33 Days North & South India Deccan Tour Package | TOI
29 Nights Itinerary Covering: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa - Badami - Hospet – Hassan - Mysore - Ooty - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey – Kovalam - Trivandrum
29 Nights Itinerary Covering: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa - Badami - Hospet – Hassan - Mysore - Ooty - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey – Kovalam - Trivandrum
North & South India Deccan Tour is a meticulously crafted itinerary which is being designed by the Tourism of India. They offer you a gracious opportunity to explore the enchanting beauty of the whole of an India in one go. You can explore the cultural, traditional, and architectural heritage of the country. You will be able to delve into the majestic beauty of the world-famous edifices of the North and South India among with them you will learn much more about the culture of India. You will be able to spend some time with the locals and savour the local delicacies of different regions.
The historical monuments will take you to the bygone era and depicts the glorious time of India. During the 33 Days North & South India tour, you will visit the most magnificent places of India which includes the capital city of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mumbai, Goa, Badami, Hassan, Hospet, Mysore, Ooty, Cochin, Alleppey, Munnar, etc. You will be able to attend the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi which is one of the oldest cities of the world, enjoy the houseboat tour in the backwaters of Kerala, spend quality time on the beaches of Goa, explore the monumental beauty in Jaipur, and learn about the cultural heritage of the country. You will get an opportunity to explore the enchanting beauty of lakes, waterfalls, national parks, viewpoints, and majestic peaks of various regions of India. With the North & South India Deccan tour, you will get a deep insight into the diversity of this vast nation. Take a look at the detailed itinerary and enjoy the virtual tour.
Our tour representative will meet you at Delhi Airport and guide you to one of our hotels. You will have an assisted check-in to the pre-booked hotel and have a place to rest. After taking some rest you can take a stroll around the hotel. The rest of the time is at your leisure. You can visit the local market or savour some local delicacies in the national capital. Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and heritage. It is a treasure trove and a heart of India which is being thrived by the plethora of tourist places. Enjoy your stay in the capital city of India.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
On the 2nd day of your journey, after having delicious breakfast you will embark on the sightseeing tour of the National Capital of the country. The tour in Delhi will lead you to some of the major tourist's attractions and the places which played a major part in history. The list of places to be visited includes
Red Fort: This fort was constructed in 1639 and the Red Fort was the main residence used by Mughal Emperors. After Independence, every year the National flag of the country is hoisted on the Red Fort by the Prime Minister on Independence Day which is celebrated on 15th of August every year.
Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is one of the biggest Mosques or Masjids in the entire country. Constructed in 1656 by the Mughal emperors, the original name of the Masjid is Masjid-e-Jahan-Numa and the Jama Masjid is a short name which is commonly known by the people.
India Gate: India Gate is a war memorial built by the I.W.G.C which was Imperial War Graves Commission established by the Britishers and the India Gate was built in remembrance of the Soldiers who were killed in the First World War. In India Gate, there is a black marble plinth with an army helmet capping an L1A1 self-loading rifle and surrounded by 4 eternal flames known as Amar Javan Jyoti.
Raj Ghat: Raj Ghat is the place which has been serving as a memorial for many former well-known leaders and people who served the country. Raj Ghat grounds the memorials of Jawaharlal Nehru, Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Jagjivan Ram, Giani Zail Singh, Choudhary Charan Singh, Shankar Dayal Sharma, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Chandra Shekhar, I.K. Gujral, Devi Lal and it is famous as the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun’s Tomb is well known by the name Maqbara-i-Humayun or Humayun ka Maqbara. It is mainly the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun but also houses the graves of Bega Begum, Hamidi Begum who were the wives of Humayun and also the graves of many other Mughal emperors.
Parliament House: Parliament House or Sansad Bhavan is the main legislative body of the country. It is composed of 3 bodies the President of the country and two houses the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
Laxmi Narayan Temple: Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the major attractions of the capital city Delhi. Spread over an area of 7.5 acres, the temple is mainly devoted to the Hindu Lord Vishnu also known by the name Laxmi Narayan. The temple also houses many shrines, garden and beautiful fountains.
After the tour of the Delhi, an entertaining and mind refreshing light and sound show at Red Fort would be a perfect thing to take a glimpse at in the evening. After the show return to the hotel for filling up your stomachs and overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Early morning after having breakfast and packing your belongings, move to the Delhi airport where you will board a flight and depart to Varanasi. Our tour representative will be at Varanasi Airport to meet you on your arrival and will guide to one of our listed hotels. Check-in at the hotel and have a cosy comfortable place to relax. After freeing your body from the tiredness of your previous journey taking a glimpse at some spiritual places would be the best thing to do while riding to the Varanasi city which will be the next destination so move out of an excursion to Sarnath a place where the founder of the religion Buddhism first taught the Dharma and also the place where Buddhist Sangha came into existence. Also, visit the three Tibetan temple and a Japanese temple. The other major tourist attraction of Sarnath which one would love to visit are –
Sarnath Archaeological Museum : Housing more than 6,832 sculptures and artefacts, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum is counted among the oldest site museums of Archaeological Survey of India. Located in near the city Varanasi the museum stores the excavation and findings from Sarnath. Established in 1910 the Museum was built for the very same purpose it is serving today i.e. to house, display and study the antiquities of Sarnath.
Ashoka Pillar: Ashoka Pillar is a 50 m long pillar which is a gift from emperor Ashoka to Buddhism and marks the visit of emperor Ashoka in Sarnath. Ashoka pillar is also known by the name Lion Capital of Ashoka and is a sculpture in which 4 lions are standing back to back later in 1950 the graphical representation of the lion capital in the Ashoka pillar was adopted as the official National Emblem of India.
