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Day 01: Arrive - Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi. Meeting assistance and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Visit the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & thePresidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Varanasi
Transfer to domestic airport & connect flight for Varanasi. Meeting assistance and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon visit the buried Buddhist city of Sarnath, just outside Varanasi - it's as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculpture.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Varanasi
Early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges. Continue by boat to see burning and bathing Ghats.
Afternoon visit the buried Buddhist city of Sarnath, just outside Varanasi - it's as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculpture.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 : Varanasi - Khajuraho
Transfer to domestic airport & connect flight for Khajuraho. Meeting assistance and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Eastern & Western Group of temple at Khajuraho.
Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular.
Later visit the most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 : Khajuraho - Jhansi - Agra
After breakfast transfer to Jhansi Railway station in time to connect Express train for Agra. Enroute visit Orchha Temples. After the visit continue your drive and connect Shatabdi Express Train (1756/2025 hrs) for Agra. On your arrival at Agra railway station you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 : Agra
Morning proceed for tour of Taj Mahal - The mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. The Taj complex comprises a forecourt, a lofty entrance, and a charming formal Mughal garden with canals and a central tank with a series of fountains, the tomb proper, and an attached mosque on the west and its symmetrical counterpart on the east. The Taj is remarkable for its perfect proportions and rich pietra dura, with minute details executed with great skill. The building, often styled "a dream in marble" is said to have taken at least 22 years (1631-1653) to build. (Closed on Fridays).
Thereafter visit Agra Fort - lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Agra - Jaipur
Afternoon drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - drive to the impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions.
Continue drive to Jaipur. on arrival in Jaipur - check-in at the hotel & Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 : Jaipur
After breakfast tour of Amber Fort .Tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Afternoon tour of City.
Tour of the Pink City -"The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jaipur - Udaipur
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Udaipur. on arrival check in to your hotel. Evening sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Udaipur
Morning, sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies; and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens.
Afternoon, motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake.Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Udaipur - Mumbai - Cochin
Transfer to the airport to connect flight for Cochin via Mumbai.on arrival & check in at hotel.
Evening witness the Kath kali dance performance - Kath kali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different 'madras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : Cochin-Alleppey
After breakfast drive to Alleppey. On arrival board a House Boat and proceed cruise on back waters is canal which is in central Kerala with the natural water. Your journey on the back waters will allow you to see small village and country side live on the back waters. Overnight on board House boat.
Day 14 : Alleppey -Periyar
Following leisurely breakfast on board, disembark boat and drive to Periyar - which is the house of wild life in the south. On arrival at Periyar check in to your hotel. Afternoon enjoy boat ride on Periyar lake to witness wild life. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 : Periyar - Cochin
Morning drive to Cochin. On arrival & check in at hotel.
Sightseeing tour of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial capital of Kerala, which has one of the finest natural harbors & is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Cochin - Ooty
Following breakfast, drive to Ooty (300 kms/06 hrs). Upon arrival, at Ooty check in at your hotel. Ooty - known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is snugly ensconced in the heart of the Nilgiris. Dotted with undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks and lush green tea gardens, this tranquil haven is sure to capture the hearts of every visitor.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 17 : Ooty - Mysore
Leave for Mysore by surface (170 kms/3 ½ hrs). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mysore visiting The Mysore Palace and The Chamundi hills. Overnight at hotel.
Day 18 : Mysore - Bangalore
Morning free to relax or explore the surrounding areas. Later transfer to Bangalore International airport in time to connect flight for your onward destination.
End of the Tour
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