Best of India

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Duration: 27 Nights / 28 Days
Places to See: Delhi – Mandawa- Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Aurangabad – Mymbai – Kochi – Allepy – Kovalam – ( Departure )

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Day 01. Delhi
After breakfast, full day city tour of old & modern capital of India. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658 ; visit Red Fort ( from out side only, as it is not permitted to visit from inside due to security reason ), which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648 ; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the India Gate, the Presidents House & the Parliament. Visit Humayun's Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir). Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02. Delhi – Mandawa ( Shekhawati)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Mandawa ( Alsisar ), lunch n the way . On arrival, check in at hotel. late afternoon visit the havelis around this area . overnight stay at hotel. Shekhawati : - This is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and it is situated entirely in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati is a region and not just a town or fort; it takes its name after its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century.

Day 03. Mandawa – Gajner ( Bikaner )
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Bikaner. On the way visit Fathepur and see some wonderful Fresco example at here. On arrival at Bikaner, have lunch at a heritage Hotel. BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.

More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

After lunch proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort. Continue drive to Gajner. A place just 19 KMS from the City … with Beautiful Palace beside the Lake , A place that one can’t forget in his life after visited once !!!!

On arrival check in at hotel, see the Palace building which is itself a sight seeing. Entire area is quite big , you might need to use Cycle to cover the whole area !!!!! overnight stay at Gajner


Day 04. Bikaner – Jaisalmer
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Jaisalmer. Lunch at Midway at Pokran. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

On arrival, check in at hotel . If time permits , can visit the “Vays Chatri”

Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Day 05. Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour) See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill. In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire ( A camel ride will be provided ) . Dinner will be arrange by us in the middle of the Thar Desert , with live music & dance perform by local musician . Return to hotel.
Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.

Day 06. Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Jodhpur . On arrival , Check in & lunch at hotel .

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajput who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.

After Lunch proceed on sightseeing of Jodhpur- gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07. Jodhpur – Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel, Drive to Udaipur Via Ranakpur. Visit the world famous Jain temple of Ranakpur. AD 1439. After lunch Continue drive to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur by late afternoon, Check Inn at hotel. Overnight at Udaipur.

UDAIPUR : One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.

Day 08. Udaipur
Breakfast at Hotel . Morning visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Sahelion ki Bari (queen's resort for her friends), Fateh sagar Lake and. Afternoon Boat ride at Lake Pichola and visit “Jag Mandir” . Evening free at leisure. Overnight in stay at Udaipur.

Day 09. Udaipur – Pushkar
Breakfast at hotel.Drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check In at hotel.

PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially on the new and full moon days.

Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10. Pushkar – Jaipur (By Road 140 km/3 hr)
Breakfast at hotel. Sight seeing of Pushkar and straight drive to Jaipur.

JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Afternoon , proceed for sightseeing of the city.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process.

Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Day 11. Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel.Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression. Jaipur is considered as a shoppers paradise for Textile & Jewelers. Afternoon, free time will be given for shopping .

Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Day 12. Jaipur – Agra
Breakfast at Hotel, drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri built by emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Lunch on the way. On arrival at Agra , Check inn at hotel .

Overnight stay at Agra.

Day 13. Agra
After breakfast the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal ( Please note that Taj Mahal is closed for public on Friday ), which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653.

later on proceed for remaining sight seeing of Agra , which include, Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan;

Day 14. Agra – Khajuraho
Early Breakfast at Hotel. Departure Transfer to Agra Railway station to catch the train to Janshi.
Train No. : 2022 ( Satabdi express, considered to be the fastest train in India )
Departure at Agra : 08:05 AM
Arrival at Janshi : 10:25

On arrival at Janshi , our representative will pick you up from Railway station and drive own to Khajuraho via Orcha . Sight seeing and lunch at Orcha. Orcha: Was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap. Orcha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to the ages. For, on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temple built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceiling to rich life. Continue drive to Khajuraho , on arrival at Khajuraho check inn at hotel. Overnight stay at Khajuraho.

Day 15. Khajuraho
Breakfast at hotel, sight seeing of Khajuraho.

Khajuraho: The temple city of central India, is famous throughout the world for its exquisitely carved temples in stones. Thousands of visitors and tourists from all over the world flock together to envisage this immortal saga of Hindu art and culture engraved in stone by shilpies (stone craftsmen) a millennia ago. Today, apart from the temples, Khajuraho is a small village but a thousand years ago it was a large city of the Chandelas, medieval Rajput kings who ruled over Central India. Khajuraho is 595 km (370 miles) south-east of Delhi and can be visited by air, rail or road.

