08 Days - WOW Holidays
Transcription
08 Days - WOW Holidays
Welcome to India !!! One Nation, countless destinations. A land of rich heritage that’s ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000 years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to create a unique and colourful mosaic. This is the wonder that is India, come, enjoy and experience the great religions of India. It will provide a wide range of opportunity to experience first-hand the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of India, and to reflect on the diversity of religions practiced here. It will also offer ample opportunity to deepen knowledge and understand it . This tour visits some of the amazing Temples of South India, with Gopurams soaring skywards to embrace the pantheon of Gods. Even today they are the focal point of everyday life: the heart and soul of the vast states of South India. On the spiritual level it's an insight into the source and secret of life. On a pragmatic, practical level it's the accumulation of thousands of years of experience to nurture and heal the body. Both approaches, combined together, treat the body, mind and soul. From Ayurvedic spas and Yoga exercise in Kerala & Gokarna explores what makes India the world's most popular wellness destination. India is an enigmatic country, bestowed with unique charm echoed by its deep rooted cultural heritage. The more you invest your endeavour in unveiling its affluent culture and heritage, the more amusing it becomes. Known around the world for its rich legacy, it is a land of natural beauty and sovereignty. Come and experience Yoga, Wellness and beyond with WOW Holidays!!! “WOW TEAM” Spiritual Tours Page 1. Navagraha Sthalas (07 Days) 2. Navagraha Sthalas (04 Days) 10 - 15 3. Spiritual Tour of Tamil Nadu (08 Days) 16 - 20 4. Spiritual Tour of Karnataka (06 Days) 21 - 25 5. Footsteps of Buddha (08 Days) 26 - 31 6. Sai Darshan (04 Days) 32 - 35 3-9 NAVAGRAHA STHALAS 10 km 4 km 2 (06 Nights - 07 Days) Thingaloor 30 km 25 km Suryanarkoil Alangudi 5 1 18 km Thirunageswaram m km 11 5 km km 9k 6 5 km Vaitheeswaran Koil m 16 km 13 km km 5 km 5 km 8 Kanchanur 18 7 Thirunallar 16 m 7k 1 15 km 5 km Thiruvenkadu 4 km Keezha Perumpallam 3 12 km 9 3 km 4 km Kumbakonam 3k km 6 km 15 4 Vadapalani Murugan Day 01: CHENNAI place to get married and witnesses approximately 7000 marriages Arrive Chennai, on arrival you are met by our staff at the Airport and every year. transfer to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Check in at the Hotel. Afternoon visit Kapaleeshwar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, Day 02: CHENNAI - PONDICHERRY (170 Kms / 4 Hrs) constructed in pure Dravidian style. The Sri Parathasarathy Temple Breakfast at the Hotel. (Foreigners are not allowed inside), dedicated to Lord Krishna, built After breakfast Proceed to Pondicherry. in 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. And Vadapalani Arrive Pondicherry check in at the Hotel. Murugan Temple is among the most popular temples of the capital Afternoon Visit Auroville and Mother Ashram, Auroville was founded city and is located in the region of Vadapalani in Chennai. Built as a project of the Sri Aurobindo Society on Wednesday 28 February about 125 years ago, this temple is considered as an auspicious 4 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, "The Mother". She was spiritual collaborator of Thiruvenkadu Vaitheeswaran koil Keezha Perumpallam Sri Aurobindo, who believed that "man is a transitional being". Vaitheeswaran koil Temple - one of the most important Saivite Mother expected that this experimental "universal township" would Shrines is popularly known as Vaitheeswaran koil. Vaidhyanathas- contribute significantly in the "progress of humanity towards its wamy or Vaitheeswaran (God of Medicine) got his name as He had splendid future by bringing together people of goodwill and aspira- cured Angarakan of his Leprosy. tion for a better world." Arrive Kumbakonam Check in at the Hotel. Evening proceed to Beach. Afternoon visit Thiruvenkdu Temple. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Thiruvenkadu is among one of the six divine places akin to Kashi. In this place, everything is 3 in number - the holy water, presiding deity Day 03: Pondicherry - Kumbakonam (128 Kms / 3 Hrs) as well as the divine tree. Thiruvengadu belongs to the Mercury Breakfast at the Hotel. planet (Budha) among the nine planets. After breakfast Proceed to Kumbakonam at 08.00 Hrs Enroute visit 5 After the visit proceed to Keezha Perumpallam. Tirunallur Temple Keezhaperumpallam -The temple is constructed by Chola Kings as a temple to get relief from misfortunes inflicted by Saturn. place of remedies for the afflictions of the nodes Rahu and Ketu. After the visit return to the Hotel. There is small shrine dedicated to Lord Nagaraja. The idol of Ketu is Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. visible through the entrance with a Silver serpent on the arch. Day 04: KUMBAKONAM After the visit proceed to Tirunallur Temple. Breakfast at the Hotel. Thirunallar is the holy place of Lord Sani Bhagawan. The Thirunallar After breakfast visit Alangudi. temple is a Shiva Temple (Lord Shiva is known as Dharbaranyesh- Alangudi is the divine place, where Lord Guru can be propitiated in warar here) but the main glory of the temple if Lord Shaniswara. This the form of Sri Dakshinamurthy. This sacred shrine of Jupiter is is the only temple in the world where Lord Shani lost his power to Lord renowned for its tri-glories, i.e. Moorthy (The Presiding Deity), sthalam Shiva in order to save his devotee Nala from Saturn’s curses. This belief is carried over even today and thousands of people visit this 6 (Place of divinity) and theertham (The Holy Water). Lakhs of people Pallava king of Kanchipuram Thirunageswaram Kanchanur throng his place, sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine Proceed to Thingallur. planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and specifically Rahu. Thingalur is the second important temple among navagrahangal is Shiva is worshiped as Naganathar, and is represented by the chandran which is situated at thiruvaiyaru. lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Piraisoodi Amman. Thingal means moon and the main deities here are Kailasanadhar (Lord Shiva) and After the visit of Thirunageswaram proceed to Suriyanar koil, Periyanayagi (Goddess Parvati). it is here that Chndran prayed to Suriyanar Temple or Suriyanar koil, is the first of the 9 Navagraha Lord Siva and got his blessings. Chandran is the Lord of Kadaga Rasi Temples in Tamil Nadu, Suriyanar koil is dedicated to the Sun God or and he faces the South - East direction. Lord Surya, the first of Navagrahas. The presiding deity, Sri After the visit return to the Hotel for Lunch. Suryanarayanaswamy, is found in a lying posture inside the sanctum Afternoon proceed to Thirunageswaram - Rahu Stalam is a Hindu sanctorum with his consorts Sri Usha Devi and Sri Pratyusha Devi. temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, It is significant to the Hindu 7 After the visit of Thirunageswaram proceed to kanchanur. Mahabalipuram Kanchanur (Kanjanoor) temple or the Sukra Navagrahasthalam is Afternoon excursion to Mahabalipuram. An ancient coastal port, one of the navagraha temples at Thanjavur. Kanchanur Temple, south of Chennai, world famous for its shore temple, Mahabalipur- known also as Bhrammapuri or Agnisthalam, is situated in the vicinity am was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of of Thiruvavaduthurai near Kumbakonam. Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty after the fall of the Gupta After the visit return to Kumbakonam. Empire. The whole of Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air Dinner and Overnight stay at the Hotel. museum of sculptures in living rock, Monolithic shrines scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within and the world’s biggest Bas Day 05: KUMBAKONAM - MAHABALIPURAM (236 Kms / 6 Hrs) relief in rock, are truly wondrous examples of the sculptor’s art. The Early Breakfast at the Hotel. famous temples of the Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, the Shore After breakfast. Temple and the eight Mandapams. (Shallow, rock cut halls) are also Proceed to Mahabalipuram enroute Chidambaram. 