India

After you reach the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by morning, drive right away to your hotel. There are countless budget to luxury hotels near New Delhi airport and hence even if you have not booked in advance… you can go for current booking. Try out butter chicken with butter Naan and Lassi at lunch if you want to wake up your carnivore nature straight away on day one. But if you want to stick to some veg menu, then go for sahi paneer and butter naan with falooda, one of the popular local beverages of India. Burp! And then you head for Akshardham Temple, which is the largest Hindu temple in the world that displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. Stay back at Akshardham to experience the musical fountain show and thereafter drive back to your hotel. If you are not looking for a posh wine and dine… then go for Murgh Musallam and have some chapatti. Burp! Goodnight.

Overnight at the hotel.

After chai (tea) and breakfast (go for puri and sabzi… Ah! Just one tasty Indian brunch wheel to Old Delhi and step inside the Jama Masjid, which is the principal mosque of Old Delhi and the largest mosque in India. It was built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Thereafter experience the clamour of Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar. If you are done exploring the traditional colours of Old Delhi, take a rickshaw to Red Fort, which is another red sandstone architecture built in the year 1648 by Shah Jahan. Don’t miss out on a lunch at Karim’s if you are a hardcore non-veg. If you want to go for veg… then check out some parathas at Parathe Wale Gali.

In New Delhi, visit Raj Ghat, which is a memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further, drive past India Gate, a memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & Afghan Wars. From India Gate, drive to Humayun’s Tomb, which is a memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Also visit Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar and its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s time to move out from New Delhi and get ready for a nomadic life in the Indian Himalaya. The overnight drive to Dharmshala starts at 9 around p.m. and hence it’s your choice where and when you are going to have your dinner. I will recommend trying out Tandoor parantha with kali dal at the Murthal Dhaba, which is one of the famous highway dhabas of Indiaand located on National Highway 1 close to Karnal.

Overnight drive to Dharmshala.

Welcome to the abode of the Dalai Lama. At around 8 in the morning you will be arriving at Dharmshala and thereafter proceed to your hotel. Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, Lower Dharmsala (1,380m) is a busy commercial centre. Upper Dharmsala (1,830m) which includes the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.

In the morning visit the Namgyal Monastery; an atmosphere of tranquility and solace surrounds it making it the perfect place for a rejuvenating sojourn in the hills. Apart from the gorgeous vistas and the prevailing serenity, Mcleodganj is frequently visited by those interested in learning Tibetan Buddhism, culture and crafts; it is also an ideal destination to pack your bags with exquisite Tibetan handicrafts, Tibetan carpets, garments and other trinkets.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After checking into the hotel, in the afternoon visit Jallianwala Bagh, which is the spot of the black incident where 379 people were ruthlessly killed and about 1,200 injured when General Dyer’s troops opened fire on a crowd of protesters during the British Raj in India. The Martyrs’ Gallery is a poignant reminder of this heinous crime during the British Raj.

Later transfer to the hotel (overnight stay)

In the morning go on a sightseeing tour of the city and visit the Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. The evolution of Darbar Sahib is entwined in the history and ideology of Sikhism. The building architecture includes symbols associated with other places of worship.

After dinner the journey (drive) to Srinagar commences approximately at 11.

Upon arrival pickup & transfer to a houseboat.

Srinagar is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits.

In the afternoon you can explore the Dal Lake and its waterways as well as visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir.

Later in the evening visit the handicraft & handloom centres famous for the production of Pashmina – Shahtoosh shawls, and exquisite carpets.

Overnight stay at a houseboat.

Today… it’s going to be a hectic day as the drive from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil takes approximately 12 hours, snaking through mountains and whizzing through the undulated platform. The drive starts early in the morning so that you can arrive in Leh, which is at an elevation of 3,500 meters, by sunset. The scenic drive on the Srinagar – Leh highway passes through the popular town of Dras, which is at an altitude of 3,280 meters, followed by Kargil at 2,676 meters.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.

In the morning, after breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the monasteries around Leh where you will be visiting the Shankar, Spituk & Phyang monasteries. Later in the afternoon walk around Leh town and thereafter visit the Leh Market, Leh Palace ruins, Leh Gompa & Shanti Stupa.

Overnight at hotel

In the morning proceed to Pangong Lake, a long narrow basin of inland drainage, hardly 6-7 km at its widest point and over 135 km long. About a third of the lake is under Indian occupation and the rest under China. The Chinese border is just beyond the mountains across the lake. Spangmik, 7 km along the southern shore from the head of the lake is the farthest point up to which foreigners are permitted.

Overnight Camp – Near Pangong Lake

Get ready for another bumpy day as after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, your tour continues to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, which is approximately 363 kilometers and takes around 4 – 5 hours. Right back from the mountains you are now going to step into the wilderness of the plain.

