Magical India (19n/20d)

Varanasi is one of the most incredible spots to visit in India

Varanasi is one of the most incredible spots to visit in India

Day 01 – Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Transfer to hotel on arrival.

Day 02 – Delhi
Full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Tour Red Fort, Raj Ghat and the Qutab Minar in New Delhi. Visit the Tomb of Emperor Humayun; a wonderful early example of Mughal architecture.

Day 03 – Delhi/Varanasi
AM Transfer to Airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Varanasi the city of Shiva on the bank of the sacred Ganges is one of the holiest places in India. PM Take a city tour of its sacred temples and other sights.

Day 04 – Varanasi/Khajuraho
AM Boat ride on Ganges and later visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Later fly to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is known for its magnificent temples and exquisite architecture. PM Visit the Western and Eastern Group of Temples and in the evening witness a special dance performance.

Day 05 – Khajuraho/Agra
AM Take a half day excursion to the new 10th century Chandela temple. Proceed to Raneh Falls 12 miles from Khajuraho. Later return to the airport and fly to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel.

Day 06 -Agra/Jaipur
Visit the world famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, an impressive cluster of palaces, fortresses and mosques, on the banks of river Yamuna.PM Depart by road for Jaipur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Continue onto Jaipur – the rose-pink capital of Rajasthan.

Day 07 -Jaipur
AM Take a half day excursion with packed lunch to Amber Fort built in the 17th century. Later stop at New Birla Mandir, a unique temple with exquisite marble carvings. PM Visit City Palace in the heart of the old city.

Day 08 – Jaipur/Udaipur
AM Fly to Udaipur. On arrival tour the City Palace. Later take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit Jag Niwas Palace built in the middle of the lake.

Day 09 – Udaipur/Mumbai/Bangalore/Mysore
Transfer to airport and fly to Mumbai. On arrival fly onto Bangalore and then drive to Mysore (4 hrs).

Day 10 – Mysore/Chennai
AM Visit the Maharaja’s Palace and other sights. Also visit the Nandi Bull. PM Transfer to Railway Station and board the Shatabdi Express to Chennai.

Day 11 – Chennai
Take a full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram is known as the golden city of a thousand temples. Mahabalipuram is equally famous for the Seven Pagodas.

Day 12 – Chennai
AM Take a half day tour of the city. PM Transfer to Railway Station to board the Express to Triuchirapalli.

Day 13 – Tiruchirapalli/Tanjore
AM Take a half day tour of the city and visit the island of Srirangam. Later drive to Tanjore (2 hrs) and receive a traditional welcome.

Day 14 – Tanjore/Madurai
AM Leave by road for Madurai (4 hrs). PM Tour the great Meenakshi Temple and other sights. Later in the evening attend the unique Aarti (Prayer) at Meenakshi Temple.

Day 15 -Madurai/Periyar
AM Leave by road for Periyar (4hrs). PM Visit the Periyar National Park and view wildlife by boat. The Periyar Tiger Reserve attracts travelers from all over the world.

Day 16 – Periyar/Kumarakom
AM Drive to Kumarakom (3 hrs). Kumarakom is bound by the Vembanad Lake on two sides. Enjoy a unique Indian Ayurvedic Massage at the hotel. Cruise at sunset on Vembanad Lake.

Day 17 -Kumarakom/Cochin
At dawn visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist’s paradise. Later board a motor launch for a 3 hr backwater cruise to Cochin via Alleppey through an intricate maze of backwaters, canals & bridges. PM Spend half a day touring cosmopolitan Cochin with it’s Jewish synagogue, churches, mosques & hindu temples.

Day 18 – Cochin/Goa
AM Transfer to Airport and fly to Goa: the former Portuguese colony is full of historic forts, elaborately ornate churches and temples alongside evergreen hills, winding rivers and palm-fringed pearly white beaches PM Tour Old Goa.

Day 19 – Goa
Spend entire day at leisure or take a sightseeing tour of Goa. In the evening enjoy a special seafood barbeque dinner served by poolside.

Day 20 – Goa/Mumbai/Departure
Spend a full day on the beach. In the evening transfer to the airport and fly to Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the International Airport and board flight for onward journey.

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