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).

Early morning, you will be picked up for 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 Khajuraho.

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

Khajuraho is a tourist & archaeological town located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain patriarchs. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region.

Khajuraho was one of the capitals of the Chandela kings, who from the 9^th to 11^th CE developed a large realm, which at its height included almost all of what is now Madhya Pradesh state & contained about 85 temples built by multiple rulers. In the late 11^th century, the Chandelas, in a period of chaos & decline, moved to hill forts elsewhere.

The town continued its religious importance until the 14^th century (Ibn Batuta was impressed by it) but was afterwards largely forgotten; its remoteness probably saved it from the desecration that Muslim conquerors generally inflicted on Hindu monuments. The temple complex was discovered in the jungles of Khajuraho in 1838 by a British Army captain. Modern Khajuraho is a small village, serving the tourist trade with hotels & the Airport.

Architecturally, the Temples are built in the north Indian Nagara style. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh are amongst the most beautiful medieval monuments in India. Still the largest group of Hindu & Jain temples in the world, of the original group of 85, only about 25 of them remain today.

Most temples were constructed of hard river sandstone, the remaining temples are still reasonably well preserved. Both internally & externally, the Temples are richly carved with excellent sculptures that are frequently sensual &, at times, sexually explicit.

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 4 corners of the platform in the bigger temples.

The 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 the 3 groups of the 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.

The western group is the largest & best known, containing the magnificent Shaivite temple Kandariya Mahadev, a 31m high agglomeration of porches & turrets culminating in a spire.

The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures.

The erotic carvings that swathe Khajuraho’s three groups of temples are among the finest temple art in the world and have awed generations of people with their architectural brilliance, intricate carvings and, most famously, their erotic sculptures.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel & Check-in.

Or perhaps stay back to enjoy an “optional” Son et Lumeire Show at the Temples (we would be happy to make the arrangements).

Balance of the day is at leisure.

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.

The Orchha fort complex is the biggest tourist draw of this small town. Visit some of the the numerous palaces, pavilions, lodges & temples. The complex itself is divided into three parts.

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.

Depart around 05:00 pm for 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 & earlier 17^th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity & 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 & 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 around 06:00 pm & proceed to visit one of the famous landmarks here - the Birla Temple (aka Laxmi Narayan Temple) to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur.

Jaipur, famous for its forts, palaces, monuments & heritage history, houses one of the finest Hindu temples in the country. The temple was constructed by one of India's most famous industrialist family of Birlas, The family has erected similar grand temples across India, including in Delhi, Kolkata & Hyderabad. Known across the country for its glory, Laxmi Narayan Temple, now known as Birla Mandir, is the pride of the Pink City. The temple is an abode to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi.

Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Jaipur & is part of one of the several Birla Mandir located all around the country. The grand temple is located on an elevated ground at the base of Moti Dungari hill, surrounded by lush green trees which simply add to the calm & peace of the temple

According to history, the Birla temple was built on the land given to the 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 & look back at the entrance - Ganesh can be made out through the marble, which is almost transparent.

The 3 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 ancestral objects belonging to the billionaire Birla family. Thronged by devotees throughout the day, the temple is especially crowded during the festive season.

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 Jodhpur, driving through arid desert land & passing by quaint Rajasthani villages.

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

Jodhpur, the 2^nd largest city in Rajasthan, is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts & temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert.

Jodhpur is a historic city & the origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom, also known as the Marwar, was the largest in Rajputana.

The city was built as the new capital of the state of Marwar to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which can be seen near what is now the Mandore Gardens. The people of Jodhpur & surrounding areas are hence also commonly called as Marwaris.

It is also known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year & referred to as the Blue City because most whitewashed houses in the old city around Mehrangarh Fort, are painted in shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri due to the fact that many Brahmins live there.

Mighty Mehrangarh, the muscular Fort that towers over Jodhpur, is a magnificent spectacle & an architectural masterpiece. Around Mehrangarh’s base, the old city, a jumble of Brahmin blue cubes, stretches out to the 10km long, 16^th century thick stone city wall. The Blue City really is blue! Inside is a tangle of winding, glittering, medieval streets, which never seem to lead where you expect them to, scented by incense, roses & sewers, with shops & bazaars selling everything from trumpets & temple decorations to snuff & saris.

