Religious tour 1

Delhi -Mathura - Gokul - Agra - Jaipur

Introduction

Mathura (or Brajbhoomi) is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the seven sacred cities in India. The main pilgrim center in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. Mathura is also an important craft center. The best time to visit Mathura is during winter, between the months of October and March.

Location

The city of Mathura is located in the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of the river Yamuna. Mathura is 141 km south of Delhi and 47 km northwest of Agra. The climate of Mathura is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and winters are cold and foggy. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains from July to September.

Day 01 :- Arrive Delhi

Delhi. On arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel. Afternoon half day city tour of Delhi, visiting Laxmi Narayan Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Gauri Shankar Mandir, India Gate and Chattarpur Mandir. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 :- Delhi to Mathura

Drive to Mathura - city associated with the most revered of Hindu Gods - Lord Krishna. Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna and the surroundings "Braj Bhoomi" is where Lord Krishna grew up. Afternoon visit Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days, played the flute sporting with the Gopis and where Radha pined for her lover. Visit the Govind Dev Temple built in 1590 and a testimony to the architectural splendour of medieval India. Proceed to Rangaji Temple in Vrindavan's longest temple constructed in 1851 with a 50 feet tall "Dhwaja S Stambha" believed to be gold plated. Continue to Madan Mohan Temple situated near Kali Ghat, Glass Temple & the Bankey Bihari Temple - built in 1921. Overnight in hotel in Mathura.

Day 03 :- Mathura to Gokul

Drive to Gokul where Nand Gopal was sheltered in Yashoda Maiya's home in secrecy to escape the wrath of tyrant Kansha. Also visit Gokul Nath Ji Temple. Proceed to Mahavan - believed to have cradled Lord Krishna. Visit "Assi Khambha" the temple dedicated to Mathura Nath Ji. Continue to Goverdhan - where Lord Krishna held aloft "Giriraj", the sandstone hill on his finger for seven days and nights to protect the people of Braj from the wrath of rain & thunder sent by Indra. Return to Mathura. Overnight in Mathura.

Day 04 :- Gokul

Morning visit Nand Gaon - the house of Lord Krishna's foster father Nand, in whose memory stands the 19th century temple. A little beyond is Pan Sarovar - one of the four most celebrated lakes in Braj. Continue to Barsana - the birth place of Radha - with temples in reverence of Ladliji (Radha). Also visit the water tank "Prem Sarovar", the first meeting place of Radha and Krishna.

Day 05 :- Gokul to Agra

Drive to Agra. Afternoon visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Overnight Agra. TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS.

Day 06 :- Agra to Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Fatehpur Sikri is 40 kms from Agra and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other Palaces. Afternoon tour of Jaipur. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink a century ago in honour of a visiting Prince and ever since, it has retained this colour. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory & Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal & through the pink rose residential & business areas. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 07 :- Jaipur

Morning visit Amber Fort. Amber Fort was the ancient capital of the State. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. Drive to Delhi airport in time for return flight. No hotel in Delhi.

Day 08 :- Departure

Morning transfer to airport.

Religious tour 2

Delhi - Ajmer - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi

Delhi - Ajmer - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

Introduction

The Laxmi Narayan Temple, popularly called the Birla Temple, situated in the western side of the Connaught Place was built by BD Birla in the year 1938.The temple is built in the dedication of the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. The deity presiding in the temple is Lakshmi Narayan, who is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The Lakshmi Narayan temple is a temple with many shrines, fountains and a large garden.

History of Laxmi Narayan Temple

This temple was built by the illustrious Birla family of Industrialists, who are known for many other temples all over India. It took about a time period of 6 years (1933-1939) to end the construction of the temple. The Birla temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, on the condition that people from all stratum of society, all castes and untouchables would be allowed to enter the premises.

Day 01 :- Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi. Assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Delhi. CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT TIMINGS ARE NORMALLY 1200 HRS.

Day 02 :- Delhi

Full day tour visiting Laxmi Narayan Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Gauri Shankar Temple, India Gate, Qutab Minar, Chattarpur Temple & Bahai Temple. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03 :-Delhi to Ajmer/Pushkar

Morning transfer to railway station to board train for Ajmer. Arrive Ajmer and drive to Pushkar. Afternoon visit the holy lake and the famous Brahma Temple. Overnight in Pushkar.

