01
Day: Arrival Mumbai
On arrival at Mumbai International Airport you will
be welcomed by our representative then transfer to the
hotel where we are holding the room on ready occupancy
basis. Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Mumbai is a
cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi,
the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest
inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a
city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day
nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse,
the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic
nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport
activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre &
music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing.
It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
02 Day: Mumbai
After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay,
drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats
to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you
to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses
large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is
made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of
the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls
are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is
the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God
is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the
creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway
of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other
several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar
serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of
Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple,
Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum
are closed on every Monday.
03 Day: Mumbai - Goa:
(By Air)
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to
the domestic airport to board the morning flight to
Goa. On arrival transfer to the beach resort. Rest of
the day is free for relax and beach activities. Overnight
at resort at Goa.
Goa: A Portuguese
explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river
Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the
capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in
one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious
blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere
of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine
to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years
later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and
became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting,
windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more
popular water sports, facilities for which are available.
451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s
towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed
chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded
by sleepy villages and rice fields.
04 Day: Goa
After breakfast, the day free to enjoy the beaches and
amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing
tour of Old Goa -10 km from Panjim, the basilica of
Bom Jesus; the 16th century church dedicated to infant
Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis
Xavier is one of the most important sight of Goa. The
other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with
its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and
Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the
Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mondovi River and
houses a lighthouse. And in the evening enjoy Cruise
over Mondovi River. Overnight stay at hotel.
05 Day: Goa
The day is free for leisure and relaxes as per the hotel
packages, entertainment, sightseeing, recreations. Overnight
at the resort. Today you can go (on your own) for Carville
Cruise for casino and entertainment. Return to the hotel
for overnight stay.
06 Day: Goa - Mumbai -
(By Air) - Aurangabad (By Air)
Today morning check out the hotel after breakfast and
transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight
to Mumbai and then take a connecting flight for Aurangabad.
On arrival, transfer to hotel. After relaxation visit
Daulatabad Fort. Originally the mountainous Deogiri
fortress, it was an old Hindu stronghold, finally captured
and plundered by deceit in the 13th century., later
visit Bibi ka Maqbara, It is the tomb of Begum Rabia
Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. Due to its similar
design, it is popularly known as the mini Taj of the
Deccan. Followed by visit Panchakki, an intriguing water
mill, the Panchakki is famous for its underground water
channel which traverses more than 8 kms to its source
away in the mountains. Later return to the hotel for
overnight stay.
Aurangabad:
Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah
II, founded the city of Aurangabad in 1610 A.D, on the
site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's
son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city
'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy
of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it
Aurangabad. Maurya rule heralded the advent of Buddhism
in the state of Maharashtra. The earliest caves at Ajanta
and Pithalkora were excavated in the 2nd century BC,
during the Satvahana era. Paithan, then known as Pratishthana,
was an important trade centre at the time Aurangabad,
400 kms from Mumbai, is linked by air too. Spectacular
rock cut caves and cave paintings exist at two nearby
places, Ajanta and Ellora.
07 Day: Aurangabad - Ajanta
(105 kms - 1 ½ hours)
After breakfast for excursion to the famous Ajanta caves.
Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural
marvels of India. Recognized as the World Heritage Site
today, it was discovered during the 19th century by
a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt.
The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri
hills above the Waghora, depicts the story of Buddhism
that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD. Ajanta’s
wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of
a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which
is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a
series of seven steps to a pool far below –deep
inside the mountain are the Buddhist chaitya –
vihara prayer and monastery caves. They cover a span
of 800 years where under the royal patronage of ruling
dynasties, professional artists helped Buddhist monks
to create magnificent murals narrating the story of
Buddha in his cycle of incarnations, while simultaneously
creating a painted record of the panorama of life in
ancient India. Etched and painted in mineral dyes, the
paintings have a languorous stylized beauty and magical
eloquence. After visiting Ajanta Caves drive back to
Aurangabad. Return to Aurangabad for overnight.
Ajanta: It was
only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves,
lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved
mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered.
A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled
on these ancient works of art. They depict the story
of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650
AD. The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of
the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals
in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning,
and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement
Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public
on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
08 Day: Aurangabad - Ellora
(30 kms - ½ hours) - Delhi (By Air)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Ellora,
one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India.
It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive
uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from
600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated
to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. A particular interest
are the architectural marvel of the monolithic Kailasa
Temple, the Buddhist Vishvakarma Chaitya and Vihara,
the famous Jain cave number 32 famous for a magnificent
Yakshi statue and ceiling paintings. It also has some
of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related
to Lord Shiva. Then transfer to the airport the board
the evening flight for Delhi. On arrival transfer to
the hotel. Overnight at Delhi.
