Welcome to India ! Arrive in Delhi at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the early afternoon after lunch (approx 13.30) you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip and the leader will collect your local payment. Check the notice board (or ask reception) to see the exact time and location of this group meeting.

If you arrive early wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you could climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colorful spice market a great photo opportunity.

From Old Delhi it's easy to get to Connaught Place, more commonly known as CP, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule, by the metro (station at CP is called Rajiv Chowk). In CP wander the markets and shops or visit the Gandhi museum, built on the site of his assassination. If people watching is your thing head down to India Gate and relax on the lawns, or enjoy a stroll through the peaceful Lodi Gardens in nearby upmarket South Delhi.

Other options include the ruins of Qutab Minar, the fabulous architecture of Humayun's Tomb, the beautifully lotus shaped Bahai Temple (closed Monday), or the stunning Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple carved out of pink sandstone and white marble. The amazing Craft Museum or the huge and rambling National Museum are also worth a visit. (Note many museums are closed on Monday).

There are so many options for dining, from age-old eateries in the by lanes of the Old Walled City to glitzy, specialty restaurants in five-star hotels, Delhi is a movable feast. Restaurants and bars cater to all tastes and budgets.

A delightful outlet offering a range of Indian cuisines are the food stalls at Dilli Haat. Here, the cuisine of different states is made available. Set in the midst of a spacious crafts bazaar these cafes are a very pleasant place to enjoy food.


After a leisurely breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including the Red fort and the Jama masjid, post lunch tour of New Delhi to include Qutab Minar, India Gate, Humayun's tomb and the Lakshmi Narayan temple.


Jaipur. Morning drive to jaipur, the fabled ‘pink city’ of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharajah of Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur by lunch and check inn to your hotel. After Lunch and some rest visit the City Palace, the royal residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur and later visit the Observatory dating back to the 18th century and also visit the Palace of winds (Hawa Mahal). Evening enjoy your dinner with cultural Rajasthani folk dance program.

Day 4: Jaipur -
Today we take a bus ride—always an adventure itself in India— to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, former capital of a princely state of the same name. Clothed in pink stucco (in imitation of sandstone), wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Here follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, or ride an elephant to Amber Fort Palace, one of the most spectacular forts in India.

Founded in 1728, Jaipur, or “The Pink City” as it is often called, is unlike any other pre-modern Indian city, in that the entire town was planned according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city is in fact built in the form of a nine-part mandala known as the Pithapada, which combined with wide streets makes for an unusually airy, orderly atmosphere. That the results of this urban planning have so endured to this day is nothing short of miraculous.

Enter the heart of the mandala (on foot or by cycle rickshaw) and you are in the central palace quarter, with its sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens and a small lake. Built in 1799, the "Palace of Winds" was part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana or chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name.

Just 15 km from central Jaipur is the ruined city of Amber, former capital of Jaipur state. Founded by the Meenas, Amber was a flourishing settlement as far back as 967 AD. Overlooking the artificial lake south of Amber town stands the Amber Fort/Palace complex, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. At the bottom of a hill sits Amber Fort, initially a Palace Complex within the Fort of Amber on top of the hill (today known as Jaigarh fort). The two forts are connected through well-guarded passages, and there is even the option of an elephant ride from the town up to the palace courtyard.


Day 5 - 6: Pushkar.
This morning travel to Ajmer and change to a local bus for the 14 km drive over Snake Mountain to Pushkar. Site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation Brahma, Pushkar is often called "Tirth Raj," the Raj (king) of pilgrim centres. No pilgrimage of Hindu places is considered complete until the pilgrim bathes in sacred waters of Pushkar Lake; indeed, the city is so sacred that no meat, alcohol or eggs are allowed within the city.

However, most travellers know Pushkar for a different reason: the annual Pushkar Fair, it is the world's largest camel fair, complete with both livestock and craft markets, camel races, concerts and exhibitions. It is celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima (night of the full moon - sometime in October or November). This is the day, according to legend, which the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the lake. The fair and livestock market now actually go for 8 days with the final day the night of the full moon.

After settling into our accommodation, we will have an orientation walk around Pushkar, including the Lake and ghats and also the the 14th century Brahama temple.

Before dawn on Day 6 we climb to the hilltop Savitri temple to watch the sunrise over this holy place. You can even get a chai up there but after that morning walk there is nothing better than spending time at one of the many cafes in town. All fed and rested you might be ready to follow local traditions, and jump on a camel and head out for a sunset camel ride in the desert.

Rajasthan is rightfully famous for its textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, and few places in the country are better for shopping than the bazaars of Pushkar. Wander around the markets of this sacred city - you won't be disappointed.


Udaipur. After breakfast drive to Udaipur (the Venice of the east). Arrive Udaipur in the evening and check inn to your hotel.

Day 7: Udaipur.
Continuing southwards to the Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces, it certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city. Most famous of these palaces, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace where the white marble buildings (now a hotel) entirely cover a small island in Pichola Lake. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746.

The city’s lakes—Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar—are considered among the most beautiful in Rajasthan. An island in Fateh Sagar is even home to the Udaipur Solar Observatory, one of six stations participating in the international Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), which studies the physical properties of the solar interior.

If you can pull yourself away from the shopping, there many points of interest, such as the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari (the Garden of Maidens) and City Palace with its museums, crystal gallery and wealth of royal treasures to explore.

Alternatively Udaipur's famous Lake Pichola is a serene place to enjoy a boat ride and if you are gastronomically inclined, there is plenty of time to learn the art of Indian cooking at Spice Box. Maybe visit a craft village and a folk museum or take in a fantastic cultural show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli - you might even get up and join in the dancing! Journey out to the hilltop Monsoon Palace for sunset or you can spend lazy afternoons just taking in the views from the rooftop cafes over hot, sweet chai.