8 located at the beach. Kanchipuram Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikkhu, Bodhidharma lived Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples but also Day 06: MAHABALIPURAM for its handwoven silk fabrics. Breakfast at the Hotel after breakfast excursion to Kanchipuram - just Afternoon At leisure 71 kms from Chennai, Kanchipuram is the golden city of a thousand Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its many gopurams can be seen while approaching the city from a long way off. Day 07: MAHABALIPURAM - CHENNAI (56 Kms / 2 Hrs) Kanchipuram was successively the capital of the Pallavas, the Breakfast at the Hotel. Cholas and the Rayas of Vijaynagar. During the 6th and 7th centu- After Breakfast Proceed Chennai Airport and depart. ries, some of the best temples here, were built in by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning and Sri Sankaracharya, Appan, 9 NAVAGRAHA STHALAS 10 km 4 km 2 (03 Nights - 04 Days) Thingaloor 30 km 6 km Suryanarkoil Alangudi 5 1 18 km Thirunageswaram km 11 5 km km 9k 6 5 km Vaitheeswaran Koil m 16 km 13 km m 5 km 5 km 8 Kanchanur k 18 7 Thirunallar 16 m 7k 1 15 km 5 km Thiruvenkadu 4 km Keezha Perumpallam 3 12 km 9 3 km 4 km Kumbakonam m km km 3k 25 15 4 Trichy - Srirangam Temple Day 01: ARRIVE TRICHY There are two Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, The Uchchi Pillaiyar Meet and Assist at the Airport and transfer to the Hotel. Koil and The Siva Temple. Check in at the Hotel (Check in Mid-Day) Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Afternoon at leisure Evening visit Srirangam temple and Rock fort Day 02: TRICHY - TANJORE - KUMBAKONAM Srirangam is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major Breakfast at the Hotel, pilgrimage destination for Hindus (especially Srivaishnavites) and After breakfast Proceed to Kumbakonam via Tanjore. the largest temple complex in India. Tanjore where you will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th The Rock Fort is a historic fort and temple complex built on an centuries. These later became a part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, ancient rock. It is located in the city of Tiruchirapalli, which is in the which subsequently passed into the hands of the Marathas and went Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is constructed on a 273-foot high rock. 11 to the British. The most famous landmark is the Brihadeshwara Alangudi Thingalur Thirunageswaram temple, which, is now a world heritage site. Thingalur is the second important temple among navagrahangal is After the visit proceed to Kumbakonam. chandran which is situated at thiruvaiyaru. Thingal means moon and Arrive Kumbakonam Check in at the Hotel. the main deities here are Kailasanadhar (Lord Shiva) and Periyanay- Lunch at Kumbakonam. agi (Goddess Parvati). it is here that Chndran prayed to Lord Siva After Lunch proceed to Alangudi (Lord Guru) and got his blessings. Chandran is the Lord of Kadaga Rasi and he Alangudi is the divine place, where Lord Guru can be propitiated in faces the South - East direction. the form of Sri Dakshinamurthy. This sacred shrine of Jupiter is Return to the Hotel. renowned for its tri-glories, i.e. Moorthy (The Presiding Deity), sthalam Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. (Place of divinity) and theertham (The Holy Water). Lakhs of people Day 03: KUMBAKONAM throng his place, After the Visit Proceed to Thingalur (Chandra - Moon) 12 Breakfast at the Hotel. Vaitheeswaran koil After Breakfast proceed to Thirunageswaram (Rahu) Suryanarayanaswamy, is found in a lying posture inside the sanctum Thirunageswaram is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, It sanctorum with his consorts Sri Usha Devi and Sri Pratyusha Devi. is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples asso- After the visit proceed to Kanchanur (Sukra) ciated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and Kanchanur (Kanjanoor) temple or the Sukra Navagrahasthalam is specifically Rahu. Shiva is worshiped as Naganathar, and is repre- one of the navagraha temples at Thanjavur. Kanchanur Temple, sented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Piraisoodi known also as Bhrammapuri or Agnisthalam, is situated in the vicinity Amman. of Thiruvavaduthurai near Kumbakonam. After the visit proceed to Suriyanar koil (Sun God) Return to the Hotel for Lunch. Suriyanar Koil, Suriyanar Temple or Suriyanar Koil, is the first of the 9 Afternoon proceed to Vaitheeswaran koil Temple (Mars) Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu, Suriyanar Koil is dedicated to the Vaitheswaran Koil Temple - one of the most important Saivite Shrines Sun God or Lord Surya, the first of Navagrahas. The presiding deity, Sri 13 is popularly known as Vaitheeswaran Koil. Vaidhyanathaswamy or Thiruvenkadu Keezha Perumpallam Thirunallar Vaitheeswaran (God of Medicine) got his name as He had cured visible throught the entrance with a Silver serpent on the arch. Angarakan of his Leprosy. After the Visit proceed to Thirunallar (Sani) After the visit proceed to Thiruvenkadu (Mercury) Thirunallar is the holy place of Lord Sani Bhagawan. The Thirunallar Thiruvenkadu is among one of the six divine places akin to Kashi. In temple is a Shiva Temple (Lord Shiva is known as Dharbara- this place, everything is 3 in number - the holy water, presiding deity nyeswarar here) but the main glory of the temple if Lord Shaniswara. as well as the divine tree. Thiruvenkadu belongs to the Mercury This is the only temple in the world where Lord Shani lost his power to planet (Budha) among the nine planets. Lord Shiva in order to save his devotee Nala from Saturn’s curses. After the visit proceed to Keezha Perumpallam (Ketu) This belief is carried over even today and thousands of people visit Keezhaperumpallam - The temple is constructed by Chola Kings as this temple to get relief from misfortunes inflicted by Saturn. a place of remedies for the afflictions of the nodes Rahu and Ketu. Return to the Hotel. There is small shrine dedicated to Lord Nagaraja. The idol of Ketu is 14 Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Thanjavur Day 04: KUMBAKONAM TO TRICHY Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast proceed to Trichy. Transfer to the Airport and board your flight with sweet memories of your holiday. 15 Vadapalani Murugan Temple 9kms Chennai Kapaleeshwar Temple 5kms Kanchipuram 76kms Kamakshi amman & Kailasanathar Temple Mahabalipuram Arjuna’s Penance Shore Temple 64kms Pondicherry 100kms Chidambaram Natarajar Temple 65kms Trichy Srirangam Temple 58kms Rock Fort - Shiv Temple Kumbakonam Adhi kumbeshwara & Sarangabani Temple 75kms Thanjavur Brahadeeshwara Temple 60kms Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple 135kms Tirunelveli 160Kms Kovalam (Kerala) 83Kms Kanyakumari Kumari Amman Temple 85kms Spiritual Tour of Tamil Nadu (07 Nights - 08 Days) Kapaleeshwar Temple Day 01: CHENNAI about 125 years ago, this temple is considered as an auspicious Arrive Chennai, you will be met and received by our Tour Executive. place to get married and witnesses approximately 7000 marriages Who will introduce you to the driver who will be with you throughout every year. your trip. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. You will proceed to the Hotel. Check in at the Hotel. Afternoon visit Kapaleeshwar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, Day 02: CHENNAI - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHER- constructed in pure Dravidian style. The Sri Parathasarathy Temple RY (240 Kms / 5 TO 6 Hrs DRIVE) (Foreigners are not allowed inside), dedicated to Lord Krishna, built Breakfast at the Hotel. in 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. And vadapalani After breakfast drive to Pondicherry Enroute visit Kanchipuram the Murugan Temple is among the most popular temples of the capital golden city of thousand Temples and one of the seven sacred cities city and is located in the region of Vadapalani in Chennai. Built 17 of India in Kanchipuram visit Kamakshi amman temple and Kailana- Chidambaram Natarajar temple Adhi kumbeshwara temple Uchchi Pillaiyar Koil thanadan temple and proceed to Mahabalipuram and visit enroute visit of Chidambaram Natarajar temple, it depicts the Lord Arjuna’s Penance, Shore temple, Five rathas in Mahabalipuram. Shiva as the Lord of the dance Bharatanatyam and in the evening Spend the evening in beach with breezy ambience. visit Adhi kumbeshwara temple and Sarangabani temple in Kumba- Dinner and Overnight stay in Pondicherry Hotel. konam. Dinner and Overnight stay in Kumbakonam Hotel. Day 03: PONDICHERRY - CHIDAMBARAM - KUMBAKONAM (190 Kms / 5 Hrs) Day 04: KUMBAKONAM - THANJAVUR - TRICHY (100 Kms / 2 Hrs) Early Breakfast at the Hotel. Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast visit Govt museum and Auroville where one can live After Breakfast proceed to Trichy and enroute visit Tanjore in peace, Spherical marble with a crystal inside it and the Meditation Brahadeeshwara temple, Maratha palace, Saraswathy Mahal Centre is the main attraction. Later drive to Kumbakonam and 18 Library, Art Gallery and Sangeeta Mahal after the visit Proceed to Thirmalainayak Palace Trichy check in at the hotel. Day 05: TRICHY - MADURAI (135 Kms / 3 Hrs) Evening visit srirangam temple and Rock fort. Breakfast at the Hotel. Srirangam is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major After breakfast proceed to Madurai. pilgrimage destination for Hindus (especially Srivaishnavites) and Arrive Madurai check in at the Hotel. the largest temple complex in India. Afternoon The Rock Fort is a historic fort and temple complex built on an In the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai – The ancient rock. It is located in the city of Tiruchirapalli, which is in the primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is constructed on a 273-foot high rock. architecture may be considered to be at its best. Its Hall of a thou- There are two Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, The Uchchi Pillaiyar sand Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the Koil and The Siva Temple. day. The tour also includes a visit to the – Thirumalai Nayak Palace & Dinner and Overnight stay in Trichy Hotel. 19 Thiruparangundram temple. Meenakshi Amman Temple Thiruvalluvar Statue Kovalam Beach Late Evening participate in Aarti Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. virgin Goddess Parvathi, vivekananada rock memorial, Gandhi Return to the Hotel. memorial, Thiruvalluvar statue. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Day 06: MADURAI - TIRUNELVELI - KANYAKUMARI (245 Kms / 7 Hrs) Day 07: KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM (90 Kms / 3 Hrs) Early breakfast at the Hotel after the breakfast proceed to Kanyaku- Breakfast at the Hotel. mari Enroute visiting Tirunelveli an ancient city is about 2000 years After breakfast proceed to Kovalam. old and is a town of hoary tradition. Arrive Kovalam. Arrive Kanyakumari. Check in at the Hotel. Check in at the Hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Afternoon visit Kumari Amman temple this temple is dedicated to 20 Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Spiritual Tour of Karnataka (05 Nights - 06 Days) Murudeshwara Temple 60Kms Manipal Sri Mookambika Temple 76Kms Sri Krishna Temple 86Kms Annapoorneshwari Temple 58Kms Mangaluru Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple 2Kms Sharavu Mahaganpati Temple 3Kms Sri Sharadamba Temple 116Kms Kukke Subrahmanya Temple 106Kms Lord Manjunatheshwara Temple 78Kms Kadri Manjunath Temple 5Kms Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple Day 01: MANGALORE wara Temple, the main attraction of Dharmasthala and have a Arrive Mangalore, the coastal town of Karnataka. On arrival at Man- darshan of Lord Manjunatha Swamy (Shiva). Visit to Rathnagiri to see galore, check in at the Hotel. the statue of Gommateshwara and Badinade (Annappa) Betta, Afternoon visit Kadri Manjunatha Temple, and proceed to Sharavu then proceed to visit Sauthadka Ganapathi Kshetra, a place dedi- Mahaganapathi Temple, Mangaladevi Temple and famous Kudroli cated to Vana Mahaganapathi (without any temple structure) and Gokarnanatha Temple. Evening return to the Hotel. it is surrounded by scenic beauty. There is no restriction for worshiping Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. god anytime. Proceed to Kodyadka, also known as Hosanadu. The main attraction of this place is the temple dedicated to Goddess Day 02: DHARMASTHALA – KODYADKA – KATEEL (172 Kms) Annapoorneshwari. The Hosanadu Kodyadka temple is surrounded Early Breakfast at the Hotel. by evergreen woods rich in natural beauty, with abundance of flora After breakfast Proceed to Dhamasthala visit Lord Manjunathesh- 22 and fauna. After the visit proceed to Kateel Durga Parameshwari Kukke Subrahmanya Temple Kapila river Kumaradhara River Temple, located on the banks of River Nandini. Get the divine bless- and feeding the fish in Kapila River. After the visit proceed to Kukke ings of Goddess Durgaparameshwari Temple. Subrahmanya Temple, a popular religious destination which is Evening return to Mangalore. surrounded by lush green forest along with hills. It is situated on the Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. banks of the Kumaradhara River. The main temple located in Kukke is of Subrahmanya that is dedicated to the Snake God Vasuki and Day 03: SHISHILA - KUKKE SUBRAHMANYA (230 Kms) Lord Subrahmanya. The temple is famous for religious rituals pertain- Breakfast at the Hotel. ing to snake god. After having darshan, visit to Adi Subrahmanya After breakfast proceed to Shishila located in the picturesque loca- Temple. tion. Here a 1000 year old temple is dedicated to Lord Shishileshwara After the visit return to Mangalore. on the banks of Kapila River. It is also believed that one can get rid Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. of all types of skin disease after worshipping at Shishileshwara temple 23 Murudeshwar Temple Day 04: SRINGERI - UDUPI - MANIPAL (203 Kms) Kadiyali Mahishamardhini Templeand then visit world famous Sri Breakfast at the Hotel. Krishna Temple. After breakfast proceed to Sringeri to offer prayers to Sri Sharadam- After the visit Proceed to Manipal. ba, Goddess of Knowledge. Sringeri is located on the banks of river Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Tunga and it is the site of the first mutt established by Adi Shankaracharya. The main attraction of Sringeri is Sri Sharadamba Temple Day 05: KOLLUR MOOKAMBIKA - MURUDESHWAR (293 Kms) and Vidya Shankara Temple. The Vidyashankara temple is an archi- Breakfast at the hotel after breakfast drive to Kollur, a popular tectural marvel. Visit these two temples after the visit proceed to pilgrim center that lies at the foot of the Western Ghats and the Udupi. Enroute, watch the amazing beauty of Agumbe Ghats. Then place is famous for the Sri Mookambika temple. The goddess is proceed to Udupi. On arrival at Udupi, check in to the hotel and called Mookambika as she is said to have slain the demon Mookasu- proceed to visit Ambalapady Janardhana Mahakali Temple and 24 ra. The goddess is described as in the form of a jyotirlinga incorporat- Sri Sharadamba Temple Kollur - Sri Mookambika Temple Sri Krishna Temple ing both Shiva and Shakti. The panchaloha image of the goddess on Day 06: MANGALORE Shri Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Shri Adi Shanka- Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast proceed the airport and racharya. After the visit proceed to Murudeshwara. Murudeshwara depart. beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwara Temple. The main attraction of this place is world's second - tallest Shiva statue and 20 storied Gopura (237.5 feet) is constructed at the temple. Visit Shiva statue and Lord Murudeshwara Temple, built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. After visit proceed to Mangalore. Check in at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. 25 Footsteps of Buddha (07 Nights - 08 Days) Bodhgaya Day 01: ARRIVE GAYA AIRPORT of this temple is superb, with a basement is 48 square feet, and it rises Arrival Gaya Airport transfer to Bodhgaya Hotel check in at the hotel. in the form of a slender Pyramid. Other attractions include the magAfternoon Sightseeing of Bodhgaya. nificent complex of monasteries in various Buddhist architectural Bodhgaya: Lying in sylvan solitude, this sacred place is situated on styles where one can visit the Tibetan monastery and the complex of the bank of river Niranjan (Modern Falgu river). Serene and quiet this the ancient Magadh University. Evening at leisure. tiny little village, holiest among holy places, is Bodhgaya where the Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. quest of Prince Siddharth was fulfilled after years of seeking the truth and the Saga of Buddha began. The Mahabodhi temple houses the Day 02: BODHGAYA - RAJGIR - NALANADA - PATNA (250 Kms-8 Hrs) Bodhi tree (Peepal Tree) under which “The Buddha” attained the Morning drive to Patna. En-route visit Rajgir, the ancient capital of supreme Emperor enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple was origi- the Magadh Kings. Buddha came here often. Rajgir is an important nally erected by Ashoka in 3rd century B.C. The architectural effect 27 place of pilgrimage for Hindus as the temple complex here is Vaishali Nalanada Lumbini dedicated to the Sun God. After the visit of Rajgir proceed to Nalan- Morning drive to Kushinagar En-route visit Vaishali, which is believed da, home to one of the oldest known universities of the world. Its ruins to be the first republic of the world. Having an elected body of repre- show