Day 01 : Delhi

Flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Check in time is 1200 hrs

Day 02 : Delhi

In Delhi's 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where the present capital of India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary - where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

Visit the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Red Fort - the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India's largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words "Hey Ram". An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

Afternoon visit New Delhi.

Visit the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles - the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways are Mughal in design. The northern building has an inscription with "Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed". The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative assembly. The India Gate (42m), commemorates th e 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces' losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi. /p>

Day 03 : Delhi /Jaipur(262 Kms)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur. After arrival check-in to hotel. Jaipur was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made attractive with the pink wash - a traditional colour of welcome in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 04 : Jaipur

After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the Palace fort.

Return to Jaipur.

Afternoon visit the "Pink City" of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc.

Also visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05 : Jaipur/Agra

After breakfast drive to Agra.

Enroute sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri. 40 km (1 hour) from Agra, lies the beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the empire's splendor.

Proceed to Agra. Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.

On arrival in Agra. Check in at the hotel.

Day 06 : Agra

After breakfast visit Agra Fort (Fort and Palace) situated on the west bank of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16th century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort, before his death. The fort is crescent-shaped and the perimeter is 2.4 km long. Also visit Baby Taj. Later in the evening visit the world famous monument of India, the Taj Mahal (1631-1653), a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It employed 20,000 workers from the Central Asia and Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant monument of love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious stones.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

Day 07 : Agra/Varanasi

After breakfast, in time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi derives its name from the two streams - Varuna in the north and Assi in the south, the British corrupted the name Varanasi to Banaras. The oldest name is Kashi, which means `the City of Light'. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the holiest city for the Hindus, also for the Jains, because the three tirthankars, 7th, 11th & 23rd were born here. It is believed that anyone who dies here goes straight to heaven The city draws pilgrims from all over the world, to worship, meditate and above all to bathe.

On arrival in Varanasi transfer to the hotel.

Later excursion to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism's major centers in India. It was here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after attaining Nirvana. In the complex is the Dhamekh Stupa (5th-6th AD) or Dharma Chakra, the most imposing monument at Sarnath built to commemorate the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five disciples. Also visit Dharmarajika Stupa that was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-326 BC). From this stupa a green marble casket containing human bones and pearls was found, said to be the relics of Buddha. It was the seat for Buddha's meditation. To the rear is the 5m lower portion polished sandstone Asokan Column (3rd century). The Deer Park on the south - west, has several species of deer. On the way back to the Hotel visit a modern Buddhist temple which has beautiful life size frescos of Buddhas life. In the vicinity is the sapling of the Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka, under which Buddha sat and attained enlightenment.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Varanasi/Kolkata

Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.

Enjoy the feel of this holiest of holy cities - Varanasi. Visit the Bharat Mata Temple inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It is a relief map of `Mother India' in marble made to scale. The Durga Temple (18th century) built in Nagara style is painted red and has the typical five spires (symbolising the elements) merging into one (Brahma). The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the largest campus universities in India. Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya at the turn of the century. It was originally intended for the study of Sanskrit, India art, music and culture. Drive through the university, which today has all the faculties of arts and science. Many of our earlier Indian leaders passed out from here. The New Visvanath Temple built in 1966 is located on the campus, and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the tallest in India.

Rooms till 1200 hrs. In the evening transfer to the railway station to connect overnight train to Howrah ( 2030/0645 hrs).

Overnight in the train.

Day 09 : Kolkata

Arrival in Howrah at 0645 hrs ( ROOMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 1200 HRS ONWARDS) and transfer to the hotel.

Kolkata, a mere village in the 17th century, has grown in just 300 years, into one of the biggest metropolis in the world, with the dubious distinction of being India's second largest city, and the commercial hub of the eastern region. A proud cultural and intellectual capital of India, with an outstanding contribution to the arts, science, medicine and social reform in its past and rich contemporary cultural life. Afternoon half day sightseeing Kolkata. As the former Imperial capital, Kolkata retains some of the country's most striking colonial buildings, yet at the same time it is truly an Indian city.

Victoria Memorial : A splendid architectural structure in white marble, modeled on the Taj Mahal, was built in the early 20th century in memory of Queen Victoria and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1921 who later became King Edward VIII of England. The stately bronze statue of the queen near the entrance, the brass canons, wrought iron street lamps, manicured lawns, gardens and pathways, the magical lighting effect in the evening and a fairy tale 'Fountain of Joy' facing the memorial building create an atmosphere of unforgettable charm. Botanical Gardens: There Gardens have great variety of flora and fauna, all carefully classified. There is also a 250 years old great Banyan tree measuring around 400 meters in circumference. Kali Temple: Famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and located at Kaligha, built in 1809 in typical Bengal style of architecture. A large number of devotees visit the temple on festive Durga Puja.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : Kolkata/Paro

Arrival in Howrah at 0645 hrs ( ROOMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 1200 HRS ONWARDS) and transfer to the hotel.

Kolkata, a mere village in the 17th century, has grown in just 300 years, into one of the biggest metropolis in the world, with the dubious distinction of being India's second largest city, and the commercial hub of the eastern region. A proud cultural and intellectual capital of India, with an outstanding contribution to the arts, science, medicine and social reform in its past and rich contemporary cultural life.

