Duo of Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome and assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and transfer to the pre-booked hotel by aircon car. After check in, travel document related to the tour plan and services will be handed over to you; our representative will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. Later in the evening visit to see Light and Sound Show at Red fort. The show exhibits wonderful history of the city in a very interesting way. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

03 Day: Delhi – Sikandra – Agra (210 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, on the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, after visit continue to proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, must visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel overnight stay.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, both are conveniently located close to Delhi. Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the noteworthy places to visit apart from the famous Taj Mahal.

04 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

05 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore (260 kms: 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Ranthambore, enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. After visit proceed to Ranthambore, the hunting place of Royal Family of Jaipur and one of finest tiger reserve of India, on arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. Evening is free for individual activities. Dinner and overnight stay.

Ranthambhore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locations, It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambhore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort dates back to the 11th century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. Earlier, the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambhore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, busy in their normal pursuits - especially stalking or hunting and taking care of their young.

06 Day: Ranthambore:

After breakfast, take Jungle Safari by open Canter accompanied by an expert naturalist to explore The Ranthambhore wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat. In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. You will love the valley at first sight. It is located on the border of Ranthambore National Park. Leopards avoid the thick inner forest owing to the domination of tigers. You could have a great time going Jeep Safari and viewing various wild animals including dear, wild boar and sloth bear. Return to the hotel for a lunch. Later visit Ranthambhore Fort overlooking the National Park and Jogi Mahal. Also visit the famous Temple of Ganesha in the Fort. Later return to the jungle resort for dinner and overnight stay.

07 Day: Ranthambore – Jaipur (190 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit a step well situated in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur; it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Jaipur is worldly famous for hand woven carpets, precious stones, handicrafts, marbles, textiles, blue pottery, handmade papers amongst many others. After refreshment, enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra. The city had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe.

08 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

09 Day: Jaipur – Neemrana – Delhi (270 kms - 5 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, en route visit to one of the splendid citadel of Rajasthan: Neemrana Fort to explore this magnificent royal abode. Now converted in to the magnificent heritage hotel, one can opt to have lunch in a Royal ambience; can also enjoy Zip Tour over here - an exhilarating and exploratory activity. You can have camel cart rides and vintage car rides. Later continue drive to Delhi, on arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Neemrana Fort - The Neemrana Fort Palace is situated on an elevated hillock and offers magnificent picturesque views of the surrounding region. In 1467, The Chauhan's capital shifted from Mandhan to Neemrana when the fort was established by Raja Dup Raj. It was subsequently conquered by the Mughals and the Jats before reverting back to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of Alwar was established. It was made into a heritage resort back in 1986 and is among India's oldest heritage resort hotels.

10 Day: Delhi – Chennai (By Air)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Chennai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of Chennai; the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India - classical, ancient, gentle. Chennai is the 4th largest city in India, spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. . Start the tour with visit to Kalashetra & join the Heritage Walking tour which starts from 0830 AM for 03 hours (closed on Saturday & Sunday) Visit The St. George Fort (closed on Friday), Santhome Cathedral & Snake Park (closed on Tuesdays) In the evening, optionally you can visit the flower and fruit market, and then explore Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. Overnight at the hotel.

Chennai (Madras): the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is the most convenient point of entry for the state. Chennai has an international airport, a seaport, a rail and road network that links it to all major towns and cities of the region. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Temples with towering spires called gopurams are a common feature of this state, seldom seen anywhere else in the country. Temples in Tamil Nadu were the fulcrums of society and even today art forms that find their origin in religious worship continue to colour daily life.

11 Day: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (130 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram to explore the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous for its 1000 temples, of which 124 shrines still remain. Visit the most famous temple: Kailasnathar; built during 685 A.D. to 705 A.D. The architecture of the temple is a fine example of the Dravidian style of architecture carved out of sandstone. Visit other temples like Vaikuntaperumal, Ekambareshwara, Kamakshiamma and Sakiswarar. Go shopping at the world famous silk cloth markets. Later proceed to Mahabalipuram and check in at hotel. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram; a sculptor's delight boasting of some of India's most sublime rock-cut art falling under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 7th century, in this ancient seaside town, one can see shrines & huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the original identified example of Dravidian architecture & the reign of Pallava Kings. Visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Varaha Mandapa and Mandapams. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Kanchipuram is known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities and the historical capital of the Pallavas. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and later became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries. Kanchi is also known as the centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage.

Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism, fabulous fish and lobster! Despite the many visitors, drawn by the former Pallava dynasty town, the place is friendly, relaxed, and the villagers are remarkably unperturbed by their crowds of visitors.

12 Day: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100 kms: 2-3 hrs)

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Pondicherry. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Ecole Françoise d’Extreme Orient, which is nearly 100 years old and offers programs in Sanskrit, Tamil and Archaeological studies. The French Catholic influence is evident in a number of churches, notably the Jesuit Cathedral (Notre Dame de la Conception’ 16941-1765),The Church of Our Lady of Angels (1855), famous for an oil painting of our Lady of Assumption given to the Church by King Louis Napoleon III, and the 17th century Chapel of Our Sisters of Cluny. Also visit Auroville, the planned city of Dawn of the new world. In the evening take a walk at the promenade by the beach. You will find here some of the most significant landmarks like the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d'Arc, Duplex, the elegant War Memorial raised by the French, the heritage building "Mairie", the 27m tall old Lighthouse. After sightseeing return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Pondicherry: This attractive, former French colony exudes a Mediterranean aura with its sophisticated streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. Located along the Bay of Bengal the city didn't come under Indian rule until 1954. You can still hear a fair bit of French being spoken as you stroll along its remaining seaside villas and cobblestone streets. The city is really two towns in one: La Ville Blanche, the colonials' former playground, and La Ville Noire, the crowded inland area where the native Indian population was forced to live

13 Day: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Nalladai - Tanjore (170 kms: 4 hrs)

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Tanjore. En route visit Chidambaram– one of the major Hindu pilgrimage places famous for the Nataraja Temple. It is one of the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu. The temple is located in the heart of the city, and covers an area of 40 acres, towers at a height of over 40 metres in height with the roofs covered with gold plates. The presiding deity in the temple is Akasha Lingam and is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe. Also visit, Nalladai village, Sri Agneeswarar temple, Lord Agneeswara graces facing west against the traditional direction of east. There is slope like formation around the Shivalinga filled with water to calm down the Agni feature (heat) of the Lord. Later proceed to Tanjore. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel

Chidambaram (also Thillai) literally means the sky permeated by an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom. According to legend, it was once a forest of tillai, a mangrove species of trees. There was once a small shrine on the banks of a tank. The saints Vyagrapada and Patanjali are said to have worshipped at this shrine, now called Thirumoolanathar. It is believed that their penance attained fruition with the revelation of Shiva's cosmic dance by Lord Nataraja on the auspicious Thai Poosam day.

Tanjore or Thanjavur as it was earlier called was the capital of the Chola Empire from the 10th century to the 14th century A.D. and later became a part of the Vijaynagar kingdom. It is the literary and religious centre of the South. The celebrated temple Brihadeshra built by the Chola King during the 11th century is its major attraction. The Saraswati Mahal library, dating back from the time of the Marathas, contains a rare collection of books and manuscripts on paper and palm leaves.

14 Day: Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (190 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Brihadeshwara temple built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture and falls under the World Heritage sites. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace, which was constructed in 1550 with huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers. Later visit the Saraswati Mahal Library - housing some of the most important oriental manuscripts collections in India. Established around 1700 AD, the library contains a collection of over 44,000 palm leaves, and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. Later drive to Madurai & en route visit Trichy; the most famous landmark of this bustling town is the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop. The Sri Ranganathanswami Temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covers a staggering 2.5 sq km followed by a visit to Jambukeshwara temple. Later proceed to Madurai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Trichy is a city surrounded by the rock fort. On the top of the rock there is a fort and a temple. After crossing 434 rocks cut steps, there is a temple called Mathrubhutewarar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Siva. There is another temple called Ucchi Pillar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and located at the top of the rock. The entire city can be seen from this place. Srirangam temple and Sri Jambukeswarar temple are famous in Trichy.

