Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight)
After arriving Cochin airport or railway station, meet our representative who’ll escort you to the hotel. After freshening up, we head to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The ‘Paradesi’ synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue was built in 1568 and reflects the traditional style of architecture and interiors. After that we head to the Mattancherry Palace which was commissioned by the Portuguese and then set out to see the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the harbour.Retire for the night at hotel.

Day 02 Cochin – Munnar (By Road) (130 Kms. / 3H 40M appx.)
In the morning we start off for Munnar, which is roughly a 3 hour journey by road. This magnificent place was once the summer resort for British Generals from the East India Company. As we approach Munnar, you will be greeted with the pleasant fragrance of freshly grown tea. On arrival, we will check into the hotel and you are free to explore the town of Munnar. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03 Munnar – Periyar (By Road) (92 ms. / 3H 20M appx.)
After breakfast we head to Periyar, the land of wilderness and untamed wildlife. Home to India’s premier wildlife sanctuary, one can easily spot tigers, elephants and exotic birds on these plains. We visit the spice plantations in the afternoon. The entire day is at leisure, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04 Periyar
We start off early for a boat ride at the Lake Periyar. Due to fluctuating weather conditions in this region, we shall schedule this boat ride after arriving in Periyar. A boat safari on the Periyar Lake will give you an opportunity the exotic wild species in their natural turf. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 Peiryar – Kumarakom (By Road) (122 s. / 3H 30M appx.)
Early morning after breakfast , head straight to Kumarakom which is home to the rubber plantations and a beautiful bird sanctuary. We travel for four hours via road off the shores of the scenic Lake Vembanad. On reaching Kumarakom you will be accommodated at a resort on the banks of backwater. Enjoy boat ride during your stay at the resort. Overnight at the resort.

Day 06 Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat)
At Kumarkom, we board the Kuttuvallam or the House boat. As you cruise romantically through the quite waters of the rivers and lakes, watch the tall palms that canopy the bright sun, the emerald paddy fields and locals going about their business. Enjoy the lazy streams of water as the travel to our next destination Alleppy. Experience the off shore hospitality as we stay overnight on the splendid house boat.

Day 07 Alleppey – Kovalam (By Road) (160 s. / 3H 50M appx.)
By morning reach Alleppey, afterwards driving straight to Kovalam. Assistance and transfer to the hotel or resort. Retreat yourself by spend the day at ayurvedic center. Retire for the night in the hotel.

Day 08 Kovalam
The whole day is at leisure.You can opt for a sightseeing and shopping tour of Thrivandrum or stay and explore the city of Kovalam and its breath taking beaches and relax in golden sands. The beach is ideal for various kind of water sports like kayaking, surfing , skiing and swimming.

Day 09 Kovalam – Trivandrum (By Road) (30 ms. / 50M appx.)
Depart Trivandrum By Flight
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight for your onward journey.

Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrive in Delhi.
Meet assist at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

This morning visit Old Delhi.
Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi, visiting the Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers.

Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial place in 1648. Drive past Red Fort, a UNESCO World heritage site.

Walk through the by-lanes of the wedding street and the jeweller’s lane to savour a 350 years old culture up-close.

Culminate the tour at the Spice Market also known as Khari Baoli. It is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. At present, the street is a congested and busy market with shops on both sides selling spices, nuts and herbs. You will have a unique experience here viewing the whole process of loading, carrying or unloading of huge sacks of items from manual trolleys, shopkeepers busy dealing with the customers, customers selecting large quantities of items and weary labourers resting and chatting aloud. The overall appearance seems to be very chaotic but in reality it is very well managed! There will be great photo opportunities here!!!

Thereafter visit Chor Bizarre restaurant for lunch. Savour ‘Wazwan’ cuisine, from Kashmir. The restaurant has a unique concept and all kinds of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners!).

The traditional Wazwan consist of thirty-six courses! Each dish has its own tradition and brings to mind memories of events such as festivals and wedding feasts. Other than on special occasions, it is very seldom that all thirty-six courses are laid out, but eating twenty odd courses on a regular basis is quite common. The attendants pass around ‘Tasha-t-Nair’ so that you can wash your hands. It would be sacrilege to use anything but your fingers to eat this meal. People sit in fours (considered auspicious) to share sustenance with dear ones over a ‘Tarami’ (large plate). The Tarami arrives with rice and the first few courses. Each successive course follows separately to allow you to savour its distinct flavour. At the end ‘Kahwah’ is served, the aroma of which leaves you with the lingering memories of ‘Wazwan’

Afternoon Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) where the Viceroy once lived but now it is the official residence of the President of India.

Next on the itinerary visit Qutab Minar – a UNESCO World heritage site, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5meter high with five distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193 and was completed in 1368.

Culminate the tour at Humayun’s Tomb – a UNESCO World heritage site, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

Day 02 Delhi – Amritsar (By Flight)
Arrive at Amritsar International airport. Our representative along with your English speaking tour escorts will meet you outside the customs gate and escort you to your hotel in an air-conditioned Deluxe Large Bus. (Approximately 30 minutes drive to the hotel).
Amritsar – is the second largest town in the state of Punjab. It is known to be as a cultural and spiritual centre for Sikh religion. It was founded in year 1574 by Guru Ram Das – the fourth guru of the Sikhs. The city is named after the sacred pool around the Golden Temple- Amritsar meaning ‘Pool of Nectar’. People from all over the world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the holy water for spiritual purification.
Hotel check-in time is 12:00 noon. Rooms will be pre-assigned with VIP amenities. At the hotel you are welcomed with a traditional Indian welcome of Aarti- tikka- garland. Afterwards relax with Champagne welcome drink.

Set in the heart of this historic city, close to the Golden Temple, Illuminated by the speckle of lights and incandescent candles, the atmosphere is best absorbed in tranquility. The haveli, like ‘the breath’ which inspires the name ‘svaasá’, breathes in life; perfect for those seeking exclusiveness spiced by the signature SVAASÁ touch.
Light snacks or dinner at the hotel depending on the arrival time.

Day 03 Amritsar
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a city orientation tour of Amritsar.

Begin your tour with a visit to the Golden Temple. Located in the heart of the city, it is of the holiest religious shrine of Sikh Religion. Characterized by its four entrance doors in all four directions and tastefully decorated shrine, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of their religion or faith. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful.

A private audience with the chief priest will be arranged (subject to his prior commitments).
Visit the Community Kitchen where food is served free of cost all day and night to thousands of people!! Enjoy a volunteer

experience in the community kitchen. Prepare and serve a meal for people from all walks of ontinue to Jallianwalah Bagh, a historical monument of national importance which immortalizes the massacre of innocent women and children on 13th April 1919. Visit the Martyr’s Gallery to pay homage to those who lost their lives in one of the worst carnages of its times.

Enjoy a street cuisine experience near the Temple. The walled city around the Golden Temple, the oldest part of Amritsar, is a heaven for food lovers!

Recommended: A lunch of chole kulche transformed to a gourmet meal AT Kanhaiya Dhaba and the very special local dish-GHUR KA HALVA.

Late afternoon leave for an excursion to Wagah border (India-Pakistan Border) to witness the “Change of Guard” ceremony (45 minutes drive). Indian and Pakistani soldiers march to a very enthusiastic crowd and the flags are lowered with great skill and precision. Dinner will be at Surjeet, mentioned in Lonely Planet and a favourite with Bollywood stars. Instead of the small fish shop that he started out with near the railway station, there is now a new “restaurant”, air-conditioned, where you can sample Surjeet Singh’s delicacies.

Day 04 Amritsar–Delhi (By Flight)/Delhi–Panipat–Delhi (3 Hours – One Way)
Optional:- activity: Early morning revisit the Golden Temple to witness the opening prayer ceremony which begins at approximately 4:30am!
Later transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative who will escort you directly to Panipat-a thriving town in bordering Haryana State and a three hours drive, depending on road conditions.

