India at its Best

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You will be greeted on arrival at Delhi International airport by ITS representative, you will be transferred to your prebooked hotel in Delhi, a brief on your tour by our representative & exchanging of tour documents, relax & overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel & start your sight seeing tour of Delhi at 1000 hrs, visit old Delhi covering the magnificent Red Fort, Jama Mosque, Chandni Chowk & Raj Ghat – the memoir of Mahatma Gandhi – Father of Nation. Enjoy rickshaw ride in Old Delhi an amusing experience. Afternoon take a sight seeing tour to cover New Delhi visiting The President House, India Gate, Humayuns Tomb & Qutub Minar. Evening visit the Lotus Shaped Bahai Temple & the famous Temple of Laxmi Narayan. Evening is kept free to explore the markets of Delhi if you wish too, otherwise relax at the hotel & overnight in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi – Agra (200 kms – 4 hrs)
After early breakfast checkout & drive to the City of Agra at 0830 hrs, enroute visiting the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar at Sikandra. On arrival in Agra transfer to your hotel. Get fresh & ready to visit the 7th wonder of the World – The Great Taj Mahal built by Mughal Icon Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Queen Mumtaz. After admiring the Taj Mahal you will proceed to Agra Fort & visit its Chambers of Kings, Common Man, the prisons & also enjoy a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal from here. Later drive to Ittamuddaulahs Tomb which is also referred as mini Taj for its superb marble inlay works gifted by Mughal King Jehangir to his wife in honour of her Parents. Evening visit the Handicrafts & Marble Inlay works market of Agra, relax & overnight in Agra.
Day 04: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Bharatpur – Jaipur (230 kms – 5 hrs)
Scheduled breakfast at the hotel at 0830 hrs, checkout & drive to capital city of Rajasthan – Jaipur for 5 to 6 or 7 hrs including the time of sight seeing. Enroute visiting the city of Fatehpur Sikri built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar but later shifted to Delhi due to scarcity of water in Fatehpur Sikri the most importance places to see in Fatehpur Sikri is Bulund Darwaza, Panch Mahal, & Shrine of Shaikh Salim Chisti. Later continue to Jaipur enroute visiting & enjoying bicycle rides in the National Park of Keoladeo very famous for housing more than 385 species of migratory birds, later we will drive to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Day is free for relaxing & seeing the pictures of Taj Mahal captured on your camera. Start your evening tour by visiting Temple of Goddess Galta also known as valleys of Monkey due to large monkeys found in the premises of Temple, drive pass through Rani Sati Gardens & visit the pure white Temple of Birlas, evening you will be driven to an ethnic resort to enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine with live folk dance & music – a different experience & a chance to see the locals gathering at the venue for enjoyment. Drive back to your hotel for overnight in Jaipur.
Day 05: Jaipur
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel & start your sight seeing tour of Jaipur by 0900 hrs, drive 11 kms out of the city to reach the Fort of Amber, over here you have choice of reaching the fort on Elephant Back or by open jeeps, though elephant ride is recommended because the Kings at there time use to travel on Elephant back & will give you the same feeling of the golden era visit the Amer Fort & Palace & several chambers & ancient temples in the premises of the fort. After this wonderful experience, we will drive back to the city of Jaipur to continue our sight seeing tour comprising of City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal – the Palace on winds specially made in the honour of Royal Ladies of the bygone era to watch the processions & other festivals from here without being seen from the eyes of the local crowd. Later visit the Royal Observatory & take a peep into the markets of Jaipur known for the superior quality of Handicrafts, Arts, Gems & Jewellery. Rest of the day is kept free for individual activities, relax & overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur – Pushkar (131 kms – 3 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Pushkar, on arrival transfer to hotel over looking the Pushkar Lake, Pushkar & its lake is believed to be as old as creations & pilgrimage centre for the Hindus, the only temple of Lord Brahma is situated in Pushkar. Pushkar is also famous for its annual fair which attracts millions of Tourist every year in the month of October / November. Evening visit the Ghats of Pushkar Lake & witness the devotees taking holy dip to get cleansed, overnight in Pushkar.
Day 07: Pushkar – Ranakpur – Udaipur (275 kms – 5 to 7 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel checkout & drive to Udaipur enroute visiting the famous hand carved marble temple of Ranakpur of 12th Century which is standing on 1444 carved marble pillars & each pillar at this temple is carved differently from others & carrying a statue of Jain Deities. Later proceed to Udaipur, on arrival transfer to your prebooked hotel favorably overlooking one of the Udaipur Lakes. Evening relax & feel cool at the sight of the lake, overnight in Udaipur.
