Glimpses of India

24 Nights/ 25 Days

Private car round trip: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur - Ajanta - Ellora - Mumbai - - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Cochin - Mumbai/Chennai

Day 1 - Arrival Delhi

Arrival from your country to Delhi International airport. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Delhi is the capital of the giant country India with more than 16 millions inhabitants. Delhi can measure itself based on its cultural, architectural and above all historical wealth thoroughly with cities like Athens, Rome and Istanbul.

Day 2 - Delhi

After the breakfast city tour of old and New Delhi. In old Delhi, you will discover Red Fort made in 17 th century by Mughal emperor Shahjahan after he resided previously in Agra. This imposing fort has a 33m high red stone boundary wall with beautiful gardens and exquisite palaces. Opposite lies Jama Masjid, build in 1656 out of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest Mosque of India and 20000 persons can pray here together. Also, experience a Rickshaw ride in the old streets of Delhi. Further, it goes to the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's (Father of Nation) Memorial, which lies at the bank of the Yamuna River.

Afterwards visit Humayun Tomb, the grave of the second Mughal emperor, which was completed by his wife in 16 th century. Shahjahan got the idea of structure of Taj mahal from this tomb. The Qutub Minar, a 72m high tower, built between 1199 and 1368 by one of the first Muslim rulers of India. Further, it goes to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the Indian President. After that you see the Government Buildings and the Parliament House and India Gate (42m high), which was built in the memory of the soldiers, who were died in the First World War. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3 - Delhi - Varanasi (By Flight)

Morning transfer to airport for the flight to Varanasi. Varanasi is situated on the banks of holy river Ganges. The oldest name is Kashi and means "city of Light". The city is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the holiest cities of the Hindus and for the Jain. It is also one of the oldest centers of learning of the world.

After arrival in Varanasi, transfer to hotel and after a short break you make an excursion to Sarnath (9 km), one of the head centers of the Buddhism. Buddha preached here his first sermon after he got enlightenment. Of the entire complex, the Dhamekh Stupa is (5 th - 6 th century) or also Dharma Chakra the most imposing building and was built in order to pay tribute to the place where Buddha preached his first 5 disciples. Visit also Dharmarajika Stupa (273-326 BC) where alleged bones of Buddha are. Here Buddha meditated. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4 - Varanasi

Early morning enjoy a boat ride on river Ganges. Watch sunrise and you can see hundreds of people are worshiping and taking bath in the holy river. Come back to hotel for breakfast. Afterwards proceed for the city tour of the old city visiting the temples including Kashi Hindu University where more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are learning.

Day 5 - Varanasi - Khajuraho

Today morning transfer to airport for the flight to Khajuraho. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the Eastern and Western group of temples. The figures and sculptures in these temples show only two things- women and sex. These temples are around 1000 years old and one of its kind in the whole world. Evening visit the dance show in Kandariya Art of Culture. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 6 - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra

After breakfast drive to Jhansi to board the shatabdi train at 5:56 P.M. to Agra. On the way visit Orchha, which is famous for its 17 th century forts and palaces. After arrival in Agra at around 9:00 P.M. transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 7 - Agra

Agra is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and was seat of the Mughal rulers in 16 th and 17 th centuries. Visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (1631-1653) in sunrise, a poem in white marble, built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its extravagant architecture reveals its secret of being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 20,000 workers with experts from Italy, France, Iran and Asia were busied for 21 years with the monument. Come back to hotel for breakfast.

Afterwards go for city excursion. Visit the huge and massive Agra fort at the west bank of the Yamuna River. The Agra fort was built in the 16 th century by Akbar and was completed by his grandson. Also, visit Sikandra, the impressive grave of Akbar, the most powerful of all Mughal

Emperors, lies 11 km before the city. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8 - Agra - Jaipur

After the breakfast, you visit the huge and massive Agra fort at the west bank of the Yamuna River. The Agra fort was built in the 16 th century by Akbar and was completed by his grandson. After the visit, it goes further to Jaipur, the capital of the state Rajasthan, also well known as " Pink City " because of its pink houses facade and city wall. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri (40 km from Agra), former metropolitan of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 years due to the scarcity of water, capital was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and later again to Agra. Arrival in Jaipur in the afternoon. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9 - Jaipur

