Tamil Nadu Temple Tour Package

Day 1Arrival at Chennai

Upon your arrival at the Chennai International airport you will have a reception at the airport and then be transferred to the hotel. Chennai is the capital of State Tamil Nadu and one of the four largest metropolises of India.
Today, you will go for a half day city excursion. Madras is a pulsating metropolis with over 6 million residents. Today many south Indian feature films are shot here so the city has earned the name “Hollywood of India”. On the city excursion, you will visit the Kapaleshvara temple which is dedicated to God Shiva and is a good example of the colorful south Indian temple architecture. After that, you will visit the fort St. George, a trade post built during 1639. You will also visit the 16th-century St.Thomas Church. At the National museum, you will see sculptures out of the Pallava, Pandava and Chola time. Your excursion will also include a visit to the Marina Beach.An overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2Drive to Mahabalipuram en route visit Kanchipuram

Today after breakfast, you will drive to Mahabalipuram the full day is planned for a visit to Mahabalipuram. You will also visit Kanchipuram, famous for its extraordinary collection of silk sarees and dress materials. Return to Chennai for overnight stay at your hotel. An overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 3Flight from Chennai to Trichy

After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Trichy. Arrive at Trichy and check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, we proceed on a half day city tour of Trichy covering Rock Fort Temple. An overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 4Drive to Tanjore

Afterthe breakfast, you will drive to Tanjore. In the afternoon, we take you around the Thanjavur Palace, the Brihadishwara Temple and Fort. An overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 5Departure from Chennai

After breakfast, drive to Trichy and board the flight to Chennai. Arrive Chennai and proceed to the airport/railway station for journey to onward destination.

https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/tamil-nadu-temple-tour-package/

Malabar Beach Tour Package

Day 1Arrival at Mumbai

After arrival at the International Mumbai airport, you will be transferred to hotel. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and with around 21 millions of inhabitants is the second largest city of the country after Delhi. It is even bigger than Kolkata and Chennai. Mumbai is the capital of the state Maharashtra. Located on the west coast of the Arabian Sea the city has more than 50 percent of India’s cargo go through the harbor, making it the busiest and largest harbor city of the Indian subcontinent. An overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 2Mumbai

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai covering Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering nice view of Marine Lines & Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park, Mani Bhawan (where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay) and then to Dhobi Ghat. Also visit Afgan Church, Flora Fountain (Bombay nerve centre) and Colorful Crawford Market. An overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 3Flight from Mumbai to Goa

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Goa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. An overnight stay in Goa

Day 4Goa

The exquisite churches from the Portuguese era with their remarkable architecture and mysterious history make the city truly exhilarating. Goa’s splendid coastline extends over 100 kilometres, and some of the world’s most charming beaches are located here. If time permits, Churches of astounding historical importance could squeeze in.
Today in the morning after breakfast, you will visit the slopes of Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and river Mandovi. Then, you will visit Dona-Paula for a view of India’s largest natural harbour-Mormugao. Afterwards visit old Goa and visit the Basillica of Bon Jesus which contains the tomb & mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier housed in a silver ornate casket , St. Cathedral- the biggest Church in the East, St. Cajetan- built like St. Peter (Rome), Church of our Lady Rosary and St. Monica. Rest of the day is at leisure. An overnight stay in Goa

Day 5Drive from Goa to Dudhsagar

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Dudhsagar. The evening is at leisure. Laze on the beach, go for swim, explore the shops for cashewnuts, buy holiday wear or take an optional tour visiting “Goa of the past”-a mackup village which portrays Goa what it was 100 years ago. An overnight stay in Goa

Day 6Flight from Goa to Cochin

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. An overnight stay in Cochin

Day 7Cochin

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Cochin covering the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Finally, the Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of India. An overnight stay in Cochin

Day 8Flight from Cochin to Mumbai then Departure

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for onward journey.

https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/malabar-beach-tour-package/

Agra Mathura Tour Package

Day 1Drive to Agra (200 km, 5 hours)

You will arrive at the Delhi Airport. Delhi is India’s national capital and the second largest metropolis after Mumbai. Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region.
In the morning, you will drive to Agra. On the way, you will visit Mathura-Krishna Janam Bhoomi and Vrindhavan temples-Isckon Temple.
On the way to Agra, you will stop to visit Sikandra, the amazing grave of Akbar, the most influential of all Mughal emperors. This tomb was started by Akbar but finished by Jahangir, his son. This place is also famous for its wildlife.
After arrival in Agra you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Agra.

