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India Round Trip Tour
Places to See : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Mount Abu - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Bangalore - Hassan - Mysore - Madurai - Madras - Bhubaneshwar - Varanasi - Delhi
Duration : 20 Nights / 21 Days
Day 01 : Delhi
Morning arrive Delhi. Meeting, assistance at airport and transfer to hotel ( check-in time 12 noon ).
PM. Sightseeing of Old Delhi : Red Fort - the red sandstone walls of the fort extends for 2 kms and vary in height from 18 meters on the river side to 33 meters on the city side. The Hall of Public Audiences, The Hall of Private Audiences, the Royal Baths, Moti Masjid built by Aurangzeb for himself are important portions of the immense fort. Jama Masjid - the great mosque is both the largest mosque in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan. Raj Ghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. AM. Sightseeing of New Delhi : Laxmi Narain Temple - garishly coloured modern temple was erected by the industrialist Birla. India Gate - the 42 meter high stone ` Arch of Triumph ', erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who died in the first World War. Humayun's Tomb - built by the wife of Humayun, the second Mughal king. This is an early example of Mughal architecture. The design and pattern were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Qutab Minar - the buildings in the complex date from the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of the early Afghan architecture.
PM. At leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
After breakfast proceed to Agra enroute visiting Sikandra, the mausoleum of emperor Akbar. The tomb is situated in the middle of the garden and four identical red sandstone gates lead to the tomb complex. PM city s/seeing : Taj Mahal - if there is a building which evokes a country like Eiffel Tower does for France, Sydney Opera House does for Australia then it has to be Taj Mahal for India. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, as the emperor was heart broken when Mumtaz died. Agra Fort - the construction of the fort commenced with the emperor Akbar and additions were made right through the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. While in Akbar's time the fort was principally a military structure, by the time of Shah Jehan the emphasis had shifted and the fort became partially a palace. Itimad ud Daula - the tomb was built by Nur Jehan and it is very similar to the tomb of Jehangir near Lahore. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 : Agra - Jaipur
After early breakfast proceed to Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - it was the capital of Mughal empire during the reign of Akbar. Then as suddenly and as dramatically this new city was built, it was abandoned. It is believed to have been abandoned due to lack of water. Today it is perfectly preserved Mughal city at the height of empire's splendour. Noon arrive. PM city s/seeing : City Palace - the palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The former Maharaja still lives in a part of this palace. A part of the palace is converted into a museum. It has an extensive collection of arts, carpets, enamelware and weapons. The paintings include the miniatures from Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools. Observatory - or Jantar Mantar, built by Raja Jai Singh. Of the five observatories he built, this observatory is the largest and the best preserved. At first glance it appears to be just a curious collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a specific purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitude or to calculate eclipses. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel. AM. Excursion to Amber Fort enroute visiting Palace of Winds - although it is just a facade yet it is Jaipur's central landmark. The five storey building looks out over the main street of the old city. Amber Fort - the fortress-palace was constructed in the end of 16th century by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput Commander of Akbar's army. It was extended and completed by Jai Singh before it was shifted to Jaipur in the plains below. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. PM proceed to Jodhpur. Evening arrive . Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06 : Jodhpur - Mount Abu
Breakfast at hotel. AM. City sightseeing : the largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur, stands at the edge of the Thar desert. The massive fort, topping a sheer rocky hill which rises in the middle of the town, totally dominates the city. It is the most impressive and formidable fort in Rajasthan. Inside the fort, which is still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, there are a whole series of courtyards and palaces. The palaces house a fantastic collection of the trapping of the Indian royalty. There are an amazing collection of elephant howdas, miniature paintings of a variety of schools, a superb variety of folk music instruments, palanquins, furniture etc. Later visit the Royal cenotaphs. PM proceed to Mount Abu. Evening arrive and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07 : Mount Abu
Breakfast at hotel. AM at leisure. PM visit of Mount Abu : Rajasthan's only hill-station spreads out along a 1200 meter plateau. The Dilwara Temples are the finest examples of Jain temples in India. The complex include two important temples where the art of carving marble has been carried to unsurpassed heights. The older of these temples is the Vimal Vasahi, which is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. Around the courtyard there are 52 cells each with a Buddha like cross legged image. The later Tejpal temple is important as an extremely old and complete example of Jain temples. Its most notable feature is the fantastic intricacy and delicacy of the marble carvings. Later visit the Nakki Lake and the sunset point. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : Mount Abu - Udaipur