that over 2000 teachers and 10000 students from all over the sentatives holds special significance for the Buddhist devotees. At Buddhist world lived and studied here. The Chinese chronicler Kolhua, Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon, hinting at his Hueing Tsang spent many years here, both as a student and a impending departure from the mortal world. Vaishali is famous for teacher. An international centre for Buddhist studies also functions Amrapali, the beautiful dancer and courtesan of Vaishali, who here. After the visit proceed to Patna. Check in at the Hotel. Dinner offered Buddha a mango orchard and was so impressed by his and Overnight at the Hotel. teachings that she later became a nun (Bhikshu). Later, Emperor Ashoka erected a huge Pillar to commemorate the spot of Buddha's Day 03: PATNA - VAISHALI - KUSHINAGAR (PATNA - VAISHALI - KUSHINAGAR) (300 Kms / 8 Hrs) last sermon. Continue drive to Kushinagar Arrive Kushinagar and 28 check in at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Kushinagar Day 04: KUSHINAGAR - LUMBINI (200 Kms / 6 Hrs) whose ruler was the Father of Buddha, which is why Buddha is also Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing referred to as Sakyamuni. Prince Gautam, as Buddha was then tour of Kushinagar, earlier known as Kushinara. It is believed that known, left his palace in Kapilavastu at the age of 29 and revisited it Buddha attained 'Mahaparinirvana' (release from the endless cycle 12 years later, long after he had attained enlightenment. A large of birth and rebirth) here. The statue of the Reclining Buddha at the Stupa stands at this ancient site, which is said to have the bone relics temple is one of the most sacred sites for the pilgrims and a mound of Buddha. We continue our drive to Lumbini. Arrive Lumbini and of bricks marks the place where Buddha is said to have been check in at the Hotel. cremated. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. After the sightseeing of Kushinagar proceed to Lumbini. Day 05: LUMBINI - SRAVASTI (260 Kms / 7 Hrs) Lumbini (birth place of Lord Buddha). En-route visit Kapilavastu (Pipraw aha). Kapilavastu was the ancient capital of the Sakya Clan 29 Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing Varanasi Sravasti Sarnath tour of Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. He renounced Day 06: SRAVASTI - VARANASI (SRAVASTI - VARANASI - 350 Kms / his riches in favour of seeking peace and enlightenment as Gautam 9 Hrs) Buddha. Here is the seat of Buddhism, a religion that blossomed and Morning visit Saheth – Maheth and Jetvan. Buddha is said to have spread across the world. Afternoon Proceed to Sravasti performed some miracles here. After the Visit Proceed to Varanasi. Srav asti, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala. Sravsti is Arrive Varanasi. known for sheltering Buddha for 24 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Check in at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Gardens. The city is believed to be founded by the mythological king, Sravast and has age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and Day 07: VARANASI - BODHGAYA (280 Kms / 6 Hrs) several temples. Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges. The best time to visit Arrive Sravasti. the Ghats is dawn when pilgrims take their morning dip. The most Check in at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. 30 famous Ghat is the Dasaswamedh Ghat from where we begin this Ganga Maha-aarti tour. Enjoy the boat ride while looking out for people on the ghats – After breakfast visit Sarnath, 10 Kms. east of Varanasi, it is one of the women bathing discreetly in their sarees, the young men Buddhism's major centers in India. After attaining enlightenment, displaying prowess in yogic postures & the Brahmin priests offering Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Also visit the prayers for one and all. Amidst all this you may also come across the deer park and the museum. Afternoon Proceed to Bodhgaya. burning ghats which are cremation sites for the dead. Check in at the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. After the visit, proceed for a city tour of Varanasi – The tour will include visits to the numerous temples, which dot the banks of the Day 08: DEPARTURE FROM BODHGAYA river. During the tour you will be able to walk through the narrow Breakfast at the Hotel. lanes and stop by at the bazaars to have a look at, among other After breakfast. Transfer to the Gaya Airport and Depart. things, the world famous Banaras silks. Return to the hotel for breakfast. 31 Spiritual Tour of Sai Darshan (03 Nights - 04 Days) Mumbai Day 01: ARRIVE MUMBAI tecture, temples and caves are a mute testimony to its rich, eventful Arrive Mumbai on arrival proceed to the hotel check in at the Hotel. history. An ancient city, yet one that has ridden astride the wheels of Afternoon enjoy guided orientation tour of Mumbai city visiting the history and bears its footprints. The Egyptian historian Ptolemy (A.D. Marine drive, Hanging Gardens, Crawford Market, Rajabai Clock 150) had found this place a flourishing centre for trade and com- Tower, Flora Fountain, Mani Bhawan, Chowpatty, Beach etc. merce. The place abounds in temples, some of them more than two Return to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. hundred years old. Arrive Nasik and check in the Hotel. Day 02: MUMBAI - NASHIK (180 Kms / 4 Hrs) After noon visit Trimbakeshwar. It is famous for the Trimbakeshwar Breakfast at the Hotel. Temple and source of the Godavari River. Trimbakeshwar enshrines After breakfast, drive to Nashik a sacred city on the banks of the one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva and this one is consid- River Godavari, is now a throbbing industrial town. Its beautiful archi- ered to be the main Jyotirlinga. Legend has it that Guatam Rishi 33 Trimbakeshwar Temple Godavari River Khandoba Temple performed a rigorous ritual of prayer and penance or tapasya to temple. The annual festival of Shivratri is also celebrated with great Shiva on Brahmagiri Hill which rises above the present-day temple. pomp and gaiety and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over. Pleased with this devotion, Shiva is said to have blessed him and After Darshan return to the Hotel. brought down to earth from heaven the sacred rivers of Ganga, Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Gautami and Godavari. At the Kushavarta Teerth, devotees usually dip themselves into the waters and purify themselves of all sins Day 03: NASHIK - SHIRDI (120 Kms / 2.5 Hrs) before entering the temple. To this day, Hindus offer shraad prayers Breakfast at the Hotel. (prayers for the souls of the departed) here. It is also believed that After Breakfast check out and Proceed to Shirdi to visit Mahasa- bathing in the waters of the Godavari will bring moksha or salvation. madhi temple of Sri Sai Baba. Abode one of Maharashtra's most Mondays are considered particularly holy and the priests carry the revered saint -- Sai Baba of Shirdi. Popularly known as the 'Child of idol of Trimbakeshwar in a palanquin on their shoulders around the 34 God', Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions and the Shirdi - Sai Baba Temple message of universal brotherhood. Every activity at Shirdi revolves Check in at the Hotel. around the vast temple complex dedicated to Sai Baba. Devotees Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. start queuing up in the early hours of dawn to catch a glimpse and seek the blessings of the life-size statue of Sai Baba. Thursday is Day 04: SHIRDI - MUMBAI (270 Kms / 07 Hrs Approx) marked by special pujas and darshan of the Sai Baba statue. Visit Early Morning proceed for Kakad Aarti, after the participation of Dwarkamani Mosque where the Baba meditated and slept on alter- Kakad Aarti return to the hotel for breakfast. nate nights. Near the mosque, in a corridor is the dhuni or eternal After breakfast Check Out of the hotel and proceed to Mumbai flame that burns day and night. Other places of importance are the international Airport to catch flight for Onward destination. Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori. After the visit Proceed to Shirdi. 