SOUTH INDIA TOURWITH SRI LANKA

Arrive Delhi by flight
Meeting upon arrival by our representative and transfer to Hotel.
Rest of the time at leisure
Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi

In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk, Red Fort, Raj Ghat – Gandhi Memorial

Jama Masjid – Built by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid was begun in 1650 and it took hard work of six years of more than 5000 workers to build the largest mosque in India. It was customary for the emperor and his courtiers to go to the mosque every Friday for attending ‘Jummekinamaaz’, the congressional prayers.

ChandiniChowk – The living legacy of Delhi is Shahjahanabad. Created by Shahjahan, the builder of TajMahal, this city, with the Red Fort as the focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying center, has a fascinating market planned to shine under the light of the moon and thus is called ChandiniChowk.

Red Fort (LalQuila) – One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the LalQuila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side.

Raj Ghat – The Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is not far away from the banks of River Yamuna. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here on 31st January 1950 following his assassination on 30th January 1950 by Nathu Ram Godse. The memorial stone is a simple square platform made of black stone. The last words uttered by Mahatma “Hey Ram” are inscribed near the black platform. An eternal flame keeps burning in a copper urn in the Raj Ghat. Thus the first item on the agenda of a foreign dignitary on a state visit to India is to visit Raj Ghat. They the memorial is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is just across the road. It houses many belongings of Gandhi and photographs from his life.

In New Delhi visit Birla Temple, India Gate, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and Jewish Synagogue

Birla Temple (Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir) a Hindu temple which came up alongside with New Delhi and has therefore been pegged with it. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, it is the first of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of Birla. Located just off Connaught Place on Mandir Marg, it is dedicated to Vishnu, the second of the Hindu Trinity of creator-preserver-destroyer, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

India Gate is the pride of Delhi. An imposing structure, the gate was built in memory to the of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I. Situated at the at the end of Rajpath, the India Gate is 42 meters high. Photo stop at Presidential Palace and Indian Parliament House.

Baha’i Temple (Lotus Temples) in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. Popularly known as the Lotus Temple, Baha’i Temple is a major feature of Delhi and is well known for its appearance. There is no doubt that in years to come the temple will prove to be a mecca for the visitors. Baha’ism is considered to be a syncretism of the nine great religions of the world and traces its genesis to its prophet Baha’u’llah, born in Persia in the twentieth century.

Qutab Minar, one of the most visited places in Delhi. The unique architectural structure of the monument attracts many visitors from all across the world. The construction of QutabMinar began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century. Beautiful calligraphy of the magnificent tower adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar rises over 230 feet and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a breathtaking view.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for Jaipur
Arrive and check in at Hotel.
Rest of the time at leisure

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort which lies 10 kms from from Jaipur. Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove, climb up to fort on elephant back in a Maharaja (emperor) style.

Afternoon city tour visiting the sprawling the City Palace of Sawai Jai Singh II, sits right in the centre of the geometric grid in the heart of the old city. It consists of the seven-storied Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas.

The City Palace Museum houses an exquisite collection of textiles, costumes, carpets, the finest porcelain and a rare collection of arms and paintings. It is here that you can see the world’s largest silver objects – a pair of giant urns.

Jantar Mantar (Observatory) is one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh whose ruling passion was astronomy. It was built between1728-34 and consists of observer’s seat, sundial and a number of enormous instruments used to calculate altitude, locate and identify celestial bodies. These instruments are extremely accurate.

 Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of Winds’ is one of the most unusual structures built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Honeycombed with over 900 niches or windows, it allowed the ladies of the court to watch the activities on the streets below and yet not be seen themselves. The HawaMahal too is made of the famed Jaipur pink stone!

Later visit the Birla Temple and local market.
Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for Agra. En route visit Chand Boari–located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, Chand Baori is 140 kms from Fatehpur Sikri and 95 kms from Jaipur, Baoriis a step well built by King Chand somewhere in 8^th & 9^th centuries, over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan which has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well. It is one of the largest step well in the world and also one of the most beautiful one. It is not an easy landmark to find, thus it is one of the hidden secrets of India. About 64 feet deep, it is India’s largest and deepest step well with 13 floors and was built for the purpose of water harvesting. Today, the construction is not used as a well anymore but its exquisite geometry attracts local and international visitors alike.

