North With South India
Duration: 32 Nights / 33 Days
Destinations covered: - Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Cochin, Ooty, Bangalore, Sravanabelgola, Hassan, Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, Hospet, Goa, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Delhi
Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Traditional Welcome on arrival at Chennai International airport.
Chennai is the fifth largest city in India and the capital city of the Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandal coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the Musical and Cultural Capital of India.] The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. The Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood, the second largest after movie industry (after Bollywood) in India, is based in the city.
Transfer to hotel.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.
Day 02: Chennai
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Mahabalipuram (60 km, 1 hr drive by road) & Kanchipuram (76 km from Chennai).
Mahabalipuram: -A UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel of Dravidian style incorporating Buddhist elements. These rock cut and monolithic monuments constitutes cave temples and monolithic chariots (Rathas). A walk around these monuments helps in connecting a bond with royal dynasty of Pallava.
Kanchipuram: It is well regarded as City of thousand temples. Kanchipuram attained its highest stature in 4th to the 9th centuries as capital of Pallava dynasty. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (A.D. 520) went to China from Kanchipuram to spread Buddhism. He stayed at the Shaolin Monastery and preached Buddhist ideologies. At that time he trained the local people in the art of Varmakkalai. The art underwent many changes and came to be known as Shaolin kung fu or boxing.
Day 03: Chennai Sightseeing/ Thanjavur (345 Kms 7.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for guided tour of city visit one of oldest and biggest museum of India -Government Museum, first establishment of British in India-Fort St George ,One of largest auditorium of South Asia Vallur Kottam where a 33mt tall statute of poet-saint Tiruvalluv struck a awe in visitors.
In the afternoon drive to Thanjavur.
Tanjore is the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple was constructed more than thousand years ago by the King Rajarajan, is an architect's marvel. It is a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting. The pastimes and life of Lord Krishna are seen in Tanjore paintings. The uniqueness of the Tanjore paintings is their extraordinary gold leaf work, attractive jewellery with stones, dazzling color design, and eye catching engraved glasses. The laissez-faire application of gold leaf and precious and semi-precious stones like rubies and diamonds speaks the greatness of the adroit artists of those times. The characteristic of Thanjavur painting is that the figures in the paintings have a round body and egg shaped effulgent eyes and are surrounded by curtains and arch. These paintings will illuminate in the dark room.
Arrive Thanjavur and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Tanjore
After breakfast visit Brahadeeswarar temple originally called as Peruvudaiyar Koil in Tamil, is an ancient Hindu temple located at Tanjore in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This 10th century CE temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples", is a prominent example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The central temple known as the Periya Kovil (Big Temple) stands within a fort, whose walls were later additions built during the 16th century. The name periya Kovil came from its original name "periya aavudayar Kovil" (aavudayar being a local name of Lord Shiva). This awe inspiring temple has many especial feature in its architectural marvel one of them is the sky touching vimana (main tower) of the temple is approximately 65 m (215 ft) high and is the tallest in the world. It was so designed that the vimana never casts a shadow at noon during any period of the year.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Tanjore- Madurai (200 Kms-6 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Madurai enroute visit Rock Fort Temple in Trichy
Madurai: One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.
Arrive Madurai and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit the great Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills, Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Spare your evening to immerse in divine beauty of Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight at Madurai.
Day 06: Madurai – Thekkady (137 Kms, 3 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Thekkady. Drive through paddy fields and vast spice plantation.
Thekkady - one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady. Afternoon experience the mind bowing view of calm crystal clear Periyar lake to view the wildlife. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
On arrival at Thekkady check into Hotel.
Day 07: Thekkady – Kumarakom (128 km, 3 hours drive by road)
After early morning breakfast and start for Kumarakom.
Kumarakom - When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Arrive Kumarakom and check in at resort.
In the afternoon visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
In the evening canoe down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake.
Overnight stay at the resort.
Day 08: Kumarakom-Alleppey (38 kms, 40 minutes drive by road)
After breakfast start for Alleppey.
Arrive Alleppey and check in at Houseboat and enjoy an over night cruise cum stay in your houseboat. Food will be served in the houseboat. Enjoy the unique experience of a day on backwaters in a houseboat, and meander through the labyrinth of canals, that makes Kumarakom a top world destination. The backwater ride paints vivid picture of the traditional country life in all its natural beauty.
Over night stay at the houseboat.
