Exotic India Tour

Day 1

Arrival at New Delhi

Arrive from your country to New Delhi, the national capital of India. You will be welcomed, greeted & assisted upon arrival by a representative of Optima Travels. You will be escorted to the New Delhi hotel for smooth check in. As most of the international flights land in Delhi around mid-night, you will have ample time to have sound sleep and proper relaxation, shedding jet-lag.

Day 2

Delhi sightseeing

After breakfast in Delhi hotel, proceed on for a full-day guided sightseeing. First you will explore old Delhi. Old Delhi sightseeing which includes Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat & Akshardham Temple.

Red Fort, a masterpiece planned and executed by Shah Jahan, came into its present form in 1647. Now- a-days part of it is housed by Indian military. Prime Minister of India addresses the nation even today from the ramparts of Red Fort on Independence Day, August 15.

Built during 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid emerges as an architectural gem out of a cluster that comprises Red Fort, Chandni Chowk and Shahjahanabad. Built in red sandstone with inlay works of marble, Jama Masjid is the last grand architectural creation of Shah Jahan. Being the largest mosque of India and having a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block, Jama Masjid of Delhi holds prominence among other mosques.

Chandni Chowk of Delhi is a unique market place which is one of the most prominent wholesale and retail markets of India. Chandni Chowk was conceptualized, designed and built by Jahanara, Shahjahan's daughter. It was built about more than 350 years before when Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, in order to consolidate his empire and quell frequent rebellions around Delhi, shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. The cluster comprising Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk was known as Shahjahanabad.

Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi is commemorated, lies a short distance to the south. International leaders, including Eisenhower and Ho Chi Minh, have made pilgrimages to Raj Ghat and planted trees, which are labeled with their names. It is an enclosed garden, created to mark where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and where his monument now stands. A simple, black marble platform indicates the precise site of the cremation; it bears the single Hindi word Rama (God), and a flame burns continuously in a lamp at its head. Every Friday, the day on which Gandhi was killed, a ceremony takes place here during which offering (puja) is made to his memory,

Akshardham Temple of New Delhi, a depiction of more than 10,000 years old India’s legacy of entwining beauty and spirituality in art and architectural creations, has been declared by the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple. It is a must- see tourist attraction.

After visiting Old Delhi, exploring characteristic narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk while having rickshaw ride, visiting Rajghat and Akshardham Temple, have lunch in a nice restaurant. Thereafter, proceed for visiting Parliament House, Presidential House, India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb.

India Gate is a war memorial to commemorate the martyrdom of 70,000 Indian soldiers in World War-I, conceived and designed by Edwin Lutyens and built completely in 1931. Now, the Eternal Flame established here is commemorative of the supreme sacrifice done by Indian soldiers in the 1971 war with Pakistan.

One of the mammoth monument of British colonial regime, today's Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) was erstwhile Viceregal Lodge, designed by Edwin Luteyns, completed in 1929, inaugurated in 1931 with 340 rooms and sprawling over 130 hectares of land in the heart of Delhi.

Parliament House, known as Sansad Bhavan in Hindi, is again a masterpiece of colonial British era. Located on Parliament Street, almost adjacent to the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Sansad Bhawan is a circular building designed by the British architect Herbert Baker in 1912-13. The roof of the outer circle of the structure is supported by 257 granite pillars.

The most recognized insignia of Delhi, Qutub Minar was built by three kings Qutub-ud-din, Iltutmish and Ferozshah Tughlaq. World's tallest brick minaret, 72.5 meters high with the 12th century architecture, Qutub Minar was built on a hill known as Vishnupada. The place was a great ancient Hindu and Jain cultural centre with several temples. The Muslim invaders demolished them and with their rubles constructed Qutub Minar. As the inscription on the gate of Qutub Minar complex reads that 27 temples were destroyed. The importance of the place could be understood by a 7 m-high rust free iron pillar of 4th century, standing in the courtyard of the mosque. The iron pillar used to be called as 'Garunadhvaja'.

