Holy India Travels

Places to Visit  :  Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram – Tirupati – Puttaparthi – Bangalore – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Mathura – Delhi - Varanasi – Delhi

Duration of Tour Package  :    16 Nights | 17 Days

Day 01| Arrival at Chennai |

Afternoon/evening arrive at Chennai airport.  Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 02| Chennai |

Breakfast at hotel. Today Chennai city tour visit Kalakshetra– A school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing. Which is dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. The academy was founded in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale.

Fort St. George– Fort St George is the name of the first English (later British) fortress in India, founded in 1644. The modern city of Chennai. The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land. Now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu.

St. Mary's Church– The oldest Anglican Church in India with its premises. Sri Parthasarathy Temple– Built by the Pallavas in the 8th century AD.

Kapaleeswarar Temple– Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica.

Evening free to visit Marina Beach &  local markets/bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 03 | Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (60 Kms/ 1.5 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Mahabalipuram. On the way visit to Kanchipuram.

“Kanchipuram”– It is a famous temple city in the Tamil Nadu. It served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom. It is also known by its former names Kanchiampathi, Conjeevaram, and the nickname "The City of Thousand Temples".

Visit Ekambaranathar Temple– Ekambareswarar temple is a hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is the largest temple in the town of Kanchipuram and is located in the northern part of the town. The temple gopuram (gateway tower) is 59m tall, which is one of the tallest gopurams in India.

The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple– This is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram. It is a Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style. It is dedicated to the god Shiva, and is known for its historical importance. The temple was built from 685-705AD by a Rajasimha ruler of the Pallava Dynasty.

Further drive to Mahabalipuram. “Mahabalipuram”– It’s also known as Mamallapuram is a town in Kancheepuram district. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the time of Periplus (1st century CE) and Ptolemy (140 CE). By the 7th century it was a port city of South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival check-in at hotel.  Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04 | Mahabalipuram |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram city.

The Shore Temple– The Shore temple (built in 700–728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. It was built on a promontory sticking out into the Bay of Bengal at Mahabalipuram. At the time of its creation, the village was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty. As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India.

The Cave Temples– Cave temples of Mahabalipuram are located on the hillock of Mahabalipuram town. Also called mandapas or rock-cut caves, they are sanctuaries or temples covered with bas-reliefs. The earliest period of use of these caves as sanctuaries is traced to the Buddhist and Jain periods. They were excavated on rock faces which were cut and then carved using chisel and iron mallet.

The Arjuna's penance (descent of the ganges) is one of the most famous stone carvings at Mahabalipuram. It is an enormous relief made on two massive boulders. One of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world, the Arjuna's penance is 31m long and 9m high.

Pancha pandava rathas: The five Rathas is a set of magnificent monolithic rock temples.. heroes of Mahabharata with their wife Draupadi which is termed as pancha pandava rathas. Also visit Krishna’s Butterball.  Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 05 | Mahabalipuram - Tirupati (190 Kms/ 3-4 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Tirupati. “Tirupati” is a major pilgrimage and cultural city in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the richest pilgrimage cities of any religious faith in the world. Tirupati is famous for Venkateswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.

On arrival check-in at hotel. After wash & change at hotel visit Sri Venkateswara Temple– Sri Venkateswara Temple is one of the ancient and holy temples, which is located at the 7th peak of the Venkata Tirumala Hill. The temple houses an idol of Lord Venkateswara, which is about 8 ft in height. The idol stands under the gold gilded dome, which is known as Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana. The eyes of this idol are covered with a tilak of camphor and are ornamented with some of the precious and semi-precious stones. Overnight stay at hotel in Tirupati. 

Day 06| Tirupati - Puttaparthi (220 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Puttaparthi. Ashram of Sri Satya Sai Baba. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Puttaparthi.

Day 07| Puttaparthi  |

Breakfast at hotel. Day free to visit Sri Satya Sai Baba Ashram. Overnight stay at hotel in Puttaparthi.

Day 08| Puttaparthi - Bangalore (150 Kms/ 3-4 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Bangalore, on arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 09 | Bangalore  |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Bangalore city.

Visit The Bangalore Fort and Palace– The Fort of Bangalore was built by Kempe Gowda and was later expanded by the legendary king Tipu Sultan. This summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.

Vidhana Soubha– This splendid building is a marvel of modern architecture and is a perfect amalgamation of traditional neo-Dravidian and modern styles. It is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat and dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park.

The Bull Temple– Kempe Gowda built this temple. The center of reverence is a magnificent Nandi, which is 15 feet tall and over 20 feet long.