Day 09: Alleppey– Cochin (63 Kms, 1.5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Arrive Cochin and check in at hotel.
Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala). Overnight at hotel in Cochin.
Day 10: Cochin
After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the nearby Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11: Cochin- Ooty (281kms 7hrs drive by road)
After breakfast drive to Ooty.
Ooty gurgle of streams, beautiful mist make a impression of welcome to Ooty. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level it is one most popular hill station of India. Nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore at a distance of commanding a panoramic view of District. Dodabetta perched on altitude of 2637, the merging point of eastern and Western Ghats is the highest peak of Nilgiri. Other tourist attraction includes botanical garden, Ooty Lake, Coonoor etc.
Arrive Ooty and check in at hotel.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore green valley and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Ooty
After breakfast proceed for full day sight seeing visit to Botanical Garden - is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill, Rose Garden - the rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources with 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties, Aquarium: It is close to bus station and is run by Dept. of Fisheries. In this aquarium, department rears exotic fish varieties. Deer Park - It is one of the high altitude animal parks in India, Dodabetta, and Enjoy boat ride in Ooty Lake.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Ooty-Bangalore (273 Kms 6 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast drive to
Bangalore.
Bangalore: Reputed as Garden City of India Bangalore is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, and heritage centres. This capital of Karnataka houses finest temple and garden. Bangalore is even gaining the status of the "Floriculture Capital of India" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from the city. The beautiful parks like the Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park are indeed a treat to the eyes. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens.
Arrive Bangalore and check in at hotel.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Bangalore
After breakfast visit Lal Bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Bangalore – Hassan (194 Kms -04 hr drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Hassan. Enroute visit Sharavanabelagola.
Sharavanabelagola: 51 Kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
On arrival at Hassan transfer to hotel.
Hassan- As base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit
Belur and
Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.
Day 16: Hassan
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Belur and Halebid.
Belur: This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.
Halebid: It is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadis, Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan. Overnight in Hassan.
Day 17: Hassan – Hampi (323 kms 7 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Hampi.
Hampi, as it is popularly known today was the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagar
(the City of Victory). Hampi in the Karnataka state of India is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi unique.
Arrive Hampi and check in at hotel.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel
Day 18: Hampi Sightseeing-Badami (142 kms 3 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for half day sightseeing tour of Hampi.
Visit
Virupaksha Temple:
One of the earliest buildings to the western end of the city, Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Ugra Narasimha:
To the south of Virupaksha Temple, atop Hemkuta Hills, is the early ruins of Jain temples and the 6.7m tall monolith of 'Ugra Narasimha', a form of Lord Vishnu with head of a lion and body of a man.
Vithala Temple:
The Vithala temple is a World Heritage monument with fantastic sculptural work from the time of Vijayanagar Empire. It features 56 'Musical Pillars', which reverberate when tapped and an ornate stone chariot in the temple courtyard with an image of Garuda, the Bird-God and the 9m tall statue of Lord Ganesha along with recently excavated 'Nobleman's Palace'.
Also visit Lotus Mahal and Achuta Raya Temple.
In the evening drive to Badami.
Badami, more than anything else, it is known for its rock-cut cave temples. They have been carved out of the red sandstone hills surrounding Badami. Apart from rock-cut temples, the town also has some other temples and a beautiful tank. Finally, the Badami Fort is a good place to view the entire Badami ruins.
Arrive Badami and check in at hotel.
Day 19: Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole - Badami
After breakfast Proceed for sight seeing of 'AIHOLE & PATTADAKAL'.
'Pattadakal' was the second capital of the mighty Chalukyan and a place that hosted important state functions of the time. It is also a centre of Chalukyan architectural extravaganza. There are many temples here, mostly dating back to 6th and 7th centuries AD.
'Aihole' completes the third dimension of Chalukyan architectural centers. This place had an important position during the rule of the Chalukyas. There are a number of richly carved Hindu temples constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries. The small museum run by the archaeological department that showcases objects found in Aihole, mostly of the Chalukyan era is worth a visit too.
In the evening back to Udaipur and stay at hotel for overnight.
Day 20: Badami - Hospet (180 Km 4 Hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Hospet.
Hospet a city in Karnataka is famous for its charming town of Chitradurga. Also known as the fort town, it is located at a convenient distance of 340 kms from Bangalore. Situated in the northern part of Karnataka, Hospet is a small dusty town that was once the powerful seat of Vijayanagar empire. Having epitome of architectural marvels, that are located around Hospet, UNESCO and the Archaeological Survey of India have been trying their level best to restore the grand ruins of this heritage city.