Continue drive to Agra.
Arrive Agra and check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Early morning proceed for visiting TajMahal– Built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved Queen MumtazMahal, this beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is an architectural marvel. The Taj by sunrise and sunset is a breathtaking sight.

Return back to hotel for breakfast and visit Agra Fort – Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid and other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects and artists.

Evening witness for live theater show on Taj Mahal (Optional)

Mohabbat-e-Taj is a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. The Drama portrays the Mughal era in 16th Century. It is series of play depicting the true and immortal love of Shajahan for MumtajMahal- his beautiful wife, the lavish lifestyle of mughal era, emaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship.

(Note :Kalakriti show closes from 01 May till 15 July for annual maintenance)

Overnight at hotel.

Early morning after breakfast in time transfer to railway station to board train for Jhansi

Depart Delhi by Shatabadi Express at 0615 hrs in Air-conditioned Chair car class

Arrive Jhansi at 1048 hrs

Arrive Jhansi and drive to Orchha (18 kms / 30 minutes)

Later sightseeing tour visiting Orchha visiting Orchha Fort

This medieval city flanked by the Betwa River is home to a number of 16th and 17th century palaces and temples that have withstood the ravages of time.

Orcha is a city having its origin during the medieval times of 16th Centaury built by Bundela rulers and has many old timed palaces and temples reflecting grand old beauty, which existed in those times. The City was built by a Rajput leader Rudra Pratap Singh. He chose Orcha city as the capital, because it was on the Banks of Betwariver, The succeeding Ruler to Rudra Pratap Singh Raja Bir Singh contributed to the splendor of the city by constructing Jehangir Mahal.

Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Orchha

Paramour Memorial those times a poetess and musician, Rai Praveen was extremely beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani during the period 1672-76. She went to Delhi on the summons of Emperor Akbar, who also deeply impressed by her. She impressed upon Emperor her love for Indramani and the Emperor sent her back to Orcha. The Rai Praveen Mahal palace built as a memorial in her name

Chaturbhuj Temple It was constructed on a huge stone platform, from where there are very high steps converging into the temple shape. The temple was supposed to have Idol of lord Ram, which was later on left to the wishes of Idol of Ram. The exterior are decorative symbols of lotus and other religious symbols

Ram Raja Mandir It is a palace-turned-temple has a very attractive story behind. King Madhukar Shah had brought an idol of Lord Rama from Ayodhya to Orcha being the realization of a dream he had and later on it was installed in Chaturbhuj Temple. On attempting and having failed to move the idol and felt that it is the wish of the deity to remain where it is. Now there are high tapering structures built at the temple site and it is one of the finest temples in India and Ram is worshipped as a king

Laxminarayan Temple – A flagstone path links the Laxminarayan Temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The style here is a mix of fort and temple architecture. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orcha’s Wall Paintings. On the walls and ceilings of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of spiritual and secular subjects

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast depart for Khajuraho

Arrive and check in at Hotel.

Later proceed for visiting Eastern & Western group of temples.

The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian ‘Nagara’ style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples

Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world

Overnight at hotel.

Early morning after breakfast depart for Satna railway station to board train for Khajuraho

Arrive Varanasi by train
Meeting upon arrival and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Early morning at sunrise drive through the city to the sacred Ganges River and visit by boat the Bathing Ghats, Observatory, Nepalese Temple (Temple of Love), Cremation Ghats and Aurangzeb’s Mosque

Return to Desasswamed Ghat and back to hotel for breakfast

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Varanasi visiting Durga Temple (Monkey Temple because of the presence of a myriad of monkeys), the well of Knowledge, Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple since its spires are covered with gold), Benaras Hindu University with its marble Shiva Temple and Bharat Mata Temple

Later proceed to visit Sarnath 10 kms north of Varanasi is Sarnath, where in the Deer Park, Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after he received enlightenment. The ruins of monasteries, built more than 2000 years ago, the Dhamok Stupa, the DharmarajiKa Stupa and the main shrine draw Buddhist pilgrims yearly to Sarnath.

