Journey through Deccan, Central India + Delhi to experience India's rich History & Culture

  ITINERARY 14 N/ 15 D

Day 01: Arrive Bangalore

Meet & assist and transfer to your hotel. Depending upon time of arrival, we do the following today and the spill-over on Day 02 …

Tippu Summer Palace –

Tippu Sultan, born in 1750, was known as one of the fiercest rulers of Mysore. 

The palace is entirely built using teak wood and is an example of the Indo-Islamic architecture.   The columns are plentiful and sit under beautiful carved archways.  Stone staircases lead upstairs to a central open area, used as the durbar.

Day 02: Bangalore sightseeing, drive to Hampi, 340 KM/ 7 hours

Morning drive to the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens which dates back to the 18th century. Stroll around the well laid out lanes with trees and flowering plants,  

take in the view of the lake with water birds. From here we go to the Bangalore Palace - 

from its ornate cornices to its sturdy granite exterior, the Bangalore Palace has a sprawling garden and is modelled on the Windsor Castle. 

 Return to your vehicle and proceed to Hampi. 

Day 03: Hampi

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located north of Bangalore. It’s dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. On the south bank of the River Tungabhadra is the 7th-century Virupaksha Temple, some distance away you can see a carved stone chariot that stands in front of the huge Vittala Temple site. We will also visit the artistically designed and carved Elephant Stable of the Indo-Islamic style, the Queen’s bath before returning to our hotel. 

Day 04: Drive Hampi – Gadag – Badami, 180 KM/ 4 hours

After breakfast proceed to Gadag to visit Trikuteshwara Temple built between 1050 to 1200 AD. The outer walls have intricate chiseled images of gods and goddesses. Moving on we will visit the huge 116 ft tall Basaveshwarar Statue. Later drive to Badami to visit the famous cave temple complex. These are Hindu and Jain cave temples which are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, which dates from the 6th century. 

Day 05: Drive Badami – Patadakkal – Aihole – Bijapur (Vijayapura), 135 KM/ 3.5 hours

Drive to Patadakkal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site temple complex, then continue on to Aihole with the famous Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, The Huchimalli Temple. From here proceed to Bijapur and Overnight stay at hotel.

 Day 06: Drive Bijapur – Solapur, 100 KM/ 3 hours

Today visit Gol Gumbaz, the 17th century tomb of Yusuf Adil Shah of the Bijapur Sultanate. Also pay a vist to the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II called Ibrahim Rauza, a large ornate mausoleum with expansive landscaped gardens. From here we proceed to Solapur. Upon arrival check in to your hotel and overnight stay.

Day 07: Drive Solapur – Aurangabad, 310 KM/ 6 hours 

After breakfast visit Siddeshwar Temple located amidst a lake. Siddheshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Siddheshwar. There are 68 shiva lingams in the main courtyard, which were installed by Lord Siddheshwar. Proceed to Aurangabad. 

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 Day 08: Day trip to Ajanta Caves, 100 KM/ 3 hours one way Today we visit the amazing Ajanta Caves. The Buddhist Caves in Ajanta are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose and form.  They are universally regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art. The caves were built in two phases, the first starting around the 2nd century BCE and the second occurring from 460–480 CE. The Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
 

Day 09: Day trip to Ellora Caves, 30 KM/ 50 minutes one way

We drive to the Ellora  Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave complexes in the world, featuring Hinduism in particular and few Buddhist and Jain monuments with Artwork dating from the 600–1000 CE period. Cave 16 features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailash temple, a chariot shaped monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. Further afield is the Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Returning to Aurangabad we visit Bibi Ka Maqbara tomb before calling it a day. 

Day 10: Day Trip to Lonar Crater Lake/ evening train to Jhansi 

We take a break from visiting monuments today and go over to the Lonar Crater Lake 140 KM/3 hours (one way) away.  Lonar Lake was created by a meteorite collision impact some 570,000 years ago. It is one of the four known, hyper-velocity, impact craters in basaltic rock  anywhere on Earth. The other three basaltic impact structures are in southern Brazil. 

The lake was declared a protected Ramsar site. Also visit the Gomukh Temple which overlooks the lake and is a good vantage point to look around the surroundings with low hills and vegetation. We return to Aurangabad to board the night train to Jhansi. Arrive early morning the next day. 

 Day 11: Drive Jhansi – Khajuraho, 175 KM/ 4 hours         

Arrive Jhansi early morning, meet and assist by our representative at the railway station and proceed to Khajuraho by road. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and after refreshment visit the eastern and western group of temples in Khajuraho and overnight stay at hotel.

