The Great Indian Journey

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 – Varanasi (By air at 1050 hrs / arr at 1140 hrs)
After breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi at 1040 hrs, Assistance on arrival by our Company’s representative in Varanasi at 1140 hrs, transfer to your prebooked hotel. After freshen up start the tour of Varanasi visiting Saranath – to see the Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashok Pillar, Dhamek Stupa, Dharamika Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Archaeological Museum also visit the deer park and Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha perched his First Sermon. Later in the day visit the temples of Varanasi – the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple complex. Evening you will enjoy unforgetfull tour of the holy River Ganges and see the various Ghats with people ritually cleansing their sins. While on the boat you will also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. Later drive back to hotel for overnight.
Day 04: Varanasi – Khajuraho (By air at 1220 hrs / arr at 1300 hrs)
Early morning a tour of River Ganges on the Boat to see the morning rituals at the time of sunrise a different sight from last evening, you will see people offering water to Sun God & taking dip in the holy waters of River Ganges. After breakfast checkout & transfer to airport t board the flight for Khajuraho at 1220 hrs, assistance on arrival in Khajuraho at 1300 hrs, transfer to your prebooked hotel in the town of Erotic Temples. After freshen up take a sight seeing tour of Khajuraho visiting Archeological Museum, Temple of Adinath, Eastern Group of Temples & in the evening visit Western Group of Temples where you can enjoy the sound & light show over here. Relax & overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 05: Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi (178 kms – 3 to 4 hrs) – Agra (By Superfast train at 1740 hrs / arr at 2000 hrs)
Morning after breakfast if you like to visit the temple town you can do so as you have a lot of time today, checkout leisurely & drive for 3 hrs to Orchha – On arrival visit Raj Mahal or King’s Palace was built by King Madhukar Shah, a contemporary of Emperor Akbar. Jehangir Mahal was built by Raja Bir Singh Jo Deo in 1606 to felicitate the visit of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. History says that Rai Praveen Mahal was built by King Indra Mani, Other monuments include Raja Ram Temple, Chaturbhuj and Laxmi Narayan temples. Later transfer to railway station to board the superfast train for Agra at 1740 hrs, assistance on arrival in Agra at 2000 hrs, transfer to your prebooked hotel. Relax & overnight in Agra.
Day 06: Agra
After breakfast get ready to see 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 Tomb of the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar at Sikandra & rest of evening is kept free to walk in the markets of Agra & exploring the skills of artisan at the Handicraft factories. Relax & overnight in Agra.
Day 07: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Bharatpur (60 kms – 2 hrs including sight seeing) – Ranthambhor (BY Superfast Train)
Scheduled breakfast at the hotel at 0830 hrs, checkout & drive to Ranthambhor the Tiger Country. 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 Ranthambhor enroute visiting & enjoying bicycle rides in the National Park of Keoladeo very famous for housing more than 385 species of migratory birds, later you will be transferred to Bharatpur Railway station to board the superfast train for Ranthambhor at 1500 hrs, assistance on arrival in Ranthambhor at 1830 hrs, transfer to your Jungle Resort. Evening see the wild life slide show of Ranthambhor which will educate about the Jungle living beings, it is famous for housing the Royal Tiger in the reserve & Other animals commonly found are blue bull, Sambhar, variety of deers, & sloth bear. Evening free to relax, overnight in Ranthambhor.
Day 08: Ranthambhor
Early morning enjoy the safari again to Ranthambhor National Park. After breakfast visit the famous Ranthambhor Fort overlooking the National Park & Jogi Mahal. There is also a famous Temple of Lord Ganpati in the Fort which attracts thousands of devotees. Evening Jungle Safari again to the National Park. Overnight in Ranthambhor.
Day 09: Ranthambhor – Tribal Villages – Jaipur (180 kms – 4 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & we will drive to Jaipur, enroute seeing the tribal villages, our driver can also take you to one of the houses of the tribal just to have a glimpse of there lifestyle. Later proceed to Jaipur on arrival transfer to hotel. Day is free for relaxing & seeing the pictures of Taj Mahal & the Tigers 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 10: 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 11: Jaipur – Delhi (259 kms – 5 hrs) – Amritsar (By Train at 1630 hrs / arr at 2200 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, checkout & drive to Delhi to board the train for Amritsar, on arrival time free in Delhi for lunch, later transfer to Railway station to board the fully air-conditioned superfast train for Amritsar at 1630 hrs, snacks will be served on board the train. Assistance on arrival in Amritsar at 2200 hrs, transfer to hotel, relax & overnight in Amritsar.
Day 12: Amritsar
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Amritsar visit the famous Landmark for which Amritsar is famous for – The Golden Temple – the place for Sikh Pilgrimage in India. After visiting the Golden Temple visit the Temple of Durga, Jalian Wala Bagh Memorial raised in the honour of innocent people who were killed by the British at the time of British rule in India. Evening take an excursion tour to Wagah Border to see the closing ceremony of Indian Borders with Pakistan. Relax & overnight in Amritsar.
Day 13: Amritsar – Dharamshala (200 kms – 5 hrs)
After scheduled breakfast leave for Dharamshala – the Head Quarters of Tibetans Monks in India. On arrival transfer to your prebooked hotel prefereably over looking the Himalayan peaks. Evening is free to visit the Tibetan Markets, overnight in Dharamshala.
Day 14: Dharamshala
After breakfast at the hotel take a sight seeing tour of Dharamshala visiting the Palace of Dalai Lama – the head of Tibetans Monk taken refuge in India, visit the Tibetan Monasteries, Upper Dharamshala, & the markets. Also visit Mcleodganj, Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute, Bhagsunath, St. John’s Church, Kunal Pathri, Dal Lake and War Memorial. Evening free to relax, overnight in Dharamshala.
Day 15: Dharamshala – Shimla (280 kms – 7 to 8 hrs)
Breakfast is advisable at 0800 hrs, checkout & leave for Shimla, this is a long journey though enjoyable passing through the mountains & villages in between. On arrival in Shimla, transfer to your hotel, relax & overnight in Shimla.
Day 16: Shimla
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Shimla visiting Kufri Snow Point – round the year you will find snow at Kufri which is just 30 kms from here, highest point of whole Shimla, you can try doing Skiing over here. Also visit the Zoo located in Kufri to see Himalayan Animals especially the Yak, musk Deer & the Mountain fox. Later in the day visit Jakhoo Hill, Glen, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Navbahar, Sanket Mochen Temple. Tara Devi Temple, Aviary at Old Raj Bhavan, Tibetan Monastery, Dhengu Mata Temple. Evening visit the Mall Road to see the British Architectural Buildings at the mall road of Shimla you will have to take a stroll by walk as cars are not allowed over here. Relax & overnight in Shimla.
Day 17: Shimla – Rishikesh (240 kms – 5 to 6 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Rishikesh, on arrival transfer to Hotel over looking the Ganges, evening visit the Bank of River Ganges to see the tradition of litted lamp floated in River Ganges, overnight in Rishikesh. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 18: Rishikesh – Haridwar – Rishikesh
Early morning is the time to learn some basics of Yoga at one of the Ashrams in Rishikesh. After breakfast visit BHaratmata Temple & Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh, later drive to Haridwar – half an hour drive from Rishikesh visit Hari Ki Pauri, Hari Ki Pauri is the centre of activity in Haridwar: piety and brisk business go hand in hand here at all times. There are thread ceremonies, tonsuring ceremonies, holy dips, and ash immersion ceremonies. Chanda Devi Temple situated atop the Neel Parvat and the eight-storied Bharat Mata Temple that towers over the small town. Visit Shanti Kunj famous for its Gayatri Temple housing 24 images of Gayatri just near the Saptarishi Ashram. Evening visit the bazaars of Haridwar you will find rudraksh, vermilion, & Ganga Water. Later drive back to Rishikesh, evening visit the bank of River Ganges again to see the ritual of lighting the lamps & letting flow in the river a beautiful sight for the tourist. Relax & overnight in Rishikesh.
Day 19: Rishikesh – Delhi (260 kms – 5 to 6 hrs) – Chennai
Early morning visit the banks of River Ganges to see the morning rituals & attend Yoga class for the second day. After breakfast checkout & drive to Delhi to board the flight for Chennai at 1600 hrs, assistance on arrival in Chennai at 1900 hrs, transfer to your prebooked hotel. Evening free to relax, overnight in Chennai.
Day 20: Chennai
After breakfast 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 21: 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 22: 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. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 23: 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 24: 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 25: 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 26: 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 27: 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 28: Alleppey – Marari Beach
Breakfast will be served on board the houseboats you can ask your Houseboat cook to make Idlis & Medu Vadas today with Coconut Chutney (sauce), arrive Alleppey Jetty assistance on arrival by our representative on the Jetty & a short drive will take you to the famous Marari Beach, rest of the day free to relax at the sea hugging resort. Also you can take a walking tour to near by Fisherman Village though you will to cover your nose while walking in the village as you might not like the smell of the dry fish which the Fisherman hang outside there houses for drying. Overnight in Marari.
Day 29: Marari
Full day at the beach to relax or to get tanned.
Day 30: Marari
Full day at the beach to relax or to get tanned.
Day 31: Marari – Cochin (60 kms – 1 to 2 hrs)
After breakfast leisurely checkout & drive to Cochin enroute visiting the coir markets & villages, on arrival transfer to 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 32: Cochin – Back home or Cochin – Delhi – Back home
After breakfast checkout & transfer to Cochin international airport to board the flight back home, while booking your international air ticket you can opt to fly out from Cochin instead or going back to Delhi & taking the flight back home. If this option is not available than you will fly to Delhi in the afternoon, assistance on arrival in Delhi, time free for shopping or individual activities in Delhi, in time transfer to international airport to board the flight back home.