35 Wellness Tours 1. Experience Ayurvedic Treatment (08 Days) Somatheeram 2. Swaswara - Gokarna (08 Days) Page 37 - 39 40 - 45 Experience Ayurvedic Treatment - Somatheeram (07 Nights - 08 Days) Somatheeram - Ayurveda Resort Somatheeram, is a classified heritage Ayurvedic resort. A perfect hideaway with captivating and comfortable surroundings, homely and attentive services. Somatheeram, the world’s first Ayurvedic resort, is one of the best tourism spots in Kerala, India. Located at Chowara Beach on a hillock 9 km south of the famous Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum, Kerala with over 15 acres of greenery all around. Ayurveda Ayurveda is the soul and essence of Somatheeram, which has been providing Ayurvedic treatment the traditional way for more than 20 years and has rightfully earned the name ‘The Ayurveda People’. Ayurveda, which literally means the science of life (Ayur = Life, Veda = Science), ayurveda is an ancient medical science which was developed in India thousands of years ago. Believed to have been passed on to humans from the Gods themselves, Ayurveda developed and evolved into what it is today from several ancient treatises, most notably Adharva Veda which dates back to five thousand years. The ancient Vedic literature by sages has clearly laid out instructions to maintain health as well as fighting illness through therapies, massages, herbal medicines, diet control and exercise. Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort is unique in every aspect. A complete resort with Tradition, Culture, History, Ayurveda, Yoga, Beach and Nature. Take pleasure in the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Rejuvenate your body and soul with Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation. Relax, and let all your worries and stress ebb away with Somatheeram, The Ayurveda People. 01st Day: Rejuvenation Massage, Kizhi 02nd Day: Rejuvenation Massage, Sirodhara 03rd Day: Rejuvenation Massage, Sirodhara 04th Day: Rejuvenation Massage, face pack 05th Day: General Massage, Kizhi 06th Day: Rejuvenation Massage, Sirovasthi 07th Day: Rejuvenation Therapy, Lepanam, Steam Bath. The above treatment is just an outline of procedures. The exact treatment and schedule can be finalized only after the consultation with the doctors. It can be varied from person to person depends on the body condition. Kizi Face Pack Swaswara - Gokarna (07 Nights - 08 Days) Swaswara - Gokarna SwaSwara is an expression of the power of wellness in a space rich with healing energy. All the elements of nature embrace you here, resting and rejuvenating body and spirit. Neither a spa nor an ashram, SwaSwara is a sanctuary for your ‘Prakruti’ or the innermost nature of an individual, that special blend of qualities that makes you unique. It is an introduction to a life plan that will reconstruct the mind and body, creating balance and harmony within. SwaSwara is managed by people who transform their own lives, while creating memorable holiday experiences for you. Journeying into the self is a maxim that we advocate. While you practise it when on holiday, we get to do it on the job Yoga shala YOGA • Two private 30 minute Yoga sessions – per villa. • Introduction to the cleansing Yogic kriya session using JAL NETI to cleanse the nasal tracts & sinuses. This cleansing procedure can be supplemented on the third day by a personalized elimination juice diet to cleanse the body of toxins, which will be supervised by the Naturopathy doctor. 42 Abhyanga Massage AYURVEDA • A detailed consultation with the Ayurveda doctor on arrival followed by check ups & interaction prior to each ayurveda treatment. • A Dosha / Prakruti analysis with the Ayurveda doctors. • Four full body Ayurveda abhyanga massages - per person. 43 Meditations Gokarna In house group activities & experiences open to all resident guests • Daily guided yoga asana sessions parallel classes for Wellness & Progressive levels. • Daily guided sunrise meditations. • Daily guided evening meditations or chanting. • A daily special focus Yoga session which could be on Yoga nidra/ Pranayama /Art yoga / Laughter yoga / Mandala meditation. • Guided art classes to explore & express your creativity guided by our resident artist. • Guided nature walks, village visits & bird watching trips accompanied by our staff. • Every Thursday - a guided walking excursion into Gokarna to explore the old town & temples which ends at the colourful, weekly farmer’s market. The trip by Tuks Tuks is at extra cost, which is to be settled for directly. • Daily interactive cooking sessions with the Chef & his team in the kitchen at 11.30hrs • Karma Yoga - if you wish you can join the staff for a community based group exercise which could be helping on the farm, gardening or beach cleaning. • Weekly cultural programs showcasing a traditional dance forms or musical instruments. 45 Heritage Tours 1. Heritage Tour of Karnataka (12 Days) Page 47 - 53 2. Heritage Tour of Rajasthan (11 Days) 54 - 59 3. Heritage Tour of Tamil Nadu (08 Days) 60 - 63 Heritage Tour of Karnataka (11 Nights - 12 Days) Pattadkal 29Kms Old Goa 46Kms Goa 120Kms Badami 134Kms Aihole 43Kms Badami Caves 02Kms Dandeli 180Kms Hampi 13Kms Hosapete 320Kms Belur 18Kms Halebeedu 32Kms Hassan 54Kms Shravanabelagola 106Kms Mysore 55Kms Mysore Palace 2Kms Bangalore Venkatappa Art Gallery 350Mtr Srirangapatna 125Kms Somanathpur Temple 78Kms Srirangapatna Mysore Palace Day 01: BANGALORE Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel in Bangalore. Arrive Bangalore, you will be met and received by our Tour Executive. Who will introduce you to the driver who will be with you Day 02: BANGALORE - MYSORE (180 Kms / 6 Hrs) throughout your trip. Breakfast at the Hotel, After breakfast Proceed to Mysore Enroute Transfer to the Hotel and Check in at the Hotel. visiting Srirangapatna. Srirangapatna a place with Ancient and Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Bangalore: The tour begins with a visit Chequered History is an Island Fortress Town on the banks of river to the Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery – one of Cauvery. The Temples, Palaces, Tombs, Military warehouses, Ceno- the oldest in the country, established in 1886, which is endowed with taphs, natural landscaped locations and above all its 3-layer fort relics from prehistoric Mohenjodaro period. The tour concludes with wall with bastions are mute witnesses for a bygone era of glorious a drive past the Vidhana Soudha, the High Court and the Nandi Bull. days. Return to the Hotel. After the visit proceed to Mysore. 48 Sharvanabelagola Zoological Gardens Belur & Halebid Arrive Mysore. jas of Mysore, graces the city skyline, rebuilt in 1912. The Mysore Arts Check in at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. and Crafts Centre is famous for its fine craftsmanship in wood, ivory, sandalwood and silk. The tour also includes a visit to the Zoological Day 03: MYSORE Gardens and the St. Philomena’s church, one of the largest churches Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast excursion to Somnathpur, this in the country, built in the Victorian Gothic style. Return to the Hotel. temple is dedicated to Shiva and is a marvelous example of Hoysala Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. architecture with exquisite sculptures. Return to the Hotel. Afternoon proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mysore. Up on a hill over- Day 04: MYSORE - HASSAN (120 Kms / 4 Hrs) looking the city is the temple to Chamundeswari, its patron goddess. Early breakfast at the Hotel. The major tourist attraction is the “Mysore Palace”, the beautiful After breakfast proceed to Hassan. profile of this walled Indo-Saracenic Palace, the seat of the Mahara- 49 Enroute Shravanabelagola. Hospet - Hampi Check in at the Hotel, Afternoon Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Day 06: HOSPET Belur and Halebid, which, are one of the finest examples of Hoysala Breakfast at the Hotel. Art. The soft stone used by builders was chiseled with extreme After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing of Hampi: Important fineness for the smallest of detail. The temple at Belur is famed for world heritage sites in India, the ruins of Hampi hold the top position its profusely ornamented exterior and the one at Halebid for its in the prestigious list. The ruins of Vijaynagara (the once capital of the sculptured figures and an open air museum. Vijaynagara Empire). This place, apart from being an important Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. religious centre, is home to several other monuments that belonged to the old city. One of the interesting facts about Hampi apart from Day 05: HASSAN - HOSPET ( 320 KMs / 7 Hrs) its history and culture is that this place is closely associated with the Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast Proceed to Hospet. incidents of Ramayana. Some of the best places to see in Hampi: are Check in at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. 