Modern Jodhpur stretches well beyond the city walls, but it’s the immediacy & buzz of the old Blue City & the larger-than-life fort that capture travellers’ imaginations.  This crowded, hectic zone is also Jodhpur’s main tourist area. Areas of the old city further west, such as Navchokiya, are just as atmospheric, with far less hustling.

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

It has a rich architectural and historical legacy. The exquisiteness of the Jodhpur forts & monuments is sure to enchant you. The forts & palaces, temples & havelis, culture & tradition, spices & fabrics, colour & texture, a booming handicrafts industry, combine to make this historic city worth a visit.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09:00 am & proceed for a half day 4 hour tour of the city.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the most stunning forts of Rajasthan, situated on a 150m high hill, which can be traversed by driving on a 5 km long winding road & crossing 7 mighty gates on the way. The Fort commemorates the victorious battles of Jodhpur over other empires & states, especially Bikaner & Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh, but some additions like the Fatehpol, were made by successive rulers too. The main attractions of the Fort are its lavish palaces, huge courtyards, galleries & temples. A must visit are the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umed Vilas, Sheesh Mahal & Chamunda Devi Temple. There is also a Museum displaying the rich artifacts of the royal era including palanquins, elephant howdahs & exquisite silver work.

Next stop will be at Cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Thada which was built in 1899 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is decorated with latticework on translucent sheets of marble & carved wooden doors. There are 3 other cenotaphs & a royal crematorium situated within the marble edifice. From the Fort, you will get a marvelous view of the marble structure & its lush gardens. You will also find some age-old portraits of the Rathore kings displayed here.

Proceed to the old town where you walk through the market getting a feel of the town and also pass by the famous Clock Tower - a creation in white marble and the timely treasure of Jodhpur. It was built by Shri Sardar Singh Ji, after whom the nearby market is named. The vibrant Sardar Bazaar has narrow pathways aligned with small shops selling everything from vegetables to handicrafts.

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

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions & arrange).

At dawn, depart for Udaipur, driving through arid desert land & passing by quaint Rajasthani villages.

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.

Stop at 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 is quite a unique & an interesting destination, which attracts people from across the globe for its massive citadel built 1443 A.D. and the wildlife sanctuary nearby. Kumbhalgarh Fort is the 2^nd 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 is constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The fortifications extend to the length of 36 km & this fact has made the fort to be listed in the international records, as 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. 

Drive on to Ranakpur, famous as a Jain pilgrimage centre. 

Built in the 15^th century, Ranakpur Temples temple took approximately 65 years to complete. The largest & most important temples of the Jain cult are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style in exquisite white marble. This temple is wholly constructed in light colored marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet and 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 and 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 the similar design. Another stunning fact about these columns is that they change their color from golden to pale blue after every hour during the day.

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

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

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 and palaces which in centuries past served as the homes of royalty.  The elevated hills and 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 and 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 and crafts, especially for the miniature paintings and 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. 

Balance of the day 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,

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 and large marble elephants. It was built by 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 and a brass image of Garuda. The temple is ornamented with spires, mandaps, porches and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 (palatial mansions)  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 proceeding to the hotel.

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 & informative introduction, followed by the beating of a drum, blowing of a conch shell & 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.

On arrival at Terminal? - Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, you will immediately proceed (on your own) to connect for the onward flight to Aurangabad.

Arrive in Aurangabad, a dream destination of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, founded in 1610, still retaining its past glory & charms, heritage & traditions (inspite of rapid industrial growth) surrounded by many famous historical monuments with a plethora of magnificent arts on display.

Meeting on arrival at Terminal? - Aurangabad Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for Aurangabad.

Travellers to Aurangabad will find history dating back to the 2^nd century BCE, when the Satavahana rulers established their capital in Pratishtanapura, today known as Paithan. It was around this time that the Viharas (monasteries) were carved out of caves in what is now Ajanta & the stunning Cave paintings were made, to be lost & rediscovered in the early 19^th century. The carvings in the Ellora caves track the changing fortunes of three major religions Buddhism, Hinduism & Jainism between the 5^th & 10^th century BCE.

