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NORTH AND SOUTH INDIA CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

Join our small group: November 18-December 6

Delhi - Day 1 Met at airport and transfer to hotel.

Delhi - Day 2
Relaxed morning. Afternoon: Tour of Old and New Delhi, including Red Fort, Qutab Minar and India Gate, House of Parliment, President's House, and riksha ride thru the market in Old Delhi. Welcome dinner at Pind Baluchi, New Delhi.

Delhi - Day 3
Morning visit The Crafts Museum which was designed by leading Indian architect Charles Correa. In a natural setting, there are over 20,000 examples of Indian art and architecture. Most of the exhibits represent some of the rarer arts in India, especially from the remote tribal belts. Many of these art forms are now dying, and some of the exhibits are the only examples of particular art forms in existence. To encourage the continuance of these skills, the museum invites master craftsman to display their talents in the open courtyard of the museum.

Afterwards we visit Dilli Haat for local crafts. Situated in the heart of Delhi, the unique Dilli Haat is an upgraded version of the traditional weekly market, offering a delightful amalgam of craft, food and cultural activities. Spread over a spacious six acre area, the imaginative landscaping and traditional village architectural style have combined to produce the perfect ambience for a Haat or market place. A wide variety of skilfully crafted handicrafts, intrinsic to each part of the country are available in this exotic bazaar. These range from intricate rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camelhide footwear, to sophisticated fabric and drapery. Gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, silk and woollens....the range is limitless. The handicraft stalls are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen from all corners of the vast and varied land of India, usually for fifteen days thus ensuring that different handicrafts are available to visitors at each visit, and also enabling them to buy authentic wares at prices that have not been inflated by high maintenance costs. Shows promoting handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex.  The food plaza enable visitors to savour flavors from the various regions of India. The different stalls offer a wide choice of ethnic food which is clean, hygienically prepared and reasonably priced.

Afternoon/evening independent. You may like to stroll the neighborhood around the hotel which is next to Khan Market with some of the best book shops and choice of restaurants in addition to regular shops, fruit and veg kiosks and typical north indian bazaar bustle.

Fly to Varanasi - Day 4
Flt 9w 723 dep 1020, arr1130. Transfer to hotel.
Late afternoon/early evening visit the Old City as it comes alive with preparations for the evening ceremony. Evening attend aarti puja (light ceremony) on the banks of the Ganges.

Varanasi- Agra - Day 5
A visit to Varanasi reveals the spiritual heart of India, and the best way to experience this is to tour the Ganges in a country boat at sunrise. Pilgrims, yogis and mystics flock to the ghats (steps) which lie along the banks of the Ganges, to take a cleansing dip in India's holiest river, practice yoga, meditate, or to complete mundane earthly chores such as washing clothes and vessels. Early morning life in this city revolves around the ghats. A contemporary of Nineveh and Thebes, Varanasi today, is the oldest living city in the world. One of India's most sacred cities, a devout Hindu believes to die and be cremated in Varanasi is to gain "moksha" or release from the eternal cycle of rebirth. The visit to the old city is a fascinating insight into the rituals of Hinduism. Every temple is well attended and every street corner has roadside shrines and vendors selling garlands, incense sticks and other items used in worship.

After the boat ride, walk through the narrow alleys with your guide, sharing space with cows, scooters, cycle rickshaws, shops and people, to the banks of the Ganges visiting the temples and watching the rituals of Hindu worship.

Afternoon, visit Sarnath , the spiritual centre of Buddhism (where Buddha gave his first sermon). Dr Koyal, a Buddhist scholar who has just published a book on The Buddha and Buddhism, will join us if available. The ancient ruins are fascinating including the Dhamekh Stupa which is believed to mark the spot where Buddha preached his famous sermon; the archaeological museum is excellent. There is also a monument dedicated to Buddha and a modern Buddhist temple with murals by a Japanese painter depicting the story of the life of Buddha.

Transfer to train station for evening train to Agra #4863 dep 1815/arr 0615. Overnight on board the Train. (sorry there is no other way to get there; flts no longer operating)

Arrival in Agra - Day 6
Full day sightseeing tour of Agra including the Fort, Sikandra and visit the the Taj Mahal at sunset.


Drive Agra-Fatephur Sikri- Jaipur - Day 7
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afterwards drive to Jaipur; enroute visit Fatephur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571, it is one of the world's most perfect ghost cities and a marvel of design and construction. It is a synthesis of the flourishing styles of the Persian courts and the prevailing Hindu Islamic trends. Fatehpur (town of victory) Sikri was built by Akbar, the third and greatest of the Great Moguls. It is over 400 years old and today its pristine red sandstone buildings are as perfect as when they were first chiseled. The town was erected after a holy man, Sheikh Salim Chisti, living in Sikri, decreed the births of three sons to Akbar after all his children had died in infancy. There are three sections to the City: The Royal Palace (notable for the Emperor's throne), outside the Royal Palace and the the Jami Masjid (the location of the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a masterpiece in brilliant white marble). The centerpiece of this remarkable monument is the Jewel House of the Diwan I Khas. Architecturally extraordinary, the four doorways lead into a single storey room where a huge central pillar carved to baroque richness, supports a seat reached by mid air walkways.
Late afternoon arrival in Jaipur. Independent rest of day to relax (swim, massage), visit markets.