In Panipat you will visit Bal Vikas, a local school that runs a dedicated program for underprivileged children of the town. This program is run under the umbrella of The Raj Charitable Trust funded entirely by the Nath family – one of the prominent industrialists of Panipat. Vikram has taken up the challenge of further helping the school in its efforts to provide the children with sustainable life skills by developing a dedicated “cooking program” which will prepare the children for jobs in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, enhancing their lives with opportunities for a brighter future and a way out of poverty.

You will meet with local organizers and administrators of this program as well as the children who will benefit by your donations and Vikram’s initiative. The first donation will be made here today at a small ceremony. Enjoy lunch with children, their teachers and Mrs. Vasundhara Nath, the driving force behind this extraordinary school. Return to Delhi late in the evening.

Day 05 Delhi – Lucknow (By Flight)
This morning transfer to domestic airport in time for your flight to Lucknow.
Lucknow is a 2500 year-old city with magnificent gardens, crumbling mausoleums, “imambaras” (tombs of Muslim priests) and ruins of what were once regal residences. The legacy of the imperial splendour of Lucknow has always fascinated people all over the world. The ambience of Awadh is commonly associated with leisurely habits, etiquette, architecture, food and refinement – all a legacy of Nawabi culture. Over the years the city has preserved this spirit of the bygone era.

Enjoy an exclusive cooking session with the hotel chef who would give you an insight into Awadhi Cuisine. You would have an opportunity to indulge in a cooking class and learn the art of making fine kababs!
Lunch will be at the hotel. Sample the recipes demonstrated by the Chef.

Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. A shopping tour for local chikan fabrics and dresses will be arranged for those who wish to explore the markets.

Evening (1800 hrs), proceed for a Street Cuisine Tour of Lucknow to indulge pampering of taste buds. Start with Shri Lassi and move to Kaleji Kabab, Rahim’s Kulche Nihari, Mobeen’s Pasanda Kabab, and Tunde’s Gilawat Kabab and finally to sweeten the mouth with the Silver foiled Malai Gilori at Radhey’s. End this meal with local “Paan” Betel leaf with areca nut. Paan is chewed as a palate cleanser and a breath freshener. It is offered to guests and visitors as a sign of hospitality and at the beginning of social events. It has a symbolic value at ceremonies and cultural events in India.
Return to hotel.

Day 06 Lucknow
This morning visit the architectural marvel La Martiniere School that was designed by the Frenchman Major-General Claude Martin as a palatial home. Also visit Dilkusha Palace and gardens -built by Sadat Ali Khan as his hunting lodge and a summer retreat. This place also witnessed some very crucial moments in 1857 uprising.

Continue to Lucknow Residency a place where speechless walls are known to speak the gruesome tale of the 1857 mutiny. The sprawling British campus witnessed nothing less than 3000 deaths to keep the Union Jack flying. Yet the British could not defend their domain and the buildings were lost to the high spirited and enthusiastic Indians who fought till their last breath.

The trees, bullet sprinkled walls, unusable canons, worn out firearms all mourn lives lost here. We also visit the graveyard to pay homage to named and unnamed soldiers who gave up their lives in the defence of The Residency.

Today lunch will be at a nice local Restaurant Royal Cafe. Your host for today will be a well known localite. He or she will share his or her rich experiences and explain the history of Lucknow.

Post lunch continue sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting Bara Imambara. This monument was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine, in order to provide employment to the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula. This is the world’s biggest hall measuring 8500 sq. ft, with a 50-foot high ceiling, and does not have a single beam to support it. It is known for its simplicity of style, sheer proportion, symmetry and unique acoustic qualities. Also see the ‘Rumi Darwaza’ or the Turkish Gate and the Asfi Mosque.

Tongas (horse driven passenger carriages) wait to welcome you on board when you come out of this grand complex. On the bumpy ride of this transport system of yesteryears you reach the Husainabad Complex – The Clock Tower is the highest Clock Tower in Asia and in some ways superior to its counterpart, ‘Big Ben’. Visit the Husainabad Imambara, known for its beauty and pieces of décor. It was built in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and is still considered to be a sacred address by the natives. The interior is lavishly decorated with huge chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colourful stucco and Tazias in sandalwood, wax and zari.
Today dinner will be at the residence of the Nawab of Lucknow.

Awadhi Cuisine” is famous world over for its Kababs, breads and rich cuisine. “Kacche Keeme ke Kababs” (Raw meat of Lamb finely ground and then fried) and “Biryani” (rice preparation) along with the Galauati and Kakori Kababs are the favorite dishes of Lucknowites.

The Nawab of Lucknow would welcome you to his family home and museum that houses antiques and artifacts. After the customary greetings – ‘Aadab’, the guests are seated in his decked-up family museum that houses antiques and artifacts inherited by him. After a short introduction to his family guests are served with a soft beverage called ‘Sharbet’ (herbal or fruit preparation made differently in different seasons). Later we get into an informal chat with the host and his family, talking to them on diverse topics ranging from art, culture, cuisine, craft, architecture and history.

We then move to the kitchen to learn some secret recipes from the Awadhi menu and finally to the dining hall where our host himself serves us with Awadhi delicacies on the floor setting called ‘Dastarkhwan’. Try out different Kebabs, Korma, Saalan, Pulao, Biryani, Sheermal, Rumali Roti, Roghni, Shahi Tuqda and Phirni. The meal here ends with ‘Paan’ and a lot of knowledge about cooking, serving and eating these exotic preparations.

Day 07 Lucknow – Varanasi (By Flight)
Morning transfer to domestic airport in time for your flight to Varanasi.
Meet & greet by our representative and transfer to your hotel.

Varanasi -The antiquity of Varanasi is veiled in immortal times and has been the centre of religion, learning and civilization since ages. The city gets its inherent charm from the location as it’s situated on the west side of the Holy Ganges. The principal attraction are the bathing Ghats which are always, bustling with life at any given time of the day.

In the afternoon visit Sarnath, a major Buddhist centre in the world. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the ‘Awakened One’, delivered his first sermon here. It was 6th century then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra by initiating his first five disciples into Buddhist monkshood.

Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath is an imposing cylindrical structure (43.5m high) of the Gupta age, partly built of stone and partly of brick. Its stone basement has eight projecting faces with large niches for statuary and is further adorned with delicately carved floral and geometrical patterns. Also visit the archaeological museum at Sarnath.

Time permitting experience a special meeting with the monks and take part in a Buddhist meditation session.

A spiritual discourse on Hinduism and the sacred river Ganges will be arranged. Later visit the ghats (bathing steps) of the Ganges by candle-lit boats and witness the intriguing ‘Aarti’ Ceremony (collective prayer). Observe the mystical scene of Ghats lit with oil-lamp lights, Brahmans chanting the hymns and numerous floating oil lamps.
Return to hotel.
Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 08 Varanasi
Early morning, enjoy boat cruise on the river Ganges. This time to see thousands of pilgrims and devotees worshipping the rising sun! At sunrise, the scene of pilgrims doing their rituals and paying offerings to the River Ganges, set against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world.

It is a centuries old tradition and belief that by dying in Varanasi or by immersing the mortal remains in the Holy Ganges, it clears one from the birth circle and you are incarnated to human life in the next birth. Sail past all the ghats and stop at the important ones. The riverfront, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, is a spiritually uplifting sight.

Optional activity: stop at one of the Ghats for an early morning session of Yoga with a leading exponent
Return to hotel for breakfast.

Enjoy an unusual walking tour through the old town of Benaras with its centuries old temples, The Well of Knowledge, it maze of little lanes with teeming bazaars selling flowers, brocade and other temple offerings.

Discover the finger licking delicacies that Varanasi is renowned for. After an early morning dip pilgrims congregate in the lanes of Varanasi to enjoy their favourite dishes. In this experience you will follow in the footsteps of these pilgrims with an expert.

You will visit traditional food stalls and at each stop you will unravel the history, traditions, and culture behind the “house specialties”.

Highlights
– Kachauri Gali with its sweet and savory fried delicacies
– Wholesale condensed milk market of Khoa Gali
– Milk and yogurt based drinks
– Paan, a traditional digestive and a local specialty

Return to hotel for lunch.
Late afternoon experience the multi-hued arts and crafts of Varanasi. Accompanied with an expert you will visit the weaver colony and the wholesale sari market to observe the influence the local culture and religion has had on the life and work of the craftsmen. You will meet toy makers; see badges and epaulettes being stitched using traditional zari (gold and silver thread) work, and brass utensils being made.
Return to hotel for dinner.

