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EXOTIQUE TASTE OF INDIA TOUR
EIT-15
27 NIGHTS - CHENNAI- MAHABALIPURAM-KANCHIPURAM-MAHABALIPURAM- TANJORE-TRICHY- MADURAI-THEKKADY- COCHIN- BANGALORE- MYSORE- BANGALORE- MUMBAI-UDAIPUR-JODHPUR-BIKANER- JAIPUR-AGRA- KHAJURAHO - VARANASI- DELHI

arrive in Chennai by international flight.

A city of Contrasts and diversities, Chennai is the forth-largest city in India. Known world wide as Madras until recently, the city was renamed Chennai, evolved from the age-old name, Chennapattinam. The city grew into modern day Madras City merging all neighboring areas. In the 19th century the city became the seat of Madras Presidency, the southern division of British Imperial India. After independence in 1947 it became the capital of Madras State that was renamed Tamil Nadu. Recently Madras was renamed Chennai.

You will be met by the representative of Exotique Expeditions who would meet & assist you at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning half day sightseeing tour touching Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and the museums that contain the world's most complete and impressive selection of Chola bronzes and stone sculptures from South India and the Deccan. Later drive to Mahabalipuram (Mammalapuram).

Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram, its ancient name) is one of history's intriguing enigmas. Situated just 60 km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram was a flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of South India who chiselled in stone a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures under the vault of a burning sky. Its sculptural extravaganza is a living testament of the virile artistic temperament of the Pallavas who were trendsetters in South Indian art.

Arrive Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day tour of Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram, the Golden City of a thousand temples, is the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Budddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples, but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Mahabalipuram drive to Tanjore.

Thanjore (also known as Tanjavur) is the royal city of the Cholas and Nayaks. Thanjavur derives its name from Tanjan-an asura (giant), who according to local legend devastated the neighbourhood and was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Vishnu. Sri Neelamegapperumal Tanjan's last request that the city might be named after him was granted. Chola, Chera and Pandya kings were ruling Tamizhagam even before Mahabharat period. Chola kingdom was leading and patronizing literature, art, science and religion than the other two kingdoms. The capital city of Chola was always changing. Thiruvarur was the capital during Manuneethi Cholan. Uraiyur, Pazhaiyarai, Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram used to be the capitals of Chola Kingdom. It has been believed from the Epics that many Chola kings were ruling from Thanjavur even before Karikala Cholan.

Arrive Tanjore and check in at the hotel. Later a visit to Brihadewswara Temple also known as the 'Big Temple', built by the Chola dynasty. This massive temple is 216 feet high and the single spherical stone on top weighs 80 tons.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Madurai by road. En-route visit Trichy.

Woraiyur , a part of present day Tiruchirappalli, was the capital city of Cholas from 300 B.C. onwards. This is supported by archaeological evidences and ancient literatures. There are also literary sources which tell that Woraiyur continued to be under the control of Cholas even during the days of Kalabhra interregnum (A.D. 300 - 575). Later, Tiruchirappalli and its neighbouring areas came under the control of Mahendra Varma Pallava I, who ascended the throne in A.D. 590. Till A.D. 880, according to the inscriptions, this region was under the hegemony of either the Pallvas or the Pandyas. It was in 880 AD, Aditya Chola brought a downfall to the Pallava dynasty. From that time onwards Tiruchirappalli and its region became a part of Greater Cholas. In 1225 A.D the area was occupied by the Hoysulas. Afterwards, it came under the rule of later Pandyas till the advent of Mughal Rule.

Proceed by road to Madurai.

Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India, with a history dating all the way back to the Sangam period. The Sangam age or the Golden age of Tamil literature � produced masterpieces way back in the Pre christian era and in early 1st millennium . Madurai was the seat of the Tamil Sangam or Academy of learning. During the 16th and 18th centuries, Madurai was ruled by the Nayak Emperors, the foremost of whom was Tirumalai Nayakar. The Sangam period poet Nakkeerar is associated with some of the Tiruvilayaadal episodes of Sundareswarar - that are enacted as a part of temple festival traditions even today. The entire city of Madurai, is built around the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple � the temple par excellence. Concentric rectangular streets surround the temple, symbolizing the structure of the cosmos.

Arrive Madurai and check in at the hotel.

Early morning visit to Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple to witness the morning siremoney. Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later leave for Thekkady by road.

This area is of historical importance for more than one reason. It has been and still is an important spice plantation area. Thekkady is one of the finest known natural wildlife sanctuaries and it has a history dating back to the year 1934, when the then state government took initiative to establish the Nellikampathy Sanctuary.