Day 08: Udaipur
Enjoy breakfast at the Restaurant of the hotel over looking the lake, meet your guide after breakfast & start your sight seeing tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace Complex – part of City Palace Complex are 2 hotels belonging to Maharana of Udaipur visit Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple – The Diety of the Maharanas of Udaipur, Jagmandir Palace & Crystal Gallerry, also see the collection of Vintage Cars belonging to His Highness of Udaipur. Later in the day visit Sahelion ki Baari (Recreation Club of olden days specially made in the honour of the Royal Ladies to meet friends & Gossip), Shilp Gram & Lok Kala Mandal – a museum of ethnic village art. Evening take an excursion tour to the Ruins of Nagda not very far from Udaipur a pretty half an hour drive from the lake city you will reach Nagda to see the Sas Bahu Temple & the famous Temple of Lord Ek Lingji on the bank of Lake Bagel, evening drive back to Udaipur, relax & overnight in Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur – Mumbai (By air at 1500 hrs / arr at 1630 hrs)
After breakfast day free to relax or visit the Ghats of Udaipur, afternoon checkout & transfer to airport to board the flight for Mumbai at 1500 hrs, assistance on arrival in Mumbai at 1630 hrs, transfer to your prebooked hotel in Mumbai, evening free to stroll at Gateway of India if staying down town in Mumbai or visit the Juhu Beach if staying here. Relax & overnight in Mumbai.
Day 10: Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, after breakfast meet the guide who will take you to city tour visiting Gateway of India – The imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture built in 1911, later cruise by motor boats to Elephanta island, island which was known as Gharapuri earlier is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. This island was renamed, Elephanta by the Portuguese who landed here, after they saw the majestically carved elephant on this island. Spread over an area of 500 sq mt is the cave temple of Elephanta. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The temple houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentation of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls is awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhawan, Mahalaxmi Temple and Dhobhi Ghat – the Indian Laundry system. Evening free for leisure, overnight in Bombay.
Day 11: Mumbai – Aurangabad (BY air at 0700 hrs / arr at 0800 hrs) – Ellorra – Aurangabad
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Aurangabad at 0700 hrs, assistance on arrival in Aurangabad at 0800 hrs, transfer to hotel. The city – named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is now more renown for its close proximity to Rock hewn caves of Ajanta and Ellora. After freshen up visit Ellora Caves carved between 7th & 11th century AD. Carved in sickle shaped hill, spread north to south in a area of 3 kms. Of these caves 12 are Buddhists, 17 are Hindus and 5 are Jains. The most remarkable of the carved shrines at Ellora is the Kailasa Temple, chiseled out by hand from single rock with Gateway, Pavilion, Courtyard, Assembly Hall, Vestibule, Sanctum and Tower-hall. Later drive back to Aurangabad & visit the City of Aurangabad visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara & Pan Chakki, evening free to relax, overnight in Aurangabad.
Day 12: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad (105 kms one way – 2 hrs)
After breakfast take an excursion tour to Ajanta caves. Dated back to 200 BC and 650 BC. These 30 Buddhist caves hewn painstakingly are cut into the scrap of a cliff are Chaityas (Chapels) & Viharas (Monasteries). These caves are known for their architectural beauty and for their remarkable frescoes- paintings with infinite charm , which speak about the civilization of more than 2000 years. Painting in the caves and sculptures outside speak of some kind of transformation from Hinayana in the earlier caves to Mahayana in the latter caves where Buddha is shown in an human form. Drive back to Aurangabad, evening free to relax, overnight in Aurangabad.
Day 13: Aurangabad – Chennai (By air at 0730 hrs / arr at 1200 hrs)
After early breakfast checkout & transfer to airport to board the flight for Chennai via Mumbai at 0730 hrs, assistance on arrival in Chennai at 1200 hrs, transfer to your prebooked hotel where you will meet the guide to take for a city tour of Chennai. After freshen up take a sight seeing tour of Chennai early known as Madras located at the Coromandel Coast of South India. The tour will cover Marina Beach known to be the second longest beach in the world. Saint George Fort built in 1653 AD and it is used as the state government secretariat office, later visit Santhome Cathedral which was built in the 14th & 15th century and is another colonial structure expecting a must see visit. Later visit the Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva – Kapaleeswara Temple and it is supposed to be the oldest temple in Chennai, also visit the Temple of Lord Krishna known as Parthasarthy Temple. If you are snake lover than do visit the Snake Park which has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. Evening free for independent activities, overnight in Chennai.
Day 14: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (2 to 3 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast checkout & head towards the Temple town of Mahabalipuram enroute visit the famous Kanchipuram town known to be the capital of the Pallavas and a city of 1000 Temples and still retain 124 shrines in the complex. The first temple built was dedicated to Lord Shiva in the 7th and 8th century AD and has paintings on the walls. Later visit the Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasnatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varada-Rajaswami which are worth visiting, if you are silk lover than don’t forget buy silk from Kanchipuram known for its best of Silk in India. Proceed to Mahabalipuram on arrival transfer to beach resort, after freshen up gear up for visiting the famous Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram famous for the seven pagodas & on the seashore you will see interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Walk on the shores in the evening, overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day 15: Mahabalipuram – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Tanjore (243 kms – 5 hrs drive)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Tanjore, enroute visit Chidambaram which is one of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very name Kovil refers to Chidambaram, where Natarajan is enshrined in the Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). The Moovar (Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have sung praises of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise the glory of Chidambaram. Chidambaram is one of the 5 dance Halls of Shiva (Kanakasabhai). The five dance halls are Chithambram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam.