The afternoon safari at the Ranthambore National Park purr into one of the forest zones where you can expect to spot some of the endangered species like tiger, leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital.

Later drive to Jaipur, which is approximately 150 kilometers away and takes roughly 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast the tour would take you to St. Albert Museum, City Palace, Jantar Mantar (sun Observatory) and Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds) in Jaipur. In the afternoon enjoy a ride up the steep ramparts of Hill Fort Palace of Amber on festively decorated elephants. Later after lunch discover the beauty of the well preserved Amber Fort built in the 16th century with a rare fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Later also visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Today after early breakfast you will be driving to one of the most untouched and unexplored forts of India, the Nahargarh Fort, which stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the City. Keeping this fact in mind, the fort was made to serve as a means of supporting the security of Amer. The term “Nahargarh” refers to “the Abode of Tigers”, so it is also known as the Tiger Fort.

Later, after lunch, you will be boarding the train for Jaisalmer.

Overnight journey in a train.

You now step on a 12th century complex, the Golden Fort, which stands a hundred meters and overlooks Jaisalmer town. The fort offers 99 bastions and is a splendid sight in the afternoon sun. One can enter the fort is through a series of massive forbidding gates leading to a large courtyard. Visit the Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses which is five storied high and extensively carved. Located nearby is a group of Jain temples built in the 15th century, which are beautifully carved and have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Your day once again starts early in the morning as you will be driving to the SAM Dunes… 45 kilometers from Jaisalmer town. On your way, the drive passes through one of the ancient villages, which is now in ruins, the Kuldhara village. The village dates back to the 17^th century and is mostly in ruins except a dome shaped turret and a temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Your drive continues to the SAM Dunes.

Experience a moment of placidity blend with intimacy on the shifting aureate dunes of Thar Desert, Rajasthan. Feel the royal charm and live the imperial moments boast with virtuous stature. ‘A bursting holiday amidst the Shifting Dunes’ is thus a newfangled journey to experience your holiday in India.

Later in the day proceed to Udaipur.

Overnight drive to Udaipur..

After breakfast the tour takes you to the 17th Century built — City Palace complex, standing on a rocky promontory with eleven constituent mahals (palaces), balconies, towers and cupolas. Walk across to the Crystal Gallery located nearby; it has personal collection from H.H. of Udaipur.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

In the morning visit some of the local sightseeing places in Udaipur and after lunch after a brief rest you will be driving to Kutch, approximately 12 hours drive, which is yet another overnight journey. The drive, which follows the Bhuj – Bhachau Highway and Gujarat State Highway 45, passes through towns like Palanpur, Radhanpur, Palasava and Bhuj.

Overnight drive…

Little Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located near Great Rann of Kutch. Here you can encounter the Indian Wild Ass. After arriving… you will be transferred to your tent and later on the tour proceeds to explore one of the unique places on earth with an unending possibility of discovery, numerous sites for unbelievable sights and unforgettable experiences.

Overnight stay at a Camp/Tent

After breakfast the day proceeds to Junagadh, the gateway to Gir National Park, which is approximately 410 kilometers away and takes roughly 8 – 9 hours.

Day at rest and overnight at the hotel

Today you will spend the morning exploring the forest of Gir in an open jeep. The abode of the Asiatic Lions, this park is also a home to Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Indian Cobras, Jungle cats, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Indian Mongoose, Indian Palm Civets, and Ratels. Desert cats and Rusty-spotted cats exist but are rarely seen.

After your morning safari at the Gir National Park the journey heads to Rajkot, which is a 4 hours of drive, to board the train for Mumbai.

Overnight journey in a train…

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of Mumbai, visit the Gateway of India, a colonial structure which was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Followed by Assembly Hall, Secretariat and Nariman Point you will be driving along the Marine Drive stretch followed by Kamala Nehru Park, Mahalaxmi Temple and Chowpatthy Beach. Later, the tour proceeds to Taraporwala Aquarium and Jahangir Art Gallery followed by Prince of Wales Museum, Haji Ali, Bandra Worli Sea Link and Nehru Planetarium.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast the tour proceeds to Aurangabad en route Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani alias Dilras Banu Begum. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. Further… the drive to Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a couple of hours distance from Aurangabad, takes you to the 2 – 7 century BC that hosts about 30 rock cut Buddhist cave monuments.

Overnight at a hotel in Aurangabad.

The tour proceeds to Hampi, early morning, preferably at dawn, en route to Ajanta & Ellora Caves, ancient Buddhist Pilgrimages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

En route to Solapur, an hour stop over, the tour proceeds to Hampi. By late evening you will be reaching Hampi and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

This morning the tour heads to Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is approximately an hour’s drive and boards you to the ancient abode of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of the 7^th century. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 caves are actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and viharas and mathas were built between the 5th century and 10th century.