Fast forward a couple of 100 years & Aurangabad then fell to the local Muslim rulers of Deccan who revolted against the Delhi Sultan. The city of Aurangabad was founded by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of one of these rulers, though the name of the city then was Fatehpura. The region kept changing hands & laid low through most of the tumultuous history of medieval India till the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan consolidated his hold & appointed his son Aurangzeb as the governor of the Deccan province in his youth & who went on to become the Emperor of India.

The city derives its name from the last of the great Mughals, Aurangzeb who made it the capital from 1653 to 1707. He spent the last two decades of his life battling the Marathas in an ultimately fruitless campaign. He died in 1707 in Khuldabad near Aurangabad city & was buried there - the battles ultimately resulted in the ‘beginning of the end’ of the great Mughal Empire too.

With the Emperor’s death came the city’s rapid decline, but the brief period of glory saw the building of some fascinating monuments, including a Taj Mahal replica - Bibi-qa-Maqbara.

Aurangabad has a long association with the concept of heritage. It has seen several dynasties & experienced the power of rulers of different religions, cultures & communities, each of which has left its mark on the city.

The city is most famous, however, for being the entry point to the world famous UNESCO World Heritage listed Buddhist caves of Ajanta & Ellora. Other places to visit in Aurangabad include the Aurangabad Caves, Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki & the Museums.

Silk fabrics were once Aurangabad’s chief revenue generator & the town is still known across the world for its hand-woven Himroo & Paithani saris.

Balance of the day at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning at 09:00 am, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby and proceed for a full day 8 hour tour to explore the Caves of Ajanta.

The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra consists of about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2^nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE, cut into the side of a cliff that is on the south side of a U-shaped gorge on the small river Waghur. They were originally reached by individual stairs or ladders from the side of the river 10–35 m below although they are now along and above a modern pathway running across the cliff.

The caves include paintings & sculptures described as "the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting", which are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, with figures of the Buddha and depictions of the Jataka tales. The caves form the largest corpus of early Indian wall-painting. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence.

Offering a rich tapestry of images that speak of palaces, royalty, cultures and tales of everyday life of ancient India. Long buried in the debris of time, these 30 caves were built to offer seclusion to the Buddhist monks, who lived, taught and performed rituals. The ten caves are divided into two sections, the east and the west, each having a group of five caves in them. Beautiful Buddhist statues in different postures and elegantly carved pillars are the chief attractions in these caves. Without a doubt, the rock-cut monuments at Ajanta & Ellora are the prime attraction for people visiting Aurangabad. Both these architectural marvels figure on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The elaborate architectural carving in many caves is also very rare, and the style of the many figure sculptures is highly local, found only at a few nearby contemporary sites, although the Ajanta tradition can be related to the later Hindu Ellora Caves and other sites.

The area was previously heavily forested, and after the site ceased to be used the caves were covered by jungle until accidentally rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer on a hunting party. They are Buddhist monastic buildings, apparently representing a number of distinct "monasteries" or colleges. The caves are numbered 1 to 28 according to their place along the path, beginning at the entrance. Several are unfinished and some barely begun and others are small shrines, included in the traditional numbering as e.g. "9A"; "Cave 15A" was still hidden under rubble when the numbering was done. Further round the gorge are a number of waterfalls, which when the river is high are audible from outside the caves

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the day at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed to explore another historical wonder, 33 km out of the city - the Ellora Caves.

The impressive complex of rock temples & monasteries of Ellora built between the 6^th & 10^th centuries AD near the ancient Indian village of Ellora. represent the 3 major faiths of India - Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. Like Ajanta, Ellora caves too are a fine example of cave temples with almost 34 caves with intricate interiors & ornamental facades.  The Caves here have a slightly less dramatic setting than those at Ajanta, but more exquisite sculptures.