Vegetarian dinner at Amrit Rao Peshwa Haveli.
Disembark at the Rajghat for a splendid evening with the theme “Relive Benares” at Amrit Rao Peshwa Haveli – a heritage mansion built in 1807 as a Brahmin refectory to feed the Brahmins (priests). The entire Haveli with the adjoining temple complex is illuminated and aesthetically decorated all around with lights, flowers and earthen diyas (oil-lamps). Thousands of diyas are set afloat on the river. Enjoy the special evening with Vedic chants by priests and a classical dance performance. A magical and once in a lifetime experience of spiritual & traditional Varanasi!

Day 09 Varanasi – Kolkata (By Flight)
This morning enjoy a temple tour visiting the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of all shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. It is open only to Hindus. Continue to the Bharat Mata Mandir, opened by Mahatma Gandhi and dedicated to ‘Mother India’. This simple temple has a perfect relief map of India carved out of marble instead of gods and goddesses.

The tour culminates at Beanaras Hindu University. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the peaceful and beautiful campus of the largest residential university in Asia. Here interesting buildings, lush green grounds, and massive old mango tree lined roads await you. Your expert will introduce you to the basic tenants of Hinduism at the new Vishwanath temple and help you explore the art and archaeological collection of the Bharat Kala Bhavan, the university’s museum.

Post lunch, our local representative will escort you to domestic airport for your flight to Kolkata.

Dominique Lapierre’s ‘City of Joy,’ the city of Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta is more than 300 years old. This span has witnessed its development into one of the world’s most densely peopled metropolises.
It still retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and the present, the intense and the fun loving into a charming fabric. Home to four Nobel laureates – Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen. There is something undoubtedly special about Calcutta. It amalgamates the traditional and the modern, and brings the intense and the frivolous together. At one level Calcutta is always in transition, and at another, it is firmly anchored to a tradition and culture quite uniquely its own. The city is a noted cultural centre, famed for its cinema, poetry, music, art and cinema. Kolkata offers some wonderful memorabilia of the British Raj.

Meet & greet on arrival by our representative who will escort you to your hotel-

This heritage combines classic architecture and charm with state of the art amenities and facilities, offering guests an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city. The hotel features elegantly appointed rooms, equipped with all modern facilities blending uniquely with the colonial architecture.

On arrival, check in to your rooms.
Dinner will be at the hotel.
A special guest will be your host today (member of a local prominent family) who will give you an insight about the local customs, culture and traditions.

Day 10 Kolkata
Morning visit the famous flower market on the banks of River Hoogly. Also visit to the spice / masala market, wholesale fruit market at Machua, and finally the Burra Bazar. This market feeds the entire eastern part of the country (All the markets are closed on Sunday).

Later enjoy a heritage walk around the Dalhousie Square. Beginning at the imposing Kolkata High Court Building, the Government House (Raj Bhawan) – it was once the residence of the British Viceroy in India. Not far away are other fine examples of Raj architecture: the Town Hall, Writers’ Building (the old East India Company office) and St. John’s Church.

Later visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the most important church of the city was constructed by Bishop Wilson in 1847 and is the first Episcopal Church of the East.

Further continue to Victoria Memorial. Built by the British in 1921, it is a treasure trove of Raj Relics, offers tree-lined walks in splendid parks, ”lakes” and houses a number of statues and busts of eminent people including that of Queen Victoria. The exhibits include paintings, manuscripts, firearms, statues, lithographs and furniture (Closed on Monday & all national holidays).

Culminate the tour at Indian Museum – one of the finest museums in Asia; it has an excellent collection of art, as well as fossils and meteorites. It was established in 1814, the building has beautiful structure. The oldest museum in India, it has one of the rarest collections of archaeological importance. Some of the coins in the collection are about 2400 years old (Closed on Monday & all national holidays).

Lunch will be at the famous local restaurant – Aaheli.
Continue further on a street cuisine experience in new market area.

To the casual palate, Bengali food is synonymous with rice and fish, both available in abundance in this large monsoon drenched eastern state. What Bengal has in common with her west coast cousins is the use of coconut and coconut milk, but unlike in other coastal kitchens the preferred cooking medium is mustard oil, not coconut oil.

The food is delicately flavoured, spiced and inventive, rounded off with the famous Bengali Mithai (sweets). Some well known dishes include Kosher Mangsho (delicately spiced, slow cooked lamb curry accompanied by luchi – a most delicious fluffy bread), Prawn Malai curry (creamy spiced prawn curry), smoked boneless river fish (hilsa) and bekti (a larger riverfish) mustard curry and the wonderful mishti dahi (a creamy sweet caramel yoghurt prepared in individual clay pots). The hidden secrets that can be found in Calcutta are the highlights of a visit to this city – particularly in the company of those who ‘know’!
Special Indian Cuisine Dinner with a local family

This is a distinct cuisine pioneered by the Indian community (people with mixed British and Indian ancestry). It represents a delicious blend of East and West where traditional British dishes are fused with Indian flavours. In this experience you will work with a culinary expert to learn to cook some of the dishes that have come to define this cuisine. During the course of the evening, you will gain hands on experience with the cooking implements, techniques, and ingredients used in an Indian kitchen. You will get to appreciate Anglo Indian cuisine like never before and enjoy all that is best about Indian hospitality.

Day 11 Kolkata–Bagdogra (By Flight)/Bagdogra–Darjeeling (95 Km/3H 50M)
This morning enjoy a specially customized cultural tour.

We start with the visit to the Kali Temple, then move on to the College Street Book Market (Asia’s largest Book Market) with a visit to the Coffee Shop (built during the British Raj) to see the young Turks, artists gossiping. Later move on to Kumartully (Potters village) to see the artist making the idols of Gods.
Later, our representative will escort you to domestic airport for your flight to Baghdogra.

Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. It is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir – all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly crowns Darjeeling as the Queen of Hill Stations.
Arrive in Darjeeling and check in to your hotel.

Day 12 Darjeeling
Early morning enjoy an excursion to Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery.

Tiger Hill: – Located 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight.

Ghoom Monastery: – This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.

Return to hotel for breakfast.
Later leave for a Toy Train experience to Kurseong.
The Darjeeling Toy Train – a UNESCO World heritage site

The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.
Arrive Kurseong and drive to Goomtee Tea Estate for Lunch.

Goomtee Tea Estate: – Teas grown on the misty heights of Darjeeling, popularly known as the ‘Champagne of Tea’ are famous world over for their exquisite taste. The premium Darjeeling teas are mild in character and have distinctive natural fruity flavours. The different steps in Tea manufacture can be seen in the factory of Gomtee Tea Estate.
Later visit the factory followed by a tea tasting session.

Dinner will be at the hotel. A prominent local personality will be your host who will share his experiences on the local history and culture during dinner.

Day 13 Darjeeling
After breakfast continue your city tour as you visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – (Closed on Thursdays).

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give mountaineering training and to learn other adventure sports related to mountaineering. Here you will see equipment used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay. The Everest Museum provides details on the famous Everest Peak and is attached to institute. Visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.

Continue to Tibetan Self- Help Centre Or Refugee Centre: – (Closed on Sundays). This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc

Today lunch will be at The Glengarry’s, a famous local restaurant.

Afternoon visit the local markets to experience some interesting street cuisine including Momos at Penangs – Penangs is highly acclaimed for its momos and even features in the lonely planet guide.
Return to the hotel for the evening tea.

Dinner will be with a local family – Authentic Nepalese cuisine. It will be an idle opportunity for the guests to interact with locals and know about their beliefs, traditions, family values, myths and realism of the life!

Day 14 Darjeeling–Bagdogra (95 Km/3H 50M) / Bagdogra–Delhi (By Flight)
This morning return to Bagdogra for your afternoon flight to Delhi.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 15 Depart Delhi 
Departure transfer to Delhi international airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Today you will arrive at Indira Gandhi international airport, meet and greet by our representative.