50 Archaeological Museum, Monkey Temple (Hanuman Temple), Badami Cave Ravanaphadi Cave Aihole Vijaya Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Royal Enclosure, Riverside ka. It is known for rock sculpture and temple architecture. The town Ruins, Queen's Bath, Hampi Bazaar, Underground Temple, Old was originally known as Vatapi and was the seat of government of Palace (Gagan Mahal), Hemakuta Hill Temples, Sasivekalu Gane- the Badami Chalukyas in the 6th century AD. Visit Badami Cave sha, Krishna Temple. Temples, Badami Fort, Badami Museum, Banashankari Temple, Return to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. Sangameshwara Temple, Durga Temple, Ladkhan Temple & Ravanaphadi Cave Temple. Day 07: HOSPET - BADAMI (140 Kms / 4 Hrs) Return to the hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast proceed to Badami. Day 08: BADAMI Check in at the Hotel. Breakfast at the Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Badami: is a small town located in Karnata- 51 After breakfast visit Aihole & Pattadkal. Dandeli Aihole is a village having a historic temple complex. It was estab- Kavya as the place where the Chalukya kings were crowned. lished in 450 CE as first capital of Chalukya kings and has about 125 Return to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. stone temples, some which were constructed as experimental structures by artisans of Chalukyan period. Pattadakal is a great centre Day 09: BADAMI - DANDELI (180 Kms /4 Hrs) of Chalukya art and architecture, noted for its temples and inscrip- Check in at the Hotel. Afternoon Jeep Ride to the Wildlife sanctuary. tions. According to inscriptions, the place was known by the names Return to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Kisuvolal (Red Town - mostly mountains near pattadakal gave this name), Raktapura, Pattada Kisuvolal. The literary work Hammira Day 10: DANDELI - GOA (120 Kms / 4 Hrs) Kavya of 1540 quotes the place as Pattashilapura and Hammirapu- Check in at the Hotel. Afternoon at leisure. ra. It has been mentioned in the 11th and 12th century inscriptions, Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. as well as in the literary work Singirajapurana of 1500 and Hammira 52 Goa Beach Se Cathedral Church St. Fransic Church Day 11: GOA for its numerous altars, built during the reign of King Dom Sabastiao Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour (1557-78) completed by 1619. Continue the tour visit some of the of Goa. The tour begins from Old Goa – visit the St. Francis of Assisi pristine beaches like the Dona Paola. Conclude your tour with a walk Church, built in 1661, it contains gilded and carved woodwork, old through the bustling life of Panjim city. Return to the Hotel. murals, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The Basilica of Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world. Visit the Cathedral to explore its Iberian exterior and its lavish interiors, which , Day 12: Depart Goa enshrine the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Also visit the starkly Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast transfer to the Airport and beautiful Convent of Saint Monica, the construction of which began board your flight with sweet memories of your holiday. in 1594 while the church was competed in 1605. Later visit the “Se Cathedral”, the largest of the Churches of Old Goa, also known 53 Heritage Tour of Rajasthan (10 Nights - 11 Days) Delhi - Qutub Minar Day 01: DELHI way to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This striking medieval tower of Arrival in Delhi Transfer to the Hotel. victory, built by the slave dynasty, is 73 m high. Within the Qutab Check in at the Hotel. complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron Afternoon Orientation tour of Old & New Delhi. pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted for Old Delhi begins with a visit to Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in over 1500 years. Continue your tour to visit the Humayun’s Tomb. India, built in 1650 AD. This is followed by a drive past the Red Fort Later drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave, stop for (Closed on Mondays) (1639-48), built by Emperor Shah Jahan, a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presi- creator of The Taj Mahal. Later proceed to Raj Ghat - the site of the dential Estate formerly Viceroy’s House) and Connaught Place, New memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Delhi’s main shopping area. After the Old Delhi proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi begins Return to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. with a drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while we are on the 55 Desert Jeep Safari Blue bull Deogarh Mahal Day 02: ROHET / LUNI (45 Kms) Day 04: DEOGARH (100 Kms) Breakfast at the Hotel. Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast you drive further south to the After breakfast transfer to the Airport and Depart. delightful small town of Deogarh. Check in at Deogarh Mahal - an Arrival Jodhpur and drive to Rohet / Luni. exquisitely restored fort, perched high on the hill top. Afternoon Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. exploration of the typical Rajasthani village surrounding the fortress before paying an evening visit to the fascinating cave temple and a Day 03: ROHET / LUNI stunning view point at sunset. Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast take a jeep safari into a desert Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. - a superb way to view the wildlife of the area such as blue bull anteDay 05: KUMBHALGARH (80 Kms) lopes, foxes and Indian Chinkara, Bishnoi Villages, Rajasthani life. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. 56 Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast proceed to Kumbhalgarh. Kumbhalgarh Check in at Aodhii. from The Boat you will be able to view the City of Udaipur. As it rises After check in Visit the Kumbhalgarh, a massive hill top fort surround- majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan Desert. ed by walls and comprising a maze of temples & palace. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - The other lovely Island Palace in the Afternoon visit the famous Jain Temples of Ranakpur. middle of the lake. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel Fateh Prakash/ Hotel Shikar Bari. Day 06: UDAIPUR (85 Kms) Breakfast at the Hotel. Day 07: BIJAIPUR (175 Kms) After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Breafast at the Hotel. After breakfast drive to Bijaipur en-route visiting Check in at the Hotel. Chittorgarh Fort; one of the most spectacular forts in Rajasthan, the Afternoon motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola 57 impressive remains of temples, towers & palaces date from the 7th to Ranthambore Talagarh Bundi Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. 15th Century. Stay one night at the 16th Century Castle amid the Vindhyachal ranges. Day 09: RANTHAMBORE (135 Kms) Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast Proceed to Ranthambore Day 08: KOTA (200 Kms) National Park, a former, private Royal hunting preserve and lying at Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast drive to Kota en-route visit the the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya Hills. Stay one night at Sawai well preserve 12th Century Temples at Menal and Bundi, seeing the Madhopur Lodge. Afternoon game viewing by jeep. City Palace and the tremendous Taragarh or Star Fort. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Arrive Kota and Check in at the Brijraj Bhawan / Shergarh Haveli. Day 10: AGRA (305 Kms) Afternoon visit to Kota City Palace and Museum with its outstanding collection of miniature paintings. 58 Morning game viewing by jeep. Taj Mahal Return to the Hotel for Breakfast. After breakfast proceed to Agra. by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards, its Arrive Agra check in at the Hotel. marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. the Mughal Empire. Afternoon Proceed to Delhi International Airport and Depart. Day 11: AGRA - DELHI (205 Kms / 4 Hrs) Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast proceed for a city tour where you will experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays). An extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built 59 Vadapalani Murugan Temple 9 Kms Kanchipuram 76 Kms Kamakshi Amman & Kailasnathar Temple Chennai Kalpeeshwar Temple 5 Kms Mahabalipuram Arjuna’s Penance Shore Temple 64 Kms Pondicherry Aurovilli 100 Kms Gangai Konda Cholapuram Airavateshwarar Heritage Temple 42 Kms Chettinad 72 Kms Chindambaram Natarajar Temple 65 Kms Darasuram 40 Kms Thanjavur Brahadeeshwara Temple 37 Kms Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple 155 Kms Heritage Tour of Tamil Nadu (07 Nights - 08 Days) Kanchipuram Day 01: CHENNAI sanathar temple after lunch visit the UNESCO monuments: Arjuna’s Arrive Chennai up on your arrival you will be greeted by our Tour penance, Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Krishna’s butterball, ancient Executive and introduced your driver and you will be transferred to monuments, historic temples for their unique sculptures and evening Hotel. relax at the seashore. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Mahabalipuram. Day 02: CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM (150Kms / Day 03: MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY (100 Kms / 2 Hrs) 3 Hrs) Early Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast drive to Pondicherry. On Early breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast visit Kapaleeshwar arrival check in at hotel and explore Auroville where one can live in Temple, vadapalani Murugan Temple and drive to Mahabalipuram peace, Spherical marble with a crystal inside it and the Meditation and enroute visit Kanchipuram kamakshi amman temple and Kaila- 61 Centre is the main attraction. Spend the evening in beach with Chettinad Palace Darasuram Gangaikondacholapuram breezy ambience and explore the old town on your own. Day 05: TANJORE - CHETTINAD (100 Kms / 2 Hrs) Later proceed to the Hotel for Overnight. Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast Visiting the famous Brahadeshwara temple, Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswathi Mahal Day 04: PONDICHERRY- CHIDAMBARAM - GANGAIKONDACHOLAPU- Library as well as an art gallery that has various collections of sculp- RAM - DARASURAM - TANJORE (230 Kms / 5 to 6 Hrs) tures and paintings. Proceed to Chettinad, Arrive Chettinad check Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast, drive to Tanjore Enroute visit in at hotel. Chettinad the land of traditional bankers & traders who Nataraja temple in Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram, and built spectacular bungalows and heritage mansions all around this the famous Airavateshwarar heritage temple in Darasuram, Proceed region. Explore the nearby villages to have a glimpse of the local life. to Tanjore check in at the Hotel. Evening visit Tanjore. Evening you are free to shopping and for own activities. Dinner and Overnight at Tanjore Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at Chettinad Hotel. 62 Dravidian Architecture Day 06: CHETTINAD - MADURAI (100 Kms / 2 Hrs) thousand Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast proceed to Madurai Check in the day. The tour also includes a visit to the – Thirumalai Nayak at the Hotel. Afternoon at leisure, later in evening visit Madurai Palace & Thiruparangundram temple. Evening you are free at your Meenakshi Temple where Night Aarti ceremony / (Arthajama Pooja) own activities. held at this temple, then later return back to Hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Madurai Hotel. Dinner and stay Overnight in Hotel. Day 08: DEPARTURE MADURAI Day 07: MADURAI Breakfast at the Hotel. After the breakfast. Transfer to the Airport and Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast Full day sightseeing of Madu- board your flight with sweet memories of your holiday. rai – The primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple architecture may be considered to be at its best. Its Hall of a 63 Temperature Chart City Elevation In Mts Temp In Degree Celcius Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bangalore 921 Max Min Avg. Rain 27 14 06 30 16 07 32 18 10 34 21 41 33 21 106 29 19 73 27 19 101 27 19 127 28 19 169 28 18 149 26 17 68 26 15 11 Bodh Gaya 113 Max Min Avg. Rain 24 10 18 26 12 30 33 17 13 39 23 06 40 27 24 38 27 164 33 26 336 32 26 349 33 25 191 31 21 49 27 19 13 24 09 05 Mumbai 11 Max Min Avg. Rain 28 19 04 28 20 02 30 22 01 32 24 04 33 26 17 31 26 484 30 25 617 29 25 340 30 24 264 32 24 65 32 23 14 30 22 02 Chennai 26 Max Min Avg. Rain 30 20 36 31 20 10 33 22 07 35 26 15 39 28 26 38 27 47 36 26 91 35 26 116 34 25 119 32 24 306 30 22 355 39 21 138 Jaipur 431 Max Min Avg. Rain 23 08 11 25 10 08 31 13 09 37 20 04 41 25 15 31 27 57 35 26 197 33 24 205 34 23 82 35 18 12 30 13 04 20 09 08 Jaisalmer 225 Max Min Avg. Rain 24 08 02 29 11 1.2 33 17 2.6 38 22 1.5 42 26 05 42 28 07 38 27 90 36 26 86 37 25 14 36 20 1.3 32 13 4.9 26 09 2.2 Jodhpur 221 Max Min Avg. Rain 25 25 04 27 27 06 32 32 03 37 37 03 41 41 10 40 28 36 36 27 101 33 25 123 35 24 61 35 19 08 31 13 03 26 10 03 Lucknow 120 Max Min Avg. Rain 23 08 19 22 11 20 33 16 09 39 22 06 41 26 20 48 28 13 34 26 305 33 25 292 33 25 188 33 19 33 29 12 06 24 09 08 Madurai 107 Max Min Avg. Rain 30 20 20 32 21 14 35 23 18 37 25 55 37 26 70 36 26 40 36 25 50 35 25 104 34 24 119 32 24 188 30 23 145 29 21 51 New Delhi 239 Max Min Avg. Rain 21 06 25 24 10 21 29 14 13 36 20 08 40 26 13 39 28 77 35 27 179 34 26 184 34 23 123 34 18 10 28 14 03 20 07 11 Patna 53 Max Min Avg. Rain 23 11 15 25 13 19 32 19 11 37 23 07 38 26 36 36 27 181 33 27 294 32 26 332 32 26 218 31 23 58 28 16 10 24 11 06 Trichy 78 Max Min Avg. Rain 31 20 25 33 21 13 36 33 09 38 26 46 39 26 84 37 26 41 36 26 34 35 25 97 33 25 121 31 24 272 31 22 148 29 21 71 Trivandrum 61 Max Min Avg. Rain 30 23 20 31 24 19 32 25 39 31 26 116 31 26 224 29 25 334 29 24 197 32 24 121 28 25 115 28 24 273 29 24 177 30 24 64 Udaipur 577 Max Min Avg. Rain 24 09 05 26 10 04 32 16 03 37 22 03 39 26 18 37 26 77 32 24 217 30 23 178 31 22 98 33 18 15 30 12 03 26 09 03 Varanasi 81 23 09 15 26 11 18 33 16 09 39 22 05 41 27 14 38 08 116 33 26 300 32 26 305 33 25 183 33 20 55 28 13 09 24 09 07 Max Min Avg. Rain 64 India Do’s Do dress modestly if you are female. No sleeveless blouses, no short skirts, no shorts, no low, loose collars. And men do not wear shorts. Do prepare yourself at the earliest. Indian traffic and roads are hapless. Do greet people with big smile. Handshake with ladies especially in rural areas should be avoided. If possible do cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, loss and medi-claim. Do exchange money only through authorize banks or money changers. Do immunized yourself against various diseases like typhoid, malaria, hepatitis and tetanus that are prevalent in India. Do take whatever medications you need in ample supply. Do bargain with half price when you buy things from roadside stalls or hawkers, but do not bargain in proper shops especially where display “fixed price” signs. Do make sure to remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship or mausoleum. As customary, do bring some small gifts as hostess gifts and as presentations to one’s students, it can be as small as a postcard from your home region. India Don’ts Do not offer to shake the hand of a person of the opposite sex unless they offer first. Do not walking over books and paper, even newspaper or even touching them with your feet, as Indian people treat books as a metaphor for the Goddess of Learning. Do not use the same hand for eating and also for taking food from a common dish on the dining table. Indians believe other people’s saliva is unhygienic. Tasting and taking a sip from others’ glasses is regarded as violation of Private space. If you need a spoon, you will need to ask for it or bring one along. Typically, people eat with their (right) hand. Do not breaking temple rules while on a visit to a temple. Feet, particularly Shoes/sandals, are considered unclean, always take them off when entering a Temple (except in some Westernized, urban congregations). In some temples tourists are not even allowed to walk into the most holy areas with their shirts on! Do not touch anyone or receive/give anything with one’s left hand, as the left hand is only used for one’s “morning business.” Do not drink any alcohol or smoke in public. It’s offensive. Do not hunt, as killing wildlife can get you in serious trouble. Do not hurt a cow, as many Hindus consider the cows are holy, and are offended if they are hit by strangers. Do not discuss religion, especially with Muslims who form 11% of India’s population. Do not make comments of ridicule or disrespect toward the society or any religion. People are very resentful of Western (ignorant) judgments. Do not do any public preaching or handing out of tracts, and that kind of activity is prohibited when you are in India on a tourist visa. Do not visit areas in the extreme north or north-east, as foreigners, especially west Europeans and Americans are at risk to be hostaged by terrorists in those areas. The other areas of India is safe for everyone. 