The 34 major caves are numbered consecutively rather than chronologically, starting with the Buddhist group (Caves 1-13) in the south. Other groups are dedicated to the Brahmanical pantheon (Caves 14-29) & to Jainism (Caves 30-34). The most notable monument is Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, which represents the culmination of rock-cut architecture, with huge sculptural reliefs heightening the overall symbolism of the temple as cosmic mountain and as the home of Shiva.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Caves at Ellora, were carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. The carving work began about the same time the Ajanta Caves located 100 km northeast, were abandoned. The last period of building activity took place in the 10^th century, when the local rulers switched allegiance from Shaivism (Hinduism devoted to Shiva) to the Digambara sect of Jainism.

The Ellora Caves were initially built at time when Buddhism was declining in India & Hinduism was beginning to reassert itself. The Brahmanical movement was especially powerful under the patronage of the Chalukya & Rashtrakuta kings, who oversaw most of the work at Ellora - including the magnificent Kailasa Temple.

The co-existence of structures from 3 different religions serve as a splendid visual representation of the prevalent religious tolerance of India.

The Tour comes to an end by early afternoon.

You will be transferred to the 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.

On arrival at Terminal1 - Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next day.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

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.

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

On arrival at Terminal? - Madurai International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next day.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

Chennai may be the capital of Tamil Nadu, but Madurai claims its soul. Madurai is Tamil-born & Tamil-rooted, one of the oldest cities in India, a metropolis that traded with ancient Rome & was a great capital long before Chennai was even dreamed of. Madurai is another temple city of South India & the 2^nd  largest city of the state of Tamil Nadu. It derives its name from the divine nectar (Madhu) that was showered from the locks of Lord Shiva according to a popular legend.

The city has a rich cultural heritage which it has inherited from the great Tamil era, which is more than 2500 years old. Once the capital of the great Pandya kings, Madurai was an important cultural & commercial center even as early as 550 AD. The city is also mentioned in Megasthenes' Indica. He was an ancient Greek diplomat & envoy to India in the 3^rd century BC, who wrote praises about this temple city. Madurai's glory reached its peak, during the reign of the Cholas & then during the Pandyas' regime in the 13^th century.

Madurai, perhaps appropriately given its age, captures many of India’s glaring dichotomies: a centre dominated by a medieval temple & an economy increasingly driven by IT, all overlaid with the hustle, energy & excitement of a big Indian city and slotted into a much more manageable package than Chennai’s sprawl. Today, Madurai is a well-known producer of some of the finest textiles in India and some of the best harvests of jasmine flowers.  Madurai is also called as the “sleepless city” as the city is vibrantly live round the clock with its bustling markets & other shopping areas.

Madurai is famous for its temples built by Pandyan & Madurai Nayak kings in the Dravidian style of architecture and its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of the most popular & grandest of all - Meenakshi Amman Temple covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, with Lord Shiva in the name of Sundareswarar & His consort Meenakshi Amman, blessing His devotees.

It is also one of India's most outstanding Hindu pilgrimage centres. The dazzling mazelike structure ranks among India's greatest temples & millions attend the processions & ceremonies of April's Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi & Lord Vishnu.

Shortly after arrival, you will proceed for a 4 hour visit to explore the landmarks

Start at Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple - a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture synonymous with the Sri Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The gopurams that surround the temple are known for their stuccowork.

The colourful abode of the triple-breasted warrior goddess Meenakshi (‘fish-eyed’ - an epithet for perfect eyes in classical Tamil poetry) is generally considered to be the peak of South Indian temple architecture, as vital to this region's aesthetic heritage as the Taj Mahal to North India.

The existing 17^th century temple was mostly built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak, but its origins go back 2000 years to when Madurai was a Pandyan capital. A 6-hectare complex with 12 tall gopurams, encrusted with a staggering array of gods, goddesses, demons & heroes (1511 on the 55m high south gopuram alone).

According to legend, the beautiful Meenakshi (a reincarnation of Parvati) was born with three breasts & this prophecy: her superfluous breast would melt away when she met her husband. This happened when she met Shiva & took her place as his consort.

The four streets surrounding the temple are pedestrian-only. Temple dress codes & security are airport-strict: no shoulders or legs (of either gender) may be exposed & no bags or cameras are allowed inside (but you can use phone cameras).

Despite this, the temple has a happier atmosphere than some of Tamil Nadu's more solemn shrines &  is adorned with especially vibrant ceiling & wall paintings.

