Great
India Fifty Days Tour
Places to Visit: Delhi - Udaipur
- Jodhpur - Pushkar - Jaipur-Agra - Gwalior - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Aurangabad
- Mumbai - Goa - Banglore - Maysore - Hassan - Chennai - Trichy - Madurai - Periyar
- Alleppy - Kochi - Abroad
Duration: 49 Nights / 50 Days
Day
01: Arrival at Delhi Company representatives will receive you on arrival
at the international airport in Delhi late in the evening. Transfer to hotel for
overnight stay. DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling
metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect
introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India.
Day 02: Delhi After breakfast, full day
city tour of old & modern capital of India. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest
mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and
was not completed until 1658 ; visit Red Fort ( from out side only, as it is not
permitted to visit from inside due to security reason ), which was also built
by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648 ; Chandni Chowk and
Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the India Gate, the Presidents
House & the Parliament . Visit Humayun's Tomb : built in mid 16th century
this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar.
Overnight stay
at Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi Breakfast at hotel.
Full day
explore the Indian local market , the most interesting once are “ Janpath”
Rajasthani & Tibetan Street Market and “Dilli Haat” the place that
all the states has their traditional shops and food paradise .
Overnight stay
at Delhi.
Day 04: Delhi – Udaipur ( by Flight ) Breakfast
at hotel. Later on departure transfer Domestic Airport to fly Udaipur.
Flight
No : 9W 3317 ( Jet airways )
Departure at Delhi :11:25 AM
Arrival at Udaipur
: 13 : 05 PM
On arrival, our representative will take you to hotel, Check
Inn .
UDAIPUR : One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan,
Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid
out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that
his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal
armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks
of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him. Afternoon Boat ride at
Lake Pichola and visit “Jag Mandir” . Evening free at leisure.
Overnight
in stay at Udaipur.
Day 05: Udaipur Breakfast at Hotel .
Morning visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Sahelion ki Bari (queen's
resort for her friends), Fateh sagar Lake. We will try to organized your Lunch
at “ Lake Palace ” ( because that’s the only way to visit inside
the Lake palace) Afternoon /Evening free at leisure.
Overnight stay at Udaipur.
Day 06 : Udaipur - Jodhpur ( by surface 240 KMs/ 6 hours drive) Breakfast
at hotel. Drive to Jodhpur via Ranakpur .
Visit the world famous Jain temple
of Ranakpur. n the AD 1439.
After lunch Continue drive to Jodhpur. Arrive
Jodhpur by late afternoon, Check Inn at hotel.
Overnight stay at Jodhpur.
Jodhpur : Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of
Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the
capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the
Rathore clan of Rajput who claimed to be descendants of
Rama - the epic hero
of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top
of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. A high wall -10 km long with
8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.
Day 07 : Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel, proceed on sightseeing of Jodhpur- gateway to the desert beyond,
home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp,
built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.
Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace
you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you
would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. After lunch if you are interested we can show
you the some villages at “Pali District ” famous for “Bishnoi”
People .
“Bishnoi Villages” : The Thar desert in India
is full of ironies—one of them being the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan.
Here, peace is maintained with aggression and robust health rubs shoulders with
regular famine. Here penniless women flaunt heavy gold jewelery and wild animals
leave the supposed security of jungles to stroll around village huts and farmlands.
Not to mention the fact that the Bishnois worship nature in all its manifestations.
Not the ripe, yielding nature of ancient pagan societies, but the ruthless and
demanding desert where a desolate horizon meets a blazing sky. Here, women suckle
motherless deer, die to save trees, go hungry to provide food for animals and
live a strictly sattvic (simple) life advocated by their guru Jambaji.
Day 08: Jodhpur – Pushkar ( by surface 230 Kms/ 5 hours drive)
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check In at hotel.
PUSHKAR
- Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord
Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed
the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only
Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for
the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell
cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin
Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage
from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of
timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality
that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest
cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references
in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked
to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities
and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over
different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan
- the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has
the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to
a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals
- especially on the new and full moon days.
Overnight stay at Pushkar
Day 09: Pushkar – Jaipur (By surface, 140 km /3 hrs drive )
Breakfast at hotel. Sight seeing of Pushkar and straight drive to Jaipur.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced
back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended
the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite
of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history
- A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the
Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens. Afternoon , proceed for sightseeing of the city.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved
of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.
