----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India from North to South
Duration :- 27 Days Tour
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A cultural tour of India
India is one land with many cultures and in order to experience a sampling of the rich diversities of this land we have tailored this unique 27-day journey. Enjoy the rich and varied history and cultures of over a billion people as we traverse this massive sub-continent.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight: Delhi (3 nights) (D)

Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit first the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern independent India. Rest of the day free. (B, D)

Day 03: Delhi
Our morning concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. Evening we can enjoy an optional tour to see the Sound and Light Show at the Delhi red Fort. (B, D)

Day 04: Delhi / Varanasi (flight)
We take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi - one of the oldest living cities on the Sub Continent. We start our experience with a visit to old Varanasi and the Bharat Mata Temple which houses a huge marble relief map of India. Varanasi is famous for its many temples and we cover the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir beside the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. The city is famous also for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where the beautiful silk sarees are woven. Evening is free to enjoy this 5000-year-old city.
Overnight: Varanasi (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: Varanasi / Khajuraho (flight)
Early morning a serene experience begins as we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. Every morning scores of pilgrim and priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy diC:\apache\HTDOCS\phpMyAdmin\b-2\cultural-tours-india\rajasthan-tour-package.htmlp and various other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced as it is so different from anything else what may have seen anywhere in the world. Later we tour Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. Later we drive to airport in Varanasi in time to connect our flight to Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to our Hotel in Khajuraho.
Overnight: Khajuraho (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Khajuraho
Our Khajuraho visit starts with the temples that have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples were built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. Today only 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions - Hinduism and Jainism. Theses beautiful temples strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.
The most important ones include the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple that was dedicated to Shiva, which is the largest and most typical of temples.
Afternoon is free to wander in the traditional bazaars of Khajuraho. (B, D)

Day 07: Khajuraho / Jhansi (drive about 7 hours) and Jhansi / Agra , Train
In the morning we drive to Jhansi and continue to visit Orchha, an amazing medieval fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River. After our visit to Orchha we proceed to the Railway Station in Jhansi to embark on the luxury first class train to Agra. This is a very comfortable train journey lasting just over 2 hours with four brief stops en route. It offers air-conditioned "business class airline" seating with meal services on board. We are welcomed in Agra and transferred to our Hotel.
Overnight: Agra (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Agra
Morning we start our tour the Taj Mahal probably the best known World Heritage Site. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit Agra Fort, also a World Heritage Site, where Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son in the later years of his life to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. Our afternoon is free for shopping for Taj replicas and leather goods that the descendants of the builders of the Taj are still famous for. (B, D)

Day 09: Agra / Jaipur (drive 230 kms / 143 mi)
Another interesting countryside takes us first to the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King Akbar the Great, and later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. (B, D)

Day10: Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After enjoying the panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by the founder of the city Jai Singh. We also visit the majestic Palace, home to a rare collection of Indian art, and the colourful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. One of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur.
Overnight: (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 11: Jaipur / Sariska (drive 111 kms / 69 mi)
An interesting countryside drive brings us to Sariska. On our way we will explore the wildlife of the region. Sariska, in Rajasthan, the erstwhile royal preserve of the rulers of Alwar, became a sanctuary in the year 1958. The sanctuary came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982. It is located at Kankwari Fort, near Alwar, on the Delhi - Jaipur Highway. The terrain is predominantly hilly, as it lies in the Aravalli range. It has total area of 788 sq km with a core area of approximately 474 sq km. The beautiful Siliserh Lake runs along the edge of the reserve, with a quaint hunting lodge overlooking it.
Overnight: Sariska (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 12: Sariska
In the morning we visit the famous Wildlife Sanctuary home to exquisite Bengal Tigers. Other carnivores of the area are the panther, jungle cat, jackal and hyena. Three caracals were also reported during the last census in 1985. Other animals include the sambar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai and umpteen porcupines. The bird life comprises of the pea fowl, gray partridge, quail, sand grouse, tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden - backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and great Indian horned owl. (B, D)

Day 13: Sariska / Jaipur (111 km / 69 mi) and Jaipur / Bombay (flight)
After our wildlife experience we drive back to Jaipur to connect with our flight to the commercial capital of India, Bombay or Mumbai. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Bombay (2 nights) (B, D)

