WELCOME TO INDIA – One Nation, countless destinations. A land of rich heritage that’s ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000 years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to create a unique and colorful mosaic. This is the wonder that is India, come, enjoy and experience it.

Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at International airport and transfer to
HOTEL CLARIDGES

VERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi begins with a visit to Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India, built in 1650 AD. This is followed by a drive past the Red Fort (1639-48), built by Emperor Shah Jahan, creator of The Taj Mahal. Later proceed to Raj Ghat - the site of the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi begins with a drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while we are on the way to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This striking medieval tower of victory, build by the slave dynasty, is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted for over 1500 years. Later drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave, stop for a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Estate formerly Viceroy’s House). Also visit Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib) and Birla Temple.

On arrival check-in at: HOTEL SAMODE PALACE.

Later visit Samode Town.

ON arrival check-in at: KHIMSAR FORT.

Afternoon jeep safari in the desert.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from Trichy to Tanjore (54 kms/1.5 hours) to visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. These later became a part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, which subsequently passed into the hands of the Marathas and went to the British. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple and the Saraswati Mahal Library.

Continue you drive to Madurai (190 kms/5 hours) and upon arrival check-in at:
HOTEL A & B

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL

Breakfast at the fort.

After breakfast, drive from Khimsar to Rohetgarh (135 kms/3.5 hours) enroute visiting Jodhpur. The tour begins from “ The Mehrangarh Fort “,this formidable hilltop fort is the one of the most impressive in Rajasthan . A series of gates lead into the Fort like “Jayapol”, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and the “ Fatehpol” or “Victory Gate “, erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals. The main gate is the “Lahapol”, an iron gate besides which there are 15 hand prints which are the “Sati Marks” of Maharaja Man Singh’s widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. Inside the fort ,also visit the palaces Moti Mahal or “Pearl Palace”, the Sukh Mahal or “Pleasure Palace” and the Phool Mahal or “Flower Palace”. Continue the tour to visit the “Jaswant Thada”, a marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

On arrival check-in at: ROHETGARH FORT.

Afternoon Jeep Safari : A jeep safari of the Bishnoi Village, to witness the simple, yet colorful life of the Rajasthani people. Thatched huts, temples, men in colorful turbans (head gears) and women clad in bright outfits liven up this desert village in their own culture and tradition.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Breakfast at the fort.

After breakfast, drive from Rohetgarh to Udaipur (225 kms/5 hours) enroute visiting Ranakpur. Visit the famous Jain Temple, dating back to the 15th century. Its 29 halls are supported by 200 pillars, none of which are alike. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. This tour includes visits to two more Jain temples and to the Temple of the Sun God, with its erotic sculptures.

Udaipur – This is Rajasthan’s most congenial and romantic city situated in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been called the “Venice of the East”.

Continue your drive and upon arrival at Udaipur check- in at: HOTEL JAGAT NIWAS PALACE.

Rest of the day at leisure.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace. At this Palace complex, one will marvel at the rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Visit the temple of the Sun God, with its erotic sculptures. We also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens, the Jagdish temple and the local Museum.

Afternoon free.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Devigarh to Pushkar (156 kms/4.5 hours).

On arrival check-in at: HOTEL PUSHKAR PALACE.

Afternoon visit Pushkar and Ajmer.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
                                                                                                           
Leave: Cochin                           at 0820 hours                by 9W-3512
Arrive: Bangalore                      at 0940 hours

Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and drive to Mysore (139 kms/3.5 hours).

Mysore, the city of Palaces – 17 in all.  Although no longer a princely state, it retains its old charm and many buildings are adorned with domes, turrets and impressive archways. Also known as “Sandalwood City” it is a major center for the manufacture of incense so that the air is often sweet and fragrant. Its fairly high altitude (770 m) accords it a pleasant climate visitor and there is much to see from Maharaja Palaces to the best fruit and vegetable market in India.

On arrival check-in at: HOTEL A & B

Buffet dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Pushkar to Jaipur (150 kms/4 hours).

On arrival check-in at: HOTEL SAMODE HAVELI.

Afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing “ Palace of Winds”. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. This unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.

Afternoon free for independent activities.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, drive from Jaipur to Agra (221 kms/6 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shaik Salim Chishti. This tomb was built in 1570 and legend says that the Moghul Emperor Akbar was without a male heir because of which he made a barefoot pilgrimage from Agra to seek the blessings of this saint. The saint foretold the birth of a son, and in gratitude Akbar named his son Salim, who later went to be called by the title Jehangir.

Continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL JAYPEE PALACE.

Rest of the day at leisure.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, proceed for a city tour where you will experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays). An extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards, its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

In the afternoon drive from Agra to Delhi (203 kms/4 hours) International airport in time to board flight for:

Leave Delhi by International Flight