Jaipur - Day 8
Morning visit Amber Fort. At one time the capital of the Kacchawa Rajputs before it was shifted to Jaipur, the rugged exterior belies a beautiful and delicate interior. The gates of the palace are approached on elephant back. Afterwards, visit the City Palace where the museums display textiles, carpets, costumes and manuscripts from the personal collection of the royal family; the Jantar Mantar Observatory which uses extraordinary shaped stone monoliths covered in marble to read the time accurately even today; and the colorful market dominated by the elegant facade of the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Lunch at lunch at Surbhi Restaurant, which has an interesting exhibit of turbans. Afternoon independent to relax or stroll the markets.

Fly to Udaipur - Day 9
After hotel check-in, visit the City Palace, Museum and Crystal Gallery. Afternoon enjoy a walking tour with guide, of the cobbled, narrow quaint streets in the area outside the City Palace gates; visit miniature painting studios if interested. Sunset private boat ride on Lake Pichola. Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is an early 17th century haveli, typical Mewar architecture, with its charm and aesthetics, situated on the eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola (deluxe rooms).

Udaipur - Day 10
Morning excursion to Ranakpur Jain Temples with 1444 pillars. Surrounded by tangled forests with monkeys abounding in the courtyard, Ranakpur is one of five important pilgrim centers for the Jain community. Noted for its grandiose scale and elaborate ornamentation, of the three temples, the Adinatha is the most outstanding. Built by Daranshah in 1439, the temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara saint. The whole, including the extraordinary array of 1444 sculpturedpillar,s each distinct in design, carved ceilings, and arches decorated with friezes depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain saints, Jain mythology and cosmology, is fascinating. Lunch at Maharani Bagh (Mango Orchard of the Maharaja of Jodhpur) near the temples.
Afternoon independent time to browse bazaars.

Fly to Bombay to connect flt to Cochin - Day 11
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel Taj Malabar or Malabar House. Afternoon sightseeing to include St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands. The church was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace"built in 1557 AD . The central hall on the 1st floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic Legends connected with Hinduism gods. Next we'll see the Chinese Fishing Nets along Vypeen Island (set up between 1350 - 1450 AD). These cantilevered fishing nets were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan.

Kodanad- elephant training center - Day 12
Full day excursion to Kodanad, the head quarters of Malayattur forest division, known for the Elephant Kraal‚ and is about 45 km from Ernakulam (Cochin/Kochi) and 12 km to the east of Perumbavoor town. Kodanad, set on the southern banks of the Periyar River amid the beautiful high ranges near Perumbavoor is one of the largest elephant training centers of Kerala. Earlier elephants captured from the Malayatoor forests (the forests in the east and north of Kodanad) were trained here.

Evening attend Kathakali dance performance, We arrive by 5 pm to watch the performers apply their elaborate make-up and costumes. Overnight in Cochin

Kumarakom - Day 13
Transfer to Coconut Lagoon Resort. Coconut Lagoon, located on the beautiful serene Kumarakom Backwaters and accessible only by boat, is the number one heritage backwater resort in Kerala. The resort has a separate section for Ayurvedic and Rejuvenation Treatment (optional/extra cost). A relaxing independent day. Enjoy a delicious south Indian dinner at the Coconut Lagoon Resort.

Kumarakom - Kerala Backwaters - Day 14
After breakfast, a short boat cruise to Philip Kutty's Farm, a small homestead located on an island in the midst of the Kerala backwaters. The farm is part of an island reclaimed in the early 1950ís. The 50-acre farm is 5 feet below sea level and has an interesting mix of intercrop cultivation. See the cultivation of various tropical fruits and vegetables including coconut, banana, cocoa, nutmeg, pepper and the culture of fresh water prawns. A short demo of simple home cooking, followed by lunch with the family. It is a wonderful place if bird watching is one of your hobbies and a great place to spend time at a village and meet the locals. Return to Coconut Lagoon for the overnight.

Kerala Backwaters - Day 15
After breakfast we board a traditional rice boat for a day cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. A series of canals which thread their way through the state to the sea, allows you a glimpse of life in Kerala impossible to get from road and transport. Along the way you will pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school and farmers transporting their produce to the market, and women completing household tasks such as laundry, and washing utensils. You will disembark from the boat to wander in the villages and talk to the people. The "kettuvolloms" or rice boats are made completely of natural material. A specially prepared fresh foods lunch served on board.  Return to Coconut Lagoon for the overnight.

Drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (140 km/4 hrs) - Day 16
Varied agro-climatic conditions in Thekkady (Periyar) offers vast scope for production of herbs from mint to parsley to oregano. Spice Village is located in the Periyar wilderness, high in the western ghats of Kerala. For centuries, the area attracted voyagers and adventurers, mercenaries and empire builders, kings and merchant princes. Men and women are drawn not only by the lure of spices, but by the romance and wild beauty of the land. The Portuguese and the Jews of Cochin visited as traders, turning the natural bounties of the area - pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace and anise-- into wealth. The Periyar hills became nature's taste factory in the 14th century, as Cochin became nature's harbour, the port for a spice-hungry world. Later, the area came under the Kingdom of Travancore, and many of its plantations, orchards and hunting lodges date from that time. The Raj too, left its mark on the Cardamom Hills. Early efforts at conservation came from its dedicated forest rangers, who loved the land and its people as their own. On the road to Spice Village, the earth is a fertile outpouring, every conceivable shade of green, flecked with the crimson and gold of mountain flowers. This is a world of forests patterned in dappled sunlight, plantations of rubber, coffee and spice; rolling highlands and crisp, cool air.

Afternoon boat ride on lake Periyar to view wildlife. Home to bison, sambars, wild boars, monkeys, nilgiri langurs, a wide variety of birds, and some 750 elephants.

Drive to Madurai (180 km/4 hrs) - Day 17
After hotel check-in and lunch, tour of Meenakshi Temple. The temple was built in the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The Gopurams are covered from top to bottom with profuse multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The main temple has long galleries and large halls supported by columns. The Hall of 1000 Columns has musical pillars. Evening return to Meenakshi Temple on cycle-rickshaws to witness the nightly spiritual ceremony (pooja) in which Lord Shiva is carried in a palanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests to the temple of his consort, Parvati, to spend the night. He is brought back to his temple in the morning. You will first witness the nightly temple-car (chariot) circuit of the temple at 7 pm; the carrying of the Shiva icon is at 9 pm.

Fly Madurai - Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Day 18
Morning fly to Chennai 9W 3522 dep 0830, arr 945. On arrival drive to Kanchipuram (1.5 hr). Kanchipuram, known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, is one of the oldest towns in India. It is famous for both its temples, many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven silks. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns. These silk weavers came from neighboring Karnataka and make saris woven in jewel colors and decorated with gold threads. Most of the weavers work from their own homes and we'll arrange a visit to one home for you, if interested. Evening culminate the visit by the beautiful Shore temples at sunset. Drive to Mahabalipuram for overnight at beach hotel.

Mahabalipuram-Chennai-Home - Day 19
Morning relax; enjoy the resort facilities and the beach. Late afternoon drive back to Chennai for flt home. Rooms available for wash/change/dinner. late night transfer to Intl Airport.

Price: $5065 per person (min 4 people), single room supp $1525
Plus airfares (subject to change): Delhi - Varanasi $182, Udaipur - Bombay $183, Bombay - Cochin $247, Madurai - Chennai $140

Includes:
Accommodation .
Three nights Delhi at Taj Ambassador Hotel (B, one D)
One night Varanasi at Taj Ganges (B)
One night Agra at Hotel Taj View (B)
Two nights Jaipur at Jai Mahal (B, one L)
Two nights Udaipur at Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel (B, one D)
Two nights Kumarakom at Coconut Lagoon (B, one D)
Two nights Cochin at Taj Malabar or Malabar House (B)
One night Periyar at Spice Village (B, one L)
One night Mahabalipuram at Temple Bay Beach Resort (B)
Room for wash and change at airport hotel in Chennai

Arrival, departure transfers & land transport in A/C Car / A/C Tempo Traveller as per itinerary.
Professional local guide during city sightseeing in Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Cochin, Madurai, Chennai per itin.
Monument entrance fees and still camera fees
Train tickets in A/C Chair Car Varanasi - Agra
Elephant ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur
Boat ride on Lake Pichola & on Periyar Lake
Kathakali entrances ticket
Accompany escort throughout (min 4 people)
India Gov Service Tax 4.89%

Meals
Special Dinners: In Delhi at Pind Baluchi, In Udaipur at Fateh Prakash, In Kumarakom at Coconut Lagoon, In Periyar at Spice Village.    
Special Lunches: one lunch at Surbhi in Jaipur, one lunch at Philip Kutty's Farm in Kumarakom

Does not include: International Air, Insurance, Airport departure taxes, Meals other than mentioned above, video fees, Tips, Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry