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This truly grand tour is packed with once-in-a lifetime experiences: Witness the contrasts of New and Old Delhi and the wondrous Taj Mahal; ride on boats, an elephant, a camel and a steam train, stay in a heritage hotel; safari amidst exotic animals; watch silk-weaving and colorful dancing; explore splendid palaces and holy shrines. |
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Tour Itinerary:
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THURSDAY |
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Day 01 |
ARRIVE DELHI |
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Anytime: |
Welcome to Delhi, India! a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs. On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Delhi |
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FRIDAY |
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Day 02 |
DELHI - AGRA (205 KMS / 5 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At hotel |
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Morning: |
Tour Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's serene and evocative cremation site, India Gate (the War Memorial) and the Presidents House (from the outside), the Baha'i Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) - this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is a symbol of peace, the Qutab Minar a stunning 240-foot minaret, the tallest in the world surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. |
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Afternoon: |
Drive to Agra. On arrival check in to the hotel |
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Evening: |
At leisure |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Agra |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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SATURDAY |
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Day 03 |
AGRA |
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Early Morning: |
Enjoy the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as "the jewel of Muslim art in India". There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel as light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful dawn glow. Return back to the hotel |
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Breakfast: |
At hotel |
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Afternoon: |
Visit Agra Fort; another UNESO heritage site built and added to between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was built primarily as a military structure, but Shah Jahan upgraded it to a palace and later it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. The elegant building inside reflects an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. |
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Evening: |
Marble craftsmanship demonstration |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Agra |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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SUNDAY |
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Day 04 |
AGRA - JAIPUR (236 KMS / 5 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At hotel |
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Morning: |
Drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water. |
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Evening: |
At leisure |
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Afternoon: |
On arrival check in to the hotel. Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname becomes immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn. |
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Dinner: |
Authentic Rajasthani cuisine |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Jaipur |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast & Dinner |
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MONDAY |
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Day 05 |
JAIPUR |
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Breakfast: |
At hotel |
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Morning: |
Start with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort perched on top of a hill. A royal ride on elephant (subject to availability) up the hill like the Maharajas of past times and visit the Jagmandir (the hall of victory). Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar's army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie "Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love." |
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Afternoon: |
View the grand Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street, City Palace and impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name. Also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old part of the Pink city. |
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Evening: |
Demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Jaipur |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast. |
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TUESDAY |
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Day 06 |
JAIPUR - PUSHKAR (140 KMS /3.5 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
drive to Pushkar |
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Afternoon: |
Arrive in Pushkar; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of the Holy City of the God, Brahma; visit the Holy Lake and the famous Brahma Temple. Special Pooja ceremony at a Ghat with a Hindu priest |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Pushkar |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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WEDNESDAY |
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Day 07 |
PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR (260 KMS / 5 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
Morning after breakfast drive to Udaipur. |
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Afternoon: |
On arrival in Udaipur check in to the hotel. Udaipur is the majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan's most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes. |
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Evening: |
Take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola (public boat), sailing past picturesque Ghats and palaces, stopping at the island of Jag Mandir, a 17th century water palace that witnessed two important historical events. It was the refuge for Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan, when he was exiled by his father and later during the uprising of 1857, the island offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Née much. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Udaipur |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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THURSDAY |
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Day 08 |
UDAIPUR |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
Begin our day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D. and it was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace consists of a number of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Inside the complex we will find the exquisite crystal gallery, exhibiting 19th century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas and beds. We will continue walking towards the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Afterwards we will explore the Old City, wandering through its bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors and more. |
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Evening: |
Special dinner at Rajbagh |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Udaipur |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast & Dinner |
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FRIDAY |
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Day 09 |
UDAIPUR - JODHPUR (285 KMS / 5 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
Drive to Jodhpur, en-route visit Ranakpur Temple built in the 15th century and located in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range. Ranakpur is considered one of the five holiest sites of the Jain community and is exceptionally beautiful. Over 1444 marble pillars, each differently carved in exquisite detail; support the temple although legend has it that it is really impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in the temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. |
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Afternoon: |
Upon arrival check in to the hotel |
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Evening |
At Leisure. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Jodhpur |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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SATURDAY |
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Day 10 |
JODHPUR- JAISALMER (290 KMS/ 5.5 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Later drive to Jaisalmer founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156. Jaisalmer was a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. The first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenulated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite havelis, has a medieval ambience. |
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Afternoon: |
Arrive in Jaisalmer; check in to the hotel |
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Evening: |
At leisure |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Jaisalmer |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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SUNDAY |
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Day 11 |
JAISALMER |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
Tour Jaisalmer; the fort, often referred to as the Golden Fort because of the color of the stone, encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or lattice worked screens, carved doors and floral carvings and elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples. The havelis in both the fort and the town are exceptional, similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants; the havelis were the mansions of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, screens and windows. Each haveli has an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments. Walk through the narrow streets of the fort to see the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli the most elaborate and magnificent haveli and best known for its latticed façade and Salim Singh ki Haveli. Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to found his city. |
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Evening: |
Enjoy a unique camel ride excursion to see the sunset at Sam Dunes known for its enormous sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the wind. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Jaisalmer |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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MONDAY |
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Day 12 |
JAISALMER - BIKANER (325 KMS/ 6 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. |
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Evening: |
Arrive in Bikaner; check in to the hotel. Afterwards visit a camel breeding farm |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Bikaner |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast. |
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TUESDAY |
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Day 13 |
BIKANER - MANDAWA (200 KMS/ 4 HRS) |
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Breakfast: |
At Hotel |
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Morning: |
Visit Junagarh Fort, begun by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century, but was added on over the next three centuries. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone is surrounded by a moat, and within are beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks, fine jali or lattice work screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal in the fort has walls covered with stories from Krishna's life, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are elaborately decorated in red and gold. Drive to Mandawa |
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Afternoon: |
Arrive at Mandawa; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa dominated by a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Visit Chokhani and Ladia Havelis and the street with Saraf Havelis |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Mandawa |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast. |
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WEDNESDAY |
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Day 14 |
MANDAWA - DELHI (265 KMS / 6 HRS)
DELHI- CHENNAI - MAMALLAPURAM (56 KMS/1 HR) |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Depart back to Delhi |
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Afternoon: |
Transfer to Delhi airport to board a flight to Chennai. Welcome to Chennai. Up on arrival meet and greet followed by transfer to Mamallapuram - Its enviable position on the Coromandel Coast, facing the Bay of Bengal, guarantees that this is a popular place to stay. Spend time on the white-sand beach shaded by casuarina trees and hire a bike to pedal through the surrounding countryside but make sure you allow time to explore this wonderful open-air museum, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
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Evening: |
At leisure. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Mamallapuram. |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast. |
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THURSDAY |
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Day 15 |
MAMALLAPURAM |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
proceed for sightseeing where you will visit monuments Arjuna's Penance Nothing can prepare you for the wonderful bas-reliefs covering two huge boulders. The Five Rathas You won't believe that these shrines are carved whole from an outcrop of rock. Each of the five temples is dedicated to heroes from the great epic of the Mahabharata. The Five Rathas You won't believe that these shrines are carved whole from an outcrop of rock. Each of the five temples is dedicated to heroes from the great epic of the Mahabharata. |
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Lunch: |
At a local restaurant serving traditional South Indian style cuisine (Optional) |
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Evening: |
At leisure. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Mamallapuram |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast / Lunch |
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FRIDAY |
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Day 16 |
MAMALLAPURAM - PONDICHERRY (100km/2h) |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Drive to Pondicherry -Attractively set on the Bay of Bengal with delightful unspoilt beaches, this surprising town is a throwback to colonial times when it was a French enclave. Enroute visit Auroville -Discover the harmonious community of Auroville, inspired by The Mother as a place where people can come together, regardless of nationality, belief or colour, to live a meaningful life.
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Afternoon: |
Check-in to the hotel |
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Evening: |
At leisure |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Pondicherry |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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SATURDAY |
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Day 17 |
PONDICHERRY - TANJORE (220km/5h) |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Today we drive to Tanjore - Despite its important history and culture. |
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A bustling market town in one of the main rice-growing regions of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore was once the capital of the Chola empire and, although many buildings from that period no longer survive, the town is still full of lovely temples. En-route you may stop at Dharasuram temple (built in memory of the White elephant - AIRAVATH from the gods family), the temple has its original name as "Airavatheshwar temple." |
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Evening: |
Check-in to the hotel |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Tanjore. |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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SUNDAY |
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Day 18 |
TANJORE - MADURAI (165km/4h) |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Explore Bangalore - The Garden City of south India. |
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Afternoon: |
Explore Tanjore; Visit Brihadeshvara Temple This magnificent temple, over 1000 years old and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, evokes the power of the Chola kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions which depict temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths and astrologers who lived there. Bronze casting With a history of traditional bronze casting take the opportunity to view the masters at work using the lost-wax method. This method, used to create sacred temple bronzes during the Chola period, is still practised today and is being passed down through the generations to ensure that bronze casting continues to thrive also. |
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Afternoon: |
Continue your travel to Madurai. This vast, pulsating city, one of the oldest cities in South India, dating back
2500 years, sprawls along the banks of the River Vaigai. Wander through the fun, packed streets which are
full of pilgrims, wandering cows, open-air kitchens and colourful bazaars |
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Evening: |
Upon arrival check in to the hotel. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Madurai. |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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MONDAY |
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Day 19 |
MADURAI |
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Breakfast: |
Hotel dining room |
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Morning: |
We proceed for Rickshaw tour Get right under the skin of this fascinating city and take a leisurely rickshaw ride, with a friendly wallah driving you, through the maze of streets. Take in the sights and smells that surround you; pass through vegetable markets and see the locals haggling over the price; stop to admire the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a fusion of classical Indian and European styles; and spend time in the Gandhi Museum which charts India's freedom struggle. Gandhi Memorial Museum Don't visit Madurai without exploring the maze of rooms in the Gandhi Memorial Museum dedicated to India's struggle for independence. Housed in the magnificent historic Tamukkam Palace, dating back to 1670, peruse the excellent 'India fights for freedom' exhibition and the gallery dedicated to Gandhi's life |
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Evening: |
Light and Sound Show, in English and Tamil, at the Thirumalai Nayak Palace |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Madurai. |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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TUESDAY |
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Day 20 |
MADURAI - PERIYAR (165km/4.5h) |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Drive to Periyar The evocative name of the Cardamom Hills is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a reserve on the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border which is surrounded by tea and spice plantations. Lush forest, with a vast lake at its heart, is home to many indigenous animals.
