|
|
|
|
| |
We value your comments on our website – would request you to share your ideas with us. Please suggest anything that is not on the site or if you have already traveled to Incredible India and have found out something interesting en route, do share it with us!
Let others get the feel & travel to the unknown and unexplored. Comment Here |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
We are just a click away, ready to take you to your dream destination, Incredible India, personalized and custom – made travel arrangements. Contact Now |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Fairs & Festivals form an integral part of Indian culture. Indian Festivals are celebrated by varied cultures and through their special rituals add to the colors of Indian Heritage. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. More |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The character of cuisine in India is essentially regional. Not only dishes, but flavors, colors, methods of cooking, down to even the style of cutting the vegetables prior to be cooked changes as often as the landscape does. More |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
"Unity in diversity" is rightly applicable to Indian Art & Culture which is rich in culture and heritage. From the times of Mauryas, Cholas, Mughals till to the period of British Empire, India has always been famous for its traditions and hospitality. More |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Here, are some traveling tips while you travel to the varied regions of Incredible India! More |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| HOLY TRAIL |
|
NORTH INDIA HOLY TRAIL
Duration : 15 Days / 14 Nights
Places Covered: Delhi - Haridwar - Yamunotri - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Rudraprayag - Kedarnath - Badrinath - Delhi
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Traditional welcome on arrival. Met with and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi. |
|
 |
|
Day 02:
Breakfast at hotel.
Full day sightseeing of old Delhi & New Delhi that includes visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire, the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, Lotus Temple etc.
Also enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
Overnight in Delhi |
|
|
Day 03: Delhi – Haridwar
Early breakfast, transfer to the railway station in time to board the super fast air – conditioned Shatabdi Express for Haridwar. Assistance on arrival at Haridwar railway station and transfer to the hotel. A paradise for nature-lovers, Haridwar presents kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. Haridwar also termed as 'Gateway to Gods' is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. The followers of Lord Shiva(Har) and followers of Lord Vishnu(Hari) pronounce this place Haridwar and Haridwar respectively as told by some. It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
Legendary king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Lord Vishnu is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the times. Devout believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar.
|
|
|
|
Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve Years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. It is said that drops of Amrit (Elixir) fell in to the Brahmkund of Har-Ki-Pairi, therefore considered that a dip in the Brahmakund on this particular day which is very auspicious and when Jupiter (Brahaspati) comes to the sign Aquarius (Kumbh) once in every twelve years the Maha Kumbh fair is celebrated at Haridwar. Kumbh, 1998 was the last Maha Kumbh of this century. |
|
|
Yet beyond the mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts another magic spell on the visitor. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buudha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has not only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit, but also served as centre of attraction for many, for learning the arts science and culture. Haridwar's long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery...all give the city unique flavors and charm; a must among the sojourn centers in a discoverer's itinerary of Uttarakhand - A destination for all seasons.
Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. And that's why the water is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests and small ponds add to the scenic beauty of this holy land. In the evening the ghats look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and illuminate the holy waters.
Arrive Haridwar and check into hotel Haveli Hari Ganga. It is situated on the banks of the river Ganga a mere 300 metres walk through the bazaar from the sacred "Har Ki Pauri" at Haridwar. The Haveli originally built 90 years ago , is an architectuarl marvel , where the ancient structure has been restored to blend the old world charm with modern day hospitality, The interiors are interestingly reminiscent of old mythological times where there are balanced tones of tranquility and comfort.
Overnight in Haridwar |
| |
Day 04: Haridwar – Syana Chatti
Breakfast at hotel. Leave by surface to Syana Chatti – a scenic spot on the banks of River Yamuna.
Overnight in Syana Chatti. |
| |
Day 05: Syana Chatti – Yamnotri – Syana Chatti |
|
|
|
Breakfast at hotel. 05kms By Road & 13 Kms trek one side. Drive to Hanuman Chatti, trek start to Yamunotri & Back. Hanuman Chatti: The confluence of Hanuman Ganga & Yamuna River. Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund. |
|
|
Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
Overnight in Syana Chatti |
| |
Day 06: Syana Chatti – Uttarkashi
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Uttarkashi via Badkot. Uttarkashi: Situated at the bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here where a massive iron trident is erected. The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar and Goddess Kuteti Devi.
Overnight in Uttarkashi. |
| |
|
|
Day 07: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Gangotri. Gangotri Temple: The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases. Kedar Ganga |
|
|
Sangam: Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valle, this river meets the Bhagirathi on its left bank. Gaumukh: The Gaumukh Glacier is the source of Bhagirathi & is held in the high esteem by the devouts who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the BONE CHILLING icy water. It is 18 km from Gangotri by trek. Optional check in at the hotel at Gangotri or back to Uttarkashi.
Day 08: Uttarkashi – Rudraprayag
After early breakfast, drive to Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Mandakini and river Alaknanda. Temples: Rudranath and Chamunda Devi, Koteshwar Temple (3 Kms).
Overnight in Rudraprayag.
Day 09: Rudraprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Gaurikund, Trek start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Gaurikund is at a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters, one can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.
Overnight in Kedarnath.
Day 10: Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Rudraprayag
14kms Trek (Back) & 78 kms/3hr later back to Gaurikund from Kedarnath. Drive to Rudraprayag from Gaurikund. Check in into resort at Rudraprayag.
Overnight in Rudraprayag. |
| |
|
|
Day 11: Rudraprayag – Joshimath
Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is in the Badrinath to Joshimath and installed in the temple for people to worship.
Overnight in Joshimath. |
|
| |
Day 12: Joshimath – Badrinath
Breakfast at hotel Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is in the Badrinath to Joshimath and installed in the temple for people to worship.
Overnight in Badrinath.