The visitor to Khajuraho cannot but be attracted to the vivid erotic sculptures on the temples walls. The sculptures are mithunas i.e. couple in various erotic poses. There have been many interpretations of their existence and some have criticized them severely. According to one authority, a man and woman in erotic embrace typify the ultimate union of the soul such erotic figures save the temple from beings struck by the lightening. The reason given for this is that Indra, Lord of rainand thunder bolt who himself is a great connoisseur of Kama, will not damage anything pertaining to that.

Day 16. Khajuraho – Varanasi ( Flight)
Breakfast at Hotel. Later on departure transfer to Airport to fly Varanasi.
Flight No : 9W 724 ( Jet airways )
Departure at Khajuraho :13:30 PM
Arrival at Varanasi : 14 : 10 PM
On arrival at Varanasi , our reperesentative will take you to hotel, Check Inn . Later in the evening visit the Ganga river Ghat to see” Arti “ Puja. Overnight stay at Varanasi.

Day 17. Varanasi
Morning boat ride tour at river Gangas, return to hotel for breakfast. Later on Proceed for full day sight seeing and overnight stay at Varanasi.

Varanasi is an important and sacred pilgrimage center for Hindus and a major tourist attraction. It is situated on the banks of river Ganga. The word Varanasi has been derived from an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers - the Varuna and Asi, which flow in the north and south of the city. Varanasi is also known as Kashi and Benares.

Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is a center of learning even to this date. Glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion, it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from times immemorial.

Ghats: Pilgrims gather at the Ghats to have a ritual bath and worship the rising sun. The most famous ghat is the Dasashvamedh Ghat, others being Asi, Panchganga, Barnasangam and Manikarnika, Ghats.

Sarnath: 12 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon and revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace,and elightenment.

Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has skillfully been restored as the actual temple was destroyed by Mughuls

Day 18. Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel , later on transfer to railway station to catch the train to Bhusawal.
Train No. : 1094 ( Mahanagari Express) Overnight train.
Departure Varanasi at : 11:30 AM
Arrival Bhusawal at: 06:05 AM ( next day)

Day 19. Bhuswal – Aurangabad
On arrival at Bhuswal, our representative will pick you up and transfer to a local hotel for wash & change . After breakfast drive to Aurangabad . On the way visit “ Ajanta Cave” On arrival at Aurangabad , check inn at hotel. Overnight stay at Aurangabad.

Ajanta Caves - The world heritage site, Ajanta caves has 30 Caves dating back from 200 BC to 250 AD. Cut out from volcanic rocks of Deccan India, they are located in the forest ravines of the Sahyadri Hills. Two basic types of monastic Buddhist architecture that can be seen Ajanta are the Chaityas (rayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries). While Mahayana sex related edifices have religious imagery, Hinayana sect have theirs plain and stark.

Day 20. Aurangabad
After breakfast , tour of Ellora Caves .

Ellora Caves: Impressive in their own right is the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD) 22 more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. Kailash Temple (cave16), the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight stay at Aurangabad.

Day 21. Aurangabad – Mumbai
Early breakfast at Hotel. Later on Departure Transfer to Airport to fly Mumbai.
Flight No. : 9W 3104 ( Jet Airways)
Departure at Aurangabad : 08:45 AM Arrival Mumbai at : 09:45 AM
On arrival at Mumbai , our representative will transfer you to Hotel, Check Inn .
Afternoon Mumbai City tour.

Mumbai : This city, a union of seven islands, was named by its natives after the goddess Mumbadevi. After the Portuguese occupied the islands in 1534, they renamed it Bom Bahia, for the natural harbour, which served as a safe place for its ships. The religious and business pursuits pulled people to Mumbai from all over the country. When the Portuguese left the land the city started developing into a metropolitan city and an industrial center. Today, the city is the country's financial and cultural centre and also owns a thriving film industry. This is the city of dreams where people come to strike their luck.
Overnight stay at Mumbai.

Day 22. Mumbai
Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for an excursion to the Elephanta Caves. Rest of the day free for Shopping .
Overnight stay at Mumbai .

Day 23. Mumbai – Kochi ( Cochin )
Breakfast at Hotel. Later on Departure Transfer to Airport to fly kochi.
Flight No. : 9W 401 ( Jet Airways)
Departure at Mumbai : 10:35 AM
Arrival Kochi at : 12:20 PM
On arrival at Kochi, welcome, assistance and transfer to hotel, check Inn . Lateron make a short drive to Mattanchery to visit the Dutch Palace, JewishSynagogue. Overnight stay at Kochi.

Day 24 : Kochi
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sight seeing to Fort Kochin to visit the old churches and the huge Chinese fishing nets which adorn the northern shores. Rest of the day free to relax. Evening enjoy “Kathakali “ dance show . Overnight stay at Kochi.

