Holidays in India

After breakfast, proceed for the full day sightseeing off Kanyakumari. Visit Kanyakumari (Virgin Goddess) Temple and also visit the Gandhi Mandapam. The highlight of the day is the mesmerizing spectacle of the Sangam (meeting) of the three water bodies. Post this we take you to visit the colossal statue (133 feet) of Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar.You also get the chance to spend some quiet time at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and enjoy a spectacular sunset there. Later, visit Bhagwati Amman Temple, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Temple.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport to board the flight for onward destination Kolkata. Almost like a colonial matriarch nurturing her heritage roots, the city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, holds culture and tradition close to its heart. While it would give any Indian metropolis a run for its money with its grand structures, bustling markets, vibrant culinary scene, exquisite crafts and cultural sites, its historical legacy reigns supreme. Once the capital of British-India, Kolkata's colonial charm blends with its modern culture. Upon your arrival at Kolkata airport, you will be escorted to hotel. 

After breakfast, you will proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Visit the Mother House - the headquarters of the international religious congregation of the Missionaries of Charity. It has been home to Saint Mother Teresa and her sisters from February 1953 to the present day. Then, visit the exquisitely designed Marble Palace. Lying in the midst of a lush green meadow with artistic sculptures, this building is a treasure house of antiques, like curios from China and paintings of Ruben. You will then visit the majestic Victoria Memorial; a marble structure built in memory of Queen Victoria. It is a blend of Mughal and British architecture. At present it is a museum which exhibits paintings, miniatures, statues and books, through which people can get an in-depth knowledge of Indian history. Afterwards, proceed towards the Parasnath Jain Temple, also known as the Calcutta Jain Temple. The temple was built by a Jain named Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim in 1867. The temple is dedicated to Parshwanath, who was the 23rd Jain Tirthankar, and he is worshipped by the Jains, and this is one of the most important Jain temples in Kolkata.

Then, continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the first Anglican Church in the eastern world, whose unusual “Indo-Gothic” design has survived a series of massive earthquakes. Also, visit the Prinsep Ghat, where you’ll have time to taste some local ice cream and photograph the landmark—the classical lines of the ghat are especially dramatic with the backdrop of the modern Vidyasagar Setu Bridge.

Finally, you will visit the Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of the Tagore family. It was built in the 18th century by Dwarkanath Tagore, the grandfather of India’s national poet, Rabindranath Tagore. Here you can see a great collection of paintings, books, photographs and manuscripts of Tagore and other 19th-century personalities. Tagore’s life is brought alive here through Paintings, discs, journals, tapes, records and books. Drive past Colonial Calcutta: General Post Office, Shaheed Minar, Eden Gardens, Akashvani Bhawan, Writers’ Building, Raj Bhavan, High Court, Maidan, Town Hall, Race Course, Lal Dighi, St. Andrews Church.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kolkata airport to board the flight for onward destination Amritsar. Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the splendid Golden Temple. Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikh faith, founded Amritsar in 1579. He constructed a pool on land gifted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and called it Amritsar. One of the most pristine cities with Guru-vaani humming from the Gurudwaras, Amritsar is renowned world over for the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara - the holiest Gurdwara. It’s at the end of a causeway, surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar tank (lake), where pilgrims bathe. This place is also famous for its Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its proximity to Wagah Border. The Amritsari cuisine is also very famous. The satiating food and generous dollops of legendary Punjabi hospitality further connive to cast a spell upon the visitor. One of the most agriculturally productive cities of India, Amritsar is well connected with most of the important cities of India.  Upon your arrival at Amritsar airport, you will be escorted to hotel.

After breakfast, start your city tour with the blessings of Sri Harmandir Sahib, is named after Hari (God) the temple of God, also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. Sri Harmandir Sahib is the heritage of the Sikh people gathered in their five hundred years old history. Then visit Jallianwala Bagh which is a memorial to the countless numbers of innocent Indians which were massacred by General Dyer in 13 April 1919 which happened to be 'Baisakhi', one of Punjab's largest religious festivals. British General, Edward Dyer, ordered his soldiers to opened fire on an unarmed gathering of Hundreds men, women and children in this place.

