Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant city Delhi, one of the world’s greatest megalopolises with its chaotic charm & juxtapositions found on every street, Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3 - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you the hotel. Assistance will be provided during Check-in & there will be a short briefing to discuss the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Delhi, the capital of kingdoms & empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past & the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land & a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges two different worlds.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis & formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues & imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers & many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed & then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers & then as creators.

Delhi is a city built upon cities. There are at least 8 historical Delhi, each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments, many said to be haunted by djinns (spirits). Love history & you will be left salivating as you trace your way through the eras, clambering across the ruined forts of Tughlaqabad, Siri, Purana Qila & Shajahanabad; exploring the magnificent tombs of eminent historical figures & visiting the still-vibrant temples, mosques & shrines that throng with devotees today, as they have done for hundreds of years.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai & Amir Khusro to present day writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

And how can we forget the indomitable Delhi cuisine & street food.

As the capital city of one of the most delicious country's on Earth, Delhi tantalises your taste buds with its thali-like fusion of flavours from every corner of the subcontinent: Breakfast on South Indian idly; lunch on Punjabi kulchas; then, come evening, dine on rich Mughlai curries. But don't forget to leave room for some Dilli-ka-Chaat, Delhi's famously delicious street-food snacks; try sizzling kebabs for starters, then munch on aloo tikki (spiced potato patties) before getting your fingers sticky on jalebi (orange-coloured coils of deep-fried batter dunked in sugar syrup) or savouring some sumptuously creamy cardamon kheer (rice pudding).

Evening, be ready for an interesting experience, reliving the centuries old history.

In time, you will be met by the Journeys Rep up at 06.00 pm for transfer to the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort, more popularly known as Lal Quila.

One of the finest examples of the precision, grandeur & finesse of Mughal architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage site Lal Quila or the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal, between 1638 & 1648. The red sandstone used in its massive outer wall gave it the name “Lal Quila” or the Red Fort. The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor and the capital of the empire till Bahadur Shah Zafar the last Mughal emperor was deposed by the British in 1857. 

Relive the history as you enjoy the 1 hour + Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of Delhi's Red Fort. Learn how Delhi’s Red Fort became one of its most important landmarks, the mystifying stories, astonishing legends, the tales of rise & fall of kingdoms, eminent rulers who changed the course of history, narrated through a composition of music & color.

Feast your eyes & ears on the magical effects created by the Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of the Fort. Relive the history as the enchanting fusion of lights & sounds, accompanied with captivating narration takes you through the extraordinary episodes of Delhi. Learn how Delhi’s Red Fort became one of its most important landmarks, the mystifying stories, astonishing legends, the tales of rise & fall of kingdoms, eminent rulers who changed the course of history, narrated through a composition of music & color.

After the Show ends, get ready to enjoy authentic Indian delicacies & proceed to the popular Chor Bizarre restaurant, in the vicinity.

Designed to look like a thief's market, this dining room serves dishes from around the country.

"Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience - great decor, distinct ambience enhanced by assorted Hindi, '50's music, wondrous cocktails, superlative food, charming 'Old World' service" - The Economic Times.

Every city in India has its own special 'Chor Bazaar' which translates as 'thieves market'. All kinds of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This being our inspiration & to celebrate the eclecticism of India in all its exuberant irreverence, the owners coined the name with a pun on the word bazaar & 'Chor Bizarre' was born

Having created an atmosphere that provides a unique setting for truly authentic & inspired cuisine, Chor Bizarre has been one of India's most celebrated restaurants since 1990.

Return to the hotel.

After breakfast, you will meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 09.00 am & embark on a 6 hour sightseeing tour of Delhi.

Delhi with its Old & New parts - each with its specific charm and glory - makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval & modern cultures at the same time and space. Today, you will explore the capital of India - including buildings of early Turkish structure to Mughal buildings to Lutyen's Delhi.

Visit Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling markets. Visit the Red Fort built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”. Also see Jama Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1658 and reputed to be largest mosque in Asia. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to get a feel of the royal life of the Mughal emperors. A visit to Delhi without paying homage to the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi is not possible. Raj Ghat was built to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and this cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year.

Post lunch you will be taken to see New Delhi which came into existence much later, and is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi, named after the British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate - the 42 metre tall monument, built in the memory of the World War 1 martyrs (i.e. British soldiers), Viceroy’s Palace which is now Presidential residence, Parliament House - the govt. headquarters & many other buildings in that area. You will be stopping at India Gate & driving by the Palace & Parliament. 

Continue on to visit the recent jewel in the crown, the Lotus Temple, a symbol of Bahai faith & then drive on to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the  72.5m Qutub Minar the tallest brick minaret in the World, which heralded the arrival & rise of Islam in India. 

Return to the hotel.

Evening at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

In time, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Varanasi.

Arrive in Varanasi - sacred, soulful & spectacular. Varanasi takes no prisoners. But if you are ready for it, this may just turn out to be your favourite stop of all.

On arrival at Terminal? - Varanasi Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & introduce you to the Tour-guide. He / she will also discuss the program for Varanasi.

Varanasi is the India of your imagination. A swirl of color & ritual & oddities galore, it may very well be the most ethereal & exotic place you will ever visit. One of the most colourful & fascinating places on earth, surprises abound around every corner.

Considered the holiest spot for Hindus on India’s holiest river, it is also one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities - as ancient as Babylon & Thebes.

It is the goal of every devout Hindu to come here at least once to purify body & soul in the sacred waters of the Ganges.

Called City of Temples, it is obviously crowded with temples & its labyrinth of streets, attracts the maximum number of tourists. Most visitors agree Varanasi is magical - but not for the faint-hearted. Intimate rituals of life & death take place in public, and the sights, sounds and smells on the ghats - not to mention almost constant attention from touts - can be intense. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.  

It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna & Asi. The shimmering red & golden water of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions, all are an experience in themselves. Strolling the ghats or watching sunrise from a boat on the Ganges are a highlight, and confronting the reality & ritual of death can be a powerful experience.

The old city of Varanasi is situated along the western bank of the Ganges & extends back from the riverbank ghats in a labyrinth of alleys called galis that are too narrow for traffic. They can be disorienting, but the popular hotels & restaurants are usually signposted and, however lost you become, you will eventually end up at a ghat & get your bearings.

Alive with colour and activity, it is a magical city where visitors are captivated by the daily rituals of life & death taking place on the bathing ghats that line the River Ganges.

Straight from the Airport, you will embark for an excursion to Sarnath a short distance outside the city.

Sarnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. It has a deer park where Gautama Buddha after achieving enlightenment in Bodhgaya, imparted the first teachings of dharma. Also, through the enlightenment of Kondanna, Buddhist Sangha came into existence at this park only. Gautama Buddha came here to teach his 5 former companions Dharma & thus Sarnath is regarded as the place where Buddhism found its roots, the native land of this art of life!

Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist Monastery & then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art & sculptures found at the site.

Drive back to the city & stroll in the narrow lanes where you can find some enchanting mementoes to take home.