Chaukhand Stupa: Chaukhandi Stupa was originally constructed in the 5th century. It was a place where the founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha was reunited with his five companions known by the name Panchavargiya Bhikshus. The Chaukhandi Stupa is also a site declared as ‘Protected Area of National Importance’ by the Archeological Survey of India.
Thai Temple: Located amid the lush green gardens the Thai Temple was constructed in 1933 by the Thai Dignitaries. The other name with which the Thai Temple is also well known by is Hinayana Temple and the Thais call it the Wat Thai Temple. When visited the temple one can see many devotees offering their prayers to a huge standing statue which is more than 80 feet in height.
After this tiring journey rides back to the Varanasi city. Enjoy the dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Get up early on 4th day of the tour and visit to the Ganga Ghat where you will be able to enjoy the boat ride on the holy river Ganga.
After the amusing ride on the boat and returning to the hotel have your breakfast and after resting for a while move out to tour the city Varanasi which is well known by the title “City of Ghats” or “City of Banks of Rivers”. Your tour around the city will include -
Alamgir Mosque: Built-in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the Alamgir Mosque stands on a sight where a Hindu temple was built by Beni Madhur Rao Scindia dedicated to Lord Vishnu but later demolished by Aurangzeb when he captured Banaras. The Alamgir Mosque also called Beni Madhav ka Darera as it was built over the ruins of the temple in 1669.
Dashaswamedh Ghat: Constructed in 1740 by Bajirao Peshava and then reconstructed again in 1774 under the command of Queen of Indore namely Ahilyabai Holkar. Famous for the daily ritual of Agni pooja in the evening which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, River Ganga, Surya (the sun), Agni (fire) and the whole universe. The ghat has two believed mythologies one is that Lord Brahma welcomed Lord Shiva at the site where the ghat is and the other mythology is that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in the yajna at this site and also from this mythology, the ghat got its name Dashashwamedh Ghat in which Dash means ten ashwa means horses and medh means sacrifice.
The Bharat Mata Temple: Constructed by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta during the time of pre-independence, the construction of the temple began during the year 1918 and got completed in 1924. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on October 25 in 1936 the temple is still maintained and managed by the Gupta family. The main attraction of the temple is not the statues or pictures of gods and other like other traditional temples but a huge map carved out from marbles of undivided India.
During the evening, enjoy the sunsets at ghats of Varanasi is a lifetime experience. Later, you will attend the massive aarti of Ganga and returning to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel on the 5th day of the tour and move to the airport to depart to the next destination. From the airport, board the flight for Khajuraho and our tour representative will be there for you on your arrival and will guide you to one of our listed hotels. Check-in at the hotel and relax in your room or take a stroll around.
After freeing the body from the tiredness of your previous journey attend an entertaining Sound and Light show. After the entertaining show moves back to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 6 of our wonderful tour is dedicated to the exploring of world heritage sites of Khajuraho. Khajuraho is one of the most popular places in the state Madhya Pradesh. Famous for antique, beautiful and ancient sculptures and other artistic beauties this place is divide into two groups of temples namely Eastern Group and Western Group of temples. After your breakfast at the hotel, you can move on to the marvellous sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. During the tour, you will be visiting some of the finest and popular temples in the vicinity which will be –
Laxmi & Varaha Temples: Laxmi Temple and Varaha Temple are two small different temples situated near each other and dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Believed to be built during the period of 900 to 925 AD, the Laxmi and Varaha Temple are famous for their beautiful architecture and picturesque style. The temple is situated at the western group of a temple complex which is inscribed by the Unesco as a World Heritage site in 1986.
Kandariya Mahadev Temple: Kandariya Mahadev Temple is another temple in the World Heritage Site of Khajuraho. The name of the temple Kandariya Mahadev Temple means “the Great God of the Cave”. This temple is the biggest of all the time at the complex of Khajuraho and also considered to be the best-preserved specimen with history from the medieval period.
Devi Jagdambi Temple: Built by the ruler of Chandela dynasty who ruled Bundelkhand region between 9th to 13th century, the Devi Jagadambi Temple is also a temple in the temple complex inscribed as the world heritage Site in Khajuraho and the temple Devi Jagadambi is named after Goddess Jagdamba who is believed to be the mother of the entire universe.
After you visited the temples in Khajuraho and devoting your prayers there you will move towards your next destination Jhansi. While moving toward Jhansi we will be stopping and visiting the town of Orchha. The town of Orchha was founded in 15th century AD and today's world it is renowned for its numerous temples, palaces and forts. Highly popular amongst them are-
Jehangir Mahal of Orchha: Built-in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture the Jehangir Mahal of Orchha is famous for its marvellous sculptures, delicate trellis, chhatris, topped domes and hanging balconies which represents the excellent design and highlights the beauty of the Jehangir Mahal. The Jehangir Mahal has many other names like Citadel of Jehangir, Orchha Palace, Mahal-e-Jahangir Orchha and Jahangir Citadel which was built during the 17th century as a symbol of a warm reception by the ruler Vir Singh Deo when Jehangir visited the Orchha first time.
Raj Mahal: Abandoned in 1783 the Raja Mahal was built in early 16th century, the construction of the mahal started under the rule of Rudra Pratap Singh and was completed later by the successor of Rudra Pratap Singh before the palace was abandoned the kings and queens resided in the palace. The exquisite feature of the palace is the lined fragments of mirrors and animated painting which can be seen on the walls and ceiling of the Palace.