This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA
MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent
landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted
with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows.
Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace
women. Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory
and see the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to
Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression. aipur is considered
as a shoppers paradise for Textile & Jewelers. Afternoon, free time will be
given for visiting local markets .
Overnight stay at Jaipur.
Day
11: Jaipur – Agra ( by surface / 6 hours drive) Breakfast at Hotel,
drive to Jaipur en-route visiting “Abhaneri” & “Fatehpur Sikri”
Abhaneri : hardly any people knows ( including most of the travel
agent from India too ) a place call " Abhaneri" situated between Agra
& Jaipur. Is famuse for 8th Centuary temple & a special 8th Centuary Monument
called " Chand Baouri" is about 100 feet deep open well with flights
of steps on three side , no body has been able to count the steps. One can see
the royal toilets with carved windows and Jhrokhas, which was used by the king
& queen.
Fatehpur Sikri : abandoned Mughal city of built by
Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned
after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including
the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are
still preserved in its original glory. On arrival at Agra , Check inn at hotel
. Overnight stay at Agra.
Day
12: Agra After breakfast the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal ( Please
note that Taj Mahal is closed on Friday), which was constructed by Shah Jahan
in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was
not completed until 1653. later on proceed for remaining sight seeing of Agra
, which include, Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions
were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall
of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah,
which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to
the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan;
Day 13: Agra – Gwalior ( by surface / 3 hours drive) Breakfast
at Hotel. Later on drive down to Gwalior, on arrival Check inn at Hotel. Later
on sight seeing of Gwalior. Overnight stay at Gwaliore. The city of Gwalior has
many monuments that were built by the erstwhile Tomar and Scindia rulers. The
majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India. There
are various chattris or cenotaphs commemorating the Scindia rulers who ruled the
region till India's independence. The Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal are
two other interesting sights in Gwalior. The Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century
temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple
of the 9th century.
Day 14: Gwalior – ( Via Orcha ) – Khajuraho
( by surface/ 6 hours drive) Breakfast at Hotel later on drive down to
Khajuraho via Orcha . Sight seeing and lunch at Orcha.
Orcha:
Was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap.
Orcha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to
the ages. For, on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and
the palaces and temple built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries
retain much of their pristine perfection. Complementing the noble proportions
of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela
school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant murals encompassing a
variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceiling to rich life.
Continue drive to Khajuraho , on arrival at Khajuraho check inn at hotel. Overnight
stay at Khajuraho.
Day
15: Khajuraho
Breakfast at hotel, sight seeing of Khajuraho.
Khajuraho: The temple city of central India,
is famous throughout the world for its exquisitely carved temples in stones. Thousands
of visitors and tourists from all over the world flock together to envisage this
immortal saga of Hindu art and culture engraved in stone by shilpies (stone craftsmen)
a millenia ago. Today, apart from the temples, Khajuraho is a small village but
a thousand years ago it was a large city of the Chandelas, medieval Rajput kings
who ruled over Central India. Khajuraho is 595 km (370 miles) south-east of Delhi
and can be visited by air, rail or road. The visitor to Khajuraho cannot but be
attracted to the vivid erotic sculptures on the temples walls. The sculptures
are mithunas i.e. couple in various erotic poses. There have been many interpretations
of their existence and some have criticized them severely. According to one authority,
a man and woman in erotic embrace typify the ultimate union of the soul such erotic
figures save the temple from beings struck by the lightening. The reason given
for this is that Indra, Lord of rainand thunder bolt who himself is a great connoisseur
of Kama, will not damage anything pertaining to that. Evening light and sound
show will be organized ( this show will give you an idea about the history of
this place).
Day 16: Khajuraho – Varanasi ( Flight)
Breakfast
at Hotel. Later on departure transfer to Airport to fly Varanasi.
Flight No
: 9W 724 ( Jet airways )
Departure at Khajuraho :13:30 PM
Arrival at Varanasi
: 14 : 10 PM
On arrival at Varanasi , our reperesentative will take you to
hotel, Check Inn . Later in the evening visit the Ganga river Ghat to see"
Arti " Puja.