Check-in at the hotel & relax for an hour. .

Evening, around 06:15 pm, proceed to the Ghats to witness an exciting event that must not be missed.

You will board a Boat just as the sun sets & remain afloat to watch the interesting 1 hour spectacle from the comfort of the boat (avoiding the jostling crowd).

Led by a Hindu priest, this spellbinding devotional ritual is performed in honor of the goddess of the river, a spectacle you will remember the rest of your days.  

Ganga Aarti is performed daily at 06.45 pm by a group of priests at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Through the Aarti, Agni Pooja is performed in which a commitment is made to the Lord Shiva, Mata Gange, Surya, Agni (Fire) as well as the whole universe made by the Lord Shiva.

This beautiful ritual makes every moment of the evening period special & fills with the spiritual thoughts. It is performed, using multi-tiered brass lamps held aloft by the priests, accompanied with the mantra chant in the presence of a huge crowd. All the priests who have to perform the Aarti, wear identical clothing - the dhoti & kurta which is tightly bound with a long towel. A group of young priests starts the Aarti in a well-choreographed manner, amidst rhythmic chant of mantras. Priests loudly blow the conch shells & the Aarti continues with the incense sticks.

Though thousands may gather to watch this ceremony, reverent quiet prevails among the spectators, so the ringing of bells & the sounding of horns carries clearly over the water as flame, smoke & incense drift through the air. All along the Ghats, the faithful bathe in the river, murmur prayers & perform their own private Aartis.

Around 8.00 pm after the conclusion of the 45 minute Aarti, you will disembark from the Boat & proceed to a restaurant to feast on a sumptuous ‘vegetarian’ dinner.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Perhaps the most famous sights of all are the Ghats, the broad steps that offer access to the sacred Ganges. Here the faithful come to wash away their sins in the river & to cremate their dead.

Get up very early today (at dawn or earlier) & accompanied by the Tour-guide, drive to Daswamedh Ghat.

Experience a magical moment on Mother Ganga at morning’s first light as you step aboard a Rowboat & drift quietly along the serene water as the sun rises, listening to the call of birds & the soft splash of the paddle as it dips into the river.

Proceed to the middle of the river & witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest & most important religions as you observe hundreds of sari & dhoti-clad Hindus bathing, washing laundry, performing yoga asanas & making respectful offerings to Mother Ganga along the broad stone Ghats lining the Ganges.

As daylight brightens, more people gather on the Ghats, washing clothes, practicing yoga, eating breakfast - gradually the pace of daily life picks up and the sacred merges into the mundane, showing you how closely the two are linked by the holy river. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe & pray while in the background, Temples rise in tiers from the water`s edge.

See hundreds of bodies being cremated simultaneously at the Cremation Ghats. Hindus believe that being cremated here is a straight path to heaven. Magical & mystical, surreal & deeply spiritual, Varanasi is a city that is truly unlike any other.

Disembark & walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming & going.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. 

After a brief respite, meet the Tour-guide again at 10.00 am & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour to discover some of the other highlights. As befits a city legendary for its place in Hinduism, temples abound.

Set off by cycle rickshaw to visit some of the oldest parts of the city this morning, bustling with tourists & priests. Wander through the Old City with its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops & stalls.

Visit the 18^th century ocher-stained Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple because of the huge population monkeys frolicking on the premises. See the Vishwanath Temple with its pinnacles sheathed in gold, built in 1776 & dedicated to Shiva.

Continue on to Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.

Spend time at the Banaras Hindu University, considered as the biggest residential university in Asia.

Here you can see the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. The University Campus also houses an Art Gallery & the Mosque built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

The sightseeing concludes & you return to the hotel to Check-out.

In time, you would meet the Journeys Rep / Driver & transfer to the Airport to board your flight for Khajuraho.

Arrive in Khajuraho, famous for its enchanting temples with erotic carvings & legendary Khajuraho Dance Festival.

On arrival at Terminal? - Khajuraho Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & introduce you to the Tour-guide. He / she will also discuss the program for Varanasi.

Straight from the Airport, you will proceed for a 3 hour Tour of the Temple Complex.

The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods & facets. India's most titillating town is famed far & wide for the erotic stone carvings that swathe Khajuraho’s 3 groups of UNESCO World Heritage listed Temples. The carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed & carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

As we all know, sex sells, and so Khajuraho is fully on the tour bus map, but despite this, it is a delightful, quiet little village, where it is easy to while away several days walking & cycling between stunning temples & enjoying the easy-going traveller vibe.

Architecturally, the Temples are built in the north Indian Nagara style. The sculptor’s fine skill & a sense of imagination have given form to human emotion in the form of spiritual & physical love. Every façade - wall, window, pillar, & ceiling - is carved with figures of mythical & historical origins, and while many of these depict full-breasted, girdle-waisted women in forms of innocent play, they also depict carnal love. In all 85 temples were built in Khajuraho, but only 22 are left to speak of the grandeur of conception of the rulers & architects of the day. The Temples rest on a risen open platform, a distinctive feature of the Khajuraho Temples, with subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the platform in the bigger temples.

After spending time at the Temples, drive on to the hotel & Check-in.

Balance of the day is at leisure (or you can go back to the Temples to enjoy an “optional” Son et Lumiere Show with a commentary encompassing the history of Khajuraho).

Early morning, depart for Jhansi, driving through the rural landscape, for the evening train to Agra,

Enroute stop at the small town of Orchha. Small but with a very rich history.

Orchha could make towns many times its size green with jealousy. At heart, Orchha is nothing but a tiny, agricultural village that shouldn't really be of much interest to anyone, but it was blessed by history: for nearly 300 years it was one of the most important urban areas in this part of India. This has left the small town with a supreme display of Mughal-influenced Rajput architecture in the shape of spectacular palaces, temples & royal chhatris (cenotaphs). Tranquil & serene, Orchha has historically been referred to as one of India’s most beautifully preserved princely states, keeping the old Bundelkhand legacy alive.

The sleepy medieval town of Orchha is littered with the ruins of the ancient temples & forts. Orchha had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest & most powerful kingdoms of central India. First under the Bundela Rajputs, later under Mughal rule.

When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15^th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, founded the town of Orchha, located by the side of the beautiful boulder-strewn Betwa River, in the 16^th century, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of central India, in the Bundelkhand region (now known as the state of Madhya Pradesh).

The buildings illustrate a fusion of Mughal & Rajput architecture, some of which is similar to that of nearby Khajuraho (albeit without such high-quality artistry) with much grander palaces & cenotaphs dotting the pastoral landscape as well. And thanks to an important temple dedicated to Rama, it is also a major pilgrimage & spiritual centre.

The medieval city of Orchha seems to have frozen in time, its palaces & temples still retaining their original grandeur.

Particularly worth visiting are the Jehangir Mahal - a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris, built to commemorate Emperor Jehangir’s visit in the 17^th century; the Chaturbhuj Mandir & the Lax Mandir. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are the interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. Vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious & secular themes bring the walls and ceilings to rich life.