Laxmi Narayan Temple: Constructed in 1622 by Vir Singh Deo the Laxmi Narayan Temple is one the most important temples in Orchha dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi who is Consort of God Vishnu soon worsened due to lack of maintenance and started to crumble. The Temple was reconstructed during the year 1793 by Prithvi Singh. The temple displays beautiful wall paintings which were referenced from the Rama Charitra Manas which is an epic poem and also referenced from the first battle fought for freedom and Independence in 1857.
After this short stroll around the town of Orchha, you will be continuing your journey toward Jhansi to board the train to next destination toward Agra. Our tour representative will be there to meet you on your arrival at Agra railway station and guide you to one of our hotels to check-in and have a place to rest.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be leaving the hotel for the beautiful sightseeing tour throughout the Mughal city Agra. While on the Mughal city sightseeing tour you will be visiting -
Taj Mahal: Built-in the memory of a queen by a king, the Taj Mahal still stands majestically and beautifully as a symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal is a tomb built to house the grave of Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. This 17 hectors huge masterpiece houses the tomb of both Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal and the tombs are the centrepiece of this huge complex. The construction of this humungous tomb started in 1632 and was completed in 1653. This exquisite construction project has employed more than 20,000 artisans and the cost of about 32 million rupees at the period of its construction which is approximated in the current time will probably go much more than a few million U.S. Dollars. UNESCO designated the Taj Mahal as UNESCO World Heritage Site for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage” in the year 1983 and the Taj Mahal was also made a part of Seven Wonders of the World.
Agra Fort: Said to be the sister of Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is situated on the North-West side of Taj Mahal and it has been used as the residential site by the early Mughal emperors until the year 1638 and after which the Mughals shifted their capital from Agra to Delhi. The last known Indian rulers who occupied the fort were Marathas. UNESCO inscribed the Agra Fort as a World Heritage Sight in the year 1983.
Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb: Many times regarded as the draft of Taj Mahal which gives a name “Bachcha Taj” to the Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb or Itimad-ud-Daulah Maqbara, the Tomb is also described as Jewel Box. The Tomb was built by Nur Jahan who was the wife of the fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg who had the title of I’imad-ud-Daulah which meant pillar of the state.
After the tour, you can explore the Local Bazaar and shop for something to keep a memory of your journey in the city Agra and then move back to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.
After utilizing the 7th day of your journey in strolling and sightseeing the amazing places in the city Agra on the 8th day after having breakfast in the morning you will depart for Ranthambore and while on the move to the Ranthambore you will stop at the World Heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri is a fine specimen of Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim architecture. Built-in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar, the town has long been abandoned but till date is proud evidence of the former days. After the short stroll in Fatehpur Sikri, the journey toward Ranthambore will continue. Our tour representative on your arrival at Ranthambore will lead you to one of our hotels to check-in and have a place to rest. The rest of the time is at your leisure, you can explore the nearby areas of the resort or enjoy nature.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Ranthambore.
Ranthambore National Park is a wildlife sanctuary when first established it covered 282 square kilometres and today it covers an area of more than 1334 square kilometres. Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for Bengal Tigers and was established by the government for protecting the very same species from getting extinct in 1955. When near Ranthambore National Park what will be better than visiting this exquisite and huge wildlife sanctuary and spotting the animal in their natural habitat.
After spending the whole day in the Sanctuary you will be returning to the hotel for dinner and the relaxing.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Ranthambore.
Early morning after having breakfast, pack your belongings and depart for your next destination which is Jaipur. It is also well known by the name of Pink City or City of Palaces. Our tour representative will guide you to one of our listed hotels in Jaipur. Check-in at the hotel and have a cosy comfortable place to relax. You can spend your leisure time strolling around the hotel or as you like and have dinner and have a relaxing.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.
After breakfast in the hotel on the 11th day of your journey, you will be exploring the Jaipur city which is also renowned by the name of Pink City. Jaipur is the largest and the capital city of State Rajasthan, inscribed as Pink City of India by UNESCO on 6th of July in 2019 among its World Heritage Sites. The city Jaipur was given the title Pink City due to the compelling colour scheme of the buildings in the city.
During your tour through the Pink City of India, you will be visiting-
Amber Fort: Amber Fort is also well known by the name of Amer Fort. The fort was built under the rule of Raja Nahar Singh over the ruins of another earlier structure. Famous for its architectural style the fort was used as a residential palace and had 12 rooms connected to the kings room by the staircase in each room as the King Raja Nahar Singh had 12 wives.
Hawa Mahal: This exquisite site in the Pink City is a world-famous site for its unique and elegant design, looking just like a beehive the building rises to five storeys. Build by the Grandson Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who was also the founder of city Jaipur, the Mahal was built in 1799. The Hawa Mahal was inspired by another historical structure named Khetri Mahal.
Jag Mandir: There were three Maharana’s contributed to the completion of Jag Mandir who were from the Mewar Kingdom. Situated on the two naturally formed islands in between the Pichola Lake the construction of the Jag Mandir started in 1551 under the rule of Maharana Amar Singh, the project of construction of the temple was undertaken by Maharana Karan Singh and the construction continued during 1620 to 1628 and the structure was finally completed under the rule Maharana Jagat Singh between 1628 to 1652. The name Jagat Mandir was given to the structure in honour of Maharana Jagat Singh.
Sheesh Mahal: This majestic piece of art was built in the year 1727 under the rule of the king Man Singh. As the ceiling of the place is completed decorated with glass, mirrors and precious stone gives it the name Sheesh Mahal which is also known by the name Mirror Palace. It is believed that the Sheesh Mahal was built on the order of king Man Singh for fulfilling the wish of the queen who loved to see the stars while sleeping.
