Museum Holidays & Tours of India
Destinations: Delhi » Khajuraho » Agra » Jaipur » Jodhpur » Udaipur » Aurangabad » Mumbai » Madurai » Chettinad » Tanjore » Trichy » Madras
Duration: 19 Nights / 20 Days
Day 01 & 02: Delhi
Arrive at Delhi where you would be met and escorted to the hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken to National Museum where you will see the finest collection of Indian antiquities and artifacts.
Day 03 & 04: Khajuraho
This morning you will take a flight to Khajuraho.In the afternoon you will explore the little town known the world-over for its Nagara style of temple architecture and erotic sculpture.Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 05 & 06: Agra
Today you will do sightseeing tour of Agra. In the first half of the day you will visit Sikandara and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the ‘Baby Taj’. In the afternoon you will visit Agra Fort and will end the tour with a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset. Agra buildings are some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in Indian building style.
Day 07 & 08: Jaipur
In the morning, you visit the Amber Fort - one of the most fascinating of Indian forts. You will reach the fort majestically atop an elephant; once inside the fort, you visit the Palace of Mirrors, Hall of Public Audience and the beautifully manicured gardens.Afternoon you will spend exploring the Jantar Mantar (astrological observatory), the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), the City Palace and the museum.
Day 09 & 10: Jodhpur
Proceed to Jodhpur. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana.
Day 11 & 12: Udaipur
Today, you drive to Udaipur. En route you will visit Ranakpur - the largest and most beautifully preserved Jain Temples in India. After visiting Ranakpur you will proceed to see the fort of Kumbalgarh. If Ranakpur is beauty and grace, Kumbalgarh is all about power.The day will end with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 13: Aurangabad
Today you will explore the caves of Ajanta, which offer a rich tapestry of images that speak of palaces, royalty, cultures and tales of everyday life of ancient India. Long buried in the debris of time, these 30 caves were built to offer seclusion to the Buddhist monks, who lived, taught and performed rituals.
Day 14: Mumbai
This morning you will be taken to explore Ellora caves. Carved between fourth and fifth century, the rock temples and monasteries of Ellora represent the three major faiths of India - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Like Ajanta, Ellora caves too are a fine example of cave temples with almost 34 caves with intricate interiors and ornamental facades.
Day 15: Madurai
Continuing your tour to South India you will fly in the morning to Madurai where you arrive before noon. All activity in Madurai is centered round Sri Meenakshi Temple in the heart of the told town.
Day 16: Chettinad
After a leisurely start today you drive to Chettinad, which is known for its artistic houses.Spend the afternoon exploring the palace and around for its unique architecture. Overnight will be at Madurai.
Day 17: Tanjore / Trichy
This morning you will drive to Tanjore. Also called a city of temples, Tanjore is dotted with no fewer than 74 temples - the most famous of which is the Brihadeeshwara temple. You visit this fascinating temple and the Thanjavur Palace before continuing your drive to Trichy.
Day 18,19 & 20: Madras
This morning you take a train ride to Madras - your last destination of the tour. Madras is a fascinating city with its ancient temples and unique culture, golden sandy beaches and a marvelous tradition of music and dance. You explore this lovely city in the afternoon, immediately after arriving at the station. After the short city tour you will check into your hotel, which is a beach hotel outside Madras city.The day will be spent in leisure. In the evening you will be hosted a farewell dinner before being escorted to the domestic terminal for flight to Delhi for return.
