Itinerary :

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Upon arriving in Delhi, you will be met by our representative who will assist you in hotel transfer. Overnight at the hotel.

DELHI: One of the best places to learn about Indian culture and history, Delhi is a perfect blend of new and old. Where Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes adorned with ancient houses and chaotic bazaars, New Delhi is in complete contrast with tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings, modern lounges and cafes along with some great markets for modern day wear. Both the part of the city are replete with historical monuments that add immense grace. The city offers something for everyone and indeed has the flavour you are looking for.

Day 02: DELHI

Post breakfast, we shall enjoy full day sightseeing of Delhi. We would drive past the Red Fort, which is an elegant citadel in red sandstone built on the bank of the River Yamuna. Built in 1638, the fort is the reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughals. Inside is a treasure of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public and Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color. (It remains closed on Mondays). Following would be the place we will visit during our Delhi sightseeing tour:

Jama Masjid: Reckoned to be the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees is indeed a place to see in Delhi. Built by Shah Jahan, this highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are made of marble inlay panels.

India Gate: Situated at the centre of New Delhi, India Gate stands 42 m high and is an important monument to see in Delhi. Almost similar to its French counterpart ‘Triomphe de Arc’, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting from the British end during World War I. Under the arch, the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ commemorates Indian armed forces soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

Govt. Buildings: There are number of l government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture in New Delhi. We shall also drive past few of them, like The Parliament House and the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Raj Ghat: A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Ghat is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation, on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial and where an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end here.

Humayun Tomb: One of the most visited monuments, Humayun’s Tomb is known for its unique Indo-Islamic architectural styles. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and was built in 1565 A.D. The most notable features of the monument are the garden squares (Charbagh) with pathways water channels that are centrally located and are topped by double dome.

Qutub Minar: Soaring 73 m-high, Qutub Minar built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak is one of the best historic sites to see in Delhi. The tower is a five-storeyed and each of it is marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, which is said to be the first mosque to be built in India. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is believed that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: DELHI – VARANASI (BY FLIGHT)

Post breakfast, we will board flight to Varanasi. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Varanasi: Varanasi is often referred to as the oldest inhabited city in the world. It is also known as Kashi, the city of light. The city is known for its temples and its ghats. For people of the Hindu faith, Varanasi is amongst the most holy cities to visit in India.

Sarnath: After visiting Varanasi, we shall also visit the nearby place called Sarnath. A major Buddhist centre, Sarnath lies 10 kilometres north east of Varanasi. It is said to be the place where Buddha preached his message of the ‘middle way’ to nirvana after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In around 234 BC, Emperor Ashoka, erected a stupa here. Between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, several Buddhist structures were built here as well. Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.

Day 04:VARANASI / KHAJURAHO (BY FLIGHT)

Early morning, we shall enjoy boat ride on River Ganges. It is an incredible experience to see the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges. One can also witness the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking bath in the river with a belief that they will be free from the cycle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later transfer to the airport to board flight for Khajuraho.

Day 05: KHAJURAHO – JHANSI -AGRA (APPROX. 172 KMS /4 HRS +TRAIN)

On arrival in Khajuraho check-in at the hotel. Khajuraho is home to erotic structures in the temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the Chandella Rulers. After the breakfast, we shall visit following places:

Eastern Group of Temples: Eastern Group of temples are dedicated to the Jain teachers or Tirthankaras. The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Western Group of Temples: We will also visit the Western Group of temples, which consist of a group of artistic (erotic) temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians, soldiers can be seen here.

After the sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, we will go to Jhansi railway station to board train to Agra.

AGRA: The city of the “TAJ MAHAL“, Agra is a must see in India and that is why is an important flavour of Indian tourism. Apart from Taj Mahal, the city has many monuments that have architectural splendour and are vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra is also known for its inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals.

Day 06: AGRA

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After breakfast visit the city’s following attractions:

Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. This beautiful mausoleum started in 1631 took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers. (It remains closed on Fridays).

Agra Fort: Renovated by great Mughal Emperor, Akbar in 1565, A.D. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas and Musamman Burj that are worth seeing. Jahangir’s Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal are also some of the major attractions of the fort. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: AGRA – JAIPUR (APPROX. 237 KMS / 5HRS)

After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Jaipur: The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City. It was built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is said to be the only planned city of its time. There are innumerable stories of culture, traditions, practices and bravery attached with the history of Jaipur.

