Itineraries UK.cdr - Tamarind Tours India
Itineraries UK.cdr - Tamarind Tours India
Itineraries UK.cdr - Tamarind Tours India
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Palaces Of Rajasthan Page 2<br />
10 nights/11 Days Delhi - Johpdur - Jaisalmer - Manwar (Camp)<br />
- Jodhpur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi<br />
Paradise in the Desert Page 4<br />
13 Nights/14 Days -Delhi - Nawalgarh - Bikaner - Gajner - Jaisalmer -<br />
Manwar- Jodhpur- Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jojawar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi<br />
Palaces and Forts Page 6<br />
10 Nights/11 Days<br />
Delhi - Udaipur - Shahpura - Nimaj - Jaipur - Samode -Agra - Delhi<br />
Deserts of <strong>India</strong> Page 8<br />
15 Nights/16 Days Mumbai - Jamnagar - Bhuj - Bannya village - Bhuj<br />
- Rajkot - Gir - Diu- Bhavnagar - Ahmedabad - Udaipur -<br />
Jaipur- Agra - Delhi<br />
Rajas and Mandlas Page 10<br />
14 Nights/15 Days Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Gajner - Jaisalmer -<br />
Jodhpur - Rohet - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha -<br />
Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi<br />
Colors of Gujarat Page 12<br />
10 Nights/11 Days Mumbai - Ahmedabad - Dasada - Bhuj - Sayla -<br />
Sasangir - Somnath - Diu- Bhavnagar - Palitana - Baroda - Mumbai<br />
Foothills of the Himalayas Page 14<br />
12 Nights/ 13 Days Delhi - Kathgodam - Almora - 360 Leti<br />
-Corbettt - Ananda- Haridwar -Delhi<br />
Coast to Coast Drive Page 16<br />
<strong>India</strong>n Ocean to Arabian Sea<br />
13 Nights/14 Days Chennai - Tirupati - Vijayawada -<br />
Nagarjuna Sagar - Hyderabad - Bidar - Gulbarga - Bijapur - Badami -<br />
Hospet - Hampi - Hubli - Goa - Mumbai<br />
Southern Retreat Page 18<br />
13 Night/14 Days Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry -<br />
Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore - Karaikudi - Madurai - Munnar Cochin -<br />
Kumarakum - Cochin<br />
Temple Tour Page 20<br />
Chennai-Kanchipurma - Mahabalipuram - Tiruvannamali - Pondicherry-<br />
Kumbakonam - Tanjore - Chettinad - Madurai - Cape Camorin -<br />
Kovalam - Trivandrum<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Tiger and Temple Page 22<br />
7 Nights/8 Days<br />
Delhi - Agra - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho - Varanasi<br />
Central <strong>India</strong> Page 24<br />
13 Nights/14 Days Mumbai- Aurangabad - Ellora - Aurangabad -<br />
Ajanta - Jalgoan- Omkareshwar -Maheshwar - Mandu - Indore -<br />
Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhopal - Agra -Jaipur - Delhi<br />
Pugmarks Page 26<br />
8 Nights/9 Days<br />
Delhi- Corbett - Delhi - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi<br />
Land of Lamas Page 28<br />
11 Nights/ 12 Days Delhi- Leh- Pangong Lake- Leh -Lamayuru -<br />
Themisgang - Uleytokpo - Leh - Nubra - Leh - Delhi<br />
Beach Sojourn Page 30<br />
12 Nights/13 Days Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry -<br />
Chennai - Portblair - Havelock - Portblair - Chennai<br />
Beaches and Backwaters Page 32<br />
9 Nights/ 10 Days Cochin - Agatti - Bangaram - Cochin - Kumarakum -<br />
Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakum - Cochin<br />
Steps to Heaven Page 34<br />
14 Nights/15 Days Delhi - Amritsar - Dharamshala - Manali - Jispa -<br />
Sarchu - Tsomorriri - Leh - Lamayuru - Themisgam - Uleytokpo - Leh -Delhi<br />
The Eastern Himalayas Page 36<br />
14 Nights/15 Days Delhi - Guwahati - Shillong - Tezpur - Kaziranga -<br />
Dibrugarh - Wakro - Dibrugarh - Delhi<br />
Snapshots of <strong>India</strong> and Nepal Page 38<br />
11 Nights- 12 Days<br />
Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi<br />
Classical Nepal Page 40<br />
Delhi: Tel: +91-11-30480062<br />
Mumbai: Tel: +91-22-66802500<br />
Email: tours@tamarindtours.in Website: www.tamarindtours.in<br />
13 Nights/14 Days Kathmandu - Patan - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu -<br />
Chitwan - Pokhara -Tirkhedung - Ghorepani - Ghandruk - Pokhara -<br />
Kathmandu - Onwards
Palaces Of Rajasthan<br />
10 nights/11 Days<br />
Delhi - Johpdur - Jaisalmer - Manwar (Camp) - Jodhpur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 02 Delhi<br />
After breakfast, visit Jama Masjid- the largest mosque in <strong>India</strong>,<br />
commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the<br />
mosque can accomadate about 25,000 worshippers. Take a rickshaw<br />
ride around Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi.<br />
Noisy, chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for its varied shops,<br />
restaurants and confectioners. Next, drive past the Red Fort,<br />
Rashtrapati Bhavan and several other colonial government<br />
buildings in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi before heading to<br />
Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple<br />
edifice marks the spot where the Mahatma was<br />
cremated in 1948. A visit to Rajghat is an innately<br />
moving experience. Later, visit Qutab Minar, which<br />
is the tallest brick minaret in the world,<br />
commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first<br />
Muslim ruler of Delhi. His successors continued to<br />
enhance the structure, with the final storey added in<br />
1386. Post lunch, visit Humayun's tomb which was<br />
commissioned by Humayun's wife Hamida Banu<br />
Begum in 1562. It was the first garden tomb built in the<br />
<strong>India</strong>n sub-continent. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 03 Delhi - Jodhpur -Jaisalmer(280 Kms /5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, leave for airport to catch your flight to Jodhpur. On<br />
arrival in Jodhpur, drive to Jaisalmer where you will have the evening<br />
free to unwind in the hotel. Overnight in Jaisalmer.<br />
Day 04 Jaisalmer<br />
This morning, explore Jaisalmer, which lies in the heart of the Thar<br />
Desert and is rich with color and tradition. Founded in 1156 A.D,<br />
Jaisalmer was once a major centre on the trading route between <strong>India</strong><br />
and<br />
the<br />
wes<br />
t .<br />
HUMAYUN’S TOMB DELHI<br />
LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR<br />
QUTAB MINAR<br />
DELHI<br />
MEHERANGARH RORT JODHPUR<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Today thousands of tourists come<br />
here to experience its magical charm.<br />
Post lunch in the city, visit Patwon ki<br />
Haveli, which is the largest and most<br />
elaborate mansion of its kind in<br />
Jaisalmer. Also visit Nathmalji ki<br />
Haveli, a grand mansion that blends<br />
Rajput and Islamic architecture. In the<br />
evening, visit the Vyas Chhatri of Sage<br />
Vyas, the author of the Mahabharat.<br />
The Vyas Chhatri is also known as<br />
JAISALMER HAVELI<br />
sunset point as it presents incredible<br />
views of Jaisalmer, particularly at<br />
dusk. Enjoy a magical meal on the sand dunes. Overnight in<br />
Jaisalmer.<br />
Day 05 Jaisalmer - Manwar (170 Kms / 3 Hrs)<br />
This morning, leave for Manwar village, where you will spend a<br />
leisurely afternoon at the camp. In the evening, take a private jeep<br />
safari to explore a<br />
Bishnoi village. The<br />
Bishnois are an eco<br />
friendly community of<br />
Rajasthan, who are<br />
famous for their rich<br />
cultural Rajasthani life<br />
and their true love for<br />
MANVAR CAMP<br />
nature and animals.<br />
Overnight in<br />
Manwar.<br />
Day 06 Manwar - Jodhpur (111 Kms / 2 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning, leave for Jodhpur. After you check<br />
in to your hotel, visit the Mehrangarh Fort. This<br />
spectacular fort made from red sandstone stands<br />
on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of<br />
Jodhpur. The foundations of this fort were laid in<br />
1459; today it houses a museum with a fine<br />
collection of arms, costumes, paintings and even a<br />
collection of palanquins. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a<br />
marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja<br />
Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of<br />
intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin<br />
and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays<br />
dance across their surface. Post lunch in the city, walk through Sadar<br />
Bazaar, the bustling local market of Jodhpur.<br />
Day 07 Jodhpur - Deogarh (223 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning, leave for Deogarh. En route you stop for lunch and a<br />
visit to the Ranakpur Jain Temple. On arrival in Deogarh, you will<br />
check into Seeng Sagar. This luxurious hotel sits in the middle of lake<br />
LOCAL WOMEN IN JAISALMER
RAJASTHANI FOLK DANCE<br />
that depends on the<br />
monsoon for its<br />
water. In the evening, head for a private jeep safari and enjoy bird<br />
watching at the nearby lake and visit the village. Overnight at<br />
Deogarh.<br />
Day 08 Deogarh - Jaipur (290 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning after breakfast, leave for Jaipur. Enroute, visit<br />
Pushkar, which is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for<br />
Hindu devotes). It is often called ‘Tirth Raj’ - the king of pilgrimage<br />
sites. Pushkar is also known for its Lake and the only temple<br />
dedicated to Brahma in the world. On arrival in Jaipur, you will have<br />
the evening free to unwind. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
HAWA MAHAL<br />
Day 09 Jaipur<br />
This morning, visit the famous Amber<br />
Fort, set in picturesque and rugged<br />
hills. It is a fascinating blend of Hindu<br />
and Mughal architecture. Prominent<br />
structures inside the fort are the<br />
Diwan-i-Aam, adorned with latticed<br />
galleries, the Ganesh Pol, with a<br />
beautiful painted image of Lord<br />
Ganesh, and the stunning Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated with<br />
thousands of tiny mirrors. The best way to explore the fort is to ride<br />
up to it on elephant back! Next, make a photo stop the Hawa Mahal,<br />
also known as the ”Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade is<br />
probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved<br />
latticework windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look<br />
out onto the streets unobserved. Post lunch you will visit the City<br />
Palace. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani<br />
and Mughal styles.<br />
The museums here<br />
showcase rare and<br />
ancient manuscripts,<br />
arms dating back to<br />
the 15th century, and<br />
costumes of erstwhile<br />
royalty. Visit the<br />
Jantar Mantar<br />
Observatory,<br />
SALIM CHISHTI’S TOMB<br />
comprising fourteen<br />
major geometric<br />
devices for measuring<br />
time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, and<br />
determining celestial altitudes. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 10 Jaipur - Agra (240 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, leave for Agra. The city of Agra is believed to have<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
been founded in 1504 by Sultan Sikander Lodi. The glory of Agra<br />
was at its peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.<br />
The city is home to the Taj Mahal and other fine examples of Mughal<br />
architecture. En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, followed by<br />
lunch. Built by the emperor Akbar about 35 kms from Agra,<br />
Fatehpur Sikri had to be abandoned due to shortage of water. It is<br />
the best example of the amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim<br />
architecture. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial<br />
place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. On arrival in<br />
Agra you will visit Itimad Ud Daulah. This is a mausoleum<br />
commissioned by the Mughal Empress Noor Jehan for her father.<br />
Often described as 'jewel box', sometimes called the 'Baby Taj', the<br />
tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is often regarded as an early draft of the<br />
Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.<br />
Day 11 Agra - Delhi ( 204 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The epitome of love, a<br />
poem in marble… the Taj Mahal is one of the most graceful and<br />
extravagant monuments in the world. A symbol of the devotion of<br />
Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj<br />
is a befitting tribute to love. A pure white marble structure, the Taj<br />
acquires different shades at different times of the day and with<br />
changing seasons. The soft pink color of the dawn and fiery shade<br />
that it acquires at dusk are bewitching. It took 22 years to complete<br />
this edifice with its intricate domes, delicate screens and stunning<br />
marble inlay work. Thousands of laborers were employed to<br />
construct the monument that is replete with decorative inlays,<br />
carvings and calligraphy. Later, visit Agra Fort. This is a 16th century<br />
Mughal fortress built of red sandstone and comprises many fairy tale<br />
palaces. Post lunch in Agra, head to Delhi. On arrival, you will have<br />
the opportunity to wash and change before proceeding to the airport<br />
for your onward destination.<br />
CITY PALACE AND JANTAR MANTAR JAIPUR AMBER FORT JAIPUR<br />
TAJ MAHAL AGRA
Paradise in the Desert<br />
13 Nights/14 Days -Delhi - Nawalgarh - Bikaner - Gajner - Jaisalmer - Manwar - Jodhpur -<br />
Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jojawar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi<br />
JAISALMER SAND DUNES<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 02 Delhi - Nawalgarh (332 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, visit Jama Masjid- the largest mosque in <strong>India</strong>,<br />
commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the<br />
mosque can accomadate about 25,000 worshippers. Take a<br />
rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old<br />
Delhi. Noisy, chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for its varied<br />
shops, restaurants and confectioners. Next, drive past the Red Fort,<br />
Rashtrapati Bhavan and several other colonial government<br />
buildings in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi<br />
before heading to Rajghat, the<br />
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.<br />
This simple edifice marks the spot<br />
where the Mahatma was cremated<br />
in 1948. A visit to Rajghat is an<br />
innately moving experience. In the<br />
afternoon, drive to Nawalgarh.<br />
Nawalgarh is renowned all over<br />
RED FORT DELHI<br />
the world for its exquisitely<br />
painted havelis that are beautifully<br />
designed and carved… this village is considered an open-air art<br />
gallery! You will have lunch en route. On arrival, check into your<br />
hotel. Overnight in Nawalgarh.<br />
Day 03 Nawalgarh - Gajner ( via Bikaner 262 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
Today after breakfast, visit the painted Havelis (bungalows) of the<br />
Nawalgarh village. Marvellous murals have been painted the walls<br />
and further decorated with pieces of mirror, gold and silver leaves.<br />
The religious nature of the people is revealed in the paintings that<br />
revolve around the themes for the life and times of Lord Krishna.<br />
Enjoy lunch in Bikaner at the erstwhile Maharaja's hunting lodge,<br />
now a hotel. Later, leave for Gajner, a historical town famous for its<br />
beautiful fort. En route, visit Fort Junagarh. This unassailable<br />
fortress was built in 1593.You will also visit the Ganga Jubli<br />
museum that contains archaeological exhibits as well as royal<br />
memorabilia. Overnight in Gajner.<br />
Day 04 Gajner- Jaisalmer (300 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning, drive to<br />
Jaisalmer, a town in the<br />
MURALS ON HAVELI WALLS<br />
heart of the Thar Desert.<br />
This desert fortress is one<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer is often<br />
described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the<br />
19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone<br />
and are still in a beautiful condition. The town stands on a ridge of<br />
yellowish sandstone, crowned by the fort, which contains the palace<br />
and several ornate Jain temples. In the evening, visit the Vyas<br />
Chhatri; this is the cenotaph of Sage Vyas, the author of the<br />
Mahabharata. Overnight in Jaisalmer.<br />
Day 05 Jaisalmer<br />
This morning, visit Visit Jaisalmer Fort. It is<br />
the second oldest in Rajasthan. It is two<br />
hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by<br />
an imposing crenellated sandstone wall<br />
Even today, nearly one fourth of the old<br />
city's population resides within the fort.<br />
Notable among the havelis are Salim Singh<br />
ki Haveli, built around 300 years ago, and<br />
Patwon-ki-Haveli - the grandest mansion in<br />
Jaisalmer. Late afternoon, drive to Sam<br />
dunes (40 minutes drive approx). The<br />
village of Sam is Jaisalmer's nearest real<br />
PATWON-KI-HAVELII<br />
Sahara-like desert and is one of the best<br />
places to see the sunrise and sunset amidst<br />
the picturesque sand dunes. Sam has a truly magnificent stretch of<br />
sweeping dunes, with sparse or no vegetation. Enjoy a Camel Safari<br />
on the dunes. Overnight in Jaisalmer.<br />
Day 06 Jaisalmer- Manwar (170 Kms / 3 Hrs)<br />
This morning, leave for Manwar, a desert oasis set in the dunes of<br />
the Rajasthan. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, explore a<br />
Bishnoi village by jeep safari, where you can get acquainted with the<br />
traditions and culture of the village. The Bishnois are an eco friendly<br />
community of Rajasthan, who are famous for their rich cultural<br />
Rajasthani life and their true love for nature and animals. Overnight<br />
in Manwar.<br />
Day 07 Manwar - Jodhpur (111 Kms / 2 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning, leave for Jodhpur. After you check in to your hotel,<br />
visit the Mehrangarh Fort. This spectacular fort made from red<br />
sandstone stands on a perpendicular cliff above the skyline of<br />
Jodhpur. The foundations of this fort were laid in 1459; today it<br />
houses a museum with a fine collection of arms, costumes, paintings<br />
and even a collection of palanquins. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a<br />
marble cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.<br />
The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved<br />
sheets of marble. Post lunch in the city, walk through Sadar Bazaar,<br />
the bustling local market of Jodhpur, where you will find a variety of<br />
herbs and spices, as well as local handicrafts. Overnight in Jodhpur.<br />
Day 08 Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (260 Kms / 6 Hrs)<br />
Today you will drive to Udaipur. The city is famous for its palaces,<br />
lake, museums, temples, and<br />
gardens. The Pichola Lake,<br />
Udai Sagar, and Pratap Sagar<br />
MEHERANGARH FORT
RANAKPUR TEMPLES<br />
are some of the most beautiful lakes in the<br />
state. En- route, visit the Ranakpur Jain<br />
Temples, built during the reign of the liberal<br />
and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th<br />
century. There are twenty-four pillared halls,<br />
where the domes are supported by over four<br />
hundred columns. The total number of<br />
columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately<br />
carved no two being alike. Arrive in Udaipur<br />
and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a boat ride<br />
on Lake Pichola, set against the breathtaking<br />
backdrop of lush hills. Overnight in Udaipur.<br />
Day 09 Udaipur<br />
This morning, explore the city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace,<br />
standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola. The complex is a massive<br />
series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of<br />
the palace provide panoramic views of ”Jag Niwas” (the Lake Palace<br />
Hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur.<br />
The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved 'chhatris' and the<br />
architecturally brilliant facade all contribute in making a visit to the<br />
City Palace a truly memorable experience. Post lunch, you will visit a<br />
picturesque garden, Sahelion ki Bari. In the evening, visit the local<br />
bazaar to enjoy the local flavors and customs. Overnight in Udaipur.<br />
Day 10 Udaipur - Jojawar (160 Kms /<br />
4 Hrs 30 )<br />
After breakfast this morning, you will<br />
leave for Jojawar. Set amidst the Aravalli<br />
hills, this little garrison fort was once a<br />
major principality of the Royal house of<br />
Marwar. Bestowed with the title of Rao,<br />
RAWLA JOJAWAR<br />
the nobles looked after this little fiefdom<br />
for about two centuries after its<br />
construction in the 18th century. Known by the name of Rawla<br />
Jojawar, the fort is now converted into a heritage hotel. The two<br />
young sons of the present Rao and Rani Sahiba Maharaj Singh ji,<br />
personally make each guest welcome at this palace retreat.<br />
Overnight in Jojawar.<br />
Day 10 Jojawar - Jaipur (290 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will leave for Jaipur. On arrival, check in to your<br />
hotel. The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, and the<br />
former capital of the princely state of Jaipur. Founded in 1727 by<br />
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur is famous for<br />
its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city has neat<br />
and broadly laid-out avenues, all painted pink, that give the city a<br />
magical glow, especially in the evenings. In the evening, walk around<br />
in the bazaars of Jaipur among myriad fascinating locally produced<br />
items like jewellery, soft cotton quilts, footwear, colourful scarves<br />
HAWAMAHAL JAIPUR<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
and shawls, handicrafts and much more.<br />
Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 11 Jaipur<br />
This morning, visit the famous Amber Fort, set<br />
in picturesque and rugged hills. It is a<br />
fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal<br />
architecture. Constructed by Raja Man and<br />
completed by Sawai Jai Singh I, the fort is made<br />
in red sand stone and white marble. The best<br />
way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on<br />
elephant back! Make a photo stop at the Hawa<br />
Mahal, or the ‘Palace of the Winds.’ This beautiful façade is<br />
probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved<br />
latticework windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look<br />
out onto the streets unobserved. Post lunch you will visit the City<br />
Palace. The museums here showcase rare and ancient manuscripts,<br />
arms dating back to the 15th century, and costumes of erstwhile<br />
royalty. Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, comprising fourteen<br />
major geometric devices for measuring time and determining<br />
celestial altitudes. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
CITY PALACE UDAIPUR<br />
Day 12 Jaipur - Agra (240 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, leave for Agra. The city of Agra is believed to have<br />
been founded in 1504 by Sultan Sikander Lodi. The glory of Agra<br />
was at its peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.<br />
The city is home to the Taj Mahal and other fine examples of<br />
Mughal architecture. En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri,<br />
followed by lunch. Built by the emperor Akbar about 35 kms from<br />
Agra, Fatehpur Sikri had to be abandoned due to shortage of water.<br />