Day 2Full day sightseeing of Agra

In the morning after breakfast, you will visit Agra Fort at the west bank of the Yamuna River. The Agra fort was built in the 16th century by Akbar. It is remarkable piece of architecture completed by four Great Mughal Emperors.
Then you will visit Itmad-ud-daula, also known as baby Taj. Finally you will see Taj Mahal, but now this time from the other side of the river, from the place called Mehtab Bagh.
In the afternoon, you will visit Dayalbagh, holy place for Radha Swami Satsangi. It is known for its beautiful marble carving.
In the evening, you will have a Cultural Exchange Program with an Indian family, followed by complementary dinner. An overnight stay in Agra.
Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.

Day 3Full day sightseeing of Agra and drive to Delhi (200 kms, 4-5 hours)

Today, you will get up early in the morning to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (1631-1653) at the sunrise. This amazing piece of architecture made of white-colored marble, was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his departed wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its architecture reveals why it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For 22 years, 20,000 expert workers from Italy, France, Iran and Asia worked on the memorial. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Later, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is 36 km from Agra, the other large city of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 years due to the scarcity of water, it was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and back again to Agra.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/agra-mathura-tour-package/

Golden Triangle ranked 21st position among Must Visit Destinations

Golden Triangle ranked 21st position among Must Visit Destinations

The international travel magazine ‘Flight Network’ has ranked the Golden Triangle on number 21 among 50 must-go destinations in the world. It is a matter of pride for the tourism industry.

The Golden Triangle tour package consists of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It is one of the most popular travel choices of the travelers coming to India for a short visit.

In Delhi, the popular destinations include the old and new city of Delhi. The list of monuments includes Red Fort built during the 17th century.

Jama Masjid (Mosque) built in 1656 AD, construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together at a time.

Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Humayun’s Tomb, constructed by his wife. Qutub Minar, a 220-feet tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, built between 1199 and 1368 AD. New Delhi consists of Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India, the Government Buildings, and Parliament.

In Agra, the most visited destination is the Taj Mahal. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World which is considered as the most photogenic destinations of India. It is one of the most exquisite structures ever built by any emperor. It was constructed by the fifth Mughal emperor in the fond memory of his favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal in terms of architecture, is one of the most symmetrical structures in the world, constructed using pure white marble and adorned with precious and semi precious stones. The construction started in 1631 and got completed in 1653 AD; 20,000 workers worked day and night together for 22 years.

The Agra fort was built in the 16th century by Akbar and was completed by his grandsons. Other places of interests includes Itmad-ud-daula, also known as baby Taj; Mehtab Bagh; Sikandra, the grave of Akbar the Great and lastly  Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is 36 km from Agra, the other large city of Akbar, built in 1569.

Jaipur, also popularly known as “Pink City” The popular destinations includes Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). Built during the 18th century, the five-story building features 953 windows and niches from which the royal women observed the procession in the street without being seen.

Amber fort is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. The City Palace, built in 1734, lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum. Jantar Mantar, an observatory. It was built in the 18th century by the city founder Jai Singh II. The instruments are out of stone and marble and served to the sky observation. 

Early this year, The Taj Mahal, an epitome of love in Agra and the Rajiv Gandhi Bandra Worli Sea Link in Mumbai were among the Top 10 TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards of 2018 for most visited and popular tourist destinations.

https://www.thetajtours.com/golden-triangle-ranked-21st-position-among-must-visit-destinations/

Marvelous Beaches Tour Package

Day 1Arrival at Mumbai

After arrival at the International Mumbai airport, you will be transferred to hotel. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and with around 21 millions of inhabitants is the second largest city of the country after Delhi. It is even bigger than Kolkata and Chennai. Mumbai is the capital of the state Maharashtra. Located on the west coast of the Arabian Sea the city has more than 50 percent of India’s cargo go through the harbor, making it the busiest and largest harbor city of the Indian subcontinent. An overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 2Mumbai