City Palace: An amazing fusion of Mughal Style of Architecture and Rajput Style of Architecture can be seen when visiting the City Palace. With the same establishment year as the Pink city which is 1727 the Palace is situated in the centre of the city and spread over one-seventh of the total area of the city. City Palace was once the residential palace of the king and had temple, buildings and courtyards and an additional thing it has is a museum which safekeeping and shows the historical importance and the magnificent royal grace of the old times.
Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar is an observatory for build by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the year 1734. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was a great scholar and was expert in the study of stars, astronomy and Indian Politics. There are a total of 5 places with the same name Jantar and for the same reason built all over the country and the biggest of all is this which is in the Pink City and still working.
After the marvellous and tiring tour through the Pink City of India in the late evening return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Jaipur.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be leaving the hotel and the Pink City by flight to the city known by the title “City of Dreams”, Mumbai which is the capital city of state Maharashtra. The city Mumbai is known to be the principal port on the Arabian Sea of the country. Believed to be built on the site of an ancient settlement, the city got its name from a goddess Mumba. Reach the Jaipur Airport and from their board the flight for Mumbai, Our representative will be there at Mumbai Airport to meet and guide you to one of our enlisted hotels to check-in and have a place to rest. After checking-in, you can take some rest and you can take a stroll on the streets of Mumbai or visit the beach.
Later, return to the hotel and enjoy the delicious dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.
Mumbai formerly known by the name Bombay and well known to be a City of Dreams is the capital and most populous city of the state. Mumbai is mainly famous all around due to its vital role in Indian film Industry. The city of Mumbai is built on an amazing site of Bombay island which is composed of 7 small islands. The islands were joined through drainage, reclamation and other projects during the 17th century to build Bombay island and is built on the set of these 7 islands give another name to the city Mumbai which is “City of Seven Islands”. On the 13th day of your journey, you will be exploring this spectacular city and some amazing sites in the city. Your tour across the city will include exploring –
Elephanta caves: Tucked away and built on an island named Gharapuri which means the city of caves, the Elephanta caves create a world with its beauty. With several cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a total of five Hindu Caves, two Buddhist Caves and a few numbers of Buddhist stupa mounds whose history might even date back to the 2nd Century.
Mahesh Murti Cave or Elephanta Caves: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famously known as the Elephanta Caves. It is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on Gharapuri Island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. This collection of cave temples dates back to 5th to 7th centuries and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Juhu Chowpati: Juhu Beach is the longest beach in Mumbai and the most popular among tourists as well. The surrounding area of Juhu is one of the poshest localities in Mumbai and is home to a lot of famous Bollywood and TV celebrities - the most famous being Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow - and it is not rare to spot a celebrity jogging on the beach.
Dhobi Ghat: Also known as the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat and it was an open-air laundromat (lavoir) in Mumbai, India. The washers, known as dhobis, work in the open to clean clothes and linens from Mumbai's hotels and hospitals. The Ghat was constructed in 1890 and it acts an inspiration for the Britishers to built Dhobi Ghat also in Kolkata (then Calcutta) in 1902.
Hanging Garden: It is a terrace garden which is being situated on the top of the Malabar Hill and snuggled right next to the Kamla Nehru Park. It overlooks the stunning Arabian Sea and was built in 1880 by Mr Ulhas Ghapokar. The magnificent garden has impeccable animal shaped hedges and lush green vegetation along with a serene bird's eye view of the Arabian Sea.
Prince Wales Museum: The Prince of Wales Museum is a splendid structure situated in Mumbai and is regarded to be one of the heritage buildings of the city. The facade of the museum is a sight to behold in itself and sits amid an expansive green garden. Adorned with stunning stone and latticework, the architecture of the Prince of Wales Museum is a blend of Indian, Mughal and British engineering styles. The museum comprises almost 50,000 artefacts relating to the rich and diverse history of India. Now known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay’.
Later return to the hotel and enjoy the dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.
As your planned tour across the “City of Dreams” is complete now you will need to move to your next destination which will be Goa. Early morning after having breakfast and packing your belongings leave the hotel for moving to the Mumbai Airport and from the Airport you will be boarding a flight to Goa. Our tour representative will be there to meet you and guide you to one of our listed hotels in Goa on your arrival. Check-in at the hotel and have a cosy comfortable place to relax. You can spend your leisure time strolling around the hotel or as you like and have dinner and have a relaxing overnight stay in Goa.
On the next, after reaching the city Goa and having breakfast in the morning you journey exploring the new city will begin. Famous for its beautiful beaches, hospitality, water sports and nightlife parties Goa is a state of the country India. With more than 70 beaches and amazing, the entertaining nightlife of the state goa is a dream place which anyone would love to visit at least once in their lifetime. During your tour through the city, you will be visiting some major tourist attractions of the state –
Archaeological Goa Museum: Archaeological Museum comprises a splendid collection of artefacts belonging to the prehistoric and late medieval era. The museum was once an ancient Franciscan Monastery. The Archaeological Survey of India founded the museum in 1964 and you will be able to spot the array of antiques including coins, statues, ivory and wood sculptures, paintings, portraits, maps, inscriptions, stonework, ceramics, etc.
Chapora Fort: Chapora Fort is situated in North Goa and is located 10 km away from Mapusa. Built by the Portuguese in 1717, Chapora Fort exhibits a long and fascinating history attached to it. The fort gets its name from Chapora River that flows right alongside it. Tourists flock to the Chapora fort in large numbers every year to enjoy the scenic views that it offers. The sunrises and sunsets views at the fort are incredible and it also provides magnificent views of the surrounding Anjuna, Chapora and Vagator beaches.
Fort Aguada: Fort Aguada is a perfect example of Portuguese architecture built in the 17th century. Its lighthouse and the fort itself have braved the ravages of time and stand like silent sentinels on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. It was built-in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas, it was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The view from the fort is breathtaking as it overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.
