Destinations Covered: Delhi - Khajuraho - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Mumbai - Chettinad - Tanjore - Trichy - Madras
India is a melting pot of diverse cultures and this very fact has immensely contributed in the growth of distinct architectural marvels sprinkled across the country. The journey spanning over 20 days and 19 nights will cover Delhi, Khajuraho, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Madurai, Chettinad, Tanjore, Trichy and Madras. Each of the aforementioned destinations is sprinkled with forts, palaces, temples and caves, most of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Given below is the day wise description of the Architectural Tour of India package.
Upon your arrival at New Delhi airport, our tour representative will meet you and assist you in smooth transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, set out to visit National Museum housed with exquisite collection of Indian antiquities and artifacts. Later in the evening, you'll be given a welcome dinner wherein you'll be familiarized with the tour.
Day 2 is booked for the full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi where you will explore stunning edifices built during Sultanate, Mughal and British rule.
In the morning, board the connecting flight to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho: In the afternoon, explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments famous for its sensuous stone carvings on the outer wall.
Stay overnight in Khajuraho.
In the morning, you will be taken to Jhansi railway station to board the train to Agra. On the way to Khajuraho, visit the quaint medieval town of Orchhasprinkled with old cenotaphs and temples exhibiting the blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Stay overnight.
The day 5 is booked for sightseeing tour of Agra. In the morning, you will visit Sikandara and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah also known as 'Baby Taj'. In the afternoon, explore the length and breadth of Agra Fort followed by a visit to the Taj Mahal in the evening. The extensive use of red sandstone and white marble can be seen in Agra monuments.
Post a leisurely breakfast in the morning; hit the road to Jaipur. On the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city built by Mughal emperor Akbar and abandoned after 10 years of its use. By noon, arrive in Jaipur and spend rest of the day in leisure.
In the morning, take an excursion to the Amber Fort via elephant ride - the seat of Kacchawa Rajputs and comprised of stunning attractions such as Palace of Mirrors, Hall of Public Audience and the beautifully manicured gardens.
In the afternoon, explore Jantar Mantar (astrological observatory), Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), City Palace and museum.
In the morning, leave by road for Jodhpur (Built by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, Jodhpur was once the capital of Mewar).
Stay overnight in Jodhpur.
In the morning, set out to explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort( perched atop of a hill, Mehrangarh Fort was the seat of Rao Jodha and is a perfect model of Rajputana architecture).. Post the exploration of Mehrangarh Fort, proceed on a walking tour to the markets in old town.
In the evening, take a jeep safari to the village of Bishnoi tribes. you might come across a variety of deer fearlessly wandering around these villages.
Start your day with a road journey to Udaipur.
On the way, visit Ranakpur Jain temples Post sightseeing of Ranakpur temples, proceed to explore the Kumbalgarh fort.
By late afternoon, arrive in Udaipur and retire for the day.
Start your day with an excursion to the City Palace. followed by the Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari. Later, enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the Gallery Restaurant at the Fateh Prakash Palace.
The tour of Udaipur will end with a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola.
On day 12 of the tour, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Aurangabad On arrival at Aurangabad, you will have an assisted transfer to hotel and check-in at the hotel. In the evening you will visit Daulatabad Fort. This fortified citadel was the capital of the Yadava dynasty from 9th to 14th Century. Perched at a height of 200 m above the conical hill, the fort is an amazing place to spend the evening. Explore this architectural marvel and delve into the majestic beauty of the surroundings.
Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.
Begin your day with an excursion to Ajanta Caves, known for its mural paintings and Buddhist viharas. 30 in number, these caves were built by Buddhist monks with the help of chisels and hammers.
On day 14 in the morning, proceed on an excursion to Ellora Caves built around 4th and 5th century. These caves represent the faiths of three different sects - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Unlike Ajanta, Ellora has a total of 34 caves.
In the evening, board the flight to Bombay where you'll spend night before heading towards south Indian destinations.
In the morning, board the flight to Madurai and arrive here by noon. Visit the famous Meenakshi temple in the afternoon, known for its Dravidian architecture.
Post a leisurely breakfast in the morning; take a road journey to Chettinad, famous for its artistic houses.
For rest of the day, explore the palace and the unique architecture of surrounding houses. Stay overnight in Madurai.
Early morning, take a road journey to Tanjore. The city is replete with more than 74 temples and the most famous is Brihadeshwara temple recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Brihadeshwara temple and the Thanjavur Palace before heading straight to Trichy, another famous temple city in Tamil Nadu.
In the evening, explore the famous Rock Fort Temple.
In the morning, board the train and enjoy the ride to Chennai - the final destination of the Museum & Architecture tour. Explore the ancient temples, sandy beaches and churches in the afternoon. Post city tour, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
On the 19th day of the tour, enjoy the breakfast and then leave for the sightseeing tour of the day. Spend your entire day by exploring the two finest cities of Tamil Nadu- Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram is the ancient city of South India and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites. You will get an opportunity to explore the temples of the city namely Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, etc. Kanchipuram is also famous for sarees. So, do not forget to buy one as a souvenir. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is renowned for the Hindu Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram. There are many rock-cut temples, caves, and royal monuments which are must-visit places namely Shore Temple, rathas, caves, etc.
Later in the evening, return to Chennai. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.
The day is free for own activities. In the evening, a farewell dinner will be given to you before transfer to the domestic airport to board flight back to Delhi.