Overnight stay at Varanasi.
Day 17: Varanasi
Morning boat ride tour at river Gangas, return to hotel for breakfast. Later on
Proceed for full day sight seeing and overnight stay at Varanasi. Varanasi is
an important and sacred pilgrimage center for Hindus and a major tourist attraction.
It is situated on the banks of river Ganga. The word Varanasi has been derived
from an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers - the Varuna and Asi,
which flow in the north and south of the city. Varanasi is also known as Kashi
and Benares. Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is a center
of learning even to this date. Glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by
religion, it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from
times immemorial.
Ghats: Pilgrims gather at the Ghats to have
a ritual bath and worship the rising sun. The most famous ghat is the Dasashvamedh
Ghat, others being Asi, Panchganga, Barnasangam and Manikarnika, Ghats.
Sarnath: 12 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached
his first sermon and revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment
of inner peace,and elightenment. Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most sacred
temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has skillfully
been restored as the actual temple was destroyed by Mughuls
Day
18: Varanasi ( overnight train )
Breakfast at hotel , later on transfer to
railway station to catch the train to Bhusawal.
Train No. : 1094 ( Mahanagari
Express) Overnight train.
Departure Varanasi at : 11:30 AM
Arrival Bhusawal
at: 06:05 AM ( next day)
**** We will provide Packed food for this journey.
( please note that there is no direct flight for this sector)
Day
19: Bhuswal – Aurangabad On arrival at Bhuswal, our representative
will pick you up and transfer to a local hotel for wash & change . After breakfast
drive to Aurangabad . On the way visit “ Ajanta Cave” On arrival at
Aurangabad , check inn at hotel. Overnight stay at Aurangabad.
Ajanta
Caves - The world heritage site, Ajanta caves has 30 Caves dating back from
200 BC to 250 AD. Cut out from volcanic rocks of Deccan India, they are located
in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills. Two basic types of monastic Buddhist
architecture that can be seen Ajanta are the
Chaityas (rayer halls) and Viharas
(monasteries). While Mahayana sex related edifices have religious imagery, Hinayana
sect have theirs plain and stark.
Day 20: Aurangabad After
breakfast , tour of Ellora Caves .
Ellora Caves: Impressive in
their own right is the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just
30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana
Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain
faith (800- 1000 AD) 22 more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered.
Kailash Temple (cave16), the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable.
Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight stay at Aurangabad.
Day
21: Aurangabad – Mumbai ( by flight )
Early breakfast at Hotel. Later on Departure
Transfer to Airport to fly Mumbai.
Flight No. : 9W 3104 ( Jet Airways)
Departure at Aurangabad : 08:45 AM
Arrival Mumbai at : 09:45 AM
On arrival
at Mumbai , our representative will transfer you to Hotel, Check Inn . Afternoon
Mumbai City tour.
Mumbai : This city, a union of seven islands,
was named by its natives after the goddess Mumbadevi. After the Portuguese occupied
the islands in 1534, they renamed it Bom Bahia, for the natural harbour, which
served as a safe place for its ships. The religious and business pursuits pulled
people to Mumbai from all over the country. When the Portuguese left the land
the city started developing into a metropolitan city and an industrial center.
Today, the city is the country's financial and cultural centre and also owns a
thriving film industry. This is the city of dreams where people come to strike
their luck Overnight stay at Mumbai.
Day 22 : Mumbai Breakfast
at Hotel. Proceed for an excursion to the Elephanta Caves.
Rest of the day
free for Shopping .
Overnight stay at Mumbai .
Day 23 : Mumbai
– Goa ( By Flight ) Breakfast at Hotel. Later on Departure Transfer
to Airport to fly Goa.
Flight No. : 9W 475 ( Jet Airways)
Departure at
Mumbai : 12:00 AM
Arrival Kochi at : 13:00 PM
On arrival at Goa, welcome,
assistance and transfer to hotel, check Inn . Rest of the afternoon free to relax
near the beach . Overnight stay at Goa.