Day 04 :- Ajmer/Pushkar to Jaipur

Morning drive to Jaipur. Full day tour of Jaipur & Amber Fort visiting Maharaja's Palace, Hawa Mahal and Royal Observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 05 :- Jaipur to Agra

Morning drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Visit the Mosque built by Emperor Akbar in the memory of Sheikh Salim Chisti. In Agra, in the afternoon visit the Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal; Agra Fort on the opposite bank of River Yamuna built by four successive Emperors and the tomb of Itmad Ud Daullah. Overnight in Agra.

Day 06 :- Agra to Jhansi and Khajuraho

Morning transfer to railway station to connect train for Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho enroute visiting Orchaa which boasts of its palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century. Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris has a spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 07 :- Khajuraho

Morning visit Eastern & Western group of temples. The world famous Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The most important are the Chaunset Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, The Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple of Shiva, which is the largest & most typical of temples. Visit the Eastern group of temples that consist of the Parasvanath Temple - the only Jain Temple surviving at Khajuraho and has excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the Sanctum, the Javeri Temple dedicated to Vishnu. The other temples in this group are those dedicated to Brahma, Yamuna and Adinath. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 08 :- Khajuraho to Varanasi

Morning visit Eastern & Western group of temples. The world famous Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The most important are the Chaunset Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, The Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple of Shiva, which is the largest & most typical of temples. Visit the Eastern group of temples that consist of the Parasvanath Temple - the only Jain Temple surviving at Khajuraho and has excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the Sanctum, the Javeri Temple dedicated to Vishnu. The other temples in this group are those dedicated to Brahma, Yamuna and Adinath. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 09 :- Varanasi

Morning visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple the most sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, New Vishwanath Temple with the whole Gita engraved on its marble walls, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir with text of Ram Charit Manas engraved on its walls, Vinayaka Temples devoted to Lord Ganesh, Annapoorna Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Jateshwar Mahadev Temple, Maha Mritunjiya Temple & Bharat Mata Temple. Overnight in Varanasi.

OPTION 2 :-VARANASI-DELHI

Day 10 :- Varanasi to Kathmandu

Early morning boat excursion on the river Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night.Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Transfer to airport to connect flight for Kathmandu. Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Day 11 :- Kathmandu

Morning visit Pashupatinath Temple , Bodhnath and Bhadgaon. Visit the temple of Bodhnath, the colossal 2500 years old Stupa, one of the largest in the world. This Stupa has the all seeing-eyes of the Buddha by king Mana Deva in expiation of his sins of the advice inset with prayer wheels. Also visit the Pashupatinath Temple which is noted for its erotic wood carvings of the struts. Also a city tour visiting Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, ancient royal residential quarters etc. Bhadgaon is a Newar city of 9th century. Visit the ancient gateway, Durbar Square, royal residential quarter of Bhupendra Malla, temple of Nytapole in pagoda style and other temples.

Day 12 :- Kathmandu

Morning visit Patan and Swaymbhunath Temple. Visit the Old Newar City - the historic Durbar Square, see the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Teleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, other temples and old windows and carved balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars. On return, visit Swayambhunath, the 2500 years old Buddhist temple. Also visit Swayambhunath, the 2000 years old site with 5 dhyani Buddhas enshrined at the base of the Stupa.

Day 13 :- Kathmandu to Delhi

Transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to city centre. NO HOTEL. Later in the evening transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey. End of our services.

Day 14 :- Departure

Religious tour 3

Chennai - Tirupathi - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Tiruvannmallai - Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Trivandrum - Kanyakumari

Introduction

Southern India is dotted with places of religious interest. There are several towns that are referred to as the temple towns owing to the grandeur of the temples they are home to. Rameshwaram is an island- of Lord Rama's temple at Tamil Nadu is a terrific destination. Along with being a major pilgrimage for the Hindus, Rameshwaram is a happening holiday spot too. Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram.

Day 01 :-Chennai

Arrive Chennai - the gateway to southern India, established in 1639 by the East India Company, is one of the oldest cities of the country. Assistance and transfer to hotel Aruna. Afternoon city tour, visiting Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra, Mylapore temple and Marine beach

Day 02 :- Chennai to Tirupathi and Chennai

Drive to Tirupati - the ancient temple of Lord Venkateswara (Lord of seven hills or Balaji, as he is affectionately known ) on the top of the 860 mts high Tirumala hills. The temple of Lord Venkateswara is not only believed to be amongst the oldest temples in the country, but also the richest of them all. Legend has it that Lord Venkateswara borrowed money from the divine treasurer Kubera for his wedding expenses. He is still paying back this debt which is why the pilgrims donate generously to the temple funds. In the evening return to Chennai for Overnight stay.

