India… a country which will enchant you with her beauty and diversity, delight you with her colourful pageantry, enrich you with her culture, stun you with her modernity, embrace you with her warmth and overwhelm you with her hospitality.  It is a land where the ancient and the contemporary exist side by side, where thousands of brilliant images fill the soul with wonder and where quaint and startling contradictions juxtapose to lend an extraordinary vitality, texture and poetry to life.

Christianity is India's third-largest religion according to the recent census, with approximately twenty eight million followers, constituting 2.3 percent of India's population. The works of scholars and Eastern Christian writings state that Christianity was introduced to India by Thomas the Apostle, who visited Muziris in Kerala in AD 52 to spread the gospel amongst Kerala's Jewish settlements.

Although the origins of Christianity in India remain unclear, there is a general scholarly consensus that Christianity was established in India by the 6th century AD, including some communities who used Syriac liturgy, and it is possible that the religion's existence there extends to as far back as the 1st century. Christianity was, as such, established in India even before some nations of Europe had been Christianized. Christians are found all across India and in all walks of life, with major populations in parts of South India, the Konkan Coast, and Northeast India. Indian Christians have contributed significantly to and are well represented in various spheres of national life. They include former and current chief ministers, governors and chief election commissioners. Indian Christians have the highest ratio of women to men among the various religious communities in India.

Delhi

India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis and one of the oldest capitals in the world. Delhi successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern and is a treasure trove for explorers. From Mughal monuments to modern malls, from traditional arts and crafts markets to trendy fashion shows, from skyscrapers to beautiful parks and gardens, a tour of Delhi will provide the discerning traveller with much to see and admire.

Agra

The city of Agra, the quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the embodiment of royal grace, imposing architecture and power. Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. No tour to India can be complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile capital of the Mughals and the city of the Taj Mahal, the world's most beloved monument. With its laidback lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable cities of the world.

Jaipur

The city of victory, Jaipur, presides over the fascinating desert state of Rajasthan and its people, surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, that were witness to royal processions and splendour, are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "Pink City". There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs.

Goa

Goa is a perfect place to enjoy and relax. Every corner of this tropical paradise displays a fine blend of traditional and modern aspects of life. On one hand you have the most alluring natural charms whereas on the other hand you have an excellent array of architectural masterpieces, which are dotted in various towns of the state. Goa is literally synonymous with churches. They are living testimonies of the rich historical past of Goa. During the early days of the Portuguese rule in India, church building was the primary concern and occupation in Goa. This was because of their zeal to spread Christianity and convert as many people as they could.

Mumbai

Mumbai, the biggest metropolis of India, is a city that virtually never sleeps. In this city of dreams, life never appears dull or boring, especially due to the presence of its interminable chaos and action. With a golden history of hundreds of years, Mumbai never fails to mesmerize its visitors amidst the heritage monuments. This brightest jewel of the country addresses over 15 million Mumbaikars, including the well-heeled industrialists, ravishing celebrities and eminent artists. Formerly called Bombay, the Island City is dotted with several beaches and natural harbour. On the tourism map of India, Mumbai has always entertained the maximum traffic from overseas.

  Arrive Delhi – International Flight

Arrive at the New Delhi International Airport by flight.

Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will be waiting for visitors with a hand held sign bearing the name of the guest, just as you exit the arrivals terminal building. Proceed to hotel.

Accommodation will be held on arrival.

Experience Indian warmth and hospitality as you are greeted with a Traditional Welcome at the hotel. The guests will be welcomed by an ‘Aarti’ ceremony where the forehead is anointed with the traditional red ‘teeka’ which is considered auspicious and a hostess will shower flower petals on the guests.

  Delhi

Delhi - the capital of India is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a necropolis and has many famous tombs. Because of its location on the banks of river Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.

Buffet breakfast will be served at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for the combined tour of Old and New Delhi. Sightseeing of Old Delhi – drive past the Red Fort – Shah Jahan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone, the Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk “Silver Street” with its quaint shops and ancient gateways.

Later drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful ‘Humayun's Tomb’ of the Mughal era and predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. Return to the hotel afterwards.

In the late afternoon – visit The Cathedral Of The Sacred Heart, a Roman Catholic cathedral belonging to the Latin Rite and one of the oldest church buildings in New Delhi. The church building was designed by British architect Henry Medd and is based on Italian architecture. A facade of white pillars supports the canopy and on each side of the cathedral's entrance porch, there are circular arcaded turrets rising above the roof. The interior has a towering curved roof, polished stone floors and broad arches.