It is the best example of the amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim<br />
architecture. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial<br />
place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. On arrival in<br />
Agra you will visit Itimad Ud Daulah. This is a mausoleum<br />
commissioned by the Mughal Empress Noor Jehan for her father.<br />
Overnight in Agra.<br />
Day 13 Agra - Delhi (204 Kms / 4 Hrs) - Onwards<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The epitome of love, a<br />
poem in marble… the Taj Mahal is a symbol of the devotion of<br />
Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. A pure<br />
white marble structure, Taj acquires different shades at different<br />
times of the day and with changing seasons. The soft pink color of<br />
the dawn and fiery shade that it acquires at dusk are bewitching. This<br />
edifice is replete with decorative inlays, carvings and calligraphy.<br />
Later, visit Agra Fort. This is a 16th century Mughal fortress built of<br />
red sandstone and comprises many fairy tale palaces. Post lunch in<br />
Agra, head to Delhi. On arrival, you will have the opportunity to<br />
wash and change before proceeding to the airport for your onward<br />
destination.<br />
AMBER FORT JAIPUR TAJ MAHAL AGRA
Palaces and Forts<br />
10 Nights/11 Days<br />
Delhi - Udaipur - Shahpura - Nimaj - Jaipur - Samode -Agra - Delhi<br />
ROOFTOP VIEW UDAIPUR<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into<br />
your hotel. Overnight in<br />
Delhi.<br />
Day 02<br />
Delhi/Udaipur<br />
After breakfast,<br />
visit Jama<br />
Masjid- the<br />
l a r g e s t<br />
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN<br />
mosque in<br />
I n d i a ,<br />
commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The<br />
courtyard of the mosque can accomadate about<br />
25,000 worshippers. Take a rickshaw ride around<br />
Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi.<br />
Noisy, chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for<br />
its varied shops, restaurants and confectioners.<br />
Next, drive past the Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan<br />
and several other colonial government buildings in<br />
Edwin Lutyen's Delhi before heading to Rajghat, the<br />
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple edifice marks<br />
the spot where the Mahatma was cremated in 1948. A visit to<br />
Rajghat is an innately moving experience. In the afternoon, drive<br />
to the airport to take your flight to Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur,<br />
check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy the boat ride on Lake Pichola.<br />
The rest of the evening is free to unwind or walk around the bazaars<br />
of Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur.<br />
Day 03 Udaipur<br />
This morning, visit Nagda-Eklingi… both these villages are famous<br />
for their old <strong>India</strong>n temples. The Shiva Temple in the village itself<br />
was originally built in 734, although its present from dates from the<br />
rule of Maharana Raimal, between 1473 and 1509. Post lunch, visit<br />
the Udaipur City Palace; this<br />
architectural marvel blends Medieval,<br />
European and Chinese architecture<br />
replete with domes, towers, arches, an<br />
assortment of courtyards, pavilions,<br />
terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging<br />
gardens. The rest of the day is at leisure<br />
to visit other attractions in Udaipur,<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
including palaces, gardens, lakes and temples. Overnight in<br />
Udaipur.<br />
Day 04 Udaipur - Shahpura (220 Kms / 4 Hrs)<br />
Today, proceed to Shahpura Bagh. A beautiful 19th century manor<br />
hotel, Shahpura Bagh is still<br />
partially occupied by the royal<br />
family. The hotel prides itself on<br />
providing an authentic home<br />
stay experience in Rajasthan,<br />
with traditional cuisine made<br />
from age-old family recipes<br />
being served. Set in 45 acres of<br />
garden and pasture,<br />
SHAHAPURA BAGH<br />
surrounded by two<br />
lakes, the working farm estate resplendent with trees<br />
and birds is a very special and serene oasis. En route,<br />
visit the Chittorgarh Fort, which was built in the<br />
7th century. This massive fort complex occupies<br />
almost 700 acres of land and is the largest fort in<br />
Rajasthan. Its history includes sagas of valor in<br />
battle, chivalry and sacrifice. On arrival in<br />
Shahpura enjoy some leisure time before<br />
turning in for the night. Overnight at<br />
Shahpura.<br />
Day 05 Shahpura<br />
This morning after breakfast, ride a bicycle or<br />
walk in the village to obtain a close look at<br />
Rajasthani village life and local culture. You<br />
will return to your hotel for lunch. Walking<br />
trails skirt the lakes, hammocks and charpoys are<br />
located at<br />
scenic spots to<br />
relax, read,<br />
meditate or watch<br />
spectacular sunsets. In<br />
the evening, take a tour of the<br />
surrounding area by jeep.<br />
Overnight at Shahpura.<br />
CITY PALACE UDAIPUR<br />
Day 06 Shahpura - Nimaj<br />
(125 Kms/2 Hrs 45)<br />
This morning, head to Nimaj<br />
Camp. The luxury tents at the<br />
Chhatra Sagar lakes are the<br />
epitome of luxury and Rajput<br />
lifestyle… these tents instantly<br />
NEEMAJ TENTED CAMP<br />
evo<br />
CHITTORGARH FORT<br />
ke images of grandeur and royalty. On<br />
arrival, you will check in to the hotel and<br />
have lunch. In the evening, proceed to<br />
the nearby lake, where you can enjoy<br />
bird watching on the shimmering water.<br />
You may also choose to participate in a
cooking demonstration and see how local specialties are prepared.<br />
Overnight at Nimaj.<br />
Day 07 Nimaj - Jaipur (191 Kms / 4 Hrs )<br />
This morning leave for Jaipur. On arrival, check in to<br />
your hotel. The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is the capital of<br />
Rajasthan, and the former capital of the princely state<br />
of Jaipur. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh<br />
II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur is famous for its colorful<br />
culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city has neat<br />
and broadly laid-out avenues, all painted pink, that give<br />
the city a magical glow, especially in the evenings.<br />
Proceed for sightseeing of Jaipur city. Visit the City<br />
Palace…the architecture is a synthesis of Rajasthani<br />
and Mughal styles. The museums here showcase rare<br />
and ancient manuscripts, arms dating back to the 15th<br />
century, and costumes of erstwhile royalty. Visit the<br />
HAWA MAHAL<br />
Jantar Mantar Observatory,<br />
comprising fourteen major<br />
geometric devices for measuring<br />
time, predicting eclipses, tracking<br />
stars in their orbits, and determining<br />
celestial altitudes. Next, visit the<br />
Hawa Mahal, also known as the<br />
”Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful<br />
façade is probably the most-<br />
photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved latticework<br />
windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the<br />
streets unobserved. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 08 Jaipur<br />
This morning, visit the famous Amber Fort, set in picturesque and<br />
rugged hills. It is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal<br />
architecture. Constructed by Raja Man and completed by Sawai Jai<br />
Singh I, the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble.<br />
Prominent structures inside the fort are the Diwan-i-Aam, adorned<br />
with latticed galleries, the Ganesh Pol with a beautiful painted image<br />
of Lord Ganesh, and the stunning Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated<br />
with thousands of tiny mirrors. The best way to explore the fort is to<br />
ride up to it on elephant back! In the afternoon, explore the old city<br />
in a rickshaw. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 09 Jaipur - Samode (40 kms/45<br />
min)<br />
In the morning, leave for Samode<br />
Palace. A splendid example of regal<br />
Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Palace<br />
combines the best of <strong>India</strong>n and<br />
Mughal styles. The 475-year-old palace<br />
AMBER FORT<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
is a celebration of the senses, underlined at all times by<br />
contemporary luxury and the signature services. You are at leisure<br />
the entire day to walk around Samode village or unwind at the<br />
infinity pool. Guests are known to want to lose themselves in the<br />
maze of bougainvillea covered courtyards, connected by quaint<br />
narrow staircases and lounges adorned by charming arches and<br />
stunning mirror work. Overnight at Samode.<br />
Day 10 Samode - Agra (240 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning drive to Agra. The city of Agra is believed to have<br />
been founded in 1504 by Sultan<br />
SAMODE PALACE<br />
Sikander Lodi. The glory of<br />
Agra was at its peak during the<br />
reign of Akbar, Jehangir and<br />
Shah Jahan. The city is home to<br />
the Taj Mahal and other fine<br />
examples of Mughal<br />
architecture. En route to Agra,<br />
visit Fatehpur Sikri, followed by<br />
lunch. Built by the emperor<br />
Akbar about 35 kms from Agra,<br />
Fatehpur Sikri had to be<br />
abandoned due to shortage of<br />
water. It is the best example of<br />
the amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Tomb of<br />
Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who<br />
lived a religious life here. Overnight in Agra.<br />
Day 11 Agra - Delhi (204 Kms / 5 Hrs)- Onwards<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. A symbol of the<br />
devotion of Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz<br />
Mahal, the Taj is a befitting tribute to love. A pure white marble<br />
structure, Taj acquires different shades at different times of the day<br />
and with changing<br />
seasons. The soft<br />
pink color of the<br />
dawn and fiery<br />
shade that it<br />
acquires at dusk are<br />
bewitching. It took<br />
22 years to complete<br />
this edifice that is<br />
replete with<br />
TAJ MAHAL<br />
decorative inlays,<br />
carvings and<br />
calligraphy. Later, visit Agra Fort. This is a 16th century Mughal<br />
fortress built of red sandstone and comprises many fairy tale<br />
palaces. Post lunch in Agra, head to Delhi. On arrival, you will have<br />
the opportunity to wash and change<br />
SAMODE PALACE before proceeding to the airport for<br />
your onward destination.
Deserts of <strong>India</strong><br />
15 Nights/16 Days Mumbai - Jamnagar - Bhuj - Bannya Village - Bhuj - Rajkot - Gir - Diu-<br />
Bhavnagar - Ahmedabad - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi<br />
PALACE AT BHUJ<br />
Day 01 Mumbai<br />
On arrival in Mumbai, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into your hotel. Overnight in<br />
Mumbai.<br />
Day 02 Mumbai / Jamnagar<br />
After an early breakfast, head to the airport to board your<br />
flight to Jamnagar. Situated in Gujarat, this historical city has<br />
now become and important industrial city. On arrival you will<br />
visit old Jamnagar, and two magnificent structures in the middle of<br />
the lake. These are the Lakhota Fort and the Kotha Bastion. The<br />
Lakhota Fort now houses a museum with artifacts dating back to the<br />
9th century. Overnight in Jamnagar.<br />
Day 03 Jamnagar - Bhuj ( 270 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
Early this morning, leave for Bhuj, stopping for lunch on the way.<br />
The city of Bhuj is one of the western most cities in the country. On<br />
arrival, visit the Old Palace, which was built in the traditional Kutch<br />
style. The complex contains a hall of mirrors and beautiful music<br />
room. You will also visit the Kutch Museum, founded in 1877 and<br />
built in the Italian Gothic style. Overnight in Bhuj.<br />
Day 04 Bhuj - Bania Villages - Bhuj (150 Kms / 4 Hrs)<br />
This morning, head to the local<br />
DSP/Collector's office to obtain<br />
your permit to visit the traditional<br />
Bania villages, where you will<br />
observe their art and culture.<br />
Some of the important villages<br />
near Bhuj are Bhujjodi, which is<br />
famous for weaving, Padhar and<br />
Dhaneti, famous for traditional<br />
Ahir embroidery, Dhamanka<br />
BANIA VILLAGE HUT<br />
which is known for block<br />
printing, and Anjar, also famous<br />
for block printing. Overnight in Bhuj.<br />
Day 05 Bhuj - Rajkot (260<br />
Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, leave for<br />
Rajkot. The city of Rajkot has<br />
GAURISHANKAR LAKE PALITANA TEMPLES<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
a rich history and played a significant role in the Independence<br />
movement of <strong>India</strong>. Post lunch, visit the Watson Museum, which<br />
houses objects from <strong>India</strong>'s colonial past. Spend some time<br />
exploring the city before returning to your hotel. Overnight in<br />
Rajkot.<br />
Day 06 Rajkot - Sasan Gir (140 Kms /4 Hrs)<br />
This morning, leave for Sasan Gir… this wildlife sanctuary is the<br />
only surviving habitat of the Asiatic lion. Sasan Gir is a dry<br />
deciduous habitat for the lions, dominated by short and gnarled teak<br />
trees, thorn bushes and grassland. On arrival, you will leave for a<br />
jeep safari to the Sasan Gir lion sanctuary. Overnight in Sasan Gir.<br />
Day 07 Gir<br />
Today enjoy a morning and<br />
evening jeep safari, where<br />
you will explore the Sasan<br />
Gir National Park. Other<br />
than the lions, mammals a<br />
visitor will normally<br />
encounter in the forest are<br />
Nilgai, Sambar, Chousinga,<br />
Wild Boar, Ruddy Mongoose,<br />
SASAN GIR<br />
Langurs, Jungle Cats, Striped<br />
Hyenas, <strong>India</strong>n Porcupine, Chinkara and<br />
domestic cattle and buffaloes owned by the Maldharis, a unique clan<br />
of graziers who live cheek by jowl with the lions in Gir. Overnight<br />
in Sasan Gir.<br />
Day 08 Gir - Diu (60 Kms / 2 Hrs)<br />
This morning, head to Diu. This fishing town is an island off the<br />
south coast of Gujarat, which was once a Portuguese colony like<br />
Goa. En route, visit Somnath; mythology has it that the original<br />
Somanth Temple was built by the Moon God himself. On arrival in<br />
Diu you will have some free time to relax and unwind on the beach.<br />
Overnight in Diu.<br />
Day 09 Diu - Palitana - Bhavnagar (200 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, visit Palitana, a religious Jain city. At Palitana, some<br />
1300 Jain temples grace the top of a lonely, rocky hill in the middle<br />
of nowhere; mostly small but beautifully carved, many date back<br />
almost a thousand years. From the foot of the hill to the top there<br />
are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut to facilitate climbing. Later, head<br />
to Bhavnagar, stopping en route for lunch. On arrival in Bhavnagar,<br />
visit Gaurishankar Lake; this vast lake is surrounded by a mini forest<br />
and hosts a wide variety of plants and animals. Overnight in<br />
Bhavnagar.<br />
Day 10 Bhavnagar - Lothal - Ahmedabad (170 Kms / 4 Hrs)<br />
This morning, visit the Takteshwar Temple, a popular landmark<br />
situated on a hillock with wonderful views of the surrounding<br />
landscape. You will also visit<br />
the Lock Gate. A popular<br />
tourist spot situated near the<br />
docks, the Lock Gate helps
ships from stay<br />
afloat when the<br />
HATHI SINGH TEMPLE<br />
tide is low.<br />
Afterwards, drive<br />
to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. En route visit Lothal, an<br />
important archeological site in <strong>India</strong>, with excavations revealing<br />
ruins belonging to the Harappan Era in the 2nd millennium BC.<br />
You will see some of the artifacts from this period at the<br />
Archaeological Museum here. On arrival in Ahmedabad, visit<br />
Kankaria Lake which was built in 1451 AD and is a favorite picnic<br />
spot. Overnight in Ahmedabad.<br />
Day 11 Ahmedabad - Udaipur (250 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning, visit the Siddhi Sayed Masjid; this mosque is<br />
renowned for its exquisite filigree stone carvings. You will also visit<br />
the Hathi Singh Jain Temple; this intricate white marble structure<br />
draws thousands of visitors annually. Next, you will visit Sabarmati<br />
Ashram. One of the residences<br />
of Mahatma Gandhi, the<br />
Ashram now houses a museum<br />
in his memory. Afterwards,<br />
drive to Udaipur. In the evening<br />
, enjoy a boat ride on the pristine<br />
and enchanting Lake Pichola.<br />
Overnight in Udaipur.<br />
GANDHI’S HOME IN SABARMATI<br />
Day 12 Udaipur<br />
This morning,<br />
visit the City Palace; this architectural marvel<br />
blends Medieval, European and Chinese<br />
architecture replete with domes, towers,<br />
arches, an assortment of courtyards,<br />
pavilions, terraces, and hanging gardens.<br />
Later, visit Sahelion ki Bari. Post lunch you<br />
can roam the charming local bazaars.<br />
Overnight in Udaipur.<br />
Day 13 Udaipur / Jaipur<br />
After breakfast, take a flight to Jaipur. The<br />
'Pink City' of Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan,<br />
and the former capital of the princely state of<br />
Jaipur. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai<br />
Singh II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur is famous for its<br />
colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city has<br />
broadly laid-out avenues, all painted pink, that give the city a magical<br />
glow. On arrival, check in to your hotel. After lunch, visit the Hawa<br />
Mahal, or the 'Palace of the Winds.' This beautiful façade is probably<br />
the most-photographed in Jaipur, with its ornately carved<br />
latticework windows designed so the ladies of the palace could look<br />
out onto the streets<br />
unobserved. Afterwards,<br />
enjoy a rickshaw ride through<br />
the area and explore the local<br />
markets. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
CITY PALACE UDAIPUR<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 14 Jaipur<br />
This morning, visit the famous Amber Fort, set in picturesque and<br />
rugged hills. It is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal<br />
architecture in red sand stone and white marble. Prominent<br />
structures inside the fort are the Diwan-i-Aam, adorned with<br />
latticed galleries, the Ganesh Pol with a beautiful painted image of<br />
Lord Ganesh, and the stunning Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated with<br />
thousands of tiny mirrors. The best way to explore the fort is to ride<br />
up to it on elephant back!<br />
Post lunch you will visit<br />
the City Palace, built by<br />
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.<br />
The architecture is a<br />
synthesis of Rajasthani<br />
and Mughal styles. The<br />
museums here showcase<br />
rare and ancient<br />
manuscripts, arms dating<br />
back to the 15th century,<br />
and costumes of erstwhile<br />
royalty. Later, explore the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical<br />
observatory dating back to around 1730. Evening at leisure.<br />
Overnight In Jaipur.<br />
Day 15 Jaipur - Agra (280 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
This morning, leave for Agra. Agra is believed to have been<br />
founded in 1504 by Sultan Sikander Lodi. The glory of<br />
Agra was at its peak during the reign of Akbar,<br />
Jehangir and Shah Jahan. The city is home to the<br />
Taj Mahal and other fine examples of Mughal<br />
architecture. En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur<br />
Sikri, followed by lunch. Built by the emperor<br />
Akbar about 35 kms from Agra, Fatehpur<br />
Sikri had to be abandoned due to shortage of<br />
water. It is the best example of the<br />
amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim<br />
architecture. On arrival in Agra you will visit<br />
Itimad Ud Daulah. This is a mausoleum<br />
commissioned by the Mughal Empress Noor<br />
Jehan for her father. Overnight in Agra.<br />
Day 16 Agra - Delhi (220 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The<br />
epitome of love, a poem in marble… the Taj Mahal is a<br />
symbol of the devotion of Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved<br />
queen Mumtaz Mahal. A pure white marble structure, Taj acquires<br />
different shades at different times of the day and with changing<br />
seasons. It took 22 years to complete this edifice with its intricate<br />
domes, delicate screens and stunning marble inlay work. Later, visit<br />
Agra Fort, built of red sandstone<br />
and comprising many palaces.<br />
Post lunch in Agra, head to<br />
Delhi. On arrival, wash and<br />
change before proceeding to the<br />
airport for your onward<br />
destination.<br />
CITY PALACE JAIPUR<br />
AMBER FORT
Rajas and Mandlas<br />
14 Nights/15 Days Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Gajner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet - Udaipur -<br />
Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 02 Delhi - Mandawa ( 290 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, visit Jama Masjid- the largest mosque in <strong>India</strong>,<br />
commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the<br />
mosque can accomadate about 25,000 worshippers. Take a<br />
rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old<br />
Delhi. Next, drive past the Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan and<br />
several other colonial government buildings in Edwin Lutyen's<br />
Delhi before heading to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.<br />
This simple edifice marks the spot where the Mahatma was<br />
cremated in 1948. Post lunch in Delhi, drive to Mandawa, which<br />
was once inhabited by rich<br />
merchant families. Overnight<br />
PAINTED HAVELI IN MANDAWA In Mandawa.<br />
Day 03 Mandawa- Bikaner-<br />
Gajner (222 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will visit the<br />
painted Havelis of Mandawa<br />
village. This area has been<br />
called the ‘open air art gallery’<br />
of Rajasthan, because not just<br />
Mandawa, but the entire<br />
Shekhawati region is dotted<br />
with fascinating mansions<br />
(havelis) that showcase lavishly painted walls. Later, leave for<br />
Gajner, a historical town in Rajashtan famous for its beautiful<br />
palace. Enjoy lunch in Bikaner at the erstwhile Maharaja's hunting<br />
lodge, now a hotel. Later, leave for Gajner, a historical town famous<br />
for its beautiful fort. En route, visit Fort Junagarh. This unassailable<br />
fortress was built in 1593. You will also visit the Ganga Jubli<br />
museum that contains archaeological exhibits as well as royal<br />
memorabilia. Overnight in Gajner.<br />
Day 04 Gajner-Jaisalmer (300 Kms/ 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning, drive to Jaisalmer, a town in the heart of the Thar<br />
Desert. This desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and<br />
unusual towns. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century,<br />
are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a<br />
beautiful condition. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish<br />
sandstone, crowned by the fort, which contains the palace and<br />
several ornate Jain temples. In the evening, visit the Vyas Chhatri;<br />
this is the cenotaph of Sage Vyas, the author of the Mahabharata.<br />
Overnight in Jaisalmer.<br />
Day 05- Jaisalmer<br />
This morning, visit Visit Jaisalmer Fort. Two<br />
hundred and fifty feet tall, it is reinforced by an<br />
imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet<br />
high. Even today, nearly one fourth of the<br />
old city's population resides within the<br />
fort. Notable among the havelis are Salim<br />
Singh ki Haveli, built around 300 years<br />
HAVELI OF SALIM SINGH<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
ago, and Patwon-ki-Haveli - the<br />
grandest mansion in Jaisalmer.<br />
Late afternoon, drive to Sam<br />
dunes (40 minutes drives<br />
approx). The village of Sam is<br />
Jaisalmer's nearest real Saharalike<br />
desert and is one of the best<br />
places to see the sunrise and<br />
sunset amidst the picturesque<br />
SAM SAND DUNES<br />
sand dunes. This is the closest<br />
place from where you can lose<br />
yourself in 'the Great Thar Desert'. Sam has a truly magnificent<br />
stretch of sweeping dunes, with sparse or no vegetation. Enjoy a<br />
Camel Safari on the dunes. Overnight in Jaisalmer.<br />
Day 06 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Rohet (310 Kms / 6 Hrs)<br />
Today, head to Rohet via Jodhpur. On the banks of a lake near<br />
Rohet village, lies Rohet Garh, an ancestral home built in 1622 AD,<br />
that is now a charming heritage hotel. In Jodhpur, stop to visit the<br />
Meherangarh Fort, built from red sandstone on a perpendicular cliff<br />
above the skyline of Jodhpur. The fort houses a museum with a fine<br />
collection of arms, costumes, paintings and even a collection of<br />
palanquins. Also visit Jaswant<br />
Thada, a marble cenotaph built<br />
to commemorate Maharaja<br />
Jaswant Singh II. The<br />
monument, in its entirety, is<br />
built out of intricately carved<br />
sheets of marble. Post lunch,<br />
ROHETGARH<br />
continue to Rohet. Overnight in<br />
Rohet.<br />
Day 07 Rohet - Ranakpur - Udaipur (135 +<br />
98 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
In the morning, explore a Bishnoi village by<br />
jeep safari, where you can get acquainted with<br />
the traditions and culture of the village. The<br />
Bishnois are an eco friendly community of<br />
Rajasthan, who are famous for their true love<br />
for nature and animals. Return to your hotel<br />
and leave for Udaipur. The city is famous for<br />
its palaces, lake, museums, temples, and<br />
gardens. En- route, visit the Ranakpur Jain<br />
Temples, built during the reign of the liberal<br />
and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th BISHNOI VILLAGE<br />
century. There are twenty-four pillared halls,<br />
with 1444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike.<br />
Arrive in Udaipur and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Udaipur.<br />
Day 08 Udaipur<br />
This morning, explore the city of Udaipur. Visit<br />
the City Palace, standing on the east bank of<br />
Lake Pichola. The balconies of the palace<br />
provide panoramic views of ”Jag Niwas” (the<br />
Lake Palace Hotel), Jag Mandir on one side<br />
and on the other the city of Udaipur. The
paintings, mosaics, intricately carved 'chhatris' and of<br />
course the architecturally brilliant facade all contribute in<br />
making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable<br />
experience. Post lunch, you will visit a picturesque garden,<br />
Sahelion ki Bari. In the evening, visit the local bazaar to<br />
enjoy the local flavors and customs. Overnight in Udaipur.<br />
Day 09 Udaipur - Jaipur<br />
In the morning, head to the airport to catch your flight to<br />
Jaipur. The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan,<br />
and the former capital of the princely state of Jaipur. Founded in<br />
1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur is<br />
famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. In the<br />
evening, walk around in the bazaars of Jaipur among myriad<br />
fascinating items like jewellery, soft<br />
cotton quilts, footwear, colourful<br />
scarves and shawls, handicrafts and<br />
much more. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 10 Jaipur<br />
This morning, visit the famous<br />
Amber Fort, set in picturesque and<br />
rugged hills. A blend of Hindu and<br />
Mughal architecture, the fort is<br />
ELEPHANT RIDE TO AMBER<br />
made in red sand stone and white<br />
marble. Prominent structures<br />
inside are the Diwan-i-Aam, adorned with latticed galleries, the<br />
Ganesh Pol with a beautiful painted image of Lord Ganesh, and the<br />
stunning Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated with thousands of tiny<br />
mirrors. The best way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on<br />
elephant back! Make a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, or the ‘Palace<br />
of the Winds.’ This beautiful façade showcases ornately carved<br />
latticework windows . Post lunch, visit the City Palace, a synthesis of<br />
Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The museums here showcase rare and<br />
ancient manuscripts, arms and costumes dating back to the 15th<br />
century. Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, comprising fourteen<br />
major geometric devices for measuring time and determining<br />
celestial altitudes. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 11 Jaipur- Agra ( 240 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, leave for Agra.<br />
En route to Agra, visit<br />
Fatehpur Sikri, followed by<br />
lunch. Built by the emperor<br />
Akbar about 35 kms from<br />
Agra, Fatehpur Sikri had to<br />
be abandoned due to<br />
shortage of water. It is the<br />
best example of the<br />
amalgamation of Hindu and<br />
TAJ MAHAL<br />
The Taj Mahal is a symbol of the devotion of<br />
Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen<br />
Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight in Agra.<br />
Muslim architecture. On<br />
arrival in Agra visit the Taj<br />
Mahal.<br />
GHATS AT VARANASI<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day12 Agra - Gwalior - Orchha ( 120<br />
Kms / 4 Hrs )<br />
This morning, board your train to<br />
Gwalior. The history of Gwalior dates<br />
back to the 8th century and it has been<br />
home to kings, musicians, poets and<br />
saints. Here you will visit the<br />
impressive Gwalior Fort, which has<br />
GWALIOR FORT<br />
been guarding over the city for over<br />
100 years. On arrival in Orchha,<br />
witness the aarti at Raj Rama Temple. Overnight in Orchha.<br />
Day 13 Orchha - Khajuraho (170 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses three<br />
palaces. You then leave for Khajuraho. On arrival, check into your<br />
hotel and have lunch. Khajuraho known for the legendary<br />
Khajuraho temples, belonging<br />
to both the Hindu and Jain<br />
faiths. Built between the 9th and<br />
the 12th century, only 20 of the<br />
original 85 temples survive. The<br />
facades of these temples are<br />
replete with erotic sculptures<br />
and depictions of dance, music<br />
and other creative arts. In the<br />
evening, visit the Eastern<br />
KHAJURAHO TEMPLES<br />
temples, situated close to the<br />
village. Afterwards, visit the<br />
Western Temples. The Western group of temples is entirely Hindu<br />
and contains some of the most erotic sculptures found in a place of<br />
worship. Overnight in Kahjuraho.<br />
Day 14 Khajuraho / Varanasi<br />
After a leisurely breakfast, head to the airport to catch your flight to<br />
Varanasi. The ancient city of Varanasi on the banks of the River<br />
Ganges is considered the holiest city for Hindu pilgrims. It is also<br />
considered a holy city for Buddhists, believed to have been<br />
designated a pilgrimage site by Gautama Buddha himself. A city of<br />
temples, art, literature and education, the atmosphere in Varanasi is<br />
completely unique. On arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening,<br />
take a boat ride on the River Ganges. Every evening, a prayer<br />
ceremony is performed on the banks of the river, amidst pealing<br />
bells and hundreds of pilgrims. Overnight in Varanasi.<br />
Day 16 Varanasi- Delhi- Onwards<br />
Enjoy the sublime experience of an early morning boat ride on the<br />
Ganges. This enthralling experience will allow you to witness people<br />
offering their prayers at sunrise. Return to your hotel for breakfast.<br />
Around 9 am, head to Sarnath, a holy pilgrimage site for Buddhists.<br />
It is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha taught his<br />
Dharma (faith) and is also an important centre for the arts. Also visit<br />
the Sarnath Museum. Post an early lunch, board your flight to Delhi.<br />
On arrival, you will have the opportunity to<br />
wash and change before proceeding to the<br />
airport for your onward destination.
Colors of Gujarat<br />
10 Nights/11 Days Mumbai - Ahmedabad - Dasada - Bhuj - Sayla - Sasangir - Somnath - Diu<br />
Bhavnagar - Palitana - Baroda - Mumbai<br />
Day 01 Mumbai<br />
On arrival in Mumbai, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into your hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.<br />
Day 02 Mumbai / Ahmedabad<br />
This morning, head to the airport to board your flight to<br />
Ahmedabad. This is the largest city in Gujarat, also called the<br />
'Manchester of the East' thanks to the numerous industries here.<br />
It also has a rich history, and is dotted with monuments. In the<br />
evening, visit the Siddhi Sayed Masjid. This mosque is renowned<br />
for its exquisite filigree stone carvings. Next, visit the<br />
Swaminarayan Temple, which is the first Swaminarayn Temple to<br />
be built, and the most prominent. The interiors and exteriors of<br />
the temple have been adorned with the typical Gujarati designs<br />
that depict different aspects of the Gujarati culture and lifestyle.<br />
Overnight in Ahmedabad.<br />
LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH<br />
Mahatma Gandhi. On arrival in<br />
Dasada you will drive to the Little<br />
Rann of Kutch, and perhaps spot<br />
the famous wild ass and migratory<br />
birds from the nearby marshlands.<br />
Overnight in Dasada.<br />
SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE<br />
Day 03 Ahmedabad -<br />
Dasada (126 Kms / 4 Hrs)<br />
After breakfast, leave for<br />
Dasada, located on the edge<br />
of the little Rann of Kutch.<br />
En route, visit the<br />
Akshardham temple in<br />
Gandhi Nagar. This temple<br />
is one of the largest temple<br />
complexes in the state of<br />
Gujarat and is<br />
named<br />
after<br />
SOMNATH TEMPLE<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 04 Dasada - Bhuj (150 Kms / 4 Hrs)<br />
This morning, head to the local DSP/Collector's office to obtain<br />
your permit to visit the traditional Bania villages, where you will<br />
observe their art and culture. Some of the important villages near<br />
Bhuj are Bhujjodi, which is famous for weaving, Padhar and<br />
Dhaneti, famous for traditional Ahir embroidery, Dhamanka<br />
which is known for block printing, and Anjar, also famous for<br />
block printing. In the evening, explore Bhuj; this is the western<br />
most citiy in the country. Overnight in Bhuj.<br />
Day 05 Bhuj - Rajkot (260 Kms / 6 Hrs)<br />
After breakfast, leave for Rajkot. The city of Rajkot has a rich<br />
history and played a significant role in the Independence<br />
movement of <strong>India</strong>. Post lunch, visit the Watson Museum, which<br />
houses objects from <strong>India</strong>'s colonial past. Spend some time<br />
exploring the city before returning to your hotel. Overnight in<br />
Rajkot.<br />
ASIATIC LION AT SASAN GIR<br />
Day 06 Rajkot - Sasangir (180 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning, leave for Sasan Gir… this wildlife sanctuary is the<br />
only surviving habitat of the Asiatic lion. Sasan Gir is a dry<br />
deciduous habitat for the lions, dominated by short and gnarled<br />
teak trees , thorn bushes and grassland. On arrival, you will leave<br />
for a jeep safari to the Sasan Gir lion sanctuary. Other than the<br />
lions, mammals a visitor will normally encounter in the forest are<br />
Nilgai, Sambar, Chousinga, Wild Boar, Ruddy Mongoose,<br />
Langurs, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, <strong>India</strong>n<br />
Porcupine, Chinkara and domestic cattle<br />
owned by the Maldharis, a unique clan of<br />
graziers who live cheek by jowl with the<br />
lions in Gir. Overnight in Sasan Gir.<br />
Day 07 Sasangir - Somnath - Diu<br />
(120 Kms / 3 Hrs)<br />
Today, head to Diu. This fishing<br />
town is an island off the south coast
of Gujarat.<br />
It was<br />
DIU FORT once a<br />
Portugues<br />
e colony<br />
like Goa. En route, visit Somnath; mythology has it that the<br />
original Somanth Temple was built by the Moon God himself. On<br />
arrival in Diu you will have some free time to relax and unwind on<br />
the beach. Overnight in Diu.<br />
Day 08 Diu - Bhavnagar (200 Kms / 4 Hrs)<br />
After breakfast, visit the Diu Fort. This monument boasts<br />
TAKTEASHWAR<br />
traditional Gujarati culture. Post lunch,<br />
visit the Takteshwar Temple, a<br />
popular landmark situated on a<br />
hillock with wonderful views<br />
of the surrounding<br />
landscape. You will also<br />
visit the Lock Gate,<br />
which is a popular<br />
tourist spot situated<br />
near the docks; the<br />
Lock Gate helps ships<br />
from stay afloat when<br />
the tide is low.<br />
Overnight in Bhavnagar.<br />
majestic stonework and was built in 1535.<br />
Also visit the famous churches in Diu that<br />
include St. Thomas' Church, which has<br />
now been converted into a museum. It<br />
houses artifacts dating back to when Diu<br />
was under Portuguese rule. Afterwards,<br />
leave for Bhavnagar. This relatively young<br />
city is an important trading post for cotton<br />
products. This city offers visitors a chance<br />
to absorb myriad shades of<br />
Day 09 Bhavnagar - Palitana -<br />
Vadodara (340 Kms / 6 Hrs)<br />
PALITANA TEMPLE<br />
After breakfast, visit Palitana, a religious<br />
Jain city. At Palitana, some 1300 Jain temples grace<br />
the top of a lonely, rocky hill in the middle of nowhere; mostly<br />
small but beautifully carved, many date back almost a thousand<br />
years. From the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd<br />
stone steps cut to facilitate climbing. Post lunch in Palitana, you<br />
will drive to Vadodara. This city has rich history and culture with<br />
a modern outlook, and is also called the garden city of Gujarat.<br />
Overnight in Vadodara.<br />
Day 10 Vadodara / Mumbai<br />
Today you will visit an ancient museum that is filled with amazing<br />
array of artifacts. Next, visit the Laxmi Vilas Palace. This Royal<br />
Family's residence is an extravagant building in the Indo-<br />
Saracenic style. The palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890 is<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
till date the residence of the royal family. It is reputed to have been<br />
the largest private dwelling built in the nineteenth century and<br />
four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The palace houses a<br />
LAXMI VILAS PALACE VADODARA<br />
remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze,<br />
marble & terracotta. Post lunch you will board your flight to<br />
Mumbai. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Mumbai.<br />
Day 11 Mumbai<br />
This morning, visit the Elephanta Caves;<br />
this is a complex of Hindu caves<br />
with beautiful high relief<br />
sculptures, and is a world<br />
heritage site. After lunch<br />
in the city, visit the<br />
Gateway of <strong>India</strong>.<br />
This monument,<br />
located on the<br />
waterfront in South<br />
Mumbai, was erected<br />
to commemorate the<br />
visit of King George V<br />
and Queen Mary in 1911.<br />
You will have time to wash,<br />
change and rest before heading<br />
to the airport to board your flight for<br />
your onward destination.<br />
ELEPHANTA CAVES
Foothills of the Himalayas<br />
12 Nights/ 13 Days<br />
Delhi - Kathgodam - Almora - 360 Leti - Corbettt - Ananda - Haridwar - Delhi - Onwards<br />
QUTUB MINAR<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi,<br />
you will be met and<br />
assisted by our<br />
representative. After<br />
you check in to your<br />
hotel, you will be given<br />
a small brief about your<br />
itinerary and <strong>India</strong>.<br />
Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 02 Delhi - Kathgodam<br />
After breakfast, visit Jama Masjid- the largest mosque in <strong>India</strong>,<br />
commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the<br />
mosque can accomadate about 25,000 worshippers. Take a<br />
rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old<br />
Delhi. Noisy, chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for its varied<br />
shops, restaurants and confectioners. Next, drive past the Red Fort,<br />
Rashtrapati Bhavan and several other colonial government<br />
buildings in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi before heading to Rajghat, the<br />
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple edifice marks the spot<br />
where the Mahatma was cremated in 1948. A visit to Rajghat is an<br />
innately moving experience.After lunch, visit the Qutab Minar. This<br />
is the tallest brick minaret in the world, commissioned by<br />
Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. His successors<br />
continued to enhance the structure, with the final storey being<br />
added in 1386.After an early dinner, take the overnight train to<br />
Kathgodam and enjoy your journey in the world's largest rail<br />
network, initiated during the British Raj. Overnight on train.<br />
Day 03 Kathgodam - Almora (90 Kms / 2 Hrs)<br />
On arrival in Kathgodam, drive to Almora. This<br />
picturesque town offers stunning panoramic<br />
views of the Himalayas. Almora boasts an<br />
abundance of cultural heritage, natural<br />
beauty and wildlife. On arrival in<br />
Almora, unwind and relax before you<br />
take a walk to the waterfall and<br />
Lakhudiar, passing the ravines along<br />
the banks of the Balta River, and<br />
towards the Bintola village. The path takes<br />
you through beautiful gorges and waterfalls.<br />
Walk up to the Dhaulikhan hilltop, where the trail<br />
leads you towards the villages of Pali and Reeta. Here you will<br />
discover the famous Kali temple complex. You will also explore the<br />
Vishnu temple believed to date back to the 9th century. Enjoy a<br />
packed a lunch and follow the irrigation channels upwards through<br />
the beautiful Kaphal trees towards Lakhudiar, famous for its<br />
prehistoric rock art. Overnight at<br />
Almora.<br />
Day 04 Almora - 360 Leti Hotel ( 50<br />
Kms / 2 Hrs & 1 hrs trek )<br />
After breakfast, head to the 360 Leti<br />
Hotel. Perched on a small plateau<br />
8,000 feet above sea level, 360° Leti<br />
ALMORA<br />
basks in spectacular<br />
panoramic views. The<br />
peaceful and serene<br />
ambience allows you to<br />
truly appreciate the<br />
sound of the wind in the<br />
trees. On arrival you will<br />
be free to inhale the fresh<br />
Himalayan breeze and<br />
admire the Himalayan<br />
view (weather conditions<br />
permitting). Overnight at<br />
360 Leti.<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
360 LETI<br />
Day 05 360 Leti Hotel<br />
After breakfast, enjoy a<br />
walk from your hotel.<br />
You may take the Shiva<br />
Shrine walk, which is<br />
approximately a 3 hour<br />
round trip; from the<br />
360 LETI<br />
shrine you will feast your<br />
eyes on magnificent views of the Ramganga Valley, Heeramani<br />
Glacier and Nanda Kot. The path is relatively level and takes you<br />
through oak forests, passing streams and even a traditional<br />
flourmill. Here, you will also get an insight into the tough living<br />
conditions in the mountains, as you watch the locals carrying<br />
supplies to the farthest villages. Enjoy a picnic here before heading<br />
back to your hotel. Overnight at 360 Leti.<br />
Day 06 360 Leti Hotel<br />
This morning after breakfast, take the Khadaa<br />
Dhunga Walk. Khadaa Dhunga literally<br />
means, “standing rock”. This is a<br />
strenuous trek and is a five and a half<br />
hour round trip. From the hotel, a<br />
steep path leads you to a flat piece of<br />
pastureland. Here, you can see<br />
dramatic views of mountain peaks,<br />
including Nanda Devi, the highest peak<br />
in <strong>India</strong>. Since this is challenging walk,<br />
many people turn back before reaching this<br />
point, and though they see many other peaks, they<br />
miss out on Nanda Devi. You may choose to do this walk early in<br />
the morning to enjoy the sunrise. Overnight at 360 Leti.<br />
Day 07 360 Leti Hotel - Corbett ( 190 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, leave for Jim Corbett National Park. Named after<br />
the hunter turned conservationist<br />
Jim Corbett who played a key role in<br />
its establishment, this is the oldest<br />
national park in <strong>India</strong>. It houses<br />
around 110 tree species, 50 species<br />
of mammals, 580 bird species and 25<br />
reptile species. The endangered<br />
NANDA DEVI PEAK
ASIATIC ELEPHANT<br />
Bengal tiger of <strong>India</strong> resides here, as does the Asiatic elephant. Take<br />
the opportunity to experience a jeep or canter safari through<br />
Corbett National Park, where you will see many species of animals.<br />
And if you are lucky, you will spot the majestic, powerful big cat- the<br />
Royal Bengal Tiger. Overnight at Corbett.<br />
Day 08 Corbett<br />
Enjoy a safari in Corbett National Park. The feline residents of<br />
Corbett include<br />
leopards, the jungle cat,<br />
fishing cat and leopard<br />
cat. Other mammals<br />
include four kinds of<br />
deer, Sloth and<br />
Himalayan Black bears,<br />
<strong>India</strong>n Grey Mongoose,<br />
otters, yellow-throated<br />
martens, goatantelopes,<br />
<strong>India</strong>n<br />
pangolins, and langur<br />
and rhesus monkeys.<br />
Overnight at Corbett. ROYA BENGAL TIGER<br />
Day 09 / Day 11<br />
Corbett - Ananda ( 200 Kms / 6 Hrs 30 min )<br />
After breakfast, drive to Ananda in the Himalayas. Swirled in the<br />
sacred mists of time, nestled in the Himalayas is Ananda, a world<br />
class Destination Spa. Located in the tranquil Himalayan foothills,<br />
VIEW FROM ANANDA<br />
close to the mythological cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh,<br />
surrounded by graceful Sal forests, overlooking the peaceful Ganga<br />
as it meanders into the distance, Ananda is the spiritual pathway to<br />
the ultimate, discovered<br />
through the union of<br />
body, mind and<br />
soul. Overnight<br />
at Ananda.<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 10 Ananda<br />
Enjoy the various<br />
wellness regimes at<br />
SPA AT ANANDA<br />
the hotel. The 24,000<br />
square foot spa offers an<br />
extensive menu of over 79 body a n d<br />
beauty treatments, integrating the traditional <strong>India</strong>n systems of<br />
Ayurveda with the more contemporary Western spa approach. The<br />
spa experience strives to achieve the ultimate<br />
harmony between the physical and the mental<br />
realms of the individual. Overnight at Ananda.<br />
Day 11 Ananda<br />
Experience Ananda Spa cuisine, which will be<br />
carefully recommended for your body type.<br />
Grounded in Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta<br />
combined with contemporary international<br />
therapies, Ananda's food concept is based<br />
incorporating key principles from Ayurveda.<br />
Overnight at Ananda.<br />
Day 12 Ananda<br />
- Delhi<br />
After breakfast, you will either<br />
board the train to Delhi from<br />
Haridwar or leave for Dehradun<br />
PIZCHIL TREATMENT<br />
to catch your flight back to Delhi.<br />