Day 13: Badrinath - Govindghat
Breakfast at hotel. Leave by surface to Govindghat. On arrival check in into hotel.
Overnight in Govindghat.
Day 14: Govindghat - Haridwar - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Leave by surface to Haridwar in time enough to board the Shatabdi Express for Delhi. Assiatance on arrival at New Delhi railway station and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 15: Depart Delhi
Transfer in time to the international airport to board flight for onward destination. |
| |
 |
| |
| SOUTH INDIA HOLY TRAIL |
|
Duration: 08 Nights / 09 Days
Places Covered: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Chidambram - Gangekondcholapuram - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai
Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai. Traditional welcome on arrival at Chennai airport and transfer to the hotel. Chennai is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and India's fourth largest metropolitan city. Popularly known as "Gateway to South India", it is well connected internationally and to other parts of India.
Chennai boasts of rich historical legacy which lends an inexplicable charm to the city. The Portuguese arrived here in the 16th century and were followed by the Dutch, and East India Company. The British were able to establish their undisputed supremacy in the city and the Fort St George became the nucleus around which the British authority grew and expanded. In the 19th century, the city emerged as the seat of Madras presidency and today stands as a significant city of India.
Overnight in Chennai. |
| |
|
|
Day 02: Chennai
Breakfast at hotel. Full day city tour of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. One of the revered place of the Hindus, Kachipuram lies 70 kms south of Chennai. An important destination it is considered an integral part of the Golden triangle of South India that consists of Chennai and Mahabalipuiram with it. The place is alo remembered as a seat of learning of the great Shankaracharya, the famous Advaita philosopher. In present context the city is counted among the seven |
|
|
holiest sacred cities and is next in line in to Varanasi in popularity and importance among the devotees. Kachipuram remained the capital of different successive dynasties starting from the Pallavas to the Cholas and the Rajas of Vijayanagar. It was during the period of the Pallavas some where between 6th and 7th century that the magnificent temples were erected. The city is prominent in present times for the hand-woven silk fabrics and is regularly visited by tourists from all over India and abroad.
Mahabalipuram is referred to as the City of temples. In the ancient days it was known as Mamallapuram and was given the term the Land of Bali. Situated at a distance of just 55 kms from Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, the famous tourist destination and pilgrimage center was once the capital of the mighty Pallava Dynasty. It possesses a major attraction in the form of a basilica meant to be the largest one by the side of a sea shore. Named as Arjuna’s penance the mandapams or the large halls are really eye catching .The architectures of the place gives ample proof of the artistry of the period between 5th and 8 th century. One of the oldest temples of South India the sacred shrine dates back to the early 8th century is the Shore Temple. A greater majority of the temples and rock carvings that are built in Mahabalipuram belongs to the reign of Narasimha Varman between 630-668 AD. The conversion of king Mahendra Varman to Shiavism led to the creation of the monuments devoted to the Hindu Gods Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 03: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (130 Km/05 hours)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning leave by surface for Mahabalipuram en route Kanchipuram, once the Golden city of India to visit Shiv Kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi temples. Continue driving to Mahabalipuram. Arrive & check in at hotel.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram
Day 04: Mahabalipuram
Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit 6-8th century Pallave rock cut caves, Panch Ratha temple, 7th century shore temple where both Vishnu & Shiva are enshrined under one roof and soap stone workers in the market who designs and made sculptures by chisel & hammer. This is very special to see. Afternoon free to enjoy at sea beach.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram
|
| |
|
|
Day 05: Mahabalipuram - Chidambram - Gangekondcholapuram – Tanjore
Breakfast at hotel. Morning leave by surface for Tanjore, the first halt will be at Chidambrum golden Natraja temple. Afterwards drive to Gangekondcholapuram exciting Shiva temple built from 1012-1044 AD by Kind Rajendra I. The speciality of the temple and 1000 years engineering is the rays of sun falls on Nandi ( bull ) and it reflects and give light to the Shiva Lingam since sun rise to sun set. Your next stop will be at Kumbakonam water tank, it is believed that after every 12years 9 scared holy rivers including holy Ganges are meeting here.
|
|
|
During those days thousands of pilgrims dip into the tank to wash their sins. Next stop at 13th century Shiva temple at Darasuram. Arrive Tanjore and check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Tanjore. |
| |
|
|
Day 06: Tanjore - Trichy (56 Km/01 hour 30 mins)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning sightseeing of Tanjore visiting Brideshwarar Shiva Temple was built by King Raja Rajan from the year 985 - 1010 AD. As usual South Indian temples have big Gopurmas ( towers ) but this temple is parameter shaped, 65 meters high from the ground. This is one of the superb temple architect of the Chola dynasty. Afterwards visit Raja Rajan art gallery to see bronze statures of 9-16th century. |
|
|
Return back to Hotel and after some rest drive to Trichy, arrive & check in at Hotel. Afternoon visit Srirangam Vishnu temple has 21 gopurmas ( towers ), one of the gopurma is 73 meters highest in India. Afterwards visit Rock Fort 83 meters above the ground having 344 steps to reach on the top to see Vinayaka temple. Return back to the hotel.
Overnight in Trichy.
Day 07: Trichy - Madurai (131 Kms/03 hours)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning leave by surface for Madurai. Arrive and check in at Hotel Taj Garden Retreat or similar. Afternoon visit 16th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Afterwards visit biggest Meenakshi temple, the temple has two main shrines one is dedicated to goddess Parvati ( Meenakshi ) and another to Sunereshwara ( Shiva ). The doms of both the shrines are covered with heavy gold plates. You can also see 1000 pillars hall built in 16th century by Nayakas by pure granite stones.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 08: Madurai
Breakfast at Hotel.
Here you have the option of extending your tour to places of your choice. Do write to us to offer you a comprehensive itinerary for the same. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