65 Do not buy food from roadside stalls or mobile canteens. Do not drink local tap water, drink bottled water only. Do not eat fresh fruit and vegetables that you cannot peel. Do not take offers of spiritual salvation and magic remedies from saints, godmen and quacks. There is no way you can distinguish the genuine ones from the crooks. Do not try to explore Indian road yourself, nor to drive in India unless you have been trained on Indian roads. Do not ever purchase air, rail or bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents or tour operators. In any case avoid persistent touts and taxi-wallahs at airport/stations/bus stand to help you find your hotel. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper advice. Do not hire any type of transportation from unlicensed operators. In case of taxis and auto-rickshaws, try to hire them from the pre-paid booths if possible. Otherwise, insist on going by the meter or set a fare in advance to avoid being over charged. Terms & Condition Your booking request is govern by the conditions below and the terms of business under which your booking request is made as set out below. Please note especially thje terms covering payments, cancellations, alterations and rescheduling. Scope of activity We are Travel and holiday organisation only. We do not control or operate any airline, neither do we own or control any shipping company, Hotels, Transport or any other facility or service mentioned in the brochure. We take care in selecting all the ingredients in your holidays, but because we only select and inspect them and have no control in the running of them. We cannot be held responsible for mechanical fault or any injury, death, loss or damage which is caused by the act of default of the management or employees of any hoteliers, airlines, shipping company, coach owner/operator who are the Company’s independent contractors arising outside our normal selection and inspection process. Definition a) Client means person/persons in whose name or on whose behalf the booking request is made, b) Company means World Of Wonders Travel Pvt. Ltd. c) Tour cost means the amount mentioned. d) Independent contractors means Hotelier / Hotel owner, owner of any airlines or shipping company or railway, ferryboat owner / operator / coach owner/operator or any other person or organisation who has been selected by the company to render services to the client. 1. There is no contact between the company and the client until the company has received the initial booking deposit of 20%. The full payment must be received in accordance with procedure laid down under payment terms. If not paid within that time, the company reserves the right to cancel the booking with consequent loss of deposit and apply scale of cancellation charges as mentioned in the cancellation policy hereunder. 2. The company has the right at any time and for any reason. a) To terminate contract after acceptance of deposit but prior to the commencement of the tour without assigning any reason whatsoever.In the event, that the company terminates the contract, the company shall refund the deposit amount of 20% to the client without payment of any interest. b) To amend, alter, vary or withdraw any tour, holiday, excursion or facility it has advertised or published or to substitute an independent contractor of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. In either case, the company shall not be liable for any damage, additional expenses or consequential loss suffered by the client or any compensation claim made. 3. No person other than the company, in writing has the authority to vary, add, amplify or waive any stipulation, representation, term or condition mentioned herein. 4. In the event of the company exercising its rights to amend or alter of the services as mentioned in the itinerary, after such tour or holiday has been booked. The client shall have the rights: a) To continue with the tour or holidays as amended or altered. b) To accept any alternative tour or holiday which the company may offer, in either of these above cases, the client shall not be entitled to, or the company shall not be liable to the client for any damage, additional expense, consequential loss suffered by or to pay any amount as refund. 66 5. The company shall in no circumstances, whatsoever, be liable to the client or any person travelling for: a) Any death, personal injury, sickness, accident, loss, delay, discomfort, increased expenses, consequential loss and /or damage or any misadventure cased. b) Any act, omission, default by an Independent contractor or other persons or by any servant or agent employed by them who may be engaged or concerned in the provision of accommodation, refreshment, carriage facilities or service for the client or for any person travelling with him howsoever caused. c) The temporary or permeant loss of damage to baggage or personal effect howsoever caused. In this condition the expression howsoever caused includes negligence on the part of any person, 6. No liability on the part of the company arising in any way out of this contact in respect of any tour, holidays, excursion facility shall exceed the total amount paid or agreed to be paid for the tour holiday and shall in no case include any consequential loss or additional expense whatsoever. 7. a) If the client has any complaint in respect of the services provided by any of the independent contractors, the client shall immediately notify the same in writing to the independent contractor and a copy thereof should be handed over to the Tour Manger of the company in order to enable the company to take up the matter with the independent contractor so that in future other clients do not face the same difficulty. b) Any claim or complaint by the client must be notified to the company in writing within 28 days of the end of the holiday tour. No claim notified to the company beyond this period will be entertained and the company shall incur no liability whatsoever in respect thereof. 8. It is hereby declared that the immunities provided under the contact shall be available to the company’s managers, including Tour Manager Employees, servants and agents but not to the independent contractors selected by the company. 9. Each of these conditions shall be severable from the other and if any provision were invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless have full force and effect. Payment condition Instalments on all the bookings due as follows : a) Upon booking 20% and 21 days prior to the departure you pay the total tour cost. If the client fails to pay the balance amount within stipulated time then the booking shall be deemed to be cancelled and entire initial deposit will be forfeited and the passenger shall not be entitled to the refund of the same. b) The payment of the deposit amount as well as the final payment to be made to World Of Wonders Travel Pvt. Ltd. On the receipt of payment World of Wonders Travel Pvt. Ltd will forward the payment receipt. Any booking received on or after 21 days prior to departure of the tour, entire payment for the tour has to be made to to World Of Wonders Travel Pvt. Ltd. Amendments Any amendment in the original booking request once booked and confirmed has to be given to us in writing. All changes will be processed only after the receipt of the same. Every change in previous programme will be charged US$ 15 per person per tour as amendment charges. Cancelations If circumstances make you cancel the tour, the cancelation must be intimated to us in writing. As per the booking conditions of the tour, we are constrained to levy the following cancelation charges : • 30 days or more prior to the date of departure of the tour 10% of the total tour. • 21 days to the date of departure or for non-payment of the balance amount initial deposit of 20% will be forfeited. • 21 - 15 Days prior to the departure of the tour 50% of the total tour cost. • 15 to 10 Days prior to the departure of the tour 75% of the total tour cost. • 10 Days prior to the departure of the tour 100% of the total tour cost. The Company reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to the departure, without assigning any reason. In such an eventuality, all monies 67 paid by you will be fully refunded as per the rate of exchange of payment date. World Of Wonders Travel Pvt. Ltd. cannot assume responsibility for any additional cost or any fees relating to the issuance and / or cancelation of air ticket or other arrangement not done through World Of Wonders Travel Pvt. Ltd. Maps Maps featured in the brochure are not be scaled. 68 World Of Wonders Travel Pvt. Ltd. 101, Vishwamitra, Opp. Sacred Heart School, S. V. Road, Khar (West), Mumbai - 400052, India. 022 61090909 www.wowholidays.in [email protected] worldofwondersholiday wowholidays1