After breakfast proceed to Udaipur enroute visiting Ranakpur temple complex. It is one of the most important and the biggest Jain Temple complexes in India. The extremely beautiful complex is situated in the remote and peaceful Aravali Valley. The main temple in the complex is `Chaumukha' or four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath. This huge, beautifully crafted well kept temple has 29 halls, supported by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike. Within the complex there are other two temples. Evening arrive Udaipur. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09 : Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. AM. City sightseeing : Udaipur - the lake city is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in Rajasthan. The city Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The main part of the palace is now preserved as museum with a large and varied, although somewhat rundown collection. The museum includes Mor Chowk with porcelain figures, Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. The Moti Mahal has beautiful mirror work. Sahelion ki Bari - the ladies garden, a garden specially built for ladies with very beautiful fountains. PM excursion to Nagada and Eklingji. 14 miles north of Udaipur is Eklingji, a temple dedicated to the deity of the rulers of Mewar. The present building, standing on the site of the original fifteenth century edifice, is of late eighteenth century construction. Like most sacred buildings in this region, it is entirely of white marble. The roof is decorated by hundreds of circular knobs and crowned by a lofty tower. In the inner shrine is a four faced black marble image of Shiva. At a short distance is Nagada, now in ruins, bore the brunt of too many Muslim invasions. One of the most ancient places in Mewar, it has two temples dating from the eleventh century, both ornamented with interesting carvings. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10 : Udaipur - Aurangabad
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Aurangabad ( IC 491 - 0810/0920 ). On arrival transfer to hotel. PM. Excursion to Ellora Caves : Whereas the Ajanta caves are famous for its paintings the caves at Ellora are famous for its sculptures which is remarkable. In all there are 34 caves ; 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and the rest are Jain. Roughly the Buddhist caves are thought to date from 600 to 800 AD, the Hindus are around 900 AD while the Jain caves were not commenced until about 800 and were completed by 1000 AD. Caves 1 to 5 are Viharas and are simpler and less preserved. 6 to 8 are having large seated Buddha in the shrine. Hindu caves are the most dramatic and impressive of the Ellora cave temples. In size design and energy Hindu caves are in a totally different league to the Buddhist or Jain caves. Dinner and Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Aurangabad - Ajanta - Aurangabad
After breakfast full day excursion to Ajanta caves. The Ajanta caves were before the
Ellora caves and are all Buddhist. Their isolation has contributed the fine state of preservation in which some of the paintings remain to this day. Five of the caves are Chaityas or temples while the others are Viharas or monasteries. The caves date from 250 to 650 AD. The cave paintings initially suffered some deterioration. After their rediscovery some heavy-handed artists conducted a meticulous restoration and they are carefully preserved since then. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12 : Aurangabad - Bombay - Bangalore
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Bombay (IC 491- 0950/1035). on arrival assistance while changing planes for Bangalore (IC 109 - 1340/1510). On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13 : Bangalore - Hassan
After breakfast proceed to Hassan enroute visiting a Silk Factory. Here you will see how the silk, which you find in the market, is developed. The complete process will be explained. Noon arrive and transfer to hotel.
PM. Excursion to Belur and Halebid. The temples at Belur and Halebid are the cream of what remains of 4 one of the most artistically exuberant periods of Hindu cultural development. These temples are superb and, as far as their sculptural decoration goes, even rival the temples of Khajuraho and Konarak. They also rival the best of Gothic art to be found anywhere in Europe. The wealth of sculptural details found on the Hoysaleswara temple at Halebid makes it easily the most outstanding example of Hoysala art. Every cm of the outside walls of this temple and much of the interior is covered with an endless variety of Hindu Deities, Sages, stylised animals and birds and friezes depicting the life and times of Hoysala rulers. No two are alike. Scenes from war, hunting, agriculture, music, dancing and some very sensual sculptures explicitly portraying the apres-temple activities of the dancing girls are all represented here. The Hoysala temples are squat and low, more human in scale than soaring temples found elsewhere in India. They were carved from a soap stone which is relatively soft and easily cut when first quarried, but with age and exposure gradually hardens. The Hoysaleswara Temples at Halebid was constructed about 10 years after the temple at Belur, but despite 80 years labour it was never finally completed. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14 : Hassan - Mysore
Breakfast at hotel and proceed to Mysore enroute visiting Sravanabelgola : This is one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India. The site of the huge statue of Lord Bahubali(Gomateshvara), which at 17 meters high and carved out of a single piece of rock , is said to be the world’s tallest monolithic statue. It stands on top of the rocky hill known as Indragiri, below which the small town of Sravanabelgola nestles. Its simplicity is in complete contrast to the complexity of the sculptural work at the temples of Belur and Halebid. Noon arrive. PM. city sightseeing of Mysore : Sandalwood City! Everywhere you go in this beautiful city you will find yourself enveloped with the lingering aromas of sandalwood, jasmine, rose, musk and a hundred others. It is one of the major centres of incense manufacture in India.