Day 03 :-Chennai to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram

Drive to Kanchipuram - the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Later drive to Mahabalipuram. Built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipuram, this ancient Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. In this ancient seaside town , shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are truly poems in stone. The only shore temple which remains here is the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum-sanctorum. Overnight in Mahabalipuram in hotel.

Day 04 :- Mabalipuram to Tiruvannmallai and Pondicherry

Drive to Tiruvannamallai a pilgrim centre with an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. Afternoon, proceed to Pondicherry, which carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. This erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St.Agasthaya settled down in hotel.

Day 05 :- Pondicherry

Monring visit Aurbindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10 kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. Later visit Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony.

Day 06 :- Pondicherry to Chidambaram - Tanjore

Drive to Chidambaram also called as Thillai, which has the famous Nataraja temple with the root of the sanctum-sanctorum covered with golden plates is located in the centre of the town covering an area of 40 acres. In this temple, postures from the Bharatnatayam form of dance are depicted in sculpture. Natraja is Lord Shiva as a cosmic dancer. Later drive to Thanjavur enroute visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brahadeswara temple (or the big temple of God). The temple tower rises to a height of 15 mts from a square base of 29 mts and then tapers off, making a total of 66 mts.

Day 07 :- Tanjore to Trichy (54kms / 02hrs)

Drive to Trichy, short name of Trichurapalli, situated on the banks of Kaveri river is a blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim centre, it is famous for Ranganath temple at Srirangam. Visit the Rockfort and its temple at a height of over 23mts. Also visit Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple.

Day 08 :- Trichy to Madurai (133kms / 3.5hrs)

Drive to Madurai and check in at hotel Madura Park Inn The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. Afternoon city tour visiting - Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great tank and Gandhi museum.

Day 09 :- Madurai

Full day excursion to Rameshwaram and back. Drive to Rameshwaram- the most sacred temple town of India is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama is said to have visited before going into battle of Srilanka. Legend has it that Lord Rama sent Hanuman to Mount Kailash to bring a Lingam for worship when he set foot after defeating Ravana. As Hanuman did not return when the auspicious hour was approaching, Sita made a sand Lingam so that worship could be performed in time, which is where the present day Ramanatha Swamy Temple stands close to sea on the eastern side of the island. One of the twelve Jyotirlingam shrines is also well known for its magnificent corridors and the massive sculptured pillars lining them.

Day 10 :- Madurai to Trivandrum (329kms / 08.50hrs)

Drive to Trivandrum and check in at hotel.

Day 11 :- Trivandrum to Kanyakumari and Trivandrum

Full day excursion to Kanyakumari and back. Drive to Kanyakumari - the land end of India where the water of the Arabian Sea , the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. An important pilgrim centre of India, it is famous for the Amman Temples - a symbol of unity and sanctity - deidicated to the virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari. To its South East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial , a blend of all the architectural styles of India. Evening enjoy the beautiful sun set and later return to Trivandrum.

Day 12 :- Trivandrum

Transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey.

Religious tour 4

Trichy -Velankani - Chennai - Goa – Delhi

Day 01 :-Trichy

Arrive Trichy. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 :- Trichy to Velankani (95KMS / 01.50HRS)

Drive to Vellankani , famous for the church of our Lady of Health. Said to have been built on the prompting of a vision of lady with child in arms , this church is a place of pilgrimage for Christians all over the country. On arrival , check in at hotel. Evening free for religious activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 :-Velankani

Full day at leisure for religious activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 :- Velankani to Trichy and Chennai

Chennai is the gateway to South India. It traces its origin as far back as 1639 AD , when the British East India Company first settled here near the tiny fishing village of Madrasapatnam. Drive to Trichy railway station to board train for Chennai. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 :- Chennai

Morning half day sightseeing tour visiting National Arts gallery and Museum, Fort St. George , Fort Museum , St. Mary's Church , Victoria Technical Institute and drive along the Marina Beach. Afternoon free. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 :- Chennai to Goa

Goa transfer to airport to board flight to Goa - an ancient Portuguese colony , which became a part of Indian republic in 1961 , has traces of its ancient culture, largely writ all over its churches , bunglows and layouts of the city. On arrival , transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of Panjim city visiting - The Basilica of Born Jesus in Velha, originally built in 1560 , a mixture of Portuguese and Gothic architecture. The church is famous for , it enshrines the miraculously incorruptible body at St.Francis Xavier in marble and silver cascade. Also visit the Se Cathedral - dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria , built in 1562. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with gold stucco relics and paintings representing Indo - Portuguese art. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 :- Goa

At leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Goa. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 :- Departure

Transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey.