The Imperial Heritage of India - Enriched Journey Through Time and Culture

Upon landing in Mumbai, your senses are immediately immersed in the bustling energy of India's financial capital. The transfer to the hotel sets the stage for your exploration. The city's dynamic blend of colonial history and modernity becomes palpable as you settle in, anticipating the rich experiences that lie ahead.

A full day of Mumbai exploration awaits, commencing at the iconic Gateway of India. Embark on a mesmerizing motorboat cruise to Elephanta Caves, where rock-cut temples from the 5th century BC captivate with their ancient allure. As the day unfolds, traverse Marine Drive, admire the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and delve into the city's vibrant tapestry.

Embark on a flight to Cochin, Kerala's enchanting coastal gem. Immerse yourself in Fort Cochin's historical aura, graced by Chinese fishing nets and St. Frances Church. Wander through the Jewish Synagogue and the "Dutch" Palace, each echoing tales of a bygone era. As evening descends, witness the captivating Kathakali Dance, a visual feast of traditional Indian artistry.

Journey to Alleppey for a scenic cruise through the backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat. Glide along palm-fringed canals, where vibrant paddy fields and quaint hamlets create a mesmerizing landscape. Marvel at the Chinese fishing nets and savor the tranquility of the backwaters. The day concludes with a magical sunset, casting a warm glow on the serene waters.

After breakfast, return to Cochin and catch a flight to Chennai. Dive into the city's history, exploring Fort St. George, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the lush Semmozhi Poonga botanical garden. The day unfolds with a stroll along the expansive Marina Beach, providing a glimpse into Chennai's diverse cultural fabric.

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (250kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Pondicherry via visiting Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram.
In Kanchipuram visit Kailasanathar 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, noted for its architecture and sculptures. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine as compound wall. Ekambareswarar temple another ancient temple dedicated to Siva. The 2500-year-old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yields different varieties of mangoes. Varadharaja temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, noted for its wonderful sculptures. Vaikundhaperumal temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, it is also one of the 108 Divyadesams. Kamakshiamman temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi the presiding deity, one of the holy Sakthi worship places in India.
In Mahabalipuram visit Monolithic Temples locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Shore Temple built with blocks of granitein in 7th century the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. It is one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Cave Temples cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style of the Pallava period in the 7th century. Remnants seen in the caves also indicate that they were plastered and painted when built. Krishna's Butterball a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline.

Continue drive to Pondicherry check in at hotel. Rest time free & easy to relax on the beach.
Overnight at hotel.

Pondicherry - Chennai (165kms/ 3hrs approx) / Chennai - Hyderabad (flight)
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Pondicherry. Visit Aurovil founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa as a town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Pondicherry Museum an art and history museum especially noted for its collection of fine lost wax bronzes form the period of the Chola Empire. The Museum's collection includes 81 Chola bronze sculptures, ranking as one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes. Later walk in French Colony. Pondicherry has some of the finest examples of old French culture with a hint of Tamil influence in its visual aesthetics. Observe and get inspired by the architectural beauty of the French part of the town while enjoying a cup of coffee and some deserts along the way. Customise your walk with your guide to cover French consulate, French Institute, Raj Nivas, Bharati Park (Aayi Monument), Government Square, Beaches, Monuments, Churches, French schools.

Afternoon drive to Chennai airport to board flight for Hyderabad. On arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Hyderabad
Breakfast at hotel, explore this wondrous capital, a 400 year-old metropolitan city teeming with bustling-bazaars and Muslim monuments. Visit Golconda Fort renowned for its diamond mines that have given the world the famous Kohinoor and Darya-i-noor diamonds. The ancient fort complex of Golconda will charm you with its history, tinged with legends and anecdotes. Qutubshahi Tombs the tombs differ in size but all are comparable to each other in architectural grandeur and beauty. Charminar built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The Mecca Mosque the biggest mosque in Hyderabad and lies 100 yards south-west of Charminar. The hall is 67 metres by 54 metres and 23 metres high. The roof is supported by 15 arches, five on each of the three sides. The western side is blocked by a high hall to provide the Mehrab.
Chowmohalla Palace (Friday closed) once regarded as the center of Hyderabad, the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Purani Haveli (Friday closed) located to the the south of Salar Jung Museum, built by the second Nizam for his son in 1777. The sixth Nizam Mir Mehboob Ali Khan spent most of his life here. He built a 240-foot long wooden chamber with some 150 walk-in-cupboards, arguably the world’s largest wardrobe. Salarjung Museum (Friday closed) a treat for tourists famous for being the third largest museum in the country, having the largest antiques collection dating back to the first century. Established in 1951, the museum was under Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, better known as Salar Jung.

Birla Mandir dedicated to the supreme incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Venkateshwara. This temple’s marvelous beauty leaves you awestruck as does the legend associated with the God. A blend of various types of architectural styles, this temple is made of 200 tonnes of pure white Rajasthani marble.

Hussain Sagar Lake one of the largest man made lake situated at the confluence of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Begumpet. It is a sprawling artificial lake that holds water perennially. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Overnight at hotel.

Hyderabad - Kolkata (flight)
On arrival at Kolkata airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel (hotels check in time 1200hr afternoon, early check in subject to room’s availability). Rest time free for personal activities relax.
Overnight at hotel.

Kolkata
Breakfast at hotel, full day city tour of Kolkata. Visit Fort William built during the early years of the Bengal Presidency of British India, Extends over an area of 70.9 hectares on the eastern banks of the River Hooghly one of most enduring Raj-era edifices. Victoria Memorial the immaculate white memorial bounded by verdant greenery and broad roads is dedicated to Queen Victoria. Inside the memorial there is a museum where you can see the dresses of the queen as well as different kinds of weapons used during that era. Netaji Bhawan a building maintained as a memorial and research center to the life of the Indian nationalist "Netaji" Subhas Chandra Bose. The house, built by Bose's father in 1909, is owned and managed by the Netaji Research Bureau and includes a museum, archives and library. Howrah Bridge one of the most popular bridges of India also known as the gateway of Kolkata. Built on the river Hooghly it is one of the major Kolkata attractions and people from different part of the country come here especially to witness this amazingly structured bridge. Dakshineswar Kali Temple one of the major pilgrimage center in the city that is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Located on the bank of River Hoogly, the temple compound maintains a large courtyard with rooms along the boundary walls, twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, a bathing ghat on the river and a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni.
Overnight at hotel

Kolkata – Varanasi (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel.

Evening Ghats’s & temples visit, attend Holy Ganga Aarti. Every evening, a magical aarti is performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat. Halt your boat right at the steps for the best view. The presiding priests stand on a wooden chauki in the water, to chant Sanskrit mantras on the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water.
Overnight at hotel.

Varanasi
Early morning boat ride and Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Mandir the temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli. The main temple is quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines of other gods. There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex. There is a small well in the temple called Gyaan vapi (the wisdom well). The Gyaan Vapi well sites to the north of the main temple and during the invasion by the Mughals the Jyotirlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the Jyotirlinga from invaders.
Return to hotel for breakfast. Thereafter full day to explore Sarnath & Varanasi.

Sarnath here the Buddha delivered his first discourse, setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion, which explains the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path. It was in Sarnath Buddha appointed his first group of disciples (sangha) to propagate his new teaching. Among the most notable monuments at Sarnath are the Dhamek Stupa, originally built by Ashoka, and the Ashoka Pillar, whose inscription points out the necessity of unity within the sangha. The ruins of various stupas and monasteries at Sarnath bear witness of the monastic tradition that flourished here for over 1,500 years. Among the new temples is the Mulaghandhakuti Vihara, built in 1922 by Anagarika Dharmapala.

City tour of Varanasi visit World famous Benaras Hindu University a public central university established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya, with co-operation from Annie Besant. With over 30,000 students residing in campus, it is the largest residential university in Asia.
Overnight at hotel.

Varanasi - Delhi (flight)
Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel check in. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Overnight at hotel.

Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Full day city tour of Delhi, visiting landmark of Old Delhi which include Red Fort the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.

Later city tour of New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun's first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Baháʼí House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape open to all, regardless of religion.
Drive thrugh VVIP areas passing President House, Parliament & India Gate etc.
Overnight at hotel.

Delhi - Agra (204kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra check in at hotel. Later visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna river commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
Overnight at hotel.

Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Abhaneri - Jaipur (245kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Founded in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar and abandoned after 15 yrs due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bais Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza.

Further drive and visit Abhaneri a small village popular for the amazing Chand Baoris (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is one of India's deepest and largest step wells. The huge tank with delicate carvings is certainly delightful to the eyes. Continue drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the pink city and visit the colorful bazaars. As per your interest wrap up your day by watching Bollywood movie at the opulent Rajmandir Cinema.
Overnight at hotel.

Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Visit 16th century built Amber Fort and enjoy Ride. Amber is superb example of Rajput architecture, situated on a hilltop, overlooking a lake. Jaigarh Fort the magnificent fort constructed in 1726 situated on the top of the hill provides the stunning view of the Jaipur town & amber fort. Jai Van cannon in the fort is claimed to be the largest cannon on wheels in the world. The range of the gun is 22 miles and it consumes 100kgs of gunpowder for every shot.

Sisodia Rani Garden adorned with beautiful wall paintings of Radha-Krishna love story. This lush green royal garden is replete with flowerbeds, foliage, beautiful water fountains, pavilions, galleries, iridescent water channels and murals. Galtaji Temple a pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage site, the temple complex encompasses natural fresh water springs and 7 holy 'kunds' or water tanks.

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur. Visit City Palace a fine blend of Rajput & Mughal architecture which house fine collection of textiles, costumes and armory. Palace of the Winds built in 1799 the 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies a fine piece of Rajput architecture & the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. Jantar Mantar an extraordinary observatory buit by Maharaja Jai Singh a great astronomer of his time. Also visit Albert Hall Museum an Indo-Saracenic architecture designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts including paintings, jewelry, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, and coins from the Gupta, Kushan, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal and British periods. An Egyptian mummy is the main attraction of this museum.
Overnight at hotel.

Jaipur - Mumbai (flight)
Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai. From Mumbai board connecting flight for onward destination.

Alternatively drive to Delhi and board flight for your onward destination.