Day 08: JAIPUR

Post breakfast, we will enjoy a full day visit to the following Jaipur attractions:

Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is a fascinating blend of Indo-Islamic architecture and is amongst the best places to see in Jaipur. The fort is built by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and was completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. It has been constructed by using red sandstone and white marble. Amber has a magnificent aura and is most known for its interior walls that are adorned with expressive paintings and carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. One also has the opportunity to take the safari to the fort.

Hawa Mahal Palace: Built by Sawai Pratap Singh, this palace of winds is the most well-known landmark of Jaipur. This five-storey building is a fine example of Rajput architecture done in pink sandstone. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to observe everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.

City Palace: Located in the heart of the city, the City Palace Complex was built by Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who had been a patron of some imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. The palace is a meld of Mughal and Rajput architecture and the ex-royal family still lives here.

Jantar Mantar: A collection of astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1734, Jantar Mantar is one of its kind of attractions in Jaipur. It is modeled after the one that he had built in Delhi 1724. He had constructed a total of five such facilities at different locations, namely, Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Varanasi and Ujjain. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as well.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: JAIPUR – UDAIPUR (BY SURFACE: APPROX 405 KMS/07 HRS)

Today after the breakfast, we will drive to Udaipur. After checking in the hotel and resting for a while we will visit the following Udaipur attractions:

Day 10: UDAIPUR

Udaipur: Also known as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur was founded in 1559 AD as capital town of the former Mewar region by Maharana Udai Singh on the eastern banks of the Lake Pichola. The city is rich in culture, natural heritage and aesthetic beauty. On arrival in Udaipur, check-in at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy full day visit of Udaipur including following:

City Palace: Situated on the bank of Pichola Lake, City Palace is built by Maharana Udai Singh. The entry to the Palace is from the Hathi Pol, the Elephant Gate. A part of this majestic structure has been converted to the museum where one can see the ancient belongings of the royal family. Balconies, cupolas and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake.

Jagdish Temple: It is one of the famous temples of Udaipur and is located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur. This temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur.

Sahelion ki bari: Maharana Sangram Singh is said to have built this in the mid-18th century. The ‘garden of the maidens’ reflects the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens has four pools with dainty kiosks. All around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains fringed by series of walls and trees. The fountains of the Sahelion ki bari function only by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden also has a lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaic.

Apart from visiting these attractions, we will also include a boat ride in Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: UDAIPUR – MUMBAI (BY FLIGHT)

In the morning, we will board a flight to Mumbai from Udaipur. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, we shall enjoy the sightseeing of the following Mumbai attractions:

Gateway of India: The Gateway of India is an archway that has been designed to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911. It is reckoned to be Mumbai’s most famous landmark. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the motor boats for a short cruise through the harbour.

Marine Drive: Marine Drive running along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill is probably the most visited place in Mumbai. It passes through Chowpatty Beach along the way and is said to be one of Mumbai’s most popular romantic spots for sunset view.

Hanging Garden: Hanging Garden in Mumbai is a popular place to visit. Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, this is a terraced garden perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. The garden provide sunset views over the Arabian Sea and feature numerous hedges carved into the shapes of animals.

Tower of Silence: Mumbai has a large number of Parsi populations who have the custom of leaving their dead in the open. These particular places are called “Towers of Silence”, where the vultures come to eat the dead. For the Parsis, this is regarded as the final act of charity. Though the Tower of Silence has almost disappeared, it is a peculiar sight to catch in the city.

Kamla Nehru Park: Kamala Nehru Park is essentially a vantage point, perched on Malabar Hill that presents a panoramic view of Mumbai. It extends to 3,300 sq m in the most luxurious and posh residential area and is a pleasant place with foliage all around and well-maintained green lawns.

Post sightseeing, we will return to the hotel for a night stay.

Day 12: MUMBAI

Today, post breakfast, we will head out for Elephanta caves

Elephanta Caves: Located 9kms by sea from Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves are rock temples carved out of two hills that emerge from the centre of the island. It is said that the Portuguese named this island after the stone elephant they found here. At Elephanta one can see the cave shrine of Lord Shiva, which belongs to the sixth century, and a massive three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer.

Rest of the day is for leisure activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: MUMBAI DEPARTURE

Post breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport to board your flight for back home / onward destination.

                                    Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!