Late continue driving to Tanjore, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon, visit Tanjore (Thanjavur) which was the ancient capital of Chola kings. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple which was built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. Visit the Thanjavur Palace which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers.
Day 16: Tanjore – Trichy
After breakfast checkout leisurely & drive to the Temple town of Trichy, on arrival transfer to your prebooked hotel. After getting fresh or a small nap take a sight seeing tour of Trichy visiting the most famous landmark Temple – 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 great Landmark the Sri Ranganathanswami 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 also visit and Jambukeshwara Temples. Rest of the day is free to explore or walking in the town of Trichy, overnight in Trichy.
Day 17: Trichy – Madurai (165 kms – 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Madurai, on arrival transfer to hotel. After freshen up take a sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later visit the Tirumalai Nayak palace – A gracious building in the Indo Saracenic style famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Evening free to visit the handicraft market of Madurai, overnight in Madurai.
Day 18: Madurai – Periyar (160 kms – 4½ hrs drive)
After leisurely breakfast checkout & drive to Periyar National Park the earliest sanctuary to be set up in 1934 AD it extends to 777 sq. kms and becomes the part of the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. On arrival transfer to Jungle Resort. Afternoon visit the National Park Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Animals found here are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, langur monkeys, etc, though it is a guarantee that you will see elephants while your tour on the boat but to spot a tiger you have to be very lucky. After the safari visit the Spice Plantation Market where you get best of the Indian spices at a down to earth rate, evening free to relax, overnight in Periyar.
Day 19: Periyar – Kumarakom (130 kms – 3/4 hrs)
Optionally today Early morning take a boat ride again in the Periyar Lake for Safari. After breakfast at the hotel, checkout and proceed to Kumarakom – back water country, on arrival transfer to resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Believe it or not, on your arrival in Kumarakom you will be surprised to see the never ending lake of Vembanad Lake surrounded by greenery a peaceful location like paradise. Full day free to gaze the best scenes of your life or visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which houses a lot of migratory birds due to marshy lands in Kumarakom. Evening you can enjoy sunset cruise over here. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 20: Kumarakom – Alleppey – By House-Boats
After breakfast time free at the resort, our houseboats will report at 1200 hrs at the hotel directly, board the houseboat cruise taking you to Alleppey for an overnight journey enjoy the cruise in Vembanad Lake, the journey will cruise you through the tropical country-side enchanting backwater of Alleppey to Palm fringed narrow canal winding through the vast expanse of paddy field and the neat tiny hamlet, typical village, regattas – snake boats for which Kerala is very famous. The Deluxe houseboats have Sitting Area, Dinning Area, Sun Deck to enjoy sunset and fishing, Bed room with double & twin bed with attached English toilets and running hot & cold water. Typical Kerala Breakfast, Lunch & dinner will be served on board the houseboats to have a cultural feel, overnight cruising in the Vembanad Lake.
Day 21: Alleppey – Cochin (60 kms – 2 hrs)
Enjoy Kerala Breakfast on board the houseboat while moving towards Alleppey Jetty, assistance on arrival at Alleppey Jetty by our company representative, drive to Cochin enroute visiting the Coir Villages, on arrival in Cochin transfer to your prebooked hotel. After freshen up take a sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue – one of the oldest in the country & Fort Cochin Beach to see the Chinese Fishing Nets. Evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance, overnight in Cochin.
Day 22: Cochin – Goa (By air at 1200 hrs / arr at 1400 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & transfer to airport to board the flight for Goa at 1200 hrs, assistance on arrival in Goa at 1400 hrs, transfer to Beach Resort. Day free to relax at the beach resort, overnight in Goa.
Day 23: Goa
After breakfast at the poolside restaurant of your resort start a sight seeing tour of Goa though greenery & beaches are the main sight but to know Goa you should know the history of its too. Drive to Old Goa & visit the Basilica of Born Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated to Infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sights of Goa. The other churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of Our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mandovi River and houses a lighthouse & also there is a beautiful hotel by the name of Taj Fort Aguada by the Fort. Return to the resort, day free to laze or visit the famous beaches of Goa including the Baga, Anjuna & Calangute. Tito’s Bar is the most famous North Goa night joint a visit is a must to admire the place, overnight in Goa.
Day 24: Goa
Day free to relax at the beach resort. If you want to enjoy Goa than you can contact the travel counter of the Resort to arrange motor bikes – this is the best way you can explore Goa with your partner visiting the beaches, markets & the famous restaurants. Overnight in Goa.
Day 25: Goa
Goa………… at your way……….full day is for you to either explore Goa or relax & have some quality time with your partner over here.
Day 26: Goa – Mumbai / Delhi – Back Home
After breakfast checkout leisurely & transfer to Goa International airport to board the flight back home, there are many international flights operating from here. While booking your international flight tickets you can opt to return to your home country from Goa itself, if they don’t have connection from Goa than you can try return from Mumbai as Mumbai is only a 45 minutes flight away or otherwise fly to Delhi in the afternoon at 1500 hrs, assistance on arrival in Delhi at 1900 hrs, transfer to International airport to board the flight back home.