Maharaja's Palace : the beautiful profile of this walled, Indo-Saracenic palace, the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, dominates the city’s skyline. It was built in 1911-12 at a cost of 4.2 million Rupees to replace the former palace which was burnt down. Internally it reminds one of an Afghani waistcoat-an extravaganza of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and gaudy colours. But there after some beautiful carved wooden doors and mosaic floors as well as a whole series of mediocre, though historically interesting, paintings. Note the beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and superb columned Durbar Hall. Chamundi Hill, there is Sri Chamundeswari temple huge in structure with a seven storey Gopuram 40 meters high. On the way you come across the famous Nandi (Shiva’s Bull) carved out of the solid rock and, at five meters high, perhaps the largest. It is always garlanded in flowers and constantly visited by bevies of pilgrims offering prasad to the priest in attendance there. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 : Mysore - Bangalore - Madurai
After breakfast proceed to Bangalore airport for flight to Madurai (IC 504 - 1445/ 1530) enroute visiting Somnathpur Temple. Sri Channakeshara temple at Somnathpur built around 1260 AD during the heyday of the Hoysala kings. It is one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in the world. The walls of the star shaped temple are literally covered with superb sculptures in stone depicting various scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and the life and times of the Hoysala kings. No two friezes are alike. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 16 : Madurai - Madras
Breakfast at hotel. AM. Sightseeing of Madurai : This bustling city of over half a million people - packed with pilgrims, is one of southern India's oldest, and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Its main attraction is famous Shree Meenakshi Temple in the hear of the old town, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture. The Gopurams are covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. This temple is named after the daughter of a Pandyan king who, legend has it, was born with three breasts. The king was told at the time of birth that the extra breast would disappear when she met the man she was to marry. The temple is a city within the city. The travellers spend days exploring its labyrinthine corridors and halls. A part of the temple is converted in to a museum. The art gallery contains some beautiful stone and brass images , examples of ancient south Indian scripts and various attempts to explain the Hindu pantheon and the many legends associated with it. Tirumalai Naick Palace, this palace built in 1636 is in the Indo Saracenic style.
PM. Transfer to airport for flight to Madras (IC 504 - 1600/1745). On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 17 : Madras - Mahabalipuram - Madras
Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram :Sometimes known as Shiva Vishnu Kanchi, this is one of the seven sacred cities of India and was successively the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas and the Rajas of Vijayanagar. It is one of India’s most spectacular temple cities and its many Gopurams can be seen from miles away. Kailasanatha Temple, dedicated to Siva, this is one of the earliest temples and was built by the Pallava king, Rayasimha in the late 7th century. It is the only one of the temples at Kanchi which hasn’t been cluttered with more recent additions by Cholas and Vijayanagar kings. So it reflects the freshness and simplicity of early Dravidian architecture of which other examples can be seen at Mahabalipuram. Ekambareshwara Temple : This is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram and covers 9 hectares. Its huge Gopuram, 59 meters high and massive outer stone wall were constructed in 1509. Inside are 5 separate enclosures and a 1000-pillared hall. In one of the enclosures is a very old mango tree with four branches representing 4 Vedas. The fruits of these four branches are said to have different tastes. It is said to be 3500 years old.
Mahabalipuram - was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. It is world famous for its shore temples. Though their origins are lost in the mists of legend, they were at the height of their political power and artistic creativity between the 5th and 8th centuries AD. Arjuna’s Penance, one of the most interesting sights of the city. Here on the face of a huge rock, has been carved in relief the mythical story of the river Ganges issuing from its source high up in the Himalayas. Rathas, literally temple chariots, are named after the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabaharata epic. Shore Temples, These beautiful and romantic, wind and sea ravaged temples are unique in India and one of its finest sights. They represent the final phase of Pallava art and were built in the late 7th century during the reign of Rajasimha. The two spires of these temples, containing a shrine for Vishnu and one for Shiva. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 18 : Madras - Bhubaneshwar
After early breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Bhubaneshwar (IC 543 - 0700/0840). On arrival transfer to hotel.