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are a group of Hindu and Jain temples. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 885 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over six square kilometers. Of the surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art. 

Day 12: Khajuraho – Gwalior, 280 KM/ 5 to 6 hours

Morning visit the temples to the south and proceed to Gwalior, overnight stay at hotel.

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 Day 13: Gwalior Today visit Gwalior fort, Gujri Mahal, Man Mandir and Sas Bahu Temple. Overnight stay at hotel.
The Gwalior Fort existed at least since the 10th century, and the inscriptions and monuments found within what is now the fort campus indicate that it may have existed as early as the beginning of the 6th century. The present-day fort consists of a defensive structure and two main palaces, Gujari Mahal and Man Mandir, built by Man Singh Tomar (reigned 1486–1516 CE). It is now an archaeological museum. The Sas Bahu temple is an 11th-century twin temple near the Gwalior Fort and dedicated to Vishnu in his Padmanabha form. The twin temple has locally been called Sasbahu temple. The word Sasbahu means, "a mother with her daughter-in-law", an association that implies their being together and interdependent. The Sas temple is typically the larger, older temple of the twin. Both temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
 

 Day 14: Gwalior / Delhi by train

We will visit the Jai Vilas Mahal in the morning and later board train the evening Chair Car train to  Delhi. The Jai Vilas Mahal is a nineteenth century palace established in 1874 by Jayajirao Scindia, the ruler of the princely state of Gwalior in the British Raj. While the major part of the palace is now the "Jiwajirao Scindia Museum" a part of it is still the residence of some of his descendants.

It is a fine example of European architecture, designed and built by Sir Michael Filose. A combination of architectural styles, the first storey is Tuscan, the second Italian-Doric and the third Corinthian. The area of the Jai Vilas palace is 124,771 square feet and it is known for its large Durbar Hall. The interior of the Durbar Hall is decorated with gilt and gold furnishings and adorned with a huge carpet and gigantic chandeliers.

Arrive Delhi and embark on your vehicle and be driven to your hotel. 

Day 15: At Delhi

Today we will concentrate on Old Delhi - some of the attractions of Old Delhi are the grand Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat. If interested a visit to the colourful market of Chandni Chowk can be arranged. Then on to Humayun's Tomb and Lotus Temple.

Day 16: Delhi sightseeing – Airport transfer

Check out from hotel and explore New Delhi.  We take a tour of what is often referred to as Lutyen’s Delhi – Parliament building (outside view), Rashtrapati Bhawan or President’s Residence (outside view) and India Gate. Also, National Museum housing archaeological finds and other antique articles can be visited if you so desire. From here we visit the Qutab Minar in south Delhi and proceed to the airport. 

Tour ends

ITINERARY 6 Nights/ 7 Days  

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Meet & assist and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, if you arrive in the morning we can have a late afternoon stroll around Palika Bazaar situated in the heart of New Delhi with emporia, pubs and restaurants. 

Day 02: At Delhi

 Today we will concentrate on Old Delhi - some of the attractions of Old Delhi are the grand Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat. If interested a visit to the colourful market of Chandni Chowk can be arranged. Then on to Humayun's Tomb and Lotus Temple. 

Day 03: Delhi – Agra, 233 KM/ 4.5 hours

 Check out from hotel and explore New Delhi.  We take a tour of what is often referred to as Lutyen’s Delhi – Parliament building (outside view), Rashtrapati Bhawan or President’s Residence (outside view) and India Gate. Also, National Museum housing archaeological finds and other antique articles can be visited if you so desire. From here we visit the Qutab Minar  in South Delhi and proceed to Agra, we stop at Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra and check in at hotel on our arrival.

Day 04: Agra 

Embark on a city tour starting with the most celebrated attraction of Agra, the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of the mausoleum was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan for his queen in the year 1632, the structure was completed in 1643. Taj Mahal can be viewed at different times of the day for its white marble reflects different hues depending on the angle of sunlight. Further, we explore Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb that is also called ‘Baby Taj’ due to its resemblance to Taj Mahal. 

From here we go over to the Agra Fort. The sprawling fortress is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for centuries it was the residence of the Mughal Emperors, who ruled vast swathes of India. The complex is enormous, there are several gateways into the fort, and the walls run alongside the Yamuna River, offering sweeping views over the water.

Before returning to hotel we will walk around the streets of Kinari Bazaar and look at its vibrant colours with clothes, embroidery items and gilt jewelry.