The Mahabodhi Society of India have recently built a modern Vihara, the interior frescoes of which have been executed by a Japanese artist.  At Sarnath stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of polished sandstone whose lion capital has been adopted by the republic of India as its state emblem. The museum (closed on Fridays) designed like a Buddhist monastery, contains many superb specimens of ancient art.

Evening witness Aarti (prayer) ceremony on Ganges Ghat.

Overnight at Hotel in Varanasi.

Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi

Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Meeting upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, in time transfer to airport to board flight for Goa

Arrive Goa and transfer to hotel by hotel courtesy transport.
Arrive and check in at hotel.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Goa by hotel courtesy transport followed evening boat cruise on River Mandovi (Subject to weather condition)

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, day free for independent activities.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination

End of the tour
Hotel Check in / out time 1200 hrs

Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai

Arrive Mumbai and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the time at leisure
Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai visiting

The Gateway of India, is one of India’s most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai constructed in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. The Gateway of India is a monument that marks India’s chief ports and is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. The main objective behind the construction of the Gateway of India was to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay (Mumbai). The structural design of the Gateway of India is constituted of a large arch, with a height of 26m. The monument is built in yellow basalt and indissoluble concrete. The structural plan of Gateway of India is designed in the Indo-Saracen style. One can also find traces of Muslim architectural styles incorporated in the structure of the grandiose edifice. The central dome of the monument is about 48 feet in diameter, with a total height of 83 feet. Designed with intricate latticework, the 4 turrets are the prominent features of the entire structure of the Gateway of India. There are steps constructed behind the arch of the Gateway that leads to the Arabian Sea.

Dhobi Ghat, formed back in 1890, Mumbai has a large open area for laundry known as Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, where you can have the glimpses of Washer-men & women washing clothes together. These Washer-men spend hours in cleaning the dirty clothes collected from across the city. The Dhobi Ghat is owned by the Mumbai Municipal Council and charges rent from the Washer-men. In March 2011, it appeared in the Guinness Book of Records for being the largest of its kind with approximately 496 people washing clothes at the same time in the same place. The famous Laundromat is much loved by photographers who come to take colorful images of row upon row of washing troughs where hundreds of families clean piles of laundry that come from all over the city. More than just a laundry, Dhobi Ghat is also a great place to see old saris being brought back to life under expert hands.

Rajabai Clock Tower is a famous clock tower located in South Mumbai. It stands in Mumbai University Fort Campus located next to the High Court. The tower was built by Sir Gilbert Scott, who modeled it on the Big Ben, a clock tower in London. The foundation stone of the tower was laid down on March 1869. The majestic tower holds a big clock which can be viewed from a distance. The clock also plays melodic tunes at fixed intervals. The tower has many impressive features and has been beautifully embellished with oriental figures. If you are on a tour to Mumbai, do not miss a visit to this place. It is one of most attractive architectures which Mumbai boasts of. The Rajabai tower is dedicated to the mother of its founder, Premchand Roychand.

The High Court in the Gothic architectural style, one of the Mumbai’s most beautiful examples of Gothic revival architecture, was built from 1871 to 1878, with the first sitting in early 1879. On the top of the black stone building’s two octagonal towers, you’ll notice statues representing Justice and Mercy, but some of the most interesting sculptures are found within. Local lore tells of a dispute between the English contractors responsible for the construction of the Bombay High Court and a Parsi subcontractor. The Parsi lost his lawsuit in court, and in revenge, sculpted a monkey with a bandage over one eye and holding unbalanced scales of justice. This sculptural depiction of Aesop’s fable can be found in the western corridor.

Marine Drive, is a 3km long, six lane concrete road in southern Mumbai which stretches north along the coastline, forming a natural bay. Known world over as Marine Drive, this tourist spot has also been called Sonapur by the locals of the city. Large crowds of people come to this place to stride along the beautiful walkway and to view the stunning sight of the setting sun at dusk. Marine Drive is considered as the best pathway for an evening stride. The sight of sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea and the amazing feeling of cold breeze caressing your hair along with a long array of restaurants offering mouthwatering snacks and drinks can make any low day bright again. The scenic beauty of the perfectly lined palm trees offers its visitors an enthralling experience. Marine Drive is also referred to as ‘Queen’s necklace’, because the street lights make the road look like a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace, when viewed at night from any elevated point along the pathway of the drive.

