Arrive Mumbai

Arrive Mumbai International airport, after completing customs and immigration formalities and luggage collection, proceed to the exit gate where you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection’s representative and transferred to the hotel.

Mumbai

After breakfast embark on a city tour of Mumbai, visiting the British built Gateway of India, Mumbai’s landmark was constructed in 1927 to commemorate Emperor George V visit, where Mumbai was the first state ever to see India by a reigning monarch. Followed by a drive through the Hanging Gardens (now known as Sir K.P. Mehta Gardens), where the old English art of topiary is practiced. Continue to the Dhobi Ghats, an open air laundry where washmen physically clean and iron hundreds of items of clothing, delivering the next day. Next, visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (known as Victoria Terminus) continuing to the Prince of Whales Museum. Stay overnight at the hotel. Afternoon is free at leisure. This evening enjoy dinner at local restaurant. BD

Mumbai

After breakfast visit the Elephanta Caves. Enjoy a boat tour of the caves, located on a small island about an hour’s ride from the Gateway of India. These caves display some rock cut caves with intricate sculpture of Hindu Gods, which were constructed between the 5th and 8th century.. Afternoon is free leisure. B

Bombay / Udaipur (By Flight)

After breakfast proceed for an interesting walking tour through the Crawford market, Chor Bazaar & Bhan Ganga to get a first hand exposure of daily market life in India.. Afternoon will be at leisure. A Classic Tour Collection representative will assist you for transfer to the airport to fly to Udaipur. On arrival, you will be met by A Classic Tour Collection representative and transferred to hotel. B

Udaipur

After breakfast, visit the City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden where women of the royal household would meet), the Fateh-Sagar Lake, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (folklore museum) and the Jagdish temple (Built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the most beautiful temple of Udaipur). Also visit an Artist’s school to see miniature paintings being painted. Late afternoon, enjoy a boat ride around the Lake Pichola, including the Jagmandir, another island palace on the lake. B

Udaipur / Jaipur (By Flight)

A Classic Tours Collection representative will assist you for transfer to the airport to fly to Jaipur. On arrival, you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection representative and transferred to hotel. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Vidhyadhar Bhattarcharya designed the city, using the principles of town planning, as laid down in the Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Afternoon, tour the City Palace, once the formal residence of the royal family built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectures. Continue to Jantar Mantar, the largest of Jai Singh’s remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, setting and shapes are scientifically designed they represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. Stay overnight at the hotel. B

Jaipur

After breakfast, visit the ancient capital of Amber, ascending the Palace Fortress on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant. Tour the intricate chambers and hallways of the palace. En route to Amber, photograph the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) built in 1799 AD. Rest of the day will be free at leisure. B

Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (Approx 6 hrs drive)

After breakfast you will be driven to Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted capital city, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned 15 years later due to severe water shortage. Within the city, you will tour the Diwan-I-Aam or Hall of Public Audiences. Diwan-I-Khaas or the Hall of Private Audience is a two storeyed building. The exterior of the hall is simple but the interior is fascinating. From the four corners of the building, there are stone bridges leading across the throne. Panch Mahal or Five Storey Palace, building and the architecture is Persian in style like a Buddhist monastery. Palace of Jodha Bai is named after Jehangir's wife Jodha Bai. This palace is a fine blend of Hindu columns and Muslim Cupolas. Birbal Palace was Birbal’s residence, Akbar's favorite courtier, famous for his wit and wisdom. Miriam's House also known as the Golden House was Akbar's Christian wife from Goa. Ankh Michauli is where the emperor played hide and seek with the ladies of the harem and was probably used for storing records. Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah is the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, originally built of red sandstone but later rebuilt in white marble by Jehangir. Continue to Agra, a medieval city, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, founded by Sultan Sikander Lodi in 1506. The golden age began during the Mughal reign in Agra, capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. B