Church of St Francis of Assisi: This is one of the oldest church located in Goa. The church comprises a statue of Mother Mary that stands at the front of the church with the tower of the church behind. This church has truly been beautifully preserved. Also, the church bell accommodates the 2nd largest bell in the whole world.
Basilica de Bom Jesus: The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. It is situated in Old Goa and was built in the year 1594.This church holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a special friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). A site with rich cultural and religious significance, the Basilica of Bom Jesus has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Shri Mangeshi Temple: Shri Mangesh temple is located at Mangeshi Village. The temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Manguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Bhagavan Mangesh is worshipped here as Shiva linga. According to the legend, Shiva had manifested into a tiger to scare his wife Parvati. Goddess Parvati was frightened at the sight of the tiger, went in search of Shiva and cried out, "Trahi Mam Grisha!" (Oh Lord of Mountains, save me!). Upon hearing the words, Shiva turned himself back to his normal form. The words "Mam Grisha" became associated with Shiva and over time the words got abbreviated to Manguirisha or Manguesh.
Anjuna Beach - parasailing, windsurfing and yachting: Anjuna Beach is among the most popular beaches in North Goa. A hippie paradise of sorts it is characterized by its rocky outcrops. With a plethora of options to choose from, there is never a dearth of things to do in Anjuna. Be it adventure sports, late-night trance parties, shopping, wellness pursuits or just simply lazing around while reading your favourite book there is something for everyone here. Some of the most popular adventure activities on Anjuna beach are jet-skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, bumping ride, water scooter and paragliding.
After your short journey of touring a few major tourist attraction, you will be returning to the hotel for the overnight stay and continue your journey the next day.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Goa.
Today the day is reserved for a beach excursion. Enjoy an excursion to Dona Paula beach. On this beach relax and indulge sunbathes. Enjoy stunning water views from all the sides. You may also enjoy para-sailing, toboggan ski biscuit, yachting, sport fishing, swimming, snorkelling and harpoon fishing at this beach. Later visit the Calangute beach often called the "Queen of Beaches" as it is the most beautiful beach of Goa. Also, visit the Baga beach that is famous for fishing.
Dona Paula Beach: It is also one of the most happening beaches in North Goa and also offers a magnificent view of the Mormugao harbour. This beautiful getaway is so-called because of the statue of a man and a woman perched on top of a rock. While various stories surround it, there is an undeniable charm to the mystery of the statue.
Calangute Beach: Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga. Due to its sheer size and popularity, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world. Popular as the "Queen of Beaches", the Calangute Beach of Goa is among the top ten bathing beaches in the world. Calangute Beach is popular for its water sports activities like parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-skiing.
Baga Beach: It is located close to Calangute beach and around 30 Km North of Panaji. It is so named after the 'Baga creek' which flows into the Arabian Sea. Baga is the perfect destination for you if you wish to witness the excellent nightlife of Goa as signature places such as Britto's, Tito's and Mambos have made their mark in their hearts of party-goers. The shacks come to life in the late evening with some pumping music and mouthwatering food. It is also famous for its designer stores as well as its street-side markets where you can shop till your feet ache and your wallet grumbles!
After the beach visits retire back to the hotel for a comfy overnight stay in Goa.
After breakfast in the morning, you will be leaving for your next destination Badami, a town formerly known by the Vatapi in the State Karnataka. The town Badami is famous for its exquisite caves and alluring temples and lakes. On your arrival at the town, Badami gets accommodated at one of our listed hotels and rest for a while. After relaxing for a while you will be moving to the sightseeing tour of Town Badami. Scheduled for you to visit in the town Badami are some famous tourist attractions which include -
Badami Fort: Badami Fort is was built by Chalukyan King Pulakesgi in 543 AD. Perched on the top of a cliff, this fort is accompanied by two Shivalaya complexes dating back to the 5th century. A 16th century and a 14th-century watchtower are also featured atop this hill.
Open Air Museum: The museum mainly comprises of ancient stones, tools, and sculptures. Being the capital of the ancient Chalukya empire, Badami is rich in the ancient cultural artefacts left behind by this 6th-century kingdom. Apart from its famous rock-cut temples, the Archaeological Museum is a brilliant source for those looking to educate themselves on the past civilisation of this land. Located at the foothills of the northern hill, this historical treasure chest aims to collect and preserve explored materials, sculptures, inscriptions, architectural members scattered in and around Badami.
Cave Temples: The Cave Temples of Badami consist of four separate temples, each holding intricate carvings and depictions. These carvings depict Shiva and Vishnu in various avatars in the first 3 temples, representing the Brahmanical style. The fourth temple is dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras.
After your journey through these places return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Badami.
In the morning of your 18th day of the journey have breakfast and pack your belongings to leave for the next destination Hospet. From Badami, you will be reaching Hospet via Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole is an amazing archaeological site in today's time and has more than one hundred and twenty stone and cave temples, histories of some temples in Aihole may even date back to 6th or 7th century. At a distance of about 14 miles from Badami and 6 miles from Aihole, there is another site Pattadkal which is described as "a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India" by the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a vicinity where there are many Hindu and Jain temples of 7th and 8th centuries. After reaching your destination Hospet get accommodated to one of our listed hotels in Hospet. After resting proceed to explore some popular sites of this town Hospet which was built on Tungabhadra River. The sites you will be exploring are–
Tungabhadra dam: The dam is built across the Tungabhadra River which is a tributary of the Krishna River. The dam is a multipurpose dam which serves the purpose of irrigation, electricity generation, flood control, etc. The dam creates the biggest reservoir on the Tungabhadra River with 101 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of gross storage capacity at full reservoir level (FRL) 498 m MSL and a water spread area of 378 square kilometres.