This wildlife sanctuary was later developed into the 780 square kilometer Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by the year 1950.

Evening game viewing at the sanctuary by boat on lake Periyar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later leave by road for Cochin.

Over the centuries , the princely state of Kochi came under numerous empires. The original local rulers were dominated by the Portugese, Dutch , British and even the Zamorin of Kozhikode (Calicut). Around 1530 AD , under the Portugese, Kochi grew into a prosperous town. The ruler of Kochi gave the Portugese, permission to build a fort at Kochi called 'Manuel Kotta' - which is the first European fort in Kochi . It is not known exactly how the name Kochi originated. But many theories exist. Some historians believe that Cochin is a modified form of the word 'Cochazhi' which in Malayalam means 'small sea'.

Arrive and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour of Cochin to visit Dutch Palace (Built by the Portuguese), Jew Town, the 1568 Jewish Synagogue, spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices, St. Francis' Church and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening you will witness Kerala's most popular classical dance �Kathalali�.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for Bangalore. In Bangalore � meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Mysore by road.

Mysore was the Capital City of the Wodeyar Dynasty. The name 'Mysore' has been derived from 'Mahishasurapura', name of the demon who was slained by Goddess Chamundeshwari. It has seen untold glory and the rich heritage of the Wodeyars.Mysore has retained its studiously built character of a princely city. This is confirmed by the palaces, vast gardens, shady avenues and temples which are present even today.

Arrive Mysore and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given the tour of Mysore with visits to Srirangapatnam and Tipu's Summer Palace, the Maharaja's Palace and Chamundi Hill, which is topped with a temple of Durga with the magnificent 5m tall Nandi, carved from a single piece of granite in year 1659, one of the largest in India.

After early breakfast, leave for Bangalore by road.

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. It is called the Garden City for it's delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best feature, with pleasant summers and bearable winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, where different cultures and customs exist. Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537 - today it is a bustling and diverse city, with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India.

Immediately upon arrival, you will be given the city tour of Bangalore. The city tour would include Tipu Sultan's Palace, one of the most remarkable Islamic Buildings of the city, now a museum, ISKCON Temple and Lal Bagh Garden. In time transfer to the airport to connect the flight for Mumbai (Bombay)

Mumbai's entrepreneurial dreams climb as high as the gleaming skyscrapers that define its skyline. As the economical powerhouse of India, this go-getting city is a magnet for high-flyers and business gurus looking to make a cool million. Mumbai's name however comes from much humbler beginnings. From a cluster of seven islands inhabited by Koli fishermen living on the shores of the Arabian Sea and worshipping Mumbadevi, this impressive city was born.

In Bombay, meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given excursion to Elephanta Caves - one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering. Later city tour of Bombay - the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes 'Gateway of India' overlooking the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive', the 'Colaba Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market.. Transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for Udaipur..

Udaipur is the most romantic of all the Rajasthan cities and one of the most exotic places in Asia. The city's palaces, havelis, temples sets it apart from the rest of the cities. It is also popular for its crafts, paintings and performing arts. The lake palace is the best example of the unique cultural explosion. Udaipur has rightly been called Venice of the east. You can see the city from a boat or from the rooftop of palaces, the view is marvelous, it makes you forget the world. The smooth rolling hills that surround Udaipur are as overpowering as the city itself.

Upon arrival in Udaipur, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given the City tour of Udaipur - The tour will cover the magnificent City Palace, the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around the other nearby lakes. In the evening - Enjoy a cruise by boat on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Jodhpur by road. En route visit Ranakpur temples.

Cradled in a verdant valley in the valley in the Aravalli Hills, on the banks of the river Maghai, stands one of the five holiest places of the Jain faith, 15th century Ranakpur. Just 96 km from Udaipur, Ranakpur is renowned for its magnificent temples of dazzling white marble. The four-temple complex, far away from any town or village, is completely in harmony with the ascetic ideology of Jainism. There are none of the irritants that abound near most pilgrimage centers: no jostling crowds, no congested bazaars, no aggressive vendors, no badgering guides, no beggars just peace and serenity that are very conducive to worship.

Continue your drive to Jodhpur.

The city has a history of battles and royalty as is highly evident by the huge Meherangarh fort overlooking the city. There are some old monuments to see here and you can make a stop before heading to other places in Rajasthan. Did you know that the famous baggy/tight riding trousers called Jodhpuris take their name from this city? The city which stands at the edge of the Thar desert, was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as Rathores in 1459.

Arrive Jodhpur and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Jodhpur for Jaisalmer by road.

The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. One of the main attractions is the imposing 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city.