Next you will visit Wagah Border “India–Pakistan Border” which is famous for its 'Retreat' ceremony at the time of sunset. Indeed the flag-lowering ceremony at the end of each day on the India-Pakistan border at Wagah in Punjab has over the years become a tourist destination. The two flag posts are located contiguous to the boundary line between the two gates. The Wagah check-point is about mid-way between the cities of Lahore in Pakistan and Amritsar in India, each about 25 kilometers away. Later proceed back to the hotel. 

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chandigarh. Pre planed city of India is known for its cleanliness and wide roads. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Later, start your sightseeing with Rock Garden which the main attraction of Chandigarh. Later visit Rose Garden. Spend the leisure time at Sukhna Lake in evening time. You may enjoy the boating in the lake (Optional).

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Haridwar. Bustling with devotees, its air filled with the sweet smell of incense sticks and clanging of temple bells, the city of Haridwar at the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of Hinduism’s holiest destinations. It sees thousands of people taking a dip in the holy waters of River Ganges, which emerges from the Himalayas here. Devotees, sadhus (saffron-clad men) and saints’ throng the river’s ghats (stepped banks), to take a dip in its sacred waters and, according to Hindu beliefs, wash away their sins. The most famous ghat, the bustling and colorful Har ki Pauri, sees a large number of bathers throughout the year, but more during festivals. Upon arrival, check in at a hotel and relax. Later in evening you will proceed for Ganga Aarti at Hari Ki Pauri and witness the evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) performed by local Pandas (priests) at Hari Ki Pauri ghat (river bank). Thereafter return to hotel and relax.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and enjoy half day city tour of Haridwar visiting Bharat Mata Temple, Chandi Ghat Temple, Mansa Devi Temple. Thereafter drive to Rishikesh. Rishikesh, the 'place of the sages' is a celebrated spiritual town located on the banks of the Ganga. Surrounded by Shivaik range of Himalayas on three sides, it holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance for its visitors. It is believed that when Raibhya Rishi undertook rigorous penance, God appeared in the form of “Hrishikesh” and henceforth this area came to be known as Rishikesh.  Upon arrival, visit Triveni Ghat, Ashrams, Bharat Mandir, Laxman Jhula. Thereafter check in at a hotel and relax.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Haridwar to board the train for Delhi. With old monuments and busy neighbourhoods subtly merging with a vibrant and contemporary cosmopolitan world, Delhi, the capital of India, is a fascinating tourist destination. Poised along the banks of River Yamuna, Delhi, which is almost 1,000 years old, offers a mesmeric mosaic of experiences, both heritage and contemporary. While the former honour the elegant ageing of centuries-old Delhi, the latter reiterate that the capital is the heart of Indian democracy, and can keep pace with the most advanced of the metropolitans of the world. Upon arrival New Delhi railway station you will be escorted to hotel. Check in to the hotel and relax. 

After breakfast, set off for a sightseeing tour of Delhi city. You’ll first go for Old Delhi sightseeing, starting with Jama Masjid, the country's largest mosque, built-in 1656. The mosque's courtyard is capable of holding 25,000 devotees at once. Next, visit Old Delhi’s oldest and biggest market Chandni Chowk. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride from Fatehpuri Masjid to the impressive red sandstone monument of Red Fort. Here, our driver will pick you up and drive you to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi - Father of the Nation. Afterward, proceed to Humayun’s Tomb, an early example of fine Mughal architecture in India, built-in 1565. Humayun's Tomb is often said to be the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Later, drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House), Parliament House, and India Gate - a war memorial constructed in the memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. Lastly visit Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory. Its construction was commenced in 1193 under the supervision of Islamic ruler Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. The marble and red sandstone-built structure is nearly 73 meters tall and tapers from a 15-meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meters at the top.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. En route visit Mathura. Situated on the banks of the holy River Yamuna, the old city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most important religious destinations in India. A labyrinth of lanes lined by temples, ancient ghats and numerous stories of Lord Krishna, who is said to be born here, echoing throughout the streets, Mathura invites devotees from far and wide. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Later, visit the Dwarkadish temple; Dwarkadish temple holds an interesting architecture in the area; there is another small town called the Radha Kund; The Gita Mandir is called so because the whole of Gita (the sacred book of the Hindus) has been inscribed on the walls of the temple; Sri Krishna Janma Bhumi is another site to visit, it is the place where Lord Krishna was born; and also Lord Krishna’s rest place after his triumph over the tyrant Kansa is the Vishram Ghat. Later, drive to Agra. Upon arrival Agra you will check in at a hotel and relax.