Some areas are off limits to non-Hindus. However, anyone can wander round the Golden Lotus Tank, where a small pavilion jutting out at the western end has ceiling murals depicting Sundareswarar & Meenakshi's marriage.

Leave the temple via a hall of flower sellers & the arch-ceilinged Ashta Shakti Mandapa - lined with relief carvings of the goddess' eight attributes & displaying the loveliest of all the temple's elaborately painted ceilings, this is actually the temple entrance for most worshippers.

Also visit the Gandhi Museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life & work, which is housed in the 300-year-old Mangammal Palace. It has a collection of Gandhi’s personal memorabilia, books and letters, a fine exhibition of South Indian village industries, handicrafts and a huge open-air theatre.

Take a peek at Thirumalai Nayak Palace a gracious building, built in 1636 in the Indo Mughal style, famous for its 15 domes & arches are adorned with stucco work. Its Celestial Pavilion, an arcaded octagonal structure, is curiously constructed in brick & mortar without any supporting rafters.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure or for independent exploration (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning at 09:00 am, proceed for a full day 8 hour excursion to Chettinad.

Located in the centre of Tami Nadu, Chettinad is the home of the Nattukottai Chettiars called the Nagarathars who were & are still today, a prosperous banking & business community. This entire area is a major tourist spot with its temples, old palatial buildings, architecture, woodcraft, textiles & delicious cuisine. It also has a vivid history & culture.

One of the main attractions of Chettinad are the palatial mansions of the Chettiars.

These ancestral houses, that were built more than 100 years ago, have massive high walled structures and were decorated with the finest of wood & craftsmanship and are packed with imported period furniture, chandeliers, curios & paintings. The architectural structure of a typical Chettiar home is a study in how a human dwelling can be constructed in harmony with nature. High ceilings, airy & well ventilated, the house has one courtyard near the entrance leads to the imposing main door, usually made of wood with extraordinarily intricate carvings of mythological figures.

The arts of Chettinad also occupy a distinct position in South Indian folklore. Wood carving, silver embellishment, woven saris, palm-leaf baskets, gold jewellery, hand-made tiles, architectural styles, refined cuisine & egg plastering are among their more visible contributions to the wide-ranging repertoire of Indian arts and crafts. Chettinad baskets has a special attraction as they have intricate patterns made with date-palm leaves. These patterns are as fine as the embroidery and are the specialty of the Chettiar community.

You will also visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple and Chettinad Museum, which is housed in an old converted house. It showcases the traditional jewellery, textiles, household implements, utensils & all other unique lifestyle products of the Chettiyars.

Return to the hotel.

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

Morning, depart for Trichy, enroute visiting Tanjore (aka Thanjavur) - called a city of temples.

Here are the ochre foundation blocks of perhaps the most remarkable civilisation of Dravidian history, one of the few kingdoms to expand Hinduism beyond India, a bedrock for aesthetic styles that spread from Madurai to the Mekong. Thanjavur has a dizzying historical legacy that was forged from being the capital city of Chola kingdom from the 9^th to 13^th centuries during its heyday and was also a major center of knowledge & culture.

Today Thanjavur is a crowded, hectic, modern Indian town – but the past is still very much present. It is also considered the granary of South India due to its abundant fertile farmland & is known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.

There are more than 70 temples in Thanjavur, the most important being the famous 11^th century Brihadeshwara Temple, a vast Chola dynasty era complex with a frescoed interior. Every day 1000s of people worship at the Temple. It is said (true or false?)  that the shadow of the Big Temple does fall within the grounds but rather away from the main grounds, towards the periphery.

Other landmarks are the Thanjavur Maratha Palace - home to the centuries-old Saraswathi Mahal Library, with palm-leaf manuscripts & Thanjavur Art Gallery, with bronze statues. Tamil University Museum displays coins, folk artifacts & musical instruments.

Thanjavur is also the center of classical arts & music inspite of the advent of technology era. The Performances by the classical musicians, percussionists & the Bharatnatyam dancers never fails to enchant.

