Mythological India Tour
Duration: 28 Nights / 29 Days
Places Covered:: Delhi - Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur - Mount Abu - Jodhpur
- Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi - Madras - Tanjore - Madurai
- Periyar - Allepey - Cochin - Coimbatore - Ooty - Mysore - Belur - Halebid
- Bangalore - Mumbai
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel where a welcome ceremony awaits
you. Girls dressed in traditional Indian attire anoint your forehead with 'a
red tikka' followed by ceremonial garlanding.
Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book which narrates the history
of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness
to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven
times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt.
Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the
monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are
testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists.
With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood.
The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally.
It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with
heart. This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of
Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including
the Red fort and the Jama masjid, post lunch tour of New Delhi to include
Qutab Minar, India Gate, Humayun's tomb and the Lakshmi Narayan temple.
Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur
Morning drive to jaipur, the fabled 'pink city' of the desert named after Jai
Singh, the former Maharajah of Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur by lunch and check inn
to your hotel. After Lunch and some rest visit the City Palace, the royal residence
of the Maharajah of Jaipur and later visit the Observatory dating back to the
18th century and also visit the Palace of winds (Hawa Mahal). Evening enjoy
your dinner with cultural Rajasthani folk dance programme. Jaipur, the vibrant
capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the
pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat
arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated
walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a
feast for the eyes. All through, Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour
tempered by several influences - the mughal being the most prominent. The region's
strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's
delight. From the intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms
of the Jantar Mantar - an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments,
the Badi Chaupar lined with shopsand business establishments on both sides to
the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the
sublime Birla Temple; from the architectural delight of the City Palace to the
serene Jal Mahal.
Day 04: Jaipur - Pushkar
Morning after breakfast visit the majestic Amber Fort where you ride up on
elephants back to the former capital of the royals set against the backdrop
of wooded hills. Later explore shopping centres of jaipur and drive to Pushkar.
Arrive Pushkar and check inn to your hotel.
Day 05: Pushkar
Enjoy the various events and activities in Pushkar and visit Brahma Temple.
Overnight at Pushkar. Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar, 11 kms from
Ajmer, abounds in temples. of these the most famous is the Brahma temple - the
only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Once a year, during the
Kartik Purnima, the entire region comes alive with a pulsating Camel and Cattle
Fair. There is a week long celebration with an explosion of fun, frolic, games
and laughter with threads of religious fervour. Bedecked and festooned cattle
wait in the clouds of sand and the pious gather at the break of dawn to take
a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake to absolve themselves of all their sins.
Day 06: Pushkar - Udaipur
After breakfast drive to Udaipur (the Venice of the east). Arrive Udaipur
in the evening and check inn to your hotel.
Udaipur : The city of Lakes, Located in the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan,
the city of Udaipur is situated at a distance of about 405 km from the state
capital Jaipur. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains
and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes
flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. The city is famous
for its palaces, lake, museums, temples, and gardens and much more.
Day 07: Udaipur
After Breakfast make a visit to the City Palace, built in 1725 and later visit
Sahelion ki Bari, the gardens the maids-of-honour. After lunch make a trip
to Nagda and Eklingji to see the beautiful temples in their ruins.
Day 08: Udaipur - Mt.Abu via Ranakpur
Morning drive to the only hill resort of Rajasthan Mt.Abu enroute visiting
the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur. Arrive Mt.Abu and check inn to your hotel.
Evening at leisure.
Mount Abu
The Verdant Oasis. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu huddles among
the rocks on a 1,220-m granite table mountain at the far southwestern end
of the Aravalli hills. It is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested
hills. According to a legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent
who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva's bull, Nandi. Besides having all
the features of a pleasant hill resort,
Mount Abu is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples and many more
archaeological remains. There are interesting treks and picnic spots, romantic
royal retreats of the various erstwhile families of bygone Rajputana and some
relics of the Raj period. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks of
rocks in weird shapes, an array of coniferous trees, flowering shrubs, lovely
lakes and the cool climate much in contrast to the arid environs of the state.
Day 09: Mt.Abu - Jodhpur
Morning at leisure to enjoy the scenic beauty of this hill station. After
lunch transfer to Jodhpur.