On arrival in Delhi, check into<br />
your hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal. Overnight in<br />
Delhi.<br />
Day 13 Delhi- Onwards<br />
After breakfast, visit Humayun's tomb. Commissioned by<br />
Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562, it was the first<br />
garden tomb built in the <strong>India</strong>n sub-continent. The Persian architect<br />
used red sandstone on a large scale and this UNESCO world<br />
heritage site represented a huge leap for Mughal architecture. After<br />
lunch in the city you will be free to for last minute shopping. After<br />
dinner, head to the airport<br />
for your flight to your<br />
onward destination.<br />
HUMAYUN’S TOMB
Coast to Coast Drive <strong>India</strong>n Ocean to Arabian Sea<br />
13 Nights/14 Days Chennai - Tirupati - Vijayawada - Nagarjuna Sagar - Hyderabad - Bidar -<br />
Gulbarga - Bijapur - Badami - Hospet - Hampi - Hubli - Goa - Mumbai<br />
TIRUPATI TEMPLE<br />
Day 01 Chennai<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will<br />
be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into<br />
your hotel. Overnight in<br />
Chennai.<br />
Day 02 Chennai - Tirupati ( 160 Kms / 4 Hrs )<br />
This morning, drive to Tirupati. Visit the famous temple in<br />
Tirumala, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, reportedly the richest<br />
and the most visited place of worship in the<br />
TIRUPATI BALAJI world. You can choose to either walk up the<br />
steps to the top of the hill, or drive up in<br />
comfort. According to legend, the temple<br />
has a self-manifested murti (deity). The<br />
temple is believed to have a particular<br />
signification for newlyweds as it is believed<br />
to be place where Lord Venkateswara<br />
married Padmavathy. Overnight in Tirupati.<br />
Day 03 Tirupati - Vijayawada (407 kms /<br />
6 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning, leave for Vijaywada, the<br />
cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, famous<br />
for its temples, trade and commerce. On<br />
arrival, visit the Kondapali village, famous for skilled craftsmen<br />
making unique wooden toys. You will also visit a temple dedicated<br />
to the Goddess Kanaka Durga, which plays<br />
an important role in local celebrations.<br />
Overnight in Vijaywada.<br />
Day 04 Vijayawada - Nagarjuna Sagar<br />
(200 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, visit Nagarjuna Sagar, a<br />
prominent Buddhist center and tourist spot.<br />
In the afternoon you will visit the Nagarjuna<br />
Konda, a historical Buddhist town where<br />
excavations revealed Buddhist relics in<br />
1926. You will also visit Anupu…Anupu<br />
possesses fine examples of ancient<br />
Buddhist life. Reconstructed sites<br />
include a 3rd century vihara, an<br />
amphitheater with acoustics, stupas,<br />
monasteries, a university, a sacrificial<br />
altar and a stadium. Overnight in<br />
Nagarjuna Sagar.<br />
NAGARJUNAKONDA<br />
STUPA AT NAGARJUNAKONDA<br />
Day 05 Nagarjuna Sagar -<br />
Hyderabad ( 200 Kms / 6 Hrs<br />
This morning drive to Hyderabad. This<br />
city has developed into one of the<br />
major hubs for the information<br />
technology industry in <strong>India</strong> which has<br />
earned it the additional sobriquet<br />
'Cyberabad'. The city of Hyderabad has<br />
a glorious history and is also famous for<br />
its pearls. In the afternoon, visit the<br />
Ananda Buddha Vihara, a complex<br />
created for the revival and promotion<br />
of Buddhist culture. Overnight in<br />
Hyderabad.<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
ANANDA BUDDHA VIHAR<br />
Day 06 Hyderabad<br />
Today, visit the Golconda Fort from where the Deccan was once<br />
ruled, famous for its incredible acoustics. The region was also<br />
renowned for its diamonds. Post lunch, visit the Char Minar, an<br />
impressive structure with four minarets built in the Islamic style.<br />
You will also visit the Nizam's museum to see a breathtaking<br />
collection of antiques The core of the museum is a rich collection of<br />
souvenirs, gifts, mementos and models presented to the VII Nizam<br />
on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 1927 and later.<br />
Overnight in Hyderabad.<br />
Day 07 Hyderbad - Bidar ( 135 Kms / 4 Hrs ) & Bidar -<br />
Gulbarga ( 120 Kms / 3 Hrs )<br />
This morning drive to Gulburga, which<br />
showcases many ancient monuments of the<br />
Bahamani rulers from the 13th to the 15th<br />
century. En route you will visit Bidar, another<br />
important historical town associated with the<br />
Bahamani rulers.<br />
Explore the city,<br />
and visit the<br />
Gurudwara<br />
Nank Jhira<br />
Sahib Sikh<br />
temple. It is believed that Guru<br />
Nanak visited the area when the region BIDAR FORT<br />
was suffering from drought. Overnight in<br />
Gulbarga.<br />
Day 08 Gulbarga - Bijapur ( 170 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, leave for Bijapur, an ancient town dotted with<br />
mosques, palaces and mausoleums. Post lunch, you will visit the Gol<br />
Gombaz, a tomb that boasts the second largest dome in the world.<br />
You will also visit the Ibrahim Raza, a beautiful<br />
mausoleum that may have inspired the Taj<br />
Mahal. Visit the Malik-e-Maidan, meaning the<br />
'lord of the battlefield', the largest medieval<br />
cannon in the world with the nozzle shaped<br />
like a lion's head. Overnight in Bijapur.<br />
GOL GUMBAZ
ENTRANCE TO BADAMI CAVES<br />
Day 09 Bijapur - Badami ( 150 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, drive to Badami to explore the Badami Caves. The<br />
Cave Temples here are brilliant example of <strong>India</strong>n rock-cut<br />
architecture. Carved out<br />
of soft sandstone in the<br />
late 6th century, the caves<br />
represent different<br />
religious sects. You will<br />
also visit the Aihole<br />
temple complex before<br />
heading to Pattadakal,<br />
famous for its<br />
monuments dating back<br />
AIHOLE TEMPLE<br />
to the 8th century. Built<br />
under the patronage of<br />
the Chalukyan Dynasty,<br />
the monuments display<br />
both the north <strong>India</strong>n Nagara and southern Dravidian styles of<br />
architecture. Overnight in Badami.<br />
Day 10 Badami - Hospet ( 130 Kms / 4 Hrs )<br />
This morning, head to Hospet. Its tourist importance lies in its<br />
proximity to Hampi, the site of the medieval Vijayanagar Empire,<br />
situated about 13 kms away. Today<br />
Hospet is an important site for iron-ore<br />
mining. Overnight in Hospet.<br />
Day 11 Hospet - Hampi -<br />
ELEPHANT STABLES AT HAMPI Hubli ( 260 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
In the morning, visit the<br />
ruins at Hampi - the seat of<br />
the famed Vijayanagara Empire. This the capital of the largest<br />
empire in post-mogul <strong>India</strong>, covering several states and is place of<br />
historic and religious significance. The excavations here are almost<br />
like a vast open air<br />
museum. Although<br />
in ruins today, this<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of<br />
<strong>India</strong>. Later, drive to Hubli, an ancient city now famous for textiles<br />
and trade. Overnight in Hubli.<br />
GOA<br />
Day 12 Hubli - Goa ( 300 kms / 7 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, leave for<br />
Goa. Located on the<br />
western coast of <strong>India</strong>, Goa<br />
is the smallest <strong>India</strong>n state.<br />
Known for its sublime<br />
beaches and pretty,<br />
whitewashed churches,<br />
Goa still exudes its colonial<br />
Portuguese charm mingled<br />
with local flavours. On<br />
arrival in Goa, relax and<br />
HAMPI<br />
SE CATHEDRAL<br />
unwind on the Goan beaches.<br />
Overnight in Goa.<br />
Day 13 Goa<br />
This morning, visit the Se Cathedral.<br />
Consecrated in 1640, the cathedral is<br />
dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria.<br />
You will also see the Viceroy's Arch. The<br />
arch was built as a memorial to Vasco De<br />
Gama and stands on the jetty of Old<br />
Goa. It is said that every Viceroy had to<br />
pass through this arch before taking<br />
office. Overnight in Goa.<br />
Day 14 Goa / Mumbai<br />
After breakfast, head to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai.<br />
Here, you will have the opportunity to wash and change. After<br />
dinner, leave for the airport to board your flight for your onward<br />
destination.<br />
HAMPI
Southern Retreat<br />
13 Night/14 Days Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore -<br />
Karaikudi - Madurai - Munnar - Cochin - Kumarakum - Cochin TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 01 Chennai<br />
Arrive at Chennai. You<br />
will be met at the airport<br />
and escorted to your<br />
hotel. Overnight in<br />
Chennai.<br />
KANCHIPURAM<br />
Day 02 Chennai -<br />
Mahabalipuram (60<br />
Kms / 1 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning you will head to<br />
Mahabalipuram. En-route visit<br />
Kanchipuram, the Golden City of a<br />
Thousand Temples. Kanchi is the home of<br />
the widely acclaimed Kanchipuram hand<br />
woven silk sarees. On arrival in KANCHI<br />
Mahabalipuram, visit the temple complex. SILK<br />
Mahaballipuram was the main port of the<br />
Pallava Dynasty from 5th to 9th century.<br />
Today it has been declared a<br />
world heritage site by UNESCO,<br />
boasting some of <strong>India</strong>'s most<br />
sublime rock-cut art. The Shore<br />
Temple showcases beautiful bas<br />
reliefs including one 100 ft. long<br />
and 45 ft. high carved out of<br />
granite. The most important<br />
ARJUNA’S PENANCE<br />
structures are the Five Rathas<br />
named after he famous five<br />
Pandava brothers of the<br />
Mahabharata fame. Krishna's<br />
Butterball is a giant natural rock<br />
perched on a hillside, seemingly in<br />
defiance of all laws of physics.<br />
Arjuna's Penance is a giant basrelief<br />
filled with detailed carvings,<br />
KRISHNA’S BUTTERBALL including a family of elephants<br />
and monkeys. Evening free to<br />
walk around and relax at the<br />
beaches of Mahabalipuram. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.<br />
Day 03 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100 Kms / 2 Hrs 30 )<br />
After breakfast, leave for Pondicherry. The city is referred as the<br />
‘Quintessence of French Culture’. On arrival you will visit the Shri<br />
Aurobindo Ashram. This world renowned ashram was founded in<br />
the year 1926, by Shri Aurobindo, a revolutionary turned Yogi from<br />
Bengal along with The Mother (Mira Alfassa), a French painter and<br />
sculptor. The nearby Auroville is a universal township for a<br />
population of up to 50,000 people from around the world.<br />
Auroville is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed<br />
ongoing experiment into sustainable living and the future cultural,<br />
environmental,<br />
SRI ARROBINDO STATUE AUROVILLE<br />
social and spiritual<br />
needs of mankind.<br />
Later, take a<br />
rickshaw ride through the Tamil and<br />
French colonies and local markets.<br />
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local<br />
restaurant. Overnight in<br />
Pondicherry.<br />
Day 04 Pondicherry - Tanjore<br />
(187 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
This morning drive to Tanjore. En-<br />
NANDI BULL<br />
CHIDAMBARAM<br />
route visit the famous 9th century<br />
Shiva Temple at Chidambaram -<br />
one of the most ancient and most<br />
celebrated shrines in <strong>India</strong>. It is of<br />
great religious as well as historic<br />
and cultural significance.<br />
Chidambaram is associated with<br />
Nataraja or Shiva in his Ananda<br />
Tandava pose (the Cosmic<br />
Dance of bliss). Arrive in<br />
Tanjore by afternoon and check-in to your hotel. Late afternoon,<br />
enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tanjore. The Brihadeshwara temple has a<br />
gigantic lingam cut in a monolithic rock is about 8.7mtrs height.<br />
There is a huge Nandi within<br />
the vicinity of the temple. It is<br />
the second largest monolithic<br />
Nandi in the country. The dome<br />
of the temple rests on a single<br />
granite rock which resembles<br />
the Egyptian pyramids.<br />
Continue your tour with a visit<br />
to Tanjore Palace & Museum.<br />
The Palace is a vast structure of<br />
outstanding architecture built<br />
partly by the Nayaks and partly by the Marathas around 1550 AD.<br />
The Royal museum displays many relics of the kings who ruled the<br />
palace - clothes, hunting weapons, head gear and much more.<br />
Overnight in Tanjore.<br />
TANJORE PALACE<br />
Day 05 Tanjore - Trichy (60 Kms / 1 hr 30 one way)<br />
Today, proceed to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), situated on the banks of<br />
the river Cauvery. The town and its fort were built by the Nayaks of<br />
Madurai. It was one of the main centers around which the Carnatic<br />
wars were fought in the 18th century, during the British-French<br />
struggle for supremacy in <strong>India</strong>. Visit the Rock Fort Temple, a<br />
spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which<br />
rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. Some 432<br />
steps are cut into the rock side and interspersed with shrines leading<br />
up to the top. At the very top is the ancient temple dedicated to<br />
Ganapati. Visit Thiruvanaikkaval, which is one of the most revered<br />
temples to Shiva; it is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams dedicated<br />
to the 5 elements of<br />
ROCK TEMPLE TRICHY<br />
nature. The primordial<br />
element water, is<br />
represented by an<br />
undying natural spring
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE<br />
in the sanctum. Later, drive back to Tanjore. Overnight in Tanjore.<br />
Day 06 Tanjore - Karaikudi (100 Kms / 2 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning you will leave for Karalkudi; on arrival, visit a typical<br />
Chettinad village, and see some of the local temples to appreciate<br />
the culture and architecture. Overnight in Karalkudi.<br />
Day 07 Karaikudi - Madurai (100 Kms / 2 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning, leave for Madurai.<br />
On arrival, visit the Meenakshi<br />
Temple- the heart and lifeline of<br />
the 2500 year old city of Madurai.<br />
The complex houses 14<br />
magnificent Gopurams or towers,<br />
including two golden Gopurams<br />
for the main deities. Continue to<br />
the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak, an<br />
TIRUMALAI NAYAK PALACE Indo-Saracenic building<br />
constructed in 1523. It was built<br />
with the help of an Italian Architect and is a classic fusion of<br />
Dravidian, Islamic and European styles. The Swarga Vilasam, which<br />
served as the audience hall, features a dome that rises to a height of<br />
20m without support of any kind. In the evening, re-visit the<br />
Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony at the<br />
temple. Overnight in Madurai.<br />
Day 08 Madurai - Munnar (170 Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
After breakfast, drive through beautiful winding roads surrounded<br />
by picture postcard tea estates, towards Munnar. Set at an<br />
altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the<br />
favored summer resort of the erstwhile British<br />
rulers. Visit the tea plantations; tea lovers will<br />
be particularly fascinated by the various<br />
stages of tea processing. Overnight in<br />
Munnar.<br />
Day 09 Munnar<br />
Day at leisure to walk around the tea<br />
plantations, enjoy small treks and savour the<br />
beauty of this lovely tea town. Overnight in<br />
Munnar.<br />
Day 10 Munnar - Cochin (150 Kms / 4 Hrs 30)<br />
Today you will drive to Cochin. Kochi, formerly known as Cochin,<br />
iis one of the principal seaports of the country. It was an important<br />
spice-trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast since the 14th century.<br />
In the evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance. The most<br />
spectacular form of dance- drama in <strong>India</strong>, the origins of Kathakali<br />
go back 500 years. Overnight in Cochin.<br />
Day 11 Cochin<br />
After breakfast, explore the city of Cochin. Fort Cochin is home to<br />
some of the oldest European<br />
architecture in <strong>India</strong> and unlike the<br />
bustling Ernakulum, the twin cities<br />
KATHAKALI<br />
MUNNAR<br />
CHINESE FISHING NETS<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry have preserved an extraordinary<br />
wealth of early colonial architecture spanning the Portuguese,<br />
Dutch and the British eras. Walk to the church of St Francis, the<br />
oldest European-built church in <strong>India</strong>. The gravestone of Vasco-da-<br />
Gama, the first European to reach <strong>India</strong> by sailing around Africa, is<br />
a major attraction there. Explore the amazing Chinese Fishing Nets,<br />
strung out along the tip of the peninsula. It is believed that these<br />
were introduced to Kochi by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.<br />
Continue to the Jewish Quarter where you visit the historic<br />
synagogue, built over 400 years ago. The Synagogue itself is<br />
elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with<br />
blue and white ceramic tiles. You will also visit the Mattancherry or<br />
Dutch Palace, constructed in 1555. It houses some of the finest<br />
murals of Hindu temple art. Overnight in Cochin.<br />
Day 12 Cochin -<br />
Kumarakum (65 Kms / 1<br />
Hrs 30 )<br />
This morning drive to<br />
Kumarakom, a cluster of<br />
little islands on Vembanad<br />
Lake. Situated on the<br />
backwaters, it is an idyllic,<br />
serene getaway from<br />
civilisation. Kumarakom<br />
KUMARAKOM<br />
is noted for its bird<br />
sanctuary, where many<br />
species of migratory birds visit. In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise<br />
through the calm green waters, watching rural life on the<br />
palm fringed canals. Overnight in Kumarakom.<br />
Day 13 Kumarakom<br />
Morning at leisure. During the day, you can<br />
choose to avail of the different activities<br />
available at the resort. Get pampered with<br />
some soothing Ayurvedic treatments.<br />
Ayurveda is the ancient <strong>India</strong>n science of<br />
holistic healing, where a variety of natural<br />
herbs, powders, poultices and oils are used to<br />
cure innumerable ailments the natural way.<br />
Alternatively, enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters<br />
with lunch. After lunch, the boat will take you to through the<br />
backwaters to Alleppey. Enjoy the spectacle of the vast paddy fields<br />
that surround these beautiful backwaters. The boat will stop in<br />
villages for you to experience a glimpse of the village life in rural<br />
Kerala. The villagers will be happy<br />
to invite you to sip a freshly picked AYURVEDIC THERAPY<br />
raw coconut from their own fields.<br />
Overnight in Kumarakom.<br />
Day 14 Kumarakom - Cochin (<br />
60 Kms / 1 Hrs )- Onwards<br />
Post lunch, drive to Kochi Airport<br />
to proceed to your onward<br />
destination.
Temple Tour<br />
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Tiruvannamali - Pondicherry - Kumbakonam - Tanjore -<br />
Chettinad - Madurai - Cape Camorin - Kovalam - Trivandrum TAMARIND<br />
Day 01 Chennai<br />
Arrive at Chennai.<br />
You will be met at<br />
the airport and<br />
escorted to your<br />
hotel. Overnight in<br />
Chennai.<br />
Day 02 Chennai -<br />
Kanchipuram -<br />
Mahabalipuram<br />
(170 Kms / 3 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning, explore Chennai, starting with a visit to St George<br />
Fort, which is the first British fort in <strong>India</strong> built in 1639. It now<br />
houses a museum with<br />
artifacts from <strong>India</strong>'s<br />
colonial period. Later,<br />
head to Mahabalipuram,<br />
enroute visiting<br />
Kanchipuram-the city<br />
of a 1000 temples. It is<br />
also the home of the<br />
widely acclaimed<br />
Kanchipuram hand<br />
woven silk sarees.<br />
Explore the<br />
FORT ST GEORGE<br />
Ekambareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; this is one of the<br />
Panchabhuta Sthalams, and represents the element Earth. Also visit<br />
Kailasanath Temple, one of the oldest in the area, . On arrival in<br />
Mahabalipuram, you will have<br />
free time to unwind at the<br />
beach. Overnight in<br />
Mahabalipuram.<br />
Day 03 Mahabalipuram<br />
After breakfast, visit Arjuna's<br />
Penance, a huge bas-relief<br />
monolith depicting the<br />
THE FIVE RATHAS<br />
Mahabharata, dating back to<br />
the 7th Century. Later, visit<br />
the Five Rathnas, five shrines that have been designated World<br />
Hertiage sites. Each of the shrines is a monolith carved out of pink<br />
granite and named after the five Pandava brothers from the<br />
Mahabharata. You will visit the Shore Temple, which overlooks the<br />
Bay of Bengal; built in the 8th century, this Temple is a fine<br />
example of a structural temple built from granite.<br />
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.<br />
Day 04 Mahabalipuram -<br />
Tiruvannamalai ( 160 Kms / 3 Hrs 30 )<br />
Today, proceed to the temple town of<br />
Tiruvannamalai; this is an important<br />
pilgrimage town for followers of Lord<br />
Shiva. Visit the magnificent Shiva Temple<br />
of Arunachaleshwar, which is also one of<br />
the Panchabhuta Sthalams. It represents<br />
KANCHIPURAM TEMPLE<br />
CARVING<br />
TOURS<br />
the element of fire... Lord Shiva is said to have manifested himself<br />
in the form of a massive column of fire. Overnight in<br />
Tiruvannamalai.<br />
Day 05 Tiruvannamali - Pondicherry (140 Kms / 3 Hrs)<br />
This morning you will head to Pondicherry where you will visit the<br />
Aurobindo Ashram,<br />
founded in 1926 by Shri<br />
Aurobindo. The<br />
teachings of Shri<br />
Aurobindo continue to<br />
find followers and<br />
influence thought both<br />
in <strong>India</strong> and the west.<br />
Nearby Auroville is a<br />
universal township in<br />
the making for a<br />
population of up to<br />
50,000 people from around the world, and is recognised as the first<br />
and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment into<br />
sustainable living and<br />
the future cultural,<br />
environmental, social<br />
and spiritual needs of<br />
mankind. Take a walk<br />
around the city or visit<br />
the flower market of<br />
Pondicherry before<br />
Pondicherry.<br />
ARUNACHALESHWAR<br />
TEMPLE<br />
GANAGAKONDA CHOLAPURAM<br />
returning to your hotel<br />
to spend the night.<br />
Overnight in<br />
Day 06 Pondicherry - Kumbakonam (140 Kms / 3 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning you will leave for Kumbakonam, where two rivers<br />
bind this beautiful temple city. En<br />
route you will visit the temples of<br />
Darasuram that date back to the<br />
second half of the 12th century,<br />
followed by a visit to Gangakonda<br />
Cholapuram temple. This structure<br />
is an architectural marvel and is<br />
renowned for having the biggest<br />
Shivalingam in Southern <strong>India</strong>. On<br />
arrival in Kumbakonam,<br />
SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM<br />
SARANGAPANI TEMPLE<br />
CARVING<br />
you will visit the<br />
Sarangapani temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu-<br />
one of the famous Vaishnava temples in Tamil<br />
Nadu. The Kumbeshwara Temple is<br />
dedicated to Shiva…legend has it that the<br />
temple was created on a lingam that was<br />
fashioned by Lord Shiva himself. Next you<br />
will visit the Nageshwara temple, perhaps<br />
one of the oldest temples in the region.<br />
Overnight in Kumbakonam.