Agra

After breakfast, visit the Taj Mahal, only one of its kinds in the world. It is a monumental labor of love from a Mughal Emperor Shāh Jahān, who commissioned its construction as a mausoleum to his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal, died during childbirth, leaving behind an inconsolable husband. Visit the Taj Museum for a close look at the original drawings of this marble monument. The drawings reveal the level of accuracy and precision in planning the Taj Mahal. The architect had also guessed that the construction would be done in 22 years. Continue to Agra's dominant structure, the Agra Fort, constructed by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This afternoon can be spent at leisure. This evening revisit Taj Mahal. B

Agra / Delhi (Approx 4 hrs drive)

After breakfast you will be driven to Delhi. Enroute you will stop for a short sightseeing tour of Sikandra to see Akbar’s Mausoleum, which is a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture, which, like the Emperor himself, characterized the era. Continue to Delhi. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the segregation between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. B

Delhi

After breakfast, the day's tour commences with a visit to Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial at Raj Ghat; where the Father of the Nation was cremated and continuing to the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque built from 1644-1658, during the reign of Emperor Shahjahan. End this afternoon's tour on a cycle rickshaw through the famous Chandni Chow Bazaars, once the shopping arcade of Mughal royalty. Afternoon, embark on a tour of New Delhi. The first stop will be at the magnificent Qutab Minar, a 239 feet sandstone tower of an Indo Islamic architecture wonder of ancient India. Proceed to Humayun's Tomb constructed in 1570, is of particular significance since it was the first garden tomb built in the Indian subcontinent. Drive past Houses of Parliament and Presidential Palace, both grandiose masterpieces of the British Raj, ending with a drive along Rajpath, New Delhi’s broadest avenue. B

Delhi

After breakfast proceed to visit Craft Museum, This museum boasts of having the most rare and exquisite pieces of art and craft, selectively collected from all over the country and National Museum   This museum houses the rare objects recovered from the excavations of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization of 4,000 B.C. This includes sculptures, bronze and wood carvings, textiles and a unique collection of Mughal, Kangra, Rajput and other miniature paintings. This huge museum even displays collections from the Mohenjodaro and Harappa civilization, the polished sculptures of the Maurayan and Sunga periods, Kushan and Satavana period and the monumental and powerful sculptures of the medieval period. This museum takes you through a fascinating journey of history, civilization and evolution. This can be seen on the right as you proceed on Rajpath, from Vijay Chowk towards India Gate. Return to the hotel. This evening proceed to the Birla Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony. B

Depart Delhi

A Classic Tours Collection representative will assist you to international airport to board flight for onward destinantion.

Arrive Chennai

Arrive Chennai International airport, after completing customs, immigration formalities and luggage collection, proceed to the exit gate where you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection’s representative and transferred to the hotel.

Chennai

This day proceed for full day excursion to Mahabalipuram, world famous for its shore temples. Enroute stop at Dakshin Chitra. Later proceed to visit Kanchipuram, sometimes known as Siva Vishnu Kanchi is one of the 7 holiest Hindu cities and famous for its spectacular temple. Many of the temples are the work of the later Cholas and of the Vijayanagar kings. They are spread out all across the city and you need whole day to see them. Kanchipuram is also famous for hand woven silk fabrics. This industry originated in Pallavas times, when weavers were employed to produce clothing and fabrics for kings. Continue to Mahabalipuram, the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty of any real consequence to emerge after the fall of the Gupta dynasty. The shore temples in particular strike a very romantic theme and are some of the most photographed monuments in India. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day to day life. After sightseeing, you will be driven to Chennai. This evening enjoy dinner at local restaurant. BD

Chennai

After breakfast, visit Kalakshetra, a Cultural Academy for the preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music. Later visit the Fort St. George, which was built in 1653 by the British East India Company. The fort presently houses the secretariat and the legislative assembly. The Fort Museum has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the days of the East India Company and the British Raj. The St. Mary’s Church built in 1678-80, which was the first English church and the oldest surviving British construction in India. Also visit the Parathasarathy Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Rest of the day will be at leisure. B

Chennai / Madurai (By Flight)

A Classic Tours Collection representative will assist you for transfer to the airport to fly to Madurai. On arrival, you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection representative and transferred to hotel. Afternoon visit the famous Meenakshi Temple (named after one of the daughters of a Pandyan king, who had 3 breasts). The temple is spread over 6 hectares and its enormous “gopurams” or towers are covered with gaily-colored statues, and are visible from a great distance. B

