Varanasi also known as, Benares, Banaras or Kashi, is an Indian city on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (200 mi) south-east of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva.
Arrive Varanasi The Holiest city in India and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Since time immemorial it has served not only as a holy centre of pilgrimage but also a seat of great Hindu learning and Culture, Check in hotel. Evening visit to the Ghats of Varanasi for Aarti. Overnight stay hotel.
Early morning boat ride on River Ganges exposes one to some of the carefree,colourful and revered sects of Hindu Life as sun rises over the far banks, the Ghats come alive with ritual Hindu worship and the sounds of temple bells. Walk through the narrow lanes, past the gold plated Vishwanath temple later city tour of Varanasi, aslo known as “Kashi” or the city of light. Visit the Bharat Mata temple, Durga temple, Emperor Aurangzeb Mosque,Tulsi Manas,sacred Bull and drive past famous Banaras Hindu University with its marble ShivTemple and drive through the busy shopping streets later enjoy shopping in Banaras famous for Silk materials, carpets and other handicrafts and brass products. Dinner and over night stay at Hotel.
Morning after breakfast free and easy and at leisure and shopping at local markets. After noon transfer to airport to board the flight.
Mumbai: Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea. Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.
Depart from Singapore Changi Airport for Flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, proceed for immigration clearance & Welcome to Bollywood of India and the commercial capital of India and busiest port handling over 40 % of India’s maritime and trade On arrival meet by our representative and proceed to Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast at hotel drive to Shirdi 235 kmsenroute stop at NASIK visit famous temple of TRYAMBAKESHWAR. One of the 12 great Jyotirlingas, the temple of the Tryambakeshwar lies near the source of the Godavari river in the Sahayadri ranges 32 kms from Nasik city. According to legend, Gautam Rishi performed a great penance and prayer to Lord Shiva on the Brahmagiri Hill. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and on arrival check in hotel later visit the sight of Shirdi. Evening proceed for Darshan.
Full day in Shirdi and proceed for Darshan. The saga of ShriSathyaSai Baba of Shirdi started into the middle of 19th century when as a boy of about 16 yrs of age, he first appeared here under a Neem tree absorbed in a hard Penance. For next 60 years, he devoted his life for the upliftment of the poor and suffering. His orgin, religion and early life are shrouded in mystery and though he is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, his teachings transcend all religions and beliefs. On Tuesday the 15th October 1918, Shri Sai Baba entered his Samadhi. Today all places, persons and possessions connected with him, too have become objects of Veneration by Millions of devotees who journey to Shirdi every year also visit Kahndoba Temple. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Mumbai, Arrive Mumbai Afternoon city tour of Mumbai, covering the Gateway of India the Marble Arch was designed by George Witter to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 Drive past Clock Tower, a most interesting railway station the Victoria terminus (built in the Italian Gothic style), Crafford Market, Marine drive and Dhobi Ghat free. Drive through Bolly wood residential area stop over for shopping at a local evening transfer to airport to board the flight to Singapore.
Arrive Delhi meet and assist by our representative at International Airport, transfer hotel over night stay.
Morning after breakfast City Tour of Old and New Delhi. Visiting the Jamma Mosque (biggest Mosque in India), Later drive past Red Fort and Raj Ghat the Cremation place of Mahatma Ghandhi, thereafter visit India Gate 42 meter high memorial arch is a tribute to the 90,000 Indian Soldiers killed during World War 1 and Afghan War, drive pass by Parliament House, President Palace built in 1929 once the imperial residence of the British Viceroys and official residence of the President of India, later visit Qutab Minar. Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled. Also visit Lakshman Narayan Temple, lunch will be provide at restaurant, thereafter drive 210 kms to Agra City Of Taj Mahal approx. 4hours. Arrive Agra check in hotel, Buffet Dinner will be provide at hotel.
Morning after breakfast visit world famous Taj Mahal, One of the Seven Wonders of the World. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan built this Marble monument of love in 1653 in memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. The construction work took 22 years to be completed with 20 thousand workers. Also visit Agra Fort, a Red sand stone fort built by Akbar the Great in 1565 and completed by grandson Shah Jehan. Later witness the skilled crafts men doing fine marble inlay work. Afternoon drive 234 km 5 hours to Jaipur the Pink city of India. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.
Jaipur Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. After breakfast visit Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajputana architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Venture back into the city for a tour to the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal Art. Also visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging design screens, domes and spires for photo stop. Jaipur is famous for textiles and gem stone cutting. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi (268 Km Appox 5 hr). On Arrival in Delhi Shopping at Local Market and Shopping malls, Evening farewell dinner, later transfer to airport to board the flight to Singapore.
Depart Singapore, Arrive Delhi meet an assist at the airport transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Morning after breakfast transfer to New Delhi Train station to take superfast Shitabdi Express train to Chandigarh Dep Train 7 40 and arrival 11 05 AM. On arrival meet at station, drive to Shimla, Arrive Shimla transfer to Hotel rest of the day free for leisure.