About Goa : Colourful
festivals. Warm and gracious people. Superb cuisine. Goa is one of India's most
laid back, yet sophisticated and exciting , destinations. From miles and miles
of sunny beaches, to the splendors of its quaint cities, towns and cobbled alleyways,
Goa is more than just beaches and sunshine. and abundant wildlife topped with
the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Goan people. And away from the beaten
track , travelers discover a romantic and other-century goa in its medieval small
towns, and beautiful villagers, with rich flora and fauna. There is so much to
see and yet at the end of it all you feel there's too little time. A truly exhilarating
out of this world experience that only Goa can provide. Whether it's fun adventure
, sunshine, spirituality or just plain relaxation, you don't need to look beyond
the magical land of Goa.
Day
24 : Goa
Breakfast at hotel.
you will move ahead for full day Sight seeing over Goa : Visit Old Goa, the most
important Cathedrals and Churches : Se – Cathedral, Church of St. Francis
Xavier, St. Catherine’s Church, Arch of Vice Roy of Goa.
Se-Cathedral
Church : The Portuguese Viceroy Redondo commissioned the Se, or St. Catherine's'
Cathedral, southwest of St. Cajetan's, to be "a grandiose church worthy of
the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic
to the Pacific". Today it stands larger than any church in Portugal, although
it was beset by problems, not least a lack of funds and Portugal's temporary loss
of independence to Spain. It took eighty years to build and was not consecrated
until 1640.
The Church of St. Francis Xavier : It is built of laterite
plastered with lime mortar, with tiled roof supported by wooden rafters is a plain
chapel with only one altar. Architecturally, it is of the Doric order. The Chapel
was within the enclosure of the College of St. Paul and was dedicated either to
St. Anthony or to St. Jerome. As the chapel was used by St. Francis Xavier, it
was re-dedicated to him after his canonization in 1622. The original chapel was
in existence in 1545. With the outbreak of the epidemic and the consequent abandoning
of the college of St. Paul in 1570, the chapel fell into ruins and the present
chapel was built in 1884. Location : Old Goa, Panjim, Goa.
The Chapel
Of St. Catherine : Further to the west of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi
is the chapel of St. Catherine. Built of laterite blocks it has a tower on either
side of the façade. The chapel in the interior, having only one altar is
plain .
Day 25 : Goa Breakfast at Hotel. Full the free time
for your own activities. If you want car will be with you for disposal.
Overnight
stay at Goa.
Day 26 : Goa -- Banglore. ( by Flight ) Breakfast
at Hotel. Later on Departure Transfer to Airport to fly Bangalore.
Flight
No. : 9W 522 ( Jet Airways)
Departure at Goa : 15:30 AM
Arrival Bangalore
at : 16:30 PM
On arrival at Bangalore, welcome, assistance and transfer to
hotel, check Inn . Rest of the evening free to relax or you can visit some ultra
modern pubs in the city !!
Overnight stay at Bangalore.
Day
27 : Banglore.
Breakfast at Hotel, full day sight seeing tour of Tippu Palace,
lai Garh Botanical Garden, Technological Museum & Banglore palace.
Overnight
stay at Bangalore.
Day 28 : Banglore – Maysore ( by surface /
4 hours drive) After breakfast drive to Mysore. Enroute visit the Ranganathitoo
Bird Sanctuary & Srirangapatnam, the ruins of the capital of Tipu Sultan,
one of the great warriors of the South. On Arrival at Mysore, check inn at Hotel.
Afternoon visit Mysore palace. Overnight stay at Mysore.
Mysore :140
Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore,the capital
city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm,rich
heritage, magnificent palaces,beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,broad
shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that
reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Mysore,or Mahishur as it was called then,
traces its history back to the mythical past,when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi
Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the
celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with
the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule
Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.
Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Today, Mysore is a vibrant city
teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic
sandalwood and rich silks.Its grand and imposing palaces,majestic temples,gardens
leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor. Situated 770m above sea level,Mysore
has a warm and cool climate throughout the year.
Mysore Palace :The
Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo- Saracenic
style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades,the Palace is a treasure house
of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved
doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an
ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden
throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival. Illuminated
on Sundays and public holidays ,the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking.
Day 29 : Maysore Breakfast at Hotel, visit Chamundi Hills famous
for the Nandi Bull. Carved out of solid rock, it is five meters high and one of
the largest statues in India. Evening visit Brindavan Gardens. Overnight stay
at Mysore. Chamundi Hills :A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill
can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the
Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi,
Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century
temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple
is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic
view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces. Brindavan Gardens :Located at the KR
Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South
India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the
backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'.
