Nearly two centuries ago a party of British officers from Chennai, hunting tiger near Ajanta, discovered a chain of caves obscured by bushes in a crescent-shaped gorge above the river Waghora. Within these man-made caves, which functioned as the halls, chapels and verandas of monasteries were endless murals, frescoes and sculptures, retelling the life story of the Buddha and displaying the culture, traditions and daily life of the people of the times. Rivaling anything produced by the Italian Renaissance, these works of art, created 2OOBC-65OAD, had lain dormant for 1000 years, and are now recognized as the greatest of all India's cave paintings.

Two hour's drive away he the extraordinary Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples at Ellora, scooped from basalt into monasteries, chapels, courtyards, sanctuaries, halls, temples and pilgrim's hostels. The Kailasthanatha is the most spectacular, carved from a single rock the size of the Parthenon; work began at the top and the sculptors chiseled down, a breathtaking feat.

Your base will be Aurangabad (a short drive away) with decorated rock-cut caves of its own dating back 2000 years. This option is best suited to clients beginning or ending their tour in Mumbai but is easily accessible from Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur).

Day 1-3
The early morning flight from Mumbai, arrives at Aurangabad in time for a late breakfast at your hotel, leaving the rest of the day to visit the Ellora Caves. The next day is spent at Ajanta, and on the morning of the third and final day you board the morning flight back to Mumbai.

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A short drive down the coast road from Chennai brings you to one of the finest stretches of beach in all South India and to the Taj Group's Fisher-man's Cove beach resort. Built on the site of an ancient fort, surrounded by glorious gardens, accommodation is either in the main building or in separate cottages in the grounds. The resort has everything you'd expect of a luxury first-class beach hotel, and is an excellent center for exploring the 7th century shore temple and sculptures at Mahabalipurum just down the coast and the sacred city of Kanchipuram a short way inland. Both these destinations can be comfortably fitted into one day.

Day 1
The short drive from Chennai easily brings you to Covelong in time to settle in and relax over lunch. The afternoon is free.

Day 2-3
Full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Spend the following day relaxing on the beach.

Day 4
After a day spent on the beach, you will depart in the early evening for the drive back to Chennai.

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Escape the desert heat of Rajasthan or Ahmedabad to Mount Abu for lung full of fresh cool air. Mount Abu is 185km from Udaipur, and 222km from Ahmedabad, situated on a 12OOm high plateau. Mount Abu has much to offer - it is very fashionable with Indian honeymooners - there is even 'Honeymoon Point' for romantic sunset views. As a religious center Mount Abu has great Hindu significance, most especially for Jains, as the two main temples are the finest examples of Jain architecture and art.

Day 1
Fly to Udaipur and drive to Mt Abu. Check into Hotel.

Day 2
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful Jain temples in India - the Dilwara Jain Temple. One of these - the Vimal Vasahi Temple built of Makrana marble, is entered through 48 carved pillars, past a procession of carved elephants. Another, the Tejpal Temple has a huge almost transparent marble lotus suspended from the dome

Day 3
This morning, you will visit Nakki Lake, said to have been dug by the Gods with their fingernails. The rest of the day is free to take relaxing strolls around the public gardens and hillsides.

Day 4
To Udaipur Airport for the flight to Mumbai.

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As the warm early spring gave way to the prostrating heat of summer, the British Raj in their steamy capital Delhi dreamed of the day when they, their wives and children, and all their files and administration would form a huge baggage train that trekked up to the cool hills of Shimla, nestling deep in forests of pine and cedar. The Raj has long gone but their faded colonial buildings and tangible resort atmosphere still form part of Shimla's attraction. At nearly 7000 ft and with panoramic views it is as popular as ever. Each season brings its own beauty; even winter snows show the mountains at their best (but warm clothing is a must). It is best approached by train and road from Delhi.

Day 1
You board the early morning Himalayan Queen at Delhi arriving at Kalka about midday, in time to catch the delightful narrow-gauge railcar up to Shimla (about 4 hrs) or drive up (quicker but not so picturesque).

Day 2 -3
At leisure in Shimla enjoying the leisurely walks, the views and the old colonial buildings. The most outstanding is the old Viceregal Lodge (1888) on Observatory Hill.

Day 4
Morning at leisure followed by the drive to Kalka and your train connection to Delhi.

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