Later proceed to Aurgangabad airport to board the flight for Goa via Mumbai/Pune.

Assistance on arrival from Goa airport and thereafter you will be driving to your hotel.

Day at leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Full Day Tour

In the morning enjoy a city tour and visit old Goa Churches; Basilica of Boom Jesus, built in the 16th century and dedicated to Infant Jesus is the most popular & famous of all churches in Goa. Sri Mangueas Temple, surrounded by rolling green hills and dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important of all temples in Goa and is located at Priol in Ponda Taluka. Dona Paula is a village named after Dona Paula de Menezes, who was the wife of the noble man Antonio de Souto Maior and died as a young woman in 1682. Miramar Beach, an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea, is a point that offers the best location to watch enchanting sunsets.

Later you may proceed for a clinking and beating nightlife at Goa and splurge with trance dance and music and dip into the local Kaju Feni.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Enjoy the golden beaches, luxurious casinos & flowing spirits in Goa on your own. At this moment, if you are looking for some private moments with your partner then Baga Beach, known for its peaceful surroundings, is the ultimate destination for you. Just hold her hand firmly and enjoy the raging waves splashing the rocks, thence you will feel how your affair acquaints with the nature.

Arambol beach, which is gaining in popularity, can engage you with various therapies such as yoga, reiki, meditation and chi. It is one of the fresh and unexploited beachs in Goa and a paradise for hippies.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

That’s gonna be another hard day and long drive. So be ready. The drive continues en route Mangalore followed by Kannaur and Kozhikode, where you will be stopping for the night.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kozhikode.

On the morning of the 26^th day start for Munnar, amid at the assemblage of the abundance streams Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai & Kundala. It is surrounded by agrarian Jungle, it is wet and algid for a lot of the season. During the British aphorism of India, it was developed to breed tea plants. It was a popular abode of the British who were in the apperceive and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Switzerland of India’ for its accustomed ambience and Old Apple architecture. An account book town, ambagious lanes, biking & anniversary accessories endow Munnar a different experience.

Later adore bounded sightseeing… visiting the tea acreage advance like blooming carpeting over ample area. The rolling hills, the abundance and the amazing backdrop are ideal for biking & continued abundance walks.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

In the morning head to Eravikulam National Park, set up for the canning of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The esplanade has the better accepted citizenry of Tahr absolute in the apple & as well shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tiger & Leopard. It exhibits the amazing accustomed brightness of rolling grasslands & alien flowers. Anamudi, the accomplished aiguille south of Himalayas, building over the pride of the sanctuary. (Closed – January & February).

After lunch the tour proceeds to Allepeye.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

In the morning head to Eravikulam National Park, set up for the canning of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The esplanade has the better accepted citizenry of Tahr absolute in the apple & as well shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri, Langur, Tiger & Leopard. It exhibits the amazing accustomed brightness of rolling grasslands & alien flowers. Anamudi, the accomplished aiguille south of Himalayas, building over the pride of the sanctuary. (Closed – January & February).

After lunch the tour proceeds to Allepeye.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Later travel to Mahabalipuram, boondocks of temples, bank & sea. It is acclaimed for its admirable Shore Temple & added temples. It was already the basic anchorage & argosy abject of the abounding Pallava commonwealth & was afterwards fabricated the basic of this dynasty.

On accession alteration to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

In the morning go on a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, and visit the Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 7th AD and is an archetype of the aboriginal appearance of the anatomy of temples complete in the Dravidian style.

Later on travel to Tirupati, which is approximately a 4 hours of drive and in the evening visit the Tirupati Temple, one of the richest temples in India and famous pilgrimage sites in India that is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast the tour continues to Bangalore, which is approximately 6 hours of drive via Chittoor, Mulbagal and Dasarahalli.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast the day begins with local sightseeing in Bangalore.

In the evening you may go out for shopping and visit the nearby malls and restaurants. Nightlife in Bangalore is an interesting part of your journey and you can step inside some pubs and discs and enjoy rock music along with some light pegs of unique beverages.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Early in the morning proceed to the world’s largest natural museum, Hampi, which was the capital city of the mighty and rich Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled most of South India Peninsula as well as some parts of South East Asia. The ruins of the once impressive palace complex is spread over 26 square km area; the boulder strewn landscape, still bear strong testament of same.

Late in the afternoon, after having lunch, you will head for Vittala temple Complex with musical pillars and an iconic architectural masterpiece of Stone Chariot.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hospet.