Then there is the exquisite Tanjore style of painting, in a classical South Indian painting style, developed over multiple layers & usually centered on the Hindu Gods & Goddesses. A Thanjavur Painting was generally made on a canvas pasted over a plank of wood (Jackfruit or teak) with Arabic gum. The canvas was / is then evenly coated with a paste of French chalk (gopi) or powdered limestone and a binding medium & dried. The royal Tanjore art can be characterized by rich, flat & vivid colors. Simple iconic composition, use of glittering 22carat gold foils overlaid in the painting work & the Tanjore paintings were  decorated mostly using semi-precious stones to bring out the glow to highlight ornaments, structures etc.

First stop will be the fascinating UNESCO listed Brihadeshwara Temple built between 1003 & 1010 by Raja Raja I (‘king of kings’). The outer fortifications were put up by Thanjavur's later Nayak & British regimes. Every day thousands of people worship at the Cholas' grand Brihadishwara Temple.

You enter through a Nayak gate, followed by two original gopurams with elaborate stucco sculptures. You might find the temple elephant under one of the gopurams. Several shrines are dotted around the extensive grassy areas of the walled temple compound, including one of India’s largest statues of Nandi (Shiva’s sacred bull), facing the main temple building. Cut from a single rock & framed by slim pillars, this 16^th century Nayak creation is 6m long.

A long, columned assembly hall leads to the central shrine with its 4m-high Shiva lingam, beneath the superb 61m-high vimana (tower). The assembly hall's southern steps are flanked by two huge dvarapalas (temple guardians). Many graceful deity images stand in niches around the vimana's lower outer levels, including Shiva emerging from the lingam (beside the southern steps); Shiva as the beggar Bhikshatana (first image, south side); Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer (west end of south wall); Harihara (half Shiva, half Vishnu) on the west wall; & Ardhanarishvara (Shiva as half-man, half-woman), leaning on Nandi, on the north side. Between the deity images are panels showing classical dance poses. On the vimana's upper east side is a later Maratha-period Shiva within three arches.

The compound also contains an interpretation centre along the south wall and in the colonnade along the west & north walls, hundreds more linga. Both west & north walls are lined with exquisite lime-plaster Chola frescoes, for years buried under later Nayak-era murals. North of the temple compound, but still within the outer fortifications, are 18^th century neoclassical Schwartz's Church & a park containing the Sivaganga tank.

Continue on to Thanjavur Palace, a mixed bag of ruin & renovation, superb art & random royal paraphernalia.

The maze-like complex was constructed partly by the Nayaks who took over Thanjavur in 1535 & partly by a local Maratha dynasty that ruled from 1676 to 1855. Seven different sections of the palace can be visited but the important ones are the Saraswati Mahal Library Museum & the Art Gallery. There is an interesting hourly audiovisual display highlighting Thanjavur’s sights, history & traditions in the attached cinema room

Maharaja Serfoji Memorial Hall commemorates the enlightened Maratha scholar-king Serfoji II (1798 -1832), with a better collection overlooking a once-splendid, now crumbling courtyard;  Mahratta Dharbar Hall is where Maratha rulers gave audience in a grand but faded pavilion adorned with colourful murals (including their own portraits behind the dais) & sturdy pillars topped by arches filled with gods.

Royal Palace Museum contains a small miscellany of sculptures, weaponry, elephant bells & rajas’ headgears.  Perhaps Serfoji II’s greatest contribution to posterity, this is testimony both to the 19^th century obsession with knowledge accumulation & to an eclectic mind that collected prints of Chinese torture methods, Audubon-style paintings of Indian flora & fauna, world atlases, dictionaries & rare medieval books. Serfoji amassed more than 65,000 books & 50,000 palm-leaf paper manuscripts in Indian & European languages, though most aren’t displayed.

Art Gallery, set around the Nayak Palace courtyard behind the bell tower, contains a collection of superb, mainly Chola, bronzes & stone carvings; its main room, the 1600 Nayak Durbar Hall, has a statue of Serfoji II. From the courtyard, steps lead part of the way up a large gopuram-like tower to a whale skeleton that washed up in Tranquebar.

After spending a couple of hours here, continue driving to Trichy.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Welcome to (more or less) the geographical centre of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirappalli, universally called Trichy or Tiruchi, isn’t just a travel junction: it also mixes up a heaving bazaar with some major temples.