Day 07 Kumbakonam - Thanjavur ( 37 Kms / 1 Hrs ) &<br />
Thanjavur - Chettinad ( 102<br />
Kms / 2 Hrs 30 )<br />
Today you will head to<br />
Chettinad; the region of<br />
Chettinad is well known for its<br />
cultural heritage and its culinary<br />
delicacies. En route, you will<br />
visit Thanjavur, where you will<br />
see the Brihadisvara Temple.<br />
This temple is a testament to the<br />
major architectural<br />
achievements of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD. The<br />
temple is the first one to be built completely in granite. Also visit the<br />
Bronze museum in Thanjavur, housing a collection of bronze<br />
artifacts of rare artistic quality. Overnight in Chettinad.<br />
Day 08 Chettinad<br />
Today you will explore the<br />
Chettinad village; here you will<br />
experience the culture and<br />
traditions of the region first<br />
hand. The central theme of<br />
Chettinad culture is worship<br />
and every Chettinad village has<br />
at least one temple, while some<br />
have four or even five. You can<br />
also visit the famous Athangudi<br />
tile factory and see how these<br />
famous handmade terracotta<br />
tiles are patterned and sundried.<br />
Overnight in Chettinad.<br />
DETAIL OF BRIHADISVARA TEMPLE<br />
BRIHADISVARA TEMPLE<br />
A CHETTINAD MANSION<br />
Day 09 Chettinad - Madurai ( 115 Kms / 2 Hrs 30 )<br />
Today, leave for Madurai. On arrival, visit the Tirumalai Nayak<br />
Palace. King Tirumalai Nayak built this unique palace with the help<br />
of an Italian architect. The building was started circa 1620 and<br />
blends Dravidian, Islamic and<br />
European styles. The Swarga Vilasam,<br />
which served as the audience hall,<br />
features a dome that rises to a height of<br />
20m without support of any kind. You<br />
will then visit the Meenakshi Temple-<br />
the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year<br />
old city of Madurai. This temple has<br />
stunning architecture and is significant<br />
testimony to the Dravidian<br />
architectural and sculpting skills.<br />
The complex houses 14<br />
magnificent Gopurams or towers,<br />
including two golden Gopurams<br />
for the main deities. Evening at<br />
leisure to walk around and explore<br />
the local market. Overnight in<br />
Madurai.<br />
Day 10 Madurai - Cape<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE<br />
Comorin (250 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
KUMARI AMMAN TEMPLE<br />
This morning, head to Cape<br />
Comorin, the southernmost tip<br />
of the <strong>India</strong>n Peninsula. Visit the<br />
Kumari Amman Temple. Located close to the shore, this temple is<br />
dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari. Also visit the<br />
Gandhi memorial. Built in the style of an Orissan temple, this<br />
monument allows people to pay homage to Gandhi, the<br />
ambassador of peace.<br />
Overnight in Cape Comorin.<br />
Day 11 Cape Comorin -<br />
Kovalam ( 65 Kms / 1 Hrs 30 )<br />
After breakfast, head to the<br />
stunning beaches of Kovalam.<br />
The name Kovalam means<br />
'grove of coconut trees' and the<br />
name does not disappoint. The<br />
beaches of Kovalam with their<br />
endless expanse of coconut<br />
groves are truly idyllic. Evening<br />
at leisure. Overnight in<br />
Kovalam.<br />
Day 12 Kovalam<br />
You can spend the day enjoying the fun and relaxation that the<br />
beaches of Kovalam have to offer. Get pampered with some<br />
soothing Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurveda is the ancient <strong>India</strong>n<br />
science of holistic healing, where a variety of natural herbs,<br />
powders, poultices and oils are used to cure innumerable ailments<br />
the natural way. Even the perfectly<br />
MADURAI PALACE<br />
healthy can benefit with its stress<br />
reducing and rejuvenating treatments.<br />
Overnight in Kovalam.<br />
Day 13 Kovalam - Trivandrum ( 16<br />
Kms / 30 Mins )<br />
Post lunch, drive to Trivandrum Airport<br />
to proceed to your onward destination.
Tiger and Temple<br />
7 Nights/8 Days<br />
Delhi - Agra - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho - Varanasi TAMARIND<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into your hotel. Overnight in Delhi<br />
Day 2 Delhi-Agra (200<br />
Kms / 5 Hrs)<br />
After breakfast, visit<br />
Jama Masjid- the largest<br />
mosque in <strong>India</strong>,<br />
commissioned by<br />
Emperor Shah Jahan.<br />
The courtyard of the<br />
mosque can accomadate<br />
about 25,000<br />
worshippers. Take a<br />
rickshaw ride around RAJGHAT<br />
Chandni Chowk, the<br />
busiest market in Old<br />
Delhi. Noisy, chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for its varied<br />
shops, restaurants and confectioners. Next, drive past the Red Fort,<br />
Rashtrapati Bhavan and several other colonial government<br />
buildings in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi before heading to Rajghat, the<br />
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple edifice marks the spot<br />
where the Mahatma was cremated in 1948. The words ‘He Ram’,<br />
meaning ‘O God’ are inscribed on the shrine. A visit to Rajghat is an<br />
innately moving experience. In the afternoon, drive to Agra,<br />
stopping for lunch enroute. Overnight in Agra.<br />
Day 3 Agra - Bhandavgarh<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The epitome of love, a<br />
poem in marble… the Taj Mahal is one of the most graceful and<br />
extravagant monuments in the world. A symbol of the devotion of<br />
Emperor Shah Jehan for his<br />
TAJ MAHAL<br />
JAMA MASJID<br />
TOURS<br />
beloved queen DETAIL OF TAJ MARBLE INLAY WORK<br />
Mumtaz Mahal, the<br />
Taj is a befitting<br />
tribute to love. A pure<br />
white marble<br />
structure, Taj acquires<br />
different shades at<br />
different times of the<br />
day and with<br />
changing seasons.<br />
The soft pink color of<br />
the dawn and fiery<br />
shade that it acquires<br />
at dusk are all<br />
bewitching. It took 22<br />
years to complete this edifice with its intricate domes, delicate<br />
screens and stunning marble inlay work. Thousands of laborers<br />
were employed to construct the monument, that is replete with<br />
decorate inlays, carvings and calligraphy. Return to your hotel for<br />
breakfast. Later, visit Agra Fort. This is a 16th century<br />
Mughal fortress built of red sandstone and comprises<br />
many fairy tale palaces. Post lunch, board your<br />
overnight train to Umaria (Bandhavgarh). Overnight<br />
on train.<br />
Day 4 Bandhavgarh<br />
On arrival in Umaria you will further drive towards<br />
Bandhavgarh National Park. Bandhavgarh national<br />
park has a great deal of biodiversity, and the density of<br />
the Tiger population is the highest known in <strong>India</strong>.<br />
Bandhavgarh was once home white tigers, though<br />
none have been sighted in the last 50 years. In the<br />
evening, enjoy a jeep safari to explore the wildlife.<br />
Overnight in Bandhavgarh.<br />
Day 05 Bandhavgarh<br />
Early this morning,<br />
begin your jeep,<br />
enjoying the spectacular<br />
flora and fauna in<br />
Bandhavgarh. One of<br />
the highlights of this<br />
safari is tracking tigers<br />
on elephant back… an<br />
experience to be<br />
treasured for many years<br />
to come! Other animals<br />
to be seen in the<br />
grasslands are chinkara,<br />
chital, the rhesus<br />
macaque, the blackfaced<br />
langur, jungle cats,<br />
hyenas, porcupines,<br />
nilgai, chausingha, wild<br />
boar, as well as the<br />
BANDHAVGARH TIGER<br />
BANDHAVGARH CHITAL
PARASVNATH TEMPLE<br />
occasional jackal or fox.<br />
Return to your hotel for<br />
breakfast. Rest of the day at<br />
leisure. In the evening, you<br />
will continue your<br />
explorations of the region.<br />
Overnigh in Bandhavgarh.<br />
Day 06 Bandhavgarh -<br />
Khajuraho (265 Kms / 5<br />
Hrs)<br />
This morning<br />
after<br />
breakfast, leave for Khajuraho; Khajuraho is<br />
known for its legendary temples,<br />
belonging to both the Hindu and Jain<br />
faiths. Built between the 9th and the<br />
12th century, only 20 of the original 85<br />
temples survive. The facades of these<br />
temples are replete with erotic<br />
sculptures and depictions of dance,<br />
music and other creative arts. In the<br />
evening, visit the Eastern temples,<br />
situated close to the village. The three Jain<br />
temples<br />
here are the<br />
Parasvnath temple, the<br />
Adinath temple and the<br />
Ghantai temple. The three<br />
main Hindu temples are<br />
the Brahma, containing a<br />
four faced lingam, the<br />
Vamana, which is adorned<br />
on its outer walls with<br />
GHANTAI TEMPLE<br />
carving of apsaras in a<br />
variety of sensuous<br />
attitudes; and the Javari ,<br />
with a richly-carved gateway and exterior sculptures. Overnight in<br />
Khajuraho.<br />
Day 7 Khajuraho - Varanasi<br />
After a leisurely breakfast, head to the airport to catch your flight to<br />
Varanasi. The ancient city of Varanasi on the banks of the River<br />
Ganges is considered the holiest city for Hindu pilgrims. Hindus<br />
believe that bathing in the Ganges at Varanasi will wash away their<br />
EVENING AARTI IN VARANASI<br />
DETAIL OF SCULPTURE<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
sins. It is also considered a holy city for Buddhists, believed to have<br />
been designated a pilgrimage site by Gautama Buddha himself. A<br />
city of temples, art, literature and education, the atmosphere in<br />
Varanasi is completely unique. On arrival, check into your hotel. In<br />
the evening, you will witness the aarti ceremony at the ghats…the<br />
prayer ceremony is performed amidst pealing bells and hundreds of<br />
pilgrims. Ritual lamps are lit, signifying the light of wisdom, offering<br />
pilgrims the chance to purify themselves. The sunset ceremony is<br />
truly a mesmerising event. Overnight in Varanasi.<br />
Day 8 Varanasi- Delhi- Onwards<br />
Enjoy the sublime experience of an early morning<br />
boat ride on the Ganges. This enthralling<br />
experience will allow you to witness<br />
people offering their prayers at sunrise.<br />
Return to your hotel for breakfast.<br />
Around 9 am, head to Sarnath for an<br />
excursion. Sarnath is a holy<br />
pilgrimage site for Buddhists. After<br />
attaining enlightenment at Bodh<br />
Gaya the Buddha went to Sarnath;<br />
and it was here that he preached his<br />
first discourse in the deer park to set in<br />
motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma'. It is<br />
one of the most holy sites, as it was in this<br />
place the stream of the Buddha's teaching first<br />
flowed. The<br />
Ashoka Pillar at<br />
Sarnath survived the<br />
Turkish invasion<br />
but was broken<br />
during excavations.<br />
The base still stands<br />
in its original spot<br />
and has some<br />
interesting<br />
carvings.You will<br />
also visit the Sarnath<br />
Museum. Post an<br />
early lunch, board<br />
your flight to Delhi.<br />
DAWN ON THE RIVER GANGES<br />
On arrival, you will have the opportunity to wash and change before<br />
proceeding to the airport for your onward destination.<br />
DHARMEK STUPA SARNATH
Central <strong>India</strong><br />
13 Nights/14 Days Mumbai- Aurangabad - Ellora - Aurangabad - Ajanta - Jalgoan- Omkareshwar -<br />
Maheshwar - Mandu - Indore - Bhopal - Sanchi - Bhopal - Agra -Jaipur - Delhi TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 01 Mumbai<br />
On arrival in Mumbai,<br />
you will be met and<br />
assisted by our<br />
representative to check<br />
into your hotel.<br />
Overnight in Mumbai.<br />
Day 02 Mumbai -<br />
Aurangabad<br />
GATEWAY OF INDIA<br />
This morning, explore<br />
the city of Mumbai.<br />
The bustling metropolis of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) was<br />
originally a collection of tiny fishing villages. In the mid 18th<br />
century, Mumbai emerged as an important trading town. Since then,<br />
Mumbai has only grown in importance and today is the financial<br />
capital of <strong>India</strong>. Visit the Gateway of <strong>India</strong>, which is located on the<br />
waterfront in South Mumbai, and was erected to commemorate the<br />
visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Also visit Victoria<br />
Terminus, now called Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus which is a<br />
brilliant example of colonial<br />
architecture. In the afternoon, catch<br />
your flight to Aurungabad. Evening<br />
at leisure. Overnight in Aurangabad.<br />
Day 03 Aurangabad<br />
Today, visit the caves at Ellora.<br />
Ellora, with its sequence of<br />
ELLORA CAVES<br />
monuments dating from A.D. 600 to<br />
1000, brings the civilization of<br />
ancient <strong>India</strong> to life. Not only is the<br />
Ellora complex a unique artistic<br />
creation and a technological exploit<br />
but, with its sanctuaries devoted to<br />
Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it<br />
illustrates the spirit of tolerance that<br />
AJANTA CAVES<br />
was characteristic of ancient <strong>India</strong>.<br />
The caves at Ellora have been<br />
designated a World Heritage site<br />
and are the finest examples of <strong>India</strong>n rock cut architecture.<br />
Return to the city for a visit to the holy shrine of the<br />
Deccan Muslims, where the Mughal Emperor<br />
Aurungzeb is believed to be buried. Afterwards, visit<br />
the Bibi ka Maqbara; this mausoleum was<br />
constructed in the 17th century under the<br />
patronage of Prince Azam Shah, the son of<br />
Emperor Aurungzeb as a tribute to his mother.<br />
This monument has long been compared to the<br />
Taj Mahal. Overnight in Aurangabad.<br />
Day 04 Aurangabad - Ajanta ( 110 Kms / 2<br />
Hrs ) & Ajanta - Jalgaon ( 90 Kms / 2 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will visit the Ajanta Caves,<br />
another World Heritage Site. These ancient caves<br />
contain spectacular Buddhist paintings and<br />
sculptures dating back to the 2nd century BC. All<br />
AJANTA CAVES<br />
paintings show heavy religious influence and centre around<br />
Buddha, Bodhisattvas, incidents from the life of Buddha and the<br />
Jatakas. The paintings are executed on a ground of mud-plaster in<br />
the tempera technique. Post lunch, head to Jalgaon, a major center<br />
for trade and agriculture. Overnight in Jalgaon.<br />
Day 05 Jalgaon - Omkaleshwar -Maheshwar (240 Kms/ 6 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will have breakfast<br />
and leave for Maheshwar, a place<br />
famous for its historical temples and<br />
fine textiles. En route you will visit<br />
Omkareshwar temple, located on the<br />
banks of the Narmada River.<br />
OMKARESHWAR<br />
Omkareshwar, the sacred island, is<br />
shaped like the holiest of all Hindu<br />
symbols, 'Om', and the temple here is<br />
one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in <strong>India</strong>. On arrival in Maheshwar, stroll<br />
on the ghats of Narmada River.<br />
Day 06 Maheshwar - Mandu ( 60 Kms / 1 Hrs 30 )<br />
This morning you will have breakfast and leave for Mandu. Under<br />
Mughal rule, Mandu was a pleasure resort, and still has many<br />
magnificent structures in stone showing off its past. Each of<br />
Mandu's structures is an architectural gem, some of which provided<br />
inspiration to the master builders of the Taj Mahal centuries later.<br />
Post lunch, visit the Jahaz Mahal or<br />
ship palace, built between two<br />
artificial lakes. The palace has<br />
balconies and pavilions that overlook<br />
the water. Overnight in Mandu.<br />
Day 07 Mandu<br />
Today after breakfast visit the Jama<br />
JAMA MASJID<br />
Masjid; the great mosque of<br />
Damascus inspired this mosque.<br />
Opposite the Jama Masjid is the Ashrafi Mahal or the Palace of Gold<br />
Coins. Conceived as a madrassa (school for Islamic study), it was<br />
built by Mahmud Shah Khalji, the successor of Hoshang Shah. Cells<br />
made for resident students are still well preserved. Post lunch,<br />
visit the Rani Roopmati Pavillion followed by the Hathi<br />
Mahal, or 'Elephant Palace'. The pillars at the palace<br />
resemble the legs of an elephant and thus it found its<br />
name. Overnight in Mandu.<br />
Day 08 Mandu - Indore (100 Kms/2 Hrs 30)<br />
This morning, leave for Indore, situated on the<br />
banks of two rivers. Here you will visit Lalbagh,<br />
one of the best neo-classical palaces in the<br />
country. Once the residence of the Maharajas,<br />
it is now a museum. A blend of the baroque<br />
and renaissance<br />
styles, it is<br />
l a v i s h l y<br />
decorated with<br />
Italian marble<br />
LALBAGH
columns, grand<br />
MOTI MASJID BHOPAL<br />
chandeliers, rich<br />
Persian carpets,<br />
flying nymphs on the ceiling, Belgium stained glass windows, Greek<br />
mythological reliefs, Italian style wall paintings, and stuffed leopards<br />
and tigers. Later, visit Kanch ka Mandir, a Jain temple built entirely<br />
out of glass. The walls, ceiling, floor, pillars, doors are entirely inlaid<br />
with glass. Later, take a stroll in the local markets adjacent to the<br />
temple. Overnight in Indore.<br />
Day 09 Indore - Bhopal (225 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, leave for Bhopal. This city is known for its great<br />
scenic beauty and is dotted with lakes. Post lunch, visit the<br />
magnificent Moti Masjid, built by Qudsia Begum's daughter<br />
Sikander Jahan in 1860 A.D. It is identical in style to the Jama Masjid<br />
of Delhi. The two dark red minarets covered by golden spikes add to<br />
the grandeur of this beautiful masjid. Later, visit the Archeological<br />
Museum that contains paintings from various schools of art.<br />
Overnight in Bhopal.<br />
Day 10 Bhopal - Sanchi -<br />
Bhopal ( 46 kms / 1 Hrs ) and<br />
Bhopal -Agra<br />
Today after an early breakfast,<br />
leave for an excursion to Udaigiri;<br />
here you will see magnificent<br />
caves with fine examples of art<br />
from the Gupta period. You will<br />
UDAIGIRI CAVES<br />
also visit the<br />
renowned<br />
Sanchi Stupa. This dome shaped building has<br />
panels that are carved with drawings that depict<br />
the life of Buddha. You will also find Brahmi<br />
script carved at different places in the stupa.<br />
The stupas of Sanchi have been recognized as<br />
world heritage site by UNESCO. Return to<br />
Bhopal in time to board your train to Agra.<br />
SANCHI STUPA<br />
Day 11 Agra<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal ...one of the<br />
most graceful and extravagant monuments in the world. A symbol<br />
of the devotion of Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen<br />
Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is a befitting tribute to love. A pure white<br />
marble structure, Taj acquires different shades at different times of<br />
the day and with changing seasons. The soft pink color of the dawn<br />
and fiery shade that it acquires at dusk are bewitching. It took 22<br />
years to complete this edifice with its intricate domes, delicate<br />
screens and stunning marble inlay work. Later, visit Agra Fort. This<br />
is a 16th century Mughal fortress built in red sandstone and<br />
comprises many fairy tale<br />
palaces. Also visit Itimad Ud TAJ MAHAL<br />
Daulah; this is a mausoleum<br />
commissioned by the Mughal<br />
Empress Noor Jehan for her<br />
father. Overnight in Agra.<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 12 Agra - Jaipur ( 250 Kms/ 5 Hrs )<br />
Today, leave for Jaipur. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, followed by<br />
lunch. Built by the emperor Akbar about 35 kms from Agra,<br />
Fatehpur Sikri had to be abandoned due to shortage of water. It is<br />
the best example of the amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim<br />
architecture. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial<br />
place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. Overnight in<br />
Jaipur.<br />
Day 13 Jaipur<br />
This morning, explore the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. Visit the famous<br />
Amber Fort, set in picturesque and<br />
rugged hills. It is a fascinating blend of<br />
Hindu and Mughal architecture. The fort<br />
is made in red sand stone and white<br />
marble. Prominent structures inside are<br />
the Diwan-i-Aam, adorned with latticed<br />
galleries, the Ganesh Pol with a beautiful<br />
painted image of Lord Ganesh, and the<br />
stunning Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated<br />
with thousands of tiny mirrors. The best<br />
way to explore the fort is to ride up to it<br />
on elephant back! Post Lunch you will<br />
visit the City Palace; which is a palace<br />
complex built by Maharaja Sawai Jai<br />
Singh. Many of the rooms have been<br />
turned into museums and galleries<br />
allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of<br />
Rajasthan's regal<br />
CITY PALACE<br />
CITY PALACE<br />
past. Visit the City Palace…the architecture is a<br />
synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The<br />
museums here showcase rare and ancient<br />
manuscripts, arms dating back to the 15th<br />
century, and costumes of erstwhile royalty.<br />
Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory,<br />
comprising fourteen major geometric devices<br />
for measuring time and determining celestial<br />
altitudes. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 14 Jaipur - Delhi ( 250 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
After an early breakfast, leave for Delhi. On arrival, have lunch in<br />
the city and afterwards explore Old Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride<br />
around Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi. Noisy,<br />
chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for its varied shops,<br />
restaurants and confectioners. Next, drive past the Red Fort,<br />
Rashtrapati Bhavan and several other colonial government<br />
buildings in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Later, explore <strong>India</strong> Gate, one of<br />
the largest war memorials in <strong>India</strong>. Designed by Edward Lutyens, it<br />
commemorates the thousands of soldiers that lost their lives during<br />
the First World War. Later<br />
you will head to the airport<br />
airport for your onward<br />
destination.