The atmosphere in Orchha, though, is far more laid-back & hassle-free, which makes for a relaxing stay.

There are great homestay options as well as opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside, with walking, cycling & rafting and you will understand why Orchha can be considered one of the highlights of Madhya Pradesh. 

Walk around on your own, discovering the nooks & crannies of the various Forts. If time permits, you may also wander around on the encompassing farmland around the forts.

In time, you will be transferred to Jhansi Railway Station to board the fast train to Agra.

On arrival at Agra Cantonment Station at 11.30 pm, you will be welcomed by the Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance at Check-in & also discuss the program for the next couple of days.

Check-in at the hotel.

There are very few cities in the world that can match the history & heritage of Agra.

Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains. The architectural splendour of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years. In the mid16^th century and earlier 17^th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style & of very high quality which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain.

The splendour of Agra remains undiminished, from the massive Agra Fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Monuments here depict some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in the architectural styles. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am in the Lobby & embark on a 8 hour sightseeing tour to explore the city.

The Guide will take you back in time & help you to visualise the life in the bygone era illustrated by the majestic citadels & the serene Taj Mahal.

One knows that ‘The Taj’ is one amongst the World’s Wonders!

One knows that it is one amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites!!

One knows The Taj as a legend of eternal love of an Emperor for his favourite Queen!!!

Well, ‘The Taj’ has distinctions much beyond just these! Therefore, ‘The Taj’, surely, deserves your visit once & more!!! The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India & one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.. Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’ beauty has to be seen to be believed.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder! Probably for Taj Mahal, the axiom is just the other way round. The Taj is the beauty personified! The Taj displays its different moods through its varied shades. The Taj has as many shades as any kind of beauty can ever have! The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, golden when the moon shines & the intermediary variants during different hours of the day & during different seasons in a year.

Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum was completed in 1653, it took 22 years to be completed and was designed & planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. A staggering total of 20,000 workers contributed their skills, in the construction of this unique mausoleum.

Apart from its stunning design balance & perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens & some of the best inlay work ever seen.   Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’s beauty has to be seen to be believed. A visit there is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told.

The Mausoleum stands in a formally laid-out walled garden entered through a pavilion on the main axis. The tomb, raised on a terrace and first seen reflected in the central canal, is entirely sheathed in marble, but the mosque & counter-mosque on the transverse axis are built in red sandstone. The four minarets, set symmetrically about the tomb, "The interior of the building is dimly lit through pierced marble lattices and contains a virtuoso display of carved marble. Externally the building gains an ethereal quality from its marble facings, which respond with extraordinary subtlety to changing light & weather."

The Taj will keep you indulged with thoughts superimposing your sight & would make you feel the presence of Shah Jahan, the ‘maker’ and Mumtaz  Mahal, the ‘reason’.  As you breathlessly continue staring at ‘The Taj’, you would sense them standing beside you!

Walk along the pathway beside the reflecting pool with fountains upto the mausoleum crafted in soft & pure marble & jewelled with semi-precious stones, where in the serenity of paradise rests the Queen in peace with her King. Come to unfold the pages from the past to churn the charm out of its mystique & enrich your imagination about this marvel of an epic in stone, The Taj!

Visit the 16^th century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5 km long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort has imposing gates & walls of red sandstone & a moat. Behind its colossal walls are some of the finest Mughal buildings in India. Construction of the fort commenced during Akbar’s reign and additions continued to be made until the rule of his grandson Shah Jahan. During Akbar’s time, it was primarily a military fort though later the focus shifted and it partially became a palace. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

Last stop would be the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the 'Baby Taj' because of the architectural similarities. It showcases intricate latticework & carvings on marble to produce stunning marble screens. The delicate pietradura work done on the walls of this serene marble mausoleum with its four minarets set in the midst of a char bagh style garden is believed to have inspired the inlay work done on the Taj Mahal that was constructed on similar lines, though on an extremely grand scale.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the day free to relax or to explore the Agra’s rich heritage of handicrafts in its markets or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, depart for Jaipur, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri is the old & surprisingly well preserved & deserted town of the Mughal dynasty, constructed predominantly in red sandstone. Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height and is the best example of the culmination of Hindu & Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be auspicious for himself. He experimented both with architecture & art and built a city expressing his ideals & vision.

Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, the Tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti & Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India). Though the city is in ruins, it is a place worth visiting. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Its Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Entrance to this mosque is through the Buland Darwaza which was built in Gujurat and is 54 meters high. To the North of the Mosque is the dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti. This dargah was built in 1570. Here childless women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with three sons when he came here. The lattice work in the dargah is among the finest to be found anywhere.

Continue driving & arrive in Jaipur by late afternoon.

Check-in on arrival by afternoon and relax for a while

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste & fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth & authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughals thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink colour in honour of a State Visit by Prince Albert.

The city’s colourful, chaotic streets ebb and flow with a heady brew of old and new. Careering buses dodge dawdling camels, leisurely cycle-rickshaws frustrate swarms of motorbikes & everywhere buzzing auto-rickshaws watch for easy prey. In the middle of this cacophony & mayhem, the splendours of Jaipur’s majestic past are islands of relative calm evoking a different pace & another world.

At the city’s heart, the City Palace continues to house the former royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect; & the honeycomb Hawa Mahal gazes on the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort, Jaipur’s star attraction.

Late afternoon, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed to the Birla Temple (aka Laxmi Narayan Temple) to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur.

Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Jaipur & is part of one of the several Birla mandirs located all around the country. The grand temple is located on an elevated ground at the base of Moti Dungari fort.

According to history, the Birla temple was built on the land given to the wealthy industrialist Birla family by the Maharaja of Jaipur, for just a token sum of one rupee. One of India's most famous business families, B.M Birla Foundation, built this temple in the year 1988. The family has erected similar grand temples across India, including in Delhi, Kolkata & Hyderabad.

The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver & his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

Constructed with the finest quality of white marble, it houses ornate statues of Lakshmi & Narayan, carved from a single piece of marble, dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Ganesh, the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of the marble is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance - Ganesh can be made out through the marble, which is almost transparent.

The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. The temple’s stained-glass windows depict scenes from Hindu scriptures.

Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted on Carvings inside the temple & on pillars supporting the covered walkways. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events

On the outside walls, historic figures from other religions are shown, including Socrates, Zoroaster, Christ, Buddha & Confucius as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Francis of Assisi. The Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night.

The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. Next to the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple there is a small museum, which houses objects belonging to the billionaire Birla family.

Your visit will coincide with the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit & waved in a certain way, in order to awake & invoke the deity.

Return to the hotel.

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for full day 8 hour sightseeing of the city.

First stop will be Amber Fort is located on a hillock in Amer, a town with an area of 4 square kilometres on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Ascent to the Fort will be atop an elephant, as the royals used to do in the older days. Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.

Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its foreboding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

This magnificent fort is largely made up of a royal palace, built from pale yellow & pink sandstone & white marble and divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. Whether you walk or ride an elephant, you will enter Amber Fort through Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), which leads to the Jaleb Chowk (main courtyard), where returning armies would display their war booty to the populace - women could view this area from the veiled windows of the palace.