Shimla which is at height of 6900 feet’s above sea level. Arrive Shimla and transfer to Hotel. Shimla was an important hill station in India during the British Rule and still echoes of British past. The Mall still runs along the crest of the ridge and is lined with stately English-looking houses. After breakfast visit Viceregal Lodge, the Viceregal Lodge is a humongous structure ringed by tall pines. It was built in 1888 as the residence of Viceroy Lord Dufferin. Afternoon excursion to the scenic resort of Kufri just 15 kms east of Shimla surrounded by deep cedar woods, it offers panoramic views where deep valleys and forests rise towards lofty Himalayas shrouded in eternal snow. Evening visit one of the famous Chruch of Shimla. The construction of this church took a span of 11 years (1846 - 1857) and is considered to be the second oldest church in North India. This splendid church is located just near the Ridge in Shimla Evening exploring Mall area and narrow streets may enjoy exploring Mall area and narrow streets, which fall steeply away from the ridge to colorful bazaars. Overnight stay in hotel.
After breakfast drive to Manali 260 Kms 6-7 hrs. Arrive and check in at Hotel. Manali is the heart of Kullu Valley popularly called the valley of Gods because of its breath taking scenery. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast visit Rohtang Pass (3980 mt) (Subject to road and weather condition). This is around 50 Kms from main town of Manali and is famous because this is covered with snow through the year. This is the place where you can see the River Beas originating. Enjoy the cool wind and the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Later return to Manali. Also visit Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashist Hot Springs (Sulphur Springs). The local markets are also worth visiting for famous Kullu shawls and colorful caps. Overnight stay.
Start very early morning for Chandigarh 305 Kms approximately 6-7 hrs in Chandigarh, visit Chandigarh town and Rock Rardens and later afternoon transfer to the railway station to connect super fast Express Shitabdi Express train to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi meet and assist at railway station and transfer to hotel for overnight stay at Hotel.
Morning after breakfast city tour of Delhi. Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Drive pass Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk, followed by a sightseeing drive that takes you along the ceremonial avenue Rajghat, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Next, visit New Delhi. The city was designed and built by the British in the 1920's, it's a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens, past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament and President’s House. Afternoon free for Shopping evening farewell dinner will be provide thereafter transfer to Airport.
Kerala or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1st November
1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions.
The state has an area of 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the
south and southeast and the Arabian Sea on the west. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital. Kochi and Kozhikode
are other major cities. Kerala is a popular tourist destination for its backwaters, yoga, Ayurvedic treatments and tropical
greenery.
Meet upon arrival and assist and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast city tour Cochin, drive across Willington Island and the Kochi Shipyard to Mattancherry. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European built church in India. It was constructed in 1503 by Portugues San Franciscan friars and named Santo Antonio. It was renamed St. Francis in 1663. In 1779 the Protestant Dutch replaced the original wooden building with stone masonry. The Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Saturday's & Jewish Holidays) was built in 1568 AD, and is the oldest in the common-wealth. It was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, but rebuilt by the Dutch 2 years later. It is adorned by hundreds of blue and white hand-painted tiles. The 1555 Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace was gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi as a good-will gesture to ensure trade privileges.The Palace is now converted to a Museum, open from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Fridays). Continue onto the giant Chinese Fishingnets at the harbor's entrance that silhouetted against the sunset, present a magnificent sight of the water-front. These huge cantilevered nets are a legacy of traders between 1350 and 1450 from the court of Kublai Khan. After noon drive to Munnar 135 kms 3 and half to 4 hours.it is wonderful drive through lush green forests and trough tea and other spice plantation.Enroute visit Cheyyappara Waterfalls. On arrival check in hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast tour of Munnar is 1600 meter above sea level. Munnar is a nature lover’s paradise and was the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantation, picture book towns, winding lanes lush green hills meandering mountain streams are breath taking views, you will visit the Raja Malai where you can watch Nilgerian Tahrs (Mountain goats) in their natural habitat nearby visit Mattuppetty Dam and Eco Point also visit Tea factory. Enjoy buying some spices at Munnar town. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
After breakfast, drive (110 kms 3 hours) along the tranquil countryside rich spice plantation and mist capped
mountains, take you to Periyar –one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India sprawling across 777 sq kms
of luxuriant green rain dreached tropical forests, this tiger reserve renders a chance to spot the exotic wildlife
in it.
Figure 1
s natural habitat. The sanctuary is centred around a large artificial lake formed by dam across the Periyar river.
Later in the evening enjoy the boat ride at Periyar lake to watch wild life around the lake, you can see herds of
wild animals on the banks taking bath or quenching their thirst also especially see wild elephants. Dinner &
Overnight hotel.