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai covering Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering nice view of Marine Lines & Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park, Mani Bhawan (where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay) and then to Dhobi Ghat. Also visit Afgan Church, Flora Fountain (Bombay nerve centre) and Colorful Crawford Market. An overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 3Flight from Mumbai to Goa

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Goa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. An overnight stay in Goa

Day 4Goa

The exquisite churches from the Portuguese era with their remarkable architecture and mysterious history make the city truly exhilarating. Goa’s splendid coastline extends over 100 kilometres, and some of the world’s most charming beaches are located here. If time permits, Churches of astounding historical importance could squeeze in.
Today in the morning after breakfast, you will visit the slopes of Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and river Mandovi. Then, you will visit Dona-Paula for a view of India’s largest natural harbour-Mormugao. Afterwards visit old Goa and visit the Basillica of Bon Jesus which contains the tomb & mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier housed in a silver ornate casket , St. Cathedral- the biggest Church in the East, St. Cajetan- built like St. Peter (Rome), Church of our Lady Rosary and St. Monica. Rest of the day is at leisure. An overnight stay in Goa

Day 5Flight from Goa to Kochi

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to airport to board the fligt to Kochi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. Spend the afternoon in city sightseeing. Kochi (formerly Cochin) is the most beautiful coastal city and one of the largest ports of India. It is a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. Here you can see the oldest church in India, congested Portuguese built colonies, Chinese fishing nets, an ancient “white Jewish” community which has survived for 1000 years, a fabulous 16th century synagogue, a palace which contains the most beautiful murals, and many other attractions. The Fort of Cochin is the oldest European fort in India. The St Francis Church is the oldest European church in India the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, is the oldest in the Commonwealth. An overnight stay in Cochin

Day 6Drive from Cochin to Allapuzha

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will visit Gundu Island by boat through the backwaters and see remarkable coir industries on the way. In the afternoon, you will drive to Allapuzha. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. An overnight stay in Allapuzha

Day 7Ride from Allapuzha to Kottayam and visit Periyar

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will cruise back to Kottayam. In the afternoon, you will drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Kottayam is a pretty town at the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is a commercial centre noted for its trade in rubber, spices, tea, etc. It is also the main centre of the Syrian Christians (75% of the Kerala Christians). An overnight stay in Periyar

Day 8Periyar

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will spend the day in the Periyar Jungle, best approached from Kottayam (80km). The 800 sq. km wildlife sanctuary skirts the Periyar Lake at its centre. Cruise on the lake while taking in the pleasures of this habitat. You can see tigers, deer, wild dogs, lion-tailed macaque, Malabar squirrel and sloth bears. The lake attracts all kinds of water birds. In the vicinity are lofty observation towers, and a medieval palace, now a hotel. An overnight stay in Periyar

Day 9Train from Periyar to Madurai

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to railway station to the train for your train to Madurai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. An overnight stay in Madurai

Day 10Flight from Madurai to Chennai

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will proceed for a halfday sightseeing of Madurai. Situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, Madurai is the ancient capital of the Pandya Kings. Legend has it, that the divine nectar falling from the locks of Lord Shiva gave the town its ancient name, Madhurapuri—the land of nectar. The crowning glory of Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple Complex, which is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, her consort Lord Sundareshwara, and her celestial brother, Lord Vishnu. The Meenakshi Temple has a thousand-pillared hall. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to airport to board the flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. An overnight stay in Chennai

Day 11Chennai - Departure

Today in the morning after breakfast, you will proceed for a halfday sightseeing of Chennai. The city is the capital of Tamil Nadu, earlier known as Madras. Chennai is bestowed with a 4.5 kilometre long stretch of shore, called Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. A lighthouse here enables the visitor to see the entire city—a breathtaking sight. Also spend some time at the 40km long fascinating beach. Historically important are an old Catholic Church and a famous Durgah. Later, you will be transferred to airport to board the flight for onward journey.

https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/marvelous-beaches-tour-package/

Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night July 2018

Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night July 2018

In the month of July 2018, the Taj Mahal will be open for the night viewing from 25th July to 29th July 2018. It is open two days before and two days after the full moon. The tickets are booked 24 hours in advance. The visitor is required to fill up a detailed form along with the copy of their passport.
Altogether, 400 tourists are permitted per night for the visit. The 400 tourists are divided into a batch of 50. There are only eight batches. The timings for the night view commences from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM according to the Indian Standard Time.