Today the tour proceeds to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami Cave Temples and Pattadakal Temple Complex. In the morning visit Badami and explore the cave sculptures, carved out of sand stone hills in the 6th century; the most imposing being the 18 armed Natraja striking 81 cosmic dance poses. Later on proceed for an excursion to 8th century built Pattadakal Temple complex, offering unique confluence of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan styles of temple architecture.

Overnight at a hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast the tour continues to Bangalore Airport where you will be boarding the flight for Bhubaneshwar and later drive to Puri.

In the evening visit the Jagannath Temple, yet another popular pilgrimage site in India, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannatha and is the birth place of the renowned Rath Yatra; you will then be proceeding to Puri beach.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After tea and breakfast the tour proceeds to yet another UNESCO world heritage site, Konark Sun Temple which is also dubbed as the Black Pagoda that dates back to the 13 century and showcasing Orissan architecture of the Ganga Dynasty. The Konark Sun Temple is one the 7-wonders of India.

Thereafter you will be driving to Puri.

Overnight stay at Puri.

Spend the first half of the day at leisure. Later in the evening head to Bhubaneshwar Railway Station to board the train for Kolkata.

Overnight journey in a train.

Expected arrival time approximately 7 am.

After breakfast enjoy the city tour visiting Victoria Memorial Hall, a creative fusion of the British and Mughal architecture, with White Makrana marbles, dedicated to Queen Victoria; the St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, part of the Anglican Communion in the city; the Indian Museum; and in the evening a leisurely walk at Esplanade where you can shop around along the bustling feet and can savor the local cuisines. Just before your day ends, opt for a delicious eatery at Park Street.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Today you will be boarding the flight to Guwahati. From here you will be escorted to the hotel in Shillong, which is approximately 2-3 hours of journey.

In the evening you can visit the market for traditional arts and handicrafts of the Tribal and North East culture.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

You tour proceeds to local sightseeing. In and around Shillong there are numerous waterfalls: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are the best known. Further you will also be wheeled down to Umiam Lake which is one of the most picturesque spots of Meghalaya forming the perfect landscape with ethereal mountains for an exotic tour. The flossy clouds, lush versant and the meandering roads along the broad country side draws in tourists from different parts of world.

By evening you are back in Shillong.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

In the morning you will be heading to Cherapunji, the wettest place on earth’s surface, where you will stop spellbound at Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India and the fourth largest waterfall in the world, forming below an unusual green color plunge pool, beholds a breathtaking vista tempting large number of tourists worldwide. Thence steer down to Mowsmai Lighted Cave, hidden behind the green drape, to the dark and dank interior of the hill. It is one of the most stunning caves with natural lime stone in India sub-continent that attracts spelunkers from Europe and other continents. The tour is followed by a mysterious myth and bruiting legend of Dain Thlen Waterfalls that holds a special attraction for tourists.

By evening the tour proceeds downhill to Guwahati and thereafter continues to head for Gangtok.

Overnight drive to Gangtok

Gangtok, a fairytale capital in the clouds, balances precariously on the steep mountain slopes, surrounded by lush rice terraces, swifts flowing rivers and distant snow views. It is situated in the lower Himalayas and was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 turned it into a pilgrimage centre. It became a major stopover between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. It is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

After lunch enjoy city sightseeing visiting Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, head of Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, promotes research of the language & traditions of Tibet & contains one of the world’s largest collections of books & rare manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. Do-Drul Chorten is one of the most important reliquary stupas in Sikkim.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After early tea and breakfast, the tour proceeds to Tsomgo Lake, at an altitude of 3753 mts, one of the world’s high altitude lakes, renowned for its mystical environs and wild flowers. Thereafter the tour heads up to Nathula Pass, which at an altitude of 4310 mts is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and was the ancient Silk Road that connected Tibet.

Thereafter you drive back to Gangtok by evening.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast you will drive down to New Jalpaiguri to board your train to Varanasi.

Overnight travel in a train.

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel

After tea and breakfast the tour proceeds for Dhamekh Stupa and Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath followed by lunch at a hotel and later visit the temples at Varanasi and take a boat ride on the Holy River Ganga.

Overnight stay at a hotel

The journey starts early in the morning and heads for the Khajuraho temple complex, built between 950 – 1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 that were originally built. Matangeshwara temple is still in worship today, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Today evening after dinner you will be heading for Agra.

Overnight drive to Agra.

In the morning proceed to Agra, en route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece in sandstone with the stunning elegance of its palaces & courts.

On arrival at Agra transfer to your hotel.

Agra was the erstwhile capital of the great Mughals and is known for the Taj Mahal. It has always fascinated Indians and foreigners alike. Most of Agra lies on West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal at its nucleus. The Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind’s most remarkable creations.

Overnight stay at a hotel.