Day 05: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur, 245 KM/ 5 hours

Drive on to Jaipur. On the way we stop at Fatehpur Sikri, founded by the third Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16thcentury. Red sandstone buildings cluster at its center. Nearby is the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Diwan-E-Khas hall has a carved central pillar. Jodha Bai Palace is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles, next to the 5-story Panch Mahal that overlooks the site. Continue on to Jaipur. Check into hotel on arrival. 

Day 06: At Jaipur

This day is fully devoted to exploring the pink city at its best. Hawa Mahal - the exquisite palace with numerous window, City Palace, Jal Mahal and Jantar Mantar - the astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. Also, ascend on a hill while riding on an elephant's back to see the Amber Fort from where you can get a panoramic view of Jaipur.

Day 07: Jaipur – Delhi Airport transfer, 250 KM/ 5 hours

Transfer to Delhi to board your outgoing flight. 

Tour ends

ITINERARY 8 nights/ 9 Days

Day 01:  Arrive Guwahati
Meet and assist and transfer to hotel . Evening free.
 

Day 02: Day trip to Sualkuchi, 40 km one way
Morning visit Kamakhya temple, one of the revered Hindu ‘shakti’ temples and proceed to Sualkuchi, the ‘silk village’ of Assam, 32 km one way. See the complete process of worm-to- finished-product of this golden silk locally called Muga. Most households here have a loom and it is a thriving cottage industry. Hajo, where three religions co-exist in close proximity is only a short drive from Sualkuchi. Visit the Hindu temple of Hayagriv Madhav where the Buddhists claim stood a Stupa and the nearby Poa Mecca, the tomb of a Sufi saint atop a hillock which is a pilgrimage center for the Muslims. Return to Guwahati. Afternoon visit emporia and handicraft shops. Evening a 1 hour cruise on the River Brahmaputra.
 

Day 03: Train to Jorhat, 320 km/ 7 hrs
Take the early morning Chair Car train to Jorhat, 7 hours. Embark waiting vehicle and get transferred to hotel.
 

Day 04: Jorhat – Majuli Island, short drive/ 2 hrs ferry
Drive 30 km/ 1 hour to Neematighat, take a ferry across the mighty Brahmaputra to Majuli Island, the culture center of Assam. Visit Hindu monasteries or ‘Satras’. Interact with the ‘bhakats’ or monks, know about their practices and way of living. Overnight at a simple lodge.
 

Day 05: Majuli Island
 Whole day in the island – we first take a walk along the stream running close to the lodge in the early morning before breakfast, a walk that will rejuvenate you in the clear, crisp and unpolluted air – you will come across fishing nets, water birds and the overall experience is surreal. Return to the lodge for breakfast and then we go to a ‘Satra’ where we can witness traditional mask making. Drive to another Satra to witness an enthralling monastic dance before visiting a tribal village. Return to your lodge. 

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 Day 06: Majuli Island – Sivasagar – Dibrugarh, 2 hrs ferry/ 3 hr drive  

Take the return ferry to Neematighat and drive on to Sivasagar, 70 km, 2 hours. Visit the 17th/ 18th Century AD ruins of the Ahom Kings who had ruled Assam for 600 hundred years. Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar and the Shiva Temple is evidence of the Ahom’s architectural forte. The Ahoms came from Thailand and in their long reign embraced Hinduism and started erecting temples, excavated huge tanks beside them. We will see one such, believed to be one of the largest hand excavated tanks in the world, beside the Shiva Temple. Continue east to the town of Dibrugarh that lies 80 km from Sivasagar. Check into the heritage tea bungalow/hotel. In the afternoon visit a tea garden, take a tea tour looking at various facets of tea manufacturing. Walk in the local bazaar in the evening. 

Day 07: Day trip to Nam Phake village, 60 km/ 2 hrs one way

Visit an interesting village of the Tai-Phake tribe near Dibrugarh. This indigenous people had their roots in Thailand and they still speak a dialect of their ancient land and retain their customs and traditions. They are Buddhists and the Pagoda in their village holds pride of place. You will be met by a village elder who will take you around the village telling you stories of their ancestors. Visit the Pagoda and the chief monk. Return to Dibrugarh.   

Day 08: Day trip to Digboi, 75 km one way

Drive 75 km to the oil town of Digboi where you will see the world’s oldest operating oil refinery. Visit the very interesting oil museum and also pay homage to the fallen heroes of the Allied Forces in World War II in the neatly maintained Digboi War Cemetery. Drive back to Dibrugarh.   

Day 09: Dibrugarh Airport

Transfer to Dibrugarh airport.   

Tour ends