Madurai

After breakfast, proceed for full day excursion to Trichy visiting Srirangam temples, The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is at Sri Rangam Island, in the middle of the Cauvery River. This temple was built by various dynasties including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Empire between 13th and 18th centuries. The temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu has seven concentric walls and 22 Gopurams has a north to south orientation. It is also famous as a centre for religious philosophy and learning. Situated 2-km east of Srirangam, is this beautiful Jambukeswara Temple dedicated to Lord, Shiva. The Rock Fort Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, complex is a collection of three temples - the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill and is the most prominent landmark in Tiruchirappalli. Return to Madurai. B

Madurai

Vehicle and driver to be at disposal within city limits. B

Madurai / Periyar (Approx 5 hrs drive)

After breakfast, you will be driven through the Western Ghats passing many market towns to Periyar. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary occupies 777 square kilometers of the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats around a vast artificial lake, created by the British in 1895 to supply water. It is very rare to spot a Tiger or Leopards but one can see wild elephants, sambar, wild pigs, gaur and over 260 species of birds. Arrive and check in to the Hotel Spice Village (Standard room). B

Periyar

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary famous as the abode of the Indian Tuskers (Elephants), and a wide array of other animals and birds. Early morning, visit to a Spice garden. This afternoon, enjoy game viewing by public boat. l. B

Periyar / Cochin (Approx 5 hrs drive)

After breakfast you will be driven to Cochin, one of the finest natural harbors of India and the business center for the state of Kerala. Arrive and check in to hotel. This evening, you go to see a traditional Kathakali dance performance. The interesting start of this performance is the intricate and time-consuming facial make-up done by the artiste, using a variety of colors and other aids. Later the artist will explain the meaning of the various eye movements and change of expression- within the background of Hindu mythology. B

Cochin

This morning, city tour of Cochin visiting the Mattancherry Palace, the palace built by Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Cochin Raja (King) Verra Kerala Varma as a gesture of goodwill. It was substantially renovated by the Dutch after 1663. Hence it is also called the Dutch Palace. St. Francis Church this is India is India’s oldest European-built church. Vasco de gama the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Cochin 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remain were transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. His tombstone still stands The ‘Doop Book’ that is a storehouse of records of married and baptized individuals, is a top draw. The Pardesi Synagogue, a relic of the Jews also claims huge footfalls. This glorious specimen of Jew architecture is four hundred years old and is adorned with etched brass pillars and floor art. There are a couple of copper discs that have the etchings of the benefits awarded by King Bhaskara Ravi Varman. It also showcases a forty-five feet clock that boasts of Arabic, Latin, Malayalam and Hebrew.The Jewish Synagogue was constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the region. We also visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, showing the traditional methods of sea fishing and the spice markets, a rich trading centre in medieval times. B

Cochin

Vehicle and drive to disposal within city limits. B

Cochin / Alleppey (Approx 1 ½ hrs drive)
Kumarakom / Trivandrum (Approx 4 hrs drive)

After breakfast you will be driven to Alleppey drive the “Venice of the East“, Alleppey where you proceed for a short cruise on the backwaters.  After you have settled in we take you for a memorable experience on a boat-ride through the backwaters of Kerala. Sandwiched between the hills and the sea, the shimmering waterways are lined with dense tropical greenery giving way to open vistas, dazzling green paddy fields and kerala villages, with habitats that are otherwise hidden from view. The silence is broken only by the occasional crow as you glide through the water shaded by canopies of coconut palms. Disembark at Kumarakom and drive to Trivandrum, Enveloped by the most serene backwaters opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach, in close proximity to Trivandrum. B

Trivandrum

Vehicle and driver to be at disposal within city limits. B

Trivandrum / Chennai (By Flight)

A Classic Tours Collection representative will assist you for transfer to the airport to fly to Madurai. On arrival, you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection representative and transferred to hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. This evening, enjoy farewell dinner at local restaurant. BD

Depart Chennai

A Classic Tours Collection representative will assist you to international airport to board flight for onward destinantion.