Proceed to visit Cathedral Church of the Redemption, one of the most famous churches in New Delhi. The church is also known as the Viceroy Church and is counted among the most beautiful churches in India. The Cathedral Church of the Redemption is located east of President House and was used by then British Viceroy during the pre – independence era. The church is a part of the Delhi diocese of the Church of North India and derives its name from Palladio’s Church in Venice. The church was established to meet the spiritual needs of the British officers in the city. The church was completed in the year 1935 and was opened to public worship on 18 January 1936. Lord Irwin gifted an organ and a silver Cross to the Church.

  Delhi – Agra (Approx. 204 Kms – 3-4 Hrs)

Buffet breakfast will be served at the hotel and then is the drive to Agra.

Arrive and check-in to hotel.

After lunch visit Akbar’s Church. In the year 1578, the viceroy of the Portuguese King posted in Goa, had sent an ambassador named Antoine Cabral to the court of Emperor Akbar in Agra. When Antoine and his associates were in the royal court, the Emperor closely watched their behaviour and manner, gaining thereby some idea about Christian religion. Akbar was very impressed. Subsequently the Emperor invited more Catholic fathers from Goa to learn about the principles of the Christian faith. Also visit - The Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As one enters Akbar’s Church, to the right is a white marble statue of the Virgin Mary embedded in the wall. Rocco da Cesinale, an Italian capuchin Missionary, in his work “Storia della Missioni dei Cappucini” says about the statue “Coming back from a visit to the Taj Mahal, I saw a marble statue which seemed to be a statue of Our Lady”.  Martyrs Cemetery is another place worth visiting.  The history of this cemetery is of great value. It has, therefore, been declared a protected monument and placed under the care of Government. Many bodies were very often brought from long distances to this cemetery even when there was a Christian cemetery available locally. Thus men like the English Diplomat Mildenhall who died in Ajmer in 1614, the Italian Jerome Veroneo, the supposed architect of the Taj who died at Lahore in 1640 and many other notable personalities were buried here.

  Agra

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the world renowned Taj Mahal (closed on Friday). Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are tombs of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan within the mausoleum. The construction started in 1631 a year after Mumtaz's death, it took 22 years in the making and an estimated 20,000 people worked to complete this beautiful mausoleum.

The city of Agra, the quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the embodiment of royal grace, imposing architecture and power. Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. No tour to India can be complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile capital of the Mughals and the city of the Taj Mahal, the world's most beloved monument. With its laidback lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable city of the world.

After lunch is a visit to Red fort.

The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperors of India for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of Mughal government and the setting for events critically impacting the region.

  Agra – Jaipur (By road - approx. 240 Kms – 4-5 Hrs)

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

On the drive to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal town.

Akbar’s abandoned capital; Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built which leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal's House and the Diwan-i-Khas.

Arrive at Jaipur and check in to hotel.

  Jaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed for excursion to Amber Fort by jeeps with a photo stop at the "Palace of Winds".

Stop for a brief photo stop at the `Palace of Winds’, also known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade, and from behind it the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving.

Later you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. On arrival at the foothills of the fort, Jeeps will take you up to the fortress.

Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls.

After lunch, visit the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armouries of Mughal and Rajput weapons including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Proceed to the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Late evening - Enjoy a Shopping Tour of Jaipur, a treasure-trove for shoppers. Whether one is looking for souvenirs or to pamper oneself, the range and variety that Jaipur has to offer, is tremendous. Explore the bustling bazaars of the Pink city which offer a wide range of handicrafts; produced in the city-centre and outskirts. The famous articles include tie-and-dye saris, textiles, ironware and trinkets. Once in the markets, the range and variety that Jaipur has to offer seems endless – there is jewellery and gems, rugs and carpets, cotton clothing, blue-hued pottery, enamel ware… the list goes on and on!

  Jaipur – Mumbai – Goa – By Flight

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to the airport to board your flight to Goa via Mumbai.

On arrival you will be escorted to hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or enjoy free time on the Beach.

Buffet dinner at the hotel.