There are many buildings which impacted Shah Jahan to assimilate finer aspects of them into Taj Mahal. Humayun's Tomb probably tops among them. Built by Humayun's widow Haji Begum in 1565, Humayun's Tomb is the first mature representative of Mughal architecture in India and its architectural finesse later imbibed into many other famous monuments of Mughal era.

Having seen monuments and market of New Delhi, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay

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Day 3

Delhi-Varanasi (By Flight)- Sarnath & Ganges worship ceremony tour

Early morning, in time, you will be transferred to Delhi airport to board Varanasi-bound flight. On arrival, you will be received by our representative and transferred to hotel to check in and relax a bit, before proceeding on a guided sightseeing tour of Sarnath where Gautam Buddha commenced Dhamma (Buddha religion) and delivered his first sermon after getting enlightenment in Bodhgaya. It was called Dharmachakrapravartana. Ashoka Pillar, stupas, dilapidated monastery, well-kept museum are few attractions of Sarnath. Late afternoon, dive towards center of the city Godaulia to attend Ganga Arti ceremony on Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Enjoy the serenity, religiousness and all pervading spiritual atmosphere. After visiting Sarnath and enjoying Ganges Worship Ceremony, return to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4

Varanasi city tour-Khajuraho (by air)

Very early in the morning, even prior breakfast, you will be taken for morning boat ride on the Ganges. It will sail through the Ganges alongside the ghats of Varanasi. Significance of Ganga in Hindu’s life will be clearly visible. After breakfast in the hotel, Benares city tour will be carried out and famous temples like Bharat Mata Temples, Durga Temple, BHU, Tulsi Manas Temple will be visited. Heritage walk into the narrow but buzzing-with - activities alleys will be a special attraction.

After sightseeing, you will be directly transferred to Varanasi airport to board flight for Khajuraho. Upon Khajuraho arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Post lunch, guided sightseeing of Khajuraho will take place. It includes Western Group of Temples and sound & light show in the evening. Later, return to hotel to spend night in the hotel.

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Day 5

Khajuraho - Orchha- Agra (By Road & Train)

From Khajuraho, the journey will lead towards Agra. Depart for Jhansi railway junction from where Agra-bound train will have to be boarded. On the way to Jhansi, an ancient historical town of Orchha is visited. Orchha Fort, Raja Ram Temple, Parveen Palace and Jahangir Palace are prominent monuments, known for their architectural beauty. Have lunch in a nice restaurant on the banks of river Betwa in Orchha< and move for Jhansi to board train for Agra. On arrival at Agra, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Agra hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6

Agra sightseeing – Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal, is visited today, in the company a professional guide, at the time of sunrise. This will be an exotic India experience for you. Enjoy mesmerizing beauty of Taj and have few photographs for lifetime memory. Having seen Taj Mahal, return to hotel to refresh and check out. Along with guide, visit Agra Fort, one of the three UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Agra. After visiting famous monuments, explore market of Agra. Shopping in Agra happens to be a delightful moment. Post lunch, depart for Jaipur. On the way, visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, home to Mughal era gigantic and well-preserved buildings. Continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, check in at Jaipur hotel.

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Day 7

Jaipur sightseeing

After breakfast, guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur will take place. It includes visit to Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple and market exploration. Elephant ride at Amber Fort and shopping in Jaipur are exhilarating experiences. Overnight stay will be in Jaipur hotel.

Day 8

Jaipur- Pushkar- Jodhpur

Having enjoyed scrumptious breakfast, depart for Jodhpur, in the state of Rajasthan India. On the way, visit Hindu pilgrimage Pushkar. Among the famous tourist attractions in Pushkar are Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, religious rituals of the Hindu and rustic way of life. After visiting Pushkar, move on for Jodhpur. On arrival, you will be directly transferred to the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

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Day 9

Jodhpur sightseeing

Having enjoyed delicious breakfast, drive to visit Bishnoi villages. Bishnoi tribe in Rajasthan, especially Jodhpur, id a non-violent and an eco-friendly sect of Hindu religion. Experience true rural life and skill sets and value systems of Bishnoi tribe. The Bishnois are great craftsmen. It is one of the different communities of Rajasthan who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani life and there true love for nature and animals.

