India Tour:- Voyage of Discovery

Voyage of Discovery

of North and South India

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Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive in India's bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the your hotel.

Day 2: New Delhi Sightseeing

After a leisurely morning, embark on your tour of Old Delhi. Among your stops are the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan, Raj Ghat - a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening with a presentation of Indian music and dance.

Day 3: Old Delhi Sightseeing / Agra

Morning tour of Old Delhi. Among your stops are the Red Fort, Ashoka Pillar, the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the afternoon drive to Agra, en route stopping at Sikandra to visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar.

Day 4: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur

In the morning, enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument to love. After breakfast tour the exquisite 16th Century Agra Fort. Proceed to the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim and Hindu architecture. Continue overland to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City."

Day 5: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing

Today, you are transported back in time, riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants up to the mountain fortress of Amber. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," City Palace and the ancient observatory.

Day 6: Jaipur / Udaipur

This morning fly to Udaipur. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later, tour this famous "City of Lakes," known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India and maybe the world. Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area.

Day 7: Ranakpur Excursion

Today's excursion brings you to the beautifully sculpted 15th century Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble is well preserved. The temple dedicated to the Sun God is famed for its erotic sculpture. Stop for lunch at Maharani Bagh, a mango grove and private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur.

Day 8: Udaipur / Mumbai (Bombay)

Fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India's most cosmopolitan city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon tour of Mumbai includes the British-built arch "Gateway of India," the Hanging Gardens and the Malabar Hill where Mumbai's rich and famous live, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple.

Day 9: Mumbai (Bombay) / Cochin

Late morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin in the state of Kerala, known for its well-balanced ecosystem. After checking in at your hotel, your afternoon is at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities.

Day 10: Cochin Sightseeing / Kumarakom

Tour Cochin this morning. Visit the Portuguese- built St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and the Chinese fishing nets-ingenious devices requiring little human attention. Later depart for Kumarakom, experiencing the rich culture and active lifestyle that has evolved over the centuries in and around the backwaters and waterways that thread this region.

Day 11: Backwaters Cruise

This morning enjoy a boat ride through the Backwaters, a series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Not only do the backwaters of Kerala link the state together, they are an integral element in maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with nature. Your afternoon is at leisure. You may want to experience an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage, indigenous to this region, which is both relaxing and healing or perhaps take advantage of the rich waters with a bit of fishing.

Day 12: Kumarakom / Chennai (Madras)

In the morning, proceed to Cochin airport in time to connect to your flight for Chennai, the fourth largest city in India. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 13: Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Excursion

Today, enjoy an excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India and served as a capital for several dynasties. Visit three of the best temples—Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue your excursion to the ancient Pallavan port of Mahabalipuram, stopping for lunch at a seaside resort. Later visit the seventh century rock hewn monuments. The shore temple, the only surviving one of seven, is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried elsewhere and carried to shore.

Day 14: Chennai (Madras) Sightseeing / Depart Chennai

Morning tour of Chennai takes you to Victoria Art Gallery, Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. The Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your visit. Later board your international flight back home.

Detailed itinerary will be furnished on request.

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