Lalbagh - Surrounding one of the towers erected by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, is the 240 acre landscaped Lal Bagh gardens. Haider Ali, the warrior-king of Mysore, decided to create this garden in 1740 on the lines of the Mughal Gardens that were popular during his time. The park has some rare species of plants brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France.  Overnight stay at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 10| Bangalore  – Jaipur (by flight) |

Breakfast at hotel and take flight for Jaipur. “Jaipur”– The Capital of Rajasthan. It’s popularly known as ‘The Pink City’ for the colour of the buildings in its wonderful old city. On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 11 | Jaipur |–Elephant Ride at Amber Fort

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Jaipur city.

Amber Fort and Palace– Amber Fort, also known as Amber Palace, is said to have played a key role in the history of Medieval India. This fort depicts true royal lifestyle of the Rajputs, who are known for their decadent, radical and volatile behaviour. The Amber Palace is a perfect fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Here enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned Elephant up to the Fort. This is one of the highlights of a visit to the stunning Amber Fort is the chance to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance. These wonderful animals are painted with traditional designs and almost effortlessly transport visitors up the steep slope to the fort.

City’s Palace Complex– City Palace, a beautiful palace in the city of Jaipur, is surrounded by large walls on all sides. It also houses audience halls, pavilions and many other important buildings. The construction work of this palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the early 1730s.

Jantar Mantar– Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or "Jantar Mantars" as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement.

Hawa Mahal– (Palace of the Wind)– It is a five-storey structure that has more than 950 windows. The latticework was built for allowing women to watch everyday life of the city. Hawa Mahal is situated near the Johari Bazaar and provides a beautiful view of the entire Pink City.

Jal Mahal– Jal Mahal was built during the 18th century in the middle of Mansarovar Lake. This is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Jaipur, which was constructed using red sandstone. It is a five-storey structure built in Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

In the evening you can excursion to “Chokhi Dhani”– Chokhi Dhani is 5* ethnic resort and located 30Kms from Jaipur city. It is one its own kind, each of the detailed work in the village tells you about the culture and tradition of Rajasthan. It could be Camel Rides, Elephant Rides, Tonga Rides, Bullock Cart Rides, Bow n Arrows, Turbans or Food. It will make you feel a King. Enjoy Rajasthani dinner with live culture dance show. Later return back to hotel (This is optional activity).  Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 12 | Jaipur -  Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (235 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Agra. On the way visit to Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri.

Abhaneri- The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones.

“Fatehpur Sikri”– Constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar’s court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to non-availability of water but still in a state of perfect preservation. Here one can visit Asia biggest door Buland Darwaja, Dargah of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal etc. Further drive to Agra.

“Agra”– Agra is famous in worldwide for the Taj Mahal (Monument of Love). On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra. 

Day 13 | Agra  |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of  Agra city.

Taj Mahal (Monument of Love)– one of the most recognisable structures in the world, attracts around four million visitors annually. This beautiful structure of white marble was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 20,000 workers to complete this monument in a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1653. ( Taj Mahal is close on Friday ).

Great Red Fort of Agra– Built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor Akbar in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years.

Itmad ud Daulah Tomb - is one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, this tomb comprises cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, who were parents of Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. The tomb is primarily built in white marble with mosaic and lattice.

Rest of the day free for leisure / shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

Day 14 | Agra - Mathura  -  Delhi ( 200 kms /4 hours) |- Varanasi by flight |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive for Delhi. On the way visit Mathura & Vrindawan, Mathura is birth place of Lord Krishna. Here you will visit Shri Krishna Janam bhumi Temple.

Further drive to Delhi and take flight for Varanasi. Varanasi, is one of the oldest famous city in the world also famous for Holy river Ganges.  Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 15 | Varanasi |

Today an early morning enjoy boat ride at river Ganges– The boat ride takes you past the various Ghats of

Varanasi, offering a glimpse of the city at its religious best, with the men getting ready for their daily Prayer, the sages lost in prayer and ritual. After boat ride come back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Bharat Mata Temple– Dedicated to the mother India, the Bharat Mata temple is open to people of all the faiths.

Banaras Hindu University– Scattered over a vast area of 2,000 acres, the Banaras Hindu University has the privilege of being the largest and the oldest university of north India.

In the evening enjoy the Aarti at river Ghat– Worship of the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps. Thousands of illuminated lamps are immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges and the floating lamps add a divine look to the river at dusk. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 16 | Varanasi – Delhi (By flight) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning excursion to Sarnath– Renowned as a Buddhist shrine, is a city located about 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi. The place is known for being among the four major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The name of this place was derived from the name of Saranganatha (God of Deer). It is believed that this deer was born in the Deer Park, which is also a place where Buddha preached the Dharma for the first time.

Afternoon / evening take flight for Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 17 | Delhi / Departure  |  

Breakfast at hotel and drop at New Delhi international airport to board on flight for onward destination.

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