Assistance and transfer to hotel. Delhi – the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of the River Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast take a tantalizing tour of Old Delhi, with delights such as the Parathewali Gali-a whole street lined with shops specializing only in Parathas, a special flat bread which is stuffed with all kinds of vegetables, cheeses, spices and everything else the chefs fancy! Watch them create master pieces using exotic flours, spices, vegetables and other ingredients.

These simple melt-in-your-mouth delicacies will leave you craving for more long after you return home. We continue our quest, still in Old Delhi and on to on to the famous bazaar- Chandni Chowk-bustling with commerce and enterprise. Spices are the specialty of Khari Baoli (Asia’s largest Spice Market), so be prepared to be assaulted by exotic smalls and fragrances. Very near the Red Fort is the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan.

Take an interesting rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque. Also visit Raj Ghat – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Lunch at Chore Bizarre Easily India’s finest theme restaurant. People can’t quite decide how to define Chor Bizarre – ‘A pirate’s galley’, ‘An attic’, ‘Really clever’ and ‘Quirky’ usually rule the roost. Rightly so – ‘Chor’ means thief and ‘bizarre’ means totally bizarre!
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03 Delhi – Jaipur (By Road) (250 Kms. / 4.5H appx.)
Morning: After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries.

The Tomb of Humayun – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Drive past to India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to Rashtrapathi Bhawan – the residence of the President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.

After tour drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan is color washed pink – the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues are picturesque. The first planned city of its time, a formidable wall encircles Jaipur. On arrival assistance and check in at hotel.

Cultural folk music with dance show in Jaipur.
Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 04 Jaipur
Morning: Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel; later proceed for the excursion to Amber Fort, here you will enjoy the Elephant Ride to reach atop of the palace. This journey on embellished elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience.

Inside the Fort visit the Hall of Victory or Jag Mandir – is the famed Sheesh Mahal- a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. Continue your journey: with the city tour of Jaipur – visiting Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.

One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum, housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Later visit the Jantar Mantar. – World heritage site. Later in the evening get a session of “Authentic Indian Popular Dishes Cooking Classes” in the hotel. The Indian cuisine is as diverse as its culture, languages, regions and its climate. All classes will feature an entire meal from “Appetizers to Dessert” and feature “hands-on recipes”. So bring your appetite and enthusiasm for a day of fun and enchantment. Learn easy delicious recipes and later enjoy dinner.
Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 05 Jaipur – Abhaneri/Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (By Road) (253 Kms. / 5H)
After breakfast drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is an exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone. It’s forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons.

The Diwane-i-Am – a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwane-i-Khas – a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai’s Palace, Mariam’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings.

Later drive to Agra.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 06 Agra
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal.

The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal – the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on every Friday]. Later visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction.

Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner.

Dinner at Peshawri Restaurant: ITC Mughal. Discover a definitive dining experience with refined cuisine and impeccable service.

Taste the authentic flavors of the northwest frontier cuisine at Peshawri. Barbecued specialties and freshly baked Indian breads are prepared in the restaurant’s display kitchen.

Day 07 Agra – Lucknow (By Train)
Morning at leisure. Afternoon departure transfer to railway station to board the train for Lucknow. The heritage and the royal splendor of Lucknow have always enthralled people all over the world.

The ambience of Awadh has commonly been related with the leisurely habits, fine etiquette, impressive architecture, rich food and refinement, the residues of Nawabi culture. Over the years the city has preserved this spirit of the glorious era that once reigned over Lucknow. Tours to Lucknow will make you experience the rich legacy of India.

Assistance upon arrival at railway station and drive to the hotel.
Overnight in Lucknow.

Day 08 Lucknow
Visit some of the major tourist attractions in Lucknow which are Asafi Masjid, Rumi Darwaza, Baradari, Residency, Shahnajaf Imambara, La Martiniere College, Clock Tower, Chhatar Manzil, Bada Imambara, Chhota Imambara, State Museum Zoo and Dilkusha.

The most famous dishes of Lucknow are kormas, kaliya, nahari-kulchas, zarda, sheermal, roomali rotis and warqi parathas. It is not just the ingredients that are special but also the way they are made by expert hands and the way they are presented. Just looking at an elaborate layout of Lucknow cuisine will make your mouth water.

The most famous of all dishes are the Kebabs or the meatballs that come in different varieties. Some of the most famous (and delicious!) varieties of Kebabs are Kakori Kebabs, Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs, Patili-ke-Kababs, Ghutwa Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs.

Day 09 Lucknow – Varanasi (By Flight)
Morning: Assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus.

Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years. In the afternoon you will transfer for excursion of Sarnath. The place where the Buddha turned the Wheel of Law and delivered His First Sermon.

See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum. In the evening, the grand ‘Aarti’ at Dasaashwamedh Ghat, conducted every sunset by five white-robed priests.

These five young men sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps. Thousands of illuminated lamps are immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges and the floating lamps add a divine look to the river at dusk. Sit with some ‘sadhu’ and enjoy knowing their lifestyle from close proximity.

You might even run into someone who is more than 100 years old! The Ghats also provide a good option for photography with serene temples and their bustling courtyards creating a perfect backdrop.
Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 10 Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight)
Morning: Transfer for Boat ride at dawn down India’s most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the “burning ghats” where the Hindus cremate their dead.

This is done with great religious fervor which makes for a moving experience. After boat ride one of Varanasi’s highlights is the Samosa and launglata-take after a holy dip in River Ganges from the numerous shops mushrooming on roads and streets nearby.

The traditional snack of kachori sold in the old city next to the ghats is also a must try. The ‘paapri-chaat’ is a hot favorite, with its tangy and spicy flavor of ginger and tamarind chutney accompanied by the cooling and soothing yoghurt. A variety of mango available only in summers called ‘Langda aam’ with its sour and sweet flavor is very popular, and so the fragrant ‘Benarasi paan’ added with aromatic essences of rose and ‘supari’ (areca-nut) along with other goodies.

Later, drive to the airport to board the flight for Delhi.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 11 Depart Delhi (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Delhi international airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Today you will arrive at Indira Gandhi international airport, meet and greet by our representative.

Assistance and transfer to hotel. Delhi – the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of the River Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.

If time permits, proceed on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries.

The Tomb of Humayun – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Drive past to India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to Rashtrapathi Bhawan – the residence of the President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast take a tantalizing tour of Old Delhi, with delights such as the Parathewali Gali-a whole street lined with shops specializing only in Parathas, a special flat bread which is stuffed with all kinds of vegetables, cheeses, spices and everything else the chefs fancy! Watch them create master pieces using exotic flours, spices, vegetables and other ingredients.

These simple melt-in-your-mouth delicacies will leave you craving for more long after you return home. We continue our quest, still in Old Delhi and on to on to the famous bazaar- Chandni Chowk-bustling with commerce and enterprise. Spices are the specialty of Khari Baoli (Asia’s largest Spice Market), so be prepared to be assaulted by exotic smalls and fragrances. Very near the Red Fort is the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan.

Take an interesting rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque. Also visit Raj Ghat – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Lunch at Chore Bizarre Easily India’s finest theme restaurant. People can’t quite decide how to define Chor Bizarre – ‘A pirate’s galley’, ‘An attic’, ‘Really clever’ and ‘Quirky’ usually rule the roost. Rightly so – ‘Chor’ means thief and ‘bizarre’ means totally bizarre!
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03 Delhi – Mandawa (By Road) (250 Kms. / 4.5H appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Mandawa.

Mandawa is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region. Mandawa is known for its fort and havelis. Mandawa provides the visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn; battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weather van, and an arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks. Most importantly, the fact that no two rooms are alike in the palace here. In the zenana or women’s quarters, one room offers antique murals, another has a marble fountain, and the turret room boasts of walls that are seven feet thick. Looking out from the window of the turret room, it is easy to imagine the marauding bandits that once roamed freely here. Little wonder then that the family crest contains the motto, ‘Veer Bhogya Vasundhara’, which translates into ‘the brave shall inherit the earth’.