Pugmarks<br />
8 Nights/9 Days<br />
Delhi- Corbett - Delhi - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
ROYAL BENGAL TIGER<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check in to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 02 Delhi - Corbett (296 Kms / 6 Hrs 30 )<br />
After breakfast, leave for Jim Corbett National Park. Named after<br />
the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role<br />
in its establishment, this is the oldest national park in <strong>India</strong>. It<br />
houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of<br />
mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The<br />
endangered Bengal tiger of <strong>India</strong> resides here, as does<br />
the Asiatic elephant. Take the opportunity to<br />
experience a jeep or canter safari through Corbett<br />
National Park, where you will see many species of<br />
animals. And if you are lucky, you will spot the<br />
majestic, powerful big cat- the Royal Bengal Tiger.<br />
Overnight at Corbett.<br />
Day 03 Corbett<br />
Enjoy a safari in Corbett National Park. The feline<br />
residents of Corbett include leopards, the jungle cat, fishing cat and<br />
leopard cat. Other mammals include four kinds of deer, Sloth and<br />
Himalayan Black bears, <strong>India</strong>n Grey Mongoose, otters, yellowthroated<br />
martens, goat-antelopes, <strong>India</strong>n pangolins, and langur and<br />
rhesus monkeys. Overnight at Corbett.<br />
Day 04 Corbett -<br />
JAMA MASJID<br />
Delhi ( 296 Kms<br />
/ 6 Hrs 30 )<br />
After an early<br />
breakfast, leave<br />
for Delhi. The<br />
eternal Jamuna<br />
river bears<br />
witness to the<br />
glorious and<br />
tumultuous 5,000<br />
year old history of<br />
Delhi… which<br />
began with the<br />
creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas, as related in the<br />
Mahabharata. Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with<br />
power and imperial sway. Since Mughal times through to most of<br />
the British Raj, the city has<br />
been the political capital of<br />
the country. Today, it<br />
continues to be the capital of<br />
the nation as a bustling<br />
metropolitan city that<br />
proudly carries images of its<br />
glorious past. On arrival in<br />
Delhi, have lunch and CHANDNI CHOWK<br />
proceed to explore the Jama<br />
Masjid, the largest mosque in<br />
<strong>India</strong>, with a courtyard that can hold about 25,000 worshippers.<br />
Take a rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in<br />
Old Delhi. Noisy, chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for its<br />
varied shops, restaurants and confectioners. In the evening, drive to<br />
<strong>India</strong> Gate- one of the largest war memorials in <strong>India</strong>. Designed by<br />
Edward Lutyens, it commemorates the thousands of soldiers that<br />
lost their lives during the First World War. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 05 Delhi - Ranthambore<br />
RANTHAMBORE FORT ENTRANCE TEMPLE AT RANTHAMBORE FORT<br />
This morning, take a train to Ranthambore National Park, which is<br />
one of the largest national parks in the country. The park is famous<br />
for its tigers and is one of the best locations in <strong>India</strong> to see the<br />
majestic predator in its natural habitat. The dry deciduous forests<br />
make tiger spotting easy. The park lies at the edge of a plateau, and is<br />
bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the<br />
Chambal River. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore fortress,<br />
which lies within the national park. Ranthambore is also home to<br />
one of the largest banyan trees in <strong>India</strong>, and is<br />
considered a heritage site because of<br />
the pictorial ruins that dot the<br />
wildlife park. Evening at leisure.<br />
Overnight in Ranthambore.<br />
Day 06 Ranthambore<br />
Begin the day with a jeep<br />
safari in Ranthambore<br />
National Park, allowing you<br />
to observe the flora and<br />
fauna of the region. Animals<br />
you will see other that the<br />
tiger include Leopards,<br />
Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer,<br />
Chital, Nilgai, Common or
Hanuman langurs,<br />
Macaques, Jackals,<br />
BANYAN TREE Jungle cats,<br />
Caracals, Sloth<br />
bears, and Black bucks. The park also has a large number of reptiles<br />
such as Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards,<br />
Cobras and Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles. The area is a dream come<br />
true for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Apart from the<br />
natural beauty of the region, the park contains<br />
historical monuments - including a fort, ruined<br />
pavilions, wells, and other remnants of the past.<br />
Return to your hotel for breakfast and relax. In<br />
the evening you will continue your jeep safari<br />
through Ranthambore and its amazing wildlife.<br />
Overnight in Ranthambore.<br />
Day 07 Ranthambore - Bharatpur ( 250 Kms<br />
/ 6 Hrs )<br />
Today after breakfast, leave for Bharatpur. In<br />
the evening, visit<br />
the Bharatpur bird<br />
sanctuary. This<br />
sanctuary is unique<br />
as it was actually<br />
man-made. The<br />
Maharaja of<br />
Bharatpur created<br />
an artificial lake<br />
and dam in the area<br />
to store the water<br />
that was brought in<br />
by the annual<br />
floods. This<br />
created a habitat<br />
BHARATPUR<br />
for the flora and<br />
fauna of the<br />
region. The<br />
highlight of the area is the thousands of migratory birds that come<br />
from as far away as Siberia, to spend the winters. Overnight in<br />
Bharatpur.<br />
Day 08 Bharatpur -<br />
FatehpurSikri -Agra (55<br />
Kms/1 Hrs 30 Mins )<br />
This morning drive to<br />
Agra. The city of Agra is<br />
believed to have been<br />
founded in 1504 by Sultan<br />
Sikander Lodi. The glory<br />
of Agra was at its peak<br />
during the reign of Akbar,<br />
Jehangir and Shah Jahan.<br />
The city is home to the<br />
BULAND DARWAZA AT<br />
FATEHPUR SIKRI<br />
BHARATPUR<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Taj Mahal and other fine examples of Mughal architecture. En route<br />
to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, followed by lunch. Built by the<br />
emperor Akbar about 35 kms from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri had to be<br />
abandoned due to shortage of water. It is the best example of the<br />
amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Tomb of<br />
Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who<br />
lived a religious life here. After checking into your hotel, visit the<br />
Red Fort in the evening. The Red Fort, also called the Agra Fort, was<br />
commissioned in 1565 by Akbar. The<br />
beautiful yet forbidding structure is a<br />
perfect example of North <strong>India</strong>n Mughal<br />
architecture. Later, stroll through a local<br />
bazaar. Overnight in Agra.<br />
Day 09 Agra - Delhi ( 204 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at<br />
sunrise. The epitome of love, a poem in<br />
marble… the Taj Mahal is one of the most<br />
graceful and extravagant monuments in<br />
the world. A symbol of the devotion of<br />
Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved<br />
queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is a befitting<br />
tribute to love. A pure white marble structure, Taj acquires different<br />
shades at different times of the day and with changing seasons. The<br />
soft pink color of the dawn and fiery shade that it acquires at dusk<br />
are bewitching. It took 22 years to complete this edifice with its<br />
intricate domes, delicate screens and stunning marble inlay work.<br />
Thousands of laborers were employed to construct the monument,<br />
that is replete with decorative inlays, carvings and calligraphy.<br />
Return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, drive back to Delhi. Check<br />
into your hotel in Delhi, and leave on a sightseeing trip to explore<br />
the government buildings in Delhi. The government buildings in<br />
Delhi are an ode to British Colonial architecture, spearheaded by the<br />
architect Edward Lutyens. Next you will visit Rajghat, the<br />
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple edifice marks the spot<br />
where the Mahatma was cremated in 1948. A visit to Rajghat is an<br />
innately moving experience. You will have the opportunity to wash<br />
and change before proceeding to the airport for your onward<br />
destination.
Land of Lamas<br />
11 Nights/ 12 Days<br />
Delhi- Leh- Pangong Lake- Leh -Lamayuru - Themisgang - Uleytokpo - Leh - Nubra - Leh - Delhi TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
SHANTI STUPA LEH<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check<br />
into your hotel.<br />
Overnight in Delhi<br />
Day 02 Delhi / Leh<br />
This morning after an<br />
early breakfast, leave to<br />
catch your flight to<br />
Leh. On arrival you<br />
will need to rest in Leh<br />
for few hours at get<br />
acclimatized to the<br />
altitude. Post lunch,<br />
head out to visit Shanti Stupa. Constructed by a Japanese Buddhist<br />
organization for world peace, the stupa is a magnificent whitedomed<br />
structure<br />
THIKSEY MONASTERY<br />
LEH<br />
offering spectacular<br />
views of the sunrise<br />
and sunset. Evening at<br />
leisure. Overnight in<br />
Leh.<br />
Day 03 Leh<br />
This morning after<br />
breakfast, set out to<br />
explore the<br />
monasteries in Leh.<br />
Begin with a visit to<br />
Thiksey monastery. One of the finest examples of Ladakhi<br />
architecture, this 12-storey monastery<br />
contains numerous statues, wall<br />
paintings and sacred shrines. Later, visit<br />
the Hemis monastery which was<br />
constructed in 1630, and is the largest<br />
monastery in the region. It is managed<br />
by the Drukpa sect of Buddhists. The<br />
annual Hemis festival honoring<br />
HEMIS MONASTERY<br />
Padmasambhava is<br />
held here in early June.<br />
Thereafter, explore the<br />
Shey Monastery or<br />
Gompa and the Shey<br />
Palace complex …<br />
these structures are<br />
located on a hillock in<br />
Shey, to the south of<br />
Leh. Shey was the<br />
summer capital of<br />
Ladakh in the past. The BUDDHA AT SHEY MONASTERY<br />
palace, mostly in ruins<br />
now, was built first in 1655, by the king of Ladakh, Lhachen<br />
Palgyigon. It was used as a summer retreat by the kings of Ladakh.<br />
The Shey Monastery was also built in 1655 on the instructions of<br />
Lhachen Palgyigon, within the palace complex. It is noted for its<br />
giant copper and gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha.<br />
It is said to be the second largest such statue in Ladakh. Overnight in<br />
Leh.<br />
Day 04 Leh - Pangong Lake ( 145 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
Today after breakfast, you will head to Pangong Lake; the drive to<br />
Pangong Lake is perhaps the most scenic journey in the Himalayas.<br />
This beautiful journey is unforgettable, and you will find many<br />
picturesque spots where you can capture t h e s e<br />
moments on camera. The lake its<br />
elf is situated at an altitude<br />
of 14,000 feet. The<br />
international border<br />
of <strong>India</strong> and China<br />
bisects it, and the<br />
surrounding<br />
region is being<br />
identified as a<br />
wetland of<br />
international<br />
importance. You will<br />
have lunch en route at a local<br />
LAKE PANGONG<br />
restaurant, and can enjoy a walk around<br />
village of Tanchang and Pangong Lake. Overnight at Pangong Lake.<br />
Day 05 Pangong Lake - Leh ( 145 Kms / 6 Hrs)<br />
This morning you will head back to Leh; again, the drive is<br />
breathtaking and defies description. On arrival in Leh you will have<br />
free time to walk around in the Tibetan market and absorb the local<br />
customs. Overnight in Leh.<br />
Day 06 Leh - Lamayuru ( 140 Kms<br />
5 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will head for Lamayuru;<br />
en route you will visit Likir, a small town<br />
famous for its Monastery. On arrival in<br />
Lamayuru , head for a visit to the<br />
Lamayuru Monastery. It is believed that
the monastery was<br />
originally built in<br />
LAMARUYU MONASTERY<br />
the 11 century and<br />
guarded by the<br />
spirits of two great serpents. One of the oldest monasteries in the<br />
region, Lamaruyu is set against a stark landscape making views spell<br />
binding. Overnight in Lamaruyu.<br />
Day 07 Lamayuru - Themisgam ( 40 Kms / 1 Hrs )<br />
This morning, leave for Themisgam. You will visit<br />
the ruins of the fortress before heading to the<br />
Themisgam Monastery. The barren and<br />
remote setting of the monastery<br />
makes this visit an unforgettable<br />
one. Overnight in Themisgam.<br />
Day 08 Themisgam -<br />
Uleytokpo ( 35 Kms / 1 Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, you will leave<br />
for Uleytokpo, en-route you will<br />
visit the Ridzong Monastery and<br />
the Thardot Cheoling Nunnery.<br />
The monastery is very isolated and<br />
the monastic community follows strict<br />
rules and regulations. This Gelugpa (yellow<br />
h a t )<br />
monastery is about<br />
120 years old and contains<br />
beautiful wall paintings.<br />
The nunnery is home to<br />
about 30 nuns. Since the<br />
nunnery is so remote, the<br />
nuns live an austere life.<br />
Overnight in Uleytokopo.<br />
RIDZONG MONASTERY<br />
Day 09 Uleytokpo - Leh<br />
(75 Kms / 3 Hrs )<br />
This morning after breakfast head back to Leh; en-route you will<br />
visit Alchi. The Alchi Gompa is renowned and celebrated<br />
monastery in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, the monastery is<br />
famous for its paintings and architecture. On arrival in Leh you will<br />
have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Leh.<br />
Day 10 Leh - Nubra ( 128 Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
This morning after breakfast, head for the Nubra Valley. This valley<br />
of flowers is perhaps the most inexplicably beautiful place you can<br />
visit. Once a trading route through the Karakoram ranges from<br />
ROAD TO NUBRA VALLEY<br />
Tibet to Turkistan, it<br />
was only recently<br />
opened to tourists.<br />
There is only one road<br />
to Nubra valley: the<br />
road from Leh,<br />
through Khardungla<br />
pass, the world's<br />
h i g h e s t<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
motorable road. On arrival in Nubra,<br />
visit the Hunder Monastery. The<br />
monastery has some old frescos<br />
and a statue of the Buddha. It<br />
is also the best place to view<br />
the sunset. Overnight in<br />
Nubra Valley.<br />
Day 11 Nubra - Leh ( 128<br />
Kms / 6 Hrs )<br />
T h i s<br />
morning<br />
you will head<br />
to Leh with a<br />
packed lunch; en route<br />
you will visit Diskit. This is one of the<br />
larger villages of the region, and is dotted<br />
with apricot plantations. It is famous for its<br />
350-year-old Gompa - the oldest and largest<br />
monastery in the Nubra Valley. It belongs to<br />
the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan<br />
Buddhism. Nearby, there is a 100 foot tall<br />
THEMISGAM MONASTERY<br />
statue of Maitreya Buddha at the Shyok<br />
River, facing towards Pakistan as a symbol of<br />
world peace. Also visit the picturesque<br />
MAITREYA BUDDHA<br />
NUBRA VALLEY<br />
DISKIT GOMPA<br />
village of Sumur. You will see a<br />
stretch of beautiful sand dunes.<br />
The region is also the only place<br />
in <strong>India</strong> where you will find the<br />
double humped camel.<br />
Overnight in Leh.<br />
Day 12 Leh / Delhi<br />
Early morning, leave for the<br />
airport to catch your flight for<br />
Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, visit<br />
the Jama Masjid, which is the<br />
largest and perhaps the bestknown<br />
mosque in <strong>India</strong>. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan,<br />
and completed in 1656, the courtyard of the mosque can hold about<br />
25,000 worshippers. Also visit <strong>India</strong> Gate, one of the largest war<br />
memorials in <strong>India</strong>, designed by Edward Lutyens. Evening at<br />
leisure. After dinner, head to the airport to board your flight to your<br />
onward destination.
Beach Sojourn<br />
12 Nights/13 Days<br />
Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Chennai - Portblair - Havelock - Portblair - Chennai TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 01 Chennai<br />
Arrive at Chennai.<br />
You will be met at the<br />
airport and escorted to<br />
your hotel. Overnight<br />
in Chennai.<br />
Day 02 Chennai -<br />
Mahabalipuram ( 60<br />
KAILASNATH TEMPLE KANCHIPURAM Kms / 1 Hr )<br />
This morning you will<br />
head to Mahabalipuram. En-route visit Kanchipuram, the Golden<br />
City of a Thousand Temples. It is one of the oldest towns in <strong>India</strong>,<br />
and one of the seven sacred cities. Kanchi served as the capital of<br />
some of the mightiest empires of the South. It is also the home of<br />
the widely acclaimed Kanchipuram hand woven silk sarees.<br />
Evening at leisure to unwind on the beach. Overnight in<br />
Mahabalipuram.<br />
Day 03 Mahabalipuram<br />
This morning, visit the temple complex in Mahabalipuram. A small<br />
seaside village, Mahabalipuram<br />
was the main port of the<br />
Pallava Dynasty from 5th to<br />
9th century. Today, it has been<br />
declared a world heritage site<br />
by UNESCO, boasting some<br />
of <strong>India</strong>'s most sublime rockcut<br />
art. The Shore Temple<br />
showcases beautiful bas-<br />
BHEEMA RATHA<br />
SHORE TEMPLE<br />
reliefs, including one 100 ft.<br />
long and 45 ft. high carved out<br />
of granite. The monuments are<br />
mostly rock-cut and<br />
monolithic, and represent the<br />
early stages of Dravidian<br />
architecture. The most<br />
important are Five Rathas<br />
known after the famous five<br />
Pandava brothers of the<br />
Mahabharata fame. Krishna's<br />
Butterball is a giant natural rock<br />
perched on a hillside, seemingly<br />
in defiance of all laws of<br />
physics. Arjuna's Penance is a<br />
giant bas-relief filled with<br />
detailed carvings, including a<br />
family of elephants and monkeys. Evening free to walk around and<br />
relax at the beaches of Mahabalipuram.Overnight in<br />
Mahabalipuram.<br />
Day 04 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100<br />
Kms / 2 Hrs 30 )<br />
After breakfast, leave for Pondicherry. The<br />
city is referred to by names such as<br />
'Quintessence of French Culture', '<strong>India</strong>'s<br />
CHURCH IN PONDICHERRY<br />
Little France' and 'The French<br />
Riviera of the East'. On arrival you<br />
will visit the Shri Aurobindo<br />
Ashram. This world renowned<br />
ashram was founded in the year<br />
1926, by Shri Aurobindo, a<br />
revolutionary turned Yogi from<br />
Bengal along with The Mother<br />
(Mira Alfassa), a French painter and<br />
sculptor. The ashram attracts<br />
people from all over the world.<br />
Nearby Auroville is a universal<br />
township in the making for a MATRU MANDIR, AUROVILLE<br />
population of up to 50,000 people<br />
from around the world. Today<br />
Auroville is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed<br />
ongoing experiment in human unity - a reaserch into sustainable<br />
living and the future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual<br />
needs of mankind. Later, take a rickshaw ride through the Tamil and<br />
French colonies and local markets. Enjoy an authentic seafood<br />
dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Pondicherry.<br />
Day 05 Pondicherry - Chennai (170 Kms / 3 Hrs 30)<br />
After breakfast, leave for Chennai . On arrival, check into your<br />
hotel, and explore the city on your own. The 12-km long famous<br />
Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world. You could<br />
visit Fort St George, which is the first British fort in <strong>India</strong> built in<br />
1639. It now houses a museum with artifacts from <strong>India</strong>'s colonial<br />
period. The Kapeeleshwar<br />
MARINA BEACH<br />
Temple is the biggest temple<br />
in the city is a fine specimen<br />
of Dravidian architecture.<br />
The San Thome Cathedral at<br />
the southern tip of Marina<br />
features a beautiful stained<br />
glass window at the basilica,<br />
depicting the story of St<br />
Thomas and a central hall<br />
that has 14 wooden plaques<br />
depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. Overnight in Chennai.<br />
Day 06 Chennai / Portblair -<br />
Havelock<br />
This morning, leave for Chennai<br />
airport to catch your flight to Port<br />
Blair, capital of the Andamn<br />
Islands. Named after Lieutenant<br />
Archibald Blair who tried to<br />
establish a colony here in 1789,<br />
this exquisite island was<br />
previously associated with British CELLULAR JAIL<br />
colonial<br />
rule and the<br />
Independence struggle. The infamous<br />
Cellular Jail is located here on Ross Island.