From Jaleb Chowk, an imposing stairway leads up to the main palace, but first it’s worth taking the steps just to the right, which lead to the small Siladevi Temple, with its gorgeous silver doors featuring repoussé (raised relief) work. Heading back to the main stairway will take you up to the second courtyard and the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which has a double row of columns, each topped by a capital in the shape of an elephant, and latticed galleries above.

The maharaja’s apartments are located around the third courtyard - you enter through the fabulous Ganesh Pol, decorated with beautiful frescoed arches. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is noted for its inlaid panels and multi-mirrored ceiling. Carved marble relief panels around the hall are fascinatingly delicate and quirky, depicting cartoonlike insects & sinuous flowers.

Opposite the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure), with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door & a channel that once carried cooling water right through the room. From the Jai Mandir, you can enjoy fine views from the palace ramparts over picturesque Maota Lake below.

The zenana (secluded women’s quarters) surrounds the fourth courtyard. The rooms were designed so that the maharaja could embark on his nocturnal visits to his wives’ & concubines’ respective chambers without the others knowing, as the chambers are independent but open onto a common corridor.

Return to the city & continue the sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace - a delightful blend of Mughal & traditional Rajasthani architecture. Conceived & designed by Maharaja Jai Singh, the Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, the palace complex has numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways & temples. The palace houses Sawai Jai Singh's seven-storey facade Chandra Mahal ("moon palace"), solid marble Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the present royal family. It also houses Shri Govind Dev Temple & the City Palace Museum.

You will pass by Hawa Mahal. Arguably Jaipur's most acclaimed landmark, the tapering Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. Its five-storey facade, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows & balconies, makes the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact it is little more than one room thick in most parts.

Visit Jantar Mantar, the royal astronomical observatory built in stone by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1716 to measure movement of the stars and planets, time, altitude and other astronomical events. End the Tour with a brief visit to Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli and the local Bazaar.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions & arrange). You may want to walk down to the famous movie theatre Raj Mandir, to enjoy a ‘Hindi’ Bollywood Movie

Early morning, depart for Udaipur, driving through arid desert land & passing by quaint Rajasthani vilages.

Enroute, you will make a couple of Stops.

The beautiful state “Rajasthan” is perfect and really the land of miracles. Right here, every single place can put up a surprise. Have you ever imagined a Royal Enfield Bullet motor cycle being worshipped? A village near Jodhpur, worships the motorbike & its dead owner, the way devotees worship their gods

First stop will be at Ranakpur Temple Complex, famous as a Jain pilgrimage centre.

Built in the 15^th century, Ranakpur Temples took approximately 65 years to complete. The largest & most important temples of the Jain cult are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate & superb architectural style in exquisite white marble. This temple is wholly constructed in light coloured marble & comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet & there are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple.  It has 24 pillared halls with 80 domes that are supported by 400 columns. The upper & lower parts of the domes are linked by brackets that have deities' sculptures. Above all, you would be amazed to see at a height of 45 feet engraved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures. Each column is intricately carved and it is surprising to know that no two columns have a similar design. Another stunning fact about these columns is that they change their colour from golden to pale blue after every hour during the day.

Drive on to Kumbhalgarh, quite a unique & interesting destination, which attracts people from across the globe for its massive citadel built 1443 A.D. & the wildlife sanctuary nearby.

 Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh & was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15^th century. This unconquerable fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Encircled by 13 elevated mountain peaks, the Fort was constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 km and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples, gardens making it more magnificent.

The Fort is also known for its famous palace that resides on the top of structure. This beautiful palace is known as 'Badal Mahal' or the Palace of Cloud. It is also accredited to be the birth place of great warrior Maharana Pratap. This palace has beautiful rooms with lovely color combination of green, turquoise & white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colors of the Fort. This place gives the appearance of wandering in the world of clouds. Cloud Palace also offers a fantastic panoramic vista of the down town. 

After spending an hour or 2, continue on for Udaipur.

The royal state of Rajasthan encapsulates Indian culture and heritage within its periphery. One cannot get a glimpse of true India without visiting the state and the cities of Rajasthan. A similar grandeur is represented by Udaipur, one of the main cities of Rajasthan which is known for its lakes and palaces that reverberate its eminent historical glory.

Udaipur was an important capital for the Mewar rulers. When Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Chittorgarh, Maharaja Udai Singh II fled to Udaipur to form his new capital in 1568 AD. It is believed that the place was discovered by him many years before the conquest of Chittorgarh. Legend has it that once the king came for hunting in the forests surrounding the Pichola Lake when a sage suggested him to build his new capital at the same site to build his fortune. It was well protected by Aravallis, and forest cover, so the Maharaja agreed & built a shrine at the spot called Dhuni Mata, to mark the area where he later built his palace.

The romantic city still manages to capture the 'old world charm' famous for its lakes & palaces which in centuries past served as the homes of royalty.  The elevated hills & the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the city. But the city has many more attractions. Lake Palace of Udaipur has been accredited for being one of the most romantic places all across the globe. The massive forts of Udaipur, grab the interest of people with their sheer structure & architecture. The beautiful temples create a sense of aestheticism with their spiritual ecstasy. The city also boasts of various museums, palaces, gardens, monuments & colorful festivals and is famous as a centre of art & crafts, especially for the miniature paintings & puppetry. It was a backdrop for numerous movies including the James Bond flick "Octopussy". Udaipur is referred to as the "Venice of the East". The main attraction is the beautiful Lake Palace which seems to be an artist's dream. Lakes such as Udai Sagar, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar and Pichola add to the scenic attraction of the place making it seems like a beautiful painting amidst the Aravallis. 

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & embark on a ‘heritage’ walking sightseeing tour to take in ‘some of the royal landmarks.

Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari - this ornamental garden is situated beside the Fateh Sagar Lake, in the north of the city. It is well laid out with fountains, a beautiful lotus pool & large marble elephants. It was built by Maharaja Sangram Singh II in 1710, as a leisure retreat for the maids of the palaces.

Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Rajasthan, built by Maharaja Jagat Singh in 1651, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main attraction of this Indo-Aryan temple is its stone idol of Lord Jagannath & a brass image of Garuda. The temple is ornamented with spires, mandaps, porches & sculptures and is approachable by a broad flight of steps.

City Palace complex located in the middle of Lake Pichola is the largest one in Rajasthan. The towering edifice showcases a brilliant piece of architectural design & location which leaves visitors awestruck. Though its construction was commenced by Maharaja Udai Singh II, each successive ruler added a unique mark to enhance its elegance, maintaining the structure's integrity. The palace is gifted with terraces, cupolas, balconies & a splendid view of the lake.

You will also see the royal family’s Crystal collection maintained in the adjacent Fateh Prakash Palace.