After early breakfast morning excursion to fort Amber (11 km), the former capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs. On the way, you make a stop in the landmark of the city, the Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). A five-storey building of 18 th century, with 953 windows and niches from where the royal women observe the procession in the street without being seen. Further, it goes to the Amber fort, which lies on 130m high hill and is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. Afterwards visit to the Pink city Jaipur. The city palace (1734) lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum. After that, you see the Jantar Mantar, an observatory. The city founder Jai Singh II built it in the 18 th century. The instruments are out of stone and marble and served to the sky observation. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10 - Jaipur - Jodhpur

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur. Arrival and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 11 - Jodhpur

After breakfast go for city excursion. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and was once the capital of the Marwar. Today the city lies around the imposing Mehrangarh fort. The Mehrangarh fort was built in 1459 on a 37m high sandstone hill. From here above, you can see the old town and the painted blue houses of priesters by what means Jodhpur is named also the blue city. After that, it goes to the Jaswant Thada, a large Cenotaph, which was built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. After lunch, you can stroll through the old markets, where you can also buy various spices for yourself. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 12 - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur. En route visit Ranakpur where three beautiful Jain temples stand out of 14th and 15th centuries. The head temple Adinatha (1439) was built in 65 years out of marble with 80 domes supported by 1444 different carved pillars (no two are alike). It is one of the five holiest places for Jain Pilgrimage. After visit, you can have good lunch at the nearby restaurant and proceed to Udaipur. After arrival, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 13 - Udaipur - Mumbai

Morning go for city excursion. Udaipur lies in the Girwa valley in the middle of the Aravali hill and is described as a romantic city with its lakes, gardens, temple and palaces. Visit the city palace at the bank of the Pichola Lake. It was built in 1570 by Maharana Udai Singh. The impressing complex of different palaces is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal influences. After that you see the Jagdish temple (1651), is a beautiful example for Nagara style temple architecture. Also, enjoy a boat trip on the Pichola Lake. Afternoon transfer to airport for the flight to Mumbai. Arrival and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 14 - Mumbai - Aurangabad

After breakfast go for half day city excursion. The most important sights to visit are: The gateway of India, built on the occasion of the visit of George V in 1911 in the city area Colaba, the Victoria terminus (VT), one of the railway stations of the city (world heritage site), built in 1887, the Prince of Wales museum, the Crawford Market, the Dhobi Ghats, the "laundry" of Mumbai, the Mahalaxmi temple and the Marine Drive, the bank street and promenade Mumbai, at whose northern end are the Chowpatty Beach, hanging gardens and the Malabar hills. Afternoon transfer to airport for the flight to Aurangabad. Arrival and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 15 - Aurangabad

After the breakfast trip to the Ajanta caves, which are a group of 30 caves that were created around 300 BC. The frescoes describe the life of Buddha. These are best frescoes in the world and the caves stand on the list of the UNESCO as a world culture heritage. The caves were discovered accidentally in 1819. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 16 - Aurangabad - Mumbai

After breakfast visit the monolithic rock caves in Ellora dating back to 3rd to 8th century AD. This is the world heritage site in India. The three groups of temples follow the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain belief. The Kailash temple, which is dedicated to God Shiva, is the most powerful and largest monolithic temple in the entire world.

Evening transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai. Arrival and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 17 - Mumbai - Chennai (Madras)

Morning transfer to airport for the flight to Chennai. Arrival and transfer to hotel for a short break. Afterwards go for city excursion. Madras is a pulsating metropolis with over 6 million inhabitants. Today many south Indian feature films are made here for the movie theater and therefore it is named "Hollywood of India". On the city excursion, you see the Kapaleshvara temple which is dedicated to God Shiva and is a good example for the colorful south Indian temple architecture. After that, you visit the fort St. George, the trade post of 1639. Worthwhile also is 16 th century St. Thomas Church. In National museum, you see sculptures out of the Pallava, Pandava and Chola time. Your excursion also include visit to National Art Gallery and Marina Beach.

Day 18 - Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to 70 km far temple city Kanchipuram. It is among the "sevens holy cities of" India. After each other, Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kings. Out of the excessive supply of temples, visit of the three most important, namely the Kailasanatha-temple, the Vaikunthaperumal temple, as well as the Ekambareshwara temple. Because Kanchipuram is also very well known for its hand woven silk materials, a visit is worthwhile on that based. Further drive to Mahabalipuram well known for its 7 th century Five Rathas. These are the world's largest stone relief. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free at the beach.

