Museum and Architecture

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Museum and Architecture Tour of India (19 Days/18 Nights)

Covered Destinations : Delhi - Khajuraho - Orccha – Agra- Jaipur – Jodhpur – Ranakpur - Kumbhlgarh – Udaipur – Aurangabad – Mumbai – Madurai – Chettinad – Trichy – Tanjore – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram - Chennai

 

Day 01 Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, the guests will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken to National Museum where you will see the finest collection of Indian antiquities and artefacts. it is one of India's most prestigious institution. The Indus valley gallery displays many antiquities excavated from Mohenjodaro and Harappa, like terracotta toys, images, and pots, jewellery, bronze and copper implements and sculputures. The most outstanding object here is the lyrical bronze Dancing Girl. Tonight you will be hosted a welcome dinner when you will also be familiarized with the tour. Overnight at hotel.

 

  Day 02 Delhi
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘cycle rickshaw’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 03 Delhi - Khajuraho
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, met and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit the Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular. Morning visit the most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 04 Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
Morning drive to Orchha (150 kms). Enjoy sightseeing tour of Orchha, overlooked by the modern era, this beautiful medieval town, was once the capital of Bundela Kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, flowing through a rugged country century side, it still retains the captivating air of a bygone era. Amongst the various imposing edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of Moghul Emperor Jehangir, the Raj Mahal and the Laxmi narayan temple, both noted for their fine Frescoes and Mural paintings. Later transfer to Jhansi railway station to connect your train to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra, met and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 05 Agra
Morning visit Sikandra and Itmad-ud-daula. Sikandra – The Tomb of Akbar. Akbar himself started its construction blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles. When Akbar died his son Jehangir altered the original plans. Like Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi it is an interesting place to study the gradual evolution in design that culminated in the Taj Mahal. The southern gateway is the most impressive part with three storey minarets at each corner; built in red sandstone inlaid with abstract patterns in white marble. Today you will do sightseeing tour of Agra. In the first half of the day you will visit Sikandara and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the ‘Baby Taj’. 3 kms on the Gt Road outside Agra, Lies the Tomb of Mughal Emperro Akbar. Akbar (1556-1605) has started to bulid his own tomb at Sikandra. He died during its construction and his son Jahangir completed it after considerably modifying the design due to which much of the earlier structure had to be pulled down. Thus, a large, impressive but an architecturally confused tomb came into being with a huge Gateway, the Buland Darwaza, in the style of the massive victory gate at Fathpur Sikri. The Gate opens into a garden which has lots of Deer, Black Buck and Monkeys. In the afternoon you will visit Agra Fort and will end the tour with a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset. Agra buildings are some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in Indian building style. Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son in the magnificent fort at Agra. Here you’ll see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous, the Pearl Mosque, the halls of Public and Private Audience, and finally the tomb of Itmad-ud-daula built by the Empress Noorjehan in the memory of her father. The Taj Mahal truly is one of the wonders of the world. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. For twenty-two years 20,000 men labored day and night to build this masterpiece which has held the world awe struck ever since. Overnight at the hotel.