After Bishnoi village safari, return to Jodhpur city to visit famous monuments of Jodhpur. Visit the mammoth Mehrangarh Fort and explore beautiful palaces and temples within the fort complex. Also visit the Clock Tower, the Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum , the Jaswant Thada, the royal cenotaph memorial, and other tourist spots. Also explore the famous Sadar Market. After exploring local market, return to Jodhpur hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10

Jodhpur-Ranakpur- Udaipur

Today, depart for Udaipur, the second most-visited cultural tourist destination of Rajasthan. On the way to Udaipur, visit famous Jain shrine – Rankapur Temple. This, very beautiful temple is one of the pilgrimage of the Jains. On arrival at Udaipur, check in at the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay therein.

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Day 11

Udaipur sightseeing

Udaipur, the romantic city of Rajasthan, is worth exploring leisurely. The guided city tour will include prime tourist attractions of Udaipur – City Palace, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Lake Pichola. The City Palace of Udaipur is the largest palatial complex in Rajasthan. City Palace houses a nice museum as well. Overnight stay will be in Udaipur hotel.

Day 12

Udaipur – Mumbai (by Flight)- Mumbai sightseeing

Now onwards, you will enter into a different phase of exotic India tour and realize the diversities of Indian culture. After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Udaipur airport to board flight for Mumbai. On Mumbai arrival you will be received by Optima Travels representative, holding a placard with your name on it at the exit. Transfer to hotel, relax a bit and then move for sightseeing of Mumbai.

Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, showcases various disparate aspects of mélange of different cultures, languages, architectural styles, attires and tradition with modernity. Situated on the bank of sea, Mumbai epitomizes Bollywood (from the names Bombay and Hollywood). Prime attractions of Mumbai sightseeing tour include Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Afghan Church, Crawford Market and Marina Drive. Return to Mumbai hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 13

Mumbai-Aurangabad (By Flight) - Ajanta sightseeing

On 13th day, you will enter into Deccan. After early morning breakfast in the hotel, proceed to Mumbai airport to board the flight for Aurangabad. Upon Aurangabad arrival, meet our representative at the exit. Transfer to Aurangabad hotel. Check in, relax a bit and proceed to visit Ajanta cave temples.

The Deccan, which takes its name from the Sanskrit 'dakshina' meaning "the south," is a wide region variously defined, but to a traveler to India who is not interested in geographical quibbles, the Deccan is certainly the South India- a vast plateau south-east of Mumbai that includes Mysore and extends as far as Hyderabad. It also includes the famous caves of Ajanta & Ellora.

For the visitor to India today, the chief interest of the Deccan Plateau is not its tumultuous history but the fact that it is the site of the painted and sculptured caves of Ajanta and Ellora.

No doubt, the very remoteness of the site was a determining factor in the minds of the monks who first chose the caves of Ajanta to live, pray and work in. This activity began around the 2nd century B.C. and came to a gradual halt about the 7th century A.D., when Buddhism began to be supplanted in popular appeal by other popular, liberal and practical faiths. These caves are located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora. They describe the story of Lord Buddha and Buddhism religion that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD. In fact, the caves disappeared from sight altogether until the year 1819, when a group of British officers, hunting in the Deccan hills, came across them. At the time Ajanta cave temples were first discovered, so it is said, the frescoes were in good preservation but then gradually began to fade and crumble.

Ajanta cave temples are now being properly looked after by the Indian government and constitute a unique opportunity to see Buddhist painting, both sacred and secular, of such high quality and such great antiquity. After visiting Ajanta cave temples, return to Aurangabad hotel for overnight stay.

Day 14

Ellora & Aurangabad sightseeing-Mumbai (By Flight)

With Aurangabad tour guide, proceed for sightseeing tour of Ellora cave temples, after enjoying delicious breakfast in Aurangabad hotel. Ellora cave temples, almost 18 miles away from Aurangabad, are replete with a number of sculptured representations of Lord Buddha at different stages of his life. Ellora's thirty four caves were dug deep into the side of a hill and, unlike Ajanta, are not exclusively Buddhist. The Ellora cave temples date back from 600 AD to 1000 AD which was about the time Buddhism began to lose its popular appeal, to be replaced by Hinduism and Jainism. Consequently, of Ellora's caves, the southernmost twelve are Buddhist, the seventeen in the centre are Hindu and the five on the north are Jain. Various methods were employed in construction of Ellora cave temples. Some of the cave temples were never completed. But, in all it has been estimated that over two hundred thousand tons of stone were carried away from the Ellora hillside- a rather staggering thought considering the primitive methods of excavation and cartage that were available at the time.

At late afternoon proceed to airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Upon Mumbai arrival, representative of India Tour Packages will assist you to the hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 15

Mumbai-Chennai (by air)- Mahabalipuram - Mahabalipuram sightseeing

Have early morning breakfast in Mumbai hotel and proceed to Mumbai airport to board flight for Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. Arrive at Chennai airport. You will be met by our representative to receive you at the airport and you will be taken to Mahabalipuram directly. After getting refreshed a bit, move for enjoying sightseeing and seashore of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram, erstwhile known as Mammallapuram, used to be a thriving port and centre of art and architecture during the reign of Pallava kings. Mahabalipuram offers spectacular and splendid pieces of rock cut monolithic temples, known as Panch Raths (five chariots). These Raths, sculptured in 7th century, have been named after the characters of Mahabhrata and are declared as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Arjuna's Penance is the world's largest bas relief measuring 27m by 9m. The walls and pillars are sculpted depicting stories related to Hindu mythology. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight stay will be in the pre-booked Mahabalipuram hotel.

Day 16

Mahabalipuram - Puducheri

After relishing delicious breakfast in Mahabalipuram hotel, check out and drive to Puducheri. On arrival at Puducheri, you will be taken to Puducheri hotel for smooth check in. Relax a bit and proceed for sightseeing of Pondicherry which primarily includes churches built during the French rule and Auroville. Puducheri, earlier called as Pondicherry, was a French colony and hence offers a unique amalgam of Indian and French cultures. The traces of French rule and its cultural influences can easily be noticed in the red kepis of the police officers, French spelling on signboards and traffic signs and some buildings and old stones. Explore Pondicherry and must visit old churches and Ashrama of Maharshi Aurobindo Ghosh, Auroville. In the evening, enjoy pleasurable sea beaches of Puducheri.

After sightseeing of Puducheri, return to Pondicherry hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 17

Puducheri - Tanjore

Have early morning breakfast, check out from Puducheri hotel and proceed for historical city of Tanjore. En route visit Kumbakonam, Darasuram, Gangaikondacholapuram and Chidambaram temples etc.

Chidambaram is a famous temple of Tamil Nadu, South India. Chidambaram Temple is built in an area of 40 acres. It's gopuram, the main gateway, are sculptured with 108 classical mudras (postures). The main hall of Chidambaram temple, built on support of 1000 pillars, is known as Rajasabha, measuring 103 merts long and 58 meters wide. The dancing Shiva idol (Natraj) of the temple is a distinctive feature.

Gangaikondacholapuram temple was built by Rajendra Chola. Gangaikondacholapuram temple has been built almost on the similar pattern of Brihadeeshwara temple of Tanjore. Darasuram temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, was built by Rajendra Chola.

Arrive at Tanjore, check in at the designated Tanjore hotel. Relax a bit and move for short sightseeing of Tanjore that includes Tanjore Palace (built by Nayakas and Marathas in 1550 AD) and Brihadareeshwar Temple (built by Chola King Raj Raja in 10th century).

Tanjore, a historical town, is known for its glorious past, explicitly visible in several monuments of the Pandyas, the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Nayakas and the Marathas. Once the capital of the Cholas during 10th -14th centuries, Tanjore still maintains the glorious Chola culture. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 18

Tanjore -Trichy - Madurai

Enjoying delicious breakfast, check out from Tanjore hotel and proceed for Madurai, known as Kashi of South India. En route visit historical city of Trichy or Trichirapally. On arrival at Trichy, proceed for sightseeing of Tiruchirapally which is situated on the bank of river Cauvery. Trichy is a historical city. According to legends, Tanjore's history even goes beyond history. During Sangama age, Trichy was an impregnable bastion of the Cholas. The famous dynasties like the Pandyas and the Pallavas also ruled Trichy for a limited duration. The Nayakas of Madurai, a prominent dynasty of South India, had played a very important role in protecting Tanjore by constructing the historic rock fort which played a vital role in Carnatic wars in 18 century.

Srirangam and Rangnathar are prime tourist attractions of Trichy. Srirangam, an island town sandwitched between Kavery and Kollidan rivers, is a temple complex, enclosed within the seven walls of the mammoth Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. The rulers of various South Indian ruling dynasties like the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas, the Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar kings and the Nayaks of Madurai contributed their bit to form Srirangam as the biggest temple complex of India. Initially, it was a small cave temple, built by the Pallavas but the Nayakas of Madurai recognized its strategic importance and utilized its naturally fortified location.

Ranganathar is a magnificent temple complex in Srirangam. It is almost three kms away from the rock fort. Rangnathar Temple complex is surrounded and protected by seven fortified walls with 21 gopurams (temple gateways). These gopurams are the largest gopurams in any temple.

Have sumptuous lunch in Trichy and early noon, move for Madurai. On arrival at Madurai, you will be received by the representative of Optima India Tourism and taken to Madurai hotel. Relax and refresh a bit and proceed for sightseeing of Madurai.

Existence of Madurai, known as 'Kashi of South', spans over 2500 years. The historical city of Madurai, situated on the banks of river Vaigi, was established by the Pandyan king Kulasekara. Various ruling dynasties of South India like the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks of Madurai. It was during the reign of the Nayakas, Madurai shot into the most glorious phase of its existence with spectacular progress in art, architecture and learning.

On arrival, check in at Madurai hotel. Afternoon, visit Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam and more than 2000 years old Meenakshi Temple with Madurai tour guide.

After exploring Madurai, return to Madurai hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 19

Madurai- Kumarakom

After breakfast, move for Kumarakom, in the state of Kerala. On arrival at Kumarakom, you will be facilitated to ensure smooth check in at the houseboat for heavenly stay and pleasure for the rest of the day and night.

Kumarakom is a small hamlet on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The small hamlet of Kumarakom has now -a- days flourished as a hot tourist destination of Kerala with many luxurious hotels and houseboats. The island in Vembanad Lake has grown as a famous Bird Sanctuary of India.

After more than a fortnight travelling, stay in houseboat with rejuvenating atmosphere all around will be a heavenly experience. Your lunch, supper, dinner and breakfast will take place on houseboat itself.

Overnight stay is scheduled in the houseboat itself.

Day 20

Kumarakom- Cochin – Cochin sightseeing - Delhi (by air)- Departure

After breakfast, move for Cochin, known as the 'Queen of Arabian Sea'. our representative will receive and introduce you with the Cochin tour guide who will make your Cochin visit informed and exhilarating one. While exploring Cochin, visit St. Francis Church , Kochi Fort, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. Also explore spice market of Cochin as well. After sightseeing, move for market place which is known worldwide for spices since centuries. Late afternoon, move for Cochin airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport, move for boarding another flight for your onward destination.

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