Founded in the 18th century, the medieval fort of Mandawa dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region’s havelis.

The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall-a boy using a telephone, and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images.
Overnight at Mandawa.

Day 04 Mandawa – Jaipur (By Road) (170 Kms. / 3H 20M appx.)
After breakfast, city tour of Mandawa.
Later, drive to Jaipur.
Cultural folk music with dance show in Jaipur.

Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan is color washed pink – the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues are picturesque. The first planned city of its time, a formidable wall encircles Jaipur. On arrival assistance and check in at hotel.
Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 05 Jaipur
Morning: Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel; later proceed for the excursion to Amber Fort, here you will enjoy the Elephant Ride to reach atop of the palace. This journey on embellished elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience.

Inside the Fort visit the Hall of Victory or Jag Mandir – is the famed Sheesh Mahal- a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. Continue your journey: with the city tour of Jaipur – visiting Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.

One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum, housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Later visit the Jantar Mantar. – World heritage site. Later in the evening get a session of “Authentic Indian Popular Dishes Cooking Classes” in the hotel. The Indian cuisine is as diverse as its culture, languages, regions and its climate. All classes will feature an entire meal from “Appetizers to Dessert” and feature “hands-on recipes”. So bring your appetite and enthusiasm for a day of fun and enchantment. Learn easy delicious recipes and later enjoy dinner.
Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 06 Jaipur – Ranthambore (By Road) (180 Kms. / 3H appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

PM: Private Jeep Safari in Ranthambore National Park.
Evening Cooking lesson and dinner.
Overnight in Ranthambore.

Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, northern India. It is a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. Its landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple. Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies.

Day 07 Ranthambore
Early morning private jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park.
Come back to hotel for breakfast and shower.
Relax till lunch.

Cooking lesson followed by lunch.
Rest of the time free to explore Ranthambore Bazaar.
Overnight in Ranthambore.

Day 08 Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (By Road) (275 Kms. / 6H 50M)
After breakfast drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri is an exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone. It’s forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons.

The Diwane-i-Am – a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwane-i-Khas – a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai’s Palace, Mariam’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings.

Later drive to Agra.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 09 Agra
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal.

The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal – the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on every Friday]. Later visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction.

Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner.

Dinner at Peshawri Restaurant: ITC Mughal. Discover a definitive dining experience with refined cuisine and impeccable service.

Taste the authentic flavors of the northwest frontier cuisine at Peshawri. Barbecued specialties and freshly baked Indian breads are prepared in the restaurant’s display kitchen.

Day 10 Agra – Bharatpur – Delhi (By Road) (225 Kms. / 4H 20M appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Bharatpur.
Visit Kelodeo National Park.
Later, cooking lesson with lunch in Bharatpur.
Late afternoon, drive back to Delhi.
Overnight in Delhi.

Bharatpur is an Indian city in eastern Rajasthan. At its center is the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort, surrounded by a moat. Inside the fort is the Government Museum, which displays artifacts of local rajas. Just south, carved statues of Hindu gods fill Ganga Mandir and the sandstone Laxman Mandir temples. South of the city, Keoladeo National Park is a major bird sanctuary with hundreds of species.

Day 11 Depart Delhi (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Delhi international airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Delhi  (By Flight)
Today you will arrive at Indira Gandhi international airport, meet and greet by our representative.

Assistance and transfer to hotel. Delhi – the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of the River Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.

If time permits, proceed on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries.

The Tomb of Humayun – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Drive past to India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to Rashtrapathi Bhawan – the residence of the President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast take a tantalizing tour of Old Delhi, with delights such as the Parathewali Gali-a whole street lined with shops specializing only in Parathas, a special flat bread which is stuffed with all kinds of vegetables, cheeses, spices and everything else the chefs fancy! Watch them create master pieces using exotic flours, spices, vegetables and other ingredients.

These simple melt-in-your-mouth delicacies will leave you craving for more long after you return home. We continue our quest, still in Old Delhi and on to on to the famous bazaar- Chandni Chowk-bustling with commerce and enterprise. Spices are the specialty of Khari Baoli (Asia’s largest Spice Market), so be prepared to be assaulted by exotic smalls and fragrances. Very near the Red Fort is the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan.

Take an interesting rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque. Also visit Raj Ghat – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Lunch at Chore Bizarre Easily India’s finest theme restaurant. People can’t quite decide how to define Chor Bizarre – ‘A pirate’s galley’, ‘An attic’, ‘Really clever’ and ‘Quirky’ usually rule the roost. Rightly so – ‘Chor’ means thief and ‘bizarre’ means totally bizarre!
Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03 Delhi – Jaipur (By Road) (250 Kms. / 4.5H appx.)
After breakfast, city tour of Mandawa.
Later, drive to Jaipur.
Cultural folk music with dance show in Jaipur.

Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan is color washed pink – the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues are picturesque. The first planned city of its time, a formidable wall encircles Jaipur. On arrival assistance and check in at hotel.
Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 04 Jaipur
Morning: Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel; later proceed for the excursion to Amber Fort, here you will enjoy the Elephant Ride to reach atop of the palace. This journey on embellished elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience.

Inside the Fort visit the Hall of Victory or Jag Mandir – is the famed Sheesh Mahal- a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. Continue your journey: with the city tour of Jaipur – visiting Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.

One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum, housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Later visit the Jantar Mantar. – World heritage site. Later in the evening get a session of “Authentic Indian Popular Dishes Cooking Classes” in the hotel. The Indian cuisine is as diverse as its culture, languages, regions and its climate. All classes will feature an entire meal from “Appetizers to Dessert” and feature “hands-on recipes”. So bring your appetite and enthusiasm for a day of fun and enchantment. Learn easy delicious recipes and later enjoy dinner.
Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 05 Jaipur – Abhaneri / Fatehpur Sikri  – Agra (250 Kms. /5H 50M)
After breakfast drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is an exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone. It’s forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons.

The Diwane-i-Am – a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwane-i-Khas – a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai’s Palace, Mariam’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings.

Later drive to Agra.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 06 Agra
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal.

The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal – the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on every Friday]. Later visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction.

Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner.

Dinner at Peshawri Restaurant: ITC Mughal. Discover a definitive dining experience with refined cuisine and impeccable service.

Taste the authentic flavors of the northwest frontier cuisine at Peshawri. Barbecued specialties and freshly baked Indian breads are prepared in the restaurant’s display kitchen.

Day 07 Agra – Delhi (By Road) (210 Kms. / 3.5H appx.)
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel.
Lunch in Bharatpur with cooking lesson.
Later, drive to Delhi.
Overnight in Delhi.

Bharatpur is an Indian city in eastern Rajasthan. At its center is the 18th-century Lohagarh Fort, surrounded by a moat. Inside the fort is the Government Museum, which displays artifacts of local rajas. Just south, carved statues of Hindu gods fill Ganga Mandir and the sandstone Laxman Mandir temples. South of the city, Keoladeo National Park is a major bird sanctuary with hundreds of species.

Day 08 Depart Delhi  (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Delhi international airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight)
After arriving Cochin airport or railway station, meet our representative who’ll escort you to the hotel. After freshening up, we head to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The ‘Paradesi’ synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue was built in 1568 and reflects the traditional style of architecture and interiors. After that we head to the Mattancherry Palace which was commissioned by the Portuguese and then set out to see the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the harbour.Retire for the night at hotel.

Day 02 Cochin – Periyar (By Road) (160 Kms. / 4H 10M appx.)
After breakfast we head to Periyar, the land of wilderness and untamed wildlife. Home to India’s premier wildlife sanctuary, one can easily spot tigers, elephants and exotic birds on these plains. We visit the spice plantations in the afternoon.
The entire day is at leisure with cooking lesson, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03 Periyar
We start off early for a boat ride at the Lake Periyar. Due to fluctuating weather conditions in this region, we shall schedule this boat ride after arriving in Periyar. A boat safari on the Periyar Lake will give you an opportunity the exotic wild species in their natural turf.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04 Peiryar – Kumarakom (By Road) (122 Kms. / 3H 30M appx.)
Early morning after breakfast , head straight to Kumarakom which is home to the rubber plantations and a beautiful bird sanctuary. We travel for four hours via road off the shores of the scenic Lake Vembanad. On reaching Kumarakom you will be accommodated at a resort on the banks of backwater. Enjoy boat ride during your stay at the resort.
Overnight at the resort.

