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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.

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