The Crystal Gallery illustrates the whimsical side of Udaipur royalty. Check out the fabulous crystal collection of Raja Sajjan Singh. In 1877 the raja ordered a lavish collection of crystal items from abroad. Before it reached him he died & everything was put into storage and later set up on display for tourism purposes. 

A little further away is the Gallery of Vintage & Classic Cars from the royal garage. Amongst the showpieces is a Rolls Royce Phantom II of 1934 vintage.

Return to the hotel for a brief relaxation / respite.

You are now ready for the next adventure. A visit to Udaipur is incomplete without a boat cruise in Lake Pichola where solar-powered boats were introduced as an eco-tourism initiative.

Proceed to the Pier to board one of the Boats for a relaxing ride.

The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake & the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. Beginning with the monumental lakeside façade of the City Palace, the boat moves through the picturesque ghats with their distinctive steps, still used by the locals.

The lake-side is lined with the havelis of the nobles, most prominent being the Bagore ki Haveli. The Gangaur Ghat with the triple-arched Tripolia stands as a magnificent piece of architecture at the end of Bagore ki Haveli.

The most resplendent sights on the boat ride are the island palaces. The 17^th century Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the oldest & most grandiose palaces that is legendary as a place of refuge to Prince Khurram (later known as Emperor Shahjahan - the creator of Taj Mahal). The other island palace of Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel is an 18^th century creation of Rana Jagat Singh II.

Beyond the lakeside history and the beautiful island palaces, the boat ride provides a fantastic view of the distant monsoon palace perched on the hills. Sajjangarh was the palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the late 19^th century to enjoy the beautiful monsoon season of the lake city of Udaipur.

Disembark & explore the back alleys before heading to Bagore - ki - Haveli for the famous Dharohar Dance Performance.

Bagore - ki - Haveli, built in the 18^th century by Amir Chand Badwa, the then Prime Minister of Mewar, is located in the old part of the town on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The Haveli had been restored in order to house a museum with artifacts collected over the years & it is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture & life style of the royal family.

There are 138 rooms with displays of costumes & modern art, as well as numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards & terraces. The interiors of the Haveli are embellished with intricate & fine mirror work. While strolling in the Haveli, you can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms & recreation rooms. The Chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style & there are glorious coloured-glass windows in some of the rooms as well as two peacocks made with coloured glass mosaics that display the superb skills of the finest craftsmanship. Unique symbols of the Rajput clan, such as jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels & other artefacts are also on display.

The Haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights & illuminations as it stages an enjoyable performance of traditional Rajasthani dance & music on one of the Terraces, called the Neem Chowk where the balconies are lit up in different colours to give a sense of the colourful evening that has been beautifully planned with ‘gaddas’ seating placed around the 3 sides of the terrace to allow a perfect view of the dances.

The 1 hour show on a pleasant November evening under a star-lit sky commences with a brief and informative introduction, followed by the beating of a drum, blowing of a conch shell and a welcome song.

After the Performance, proceed to a famous restaurant for Dinner.

Come back to the hotel.

Morning, meet the Journeys rep / driver who will transfer you Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport for your flight to Mumbai.

Arrive in Mumbai full of dreamers & hard-labourers, starlets & gangsters, stray dogs & exotic birds, artists & servants, fisherfolk & crorepatis (millionaires), and lots & lots of people.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India's economic, cultural & cosmopolitan capital and the most populous city in India. Located on the northern portion of India's western coastline, the Konkan coast, Mumbai is the major port.

As such, it is responsible for the plurality of India's trade functions & tax revenue. Dreams of Mumbai's economic opportunity continue to draw countless migrants to the city: it is known for some of the largest slums - informal housing settlements - in Asia & some of the starkest income disparities in the world. Mumbai is India’s financial powerhouse, fashion epicentre and a pulse point of religious tension.

And the world’s most expensive home - 400,000 sq feet & only $ 1.2 billion+ worth for a family of 3 & a household staff of 600 - is located here.

Mumbai draws its population from every corner of India and, increasingly, the world. However, unlike most major Indian cities, Mumbai's urbanism - its exponential urban growth & population density - is a relatively recent phenomenon. India’s most prolific film industry, Bollywood, the film industry producing over 400 films a year & consequently, the largest movie industry in the world is located here. The actors enjoy their god-like statuses & dwell in exclusive mansions on Malabar Hill.

Its most recognizable monument is the Gateway to India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen Mary in 1911. From there one can catch a boat to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Elephanta Island, with its rock-cut temples & caves dating back to the 6^th century.

It also has one of the the largest tropical forest in an urban zone and there are many Museums, Art Galleries, Bazaars, Parks & Temples.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).  Depending on the time, we recommend a Bollywood tour where you can visit a Movie Studio & see a film being shoot.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & proceed for a half day 4 hour city tour, visiting or driving through some of the city’s landmarks.

You will visit Marine Drive, Mumbai’s most popular seaside promenade. A stroll down the Marine Drive is definitely one of the best way to discover Mumbai. This winding stretch of road extends from Nariman Point to Malabar Hills. It’s also called as Queen’s Necklace because of its curvy shape and many street lights with skyscrapers on one side and Arabian sea on other.

Walk to the adjacent Kamla Nehru Park, one of Mumbai's premier gardens popular with young children & tourists, located at the top of Malabar Hills overlooking the Marine Drive. It houses an iconic giant structure in the shape of woman’s shoe - "Old Woman's Shoes" – where kids can climb up & play inside.

The Park has wonderfully cut hazes & roomy walkaways and a Hanging Garden on the slopes of the Malabar hills, offering a nice view of the Marine lines & Chowpatty beach.

Hanging Gardens were built during the early 1880s over Mumbai's main reservoir at the top end of  Malabar Hills, to cover the water from contaminating the activities of Towers of Silence (Zoroastrian Cremation Ground) which is nearby. The garden provides lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea.

Proceed to Mani Bhawan or Gandhi Memorial which used to be the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It is from this famous house No. 19, called Mani Bhawan, that Gandhiji was arrested in 1932. This 2 storied building houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo feature on the Mahatma's life, some memorabilia, an old Gandhiji's charkha & a film and recording archive.

Drive through Juhu - nicknamed as the uptown paradise, It is a place that attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. Juhu beach is attractively studded with five star hotels offering the customers a splendid view of the coast. The beach remains overcrowded on weekends. The general beach activities like camel rides, pony rides, acrobats, performing monkeys & entertainers keep people enthralled all the time. Also, drive past the Flora Fountain, the colourful Crawford Market and Victoria Terminus train station.

Particularly interesting for visitors – both local & foreigners – is the 140 year old Dhobi Ghat. Recognized as the world's largest outdoor human-powered washing machine, the Dhobi Ghat is exclusive to the city of Mumbai. 

Watch the washer men or the 'dhobis' provide an efficient service, gathering dirty laundry, cleaning it and returning it perfectly ironed, and all this at an exceptionally small price.