Day14: Bombay
This is one of the largest cities in the world and is home to the largest film industry in the world. Bombay is a city full of life and history and, as the saying goes, "Bombay never sleeps". We start our journey with the Gateway of India landmark archway, which includes the world's largest open-air laundry, Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens and the Prince of Wales Museum. Afternoon is free to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Bombay offers a lot of attractions in the areas of art and theatre and this evening is a good time to experience them. (B, D)

Day15: Bombay / Hyderabad (flight)
A short flight will take us to Hyderabad. Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh, has become the most talked about city in India today. The focus here is on the services sector, tourism and environment. Infrastructure is being built at unbelievably fast pace. This coupled with the inherent charms of the city's rich past, its exotic cuisine and imposing monuments, old bazaars and lilting accents, as well as its almost central location with respect to the country's main metros- and we have a sure winner here.
Overnight: Hyderabad (1 night) (B, D)

Day16: Hyderabad / Bangalore (flight) and Bangalore / Mysore (drive 139km / 84 mi)
Today we take a short flight to Bangalore where, upon arrival, we are met and taken on a scenic drive to Mysore. The evening is free to enjoy the many attractions this cultural center of Southern India offers
Overnight: Hotel Southern Star, Mysore (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 17: Mysore
Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerize with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples.
Our morning tour includes the Maharajah's Palace, the Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi Shiva's Mount. The evening is free to enjoy the Vrindavan Garden and City Palace, which is beautifully lit on certain days. (B, D)

Day 18: Mysore / Bangalore (drive 139km / 84 mi)
A short drive gets us to the garden city of Bangalore, also now known as the high-tech centre of India. Our tour of this beautifully clean city covers the Botanical Garden, the Visveswariah Museum, and the famous Mysore Arts and Craft Center. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. It is called the Garden City due to its delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best feature, with pleasant summers and mild winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, where a variety of cultures and customs thrive. Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537 - is today a bustling and diverse city with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India.
Overnight: Bangalore (1 night) (B, D)

Day 19: Bangalore / Cochin (flight)
Today we experience a different part of India in the southern city of Cochin. Upon arrival at the airport we are met and transferred to our beach hotel. Afternoon is free to enjoy the silver sanded beaches of Kerala and later get an inspiring sunset view over the Bay of Bengal.
Overnight: Cochin (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 20: Cochin
Today we explore Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred to as the Venice of the East. Here we tour the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Quarter with its old synagogue and take a boat tour to visit the Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action. (B, D)

Day 21: Cochin / Kovalam (drive 250km / 152 mi)
A scenic comfortable drive conveys us to the beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories make this beach an incredible paradise. We arrive in the afternoon and take the rest of the day off to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Overnight: Kovalam (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 22: Kovalam
Today we enjoy a visit to the "Lands End" of India: Kanniya Kumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch the sun set while the full moon is rising in another part of the sky! (B, D)

Day 23: Kovalam / Varkala / Kumarakom (backwater boat ride)
After breakfast, we proceed towards Varkala: one of the unspoiled beach resorts of India. We then enjoy a backwater cruise to Kumarakom - backwater country - by speedboat or a luxury cruise ship. This will be an interesting experience with spectacular views and photo opportunities.
Overnight: Kumarakom (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 24:Kumarakom
Get set for an incredible day. We start with a boat ride to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those adventurous enough may indulge in water sports such as windsailing and water skiing. For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters. (B, D)

Day 25: Kumarakom / Periyar (drive 120km / 73 mi)
A day at Periyar sanctuary game viewing. One of the most well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat. Evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Periyar (1 night) (B, D)

Day26: Periyar / Madurai (drive 180km / 110 mi)
Today we drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in the South. En route we stop to enjoy a traditional Puppet show. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams tower over the city. The Meenakshi Temple has a thousand pillared 'Mandapam'. There are precisely 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars that produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has sponsored the creation of great literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time. The city, apart from temple, is crammed with shops, street markets, pilgrims, hotels and restaurants. This is certainly a lively and culturally rich city!
Overnight: Madurai (1 night) (B, D)

Day 27: Madurai / departure
After a journey traversing from the north to the south of this sub continent, we bid a fond farewell to India as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. From Madurai there are flights available to many gateway cities to connect with our international flight. (B)