Arrive Jaisalmer and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given the tour of Jaisalmer - Visit this perfect Rajput walled desert city which is like a golden jewel shimmering above the hard sand. Visit the palaces, the Jain temples and magnificent Havelis. Also visit the Fort - built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, the Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan after Chittor. One fourth of the population lives inside the Fort. Later visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawalsin Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. This is also the best place to witness the spectacular desert sunset, and photograph the fort.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning leave for Bikaner by road.

Bikaner was a bustling trade centre in the yesteryears and figured on the caravan routes from Africa to Asia. The walled city of Bikaner stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. It is situated on elevated ground, surrounded by a 7km long embattled high wall. Monuments here are chisled out of red and yellow sandstone and display some of the finest characteristics of the Rajput civilisation. Bikaner boasts a spectacular fort and an old city dotted with havelis, and colurful bazaars.

Arrive and check in at the hotel. This afternoon you will be given the city tour of Bikaner - Visit Junagadh Fort � constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 metre long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple � The 16th century Jain temple,is the most important of this temple complex, Camel Breeding Farm � a unique experience where you can ride on a camel & have perhaps the first taste of camel�s milk.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Bikaner for Jaipur by road.

Jaipur the `Pink City' as it is popularly known, is the bustling capital of Rajasthan. `Pink city' because most of the buildings are pink in colour in the old city. The city retains its old self, at the same time it is moving fast as a modern city. You can see extreme contrast on the streets of Jaipur. On one side you have cars, buses and motorbikes, on the other side you can see camel carts. On one side there are traditionally dressed men and women in their turbans and colorful long skirts and blouses. On the other hand you can see modernly dressed Indians and foreign tourists having a bite in their favorite American restaurants.

Arrive and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given excursion to Amber Fort - situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families Afternoon Tour of the Pink City - Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Jaipur for Agra by air conditioned vehicle.

Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here.

Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - Impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra - check-in at the hotel. Thereafter, visit the Red Fort, which was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style Arrive Agra and check at the hotel.

You will have some free time in the evening to relax by the pool side of the hotel or to explore the city on your own.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given the city tour of Agra.

Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Taj Mahal�� Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the railway station in time to connect train for Jhansi. Upon arrival transfer to Khajuraho. Enroute visit Orchha.

Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is steeped in history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural splendor of the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers. The Betwa River, on whose banks Orchha lies, and the forests around it attract tourist to this place. Continue your drive to Khajuraho .
Arrive Khajuraho and check in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given the city tour of Varanasi - Visit the world famous Chandela Temples. Out of the total 85 temples only 22 remain, but offer a beautiful and extravagant ode to human life. Built in 10th and 11th centuries, these temples are dedicated to a particular deity and the on the outer walls are carved various themes, but actually it is an ode to woman hood, an ode to fertility, the form of birth and an ode to greatest form of life. Of the two groups of temples - Western and Eastern - important temples to visit are - Kandariya Mahadev, Chaunsath Yogini, Chitragupta, Lakshmana, Devi Jagdamba, Parvati, Vishvanath Temple and Nandi, Paraswanath and Adinath. Later transfer to the airport in time to connect train for Varanasi.

Varanasi or Banaras is one of the oldest cities of India. This city has found place in the Buddhist scriptures as well the epic of Mahabharata. In Pali language Varanasi was called Banarasi hence it got the name 'Banaras'. Varanasi is also called 'Kashi' or the city of spiritual light. Kashi is the place where Shiva and Parvati stood when the "time started ticking.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer to the hotel.

Early morning, leave for boat ride on the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. The life on the Ghats bound in an endless string of rituals, ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world. Return to the hotel for Breakfast. city tour of Varanasi - Visit the Bharat Mata temple with a big relief map of India in Marble, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Benaras Hindu University which has an art gallery & the mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb. Later you will be given excursion to Sarnath - the buried Buddhist city where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha went to Sarnath; and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma'. It is one of the most holy sites as in this place the stream of the Buddha's teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 16th century BC to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple & the museum (closed on Fridays). At the museum is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions, used as independent Indias� national emblem

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning is free. Transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for Delhi.

Delhi is the capital of India and the third largest city of India. Delhi and Mumbai are the main cities used for international travel. You can even call Delhi twin cities-Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of India during the Muslim rule from the 12th to the 19th century. New Delhi was created later under the British imperial rule. But what a travel book cannot tell you is that Delhi is a kaleidoscope that promises everything for a tourist..., historic sites, divine retreats, heritage, tourism, theme parks, museums, gardens, galleries, film festivals, great shopping and more.

In Delhi - meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be given the city tour of Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi. Visit the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Visit the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & thePresidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar

EXOTIQUE TASTE OF INDIA TOUR …