Arrive Hospet and Check in at hotel.
After lunch proceed for the sightseeing of Daroji bear sanctuary - only special Sanctuary in India for Bears.
A short drive of 20 km will reach you to this sanctuary where you drive though the Shrubby forest looking out for Bears. You also have a great chance to view the bears from the view-point at a good height. If you are lucky it's the best place to see & enjoy the activities of bears in wild (untamed).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 21: Hospet-Goa (329 Kms 7.5 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Goa.
Goa- Variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural Splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Arrive Goa and check in at resort.
Relax in the evening. Overnight at resort.
Day 22: Goa
After breakfast start for full day sightseeing tour of Goa. Visit Old Goa, the most important Cathedrals and churches - namely Se-Cathedral, Church of St. Francis Xavier, St. Catherine's Church, and Arch of vice Roy of Goa. Miramar Beach - This is the only beach close to any city and has a good view of the river Mandovi flowing into the sea. Also visit Dona Paula fishing village which is a small village at the tip of Panaji, the place has a very good viewpoint and a monument at the same place.
Overnight at resort.
Day 23: Goa
Spend the full day relaxing at the Dona Paula beach, indulge in water sports or just bask in the golden rays of the sun amidst picturesque locales. Overnight at resort.
Day 24: Goa-Delhi (1910 Kms 2.5 hrs by Air)
After breakfast start for airport to catch flight for Delhi.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi & New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow & bustling. The beauty & serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), & is tree-lined & spacious.
Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore capital of India.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 25:Delhi
After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 & 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
India Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Overnight in Delhi - we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.
Day 26:Delhi-Jaipur (232 Kms 5 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Jaipur.
Jaipur - the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. 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 and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and 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.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel.
Have dinner at Chokidhani where you get to know about the culture and customs of Rajasthan. Rajasthani are known to be very good hosts so enjoy their hospitality.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 27: Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
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 forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
City palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.
Day 28: Jaipur – Agra (225 kms - 6 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri in Agra is a city in Uttar Pradesh, built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th Century BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a combination of various regional schools of architecture. Influence of Hindu and Jain architectural features are found in this monument with traces of Islamic elements in it. Fatehpur Sikri is made of red sandstone and the beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is located here.
Arrive Agra and Check in at hotel.
Agra- Heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.
Overnight at Agra
Day 29: Agra
After breakfast start for Taj Mahal Sightseeing.
Taj Mahal For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. The
Taj Mahal in Agra India is considered one of the best examples of
Mughal architecture in India. The history of the Taj Mahal is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit
BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.
Overnight at Agra
Day 30: Agra - Jhansi (Shatabdi - 3 hours) Khajuraho (172 kms - 4 hours drive by road)
Early morning transfer at Agra station to catch Shatabdi to Jhansi. Arrive and transfer to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho - used to be the capital of the Chandela kings and the temples found here were built between 950 and 1050 AD under the later Chandela kings. The temples of Khajuraho are brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture. It is believed that Khajuraho originally had 85 temples. But only about 22 have survived the ravages of time and they are strewn amidst lakes and fields in the area. The existing Khajuraho temples are divided into three groups - western, eastern, and southern. The western group is most famous, and it is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The sculptors of Khajuraho have decorated the walls of the temples with carved figures of men and women of the day doing their daily routines, such as musicians playing music, women putting on make-up, etc. That includes depiction of
Mithuna or human couples engaged in sexual acts. Though only about 10% of the carvings on the temple walls show erotica, this is what make the temples of Khajuraho so talked about thing.
Arrive Khajuraho and check in at Hotel. Relax in the evening.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 31: Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Air)
After breakfast visit temples of Khajuraho.
In the afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi- has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". . Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Arrive Varanasi and check in at hotel.
Visit
Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 32: Varanasi
In the morning drive to the Ghats (steps on river bank) to board a boat for a ride on the Hindu holy river Ganga. During this boat ride witness the morning religious rituals on the Ghats and in the temples along the river bank.
Later visit the ancient and modern Hindu temples of the holy city dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening experience the Prayer ceremony at the banks of River Ganges - homage to the holy river with oil lamps and incense etc. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi
Day 33: Delhi (By Air)
After breakfast transfer to airport to destination ahead with sweet memories of the tour.
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