Madurai with its 2500 year old history is the oldest city in Tamilnadu both historically and as per mythology. Legend says that Madurai was originally called a forest Kadambavanam. Once a merchant saw Indra - the king of Devas (Gods) worshipping a Swayambhulingam under a kadamba tree in the forest. This incident was reported by Dhananjayan (the merchant) to the king Kulasekara Pandian. The king immediately cleared the forest and built a temple around the lingam.

15 Day: Madurai

After breakfast, visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Also visit the Thirumalainayak’s Palace Visit Gandhi Museum (closed on all National Holidays). Visit the interesting Flower market of Madurai with an experience of a rickshaw ride in the temple town. In the evening visit the famous Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple to attend the Aarti (Prayers) witnessing interesting rituals and ceremonies. Overnight at the hotel.

16 Day: Madurai – Rameshwaram (172 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast checkout and drive to Rameshwaram. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Often referred to as the ‘Island of Prayer’, and also considered to Varanasi of the South this major pilgrimage centre is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar. Most of the town’s places to stay and eat are cluttered around the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Built in the 12th century AD, the temple with its awe-inspiring corridors, and the longest in India. Evening visit Adam's Bridge(Ram Setu) the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the series of stepping stones used by the monkey army, led by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from the clutch of Ravana. Overnight at the hotel at Rameshwaram.

Rameshwaram is an island separated from the mainland by a small strait of water. Rameshwaram is famous for the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama who, it is believed, had descended on its shores and built a bridge across the Palk Strait to reach Lanka in his quest to rescue Sita from Ravana. Additionally, the temple is famous for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Siva. Lord Rama had constructed a Siva linga in order to offer thanks to the Lord after killing Ravana. Hence, the temple is a sacred site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

17 Day: Rameshwaram – Kovalam (370 kms: 8 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to the beach resort. Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, there are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. Rest of the day is free for lesiure and beach acitivties, you can indulge in Yoga rejuvenation; here you can enjoy also skiing, surfing and also kayaking. Enjoy the sunbathing under the tropical sun. Overnight at the beach resort of Kovalam.

Kovalam: a small village on Malabar Coast Line in Kerala and close by to Trivandrum. Kovalam word means - Grove of Coconut tree. Kovalam beaches are seems to be God gifted- very beautiful, sandy and safe beaches with high, strong waves and serge. Kovalam is having 3 beaches: Hawa beach, Samudra beach and Lighthouse beach. Kovalam is also quite poplar for being an Ayurveda hotspot. Almost all resorts and hotels offer Meditations sessions, Ayurvedic treatment and massages, herbal body tinning, yoga, herbal body toning.

18 Day: Kovalam

Today morning after breakfast you can enjoy the day on the sandy beach – may opt for water sports and wellness : Sunbathing, water skiing, Angling, Para- sailing, surfing etc…you may experience renown Ayurveda massage, herbal body toning, treatment offered at most of resorts, this will not give you just relaxation, in fact rejuvenates your body, mind and soul. You can also enjoy special cultural programme and Catamaran Cruising. Overnight at the resort at Kovalam.

Ayurveda, means the science of healthy living, derives its name from the Sanskrit words, AYUSH (LIFE) and VEDA (KNOWLEDGE). It looks at healing in a holistic fashion. The physical treatment has overtones of philosophical and psychological approaches too. Any ailment in the body is viewed as a result of a combination of factors with special reference to the components of diet. It is here that Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is different and so treatment too should be customized.

19 Day: Kovalam – Kanyakumari (90 kms: 2 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Watching sun set from here is the big attraction, especially on the full moon day in April, when it's possible to see both the setting sun and rising moon on the same horizon. Other attractions are Kumari Amman Temple, Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial. In the evening enjoy the wonderful view of Sunset from Murugan Kundram hills, later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Kanyakumari: is also known as Cape Commorin named by British. Kanyakumari in the state of Tamilnadu, The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari is the point of convergence of three oceans –Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage centre is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters on the same horizon.

20 Day: Kanyakumari – Trivandrum (95 kms: 2 hrs) – Home Town

Today early morning enjoy the spectacular SUNRISE, just behind The Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. Afterwards check out the hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport, enroute visit the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Afterwards transfer to the Trivandrum International Airport to board the scheduled flight for home town/onwards journey, on departure the tour concludes with happy memories.