Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On your arrival at International airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, India’s modern capital is also an ancient city tracing its origins in legend.  It is dotted with hundreds of landmarks and offers more than a millennium of history in stone.  From here various Hindu and Muslim dynasties including the Mughals ruled India. When British administration moved to Delhi and New Delhi became the Capital of India once again.

Day 02: In Delhi
Full day proceed for city sightseeing of Delhi

Morning visit Qutub Minar, one of the fine examples of early afghan architecture, Humayun Tomb - a red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. India Gate (War Memorial Arch) and Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple, Also drive past Parliament House and Presidency House.

Afternoon visit Raj Ghat - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid, one of the largest and best-known mosques, and drive past Red Fort later enjoy cycle rickshaw ride within Chandani Chowk market.
Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi – Agra
Morning drive to Agra, visit Sikandra en-route.

Akbar's tomb at Sikandra has a large arched entrance and green lawns, the entrance is decorated with marble inlay work around the arch, and the inner surface of the dome of the tomb is decorated with images of flowers, geometric designs and Islamic calligraphy.

Upon arrival at Agra, check in the hotel. Afternoon take Half day tour of Agra.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, the city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra was once the capital of the Mughal Empire.

Visiting Taj Mahal, the monument of love built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in sweet memory of his wife after she died in 1631. Later visit the Agra Fort; this was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. And Itimid-ud-Daulah Tomb, which is also known as Mini Taj because of its resemblance; however it was built before the Taj Mahal. 

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 04:  Agra - Jhansi (By train) Jhansi - Orchha (By surface)
In the morning you will be transferred to railway station to board the train to Jhansi, Arrive Jhansi & drive to Orchha & transfer to hotel.

Orchha showcases the rich heritage of medieval times. This exotic city, with garish monuments and majestic temples makes it picturesquely bobbling and fascinating was founded in the 16th century. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages with its striking forts, regal palaces, poetry carved temples and chhatris, and the city presents a matchless spectacle and is a delightful place for photographers. And the city is also known for its world class Mural Paintings, graceful monument which displays unique and exclusive architectural grandeur.

Later you will take tour of this historical site with magnificent temples and monuments.

Visiting the fort is reached by an arched bridge and the three palaces set in an open courtyard within the fort are the first buildings to explore. Next visit Temples to the Ram Raja Mandir was originally a palace and became a temple more by accident than design. An image of Ram was installed while the temple, The Chaturbhuj was being built for it.  For some reason the image could not be moved from the palace and despite its spires and ornate decoration became a sacred place.

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 05:  Orchha – Khajuraho
In the morning you will drive to Khajuraho Khajuraho- the legendary temples of Khajuraho are an incomparable experience.

Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Hindi word Khajur meaning date palm. The capital of the Chandela Kings, Khajuraho is famous for its magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras. And temple are influenced by tantrism, in eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is submlimation of sexual relationship in the sexual act or "Maithun", women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or "Shakti". Itis also possible thatthe Khajuraho were influenced by "Kama Sutra".

Arrive and check-in into the hotel and later proceed for temples visit of Khajuraho

Visiting western and eastern group of Temples form Chandela Dynasty, The most important are the Chaunset Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, The Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple of Shiva, which is the largest & most typical of temples. Visit the Eastern group of temples that consist of the Parasvanath Temple - the only Jain Temple surviving at Khajuraho and have excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the Sanctum, the Javeri Temple dedicated to Vishnu.

Stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 06: Khajuraho - Varanasi
In the morning as per scheduled you will be transferred to airport to take flight for Varanasi, and on arrival transfer the hotel.
Rest of day you will free for independent activities.
Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 07: In Varanasi
In the early morning boat ride on river Ganges, witness the panoramic view of Ganga and different Ghats.

Return to hotel for freshening up.
Morning proceed for city sightseeing of Varanasi.

You will visit Kashi Vishwnath Temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is in the holy city of Varanasi. Tulsi Manas Temple, the Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram. It is believed to be built at the same place where Tulsidas wrote the famous Indian epic, Ramcharitamanasa. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitammanasa. Bharat Mata Temple; the Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.

