OLD DELHI -

A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI -

An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 03 : Delhi - Agra.

Start for Agra early in the morning after breakfast. Check in at Agra hotel.

AGRA:

Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor..

TAJ MAHAL:

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, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Proceed for visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmadullah's Tomb (Baby Taj) with English speaking guide. Enjoy battery van ride. Return to hotel and relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 04 : Jaipur

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. 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 it's ultimate expression. Continue sight-seeing.

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. Their five-storey structures 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. Relax in the evening or visit the markets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 05 : Jaipur - Delhi..

After breakfast proceed for shopping. Leave for Delhi after lunch. Reach Delhi and you will be transferred to airport for flight with sweet memories of India.

Day 06 : Delhi - Chennai

Transfer to hotel.

Day 07 : Chennai - Trivandrum

Transfer to Resort

Day 08 : Ayurvedic Beach Resort

Relax and enjoy the facilities at the resort including private beach, yoga, massage, nature walks, classical music and dance programs on open-air stage, visits to local traditional village.

Day 09 : Backwaters of Kerala

From the resort drive to the pier to board a private rice boat (70 kms/2 hrs drive) and then cruise through the narrow canals and wide lakes enjoying the scenic natural beauty -- coconut trees, rice patties, small villages. Meals and overnight on houseboats.

Day 10 : Backwaters - Cochin Morning

relax on houseboat, after lunch drive to Cochin 65 Kms/ 1 1/12 hrs.), transfer to hotel. overlooking the harbor, sea facing rooms.

Day 11 : Cochin Full day sighseeing:

palaces, museums. Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance at Cochin Cultural Center, arriving by 5 pm to watch the make-up. Dinner at traditional Kerala restaurant. overnight at hotel.

Day 12 : Periyar

Periyar Wild life Sanctuary Home to bison, antelopes, sambars, wild boars, monkeys, langurs, a wide variety of birds, and some 750 elephants. Game viewing by private motor-boat in the evening, (the best time to see wild life). overnight at hotel

Day 13 : Periyar - Madurai

Relax at Periyar in the morning. In afternoon, drive to Madurai (135 kms./ 4hrs. drive), "The Temple City of India." Evening relaxed overview of the city, independent strolling. Hotel in Madurai, cottages.

Day 14 : Madurai

Full day sighseeing: Sri Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Tiruparankundram (rock-cut)Temple, Alagarkoil Temple Evening fly Madurai-Madras dep 19:40 arr 20:30 arr. OR 20:40 dep.-21:30 arr. Hotel

Day 15 : Madras

Full day sightseeing of Madras: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Cathedral, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Fort St. George, the Marina. overnight at hotel.

Day 16 : Drive to Kanchipuram

Visit temples of Kanchipuram enroute to Mahabalipuram. Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Sri Ekambaranathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Devarajaswami Temple. On arrival in Mahabalipuram transfer to Hotel.

Day 17 : Mahabalipuram

Morning relax; afternoon sightseeing: Five Rathas, Shore Temple, ArjunaÕs Penance, Mandapams, Krishna Mandapam.

Day 18 : Madras

Relax in the morning. Late afternoon drive back to Madras (80kms./2hrs. drive). Transfer to international airport for flight home.