At the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The massive 15th century
AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above
the plains. A high wall encompasses the city -10 km long with 8 gates and
innumerable bastions. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with
people wearing lovely multi hued costumes, artistically designed. Shopping
in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich
collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered "jutis"
or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries,
marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative
items etc., are of interest. he Mehrangarh fort is one of the most impressive
and formidable structures. Invincible from the outside, the fort has four
gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces
with marvellously carved panels with latticed windows These palaces house
a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection
of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical
instruments, costumes and furniture.
Day 10: Jodhpur
Start the city tour of Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort museum and Jaswant
thada, the cremation spot of the royal family. After lunch visit the ancient
capital of Marwar-Mandore.
Day 11: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer situated deep in the heart of the Thar desert. Arrive
Jaisalmer and shortly after lunch visit the Chhatris of Maharwals and later
Camel ride at Sam for sunset. Rising from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage
is the city of Jaisalmer. The Jaiselmer fort etched in yellow sandstone stands
with all its awesome splendour. The life within the citadel conjures up images
of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces,
havelies, temples and typical desert life of men women cattle and camels. The
80 meter high fort, perch on the hill, houses the entire township within its
ramparts. It has enchanting narrow lanes dotted with exquisite havelis, beautifully
sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century and palaces. The fort is approached
through four gateways -Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Some
of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn
all over Jaisalmer each with a different facade. The Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon
and Salim Singh all in Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are exquisite works of art.
A camel safari through the interesting and remote desert villages of Roopsi,
Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara and the Cenotaphs of Barabagh can be interesting. The
villages are very special, as different communities inhabit them.
Day 12: Jaisalmer - Bikaner
Leave for Bikaner and arrive by lunch. After lunch make a tour of Junagarh Fort
and its fabulous palaces. Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless
appeal in the North State of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendour that
pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the
city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This city stands on
a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven-km long embattled wall
with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone
created with delicacy, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural
legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make
the visit Bikaner an interesting experience. Visit the Junagarh Fort, built
in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37
palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows
dotted all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th
century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur
of a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian
manuscripts and miniature painting.
Day 13: Bikaner - Mandawa
After breakfast transfer to Mandawa (an old castle in Rajasthan). Post lunch
session includes a small visit of Mandawa to appreciate the painted Havelis
on the ancient and the famous silk route. Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy
having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open-air art galley, as it is
popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable
pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. It is famous for its Havelis
(mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural
style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the
women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The Havelis,
painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful
wall paintings that adorn their walls.
Day 14: Mandawa - Bharatpur
Drive to Bharatpur (famous for keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary). Evening make
a visit to the sanctuary. One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection
to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory
water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar,
Chital, Nilgai and Boar The major attractions of tourists visiting the park
are the numerous migratory birds, who come from as far away as Siberia and Central
Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding
grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species
of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails,
Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc
Day 15: Bharatpur - Agra
Early morning make a visit to the sanctuary to see the birds in their natural
habitat. After breakfast drive down to Agra (The city of Tajmahal). Arrive
Agra by lunch after a tour of the beautiful city of Fatehpur Sikri, the Old
capital of Mughal emperor Akbar. Post lunch tour of the world famous Tajmahal
and of the Red Fort. Later explore the shopping centres of Agra. Evening enjoy
special cocktail dinner.
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the
memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took
22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000 craftsmen and master builders,
who came from all over Asia to join in this great work from Baghdad, Shiraz,
Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India s finest; was quarried at Makrana
near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported from distant
lands : Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from
Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst
from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda
and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16: Agra - Delhi - Madras
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to Delhi domestic airport to connect
flight to Madras. Arrive Madras in the evening and check inn to your hotel.
Day 17: Madras
Full day city tour of Madras including the Snake park and Kapaleeswara temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva and the museum.
Day 18: Madras - Tanjore
Morning drive to Tanjore after break fast and check inn to your hotel. Evening
at leisure.
Day 19: Tanjore - Madurai
Morning start the tour of Tanjore visiting the Brihadeshwara Temple, a typical
architecture from the 11th century. Later visit the Saraswati Mahal Library.
After lunch depart for Madurai , arrive in the evening and transfer to your
hotel. Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India, with a history dating all
the way back to the Sangam period of the pre Christian era. The glory of Madurai
returned in a diminished form in the earlier part of this millennium; it later
on came under the rule of the Vijayanagar kingdom after its ransack by the ravaging
armies of Delhi (Malik Kafur). During the 16th and 18th centuries, Madurai was
ruled by the Nayak Emperors, the foremost of whom was Tirumalai Nayakar. The
Sangam period poet Nakkeerar is associated with some of the Tiruvilayaadal episodes
of Sundareswarar - that are enacted as a part of temple festival traditions
even today.