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Afternoon: |
Check-in to the hotel. Later we take for Guided Plantation tour - Renowned for their spice plantations, the Cardamom Hills are the ideal location to explore a garden where spices and other aromatic plants are grown. Learn about their use in the preparation of local cuisine and their medicinal properties and then you may also enjoy a short ride on an elephant (supplement Cost applicable) to get the best view of the stunning scenery.
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Evening: |
At leisure. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Periyar |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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WEDNESDAY |
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Day 21 |
PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM |
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Early Morning: |
Rise early for the best chance to spot elephant, deer, wild boar, mongoose and colourful birds on a dawn walk. Your experienced guide will know the best places for game viewing and, if you are extremely lucky, you may even come across elusive leopard and tiger. |
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Breakfast: |
Return hotel for breakfast. |
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Afternoon: |
Depart to Kumarakom - This cluster of tiny islands is almost impossibly beautiful, surrounded by a labyrinth of
tropical waterways. Kumarakom is the jumping off point to join a boat to explore the Kerala backwaters. |
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Evening |
At leisure |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Kumarakom |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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THURSDAY |
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Day 22 |
KUMARAKOM |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Spend your time at leisure on the tranquil resort. You may also go for One Hour Canoeing a unique experience, which would leave a person thrilled and overjoyed. The tranquility of the waters and the freshness of the greenery around would give a lasting impression in the minds of the visitors. |
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Breakfast: |
Return hotel for breakfast. |
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Evening |
At leisure. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Kumarakom |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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FRIDAY |
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Day 23 |
KUMARAKOM - COCHIN (90km/2h) |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Drive to Cochin - European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture.
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Afternoon: |
Meander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin where the various European influences are most apparent with merchant houses and old warehouses cramming the waterfront and narrow streets. Take in the St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the highly decorated Santa Cruz Basilica. Allow time to admire the colourful murals, including depictions of the Ramayana, in the 16th century Dutch Palace. Linger in the colourful, pungent spice markets before moving on to the much-photographed Chinese nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin. |
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Evening: |
The epic Ramayana comes to life at a Kathakali performance, traditional Keralan dance, where the characters use larger than life gestures, wear outrageous costumes and dramatic make up. |
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Accommodation: |
Overnight in Cochin |
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Meals Included: |
Breakfast |
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SATURDAY |
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Day 24 |
COCHIN DEPARTURE |
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Breakfast: |
At the hotel |
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Morning: |
Check out from the hotel and drive towards Cochin airport to board the onward flight to respective destination |
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(END OF OUR SERVICES) |
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| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
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23 Nights accommodation at superior hotels |
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English speaking Tour Director |
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Return airport transfers |
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Daily Breakfast |
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Special Dinner in Jaipur, Udaipur & Cochin |
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Demonstration of Marble craftsmanship in Agra |
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Demonstration of Carpet weaving and block printing in Jaipur |
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Rickshaw Ride in Jaipur |
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Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur |
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Pooja ceremony on Ghat with Hindu Priest in Pushkar |
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Camel ride to sand dunes for sunset viewing (Jaisalmer) |
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Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur |
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary |
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All transportation by AC Chauffer driven vehicle |
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All presently applicable land taxes |
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Domestic flight Delhi - Chennai |
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Traditional lunch in Mamallapuram |
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Bicycle Rickshaw tour in Madurai |
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Kathakali dance show |
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Guided Plantation tour in Periyar |
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Entrance to sights and monuments |
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| TOUR PACKAGE NOT INCLUDES: |
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Meals not mentioned as being included |
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Items of a personal nature |
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Tips & gratuities |
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Visa fees |
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Optional tours |
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Camera/Video fees |
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Travel Insurance |
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International airfare |
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Beverages with meals |
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Items not mentioned as being included |
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