 
Evening visit to Sarnaath, Sarnath (also known as Mrigadava, Migadāya, Rishipattana, and Isipatana) is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi. 

In the evening take a Cycle-Rickshaw ride for visit of Ghats to witness the “Deepmala” Ceremony.

Day 08: Varanasi – Mumbai
In the morning as per scheduled you will be transferred to airport to take flight for Mumbai, and on arrival transfer the hotel.

Mumbai is an industrial metropolis as well as the textile and film capital of the country. It was once a cluster of 7 islands. Bombay was ceded to the Portugese by the local ruler in the 16th Century.  Later, it was acquired by the English when it was given as a dowry to King Charles II when he married a Portuguese princess.  Today cosmopolitan Bombay is a commercial nerve centre apart from being one of India’s busiest ports.

Day 09: In Mumbai
Morning we take a half-day excursion to the Elephanta Caves.

Elephanta is a 3 Kms long elongated island, consisting of two hills separated by a valley.  See Shiva in his three-headed aspect: as Creator (facing right), Protector (the crowned face at the center), and Destroyer (facing left, with serpents for hair). Also visit to Shiva bringing the Ganges River down to Earth.

Afternoon take the Half day tour Mumbai.
Visit the Juhu Beach, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Prince of Wales Museum, Drive past the “Towers of Silence”, Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens situated on the slope of Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. Drive through local animated Crawford market.

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 10:  Bombay - Cochin
In the morning as per scheduled you will be transferred to airport to take flight for Cochin, and on arrival transfer the hotel.

One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, has been a port of all for foreign traders from early times. The city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala’s commercial hub .Chinese Fishing Nets at the entrance of Cochin harbor are a fascinating sight.  Bolgatty Island houses Bolgatty Island built by the Dutch in 1774, which is former residence of the British Resident of Kochi. The Portuguese led by Vasco Da Gama arrived in 1502 and later the Dutch and the British.  And descendants of the Jews who arrived in ancient days still live here.

Morning take Half day tour Cochin.

Visiting Fort Cochin, proceed on a sight seeing tour to attractions such as the Dutch Palace,Chinese Fishing Nets named after the country of their origin. Jewish Synagogue,  in Mattancherry was built in 1568 and rebuilt in 1664 with Chinese willow-patterned tiles and gold crowns and has ancient scrolls,  Mattancherry Palace,  See St. Francis Church, the first European Church in India, where Vasco Da Gama was buried until his remains were taken back to Portugal, and Fort Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1510 and later taken over by the Dutch.
A boat cruise in the backwaters takes you in the midst of a lush green setting of shady lagoons, wooded islands and canals.

Relax in the afternoon and spend time at leisure.

Day 11: Cochin – Periyar (185 Kms / 05 Hrs)
In the morning you will drive to Periyar

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the well-known wildlife sanctuaries in the south. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted here.

Later a boat ride to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. During your boat cruise, you will also be able to have a good look at many wild animals lazing on the banks of Lake Periyar. 

Evening visit the Kumily spice village and retire to the forest lodge for overnight stay.

Day 12: Periyar – Madurai (137 Kms/4.5 Hrs)
In the morning you will drive to Madurai.

The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the center. Madurai, once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form, is planned in the shape of a lotus.  Modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial center, even though the vast stretches of lush paddy fields, dusty roads and crowded bazaars make it seems almost like an overgrown village.  Neon signs above shops selling designer wears with international labels light up the spires of the nearby century-old temples.

Full day temple visit to Madurai

Visiting famous Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the Consort of Lord Shiva, with its ten towering gopurams (temple towers) rising above the surroundings courtyards and the countryside of lush green fields of rice and coconut palms.  See the “Hall of a Thousand Pillars”, built in 1560, a great work of structural engineering and art, with each pillar a picture book in stone depicting the whole range of human expression.  Later visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace - a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style famous for the stuccowork on its domes and arches, also visit to King Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum. 

Day 13: Madurai- Tanjore-Trichy
In the morning drive to Tanjore and on arrival take the sightseeing tour of Tajour

 Tanjore is dotted with no fewer than 74 temples - the most famous of which is the Brihadeshwara temple. The temple is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp- an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Visit this fascinating temple and the Thanjavur Palace.