Day 20: Madurai - Periyar
Morning visit the world famous Meenakshi Sundereshwara temple, a huge Dravidian
temple complex. After lunch depart for Periyar wild life sanctuary. Arrive
Periyar in the evening and check inn hotel.
Periyar: One of the 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. The forest here, slopes into the manmade lake at the
bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they
come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can
be spotted here. There are boat services which takes the visitor around the
lake. The best season to visit the park is between October and June. Spread
over 777 sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar sanctuary
is located 137 km from Madurai. Although an excursion on the splendid artificial
lake is the standard way to experience the sanctuary, you can also walk around
with the local guide in a small group. Wild Elephant herds come to the lake
to frolic in the water. Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar,
Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked
Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri
Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes
and Fly Catchers.
Day 21: Periyar - Aleppey
Morning boat cruise on the lake to get a closer look at the wild elephants.
Later drive to reach the small beautiful town of Allepey situated on the backwaters
of Kerala
Alleppey: Alappuzha, formerly named as Alleppey, in Kerala is one of
the major backwater destinations. The thrilling boat race awaits you at Alleppey
or Alappuzha. Imagine to just lazing on a houseboat or enjoying fishing in Alleppey
Kerala. Kuttanad is also known as the 'rice bowl' of the state, Kerala India.
Alleppey is a captivating destination in Kerala India that provides backwaters,
traditional Kettuvallooms (house boats), beaches, boat race, swaying palms,
gourmet delight and many more.
Day 22: Aleppey - Cochin
After breakfast boat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala (three hours from boat)
and than continue by Road to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and visit the Chinese fishing
nets in the backwaters of Cochin. Overnight at boat. Cochin set on a cluster
of islands and narrow peninsulas, the port city of Cochin (Kochi) (Queen of
Arabia) reflects the eclecticism of Kerala perfectly. With a rich past and a
bustling present, it has been the business hub of the region from the very early
days after Alleppey (Alappuzha) Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, the islands
of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbour, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry
on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all was linked
by ferry but now some islands have bridges. The influence of Chinese, Jews,
Arabs and Europeans is evident in Cochin and its people. The oldest church in
India, 500-year-old Portugese houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese
pagoda style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots
go back to the Diaspora, synagogues and mosques all tell the fascinating story
of this harbour town. The harbour is still at the heart of the city and pepper,
sea food, rubber and coir mats and matting are exported from here. Despite this,
Cochin is an attractive city with serene creak & lagoons overhung with feathery
coconut palms and picturesque islands. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery
are an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village
grafted onto the troppical Malabar coast. Cochin is one of India's largest ports
and a major naval base.
Day 23: Cochin
Sea Boat Ride To Visit Various Islands And Churches, Santa cruz Basilica,
Mattancherry Palace, Jewish synagogue, Dutch palace, St. Franchis. Overnight
at boat.
Day 24: Cochin - Coimbatore
After breakfast drive to Coimbatore also called the 'Manchester of South India'.
Arrive by lunch and soon after lunch visit the Maruthamalai temple.
Day 25: Coimbatore - Ooty
Morning drive to the queen of hill stations,Ooty known for its salubrious
climate and scenic beauty. Arrive Ooty by lunch and rest of the day is at
leisure.
Day 26: Ooty - Mysore
Morning depart for Mysore (wonderful historic town and evidence city to exhibit
the oldest Indian richest economy). Arrive by lunch and shortly after lunch
visit the Mysore Palace, once the capital seat of power of the ruling Wodeyars.
Also visit the Brindavan Garden, Chamundeeswri temple, Tipu's summer palace.
Day 27: Mysore - Belur - Halebid
Transfer to Belur, the superbly preserved Chennkesava Temple here is a tribute
to the skill and genius of the medieval craftsman. Later visit Halebid temple
10 kms. From Belur, a riot of carvings left incomplete after 80 years of labour.
Day 28: Halebid - Bangalore
Drive to Bangalore to catch flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai in the evening
and transfer to your hotel.
Day 29: Mumbai and Departure
After breakfast proceed for a half day city tour of Mumbai visiting Kamla Nehru
park, Hanging gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar hill offering a panoramic
view of Marine Drive and Chawpatty beach, Prince of wales museum, Mani Bhawan,
Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India and drive through the Crawford market. Evening
Transfer to international Airport in time to board flight for onward destination.