Day begins with an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) - a white marble edifice symbolic of the love of Emperor Shahjahan for his beloved wife. Take a dip into the saga of ‘The Taj’ and unfurl the grace and grandeur of this purest symbol of love ever built. The splendid sunrise views over this monument is the biggest tourist draw. Later, return to hotel for breakfast. Afterbreakfast, visit the Agra Fort - one of the finest Mughal forts in India. This palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress houses many courtyards, a palace of Mirrors, private and public halls and Masjids (Mosques). Next, you will visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, nicknamed as the Baby Taj, whose design even outshines the Taj. It is a breathtaking mausoleum made entirely from white marble and is surrounded by Persian-style gardens. Visit Sikandra - the beautiful mausoleum with Tomb of Mughal emperor Akbar. Later, in evening you can visit to Kalakriti to enjoy the "Mohabbat E Taj" (saga of Love) based on the theme of Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan. 

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built-in the 16th century, this ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex includes the Diwan-i-Khas building, which has a beautifully carved pillar at its centre and the Panch Mahal Palace. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel and relax. Later, explore the unending shopping options in Jaipur. As part of the tour, we will start off from the essential point of the Rajasthani craftwork i.e., block making and block printing and visit some of the local stores. We will also explore some of the famous places for a variety of jewelry including chunky tribal jewelry, gold and diamond jewelry as well as colorful lac bangles.

After breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur. Ride to the top of the hilltop fortress - the Amber Fort on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravalli Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, the five storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built-in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect example of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles and fortified walls, built for protection from invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, an astronomy site that was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments.

After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Jaipur airport to board flight for Mumbai. Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, attracts dreamers with sky-high ambitions from every corner of the country. It is a unique place where the past is mixed with the future and history meets modernity, a city that lies at the cross section of business and entertainment and beats to a pulsating rhythm of its own. Located by the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is an amalgamation of heritage and culture and glitz and glamour. So, from historic art deco buildings, which are recognised by the UNESCO, to plush new-age homes of the super-rich, Mumbai has it all.  Upon arrival Mumbai you will be given assistance in transfer to hotel. Thereafter you are at leisure on your own. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

After breakfast, proceed for the excursion to the Elephanta Caves. It is a complex of rock-cut caves inspired from Brahmmical architecture displaying vibrant sculptures. It is famous for the life-sized three-headed rock-cut sculpture of Lord Shiva. Board your ferry back to the Gateway of India. Spend time clicking photographs at the 20th century Gateway of India built in honor of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Later, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, inspired from Indo-Saracenic architecture. It is said to have more than 60,000 objects on display for visitors. Head to the Hanging Gardens built in 1881. It is located atop the Malabar Hills and is popularly known for its mesmerizing sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The flower clock is one of its must-see attractons. Later in evening, spend time at the Marine Drive. At night, it is lighted up with a string of lights that resembles a necklace. This is why, it’s called the Queen’s Necklace. Return to hotel to rest for the day. 

After breakfast, proceed for full day tour to Film City. Your tour starts with sightseeing of Film City - it was built by the Maharastra state government in 1978 to help the Bollywood film industry and provide facilities for it to flourish. The sprawling complex covers nearly 350 acres and comes fully equipped with almost 20 indoor studios, as well as outdoor settings for filming. Film City is located in the western Mumbai suburb of Goregaon - in the vicinity of the secluded and lush Aarey Colony on the outskirts of Sanjay Ghandi National Park. The Film City, Mumbai is one of the many studios where Bollywood films pass their pre-natal stage. Well equipped with indoor and outdoor shooting facilities and editing and recording rooms, this studio ranks among the first few in India. Here you cannot make out the real from the fake. Replete with fountains, lakes, helipads and real looking buildings. Later, proceed back to hotel.

After breakfast, you will be given transfer to Mumbai airport to board flight for onward destination; henceforth your journey ends with sweet memories.