  Goa

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast – proceed for the tour of Panjim – the modern capital, Panaji is a pleasant town with a picturesque old quarter and some very good restaurants. Also known as Panjim, it has preserved its Portuguese heritage and still remains small and sleepy, despite becoming the capital city back in 1961, when Goa threw off Portuguese rule and became a part of India. Stroll through its narrow winding streets with their small bars and cafes, and don’t miss Fontainhas, the city’s oldest district, where the houses are still painted in beautiful shades of ochre, green and blue.

After lunch, continue sightseeing with a visit to Se Cathedral - one of the most ancient and celebrated religious buildings of Goa.  This magnificent 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule in Goa under the Portuguese, is the largest church in Asia. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria on whose feast day in 1510 Alfonso Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army and took possession of the city of Goa. Hence it is also known as St. Catherine's' Cathedral.
The Se Cathedral's tower houses a large bell known as the "Golden Bell" on account of its rich tone. It is said to be the largest in Goa, and one of the best in the world.[citation needed] The main altar is dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, and there are several old paintings on either side of it. On the right there is a Chapel of the Cross of Miracles, where a vision of Christ is said to have appeared in 1919. There are six main panels, on which scenes from the life of Saint Catherine are carved. There is a huge gilded reredos above the main altar.

Also visit Bom Jesus Basilica - Apart from its unique baroque architecture, this Basilica is significant for the Goans since it holds the mortal remains of one of the patron Saints of Goa – St. Francis Xavier. Francis Xavier died on board a ship and his body was taken to Malacca, also a Portuguese colony at that stage. It was later decided that he should be buried in Goa. On the arrival of his body in Goa, more than 2 years after his death, people noticed that Francis Xavier's body hadn’t decomposed. The Church has deemed this to be a miracle and St. Francis Xavier's body is put on display to the public every 10 years. A silver casket designed in the 17th Century holds the remains of this Saint.

  Goa

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Spend the full day at your leisure.  You can indulge in your independent activities or relax on the beach.

  Goa – Mumbai – By Flight

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, relax at the hotel. Proceed to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai.

On arrival you will be escorted to the hotel

  Mumbai

Buffet breakfast at hotel.

In the morning is a visit - to Mount Mary Basilica.

Mount Mary Basilica - The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is a 100-year-old Roman Catholic Basilica that stands tall on a hill in Bandra (then known as Bandora). The statue inside it was brought by Jesuits from Portugal in the 16th century and was placed in the main altar of a small oratory on top of this hill. Over the years, this Basilica has attracted people from all faiths, particularly during the Bandra Fair. It is believed that any pleas for help, be it sickness, improvement in business or buying a house, are fulfilled at this Basilica.

After lunch - St Andrew’s Church, this church was recently in the news for turning 400 years old. It was built as one of the biggest churches on the Island of Salsette, then under Portuguese control. St Michael’s Church is famous for its Wednesday Novena and is attended by people from all faiths. This is another church that puts up interesting quotes for passers-by to view and reflect upon. The original church is believed to have been erected in 1534 by the Portuguese, but the present structure was built in 1973 in a minimalist style.

  Mumbai

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, a special meeting will be scheduled with Cardinal Gracias (subject to appointment / permission).

After lunch visit various holy churches in Mumbai. St Thomas Cathedral - completed in 1618, this is a colonial monument that once stood at the eastern gateway of the British East India Company’s ‘fort,’ thus lending the name to the neighbourhood of Churchgate. The insides of St Thomas Cathedral are filled with beautiful monuments, including some to commemorate the martyrs of the battle of Seringapatam (now known as Srirangapatna, located near Mysore) in 1799. Gloria Church - Built in the English Gothic style, the Gloria Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Byculla. It was originally built in 1632 by the Portuguese at the foot of Mazgaon Hill, funded by the then owners of the Mazgaon Island, the De Souza e Lima family. It was demolished in 1911 and rebuilt in 1913 at its present location.

  Mumbai – Departure – By International Flight

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure.

Late in the afternoon, proceed for the tour of Mumbai - the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes ‘Gateway of India’, the ‘Hanging Gardens’, the ‘Towers of Silence’, ‘Marine Drive’. Also visit the Prince of Wales Museum (Closed on Monday) - this beautiful gothic structure was designed by Witet in the Indo Saracenic style, with its imposing dome in the 15/16th century Western Indian style and was built in 1905 to commemorate the first visit of George the V to India. It stands in oriental grandeur in spacious palm decorated gardens. This Museum boasts of one of the finest collections of art, archaeology & natural history in the country. In time, you will be escorted to Mumbai airport to board your onward flight back home.

END OF THE TOUR