In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.
Day
30 : Maysore – ( Belur & Halebid ) - Hassan
Drive
to Belur & Halebid to visit the Hoysala temples. The Hoysala temples are one
of the most intricately carved temples in the South. The carvings depict the everyday
life of the people. The temples were built around 1110 AD. Belur is known for
it exquisite temples. A good example is the Chennakeshava Temples which took 103
years to complete and the façade of the temple is covered with intricate
sculputers and frescos. Halebid has a wealth of sculptural detail, the walls covered
with gods, goddesses, animals and dancing girls. No two facets of the temple are
alike. Guarded by a Nandi Bull, it was never completed despite 86 years of work.
Continue drive to Hassan. On arrival check inn at Hotel.
Overnight stay at
Hassan.
Day 31 : Hassan — Banglore ( fly to Chennai)
Return to Bangalore via Sravanabelagola, one of the oldest and most important
Jain pilgrimage centres in India. The main attraction is the huge statue of Lord
Gomteshvara (17m high). It is the world's tallest monolithic statue (carved out
of a single piece of rock). It's simplicity is in complete
contrast to the
complexity of the Hoysala temples. On arrival at Banglore transfer to Air port
to catch the flight to Chennai.
Flight No. : 9W 486 ( Jet Airways)
Departure
at Bangalore : 19:55 PM
Arrival Chennai at : 20:40 PM
On arrival at Chennai,
welcome, assistance and transfer to hotel, check Inn .
Overnight stay at Chennai.
Day 32 : Chennai After breakfast , sight seeing of Fort St. George
was built in the 1640 A.D., the first bastion of British power of India, the fort
has undergone much alteration. The fort is now used by the Tamilnadu Legislative
Assembly and the Secretariat office. The 46m high flagstaff at the front is actually
a mast salvaged from a 17th century shipwreck. The Fort Museum has a collection
of objects from the tenure of the East India Company in Chennai including letters
from Robert Clive. There are many contemporary paintings too. The Valluvar Kottam,
on the corner of Kodambakkam High Rd and Village Rd, honours the acclaimed Tamil
Poet, Thiruvalluvar, whose classic work - one thousand three hundred and thirty
kurals (couplets) - are reputed to be about 2000 years old. Established in 1976,
Valluvar Kottam replicates ancient Tamil architecture with the 1330 verse Kural
inscribed on panels. The outer structure in stone is a replica of the temple car
of Thiruvarur in Tamilnadu. Government Museum , worth visiting, is on Pantheon
Rd, between Egmore and Anna Salai. The buildings originally belonged to a group
of eminent British citizens, known as the Pantheon Committee, who were charged
with improving the social life of the British in Chennai. The main building has
a fine archaeological section representing all the major south Indian periods
including Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya. It also houses a good ethnology
collection. The bronze gallery has a superb collection of Chola art. One of the
most impressive is the bronze of Ardhanariswara, the androgynous incarnation of
Shiva. Overnight stay at Chennai.
Day 33 : Chennai ( full day excursion
) After breakfast full day excursion of Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram (
city of thousand temples) is a temple city and its many gopurams can be seen from
a long way away. Of the original 1000 temples, there are still about 125 left
spread out across the city. Many of them are the work of the later Cholas and
of the Vijayanagar kings. Kanchi is also famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics.
This industry originated in Pallava times, when the weavers were employed to produce
clothing and fabrics for the kings .Other than the temples, Kanchipuram is a dusty
and fairly nondescript town and there's precious little to see or do except when
the temple car festivals take place. Return Back to Chennai , overnight stay at
Chennai.
Day
34 : Chennai --- Trichy
Morning after breakfast
departure transfer to Railway station to catch the train to Trichy.
Train
No. : 2635
Departure Chennai at : 12:25 PM
Arrival Bhusawal at: 17:20
PM ( next day)
On arrival transfer to Hotel. Relax evening . Overnight stay
at Trichy.