HAVELOCK ISLAND<br />
HAVELOCK BEACH<br />
Port Blair was also headquarters of Subhash Chandra Bose's <strong>India</strong>n<br />
National Army. The islands are a treasure house of marine life that<br />
thrives in the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal. On arrival, board the<br />
government ferry at the Port Blair jetty, which will take you to<br />
Havelock Island. (All boat tickets timings and availability are subject<br />
to sea and weather conditions, government permits and the<br />
Department of Shipping Schedule. The duration is<br />
between 2 hrs 30 to 4 hrs 30mts. You can also<br />
get to Havelock jetty from the Port Blair<br />
jetty via a privately chartered boat).<br />
Day 07 Havelock<br />
The beaches of Havelock in the<br />
Andaman Islands are some of<br />
the world's best-kept secrets.<br />
Many of the Andaman<br />
Islands are still uninhabited,<br />
and thanks to the efforts of<br />
environmentalists, the areas<br />
that are open to tourists retain<br />
their natural beauty. These<br />
beaches allow visitors reconnect<br />
with nature without the<br />
interruption of television, Internet or<br />
ringing telephones. It is almost<br />
DIVING AT HEVELOCK<br />
impossible to describe the region in words -<br />
suffice it to say, it is a little slice of paradise on earth!<br />
There are numerous dive sites in the Ritchies Archipelago which<br />
are very easily accessible from Havelock Island. Elephanta Beach is<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
a famous snorkeling spot, which is also very easily accessible.<br />
Overnight in Havelock.<br />
Day 08 Havelock<br />
Day at leisure. Overnight in Havelock.<br />
Day 09 Havelock<br />
Day at leisure.<br />
Overnight in Havelock.<br />
Day 10 Havelock -<br />
Port Blair<br />
After breakfast, board<br />
the government ferry<br />
from Havelock jetty. (<br />
All boat tickets timings<br />
and availability are<br />
subject to sea and<br />
weather conditions,<br />
government permits and<br />
the Department of<br />
Shipping Schedule. The<br />
duration is between 2<br />
hrs 30 to 4 hrs 30.<br />
Another option is to get<br />
to the Port Blair jetty via<br />
SUNSET AT HAVELOCK<br />
a privately chartered<br />
boat). On arrival, check<br />
in to your hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Port Blair.<br />
.<br />
Day 11 Portblair / Chennai<br />
This morning, head to the airport to catch you flight to Chennai. On<br />
arrival you will be free to explore the city, or to rest in the<br />
hotel and have dinner before you head to the<br />
airport to board your flight to your onward<br />
destination.
Beaches and Backwaters<br />
9 Nights/ 10 Days<br />
Cochin - Agatti - Bangaram - Cochin - Kumarakum - Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakum - Cochin TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 01 Cochin<br />
On arrival in<br />
Cochin, you will<br />
be met and<br />
assisted by our<br />
representative to<br />
check into your<br />
hotel. Post lunch,<br />
you can enjoy a<br />
leisurely walk<br />
KATHAKALI DANCE<br />
around the Fort<br />
Cochin area and<br />
ST FRANCIS CHURCH COCHIN soak up the local flavors. Fort<br />
Cochin has some of the finest<br />
European architecture in the region,<br />
influenced by the Portuguese and<br />
the Dutch. In the evening, witness a<br />
Kathakali dance performance. The<br />
most spectacular form of dancedrama<br />
in <strong>India</strong>, Kathakali is much<br />
more than a dance: it includes music,<br />
yoga, mime, use of gestures and<br />
facial expressions.Overnight in<br />
Cochin.<br />
the Bangaram Island will help you<br />
board your motorboat that will take you<br />
to the island. Between July and<br />
September, you can reach the island by<br />
helicopter as well. Overnight in<br />
Bangaram.<br />
Day 02 Cochin / Agatti ~<br />
Bangaram<br />
This morning after breakfast, leave<br />
for Cochin airport to catch a flight to<br />
Agatti. Here, a representative from<br />
BANGARAM<br />
BANGARAM ISLAND RESORT<br />
BANGARAM<br />
Day 03 Bangaram Island<br />
Spend the day exploring the magnificent Bangaram Island, which<br />
has pristine silver sand beaches, breathtaking blue lagoons, coral<br />
SCUBA DIVING<br />
reefs, and coconut palms. You can engage in a variety of water<br />
sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. The dive centre caters to<br />
beginners as well as experienced divers, and you can take your pick<br />
between reef dives, lagoon dives, deep dives and drift dives. There is<br />
a wide variety of marine life to be seen here, inclding corals,<br />
anemones, Mantas, turtles, stingrays, Angelfish, Leopard Morays<br />
and lots more. Bangaram Island is also an ideal place to enjoy deepsea<br />
fishing. Overnight in Bangaram.<br />
Day 04 Bangaram Island<br />
Day at leisure. Overnight in Bangaram.<br />
Day 05 Bangaram Island<br />
Day at leisure. Overnight in<br />
Bangaram.<br />
Day 06 Bangaram Island<br />
Day at leisure. Overnight in<br />
Bangaram.
KERALA VILLAGE<br />
Day 07 Bangaram -Agatti / Cochin/<br />
Kumarakum<br />
Post breakfast, head back to<br />
Agatti by boat to catch your<br />
connecting flight to<br />
Cochin. On arrival in<br />
Cochin you will leave for<br />
Kumarakum by road<br />
where you can spend rest<br />
of the evening in the<br />
resort at leisure.<br />
Kumarakom is a cluster of<br />
little islands on the Vembanad<br />
Lake in Kottayam, which have been<br />
developed into quaint resorts. It is situated<br />
on the backwaters and is an idyllic, serene getaway<br />
from civilisation. Amazing shades of green are visible in the<br />
mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields that cover the verdant<br />
countryside. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and<br />
fauna. Overnight in Kumarakom.<br />
Day 08 Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kumarakum<br />
This morning you will have free time before you board the<br />
houseboat at noon for a cruise on Vemband Lake, the largest<br />
backwater in Kerala. The lake is a natural habitat for a variety of<br />
marine and freshwater fish like Karimeen, and is also home to the<br />
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where many species of migratory birds<br />
KUMARAKOM BACKWATERS<br />
BIRD SANCTUARY ON LAKE VEMBANAD<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
visit. One can see plenty of native boats called kettuvalloms. Float<br />
through the calm green waters, watching rural life on the palm<br />
fringed canals, lakes and villages -a unique experience. The boat will<br />
stop in villages for you to experience a glimpse of the village life in<br />
rural Kerala. The villagers will be happy to invite you to sip a freshly<br />
picked raw coconut from their own fields. Enjoy the backwater<br />
cruise to Alleppey, which is also known as the Venice of the East.<br />
Alleppey has stunning pal-fringed canals and shores. You will have a<br />
traditional Kerala lunch on board the houseboat. After exploring<br />
the backwaters, head back to the hotel to have dinner and spend the<br />
night. Overnight in Kumarakom.<br />
powders,<br />
poultices and oils are used to<br />
cure innumerable ailments the<br />
natural way. Even the perfectly<br />
healthy can benefit with its<br />
stress reducing and<br />
rejuvenating treatments. Post<br />
lunch, drive to Kochi Airport to<br />
proceed to your onward<br />
destination.<br />
Day 9 Kumarakum - Cochin (60<br />
Kms/1 Hrs)<br />
Morning at leisure. You can<br />
choose to avail of the<br />
different activities<br />
available at the resort.<br />
Get pampered with some<br />
soothing Ayurvedic<br />
treatments. Ayurveda is<br />
the ancient <strong>India</strong>n science<br />
of holistic healing, where a<br />
variety of natural herbs,<br />
AYURVEDIC THERAPY
Steps to Heaven<br />
14 Nights/15 Days Delhi - Amritsar - Dharamshala - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Tsomorriri - Leh -<br />
Lamayuru - Themisgam - Uleytokpo - Leh -Delhi TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
GOLDEN TEMPLE<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our<br />
representative to check into your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 02 Delhi - Amritsar<br />
This morning, head to the station to<br />
board your train to Amritsar. On<br />
arrival, explore the city of Amritsar.<br />
Situated in the northwestern region of<br />
<strong>India</strong>, Amritsar is close to <strong>India</strong>'s<br />
border with Pakistan. The city is well<br />
known for the Golden Temple and its<br />
warm and hospitable people.Visit<br />
Jallianwala Bagh; in 1919, this park<br />
witnessed the massacre of hundreds<br />
of civilian women and children,<br />
spearheaded by British Brigadier-<br />
General Reginald Dyer. This event<br />
caused general unrest and agitations<br />
and was one of the precursors to<br />
<strong>India</strong>'s struggle for freedom. You will<br />
then visit the Wagah border, which is<br />
JALLIANWALA BAGH<br />
<strong>India</strong>'s only road crossing border with<br />
neighboring Pakistan. At this<br />
ceremonial border point, guards from<br />
both countries perform the 'lowering of<br />
the flags' every evening. This moving<br />
ceremony attracts many tourists on<br />
either side of the border. Overnight in<br />
Amritsar.<br />
Day 03 Amritsar - Dharamshala (220<br />
Kms / 6-7 Hrs )<br />
WAGAH BORDER<br />
Early this morning, visit the Golden<br />
Temple, the holiest shrine for the Sikh<br />
community. The 'langar' or community kitchen serves free meals all<br />
year round to roughly 40,000 visitors a day. Also known as the<br />
Harmandir Sahib, the temple is considered holy by Sikhs because<br />
the eternal Guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always<br />
present inside in it, and it was intended as a place of worship for<br />
people of all religions to come and worship God equally. Return to<br />
the hotel for breakfast and later head to Dharamsala. En-route visit<br />
the Brijeshwar Temple. This stone temple was constructed in the<br />
8th Century. On arrival in<br />
Dharamshala you will have even free<br />
to you will walk around the local<br />
bazaar. Overnight in Dharamshala.<br />
Day 04 Dharamshala<br />
This morning visit the village of<br />
McLeod Ganj, lying in the upper<br />
reaches of Dharamshala… it is known<br />
worldwide for housing the residence,<br />
temple and monastery of the 14th<br />
Dalai Lama. Visit the Tsuglagkhang<br />
Dalai Lama temple; in the early<br />
morning, you are welcome to<br />
participate as the monks chant and<br />
DALAI LAMA TEMPLE<br />
meditate. Across the Dalai Lama<br />
Temple courtyard is Namgyal<br />
Monastery. McLeod Ganj is a great tourist hangout, with plenty of<br />
shops, trekking companies and restaurants. It is also functions as the<br />
headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. Later, visit the<br />
Norbulingka Institute which was created to promote and preserve<br />
Tibetan culture in exile. Overnight in Dharamshala.<br />
Day 05 Dharamshala -<br />
Manali ( 250 Kms / 8 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will head<br />
to Manali; en-route stop at<br />
the Baijnath Temple,<br />
dedicated to Lord Shiva.<br />
The word Manali literally<br />
means 'the abode of Manu'.<br />
Legend has it that sage<br />
Manu stepped off his ark in<br />
Manali to recreate human<br />
life after a great flood had BAIJNATH TEMPLE<br />
deluged the world. Kullu,<br />
the district of Himachal Pradesh in which Manali is, goes by the<br />
epithet "Valley of the Gods". Adventure sports like skiing, hiking,<br />
mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and<br />
mountain biking, and the unique Yak Skiing can be enjoyed here.<br />
Overnight in Manali.<br />
Day 06 Manali - Jispa (147 Kms / 6-7 Hrs )<br />
This morning leave for Jispa with a packed lunch. The drive to this<br />
small village is<br />
breathtaking and<br />
you will have plenty<br />
of opportunities to<br />
capture the views<br />
on your camera.<br />
MANALI
JISPA<br />
Located on the Bagha river, Jispa is<br />
known for its sounds of nature and<br />
spectacular natural beauty. You will have<br />
the evening to enjoy the surroundings at<br />
leisure. Overnight in Jispa.<br />
Day 07 Jispa - Sarchu ( 75 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning have breakfast and leave for Sarchu, with a packed<br />
lunch. Again, the ride to Sarchu is just as memorable as the<br />
destination. Sarchu itself is surrounded by cold desert mountains.<br />
You will spend the night in a tented camp, equipped with Swiss<br />
Cottage style accommodation. Overnight in Sarchu.<br />
Day 08 Sarchu - Tsomoriri ( 173 Kms / 6-7 Hrs )<br />
Today you will leave for Tsomoriri with a packed lunch. En-route<br />
you will visit the Tsokar Lake. The lake has rich deposits of impure<br />
salt on its northern shore. You will visit the Polo Koanga Pass and<br />
Sungo village. On arrival, you can take a walk along the Tsomoriri<br />
Lake. The surprising clear blue water of the lake is considered sacred<br />
by locals. After dinner, spend the night at your camp. Overnight in<br />
Tsomoriri.<br />
Day 09 Tsomoriri - Leh (220 Kms / 6-7 Hrs )<br />
This morning, visit the Korzok Monastery which is situated on the<br />
western bank of the lake. This is one of the oldest settlements in the<br />
world, and is famous for its<br />
annual festival featuring the<br />
'Black Hat' dance. Later, drive<br />
to Leh. On arrival, check in to<br />
hotel. Overnight in Leh.<br />
Day 10 Leh<br />
This morning after breakfast,<br />
set out to explore the<br />
KORZOK MONASTERY monasteries in Leh. Begin<br />
with a visit to Thiksey<br />
monastery. One of the finest<br />
examples of Ladakhi architecture, this 12-storey monastery<br />
contains numerous statues, wall paintings and sacred shrines. Later,<br />
visit the Hemis monastery which was constructed in 1630, and is the<br />
largest monastery in the region. Thereafter, explore the Shey<br />
Monastery or Gompa and the Shey Palace complex … these<br />
structures are located on a hillock in Shey, to the south of Leh. Shey<br />
was the summer capital of Ladakh in the past. The Shey Monastery<br />
was built in 1655 on the instructions of Lhachen Palgyigon, within<br />
the palace complex. It is noted for its giant copper and gilded gold<br />
statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. It is said to be the second<br />
largest such statue in Ladakh. Overnight in Leh.<br />
Day 11 Leh - Lamayuru (140 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will head for Lamayuru; en route you will visit<br />
Likir, a small town famous for its Monastery. On arrival in<br />
Lamayuru , head for a visit to the Lamayuru Monastery. It is believed<br />
TSO MORIRI<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
that the monastery was originally<br />
built in the 11 century and guarded<br />
by the spirits of two great serpents.<br />
One of the oldest monasteries in the<br />
region, Lamaruyu is set against a stark<br />
landscape making views spell binding.<br />
Overnight in Lamaruyu.<br />
Day 12 Lamayuru - Themisgam ( 40 Kms / 1 Hrs<br />
)<br />
This morning, leave for Themisgam. You will visit the ruins of the<br />
fortress before heading to the Themisgam Monastery. The barren<br />
and remote setting of the monastery makes this visit an<br />
unforgettable one. Overnight in Themisgam.<br />
Day 13 Themisgam - Uleytokpo ( 35 kms / 1<br />
Hrs )<br />
After breakfast, you will leave for Uleytokpo,<br />
en-route you will visit the Ridzong Monastery<br />
and the Thardot Cheoling Nunnery. The<br />
monastery is very isolated and the monastic<br />
community follows strict rules and regulations.<br />
This Gelugpa (yellow hat) monastery is about<br />
120 years old and contains beautiful wall<br />
paintings. The nunnery is home to about 30<br />
nuns. Since the nunnery is so remote, the nuns<br />
live an austere life. Overnight in Uleytokopo.<br />
THARDOT PAINTINGS<br />
Day 14 Uleytokpo - Leh ( 75 Kms / 3 Hrs )<br />
This morning after breakfast head back to Leh;<br />
en-route you will visit Alchi. The Alchi Gompa is renowned and<br />
celebrated monastery in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, the<br />
monastery is famous for its paintings and architecture. On arrival in<br />
Leh you will have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Leh. On<br />
arrival you will visit Shanti Stupa. Constructed by a Japanese<br />
Buddhist organization for world peace, the stupa is a magnificent<br />
white-domed structure<br />
offering spectacular views of<br />
the sunrise and sunset. Evening<br />
at leisure.<br />
Day 15 Leh / Delhi<br />
Today you will have an early<br />
breakfast and leave for the<br />
airport to your catch flight to<br />
Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you<br />
SHANTI STUPA<br />
will visit the largest and perhaps<br />
the best-known mosquesin<br />
<strong>India</strong>- the Jama Masjid. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan,<br />
and completed in 1656, the courtyard of the mosque can hold about<br />
25,000 worshippers. You will drive past Red Fort of Delhi, and<br />
several colonial government buildings designed by Edward<br />
Lutyens. You will then return to the hotel for a wash and change,<br />
before you will head to the airport to catch your flight to your<br />
onward destination.
