The Essence of India
16 Days South India
Day 1 USA/DELHI:
Welcome aboard your flight to Delhi.
Day 2 DELHI:
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be received by our staff and escorted to the Hotel Park.
Day 3 DELHI:
Morning at leisure with an afternoon sightseeing tour of Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Parliament house, Presidential Palace.
Day 4 DELHI/AGRA:
A full day visit of Fateh-pur-Sikri, built by Akbar the Great and the world famous Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, with history from Moguls to the Raj.
Day 5 DELHI/CHENNAI:
After breakfast visit the historic section of old & Delhi, visit the imposing Red Fort, a powerful testament of the Moghul dynasty, followed by Birla Mandir, Chandni Chowk, a bustling trade market and Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, This evening fly to Chennai. Welcome to South India. Transfer to Hotel Park/Trident.
Day 6 CHENNAI:
Our day begins with a delightful tour of the Madras, among the famous attractions are The National art Gallery, which houses the 10th.C. Bronze dancing Shiva from the Chola Dynasty, St. Mary's Church located at the Fort St. George, the Clive House and the House of Duke of the Wellington.
Day 7 MAHABALIPURAM:
The City of Seven Pagodas or Rathas, the site of the breath taking monument of 6th C. cut from rock with monolithic temples with finely carved figures and sculptures. The most famous of the Rathas consists of five chariots of 5 princes.
Day 8 Chennai/BANGALORE/MYSORE:
Among its fine buildings is the Palace of the Maharaja, where decorative imagination runs wild. Hotel Mahal Palace/Lokmanjan Palace.
Day 9 MYSORE/BANGALORE:
This morning after breakfast visit Chamundi Hill, the site of the summer palaces, ancient temple and the huge Nandi bull. The view from the top of the hill is superb, Mysore hills, lakes and the turrets of temples and churches, Later on drive back Bangalore, this city's charm peeks through tree shaded gardens, the manicured lawns and blooming flowers. The famous attractions are Lal-Bagh Gardens, Tipu Sultan summer palace and Cubbon Park. Hotel Taj Residency.
Day 10 BANGALORE/COCHIN:
Fly to Cochin, one of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, which has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many structures representing different regions of the world. This afternoon cruise the backwaters and this evening optional classical dance. Hotel Casino/Taj hotel.
Day 11 COCHIN:
Our sightseeing today includes the Dutch Palace built by Portuguese and presented to Raja in 1555, Jewish Synagogue built in 1556, which contains Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script are preserved here, St. Frances Church, the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India and Santa Cruz Basilica and Chinese fishing nets at the Kochi harbor are a fascinating sight.
12 COCHIN/GOA:
Today fly to Goa, land of romantic beaches and palm bordered rivers, former Portuguese colony, and sun drenched coast line State with miles of beaches against a back drop of coconut palms, and green rice fields, interlaced with water-ways and the rivers. Enjoy the peace and quiet, good food, lilting music and endless beaches. Ft. Aguada Beach Resort/Taj Holiday Village.
Day 13 GOA:
We start our half-day sightseeing tour from the slopes of Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and river Mandovi. Then to Dona-Paula for a view of India's largest natural harbor. Afterwards visit old Goa and see the Basillica of Jesus which contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier housed in a silver ornate casket, built like St. Peter (Rome), Church of Our Lady Rosary and St. Monica. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 14 GOA/Mumbai:
This morning fly to Bombay, transfer to Hotel Trident. Sightseeing Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum and the famous hanging gardens.
Day 15 Mumbai:
Morning cruise across the Arabian Sea to Elephanta Island to see the Shiva temples carved out of solid rock. Afternoon is free for shopping etc. This evening we have a late night transfer to the airport for our flight home.
Day 16 Mumbai/USA:
Fly back to New York.
Tour cost includes:
+Round trip coach airfare from New York
+Airfares within India
+5-star 1st. class hotels with daily breakfast
+Airports meet and greet assistance
+Transfers to and from airports to hotels
+Baggage handling
+All sightseeing tours as per itinerary
+Boat tour in Kerala
+Admission fees to all monuments
+English speaking guide
+Services of our tour managers.
+ Total Taxes & Fees
Other Gateway departure and flight connections..
(++CHI/LAX/SFO Extra++)
++Connecting airfare available from your nearest airport, at extra cost++
Departure Dates:
2024:
Jan 3 17 31 Feb 14 28 Mar 4 18
Sep 5 19 Oct 3 17 31 Nov 7 21 Dec 5 26
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Tour Cost:
$5879.00 Per person twin sharing
Single supplement. $2388.00
High season air surcharge
$550.00 Jun 1-Aug 31