Trichy : the most famous landmark of this bustling town is the
Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which
rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight
of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a
fantastic view
of the town plus its other main landmark. Trichy itself has a long going back
to the centuries before Christian era when it was a Chola citadel. The town and
its fort as it stands today, was built by the Nayaks of Madurai. It was one of
the main centres around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th
century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India. The Sri Ranganathaswamy
Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes
in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a
staggering 2.5 sq km.
Day 35 : Trichy Breakfast at Hotel,
full day free time to see the spectacular Rock Fort Temple, built by the Nayaks
of Madurai, and also visit two other temples worth visiting are the 10th-century
Sri Ranganathaswamy and Sri Jambukeshwara temples. This interesting city has a
long history and in the first millennium A.D. was initially part of the Chola
Empire - before the Vijayanagar Emperors of Hampi ruled until the 16th century.
The Deccan sultans then reigned until the 18th century, when the French and British
clashed in a quest for power in India. Next day we make the short day trip to
Tanjore (Thanjavur), the ancient capital of the Chola kings where we will visit
Brihadishwara Temple and Fort, built in 1010 by Raja Raja, and the Thanjavur Palace
and museums.
St. John's Church :Trichy also has some interesting
Raj-era monuments. Built in1812, St. John's Church has louved side doors which
can be opened to turn the church into an airy pavilion. Rouse the doorkeeper to
let you in. The surrounding cemetery is also interesting. Please note that Though
admission into the temples is usually restricted to Hindus only, they are still
a thoroughly impressive sight from the outside.
Day 36 : Trichy --
Madurai ( 3 hours : 30 minutes drive) After breakfast leave Trichy for
Madurai, in southern Tamil Nadu, which is one of South India’s oldest cities
and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. During our stay
we will have the option to explore the colourful Madurai Markets and the Sri Meenakshi
Temple complex. The history of this stunning temple dates back almost 2,000 years.
The city is teaming with life and is jammed packed with bullock carts, beggars,
pilgrims, tradesmen and rickshaws of every description. If you are keen on photography
you’ll love this colourful and vibrant city.
Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day
37 & Day 38 : Periyar (4 hours drive)
After so many days
of restless travel, I want to give you a relax and enjoy one of the best part
of Kerala , the natural beauty and famous wildlife sanctuary “Pariyar”.
!!! Drive to Pariyar ( Thekkady) from Madurai and stay there for 02 nights. Thekkady
on the edge of one of India’s most popular wildlife reserves. Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary surrounds an artificial lake built by the British in 1895 and is home
to bison, wild boar, sambar,
monkeys, wild elephant, antelopes and a wide
variety of birds. An early morning optional cruise on the lake is a great way
to start the day. The rest of the day is free to explore the area and perhaps
take the option of a jungle walk with a local guide.
Day 39 : Periyar
– ( Kumarakom ) – Alleppy (3 hours drive + overnight house boat)
After breakfast drive to the small town of Kumarakom. Here we board our houseboat,
converted from a Kettavallum or traditional rice barge, and sail the beautiful
backwaters of Kerala. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons, lakes,
rivers and canals, and the people who live in this
region have created their
own distinct lifestyles. From our comfortable houseboats we witness the peaceful
way of life on these amazing waterways and our overnight stay on board will be
a real highlight of our holiday. Next morning we dock at Alleppy. ( all meals
will be provided at House boat )
Houseboat : No trip to Kerala
is complete without a backwater cruise on a houseboat. In Earlier times Kettuvalloms
were the crafts used in the houseboats and Modern houseboats are a tribute to
traditional design, ingenuity, aesthetic values and commitment to the environment.
Many of them are equipped with solar lighting, chemical toilets and outboard engines
for when you want to skim the waters. The best way to cruise the backwaters of
Kerala however, is in a leisurely laidback manner with your weather beaten poleman
gently gliding the boat across the waters, leaving you time to take in the sights.
And the sights are there for the taking.
Day 40 : Alleppy – Kochi
( by surface / 3hours drive ) Our Car will pick you up from House boat
( at Alleppy) and drive down to kochi. Kochi (Cochin), the Queen of the Arabian
Sea and the Queen of the Adriatic, It is also referred to as the Gateway of South
India. It is situated on the west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala.