Kathakali, literally meaning `story-play', is a dance-drama originated in the 17th century in Kerala, one of the smallest states in India lying on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. However, its roots could be tracked back even to the earlier times. Koodiyattom, the only surviving form of Sanskrit theater in India has been preserved in Kerala for centuries, now, by a small community called Chakyar as a part of their hereditary temple service. Krishnanattom, another form of dancedrama considered fore runner to Kathakali in its origin, is performed even today at the famous Sree Krishna temple in Guruvayoor as an offering to the Lord. Besides these two forms, elements from martial, ritualistic, socio-religious arts have also influenced in the making of Kathakali. Though Kathakali is only 300 years old, a great deal of enrichment and refinement has taken place in every aspect of its technique during this short period. Scholars are of opinion that Kathakali is the result of a fusion between all Indian theater tradition represented by Koodiyattom and the indigenous tradition of folk dance forms.

Day 25. Kochi – ( Kumarakom ) – Alleppey
After breakfast drive to the small town of Kumarakom. Here we board our houseboat, converted from a Kettavallum or traditional rice barge, and sail the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals, and the people who live in this region have created their own distinct lifestyles. From our comfortable houseboats we witness the peaceful way of life on these amazing waterways and our overnight stay on board will be a real highlight of our holiday. Next morning we dock at Alleppy. ( all meals will be provided at House boat )

Houseboat : No trip to Kerala is complete without a backwater cruise on a houseboat. In Earlier times Kettuvalloms were the crafts used in the houseboats and Modern houseboats are a tribute to traditional design, ingenuity, aesthetic values and commitment to the environment. Many of them are equipped with solar lighting, chemical toilets and outboard engines for when you want to skim the waters. The best way to cruise the backwaters of Kerala however, is in a leisurely laid-back manner with your weather beaten poleman gently gliding the boat across the waters, leaving you time to take in the sights. And the sights are there for the taking.

Day 26. Alleppey - Kovalam
Breakfast at House boat, Our Car will pick you up from House boat , little sight seeing of Alleppy Later on drive to Kovalam (Trivandpuram ) .

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make it a much sought after tourist destination.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple: The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Since there is no good accommodation out here , so almost all the tourist stay at Kovalam ( just 25 minutes drive from the city )

Kovalam Beach : This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Day 27. Kovalam
After breakfast city sightseeing to the imposing Padmanbha Swami Temple (non Hindus are not allowed, so the visit will be outside the temple) and the adjascent Kuthira Malika Museum. Afternoon Excursion to Kanaykumai . Later on return to Hotel.
Overnight stay at Kovalam

Day 28. Kovalam - Trivandrum – Departure
After breakfast transfer to Trivandrum airport to board flight to your onward destination (Can be directly Mumbai / Delhi / Chennai / Banglore ) Please note that British Airways has direct flights from these four cities.

Suggested Hotels :

Option : A : Deluxe Hotels : Can be considered as 4 star hotels by standard.

Place	Hotel	Web Site
Delhi	The cannaught	www.connaughthoteldelhi.com
Mandawa	Indira Vilas	www.indravilas.com
Bikaner	Gajner Place	www.hrhindia.com
Jaisalmer	Rang Mahal	www.hotelrangmahal.com
Jodhpur	Ajit Bhawan	www.ajitbhawan.com
Udaipur	Ran Niwas	www.rajputanaresort.com
Pushkar	Pushkar Place	www.hotelpushkarpalace.com
Jaipur	Holiday-Inn	www.ichotelsgroup.com
Agra	Mansingh Palace	www.mansinghhotels.com
Khajuarho	Holiday Inn	www.ichotelsgroup.com
Varanasi	Hindustan Internation	www.hindusthan.com
Aurangabad	Ambassador Ajanta	www.ambassadorindia.com
Mumbai	Fariyas	www.fariyas.com
Kochi	BW Avenue Regent	www.avenueregent.com
Kovalam	Uday Samudra	www.udaysamudra.com

 

Option : B : Luxury Hotels : Can be considered as 5 star hotels or best option by standard.

Place	Hotel	Web Site
Delhi	The Park	www.theparkhotels.com
Mandawa	Indra Vilas	Best Option
Bikaner	Gajner Palace	Best Option
Jaisalmer	Gorbandh	www.hrhindia.com
Jodhpur	Taj Hari Mahal	www.tajhotels.com
Udaipur	Shivniwas Palace	www.hrhindia.com
Pushkar	Pushkar Palace	Best Option
Jaipur	Samode Palace	www.samode.com
Agra	Jaypee Palace	www.jaypeehotels.com
Khajuarho	Taj Chandela	www.tajhotels.com
Varanasi	Taj Ganges	www.tajhotels.com
Aurangabad	Taj Residency	www.tajhotels.com
Mumbai	Taj Mahal	www.tajhotels.com
Kochi	Taj Malabar	www.tajhotels.com
Kovalam	Surya Samudra	www.suryasamudra.com

 
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