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE TAJ MAHAL
There are certain things which are not permitted inside the Taj Mahal. Any electronic gadget apart from your camera and mobile phone, eatables, wires, any sharp article like swiss knife, nail cutter, no religious books except travel guide books, match box, lighter, cigarette, liquor, and any promotional material.

HOW TO CLICK PHOTOGRAPHS DURING NIGHT VIEWING
The night viewing is one of the most breath taking, life time experience. The Taj is not lit up by artificial lights. It is the moonlight that lit up the entire structure. The time duration per batch is only 30 minutes, so normal photography will not be possible. In order to capture the moment, first change your camera or mobile to night vision mode. And then click the photographs. Another thing is that you will not be able to take selfie.
The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World which is considered as the most photogenic destinations of India. It is one of the most exquisite structures ever built by any emperor. It was constructed by the fifth Mughal emperor in the fond memory of his favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal in terms of architecture, is one of the most symmetrical structures in the world, constructed using pure white marble and adorned with precious and semi precious stones. The construction started in 1631 and got completed in 1653 AD; 20,000 workers worked day and night together for 22 years.

https://www.thetajtours.com/visit-taj-mahal-during-full-moon-night-july-2018/

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2018

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2018

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most-awaited festivals in the Orissa or Odisha.  It is celebrated in the month of June or July every year. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2018 will be observed on 14th July. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), his sister Goddess Subhadra and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra. It is also known by different names like Gundicha Yatra, Chariot Festival, Dasavatara and Navadina Yatra.

Reason for Celebration

It is believed that every year Lord Jagannath or Krishna wishes to visit his birthplace Mathura for a few days for this Yatra is conducted each year from Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple.

Procession during Rath Yatra

The wooden idols of the three deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. These idols are placed in beautifully decorative chariots, and are accompanied by chants and conches, which can be heard all over the city. Before the Yatra commences, the idols are bathed with 109 buckets of water, which is Snana Pornima. These are then placed in isolation till the day of procession, as it is believed that they are ill. This event is called Ansara. On the day of the procession, the holy ritual of Chhera Pahara is performed by the royal successor of Orissa. At this time, hordes of locals and devotees flock around the temple area.

During Chhera Pahara, the deities are brought from the temple by the King and are placed on the chariot. Before keeping them, the king himself sweeps the chariot with a broom that has a gold handle. He later decorates the chariot with flowers with his own hands. The ground on which the chariot will move is also cleaned by him, after which sandalwood is sprinkled on it.

Through this ritual, it is proposed that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord. The temple is accessible only by Hindus but on the day of the Rath Yatra, people of all faiths can visit the temple. The 3 deities remain at the Gundicha Temple, their aunt’s place for a span of 9 days. Later, they are back to their home. This return journey is called the ‘Bahuda Yatra’.

On reaching the Jagannath Temple in the evening, they wait outside. On the next day, the idols are adorned with new clothes as babies. This event is called Suna Vesa. After this day, the deities are placed again into the sanctum sanctorum, marking an end to the Rath Yatra of Jagannath Puri.

The Chariots in Ratha Yatra   

The prime attraction of the Rath Yatra of Jagannath is the elaborate Chariots. The preparation of the chariots starts on the day of Akshay Tritiya. There are 3 main chariots, pulled by hands using long ropes, which are 50 meters in length. It is believed that pulling this rope is like adding to your good Karma, and doing penance for your bad deeds.

Places to visit near Jagannath temple

Orissa has several attractions for its visitors. There are various beaches and temples here. Puri beach, Konark temple, Konark beach, Raghurajpur artist village, Chilika Lake, Sakshigopal temple, Pipili village, Shree Loknath temple and Gundicha Temple are some of the popular attractions near Jagannat temple, that can be visited.

https://www.thetajtours.com/jagannath-rath-yatra-2018/