It is the second most important city (after Mumbai) on the western coast of India
.Kochi can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kerala
is one of the most prosperous state of India, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the
western side and the Western Ghats on the eastern side. Roughly speaking Kochi
is 10º North and 76º East. Afternoon sight seeing .
Overnight stay
at Kochi.
Day 41 : Kochi Breakfast at Hotel. Full day explore
/ sight seing Kochi ( one of the interesting part is to visit those huge Chinese
Fishing nets ) . Reach and spend the day shopping. In the evening proceed for
KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Overnight at Cochin.
Kathakali, literally
meaning `story-play', is a dance-drama originated in the 17th century in Kerala,
one of the smallest states in India lying on the west coast of the Indian peninsula.
However, its roots could be tracked back even to the earlier times. Koodiyattom,
the only surviving form of Sanskrit theater in India has been preserved in Kerala
for centuries, now, by a small community called Chakyar as a part of their hereditary
temple service. Krishnanattom, another form of dance-drama considered fore runner
to Kathakali in its origin, is performed even today at the famous Sree Krishna
temple in Guruvayoor as an offering to the Lord. Besides these two forms, elements
from martial, ritualistic, socio-religious arts have also influenced in the making
of Kathakali. Though Kathakali is only 300 years old, a great deal of enrichment
and refinement has taken place in every aspect of its technique during this short
period. Scholars are of opinion that Kathakali is the result of a fusion between
all Indian theater tradition represented by Koodiyattom and the indigenous tradition
of folk dance forms.
Day
42 : Kochi – Colombo ( by Flight )
Breakfast at hotel, later on transfer to International Airport to fly Colombo.
Flight timing will be given as per the booking. Meet on arrival at the Bandaranaike
International Airport in Katunayake, 30 km north of Colombo. A warm welcome by
our representative, and then we drive you along the road of the Negombo scenery
to your hotel selected. Stay overnight.
Day 43 : Nogombo - Trincomale
After breakfast, you will hit the road to Trincomale - is the eastern trip
of Sri Lanka, where has one of the word's finest harbors with its long clean beaches,
great surf, colorful town and shrubby park teeming with wildlife. Stay overnight
at Trincomale
Day 44 : Trincomale After breakfast, rest of
the day is at your own leisure on the beach and then you will be transited to
alternative hotel. Dinner and stay overnight at hotel.
Day 45: Trincomale
-- Anuradhapura After breakfast, we travel overland to Anuradhapura.
Lunch will be provided at Miridiya Hotel. Visit Anuradhapura - it was the first
capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the
home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological
interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling
of the tree under which prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is
over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that
is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd
century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally depicted the
perfect 'bubble shape" that modern restoration has not been able to accurately
reproduce. 'Samadhi' Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous
statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of 'Samadhi' or deep meditation. Thuparama
Dagoba (3rd century B.C) is the oldest Dagoba in the island, which enshrines the
right collarbone of the Buddha. You will be transferred to Giritale in the late
afternoon.
Overnight stay at Anuradhapura.
Day 46 : Anuradhapura
- Ponnaruwa - Sigiriya After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa,
which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries
AD, and which is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal
Palace, the Gal Viharaya -where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright',
'Sedentary`' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the
Lotus Bath, King Parakramabahu's statue, and the Parakrama Samudraya Lake built
by King Parakramabahu the great. There are also monuments of famous places of
worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha,
the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Transfer
from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya. Lunch will be served at hotel. We will proceed to
Sigiriya in the afternoon; climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which
is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock'
is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock
was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart,
and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the
rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya,
which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These
frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
Overnight at Sigiriya.
Day
47 : Sigiriya -- Kandy
After breakfast, we keep moving to
Kandy via Dambulla. Visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. Climb up to the temple, which
was donated by king Walagambahu in the 1st century BC to Buddhist monks. Dambulla
is a World Heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples.
The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and the ceiling
is the largest area of paintings found in the world. These caves contain over
150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha
carved out of rock spanning 14 metres. Transfer from Dambulla to Matale, we will
visit a spice garden in Matale to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is
famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these
spices are grown and processed. Transfer from Matale to Kandy. Lunch will be provided
at Senani Restaurant. Start the afternoon visit with city tour of Kandy, was the
last capital of the Sri Lankan, which is one of the World Heritage site. The name
Kandy conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions
and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built
by the last Sinhala King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town
and Bazaar, the arts & crafts enter and a gem museum and a lapidary. The last
stop is the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter you will be witnessed a cultural
show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing.
