murals,
depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman
Catholic world. Visit the Cathedral to explore its Iberian exterior and its lavish interiors, which ,
enshrine the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Also visit the starkly beautiful Convent of Saint Monica,
the construction of which began in 1594 while the church was competed in 1605. Later visit the 'Se Cathedral',
the largest of the Churches of Old Goa, also known for its numerous altars, built during the reign of King Dom
Sabastiao (1557-78) completed by 1619. Continue the tour visit some of the pristine beaches like the Dona Paola.
Conclude your tour with a walk through
the bustling life of Panjim city. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Goa.
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Day 18-19: Goa
The days are free to relax on the beach. Overnight in Goa.
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Day 20: Goa / Mumbai
The afternoon is earmarked for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. The tour begins at The Gateway
of India, Mumbai's foremost landmark overlooking the harbour, was conceived following the visit
of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924. A drive up to the Malabar Hill, to
the Hanging Gardens, gives a panoramic view of the city and the Queens Necklace - the Marine
Drive. The tour concludes with a drive through the Flora Fountain and Fort area and view the
Gothic and Victorian style buildings. Visit the Victoria Terminus (now known as Chatrapati
Shivaji Terminus) India's finest Gothic building and a bustling Railway Station.
Continue drive around the Horniman Circle and visit the Town Hall, right besides the docks.
Later in the evening you are transfer to the International Airport for your onward flight.
Note: Accommodation will be reserved till departure to International airport.