Day 19 - Mahabalipuram

After breakfast start your sight seeing tour. You see the Shore temple, out of 7 th century, surrounded by gardens. 7 th century Five Rathas, which are the world's largest stone relief. Your tour also includes visit to Bhagiratha's Penance, a 27 x 9 meters of rock block and 6 th - 7 th century rock cut caves. In evening, you can have a walk in this small town, where you can also see the soap stone workers making designs and sculptures with chisel and hammer. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 20 - Mahaballipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore (Thanjavur)

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore. En route visit Pondicherry. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the city Auroville, which is spread into more than 2000 acres and more famous amongst the westerners. Today also you can see the influence of French rule in Pondicherry, because the Frenchmen strongly were represented here until 1954. Many speak next to Tamil yet today French. Further drive to Tanjore. Arrival and transfer to Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 21 - Tanjore - Trichy (Trichurapalli)

After breakfast visit 9 th century Brihadeshwara Temple because of which Tanjore is known as the "Jewel of South India". Temple tower is in the shape of pyramid and is around 66m high. It is crowned by a heavy cupola weighing 88 ton. The temple is dedicated to God Shiva. Also visit Raja Rajan Art Gallery to see bronze statues of 9 th -16 th centuries.

Further drive to Trichy. Arrival and transfer to hotel for refreshment and rest. Afternoon visit the famous Rock Fort Temple that is carved out 83 meters high rock. One has to climb 345 steps in order to see the temple on the top. From here above, you have a wonderful view of the city. Also, visit Srirangam, a large temple city with 21 temple towers, which lies on an island in the Kaveri River. The Ranganathasvami temple, dedicated to God Vishnu, is one of the largest temples in south India and famous for its beautiful sculptures. After that, you see the Jambukeshwara temple, dedicated to God Shiva, one of the oldest and largest in Tamil Nadu with 5 walls and seven Gopurams (soaring towers).

Day 22 - Trichy - Madurai

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Arrival and transfer to hotel for refreshment and rest. Madurai is a city with crowd of Pilgrims, beggars, businesspersons, cow vehicles and many waiting Rickshaw drivers. It is one of the oldest cities of south India and a center for Pilgrimage. The main attraction is, built in the Dravidian style with many Gopurams (soaring temple towers), Sri Meenakshi Temple in the heart of the city in colorful pictures of God, Goddesses, animals and mystical figures. Religious ceremonies take place here from early morning to late night. Pilgrims from all over the world visit here and sometimes up to 10000 are persons. The Sri Meenakshi Temple was built in the 17 th century and is one of the largest

temple complexes of India. Within this complex is a market that is the entire day full of life. Evenings you can pursue a temple ceremony. Also, visit 16 th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Day 23 - Madurai - Periyar (Thekaddy)

After breakfast, drive to Thekaddy. This trip through the mountains with the spice plantations and tea plantations will definitely reenergize your senses. After arrival, transfer to hotel for rest and refreshment. Late afternoon enjoy boat trip in Periyar Wildlife National Park. This park is one of the world's best to see elephants in their natural surroundings. Before the sun, proceeds to set you can see with some good fortune not only elephant, but rather also other wild animals at the bank of Periyar Lake. You can also a pleasant walk in the markets. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 24 - Periyar - Kumarakom (Backwaters) - Cochin

After breakfast, drive to Cochin. On the way, visit a Spice Farm (optional), where you can see various spice plantations such as c ardamom, cinnamon, pepper, peppermint, clove, vanilla, ginger, chili, tea and coffee plants. Further drive to Kovalam where you enjoy a boat ride in Backwaters. Along the bank, you can see coconut and palm trees and the daily traditional life of the people living on the banks. After the boat trip, continue your drive to Cochin. After arrival, transfer to hotel for a short break. Evening you visit a Kathakali Dance Show, a typical dance drama over 400 years old which is based on old legends. The dancers wearing painted fantastic costumes colour their faces with red, green and black colors. Each gesture and movement has entirely special meaning. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 25 - Cochin - Mumbai/Chennai

After breakfast, go for Cochin excursion. Visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace" built by the Dutch and later on handed over to the local king. At the harbor, you can see unique Chinese fishing nets, which marks the visit of Chinese people in Cochin. Also visit the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1558. Around the Synagogue, you can buy many antique things.

Afternoon transfer to Cochin airport to board your flight to Mumbai or Chennai. After arrival in Mumbai or Chennai after a dinner, you will be transferred to international airport for the onward journey.