Afternoon half day sightseeing Kolkata. As the former Imperial capital, Kolkata retains some of the country's most striking colonial buildings, yet at the same time it is truly an Indian city.

Victoria Memorial : A splendid architectural structure in white marble, modeled on the Taj Mahal, was built in the early 20th century in memory of Queen Victoria and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1921 who later became King Edward VIII of England. The stately bronze statue of the queen near the entrance, the brass canons, wrought iron street lamps, manicured lawns, gardens and pathways, the magical lighting effect in the evening and a fairy tale 'Fountain of Joy' facing the memorial building create an atmosphere of unforgettable charm. Botanical Gardens: There Gardens have great variety of flora and fauna, all carefully classified. There is also a 250 years old great Banyan tree measuring around 400 meters in circumference. Kali Temple: Famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and located at Kaligha, built in 1809 in typical Bengal style of architecture. A large number of devotees visit the temple on festive Durga Puja.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 : Paro

Breakfast in hotel. Your tour of Paro begins with a 18 km beautiful drive through pristine alpine meadows populated with brilliant colored birds and endless species of flowers, the only sight of man being yak herders and their occasional black yak-hair tents to Drukgyel Dzongs (17century). Built by Shabdung Ngywang Namgyal in 1647. From here you have a commanding view of the religious Chomolhari mountain (7,330m). Return back to Paro for the second half of your tour in Paro: visit Ta Dzong, built in 1775 now the National Museum, has a collection of the postal stamps of Bhutan, and Rimpung Dzong.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 : Paro/Wangdi

After breakfast drive to Wangdi. Enroute visit Punakha.

Visit the Punakha-Dzong which was built under Shanbdung Nawang Namgyal (1651). It was the royal winter residence.

Proceed to Wangdi. On arrival in Wangdi check in at the hotel.

Day 13 : Wangdi/Djakar

After breakfast drive to Djakar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 : Djakar

Visit the Kurje Lakhang ( where saint Padsambhava subdued a local demon and felt hid body imprint on a rock), the Jambey Lhakhang ( 7th century), Tamshing Monastery ( one of the oldest monastic school), the Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region) and Swiss Farm House.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 : Djakar/Tongsa

After breakfast explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Tongsa.

Tongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched.

Walk by Tongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong ( watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of ling.

Arrive Tongsa and check into the lodge in Tongsa.

Day 16 : Tongsa/Thimpu

Early morning return journey to Thimpu (220km). Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimpu.

Day 17 : Thimpu

Our tour of Thimpu includes the visit to Memorial Chorten of Palden Jigme Dorji Wangchuck , who died in 1972, built by his wife after his death. Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of its kind built by the first leader of unified Bhutan in 1627. It now houses the Dzongkha Language and Religion University. The National Museum and the great Tashichho Dzong or Fortress of the Glorious Religion - the centre of government and religions. Stroll the lively market where folk from outlying areas come to stock up on most of their goods. Dressed in colorful traditional garb, these remote mountain dwellers descent upon the marketplace, creating a photographer's dream, as they barter among themselves and socialise with friends. Visit the handicrafts emporium where a wealth of artistic skills are displayed to shop for typical Bhutani souvenirs.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 : Thimpu/Phuntsholing

After breakfast continue your exploration of Bhutan by road to Phuntsholing, a small town on the India/Bhutan border. En route, see occasional finely crafted Bhutanese houses or the red band and spire denoting a temple in the distance. Clusters of prayer flags wave on lonely hillsides placed there by devotees. Arrive Phuntsholing around lunch. Rest of the day is free for independent activities and shopping.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 19 : Phuntsholing/Kolkata

After early breakfast breakfast drive to Bagdogra. Enter India and continue drive to the airport through pretty Teesta Valley, looking like something out of a fairy tale. Board flight to Kolkata ( Operates on Mon, Wed, Fri). On arrival in Delhi transfer to the hotel.

Day 20 : Kolkata/Puri

In time transfer to airport to connect flight to Bhubaneshwar. It is the capital of Orissa State. Set on the edge of the lush green rice fields of the Mahanadi Delta, the pleasantly broad street of the planned town, offer a striking contrast to the architectural legacy of its period of greatness over one thousand years. The graceful towers of those early temples, complemented by the extraordinary fineness of the stone carving make Bhubaneswar one of the most rewarding destinations in East India. On arrival in Bhubaneshwar transfer to the hotel in Puri (80 km).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Puri.

Day 21-25 : Puri

The beach in Puri is a major attraction. Long stretch of golden beach, shallow enough to walk out a long distance, with superb surf. Sunrise is particularly striking. The currents can be treacherous at times, but you can swim safely. Interesting to walk to the nearby fishing villages along the coast to watch the fishermen set out in their colorful boats. Watch the customary fisherman bringing in their catch. Ideal for your five day beach holiday, where your are free to relax and explore on your own.

Free to relax.

Overnights at the hotel.

Day 26 : Puri/Kolkata

Return to Bhubaneshwar and connect the flight to Kolkata. After arrival transfer to hotel.

Day 27 : Kolkata/Home

In time transfer to the airport to connect flight back home. Check out time is 1200 hrs