Royal Palace: Royal Palace is one of the major attractions of the Hampi and is located at the entrance of the town. The palace was a residence of the royal family of Vijayanagara Empire during earlier times. This is a huge complex of palaces where only the foundations remain now. The entire superstructure was made of wood and did not survive repeated raids by attackers.
Lotus Mahal: It is also known as the Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal. It is one of the most remarkable structures of Hampi that had not been attacked or damaged during the attack to the city in the earlier times. It is in lotus shape structure and has Islamic touch in the multi-layered roof design. It is moreover related to Indo architectural style of buildings. This is the perfect blend of Islamic and Indian way of architecture.
Vittala Temple: Vithala Temple is dated back to the 16th century and is one of the most exquisite structures of the Hampi. It is a truly splendid example of rich architecture. The temple comprises a famous stone chariot which has become an iconic symbol of the architecture of Hampi which is located inside the premises of this temple. The main temple is located just behind the chariot and has beautiful carvings. There are also several other smaller temples inside the courtyard, all of which are worth a visit. The carvings in the temple and on the walls or pillars depict various gods in different forms.
Archeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum is situated in a small town in the Bellary district in Karnataka. It is built within the ruins of the old city of Vijayanagara and just outside the ‘Royal Centre’ of the Vijayanagara Empire. The museum preserves the relics and artefacts related to the Vijayanagara Empire and its ruins. The museum was built in 1972 and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It exhibits the beauty of the bygone days of Hampi.
Anantashayana Temple: Anantashayana temple, Hospet is a perfect destination for a great time with your dear ones. Enjoy the attractions of this popular tourist spot. With so much to lure your senses and offer you recreation at its best, get drenched in the spirit of adventure that you get to explore at Anantashayana temple, Hospet.
Return to the hotel after the tiring journey for breakfast and a relaxing overnight stay in Hospet.
After breakfast in the morning leave the hotel and head to a tour a new site Hampi which is near Hospet and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History of Hampi dates back to the 14th century when it was the capital of Vijayanagar Empire. Believed to be having a prosperous time during the beginning of 1500s and destroyed later the site of Hampi has been in ruins since 1565. The Hampi’s ruins cover a vast area of around 4,100 hectors and described by UNESCO as an "austere, grandiose site" of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in the south side of India. Get accommodated to one of our listed on your arrival in Hampi and later after resting move out to explore the Ruins of Hampi which will be the large number of monuments having remains of aquatic structures, royal platforms, treasury buildings, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, beautiful temples etc. after exploring this place return to the hotel for dinner and a comfy overnight stay.
In the morning after having breakfast you will be driving straight to your next destination Hassan, named after the goddess Haasanamba the town Hassan is situated at a height of about 980 meters above sea level in the Hassan District of Indian State Karnataka. On your arrival in town, Hassan check-in at one of our listed hotels and rest later in the after you have a scheduled tour for the sightseeing of some famous tourist attractions in Hassan. In the afternoon you will be moving out to visit –
Chennakeshava Temple: The temple is also renowned as Keshava, Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur. It was built in the 12th-century and this Hindu temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. It is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River. The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to finish. It was repeatedly damaged and plundered during wars, and over the time it was repeatedly rebuilt and repaired.
Halebidu Hoyasalaeswara Temple: Hoysaleswara or Halebid Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 12th century. The temple is located in the west of the Dwarasamudra lake and this magnificent edifice is one of the three most landmark monument of Hoysala empire. It is also the most significant monument dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India. Its extremely elaborate walls proudly wear the stories of various Gods and brave Hoysala soldiers in the form of beautiful sculptures engraved on its walls. You can spend the rest of your leisure time strolling around the hotel or as you like, have dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, have breakfast and move out for a sightseeing tour to Belur and Halebid. Belur is another town in the Hasan District of Indian State Karnataka. Famous for temples, the attraction in the town Belur has been proposed as UNESCO Heritage sites. A site of some of the best Hoyasala Architecture places, the town Halebid is also situated in the Hassan district of Indian State Karnataka. After your exquisite journey through these towns, you are leaving for yet another site Mysore. While on the way to Mysore the journey will be refreshing and enjoyable due to the lush green surroundings and rich scenic beauty. When arrived in Mysore, check-in at one of our enlisted hotels in Mysore. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the time is at your leisure. You can take a stroll on the streets of Mysore or rest in your room.
Have dinner and enjoy overnight stay in the hotel in Mysore.
In the morning leave your beds to have a quick breakfast and head to a city tour of Mysore, a city also known as City of Palaces. Located at the foot of Chamundi hills Mysore is famous for its intricate architecture, silk sarees, sandalwood and dazzling Royal heritage. Scheduled for you to the tour will be some major and alluring attractions of the city and they are -
Golden Royal Elephant: Also known as the Chinnada Simhasana or Ratna Simhasana, this was the royal throne of the rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore. During the Dasara Festival, it is kept for public viewing. It is disassembled and kept in safe lockers of the palace for the rest of the year. The "slokas," which are engraved on the rim of the umbrella which addresses to Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and refers to his ancestors from whom the throne has come down from generations of kings.
Mysore Palace: It is also renowned as Amba Vilas Palace which is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore. It is still their official residence. This incredible edifice is a perfect example of Indo - Saracenic style of architecture. Mysore Palace was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country.