Every day hundreds of people beat the dirt out of thousands of kilograms of soiled Mumbai clothes and linen in 1026 open-air troughs. They remove persistent stains by soaking clothes in a boiling vat of caustic soda. The clothes are dried on long bright coloured lines & then use heavy wood‐burning irons for neatly pressing the clothes

The spectacular site this dhobi ghat provides is a photographer's delight, though the locals here find it bewildering that their daily work arouses such interest among visitors.  The best view is from the bridge across the railway tracks near Mahalaxmi train station.

The sightseeing ends & you are transferred back to the hotel (or you can continue exploring & return to the hotel on your own).

You may want to visit the yellow basalt stone structure Gateway of India with delicately carved latticework & 4 turrets, built to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911 when Delhi became capital of India. Situated at the Apollo Bunder, the Gateway holds greater historical significance.

Another place worth visiting is Prince of Wales Museum, built between 1904 & 1914 surrounded by beautiful landscapes forming an ideal getaway. This museum was used as a hospital during the First World War. The Museum stores an invaluable collection of some of the best art found in India. Regarded as one of the best Museums in the country, the exquisite display of antiques, priceless collection of miniature paintings, sculpture, rare coins, jade, china, old firearms & many other artefacts is spellbinding.

Another iconic landmark is the famous Royal Taj Mahal Hotel which was the abode of royalty visiting the city & embodies priceless memories of this glorious city (illustrated by the art & photographs on display). The newer wing - Taj Towers hotel - is also a marvellous architectural delight.

Return to the hotel.

Morning, meet the Journeys rep / driver who will transfer you to the Airport for your short flight to Goa.

Arrive in Goa - India's pocket-sized paradise. A kaleidoscopic blend of Indian & Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood, spices, susegad & spirituality.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Goa Dabolim International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Beach Bounty| Spiritual Sanctuary| Spice of Life | Cultural Crockpot

Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East & West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India and is home to India's finest beach resorts and famous for its Portuguese architecture

Goa’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its virtually uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches. Goa’s 103 km coastline is blessed with the most enchanting beaches lapped by the Arabian Sea & almost all of them are swimmer friendly with the assured presence of lifeguards on all the popular beaches.

Each beach community has developed its own personality & reputation since the hippie days of the '60s catering to every tropical whim:  from backpacker Arambol or bolder, brasher Baga; the palm-fringed sands of Palolem, hippie market bliss at Anjuna or lovely, laid-back Mandrem; expansive groomed sands in front of fancy 5star resorts or hidden crescent coves, where the only footprints will be the scuttling crabs' & your own.

But then Goa is much more than just beaches & sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture & some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer with its own traditions, culture, architecture & its share of monuments. Goa stands out in India for its Portuguese colonial architecture & heritage. The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, lured by the exotic East & the promise of lucrative spice routes, before being booted out in 1961. Their indelible mark is still evident in the state’s baroque architecture. Studded with , whitewashed churches & crumbling forts, colourful Catholic ceremonies & mournful fado music all over due to its past of foreign connection, the striking Renaissance cathedrals in Old Goa, ancestral homes surrounding the ragtag city of Margao, the ornate Hindu temples of Ponda & Panaji's Portuguese historic district, engross every world traveller.

Want to top up your Zen as well as your tan? Welcome to winter in Goa where yoga is king & the crop of spiritual activities grows more bountiful each year: sunrise yoga sessions on the beach, reiki healing courses, meditation & just about every other form of spiritual exploration, are all practised freely. Many travellers come here for a serious yoga experience & you will find everything from drop-in classes to teaching training courses & spiritual retreats.

Food is enjoyed fully in Goa, as it is throughout India. The scents, spices & flavours of Goa’s cuisine will surprise & tantalise even seasoned travellers: whether it is a classic fish curry rice, a morning bhali-pau (bread roll dipped in curry), a piquant vindalho, with its infusions of wine vinegar & garlic, or a spicy xacuti sauce, the Indo-Portuguese influence is a treat for the taste buds.

Beguiling white sands, fresh & spicy seafood, and a cold drink under a glowing sun is Goa at its charming best.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).  

Full day at leisure to relax at one of the beaches or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Early morning, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Bangalore.

Arrive in cosmopolitan Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) - one of India's most progressive & developed cities.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Bangalore - the capital of India's southern Karnataka state & famous as the `Garden City’, loved for its pleasant weather, it was once a summer resort of the British Raj. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its many beautiful gardens, parks & natural lakes, avenues, impressive buildings & today, is one of Asia’s fastest growing cosmopolitan city known for its nightlife. Referred to as India’s `Silicon Valley’, it is the center of India's high-tech industry. 

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India's 3^rd largest city, renowned for its eateries, street food corners, quirky cafes, coffee roasters & pubs dotting every corner of the city, serving cuisines from all over the world. Brunches, buffets, burgers, rooftop cafes, late-night eats - Bangalore has it all.

Go disco-hopping or pub-crawling, shop in the many malls or street markets till your feet give away or relax in the swankiest restaurants or with your favourite movie stars-in the movie hall or simply tee off to glory. Its creature comforts are a godsend to the weary traveller who has done the hard yards, and it is a great city for mixing with locals in craft-beer joints or quirky independent cafes.

Bangalore has the best nightlife in India. It has amazing dance floors for you to groove on and many pubs and clubs which will surely guarantee a fun-filled night after sundown till a little past midnight. The music space in Bangalore is an experience that is hard to forget. There are year-round concerts happening all across the city, and Bangalore has previously played host to bands such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, Lamb of God & many more. The city has plenty of local bands of its own, and Bangalore’s music is a distinct mix of healthy rock fused with classical sounds.

For shopaholics, Bangalore is the place for you to be. Be it brand shopping or street shopping, Bangalore has plenty of shopping destinations scattered throughout its perimeter, where one can buy everything from clothes to footwear to jewellery, and even priceless antiques. From the simplest of trinkets to the trendiest of outfits, Bangalore has it all.

Architectural landmarks include Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha - a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19^th century Bangalore Palace, modeled after England’s Windsor Castle &  Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18^th century colossal structure built with teak wood.

You can choose to take a long stroll through the beautiful 300 acre Cubbon Park or the botanical gardens of Lalbagh & hop into one of the many acclaimed breweries for a cold refreshing drink.

But just like every big city, the past decade or so has seen a mad surge of development & has reshaped quite a few things including rising temperatures, polluted lakes & heavily congested roads, especially in the newer areas. Aside from the central business & commercial districts (& the roads leading up to them), the neighbourhoods of Bangalore are mostly quiet & serene, especially the older parts of the city. But the central district (dating back to the British Raj years) remains little changed, and the landmark corporate headquarters & business parks of the city's booming IT industry are mostly in the outer suburbs.

Later in the afternoon around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & embark on a 4 hour sightseeing tour of india’s Silicon Valley.

Visit the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens said to be laid out by King Haidar Ali & his son Tipu Sultan as a summer garden in the 18^th century, has numerous flowers, 100 year old trees from many countries & a lotus Pond. There are over 1800 species of tropical, subtropical & medicinal plants and a Floral Clock. The Glass House holds temporary exhibitions.