The Eastern Himalayas<br />
14 Nights/15 Days<br />
Delhi - Guwahati - Shillong - Tezpur - Kaziranga - Dibrugarh - Wakro - Dibrugarh - Delhi TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi,<br />
you will be met and<br />
assisted by our<br />
representative to check<br />
into your hotel.<br />
Overnight in Delhi.<br />
WOVEN ASSAMESE SILK<br />
Day 02 Delhi -<br />
Guwahati<br />
This morning, head to the airport to catch your flight to Guwahati.<br />
Post lunch in Guwahati you will take a cruise on the Brahmaputra<br />
River up to the Umananda Temple. Shiva is said to have resided here<br />
in the form of Bhayananda. In the evening, you will visit the<br />
Srimanta Sankardeva Kalashetra which is an arts and culture<br />
complex that displays local arts and crafts. The centre holds theatre<br />
workshops, seminars and literature festivals. Overnight in<br />
Guwahati.<br />
Day 03 Guwahati -<br />
Shillong ( 105 Kms /<br />
3 Hrs )<br />
Today you will visit the<br />
Kamakhya Temple;<br />
this temple has a<br />
beehive structure in the<br />
medieval style. It<br />
contains interesting<br />
sculpted panels with<br />
religious themes. Next,<br />
KAMAKHYA TEMPLE proceed to Sualkuchi,<br />
which is also known as<br />
the 'silk village'. The<br />
village is famous for its silk weaving industry and it produces some<br />
of the best qualities of Muga, Pat and Eri silk. Later, head to Haja,<br />
which has great religious significance since it includes shrines of<br />
three major religions- Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. After your<br />
sightseeing, drive to Shillong. Evening at leisure. Overnight in<br />
Shillong.<br />
Day 04 Shillong - Cherrapunjee - Shillong<br />
This morning, you will take a day trip to Cherrapunjee… the wettest<br />
place on earth. It has perennial rainfall (about 450 inches annually)<br />
along with an acute shortage of potable water! The local Khasi<br />
people have a matrilineal culture where husbands go and live with<br />
the wives after marriage. Children take on the mother's surname.<br />
Cherrapunjee is a place of immense natural beauty. Over hundreds<br />
of years, the Khasi people have created bridges using the living roots<br />
of the <strong>India</strong>n rubber tree to create bridges to help them cross rivers<br />
and streams. Overnight in Shillong.<br />
CHERAPUNJI<br />
LIVING BRIDGES<br />
Day 05 Shillong<br />
This morning, visit the museum<br />
at the Don Bosco Centre for<br />
Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC).<br />
This seven-floor museum<br />
houses several galleries that<br />
include prehistoric artifacts,<br />
weaponry, costumes and<br />
ornaments. Later, explore the GOLF COURSE<br />
Butterfly Museum, which<br />
shows some rare and exotic<br />
species of butterflies and moths,<br />
and learn about their habitat and<br />
life cycle. Also visit the Shillong<br />
Golf Course, which is the<br />
largest and wettest golf course<br />
in Asia. This is a naturally laid<br />
out course that is often called<br />
the St. Andrew's of the East.<br />
WARD’S LAKE<br />
You will also explore the area of<br />
Ward's Lake. This artificial lake<br />
is about a century old and a popular spot for taking walks and<br />
boating. Post lunch at a local restaurant, you have the option to visit<br />
the local market. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Shillong.<br />
Day 06 Shillong - Tezpur ( 220 Kms / 7 Hrs )<br />
This morning after breakfast you will leave for Tezpur. Situated on<br />
the north bank of the Brahmaputra, Tezpur is a beautiful and<br />
multifaceted city steeped in mythology and history, and is<br />
considered the cultural capital of Assam. The city abounds in<br />
archaeological sites, hills, lakes<br />
and gardens. Evening at<br />
leisure. Overnight in Tezpur.<br />
Day 07 Tezpur - Kaziranga (<br />
80 Kms / 2 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will have<br />
breakfast and have the rest of<br />
the morning to relax. Post<br />
lunch, you will head to<br />
KAZIRANGA<br />
Kaziranga. Kaziranga Wildlife<br />
Sanctuary is a vast expanse of<br />
tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf<br />
forests, crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the<br />
Brahmaputra. Apart from being a rich natural habitat for the great<br />
<strong>India</strong>n One-horned Rhinos, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary also has a<br />
sizable population of the Wild Buffalos and <strong>India</strong>n Elephants.<br />
Overnight in Kaziranga.<br />
Day 08 Kaziranga<br />
This morning take a mahout guided elephant<br />
safari in the central range of the park. This will<br />
give you an opportunity to observe the rhino at<br />
close quarters. Kaziranga is one of the few wild<br />
breeding areas outside Africa for multiple species
of large cats,<br />
such as <strong>India</strong>n<br />
Tigers and<br />
Leopards. It is<br />
also home to a<br />
variety of<br />
migratory birds,<br />
AHOM MONUMENT water birds,<br />
predators,<br />
scavengers, and<br />
game birds. Post lunch at the hotel, you will continue your safari by<br />
jeep. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Kaziranga.<br />
Day 09 Kaziranga - Sivasagar - Dibrugarh ( 220 Kms / 5 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will head to Dibrugarh; enroute you will stop at<br />
Sivasagar and visit the Ahom monuments and<br />
temples. The Ahoms ruled Assam for almost<br />
600 years until the arrival of the British. A<br />
cluster of structures built by the Ahoms still<br />
survive and include a palace, temples, tanks and<br />
amphitheatre. You will have lunch at Sivasagar<br />
before continuing your journey to Dibrugarh.<br />
On arrival, you will have the evening free to<br />
relax. Overnight at Dibrugarh.<br />
Day 10 Dibrugarh<br />
Early this morning, head to the Jokai Reserve<br />
Forest. This forest is full of interesting birdlife<br />
and has a meandering stream that adds to its<br />
charm. Post breakfast, take tour around a tea<br />
estate and soak in the luscious greenery and<br />
serenity around you. Later, head to the<br />
TEA GARDEN<br />
riverfront for a boat cruise on the mighty<br />
Brahmaputra River. The cruise will take you up<br />
to a river island in the midst of the Brahmaputra. En route you will<br />
see flocks of migratory birds, and perhaps even the elusive Gangetic<br />
River Dolphin. Overnight at Dibrugarh.<br />
Day 11 Dibrugarh - Wakro (190 Kms/4 Hrs )<br />
This morning you will head to Wakro; En-route, visit the village of<br />
Empong to see the<br />
Khampti tribes. The<br />
Khampti's are thought to<br />
be the descendants of the<br />
Tai Ahoms who<br />
migrated from Thailand<br />
in the early 13th century.<br />
You will also visit the<br />
Buddhist Gompa here,<br />
KHAMPTI TRIBE MISHIMI TRIBE which is the largest of the<br />
kind in the region.<br />
Overnight in Wakro.<br />
Day 12 Wakro<br />
This morning, visit the local Mishmi tribal villages including Kanjan,<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Thomba and Pukhuri. You will learn about the Mishmis, a tribe of<br />
nature worshippers, and one of the Mongoloid tribes of Indo-<br />
Burmese origins. The tribals<br />
have a unique style and<br />
language. Also visit<br />
Parasuramkund, which is<br />
considered a holy pilgrimage<br />
site for Hindus… thousands of<br />
pilgrims come here every year<br />
to take a dip in the Lohit River,<br />
especially in the month of<br />
January. Overnight in Wakro.<br />
Day 13 Wakro - Dibrugarh ( HANDLOOM PRODUCTS<br />
190 Kms / 4 Hrs This morning,<br />
return to Dibrugar; On arrival, visit the local<br />
market and temple. You will also visit a<br />
weaving center. Weaving is a common<br />
household activity in the region and a visit to<br />
the centre will show you how local patterns<br />
are woven and articles are made. Overnight in<br />
Dibrugarh.<br />
Day 14 Dibrugarh / Delhi<br />
This morning you will have breakfast and<br />
have some time at leisure. Later, head to the<br />
airport to catch your flight to Delhi.<br />
Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 15 Delhi<br />
After breakfast, visit Jama Masjid- the largest<br />
mosque in <strong>India</strong>, commissioned by Emperor<br />
Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can<br />
accomadate about 25,000 worshippers. Take<br />
a rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old<br />
Delhi. Noisy, chaotic and uniquely <strong>India</strong>n, it is famous for its varied<br />
shops, restaurants and confectioners. Next, drive past the Red Fort,<br />
Rashtrapati Bhavan and several other colonial government<br />
buildings in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi before heading to Rajghat, the<br />
memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple edifice marks the spot<br />
where the Mahatma was cremated in 1948. A visit to Rajghat is an<br />
innately moving experience. Later, visit Qutab Minar, which is the<br />
tallest brick minaret in the world, commissioned by Qutbuddin<br />
Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. His successors continued to<br />
enhance the structure, with the final storey added in 1386. Post<br />
lunch, visit Humayun's tomb which was commissioned by<br />
Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first<br />
garden tomb built in the <strong>India</strong>n sub-continent. Post dinner, head to<br />
the airport<br />
for your<br />
flight to your<br />
onward<br />
destination<br />
RED FORT
Snapshots of <strong>India</strong> and Nepal<br />
11 Nights- 12 Days<br />
Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 01 Delhi<br />
On arrival in Delhi, you<br />
will be met and assisted by<br />
our representative to<br />
check into your hotel.<br />
Overnight in Delhi.<br />
INDIA GATE<br />
Day 02 Delhi<br />
This morning, take a tour<br />
of Delhi. Start by exploring Old Delhi- visit the Jama Masjid, the<br />
largest mosque in <strong>India</strong>. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid<br />
holds 25000 worshippers. The Mosque was built in red sandstone<br />
and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride<br />
through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, heading to the Red<br />
Fort, or Lal Quila. Built in red stand stone by Shah Jahan in 1648,<br />
this magnificent monument is laid out along the river Yamuna.<br />
The entry to this splendid fort is from the Lahori Gate.<br />
Lal Quila houses a busy market place called the<br />
'Meena Bazaar', with an excellent collection of<br />
antiques, miniature paintings and skillfully<br />
crafted fake ivory jewellery. Later visit New<br />
Delhi, driving through its majestic<br />
boulevards. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan,<br />
the official residence of the President of <strong>India</strong>,<br />
and <strong>India</strong> Gate- a memorial in honor of 90,000<br />
soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War<br />
I. 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' or the flame of the immortal warrior is<br />
burning under it since 1971. Post lunch visit Humayun's Tomb, and<br />
the Qutab Minar, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5meter high with<br />
five distinct stories. Overnight in Delhi.<br />
Day 03 Delhi Jaipur (250kms / 5 hrs)<br />
This morning, drive to Jaipur. Arrive in Jaipur and check in at your<br />
hotel. Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. The 'Pink City'<br />
of Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, and the former capital of the<br />
princely state of Jaipur. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai<br />
Singh II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur is famous for its colorful culture,<br />
forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city has neat and broadly laid-out<br />
avenues, all painted pink, that give the city a magical glow, especially<br />
in the evenings. Overnight in Jaipur.<br />
Day 04 Jaipur<br />
This morning, visit the famous Amber Fort… a fascinating blend of<br />
Hindu and Mughal architecture. The fort is made in red sand stone<br />
and white marble, and it's rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner<br />
paradise. Prominent structures inside the fort are the Diwan-i-Aam ,<br />
adorned with latticed galleries , the Ganesh Pol with a beautiful<br />
painted image of Lord Ganesh, and the stunning Sheesh Mahal, a<br />
hall decorated with<br />
thousands of tiny<br />
mirrors. The best way<br />
to explore the fort is to<br />
ride up to it on elephant<br />
back! Post lunch visit<br />
the City Palace…the<br />
architecture is a<br />
DETAIL OF GANESH POL<br />
synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The museums here<br />
showcase rare and ancient manuscripts, arms dating back to the<br />
15th century, and costumes of erstwhile royalty. Visit the Jantar<br />
Mantar Observatory, comprising fourteen major geometric devices<br />
for measuring time, and determining celestial altitudes. Next, visit<br />
the Hawa Mahal, also known as the ”Palace of the Winds.” This<br />
beautiful façade is probably the most-photographed in Jaipur, with<br />
its ornately carved latticework windows designed so the ladies of the<br />
palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. Overnight in<br />
Jaipur.<br />
Day 5 Jaipur- Agra (240kms/ 5hrs)<br />
This morning, leave for Agra. The city of Agra is believed to have<br />
been founded in 1504 by Sultan Sikander Lodi. The glory of Agra<br />
was at its peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.<br />
En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, followed by<br />
lunch. Built by the emperor Akbar about 35 kms<br />
from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri had to be<br />
abandoned due to shortage of water. It is<br />
the best example of the amalgamation<br />
of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The<br />
Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti<br />
enshrines the burial place of the Sufi<br />
saint who lived a religious life here. On<br />
arrival in Agra you will visit Itimad Ud<br />
Daulah. This is a mausoleum commissioned by<br />
the Mughal Empress Noor Jehan for her father.<br />
Overnight in Agra.<br />
ITMAD UD DAULAH<br />
Day 06 Agra<br />
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The epitome of love, a<br />
poem in marble… the Taj Mahal is one of the most graceful and<br />
extravagant monuments in the world. A symbol of the devotion of<br />
Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj<br />
is a befitting tribute to love. A pure white marble structure, the Taj<br />
acquires different shades at different times of the day and with<br />
changing seasons. The soft pink color of the dawn and fiery shade<br />
that it acquires at dusk are bewitching. It took 22 years to complete<br />
this edifice with its intricate domes, delicate screens and stunning<br />
marble inlay work. Later, visit Agra Fort. This is a 16th century<br />
Mughal fortress built of red sandstone and comprises many fairy<br />
tale palaces. Rest of the afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight in<br />
Agra.<br />
Day 07 Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho (Train + 170 kms/3.5 hours<br />
road)<br />
This morning you will be escorted to the railway station for your<br />
train to Jhansi. Arrive in Jhansi and transfer to Khajuraho.<br />
Khajuraho is a famous<br />
archaeological site known for<br />
KHAJURAHO SCULPTURE<br />
its sculptured temples<br />
dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu,<br />
and Jain patriarchs. Only<br />
about 20 of the 85 original<br />
temples remain well
preserved. Late afternoon visit the Western group of temples that<br />
constitutes some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak,<br />
including some of the most erotic sculptures seen in a place of<br />
worship. The largest being the Kandhariya Mahadev dedicated to<br />
Lord Shiva, followed by a granite temple - Chaunsath Yogini.<br />
Overnight in Khajuraho.<br />
Day 08 Khajuraho - Varanasi<br />
This morning visit Eastern Group of Temples that comprise two<br />
historic Jain temples - the Adinath Temple lavishly embellished with<br />
sculpted figures,<br />
a n d t h e<br />
Parsvanath<br />
Temple, the<br />
largest Jain<br />
temple, sculpted<br />
with charming<br />
detail. Later<br />
proceed to the<br />
airport for the<br />
VARANASI GHATS<br />
KHAJURAHO<br />
flight to Varanasi.<br />
One of the oldest<br />
inhabited cities in<br />
the world, Varanasi is also known as Kashi and Benaras. Regarded<br />
as a holy city by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, Varanasi is closely<br />
associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious<br />
importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre for<br />
several thousand years. Late afternoon visit Sarnath where Lord<br />
Buddha had preached his first sermon… it is now a spiritual place<br />
filled with stupas, shrines and temples. In the evening, proceed to<br />
Dhaswashmedh Ghat and embark on a boat to witness the Hindu<br />
prayer ceremony 'aarti'. The river banks 'ghats' and temples are lit<br />
with oil-lamp and candles which create a magical effect. Devotees<br />
float the oil lamps in the water as an offering to the holy river.<br />
Overnight in Varanasi.<br />
Day 09 Varanasi - Kathmandu<br />
Early in the morning, enjoy a boat cruise on River Ganges. The calm<br />
beauty and serenity of dawn is the best time to soak in the ghats -<br />
hundreds of stone steps rising out of the riverbank . At sunrise,<br />
thousands of pilgrims bathe in the spiritually cleansing waters.<br />
Funeral pyres smoke on the riverbank, which is lined with colorful<br />
temples. The boat ride affords a panoramic view of the ceremonies.<br />
Return to hotel for breakfast. Later, proceed to the airport for your<br />
flight to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the largest city and capital of<br />
Nepal, land of Mount Everest, and the namesake of the Kathmandu<br />
Valley. Once thought to be the fabled and inaccessible Shangri-La,<br />
Kathmandu is now a hub of tourism. Overnight in Kathmandu .<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
Day 10 Kathmandu<br />
This morning proceed<br />
for a sightseeing tour of<br />
Kathmandu. Visit the<br />
Durbar Square with its<br />
old Royal Palace<br />
(Hanuman Dhoka),<br />
numerous interesting<br />
temples and the<br />
Kasthamandap. The<br />
Kasthamandap is a<br />
three-storied temple,<br />
one of the oldest<br />
wooden buildings in the<br />
world. Stop at Kumari Temple, the home to the world's only living<br />
Goddess. Kumari is also known as Virgin Goddess. Next visit<br />
Swayambhunath Stupa, the<br />
oldest Buddhist shrine. A<br />
golden spire crowning a<br />
conical wooded hill,<br />
Swayambhunath Stupa is<br />
the most ancient and<br />
enigmatic of all the holy<br />
shrines in Kathmandu<br />
valley. Its lofty white dome<br />
and glittering golden spire<br />
are visible for many miles<br />
and from all sides of the<br />
valley. On each of the four<br />
sides of the main stupa<br />
there are a pair of big eyes.<br />
These eyes are symbolic of<br />
KUMARI- LIVING GODDESS<br />
DURBAR SQUARE<br />
God's all-seeing<br />
perspective. The area<br />
surrounding the stupa is<br />
filled with chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and numerous<br />
other religious objects. Overnight in Kathmandu.<br />
Day 11 Kathmandu<br />
This morning visit Bhaktapur… perhaps the most popular of the<br />
three cities of Kathmandu. Newari art and architecture here reveal<br />
the best craftsmanship of the Malla period (from the 12th to the<br />
18th century). The narrow walkways inside the city are dotted with<br />
centers of art and craft. The Potter's city and the Nyatapala (5-<br />
storey pagoda temple) are definitely worth a visit. Later return to<br />
Kathmandu. En-route, visit Boudhanath Stupa. It is on an<br />
octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. This massive structure<br />
stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal<br />
directions, watching for righteous behavior of mankind and for<br />
human prosperity. Overnight in Kathmandu.<br />
Day 12 Kathmandu - Delhi<br />
Morning will be at leisure. Afternoon, you will be escorted to the<br />
airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi's international<br />
airport you will be met and assisted with departure formalities for<br />
your onward flight.
Classical Nepal<br />
13 Nights/14 Days Kathmandu - Patan - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu - Chitwan - Pokhara -Tirkhedung -<br />
Ghorepani - Ghandruk - Pokhara - Kathmandu - Onwards TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
HANUMAN DHOKA DURBAR SQUARE<br />
Day 01 Kathmandu<br />
On arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be met by our<br />
representative who will accompany you to the hotel and will assist<br />
you in check-in formalities. Later, take a stroll around the area to<br />
soak up the Nepalese atmosphere. Overnight in Kathmandu.<br />
Day 02 Kathmandu<br />
This morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of<br />
Kathmandu. Visit the Durbar Square with its<br />
old Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka),<br />
numerous interesting temples and the<br />
Kasthamandap. The Kasthamandap is a threestoried<br />
temple, one of the oldest wooden<br />
buildings in the world. Stop at Kumari Temple,<br />
the home to the world's only living Goddess.<br />
Kumari is also known as Virgin Goddess. Next<br />
visit Swayambhunath Stupa, the oldest<br />
Buddhist shrine. A golden spire crowning a<br />
conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is<br />
the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy<br />
shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white<br />
dome and glittering golden spire are visible for<br />
BOUDHNATH STUPA<br />
BUDDHA’S EYES-SWAYAMBHNATH<br />
many miles and<br />
from all sides of the<br />
valley. On each of<br />
the four sides of the<br />
main stupa there are<br />
a pair of big eyes.<br />
These eyes are<br />
symbolic of God's<br />
all-seeing<br />
perspective. The<br />
area surrounding the<br />
stupa is filled with<br />
chaityas, temples,<br />
painted images of<br />
deities and numerous other religious objects. Later, visit<br />
Bouddhanath temple, a Tibetan buddhist monument, is one of the<br />
highlights of today's tour. It's one of the largest stupas in the world.<br />
Overnight in Kathmandu.<br />
Day 03 Kathmandu - Patan - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu<br />
Today after breakfast visit the Kathmandu Valley. The drive to<br />
Bhaktapur will take about 1 hour. The city is one large open-air<br />
museum, especially since large portions of town are pedestrian<br />
areas. Throughout the town you'll find plenty of medieval buildings<br />
with beautiful wood carvings. This town is perfect for a stroll past<br />
shops and stands. Durbar Square is the oldest square in Bhaktapur.<br />
The square has lost some of its splendour as time has gone by,<br />
especially since most of it was destroyed during an earthquake in<br />
1934. Later, visit Patan. You will see many ancient squares where<br />
rice is laid out to dry, pots are being made by hand and children run<br />
around playing with paper kites. Overnight in Kathmandu.<br />
Day 04 Kathmandu - Chitwan National Park<br />
This morning, drive to Chitwan National Park. In the afternoon<br />
you'll have your first elephant safari, an exciting part of the tour,<br />
which provides an<br />
opportunity to get<br />
a close view of the<br />
endangered one-<br />
RHINO IN CHITWAN<br />
horned rhinoceros. One may also get a glimpse<br />
of the elusive Bengal tiger. Overnight in<br />
Chitwan.<br />
Day 05 Chitwan National Park<br />
Chitwan is at its most beautiful at dawn. The<br />
early morning golden light sweeps across the<br />
plains, giving it an other-worldly atmosphere. The river is even more<br />
magical. Working elephants stride through the water, battered<br />
ferries glide downstream and rhinos graze in the grass. Today you<br />
will hop into a wooden canoe for a tour of the Rapti River, where<br />
crocodiles sunbathe on the shores. Later, hike along narrow paths<br />
through the forests and plains where the high grass seems almost<br />
impenetrable.<br />
Day 06 Chitwan National Park<br />
This morning, start with an invigorating<br />
'elephant bath'. Armed with a brush you<br />
will get to work scrubbing off all the dirt.<br />
The elephants clearly love pampering<br />
and they'll give you a thorough rinse with<br />
THARU VILLAGE
their trunks once you're done; later,<br />
head into the jungle were you will be<br />
given a very warm welcome in the local<br />
Tharu village. The enlightened prince's<br />
son Gautama Buddha was a Tharu<br />
himself. The Tharu will show you all<br />
about the jungle and their way of life.<br />
The fact that you really get the time to<br />
get to know these wonderful people is<br />
what makes this visit so enjoyable.<br />
Overnight in Chitwan.<br />
Day 07 Chitwan National Park -<br />
Pokhara<br />
Today, wake up early to catch the<br />
beautiful sunrise over the forest. Watch the<br />
jungle awaken as the mist disappears. You'll<br />
have a good chance of spotting some<br />
wildlife at this time the day. Towards noon,<br />
head off to Pokhara. Pokhara is known for<br />
its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa,<br />
which have their source in the glacial<br />
Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. A place<br />
of remarkable natural beauty, Pokhara also<br />
offers splendid views of the fishtailed<br />
summit of Machhapuchhre which rises from<br />
behind the Phewa Lake. It is home to thick<br />
forests, gushing rivers and emerald lakes.<br />
Overnight in Pokhra.<br />
Day 08 Pokhara - Tirkhedhunga<br />
Today after breakfast drive to Birethanti.<br />
On the way you will be able to see the high<br />
peaks of the Himalayas emerging in the<br />
distance as the road winds its way up to the<br />
starting point of the trek. From Birethangti,<br />
you will proceed to Tirkhedhunga, a small<br />
village with a couple of shops and a wobbly<br />
hanging bridge across the river. Overnight<br />
in Tirkhedunga.<br />
Day 09 Tirkhedhunga - Ghorepani<br />
This morning you will head off on a trek.<br />
The first stretch is fairly easy as you walk<br />
downhill into the valley. As you cross the<br />
Burungdi Khola River, make sure to stop<br />
and admire this spectacular mountain river,<br />
TIRKHEDHUNGA<br />
GHOREPANI<br />
TADAPANI<br />
GHANDR<strong>UK</strong><br />
PHEWA LAKE POKHRA<br />
TAMARIND<br />
TOURS<br />
which at times is a peacefully flowing stream but can fast<br />
become a wild churning rapid. During the strenuous<br />
climb, you'll be rewarded with an amazing view of<br />
snow-capped mountains rising up through the<br />
surrounding hills. As you look around, you'll see<br />
colourful prayer flags blowing in the wind at the many<br />
temples and snowy mountain peaks in the background.<br />
Overnight in Ghorepani.<br />
Day 10 Ghorepani - Tadapani<br />
This morning you can enjoy the<br />
sunrise at Poon Hill, one of the most<br />
captivating moments of your entire<br />
tour. Post breakfast you'll start off<br />
on the 1-hour climb to the top - a<br />
pretty impressive 3190m. Once you<br />
reach the top, you can relax and<br />
watch magic unfold as the sun<br />
slowly colours the white peaks of the<br />
Annapurna and Dhaulagiri a deep<br />
orange. After sunrise the trek<br />
continues to Tadapai. Overnight in<br />
Tadapai.<br />
Day 11 Tadapani - Ghandruk<br />
Today, wake up rejuvenated and ready for<br />
your hike to Ghandruk. Along the way<br />
you'll meet plenty of local villagers, many of<br />
who will be carrying very interesting items<br />
up the mountain. At the end of the<br />
afternoon you'll reach a small Gurung<br />
village. Overnight in Ghandruk.<br />
Day 12 Ghandruk - Pokhara<br />
This morning you'll head out on the last part<br />
of the trek, an about 1.5-hour hike to<br />
Nayapul. When you arrive, you'll find your<br />
transportation waiting for you for the 2hour<br />
drive to Pokhara. On a clear day you<br />
can see the snow-capped mountain peaks in<br />
the distance. If you like, you can rent a boat<br />
and go out on the lake or visit the golden<br />
Varahi temple.<br />
Day 13 Pokhara - Kathmandu<br />
This morning after breakfast you will leave<br />
for Kathmandu. Afternoon and evening at<br />
leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu.<br />
Day 14 Kathmandu - Onwards<br />
Day at leisure before you leave for the<br />
airport, where you will be assisted with<br />
departure formalities for your onward<br />
flight.