Day 05 Kumarakom – Marari (By Road) (30 Kms. / 50M appx.)
After breakfast, transfer to Marari.
Beach relax with cooking lesson.
Overnight in Marari.

Day 06 Marari
Beach relax with cooking lesson.
Overnight in Marari.

Day 07 Marari
Beach relax with cooking lesson.
Overnight in Marari.

Day 08 Marari – Cochin  (By Road) (60 Kms. / 1.5H appx.) / Depart Cochin
After breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight for your onwards journey.

Day 01 Arrive Mumbai (By Flight)
Meet on arrival at Mumbai Airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Later, City tour of Mumbai.
Cruise to Elephanta Island, Victoria Terminus, Mani Bhawan.

Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it’s India’s largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.

Day 02 Mumbai
After breakfast, city tour of Mumbai.
Cooking lesson followed by lunch.
Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 03 Mumbai–Jaipur (By Flight) / Jaipur–Ajmer (By Road) (130 Km/ 2.5H)
After breakfast transfer to Airport for Jaipur. Meet on arrival at Jaipur Airport and straight drive to Ajmer. On arrival at Ajmer check-in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Ajmer is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. South of the city’s artificial Ana Sagar Lake is Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the domed shrine of the Muslim Sufi saint Garib Nawaz. Nearby, a 16th-century palace built by the Mughal emperor Akbar now houses the Ajmer Government Museum, displaying armor and stone sculptures. A museum at the Indo-Saracenic–style Mayo College exhibits art and taxidermied birds.

Day 04 Ajmer
Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at the Hotel. Demo of Indian cuisine in the hotel. Half day excursion to Pushkar. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05 Ajmer
After breakfast visit the Tomb of Sufi Saint, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty.
Lunch and Dinner at the Hotel.
Demo of Indian cuisine in the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06 Ajmer – Jaipur (By Road) (130 Kms. / 2.5H appx.)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur check-in at hotel.
Rest of the day free for your own activity.
Demo of Indian cuisine in the hotel. Cultural folk music with dance show in Jaipur.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour. Since the colour pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.

Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city.

Day 07 Jaipur
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Enjoy an elephant ride up to the famous 17th century Amber Fort. Thereafter, visit the enchantingly beautiful City Palace, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, now housing a museum containing rare armories, manuscripts, and paintings.

Later, visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the landmark architecture of Jaipur built of pink sandstone. You will also visit the Jantar Mantar, an Astronomical observatory built by maharaja Jai Singh in 1728.

Demo of Indian cuisine in the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08 Jaipur – Abhaneri/Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (By Road) (265 Km/ 5.5H)
After breakfast drive to Agra, enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was built between 1571 and 1585. It is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour. Though the city is in ruins, it is a must visit place for those who visit Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should spend some time. The sunset over the ruins of this fort is a sight to be cherished.

On arrival at Agra check-in at hotel.
Demo of Indian cuisine in the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Abhaneri, also spelled Abaneri, is a village in the Dausa district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Abhaneri is popular for the Chand Baori step well and Harshat Mata Temple.

Fatehpur Sikri is a small city in northern India, just west of Agra, founded by a 16th-century Mughal emperor. Red sandstone buildings cluster at its center. Buland Darwaza gate is the entrance to Jama Masjid mosque. Nearby is the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Diwan-E-Khas hall has a carved central pillar. Jodha Bais Palace is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles, next to the 5-story Panch Mahal that overlooks the site.

Day 09 Agra
In the morning visit the famous Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument is made of white marble and it took 22 years to get constructed.

After breakfast visit the Agra Fort which has the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-e-am (the hall of public audience) and Diwan-e-Khas (the hall of private audience).

Demo of Indian cuisine in the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is 206 kilometres south of the national capital New Delhi. Agra is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh and 24th in India.

Wish to realize a dream vacation? Welcome to the amazing tourism city of the TajMahal – Agra, India. The seat of the great Mughal rulers for ages Agra, India offers its treasure trove for all the tourists from India and abroad. Even though Agra, India is synonymous with the Taj, the city stands in testimony to the great amount of architectural activity of the Mughals. TajMahal is the epitome of love, poem in white marble, one of the Seven Wonders of the World besides being the pride of India.

Day 10 Agra – Delhi (By Road) (232 Kms. / 4H appx.)
After breakfast drive back to Delhi.
On arrival, city tour of Delhi.
Visit, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Red Fort (Outside), Chandni Chowk Spice market, India Gate, Presidential Palace.

Evening cooking lesson followed by the dinner.
Overnight in Delhi.

Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls.

Day 11 Depart Delhi (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Delhi international airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrive in Delhi.
Meet assist at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

This morning visit Old Delhi.
Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi, visiting the Jama Masjid, the royal mosque built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in 1656. It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is constructed in red sandstone and white marble. The main prayer hall has a seating capacity of more than 20,000 worshippers.

Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi. Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan designed this commercial place in 1648. Drive past Red Fort, a UNESCO World heritage site.

Walk through the by-lanes of the wedding street and the jeweller’s lane to savour a 350 years old culture up-close.

Culminate the tour at the Spice Market also known as Khari Baoli. It is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. At present, the street is a congested and busy market with shops on both sides selling spices, nuts and herbs. You will have a unique experience here viewing the whole process of loading, carrying or unloading of huge sacks of items from manual trolleys, shopkeepers busy dealing with the customers, customers selecting large quantities of items and weary labourers resting and chatting aloud. The overall appearance seems to be very chaotic but in reality it is very well managed! There will be great photo opportunities here!!!

Thereafter visit Chor Bizarre restaurant for lunch. Savour ‘Wazwan’ cuisine, from Kashmir. The restaurant has a unique concept and all kinds of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners!).

The traditional Wazwan consist of thirty-six courses! Each dish has its own tradition and brings to mind memories of events such as festivals and wedding feasts. Other than on special occasions, it is very seldom that all thirty-six courses are laid out, but eating twenty odd courses on a regular basis is quite common. The attendants pass around ‘Tasha-t-Nair’ so that you can wash your hands. It would be sacrilege to use anything but your fingers to eat this meal. People sit in fours (considered auspicious) to share sustenance with dear ones over a ‘Tarami’ (large plate). The Tarami arrives with rice and the first few courses. Each successive course follows separately to allow you to savour its distinct flavour. At the end ‘Kahwah’ is served, the aroma of which leaves you with the lingering memories of ‘Wazwan’

Afternoon Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) where the Viceroy once lived but now it is the official residence of the President of India.

Next on the itinerary visit Qutab Minar – a UNESCO World heritage site, a soaring tower of victory, 72.5meter high with five distinct stories. The construction of this minaret commenced in 1193 and was completed in 1368.

Culminate the tour at Humayun’s Tomb – a UNESCO World heritage site, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, it developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

Day 02 Delhi – Ahmedabad (By Flight)
Spend today at leisure. The Imperial is centrally located meaning that many of Delhi’s sites are a walk or short taxi ride away. Later today you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Ahmedabad.

Day 03 Ahmedabad
Without question, Ahmedabad is the best city to start your culinary journey. Visit Gandhi Ashram and Hathising Jain Temple in the morning and the Utensils Museum in the afternoon and get a demonstration of Gujarati Snacks. Thaali dinner at Agashiye.

Day 04 Ahmedabad
Drive to Modhera Sun Temple en route to Patan and the Patan Rani ni Vav. Drive back to Ahmedabad. Enjoy dinner at Navrangpura, followed by an evening street food tour.

Day 05 Ahmedabad – Delhi (By Flight)
After breakfast, Heritage walk in the Old City in the morning.
Take an afternoon flight to Delhi.
Have dinner at Indian Accent restaurant in The Manor Hotel Delhi.