Trichy is an ancient city famous for its beauty of architectural monuments & culture and is considered one of India's top city for temples and monuments. A fine blend of tradition & modernity, located on the banks of River Cauvery, it is famous for its rich cultural & architectural heritage and as a gateway to many eminent temple cities & historical sites of Tamil Nadu.

Trichy may have been a capital of the early Cholas in the 3^rd century BC. It passed through the hands of the Pallavas, medieval Cholas, Pandyas, Delhi Sultanate & Vijayanagars before the Madurai Nayaks brought it to prominence, making it their capital in the 17^th century & building its famous Rock Fort Temple. The city & its Fort, as they stand today, were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. It is one of the main centers around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18^th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in India & according to an inscription, mainly contributed to lay the foundations of the British Empire in India. Under British control, it became an important railway hub known as Trichinopoly.

The Kaveri & Kollidam rivers flow around Srirangam Island, which is known for sacred Hindu sites Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, with intricately carved gopurams (towering gateways) & Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva.

In the evening, accompanied by the Tour-guide, explore the city including spectacular Rock Fort Temple. The most famous landmark of Tiruchirappalli, it is a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. The 88m high Rock Fort is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city.  344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where there are inscriptions dating back to the 3^rd century BC. One can feel the icy chill of the wind when getting to the top of the rock (the temple is housed on the top of a famous rock) & also catch a splendid bird's eye view of Trichy & the Cauvery river.

The Temple complex has many other temples - Thayumaanavar, Uchchi pillayar & Maanikka vinayagar are the most important.

Return to the hotel.

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

Early morning, you will be transferred to Tricy Railway Station to board your train to Madras (aka Chennai). 

On arrival at Chennai railway station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort discuss the local program & introduce you to the Tour-guide.

You will immediately proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city, straight from the station.

Chennai (formerly Madras) popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu & 4^th largest city in the country. The 400 sq km conglomerate of urban villages & diverse neighbourhoods making up Tamil Nadu's capital will pleasantly surprise you. Its role is as keeper of South Indian artistic, religious & culinary traditions.

The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort St. George & gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil heritage & effectively blended it to create a unique synthesis of cultures. Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year old city provides many a fascinating vignettes of southern heritage. In Chennai, you would find a modern metropolis with a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks & historic landmarks. It is a fascinating city with its ancient temples & unique culture and a marvelous tradition of music & dance. It is a city where the landscape of the past lives easily with recent history.

Among Chennai’s greatest assets are its people, infectiously enthusiastic about their hometown; they won’t hit you with a lot of hustle & hassle. Recent years have thrown in a new layer of cosmopolitan glamour: luxe hotels, sparkling boutiques, quirky cafes, smart contemporary restaurants & a sprinkling of swanky bars & clubs.

With its sweltering southern heat, roaring traffic & lack of outstanding sights, Chennai has often been seen as the dowdier sibling among India’s four biggest cities. But it is well worth poking around the museums, exploring the temples, savouring deliciously authentic South Indian delicacies or taking a sunset saunter along Marina Beach.

Visit Fort St George, the oldest English fortress in India, founded in 1644. Learn how it now serves as the headquarters for the legislative assembly of the state of Tamil Nadu. Inside, tour St Mary's Church, Wellesley House & Fort Museum, where you will see relics from British rule in India including weapons, coins, medals & uniforms.

Then, head to the Indo-Saracenic-style Government Museum (also called the Madras Museum), that opened here in 1851. It is the second-oldest museum in India and houses the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe! Browse through an impressive collection of paintings & sculptures, both traditional & modern, and explore diverse exhibits featuring archaeological findings, coins, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts and Amravati paintings, as well as rare works from famous Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma. Especially impressive are the Arms gallery, its pre-historic collection, its philatelic collection, its antique jewellery & the musical instruments collection

Last stop will be the 7^th century Kapaleeshwar Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva. Learn about its Dravidian architecture, which is evident in its gopuram (ornate monumental tower).

Enroute to the hotel, you will be driving along Marina Beach for fantastic views of Chennai’s beautiful landscape.

After the 2 hour tour, proceed to the hotel & Check-in.