Then on to the Bull Temple built in dravidian style with the huge monolith statue of Shiva’s vehicle, the sacred Nandi Bull, nearly 5m high & 6m long., in grey granite polished.

See Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) with its impressive facades and portals of pure sandal wood. Finally visit the City Museum that was opened in 1886, one of the oldest in the country. It has 18 galleries including Neolithic finds from the Chandravalli excavations, and from the Indus Valley, especially Mohenjodaro antiquities, including antique Jewellery, Textiles, Coins, Art, miniature Paintings & other geological finds.

They city tour ends & you are transferred back to the hotel (or you can continue exploring & return to the hotel on your own).

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, depart for Mysore.

Enroute visit to Somnathpur. This tiny village has one of the best preserved and the only complete magnificent 13^th century Hoysala Temple, dedicated to God Keshava. Small but exquisite the temple has excellent ceilings which show the distinctive features of the late Hoysala style.

Reach Mysore by noon & Check-in at the hotel.

Mysore, the former capital of the princely state is the second largest city in the province of Karnataka. It is a beautiful city of stately palaces, gardens, parks and museums and this city of palaces, flowers and sandalwood was once the residence of the Maharajas of Mysore. The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, except for a brief period in the late 18^th century when Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan were in power. Patrons of art & culture, the Wodeyars contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city.

Noted for its palaces, including the Mysore Palace, and for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. It lends its name to the Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) & the garment known as the Mysore silk saree. It was the location of the first private radio station in India. Mysore houses Mysore University, which has produced several notable authors, particularly in the field of Kannada

Later in the afternoon at 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a tour.

Start at Chamundi Hill which has a Temple of Durga (Chamundeswari) celebrating her victory over the buffalo demon. She became the guardian deity of the Wodeyars. On the way, is the giant Nandi Monolith - a huge bull sculpture carved in 1659 (4,8m x 7,6m).

Visit the Mysore Palace (1857) one of the largest palaces in the country & once the residence of the Wodeyars. Built in Indo-Saracenic style in grand proportions, with domes, arches, colonnades of carved pillars & shiny marble floors, it has one of the world’s greatest art treasures.

You will have some free time for shopping in the town. Mysore is known internationally for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks, Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) & the Mysore silk saree.

The sightseeing concludes & you are transferred to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax or for independent exploration. Or perhaps, you might want to enjoy the “optional” Rangayana Cultural Show & a delicious Dinner in the famous Lalita Mahal Palace, now converted into a 5 Star Hotel (we would be happy to offer more suggestions & make the arrangements).

Early morning, you will be driven to Bangalore Airport for your flight to Cochin.

Arrive in the lovely seaside city of Cochin - Informally referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. It is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east & the Arabian Sea on the west and its proximity to the equator, the sea & the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Cochin International Airport, you will be welcomed by the Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide Assistance during Check-in & will brief you about the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

Cochin's history is a bright tapestry - many coloured threads woven through centuries together present the fabric of the present. 

Popularly known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, Cochin (now known as Kochi) was traditionally a potpourri of various Indian & international communities and was highly influenced by historical trading partners, Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese & Japanese and was controlled by many empires over the centuries.

Set on a magnificent estuary, serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers & travellers to its shores for over 600 years. It was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch & British and this resulted in a unique mix & match of traditional as well Western architecture & lifestyle. But despite being ruled by so many different domains, it still maintains its cultural identity & is fiercely proud of it.

The result is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal & Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast.

Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant Chinese fishing nets, a 450 year old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese & Dutch era houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. Kochi is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala & has many Catholic churches & followers.

Modern day Kochi may be a busy port and shipping centre but it has many attractions for ordinary tourists. A delightful place to explore, laze in arty cafes & relax at some of India’s finest homestays & heritage hotels. It is also an important centre for Keralan arts (traditional & contemporary) & a standout place to see Kathakali & kalarippayat.

Breathtakingly scenic & prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity & beauty of Kerala, rated in the top 3 tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council & featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'. It is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala & has many Catholic churches and followers.

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am in the lobby & proceed for 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

You will walk & drive across the Cochin Harbour to Fort Cochin, stopping by at the Dutch Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and known for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana & the Mahabharata, and portraits of Cochin's erstwhile rulers and the dresses & palanquins used by them.

Proceed to Old Cochin & the quarter known as Jew Town near to the Mattancherry Palace temple, on the land donated to the Malabari Yehudenor "Yehuden Mappila" community by the  Maharaja of Kochi, to visit the oldest active Paradeshi Jewish Synagogue in India & Commonwealth of Nations, built in 1568; it was destroyed by the Portuguese & rebuilt by the Dutch a century later with Chinese willow-patterned tiles & gold crowns and with ancient scrolls & a large number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script.

Visit one of the oldest European churches in the country, Saint Francis Church, built by the Portuguese in 1503, an amalgamation of outside influences on local architecture. The Church has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent & is well-known for its beautiful architecture & ambience. Admire the whitewashed exterior of the Santa Cruz Basilica & its beautifully painted ceiling. On his third visit to India, the great Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama fell ill & died and he is buried here.

But the unofficial emblems of Kerala’s backwaters, & perhaps the most photographed, are the half-dozen giant cantilevered symbolic Chinese Fishing Nets on Fort Cochin's northeastern shore, known locally as cheena vala, near the harbour's entrance.

The famous Chinese Fishing Nets are a legacy of traders from the AD 1400 court of Kublai Khan. These spiderlike nets for fishing are 10 metre tall & 20 metre wide contraptions fixed on land, resting on teak or bamboo poles & requiring five or six people to operate their counterweights at high tide.

Modern fishing techniques are making these labour-intensive methods less & less profitable, with nets like these slowly disappearing from Kerala's coastline. Smaller fishing nets are dotted around the shores of Vembanad & Ashtamudi lakes; some of the best are just east of Cherai Beach on Vypeen Island.

Final stop will be the private Kerala Folklore Museum - a cultural hub to promote & preserve the culture and heritage of South India. It was started & still being managed by a local philanthropist couple Mrs & Mr. George Thaliath, with the aim to preserve the culture, heritage & folk art education for future generations.

This wooden Temple of Art was developed with the help of 62 skilled traditional carpenters working for over 7 years, culling the wood & artifacts from 25 ancient heritage structures and compiling into a single building. The displays show works from traditional architecture to ancient sculptures, wood work, terracotta, Indian bronzes, stone work, paintings, ancient jewelry, utensils, agricultural equipment, coins & all other ethnic artifacts connected with the rural & tribal life of South India. The Museum aims to provide art education to the young generation as well as providing opportunity to the tourists from around the globe to experience the unseen Kerala under one roof. It is a ‘must see’ place for tourist as well as students & researchers of Anthropology.

The sightseeing concludes & you will be immediately transferred in your private car to the picturesque village of Aleppey for your ‘backwaters’ experience.

Arrive in Alleppey (or Alappuzha) in an hour & continue driving around the picturesque countryside along the coastal line, amidst idyllic scenery.

Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways, over a thousand houseboats.