Day 06 Delhi – Amritsar (By Flight)
Take an early morning flight to Amritsar.
Morning visit to the Golden Temple followed by an afternoon visit to an organic farm, have a tandoor demonstration, and end with a visit to the India – Pakistan border. On the way back to the city, stop at a restaurant for dinner near the border and watch the making of various kinds of kebabs in the traditional tandoor.

Day 07 Amritsar 
Take a village excursion to get an experience of rural India.
Visit a Papad making unit.
Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 08 Amritsar – Kolkata (By Flight)
After breakfast you will get your flight to Calcutta via Delhi. This evening enjoy dinner at a traditional Bengali home.

Day 09 Kolkata
Breakfast at Flury’s, a tearoom which transports you back to the 1930s British India in a heartbeat. Have a photo walk in Dalhousie Square and lunch in a Chinese restaurant; the Chinese community are an important part of Calcutta’s past and present. Enjoy an afternoon private boat cruise on the River Hoogly.

Day 10 Kolkata
Enjoy a morning food walk tour in a traditional bazaar followed by an introduction to the story of tea in India with an optional visit to Kumartuli / shopping in the afternoon. Tonight, have a formal dinner at the Bengal Club.

Day 11 Kolkata – Hyderabad (By Flight)
Fly to Hyderabad and check in a the Taj Falaknuma Palace. Have lunch at a local restaurant to experience three regions on a plate.
Downtime and optional shopping in the afternoon.

Day 12 Hyderabad
This morning take a food walk of the Old City, followed by ‘The Biryani Tour’. In the afternoon take a Palace Tour and take High Tea at your hotel, the majestic Taj Falaknuma Palace.

Day 13 Hyderabad
A la Carte Cooking Lessons in the morning. Next, visit a beautiful home in the heart of the Old City where you will learn about the concept of fasting vs feasting while sampling dishes. Over cups of hot masala tea, the hostess will describe the role of women during festivals and the food traditions associated with them. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a special farewell dinner.

Day 14 Depart Hyderabad (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Delhi international airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrival Mumbai (By Flight)
Arrival in Mumbai, meet assist and transfer to your hotel. Also known as the ‘Financial Capital of India’, Mumbai was given to Charles II of England on account of his marriage to the Portuguese princess Catherine. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Mumbai
After Breakfast, Proceed to sightseeing tour of Elephanta,Caves,away from the ‘Gateway of India’ on an island. Board the motor boat and ride towards the island. Built in the 7th century, Elephanta Caves are a group of rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, explore other tourist attractions in Mumbai which include the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum and Hanging Gardens.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Mumbai – Hyderabad (By Flight)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Hyderabad. On reaching Hyderabad airport, move to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, embark on a half day sightseeing tour of Hyderabad covering Mecca Masjid, Faluknuma Palace, Safdarjung Museum and Charminar.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Hyderabad – Gulbarga (By Road) (212 kms / 04 hrs 15 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed Gulbarga. On the way, halt in Bidar to visit the 15th century Bidar Fort and the Bahmani tombs. On reaching Gulbarga, check into hotel. Later, go out to visit the 15th century Jama Masjid. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 Gulbarga – Bijapur (By Road) (165 kms / 03 hrs 10 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Bijapur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Later, embark on a tour of Bijapur covering Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Roza built by Adil Shah II for his beloved queen.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Bijapur – Badami (By Road) (119 kms / 02 hrs 37 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to sightseeing tour of Badami temples. On the way, visit Aihole- the “Cradle of the Indian Architecture”. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for night stay. Later, visit the Mahakuteshwara Temple, Northern Fort and Badami rock-cut caves.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Badami – Hospet (By Road) (129 kms / 02 hrs 39 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Hospet. On the way, halt in Pattadakal- famous for his ten medieval temples representing ,Chalukyan architecture.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 Hospet
After Breakfast, Proceed to go out to enjoy the tour of Hampi. Here you will explore the ruins of the kingdom of Hampi.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Hospet – Hassan (By Road) (314 kms / 06 hrs 31 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Hassan. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Hassan – Mysore (By Road) (117 kms / 02 hrs 29 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Mysore. visit for a sightseeing tour of Belur and Halebid.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 Mysore
After Breakfast, Proceed to sightseeing tour of Mysore covering the famous Tipu Sultan Palace and Somnathpur. Post sightseeing.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12 Mysore – Bangalore (By Road) (184 kms / 03 hrs 51 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Bangalore. On the way, visit Srirangapatnam. Upon arrival in Bangalore, check in at the hotel to rest and relax. In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of Bangalore- the IT hub of India. The places you will visit here include The Bangalore Fort & Palace, Vidhan Soudha and Lal Bagh.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 Depart Bangalore (By Flight)
Departure transfer to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Chennai (By Flight)
Arrive Chennai meet-assist at airport with fresh flower garlands & transfer to hotel.
After breakfast full day Sightseeing of Chennai.

Chennai: formerly called Madras, Originally Chennai was a cluster of villages, perched amidst paddy fields, bordered by palm trees. Attraction, Fort ST. George: was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. Marina Beach: ANNA Memorial: the memorial for ARINZAR ANNADURAI. San Thome Basilica: at the south end of Marina Beach was named after Saint Thomas “doubting apostle of Jesus Christ”. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 02 Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (138 kms / 3 hrs approx)
After breakfast leave by private car to Mahabalipuram on the way stop at Kanchipuram. On arrival city tour of Mahabalipuram.

Kanchipuram: Situated in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is the city of thousand temples and one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. Tourist Attractions: The Ekambaranathar Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Varadaraja Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and the Kamakshi Amman Temple.

Mahabalipuram: The temple town of Mahabalipuram is famous for its various temples and other attractive features. This 7th century city of the Pallavas is considered pioneer in the Dravidian architectural style. The city was earlier called Mallapuram and was a famous trading port of Pallavas. During your Mahabalipuram tour, you will come across many interesting tourism spots. Some of the best ones are as follows.

Arjuna’s Penance – Arjuna’s Penance is the pride of not only Mahabalipuram and Tamilnadu but also of India. Arjuna’s Penance is the world’s largest bas-relief that measures 27 meters and 9 meters along its length and breadth respectively. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figures of Gods, Demigods, Men, Beasts and Birds. The whole structure looks like the penance of Arjuna, the Pandava prince and one of the protagonists of Indian epic Mahabharata; hence the name.

Five Rathas – Five Rathas are the one of the most magnificent tourist attractions at Mahabalipuram Beaches. Five Rathas are actually five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are modeled around chariots that are called ‘Rathas’ in Hindi. They are also known as the ‘Pancha Pandava Rathas’, which means that each one of them represent 5 Pandavas, the protagonists of Indian epic Mahabharata..

Dakshinachitra – A must visit site on the Mahabalipuram beach is Dakshinachitra, a heritage village that is the brainchild of the Ministry of Culture. The village falls to your left when you start moving from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.

Shore Temples – Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples in South India and the oldest one based on the Dravidian style architecture. It belongs to the early 8th century AD and is considered a pioneer in the Dravidian temple art. The monuments are floodlit at night in order to make it visible in the night. In fact, the temple looks great in moonlit night. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore (By Road) (274 kms / 6 hrs)
After breakfast leave by private car to Tanjore enroute visit Pondicherry.

Pondicherry: It is a city of southeast India on the Bay of Bengal south-southwest of Chennai (Madras). Pondicherry Temples: Most of the temples around Pondicherry are dedicated to Ganesh, the Destroyer of all Obstacles. The Pondicherry Museum: It showcases an eclectic collection of art, Pallava sculptures, handicraft, weaponry, archaeology, geology and the old French Governor Duplex’s bed, an old palanquin and other interesting things.

Later continue drive towards Tanjore.
Arrive and check in at your hotel. Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 04 Tanjore – Trichy – Tanjore (By Road) (57 kms / 1 hrs – One Way)
After breakfast city tour of Tanjore and then leave for excursion by private car to Trichy.