  Day 06 Agra - Jaipur
After a leisurely morning you drive to Jaipur (221 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur – check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 07 Jaipur
Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 08 Jaipur - Jodhpur
Morning drive to Jodhpur (290 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Afternoon tour of Jodhpur - includes Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable fort in the whole of fortstudded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 9 Jodhpur - Ranakpur Temples - Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur (280 km), enroute visit Ranakpur Jain temples. Ranakpur Temples - the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main “Chaumukha temple” dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. Continue your drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check-in at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 10 Udaipur
Udaipur is one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the majestic City Palace, built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan standing on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake. In contrast to its rugged exterior, the inside presents a delicate and feminine world of beauty with lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, a profusion of colored glass, fluted columns, inlay work, silver doors, fountains and gardens. Morning city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari”. Afternoon at leisure for own activities. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 11 Udaipur - Mumbai - Aurangabad
Morning is at your leisure. Later transfer to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad via Mumbai. Upon arrival in Aurangabad, you will be met and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 12 Aurangabad
Full day visit of Ajanta Caves. AJANTA CAVES: 109 kms, North East of Aurangabad, the Ajanta caves were discovered by the British manouvering troops in 1819. This consists of 24 monasteries and 5 temples some of which are over 2000 years old. The story of Lord Buddha is depicted in the frescoes with remarkable vividity. (Closed on Monday) Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 13 Aurangabad - Mumbai
Morning visit Ellora Caves. ELLORA CAVES: 29 kms North West of Aurangabad lies the West facing caves - best to be visited in the afternoon. These caves relate the story of evolution of Buddhism (cave 1 to 12), Hinduism (cave 13 to 29) and Jainism (cave 30 to 34). (Close on Tuesday) Transfer to airport in time to connect flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be met and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 14 Mumbai - Madurai
This morning transfer to the airport for flight to Madurai. Upon arrival, you will be met and transfer to hotel. Madurai - It's one of the most pleasant Indian cities, and has a charming situation on the River Vaigai, fringed by lush paddy fields and coconut groves. Visit the Meenakshi temple one of the biggest temple complexes in India - 46 ft. long by 790 ft broad built in the 17th Century. It is a rectangular twin shrine - the southern temple dedicated to Meenakshi (the consort of Shiva) and the other to Shiva. It is Madurai's greatest landmark - a file city within a city. The complex includes a bazaar that bustles from dawn to nightfall. The high point of the Meenakshi temple is "Hall of a Thousand Pillars", built in the 16th C which is as great a work of structural engineering as it is of art. You will drive (walk is recommended ) through the fascinating bazaar that is bustling from dawn to nightfall. If time permits you may also visit the palace of Tirumala Nayak which is an example of the architectural mastery of the Nayaks - a blend of Hindu and Saracen architecture. It's enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 foot high stoned pillar still stands. Overnight at hotel.

 

  Day 15 Madurai - Chettinad
After breakfast drive to Chettinad (100 kms) known for its artistic houses. The afternoon you will spend in exploring the palace and around for its unique architecture. Chettinadu or the land of Nattukottai Chettiars, is famous for its fortress like homes and temples that are architectural marvels. The Chettiars were a prosperous banking community who ventured overseas to do business in Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Just being discovered by the world, Chettinad is a rural area certain to surprise even the most discerning visitors. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 16 Chenttinad - Tanjore - Trichy
Morning drive to Tanjore (80 kms). Visit Tanjore – Once the capital of the Chola Empire from the tenth to the fourteenth centuries. A Chola king, Raja Chola, who held the throne from 985 to 1016, built the greatest of the empire's 74 temples, the Brahadeeswarar, with its soaring tower over the inner sanctum. This tower rises more than 62 meters (200 feet). On its dome rests a single block of granite weighing 80 tons. Drive onto Trichy (54 kms). Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Later city tour of Trichy - visit the ‘Rock Fort Temple’ which rises abruptly to a height of 273 ft. A steep staircase cut into the rock leads upto the Fort. At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwarer Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, the 'Uchhi Pillayar Koil' - a Ganesh Temple offering a commanding view of the city. Visit Sri Rangam (5 kms from Trichy) is the largest Vaishnavite temple in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Sri Ranganatha Perumal. This temple is as holy and venerable to Vaishnavites as Chidambaram temple is to Saivites. The temple complex is 156 acres in extent and lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Kaveri and Coleroon. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls, which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 17 Trichy - Chennai
Morning transfer to the railway station to connect your train to Chennai. Upon arrival, you will be met and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Chennai - is the fourth largest city in India. The sprawling city which is divided in two by the cooum River, has few tall buildings to mark the impression of an easygoing market town. The gracefulness is present in Madras in such liberal quantities is propriate. Visit the Fort St. George - Still surrounded by cannon-proofwalls the fort was rebuilt several times between 1642 when its original bastions were completed and 1749 when the French left, it remains - moats and all - pretty much today as when first made the seat of empire. Declared a national monument in 1948, most of its buildings have been converted into government offices, notably the Legislature and Secretariat. At various times the fort was home of Robert Clive, Elihu Yale and Sir Arthur Wellesley. Within the fort, visit the little St Mary's Church the oldest Protestant church east of the Suez and the first Anglican one in India. Overnight at the hotel.

 

  Day 18 Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai
Full day sightseeing tour of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram - known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, is one of the oldest towns in India. It is famous for both its temples, many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven silks. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns. Visit the local homes of the weavers and watch them create magic out of silk thread into saris. Mahabalipuram - This is a small, quiet seaside resort with a unique 7th-century Shore Temple, a lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock-cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This town was a workshop for temple building. Visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single century-long burst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 630-68). End the visit by photography of the beautiful Shore temples at sunset. Overnight at hotel.

 

  Day 19 Chennai - Onward Destination
Today transfer to the International airport for your flight to onward destination.

 
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