Overnight stay at Kandy.
Day 48 : Kandy -- Nuwara Eliya After breakfast, we proceed to
Nuwara Eliya with en route visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. This botanical
garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded
by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees,
plants and flowers. Thereafter transfer from Peradeniya to Colombo. We serve you
a lunch at Ramboda Falls Inn. You are free in the afternoon or enjoy yourself
to explore the scenic surroundings of the hill station.*Nuwara Eliya - The 'Little
England' of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys,
Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places
on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature
does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British
influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
Overnight
stay at Nuwara Eliya.
Day
49 : Nuwara Eliya - Colombo
After
breakfast, we continue driving to Colombo via Kitulgala. En route view scenic
water falls. Lunch will be served at Plantation hotel. We commence the afternoon
visit of Colombo city tour. Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries
is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old
buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the Old World charm is retained. As an
example there is a 100 year old clock tower and several British built colonial
buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah Bazaar where one can shop for
a bargain, the old Parliament in Fort, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential
areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent and the Bandaranaike Memorial
International Conference Hall - BMICH, an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the
People's Republic of China. Before upcoming sunset, we take you to visit Kelaniya
Raja Maha Vihara Temple; Buddhist Temple traditionally believed to be the site
visited by the Buddha 2500 years ago. According to the Mahavamsa, the unusual
"paddy-heap" shaped dagoba at Kelaniya marks the spot where the Buddha,
on the request of a Naga King, sat on a "gem-studded throne" to preach
the Dharma to his subjects and convert them. It is ascribed to King Yatala Tissa
of the 03rd Century. Enjoy your dinner at a local Chinese Restaurant.
Overnight
stay at Colombo.
Day 50 : Depart Colombo – ( to Singapore )
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport
in Katunayake, to connect your next departure flight to Singapore..
Suggested Hotels
| Place | Hotel | Web
Site |
| Delhi | The cannaught | www.connaughthoteldelhi.com |
| Udaipur | Rangniwas Palace | http://www.rangniwaspalace.com/ |
| Jodhpur | Ajit Bhawan | http://ajitbhawan.com/ |
| Pushkar | Pushkar Place | http://www.hotelpushkarpalace.com/ |
| Jaipur | Alsisar Haveli | www.alsisar.com |
| Agra | Jaypee Palace | www.jaypeehotels.com |
| Guwalior | Usha Kiran Palace | www.tajhotels.com |
| Khajuarho | Holiday Inn | http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/ |
| Varanasi | Hindustan Internation | http://www.hindusthan.com/ |
| Aurangabad | Ambassador Ajanta | www.ambassadorindia.com |
| Mumbai | Q.I. Parla International | www.choicehotels.com |
| Goa | Varca Palms Beach Resort | ushashriramhotels.com/varca-palmsbeach-resort.html |
| Banglore | Villa Potipatti | http://www.neemranahotels.com |
| Mysore | Hotel Ramanashre | http://www.ramanashree.com/hardinge/about. |
| Hassan | Southern Star Hassan | http://ushashriramhotels.com |
| Chennai | CI Marina Tower | www.choicehotels.com |
| Trichy | Hotel Sangam | http://www.hotelsangam.com/home.html |
| Madurai | BW Germanus | http://www.bestwesterngermanus.com/ |
| Periyar | Cardamom County | http://www.cardamomcounty.com/ |
| Kochi | Gokulam Park Inn | www.sarovarparkplaza.com |
| Nogombo | Royal Oceanic Hotel | 4
star |
| Trincomale | Club Oceanic | 3
star |
| Anuradhapura | Sudu Araliya
Resort | 3 star |
| Sigiriya | Sigiriya
Hotel | 3 star |
| Kandy | Hotel
Suisse | 3 star |
| Nuwara Eliya | St.Andrew's
Hotel | 3 star |
| Colombo | Taj
Samudra Hotel | 5 star, www.tajhotels.com |
Great India Fifty Days Tour, Reservation Form
Golden Triangle, Rajasthan & North India Tours