Later continue drive to Trichy. Arrive and check-in into the hotel.

Trichy situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. It is a blend of history and tradition as well as a pilgrim center, Another ancient city with a history streching from the days of the Chola dynasty.  Looking high over the city is the Rock Fort.  434 steps cut into the rock side and inter-spread with shrines lead up to the top.  At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall.  The next level has the hall of one hundred pillars.  Yet another flight leads to the Temple of Lord Shiva.  

Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple. Visit SRIRANGAM, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sprawled on a Island in CAUVERY RIVER which contains within its walls a Bazaar (TRADITIONAL MARKET OF INDIA) as well. Gaze up at the twenty-one magnificent towers of the temple surrounded by seven walls. The town of Trichy is another small place of South India which is littered with innumerable evidence of the region's excellence in art and architecture.
In the evening explore the city including spectacular Rock Fort Temple.

Stay overnight at you hotel.

Day 14: Trichy – Tanjore
In the morning you will proceed to Tanjore and on arrival check-in into the hotel.

Modern Thanjavur is a fertile plain, which is referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Tamil Nadu. it has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas – one of the greatest dynasties of the South.  The Cholas were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this, being dotted with no fewer than 74 temples – the most famous of which is the Brahadeewarar Temple built by the great Chola king, Raja Raja in the 10th century A.D. is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. 

Later proceed for the half day visit to Brihadeshwara fort & Temple, Thanjavur Palace & Museum.

Stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 15:  Tanjore – Pondicherry (177 Kms / 06 Hrs)
In the morning you will drive to Pondicherry and on arrival check-in into the hotel.

Union territory Pondicherry reveals that a Roman settlement existed here, 2000 years ago. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India.  Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the spiritual tenets of which combine yoga and modern science is quite popular within India and abroad.

Stay overnight at your hotel.
                                                      
Day 16: In Pondicherry
Morning proceed to Aurobindo Ashram by surface. This is 10 Kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurobindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter.

Later visiting Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony.
Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram (100 Kms / 03 Hrs)
In the morning you will drive to Mahabalipuramand on arrival check –in into the hotel.

Mahabalipuram - The little seaside town 7th century town is famous for its rock-hewn temples, sculptures and the world’s largest stone bas-relief. Mamallapuram is a sculptors’ delight and among the noteworthy sites in the vicinity of the town are Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, Nahishasurmardhini Caves, Five Rathas and Shore Temples.

Morning proceed for half day visit to Shore Temple.

The only shore temple that remains here is the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in its sanctum sanctorum. Also visit the Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam.

Day 18: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram – Chennai
In the morning excursion to Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. Ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 temples that still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in the 7th & 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanath, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its Silks.

Visiting sculptural marvels, in this ancient seaside town, shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone.

Later continue drive to Chennai and on arrival check-in into the hotel for overnight stay.

Tradition and Historic temples town Chennai is endowed with the second longest beach in the world-the Marina Beach. The fourth largest city in the country, Chennai is a mix historic monuments and new high-rise buildings. A lush, green city famed for its temples and silk, music and dance, Chennai gives a sense of serenity and spaciousness, enhanced by one of the world’s largest and most beautiful beaches.  Chennai also offers rejuvenating South India Ayurveda Tour- a perfect tour to relax and rejuvenate your senses.

Day 19: In Chennai Departure
In the morning you will take half day city tour of Chennai.

Proceed to Fort St. George containing the oldest Anglican Church in India, St. Mary’s Church, one of its benefactors being Elihu Yale, the English merchant after whom the University in Boston is named.  The Fort Museum contains a fine collection of relics of that era.  Drive along the Marina Beach past the Madras University, the Senate House and the Palace of the Nawabs of the Carnatic, to the San Thome Cathedral where the apostle is buried.  Visit the ancients Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Shiva, having a beautifully sculptured “Gopuram” (temple-tower) typical of South Indian temple architecture.

Later as per schedule you will be transferred to the airport to connect the flight for onward Journey.