Chamundeshwari Temple: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This holy Hindu temple is located on the eastern edge of Mysore and perched at an elevation of 1000ft on the Chamundi hills. This temple comprises the statues of Nandi and Mahishasura, the demon. Being one of the oldest temples in the palace city of Mysore, the temple is a must-visit attraction for the travellers. The Chamundeshwari Temple is a Shakti Peetha and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
Brindavan Gardens: Sprawling over 60 acres of land, Brindavan Gardens is located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. The beautiful gardens built across the Cauvery River and are well-synchronised fountain show with music. One can also enjoy boating here.
Mysore Zoo: Also renowned as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, the Mysore Zoo is one of the best zoological gardens in India. It was established by the Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar in the year 1892. The main objective to establish this zoo was to create a natural habitat for the animals. From big to small cats, Aquatic to terrestrial birds, and Primates to reptiles, one Hundred and Sixty-Eight species find their place in this zoo.
Durbar Hall: Durbar Hall comprises a life-size statue of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. This hall is decorated by granite pillars, roofed over with a fine stucco ceiling in a variety of designs. Durbar Hall is adorned with the pictures of Goddess Devi in eight forms.
St. Philomenas Church: This church was constructed to pay tribute to the Catholic Saint and martyr of Roman Catholic Church, Saint Philomena. It is one of the most important historical sites in Mysore and is frequently visited by tourists from all over the country. This church is a perfect example of a Neo-Gothic style of architecture which makes it all the more famous amongst masses. The foundation for the church was laid in the year 1933 by the then king of Mysore, Sri Krishnarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur IV for the European residents in the city.
After the tour return back to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysore.
After breakfast, you will be leaving Mysore and moving to your next destination Ooty. Also known by the name “Queen of Hills” Ooty is a hill station in the Indian state Tamil Nadu. Nestled amidst the Nilgiri Hills this place is at an altitude of about 2,240 m above the sea level. Even when on a journey to Ooty one can have the alluring views of the Nilgiri Hills. After reaching Ooty get accommodated on one of our enlisted hotels there and rest. The famous tourist attraction in Ooty for you to visit is
Botanical Garden: Spread over a wide area covering 55 acres the Botanical Garden was laid out by Marquis od Tedale in 1897. The Garden houses several lush green and well-maintained lawn to stroll around. There are many highlights in the Botanical Garden for one to see and enjoy like an Italian-style garden bordering a clear pool, a vast variety of flowering bushes in myriad hues, fern house with a vast range of ferns and the main highlight of Botanical Garden is a 20 million years old Fozzilised tree.
Doddabetta Peak: Doddabetta, literally translating to mean - Big Peak, is located approximately 10 km away from Ooty. It towers to a staggering height of 8650 feet or 2,623 meters above the sea level and is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. This place is a heaven for adventure lovers and is one of the most popular trekking destinations. From the peak, one can enjoy the astounding view of the nearby areas and on clear days one can see as far as Mysore.
Pykara Boat House: Situated in the Pykara Village, this Pykara Boat House is a popular tourist destination which is snuggled along the Pykara Lake. It is a paradise for the nature lovers and for those who are seeking peace. It is a perfect place for vacation.
Rose Garden: Also known as Ooty Rose Garden, it is a beautiful garden situated in the heart of the town. It is also known as the Jayalalithaa Rose Garden, the Nootrandu Roja Poonga and the Centenary Rose Park. The view of the lush green garden with areas dedicated to captivatingly fragrant roses is a sight to remember. The flowers add more than just colour and attract visitors from all age groups, especially those who are interested in the study of Botany. You are bound to feel like you have entered a different world as you stroll across the beautifully landscaped garden.
After the sightseeing tour of some major attractions in Ooty, you will be visiting the tea estates in and around Ooty and also the tea factory, which will give you an idea of how tea leaves are plucked and processed to the point to which they can be manufactured. After all this and gaining some new and interesting information return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast in the morning and leave for Cochin. The major port Cochin or Kochi is the most densely populated area in the Indian state Kerala. This city is the financial commercial of the state and its work as a major and commercial port city on the western coast of the country dates back to more than 600 years ago and giving it the title “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. After reaching Cochin get accommodated in one of our enlisted hotels in the city Cochin/Kochi. After Checking-in into your rooms, you can spend the rest of your time at your leisure.
Later have dinner and have a relaxing overnight stay in Cochin.
You will explore the city post Breakfast.
Visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace - (closed on Fridays and public holidays)-It is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, which was built by the Portuguese. Next destination would be the Jewish Synagogue (closed on all Saturdays and Jewish holidays) in Jew Town and Fort Cochin Area. Amongst the 7 synagogues located in his area, this Jewish synagogue is the only one which is in operation today. There are a couple of streets of picture-postcard houses out of another age.
Visit St. Francis Church - (closed on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs) the oldest European Church in India. It has several antiquities including a wealth of records. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, along the tip of Fort Cochin unique to this part of Kerala and living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast. Fishermen even today use these elaborate conventional fishing nets, making it the only other destination other than China to have and use these fishing nets.
Now Drive back to Hotel for an Overnight Stay.
Move to Munnar after having your breakfast in the morning. Situated in the Western ghats of Indian State Kerala Munnar is a hill station at an altitude of about 1700 meters above sea level. Famous for its lush green hills, tea plantation and pleasant climate all round the year, being in the Western Ghats makes it a place to have some sites as protected areas which houses some endangered species of flora and fauna. The Munnar hill station is busy with tourist almost at every point of the year.
After reaching in Munnar check-in at one of our enlisted hotels there and relax in the comfort and cosiness of your room. Being an ideally touristic destination Munnar offers lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoir and forests. Later in the evening, you will be exploring Rajamala Hills. Rajmala hills are a world-famous site as a protected place for the Nilgiri Tahr a kind of Mountain goat. You will be reaching Rajamala Hills for some adventurous activities like trekking and paragliding. Later after your adventurous tour through Rajamala hills return to the hotel for dinner and relaxing overnight stay.