For the really adventurous head out to the nearby temple town of Nathdwara (approx 50kms) which enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura. The name Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'. Or hire a car and head to Kumbhal Garh Fort built in the 15th century and the nearby Jain Temples at Ranakpur.


Day 8: Udaipur - Mt.Abu via Ranakpur.
Morning drive to the only hill resort of Rajasthan Mt.Abu enroute visiting the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur. Arrive Mt.Abu and check inn to your hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 9: Mt.Abu - Jodhpur.
Mount Abu situated at a average height of 1,219 mtr's above sea level is the oasis in the deserted land of Rajasthan and posses the honor of being the only hill-station in Rajasthan as well as north-west India. It has a history that is as diverse as the city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. After that, it was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana (another name for Rajasthan).

During the British rule in India, it was the favorite summer destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of the plains particularly Rajasthan. It also served as a sanatorium for the troops. The small huts and cottages here tell stories of those times even today.

Mount Abu was the home of many saints and sages in the old days. Legend has it that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon used to visit this holy mountain. It is also the place where the great saint Vashishth lived and performed a yagna (sacrificial worship on a fire pit) to create four Agnikula (four clans of fire) to protect the earth from demons. The yagna was supposed to have been performed near a natural spring, which emerged from a rock shaped like a cow's head.

According to another legend, once sage Vashishth's cow Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps did not occur in future. He asked the youngest son of Himalaya, the king of mountains to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form - Mount Abu.

This place is held in reverence by Jains as well since Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual leader), also visited Mount Abu and blessed the city.

In the afternoon we move to jodhpur.


Day 10: Jodhpur.
Start the city tour of Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort museum and Jaswant thada, the cremation spot of the royal family. After lunch visit the ancient capital of Marwar-Mandore.

Day 11: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer.
Morning drive to Jaisalmer situated deep in the heart of the Thar desert. Arrive Jaisalmer and shortly after lunch visit the Chhatris of Maharwals and later Camel ride at Sam for sunset.

Day 12: Jaisalmer - Bikaner.
Leave for Bikaner and arrive by lunch. After lunch make a tour of Junagarh Fort and its fabulous palaces.

Day 13: Bikaner - Mandawa.
After breakfast transfer to Mandawa (an old castle in Rajasthan). Post lunch session includes a small visit of Mandawa to appreciate the painted Havelis on the ancient and the famous silk route.

Day 14: Mandawa - Bharatpur.
Drive to Bharatpur (famous for keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary). Evening make a visit to the sanctuary.

Day 15: Bharatpur - Agra.
Early morning make a visit to the sanctuary to see the birds in their natural habitat. After breakfast drive down to Agra (The city of Tajmahal). Arrive Agra by lunch after a tour of the beautiful city of Fatehpur Sikri, the Old capital of Mughal emperor Akbar. Post lunch tour of the world famous Tajmahal and of the Red Fort. Later explore the shopping centers of Agra. Evening enjoy special cocktail dinner.

Day 16: Agra - Delhi - Madras.
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to Delhi domestic airport to connect flight to Madras. Arrive Madras in the evening and check inn to your hotel.

Day 17: Madras.
Full day city tour of Madras including the Snake park and Kapaleeswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the museum.

Day 18: Madras - Tanjore.
Morning drive to Tanjore and check inn to your hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 19: Tanjore - Madurai.
Morning start the tour of Tanjore visiting the Brihadeshwara Temple, a typical architecture from the 11th century. Later visit the Saraswati Mahal Library. After lunch depart for Madurai , arrive in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

Day 20: Madurai - Periyar.
Morning visit the world famous Meenakshi Sundereshwara temple, a huge Dravidian temple complex. After lunch depart for Periyar wild life sanctuary. Arrive Periyar in the evening and check inn hotel.

Day 21: Periyar -
Aleppey. Morning boat cruise on the lake to get a closer look at the wild elephants. Later drive to reach the small beautiful town of Allepey situated on the backwaters of Kerala

Day 22: Aleppey - Cochin.
After breakfast boat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala (three hours from boat) and than continue by Road to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and visit the Chinese fishing nets in the backwaters of Cochin. Overnight at boat.

Day 23: Cochin.
Sea Boat Ride To Visit Various Islands And Churches, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish synagogue, Dutch palace, St. Franchis. Overnight at boat.

Day 24: Cochin - Coimbatore.
After breakfast drive to Coimbatore also called the ‘Manchester of South India’. Arrive by lunch and soon after lunch visit the Maruthamalai temple.

Day 25: Coimbatore - Ooty.
Morning drive to the queen of hill stations, Ooty known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty. Arrive Ooty by lunch and rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 26: Ooty - Mysore.
Morning depart for Mysore (wonderful historic town and evidence city to exhibit the oldest Indian richest economy). Arrive by lunch and shortly after lunch visit the Mysore Palace, once the capital seat of power of the ruling Wodeyars. Also visit the Brindavan Garden, Chamundeeswri temple, Tipu’s summer palace.

Day 27: Mysore - Belur - Halebid.
Transfer to Belur, the superbly preserved Chennkesava Temple here is a tribute to the skill and genius of the medieval craftsman. Later visit Halebid temple 10 km. From Belur, a riot of carvings left incomplete after 80 years of labor.

Day 28: Halebid - Bangalore.
Drive to Bangalore to catch flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

Day 29: Mumbai and Departure.
After breakfast proceed for a half day city tour of Mumbai visiting Kamla Nehru park, Hanging gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive and Chawpatty beach, Prince of wales museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India and drive through the Crawford market. Evening Transfer to international Airport in time to board flight for onward destination.