At Tanjore, the capital and spiritual heart of the Chola, the brightest of the dynasties of southern India, the temple of Brihadishvara celebrated with pomp his protector, Shiva. Served by substantial resources, architects of the year by miles conjuguèrent rigor symbolic spatial organization and the monumental, building the tallest tower Vimana of India, crowned by a monolith of 80 tonnes and perfection art, dazzling in the multitude of reliefs that decorate the walls of the temple.
Religious work unmatched in South India, bold continuation of the prestigious heritage of the Pallava art, the temple was also intended as a monument to the glory of Chola Kings, celebrating their power stretching, a rare example in history of India, beyond the seas. Nayak’s palace we visit the museum, which exhibits a remarkable collection of Chola bronzes.

Afternoon drive towards Trichy and on arrival sightseeing of Trichy.

Apart from Trichy, dominated by its citadel located on a rocky outcrop, the temple of Ranganatha Swamy is the immense sanctuary of India. On an island designed by the river Kaveri, the temple city, including the outer wall defines a perimeter of 60 hectares divided by seven successive ramparts, traces the history of the country. This is where the Vishnu has developed, particularly under the leadership of the great philosopher Ramajuna.

Since time immemorial, each sovereign wished to honor Vishnu by increasing his wealth by successive additions. If the heart of the sanctuary remains inaccessible to non-Hindus, you will discover, immersed in the crowd of the faithful, the magic of exploring the plethora of speakers, door gopuram, courses hypostyle temples and annexes to the above, between high the thirteenth and eighteenth century, especially in the Madurai Nayak dynasty.

Evening drive back towards Tanjore and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at Tanjore.

Day 05 Tanjore – Chettinad – Madurai (By Road) (219 kms / 4.5 hrs approx)
Breakfast and departure by road to reach Madurai, the cultural capital of the Tamil country which opens like a fan delta of the Kaveri, which was the capital of the Cholas, the most brilliant ever known kingdom in South India .

Along the way, we stop at Chettinad, a small town museum where you can discover very nice “houses palace” abandoned or inhabited, built in the nineteenth century by wealthy families of merchants or bankers. It is a small interlude out of the ordinary and that we can see another architectural aspect of this region.

Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Madurai – Originally known as Madhurapuri got its name from the falling of divine nectar from Lord Shiva’s rocks. This ancient city has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Madurai is believed that this is more than 2500 years old ancient city, situated on the banks of the river Vaigai Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara.

PM: Visit Meenakshi temple and watch night ceremony.

This temple is the city’s main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town – a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structures know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Madurai – Periyar (By Road) (168 kms / 4 hrs approx)
After breakfast drive by private AC vehicle to Periyar. On arrival check into your respective hotel.

Periyar: tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq. km. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. The ancient Mangala Devi temple is perched atop a thickly wooded hill and affords a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings. The temple is located 15 km from Thekkady.

PM – Visit Periyar National Park by boat.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Periyar – Kumarakom / Kumarakom – Alleppey  / Alleppey – Cochin
– Periyar – Kumarakom (By Road) (131 kms / 2.5 hrs approx)
– Kumarakom – Alleppey (House Boat) (2.5 hrs approx)
– Alleppey – Cochin (By Road) (53 kms / 1 hrs approx)

Breakfast and departure by road to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom – is an enchanting backwater destination in Kerala. This village is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, in the Kuttanad region of Kottayam district. The place is just the perfect choice for a traveler to enjoy the beauty of nature, while relaxing amidst tranquil backwaters. The beauty of the place is captivating and would a leave lasting impression on your mind. From the mystical water to the evergreen trees, the experience of visiting Kumarakom is worth having. The mangrove trees, paddy fields and blue lagoons give a pictorial beauty to the place. Basking in the blissful glory of sunlight, fishing, canoeing or sightseeing, whatever you chose to do in Kumarakom, everything will add to its appeal and attraction.

After visiting Kumarakom, We go into the cruise which take you the backwater for 2.5 hours and get down in Alleppey.

Depart for Cochin. One of the most beautiful natural harbors on the coast of Oman Sea, Cochin was the call for foreign traders for centuries. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in its architecture, buildings and structures here are the parts of the world. City of islands and peninsulas now is the commercial city of Kerala.
On arrival at Cochin, transfer to your hotel.

Day 08 Cochin
After breakfast full day Sightseeing of Cochin.

Cochin – the palm green commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Known as commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is also offers forts, palaces, beaches, backwaters, old churches, snakes boat races, Kathakali, and museums etc. Kochi is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas which makes it more attractive for nature lovers. Cochin is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’

Santa Cruz Basilica -This monumental church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

St. Francis Church – Built in 1503 by Portuguese Friars, it is the India’s oldest European church. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India.
Mattancherry -Palace It was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. The Dutch renovated the palace in 1663. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the Puranic legends.

Day 09 Cochin – Calicut (By Train)  / Calicut – Ooty (157 kms / 3 hrs)
After breakfast leave by train to Calicut (Dep. 06:45 AM /Arr. 10:55 AM) on arrival Visit Calicut.

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode is a city in the state of Kerala in southern India on the Malabar Coast. Calicut is the third largest city in Kerala and is part of the second largest urban agglomeration in Kerala.

During classical antiquity and the middle Ages, Calicut was dubbed the “City of Spices” for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. It was the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by the Samoothiris (Zamorins) in middle Ages and later of the erstwhile Malabar district under British rule. Muslim Arab merchants traded with the region as early as 7th century, and Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut on May 20, 1498. A Portuguese factory and fort was intact in Calicut for short period (1511–1525, until the Fall of Calicut), the English landed in 1615 (constructed a trading post in 1665), followed by the French (1698) and the Dutch (1752). In 1765, Mysore captured Calicut as part of its occupation of Malabar Coast. Calicut was given the tag of “City of Sculptures” (Shilpa Nagaram) because of the various architectural sculptures located in various parts of the city.

Calicut, once a famous cotton-weaving center, gave name to the Calico cloth.
After visiting Calicut leave for Ooty.
On arrival transfer to hotel & overnight in Ooty.

Day 10 Ooty – Mysore (By Road) (127 kms / 2.5 hrs approx)
After breakfast visit of Ooty.

Ooty – also known as Udhagamandalam is the “Queen of hill stations” and the capital of Nilgiris district in South India. It is known for its pleasant climate, tea plantations, fruit orchards and scenic hills of the Nilgiris. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. Tourist Attractions: Botanical Gardens, St. Stevens Church, Charing Cross, Fernhill Palace, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Kandal Cross, Kamaraj Sagar.

PM: Drive to Mysore.
On arrival transfer to hotel & overnight in Mysore.

Day 11 Mysore – Hassan (By Road) (118 kms / 2.5 hrs approx)
After breakfast visit of Mysore.

Mysore – Today it has developed into a modern city like many other cities in the country. The city of Mysore is known as the ‘City Of Palaces’. There are number of buildings built by the Royal family Sight seeing tour of Mysore visiting the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with magnificent Archways, Domes, Turrets, Colonnades and Sculptures. Also visit the Art Gallery, drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back see the Nandi Bull -a monolith structure. Full day excursion to Sravanbelagola, Belur and Halebid.

PM: Drive to Hassan.
On arrival transfer to hotel & overnight in Hassan.

Day 12 Hassan – Bangalore (By Road) (185 kms / 4 hrs approx)
After breakfast visit of Hassan.

Hassan – is a tranquil little town in the south India state of Karnataka. This quiet picturesque town is an ideal base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Hassan is the oldest town of the Hoysala Empire of 11th to 13th century AD in India. Hassan has recently become a tourist destination for its unique style of architecture.

PM: Drive to Bangalore.
On arrival transfer to hotel & overnight in Bangalore.

Day 13 Depart Bangalore (By Flight)
After breakfast visit of Bangalore.

Bangalore is a booming city and considered fifth largest and the fastest growing city in Asia. There are a number of tourist attractions to visit in and around the city of Bangalore. Of historical, religious and contemporary interests, Sightseeing tour of the “Garden City” which covers the Lal Bagh having variety of old Trees, Fountains, Lotus, Pools, Terraces and an assortment of Tropical Herbs and Sub – Tropical Herbs. Also see the Government Buildings and the Maharaja‘s Palace.

In the evening, transfer to International airport for flight back home.