Hanging Gardens (Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta garden), dedicated to Barrister Pherozeshah Mehta, is a popular tourist destination situated in Mumbai. This terraced garden was built in 1880 and later renovated in 1921. This renowned garden located on the Malabar Hills is known for its splendid green vegetation and animal shaped hedges, which is an interesting sight for anyone who visits this spot and the comforting view of the vast Arabian Sea. Watching the sunset from the Hanging Gardens would provide you with an experience worth remembering a lifetime. One interesting fact about Hanging Gardens is that it is built on a water reservoir, which provides fresh drinking water to the locals who live nearby. Varieties of plants and flowers can be seen within these beautiful gardens.

Mani Bhawan, a modest two-storied building on the Laburnum Road in the comparatively quiet locality called Gamdevi, served as Gandhiji’s Bombay head-quarters for about seventeen long and eventful years (1917-1934). It belonged to Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, who was Gandhi’s friend and a host during that period. It was from Mani Bhavan that Gandhi initiated Satyagraha against Rowlatt Act and propagated the causes of Swadeshi, Khadi and Hindu-Muslim Unity. In 1955 the building was dedicated as a memorial to Gandhiji and to the very important activities of great significance he initiated from that place.

Crawford Market, If you are good in bargaining, loves photography and want to explore local shops other big and modernized shopping malls, head to Crawford Market. This old-style market, housed in an historic colonial building, specializes in wholesale fruit and vegetables. It’s also got an entire section devoted to pets of all shapes, sizes, and breeds.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) (also known as Victoria Terminus), is popular railway station and is a spitting image of Victorian-Gothic style of architecture in India. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the CST is also a ‘World Heritage Site’ declared by UNESCO in 2004. Built in 1888, the station is the grand reminder of the British Raj pre-independence and is still one of the most historical landmarks within the Central Business District (CBD) of Mumbai. A bustling terminus, the CST is well-connected by rail to all parts of the country. Apart from being Victorian-Gothic in architecture, parts of this grand edifice also contain remnants of Mughal styled architecture. An outstanding example of the late 19th century designs, the CST is associated with the city of Mumbai since time immemorial. The city flourished, businesses boomed and a thriving film industry grew, with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus being the core witness to it all. Scroll down to know more about this treasured structure.

Flora Fountain, also known as the Hutatma Chowk since 1960, is an exquisitely sculpted structure located in the heart of South Mumbai. Flora Fountain was named after the Roman Goddess of flowers and the season of spring. In 1960, the fountain became known as Martyr’s Square, or Hutatma Chowk, with an impressive stone statue bearing a pair of torch holding patriots, to honor the 105 members of the Samyuktha Maharashtra Samiti who lost their lives while fighting for a separate Maharashtrian state. The Flora Fountain was constructed by the Agri–Horticultural Society of Western India in 1864, out of a donation by Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh. Designed by Richard Norman Shaw, it was sculpted from imported Portland stone by James Forsythe. Located in the heart of South Mumbai, Flora Fountain is very close to the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus as well as Churchgate. The fountain is especially beautiful at night when illuminated.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (also known as The Prince of Wales Museum), was established during the early 20th century. This museum is considered as a heritage structure in Mumbai because of its admirable architecture. The museum showcases several collections of ancient artworks, sculptures and artifacts in its galleries. After the inception of the renovation project in 2008, many new galleries were opened, which contained artworks of Hindu God Krishna, textiles and Indian traditional costumes. Regular exhibitions and lectures on several topics are also held inside the museum. The Prince of Wales Museum was originally a building that was used as a military hospital for the Children’s Welfare Exhibitions. Tourists from the world all over, make it a point to visit this magnificent heritage building and to explore the various ancient artifacts preserved within this museum.

Hajji Ali Mosque, is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai, visited by people of all religions alike. Haji Ali Dargah is one of India’s most famous and prestigious landmarks situated about 500 yards from the Mumbai shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg. The structure was erected on a set of high rising rocks and was given its present day shape in the early 19th century after the Trust was legally formed as an entity in 1916. Haji Ali Dargah is the complex housing the tomb of the Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.). This monument has been sentinel to the shores of Mumbai since a long time.