Wandering around the small but chaotic city centre, with its modest grid of canals, you would be hard-pressed to agree with the 'Venice of the East' tag. But head out towards the backwaters & Alleppey becomes graceful & greenery-fringed, disappearing into a watery world of villages, punted canoes, toddy shops &, of course, houseboats.

One of the most important tourist centers in the state, a town with a large network of picturesque inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the East". The Palm fringed canals & shores bustling with glimpses from the day to day life in the country side, the wonderful mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides & its beautiful sandy beach has blessed the water locked district, to become one of the best  tourism destinations in God's Own Country.

These large network of inland tranquil canals provide Alleppey with its lifeline & it was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries, prawn farming & Kettuvalloms (Houseboats or Rice Boats).

In fact, in Alleppey, the life moves around water. Children learn to swim before they walk & learn to sail boats before they bicycle. They take their first lesson from the school of fishes.

Alleppey is best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam & the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists & the local population alike.

Alappuzha Beach is the site of the 19^th century Alappuzha Lighthouse. The city's Mullakkal Temple features a traditional design.

In time, proceed to the Pier in Alappuzha to board your private Kettuvallam, a traditional Rice Boat.

Check-in at the Boat & relax.

Get on board & after you are settled in & have enjoyed a calming sweet coconut, the Boat will take a round in the Vembanad Lake before entering the Canal system of what is called, the Kuttanad - the erstwhile rice bowl of Southern India. There is a vast arrangement of geometric rice paddies called Blocks that connect the ancient backwaters to the Lake & sea.

You will stay overnight in your houseboat besides enjoying the authentic Kerala cuisine while  you sail through the gorgeous backwaters, thinking to yourself whether this place is actually untouched by time

It took great skill & meticulousness to construct these Houseboats by tying huge planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single nail. These ‘Kettuvalloms’ are equipped with all modern amenities like plush carpets, well-appointed bedrooms & en-suite bathrooms and an on board kitchen. It usually has an open lounge, deck & a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook & guide. These boats offer a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of God's Own Country & you can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins.

The boat cruise along the breathtaking backwaters of Alleppey provides a wonderful opportunity to see the lush paddy fields, scenic landscapes & traditional villages situated on the shore of backwaters.in Kuttanad (the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala) & a first-hand experience of the local life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.

These cruise boats offer a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of God's Own Country, travelling through palm-fringed backwaters, where you can see local villages located on the side of the canals. You will enjoy nature at its bountiful best as your houseboat passes by charming villages, lush green paddy fields and other scenic delights.

The Boat will stop at one or more of the canal-side fish markets to stock up on some fresh fish for the journey, which gives you a chance to suggest your preferences to add to the menu. You can embellish the Menu with lobster, if available in the market.

The Boat will cruise for short distances & stop periodically to give you the opportunity to get off & walk around the villages. The Boat will moor beside a paddy field for lunch. .

Lunch is actually a rich affair with quite a few dishes that include meat, fish & vegetable dishes, all cooked Kerala style. You will smell the aroma of grilling & frying from the galley at the rear as you cruise.

After lunch, the Boatman raises sail again as you start exploring the canals & byways of this unusual ecosystem. Without roads, all life in the Backwaters takes place on the stage of the canal bank - whether it is washing clothes & children, gossiping or buying fish & stuff from the itinerant boatmen.

You may hear their distinctive cries as they paddle down the canals. Each type of Salesman has a different cry. Later in the afternoon, you will see the children in school uniforms, returning from their schools Alappuzha, on the water ferries. As you travel through the backwaters you will see a wide variety of birds - both wild & domestic - duck farming is popular here & you will encounter flocks of over 1000 birds quacking along the canals.

The water of the Backwater is the reason why this area is so ecologically unique & interesting: the level is below high tide line so the waters are fed from two distinct sources - the sea & the rivers from the mountains and this makes the water slightly brackish & home to species that have evolved to survive this environment.

You will obviously not see below the surface the variety of aquatic life - fish, mussels, clams & prawns. But from the amount of fishing activity that you will see during the day & night - it will be obvious that they are there & in some abundance, too.

If you want to, you may dive in to the waters to come back up with mussels. CNN sends the likes of Anthony Bourdain to sample the mussels harvested here. The trick is to cook it well unlike the gourmet dishes of curing & flash cooking. Despite this, the masalas (spices) added bring out top quality mussel dishes that are quite a revelation. Experience the whole process from fishing to cooking & enjoying a Keralan mussel delicacy.

As the sun starts to set, the Boatmen will find their regular moorings & anchor for the night (usually around 6.00 pm). The Backwater houseboats all moor at the same time to free the waters for the night time Fishermen, who now paddle past quietly on their way to set nets or fish with lights.

This is your chance to enjoy a Sundowner (non-alcoholic) & take in the late afternoon activities of the local society. While you are relaxing in the bows, watching the world go by, the crew will be cooking dinner for you. 

This would be a good time to set out along the banks to discover the world of the Backwaters (one of the crew will be happy to show you around & ensure you notice the minute details of your surroundings which you will remember after you return).

After dinner, the lights are often dimmed t enable you to simply enjoy the peace & calm of the night.

Spend the evening lying on the day bed in the bows puffing on a cigarette or a cigar. Gaze at the moon while lying peacefully on the deck as you listen to the soft splashes of water against the houseboat (which is docked for the night). When sleep hits, retire to your cool cabin & fall asleep with the gentle rocking of the boat.

Morning, get up early & enjoy breakfast aboard as the Boat cruises towards the jetty at Alleppey where the Cruise ends & you disembark around 07.30 am. 

You will be met on arrival by a Journeys representative / driver who will ensure your comfort & drive you to next stop on your India experience.

Arrive in Kovalam by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Once a calm fishing village clustered around its crescent beaches and backed by a sea of cascading palms, Kovalam now competes with Varkala as Kerala’s most developed resort. 30 years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits & toddy (coconut beer).

Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore & today this tiny beach region is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a weekly dose of ozone, UV & a refreshing Indian Experience. The touristy main stretch, Lighthouse Beach, is flanked by hotels & restaurants stretching back into the hillside from the shore. Just north, Hawa Beach is usually crowded with day trippers heading straight from the taxi & bus stands to the sand although neither beach could be described as pristine.

It is undoubtedly the most popular beach hangouts in India today. The leisure options at this beach are plenty & diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes & catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes.

At the southern end of Lighthouse Beach is a striped lighthouse with a viewing platform. Life on the beach begins late in the day & carries on well into the night. The beach area offers a choice of Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Shopping zones, Swimming Pools, Yoga & Ayurvedic Massage Centres.

The capital city of the state of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is 20 minutes away & offers interesting sightseeing options like Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery & the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The State owned Handicrafts Emporium, is the ideal place to pick up authentic ethnic curios & gifts for the family & friends.

Balance of the day is free to relax or for perhaps avail of the opportunity to recharge your senses with one of the optional herbal oil Ayurvedic massages (we would be happy to  make the arrangements).

Day 20 - 25 | Space contraints. Request for the Itinerary, if