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

Today, meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am embark on a full day 10 hour excursion to see two of the finest examples of ancient South Indian architecture - Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.

On arrival, you will head straight to see the Temples. 

South of Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a world apart from that city's hustle & bustle. Small, laid-back Mamallapuram was the major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom based at Kanchipuram, on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal & the Great Salt Lake.  ‘Mahabs’, as most of the locals call it, is less than 2 hours from Chennai & many travellers make a straight beeline & overnight here.

Once ruled by the Pallavas in the 7^th & 8^th centuries, it is known for its excellent architecture, sculptures, temples & monuments. It was during the rule of the Pallavas that great poets, dramatists, artists, artisans, scholars & saints emerged. It can be safely said that the Pallavas are the pioneers & forerunners of new styles both in art & architecture and Mahabalipuram was the best place to praise off their skill and talent.

New sculptures & unique paintings were innovative & exuberant. The richness in Mahaballipuram was not widely known as Pallavas did not expose their quality & innovative creations to the outside world for obvious reasons. The aestheticism in Mahabalipuram was hidden until the late 18^th century. The ancient tradition of stone carving is still alive in Mahabalipuram & you can hear the rhythmic sounds of hammer and chisels event today.

The sculptors have breathed life into stone at this place & there are many marvellous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas & temples. Mahabalipuram has beautiful rock-cut monuments that draw architects, history enthusiasts & travellers from around the world. There is a huge rock tub said to be the bathing tub of Draupathi.  Above, on the rocky hill is a shrine of Vishnu without the deity. One can also see the old rock built lighthouse & the modern lighthouse side by side. UNESCO World Heritage listed Mahabalipuram is a real feast to the eyes that could read an epic in lively sculpture.

What is special about Mahabalipuram? Of course everyone can point out the rock - cut caves, intricately carved stone temples made from a single rock, temples with bas-reliefs which are so artistic that you marvel at the sheer creativity. Mamallpuram is referred as an ‘open-air museum’.

The beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture & sculptures but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach also add to the collective splendor. Any visitor coming to Mahabalipuram will surely be enchanted with the grandeur.

In addition to ancient archaeological wonders, this unspoiled seaside village on the Bay of Bengal has miles of beaches with salty air & coastal beauty. There is also the traveller’s hub of Othavadai & Othavadai Cross Sts, where restaurants serve pasta, pizza & pancakes, fine Indian seafood & lot of shops.

Start with a visit to the seafront Shore Temple which symbolises the heights of Pallava architecture & the maritime ambitions of the Pallava kings. It comprises 3 ornate granite shrines & features the largest bas-relief in the world called Arjuna's Penance & the famous mandapams. The carved carved scene depicts Arjuna, a mythical Indian hero, doing penance to the Lord Shiva. Surrounding Arjuna is a multitude of images, including snakes coiled in battle, jesters with drums & elephants in procession.  Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple.

Also visit the 5 Rathas. Carved from single pieces of rock, the 5 Rathas are low-laying monoliths that huddle in more ancient subtlety than grandeur. Each temple is dedicated to a Hindu god & named for one of the Pandavas, the 5 hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata, plus their common wife, Draupadi.

Drive on to the adjacent Kanchipuram.

Along with Chennai & Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram forms the famous Golden Triangle of the Coromandel Coast. This spectacular temple city is one of the 7 sacred cities of India. It was, successively, capital of the kingdoms of the Pallavas, Cholas & rajas of Vijayanagar. The temples & gopurams here also are exquisite reminders of the beauty of Dravidian architecture, from the freshness & simplicity of the Pallavas' 7^th century Kailasanatha Temple through to the Vijayanagar Empire's 16^th century Ekambareshwara Temple.

The latter covers 9 hectares, with a 59 metre high gopuram, a 1000 pillared hall & a sacred mango tree said to be 3500 years old. Kanchipuram is also famous because of the wonderful craftsmanship of the Kanchi weavers, the makers of what is perhaps the finest silk fabric in the world.

Wander around the town’s magnificent Temples & marvel at the intricate carvings, especially at sunset.

After spending a couple of hours, get back in the car & drive back to your hotel in Chennai.

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