Morning after breakfast take a stroll through the spice plantation, filled with the fragrance of Cardamom, clove, Cinnamom etc will be truly exhilarating and relax at this wonderful place not to be forgotten. Later drive to Kumarakom 130 kms on arrival check in hotel. Kumarakom, located on the shores of the Enchanting Vembanad lake a beautiful quite restful place, you may catch spectacular sunset and relax on your resort or indulge in various Ayurvedic treatments (own expenses). Overnight stay at Hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Alleppy Jetty 50 kms & board your Kettuvallam (Houseboat) Meet the captian and the chef when embarking on a A/C houseboat. The captain takes you on the famous emerald back-waters of Kerala. The complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals fringing the coast of Kerala forms the basis of a distinct regional lifestyle. The captain takes the boat along winding canals and waterways dotted by tiny hamlets and vast green paddy fields, coconut lagoons, narrow canals enjoy a lovely hot Lunch on board which is cooked inside the houseboat. The Kerala Houseboat consists of comfortable double room with attached bath. There is a lounge and an open area where one can relax as watch the world drift by. All Meals and overnight stay on the beautiful back waters of Kerala. Dinner and Overnight at Air Con houseboat (Aircon will only be on after 9 PM).
Morning disembark from Houseboat & then proceed for Cochin 80 kms on arrival in Cochin enjoy shopping at MG road Bazaar local market for spices and saree and chiffon materials early evening proceed to enjoy Kathakali Dance show (1 hour show) and later transfer to International airport for flight.
Depart Singapore and meet and greet by our representative at Delhi International Airport, thereafter transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Morning after breakfast city tour of Delhi. Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the
mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Drive passes Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and
Palace of the Mughal Empire; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Next, visit New Delhi. The city was
designed and built by the British in the 1920's, it's a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings,
green parks and gardens. Past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament and President’s House, also visit Bhai Temple
( Lotus Temple ) later visit the famous Qutub Minar (Tower of victory) 72.5 meter high memorial. Afternoon lunch
will provide at North Indian Tandoori at Local Restaurant.
Thereafter drive to Jaipur (268 Km Appox 5 hrs). Arrive Jaipur check in hotel overnight at Hotel.
Jaipur Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. After breakfast, depart hotel for a half-day excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajputana architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings and not forgetting a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires Also visit city for a tour to the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Enjoy shopping in Jaipur for gem stones which Jaipur is famous for. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra 234 Km, Arrive Agra lunch will be provide at hotel, after lunch visit world famous Taj Mahal, One of the Seven Wonders of the World. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan built this Marble monument of love in 1653 in memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. The construction work took 22 years to be completed with 20 thousand workers. Later visit the Marble Factory. Afternoon visit Agra Fort, a Red sand stone fort built by Akbar the Great in 1565 and completed by grandson Shah Jehan, overnight stay at hotel.
Morning after early breakfast drive 210 kms to Delhi and transfer to Domestic airport for a spectacular mountain flight to Srinagar, the Summer capital of Kashmir at the height of 5200 ft above sea level, which is located on the foot of Himalayan Mountains, where tourist enjoy living in the Houseboats which are anchored on famous Dal Lake. A Kashmiri warm welcome greets you on arrival from airport to jetty by cars and after which transfer to Deluxe Houseboats by Gondola (shikara). After lunch cruise on Dal Lake visiting the Floating garden, Lotus gardens, back waters of the lake, cruise will go through canals. Dinner and stay at Deluxe Group of Houseboats.
After breakfast enjoy an excursion to Gulmarg ( Meadow of Flowers ) at a height of 8800ft above sea level. Here you will witness the beauty of Nature surroundings of Kashmir set out like a Doll’s village enroute stop at few villages to witness the country life of Kashmiris. Gulmarg used to be a favourite hunt of the British in summers and you will find old fashioned hotels and shops in the village. One can also have the view of Nanga Parbhat (26,600 ft) if weather permits. Gulmarg has highest 18 hole golf course in the world and has developed into a famous Ski resort. After HOT lunch take a gondola ride high above the meadows and snow covered slopes of Apherwat and Khilanmarg mountain which provide a play ground for skiing, tobogganing, pony ride. Later try back to Srinagar via Jamma Masjid the largest mosque in Kashmir and built 550 years back a architectural Marvel with influence from central Asia and China with 4 Pagoda type of minarets, Return to houseboat for overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast Shankarya Charaya Temple which is on the foot hill, later follow the famous Mughal Gardens of Nishat (Garden of pleasure) built by Asif Khan brother in law of Jehangir in 1632 AD over ooking the crystal clear Emerald green waters of the Dal lake then to Shalimar (Garden of Love) built by Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. During Spring until Autum these gardens are full of flowers. Also pay a visit to Kashmir Famous Handknotted Silk carpet weaving factory for good bargains. Dinner and stay at Premium Houseboat.
Morning after leisurely breakfast enjoy some time on the front porch of your houseboat and witness the activities around the lake area as the World goes by and you can also enjoy last minute shopping for souveniers and later transfer to airport for flight to Delhi lunch on board enjoy some time for shopping in Connaught Circus and Janpath area, later Dinner at local Restaurant for North Indian Tandoori food thereafter transfer to airport for flight to SINGAPORE.