Early morning after breakfast, get ready to embark on a journey through places with lush green surroundings and places which a refreshing feel to one's mind and body. Your sightseeing tour of Munnar will include some major tourist attraction of Munnar hill station. Your visits scheduled for the day will be –
Atukkad Waterfalls: Waterfalls, merely by hearing the name an amazing view, gushing stream and cold breeze come to the mind and just the exact physical representation of the amazing imagination and visualization of one are Atukkad Waterfalls. The majestic waterfalls with its lush green surroundings, flowing stream, cool breeze and the sound engulfing the surrounding of water hitting the stones on its way captivates one's mind and soul.
Chithirapuram: Chithirapuram is a fragment of the old colonial-era which makes it the place with some matchless architectural beauties which might be difficult to see anywhere else but here. The adventurous sports activities available make it a tourist attraction where the tourist can enjoy the thrill of sports like hiking, trekking, rock climbing, boating, paragliding and many more. The place also houses the Hydro-Electric Power Projects and Tea Plantations which increases the charm of this quaint Hill Town named Chithirapuram.
Blossom Park: Renowned for the natural as well as the seasonal flora found here, the Blossom Park is a majestic and a huge piece of land having the size of about 16 acre which also features embracing migratory waterbirds, lush green landscape, elegant mountain butterflies, landscape mountains and some artificial waterfalls. The vast piece of land and the things to see creates an awe-inspiring view which one can never forget.
Pothamedu View Point: Offering an amazing panoramic and elegant view of the adjoining valley and river Muthirapuzha makes an ideal place for photographers who love to record the mesmerizing moments of life. The adventure sports opportunities like hiking and trekking
At the Pothamedu adds a momentary gold to the place and makes an amazing sight of adventure and enjoyment.
Eravikulam National Park: Believed to be the first national park in the Indian State Kerala is Eravikulam National Park which covers an area about 97 square kilometres. Located among the western the Eravikulam National Park holds the record of maximum found Nilgiri Tahr, the National Park also Shelters many other fauna species like lion-tailed macaques, gaur, jungle cat, wild dog, dhole, stripe-necked mongoose, Indian porcupine and many others.
After the tour, you will return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.
The next day which is the 28th day of your long journey has your breakfast at your hotel in Munnar and after that drive to Periyar. Upon your arrival, you will have an assisted check-in at the pre-booked hotel. After that, you will leave for the sightseeing tour of Periyar.
Famous for its Periyar National park and Wildlife Sanctuary will be the first stopover. The national park is spread across an area of 305 square kilometres which lies in a protected area of about 957 square kilometres. The core area of this 957 square kilometres protects declared as Periyar national Park in 1982. This Periyar National Park acts as an Elephant and Tiger reserve sight and also protects some other major endangered species of flora and fauna. Enjoy your jeep safari through this Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the rich flora and fauna which you might not get a chance to see anywhere in the world.
Later in the evening enjoy your boat ride at Periyar Lake which forms a major Watershed with another River Pumba for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
After the amusing journey through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and lovely boat ride return to your hotel and enjoy your dinner and an overnight stay.
After the relaxing overnight stay at the hotel get up to leave your beds have to breakfast and move to Kumarakom, a paradise of birds. Previously when the kingdoms existed the Kumarakom was a danger prone area due to the fights between local kings so a fort was built at the entrance whose ruins can be seen even till today. Today, this place Kumarakom is the paradise of birds for bird lovers with various species of birds are there in the bird century for one to see.
After reaching Kumarakom, you will have an assisted check-in at the hotel. After that embark on the tour of the city. The Kumarakom Bird Century will be your first destination to visit. After your visit through the exquisite bird century head to one of our enlisted hotels there and check-in to your room and relax and have breakfast. After resting you will be visiting the Bay Island Driftwood Museum which has a collection of driftwood sculptures. One can find root sculptures of different shapes and size in the collection of a superior quality collection of driftwood sculptures. Vembanad Lake is where this village Kumarakom is situated, holding the record of being the longest lake in the country the Vembanad Lake also holds the record of being the largest lake in the India State Kerala. This humungous Lake can be visited in the evening after the rest of your touring for a beautiful sunset view.
After this return back to your hotel for dinner and cosy overnight stay in Kumarakom.
In the morning after having your breakfast in the hotel move out to reach your next destination which is Alleppey. Alleppey is the former name of the city and now it is known by the name Alapuzha. In 2016, the city Alleppey was rated to be the cleanest town in the whole country by Centre of Science and Department and the oldest planned city in this region with a one of its kind Lighthouse along the Laccadive sea built on the coast of the city. You will be embarking on the journey to Alleppey on a houseboat and enjoying your time traversing the narrow canals while viewing the village life of Kerala and later will retire in the floating villa for the night.
In the morning, disembark the houseboat and make your way to Kovalam, the beach town, by road. On arrival check in to the hotel. The day is free of schedules, spend at leisure. The serene beaches of Kovalam are perfect for scenic walks, sunbathing and a fun time with waves. Watch the marvelous sunset, get a grab of local seafood or you can indulge in one of the pampering Ayurvedic sessions too which can arrange at additional cost.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Start the day with a delicious breakfast. Later, proceed for local sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. Pay a visit to the revered Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the earthly abode of the Lord Vishnu from which the town gets its name. Also explore the Napier Museum and Zoo. Afternoon is free for shopping. Have a look at the handicrafts, seashell created items, etc.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Today after Breakfast our IHPL Representative will assist you to drive to Trivandrum Airport which is at approx. half an hour drive to take a flight for your onward destination.