PM. City sightseeing - Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa is known as the temple town due to its many temples in extravagant, Orissan architectural into old and new parts. Lingaraj Temple, the great temple of the city is off limits to all non Hindus. Close to the wall is a viewing platform. The temple is dedicated to Tribhuvaneshwar or Lord of three Worlds. In its present form the temple dates from 1090 to 1104 AD, although parts of it are over 1400 years old. Bindusagar, The `Ocean Drop` tank is just north of the great temple and is said to contain water from every holy stream, pool and tank in India. Consequently when it comes to washing away the sins this is the tank which washes whitest. Sidharanya, the `Grove of the Perfect Beings` is a cluster of about 20 smaller temples, including some of the most important in Bhubaneshwar. 11 meters high, Mukteshwar Temple is finely detailed with some excellent carvings, but unfortunately much of it is defaced. etc. etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19 : Bhubaneshwar
Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Konark and Puri. Konark : situated on the coast, site consists of little more than the mighty temple and a handful of shops, stalls and places to stay. The Temple of the Sun was constructed at some time in the 13th century, but remarkably little is known about its early history. It has been in ruins for centuries but until the early 1900`s it was simply an interesting ruin of impressive size. Then in 1904 debris and sand was cleared from around the temple base and the sheer magnitude of its architect’s imagination was revealed. The entire temple was conceived as a chariot for the Sun God, Surya. Around the base of the temple there are 24 gigantic , carved stone wheels, seven mighty horses haul at the temple and the immense structure is covered with carvings, sculptures, figures and has relief’s. If the tower was completed it would have soared to 70 meters high and archaeologists wonder if the sandy foundations could have supported such a structure. The three images of Surya, the Sun God, still stand and are designed to catch the sun at dawn, at noon and at sunset.
PURI : Situated on the coast, Puri is one of the four holiest cities in India. The city revolves around the great Jagannath Temple and its famous Rath Yatra or Car Festival. It is thought that Puri was the hiding place for the Buddha tooth of Kandy before it was spirited away to Sri Lanka. There are similarities between the Rath Yatra and the annual Kandy procession. Jagannath Temple, `Lord of the Universe` is open to non-Hindus, but amongst Hindus its considerable popularity is partially due to lack caste distinctions - all are welcome before Jagannath. Non believers can look down into the temple from the roof of a library nearby. The temple enclosure is nearly square, measuring almost 200 meters on each side. The conical tower of the temple is 58 meters high and is topped by the flag and wheel of Vishnu, bazaars and other activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 20 : Bhubaneshwar - Varanasi
AM. Transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to hotel.
PM. City sightseeing : Varanasi, has been known as Kashi and Benaras, its present name is a restoration of the ancient name meaning the city between the two rivers - Varuna and Asi. The eternal city, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganges , it has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over two thousand years. For pious Hindus this city has always had a special place. Besides being a pilgrimage centre, it is considered auspicious to die here, ensuring an instant routing to heaven. Durga Temple, is commonly known as the Monkey Temple, due to many monkeys having made it their home. It was built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani. It is built in north India Nagara style with a multi-tiered Shikhara. Tulsi Manas temple : a modern, marble Shikhara style temple, built in 1964. The walls of the temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Hindi version of Ramayana. Benaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya as a centre of education in Indian art, culture and music and study of Sanskrit. Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to Mother India. This is not actually a temple, it is has a marble relief map of India, instead of usual images of Gods and Goddesses. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21 : Varanasi - Delhi
Early morning proceed to the Ghats of the River Ganges for boat excursion. Ghats are
the steps on the bank of Ganges which lead down to the river, from where the pilgrims make their sin-cleaning dip in the holy water of the river. There are approx. 100 Ghats in all. The women bathing discreetly in their Saris, the young men going through yoga exercises, the Brahman priests offering blessings. After the boat ride walk through the small streets leading you to the Golden Temple. The original temple was destroyed by the Muslim rulers. The present temple was built in the 18th century, the gold plating on the towers was donated by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore.
AM. Excursion to Sarnath : one of the major Buddhist centres in India. Having achieved enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, it was at Sarnath where Buddha came to preach his message of the middle way to final Nirvana. Later emperor Ashoka erected many magnificent Stupas and other buildings here. Sarnath was at its peak when Chinese travellers Fa hian and Hiuen Tsang visited the site. The stupa is approx. 500 AD, it was probably rebuilt a number of times over earlier constructions. The geometrical and floral patterns on the stupa are typical of Gupta period. But the excavations into the stupa have revealed brickwork’s from the Mauryan period around 200 BC. The museum at Sarnath has excellent a beautiful collection including many figures and sculptures from the various periods of Sarnath - Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta and later.
PM. Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel for wash and change and transfer to international airport for flight to home
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