Ellora: The
Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides
of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest
specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house
elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors.
These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism,
Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD
to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist,
the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the
5 caves to the north are Jain.
09 Day: Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city
visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a
marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque
in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal
fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw
ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk,
the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting
Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the
British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised
in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the
Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas,
one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s
Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar
, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;
in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and
Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight
at the hotel.
Delhi, capital
city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of
India's fastest growing cities. It has sprawled over
the West Bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river.
Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present.
Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country.
New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the
British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) &
is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the
Pandavas, the august heroes of the epic Mahabharata,
originally founded Delhi, then called Indraprastha,
around 1200 B.C. Present day Delhi is built around the
ruins of seven ancient cities.
10 Day: Delhi - Udaipur
(By Air)
Today morning after breakfast morning is free for relaxation
or at leisure. Optionally you can go for shopping at
local markets. Then transfer to the airport to board
the early afternoon flight for Udaipur. On arrival transfer
to the hotel. After some rest and relaxation you can
take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets
of Udaipur up to the Washing Ghats at the lake Pichola.
Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola and also opt for dinner
at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the Lake. Overnight
at the hotel.
Udaipur: On
the banks of the shimmering lake Pichola, is one of
the most romantic cities of Rajasthan. Nestled among
the lush hills of the Aravali, it has inevitably been
dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. It is a kaleidoscope
of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carries the flavor of the
heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Founded
in 1568 A.D by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious
Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces,
lakeside gardens, temples and Havelis. According to
the legend, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder was hunting
one day, when he met a holy man meditating on a hill
overlooking the Lake Pichola. Maharana followed the
advice of the hermit and founded the city. The marvelous
architecture of the palaces is spelled bounding
11 Day: Udaipur
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur,
visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over
looking at the Lake Pichola, the additions were made
to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved
become the larges place in Rajasthan, Main attraction
of Place are Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum
and Jagdish Temple. Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that
is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of
Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok
Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses,
ornaments, puppets ,masks, dolls folk musical instruments,
folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week,
puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening
from 1800 to 1900 in an adjacent open air theatre. &
Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Followed
by visit to Eklingji & Nagda Temples - built in
white marble with a double storied porch on the bank
of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur. Overnight at
Udaipur.
12 Day: Udaipur - Jodhpur:
(276 Kms - 5 ½ hours)
En route visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur Temples
of 12 Century – The cluster of temples, made of
intricately sculpted white marble, built out of marbles
with 108 carved pillars each carved differently from
others, Come across as a marvellous feat of architecture.
One can have lunch at Maharani Baugh Hotel in Ranakpur
and visit to local families on the way. Proceed to Jodhpur.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you
may opt to visit On the Rocks a garden restaurant serving
ethnic food followed by live music and folk dance, located
at Ajit Bhawan. Later return to the hotel for overnight
stay.
Jodhpur: The
home of Rathors – The awesome princely city of
Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today
Jodhpur is one of the largest city of Rajasthan. Once
the capital city of the Marwar State, crowning it is
the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. The old city is situated
at foothill of a hillock. The city built in a high wall
10kms, long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Umaid
Bhawan Palace could be defined as Taj Mahal of North
India. The city carries rich heritage and culture and
flourishing industry of wood, cattle, camels, salt and
agricultural crops.
13 Day: Jodhpur –
Pushkar - Jaipur (340 kms - 6 hrs)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jodhpur
including Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort situated at an
altitude of about 125 meters and is spread over an area
of 5 sq. km and it has seven gates, Jaswant Thada is
a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh, followed by visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace
which is a majestic Palace building that presently functions
as a hotel and museum. After lunch, drive to Jaipur.
En route visit Pushkar, the known destination of world
fame cattle faire, the only Temple of Lord Brahma on
the bank of Pushkar Lake surrounded by the Ghats and
one can see devotees praying and taking a dip in the
holy water of Pushkar Lake. One can have lunch/refreshment
at Pushkar Palace hotel, which is over looking the lake;
later proceed to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to the
hotel for overnight stay.
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. 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.
14 Day: Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an
excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city,
enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and
from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart
of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal
architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar
Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built
by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of
Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch
the royal processions without being seen, all monuments
are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of
Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the
famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts.
Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. In the
evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator white marble
temple, glitters in the in the night, at the time of
dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort
serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live
music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet
shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to
the hotel for overnight.
Jaipur Widely
known as the ‘Pink City. This city is color washed
pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen
Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The
city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest
ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on
three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic
palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city
in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular
sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur
is the first planned city designed in accordance with
‘Shilpa Shastra’- epochal treatise of Hindu
architecture.
15 Day: Jaipur - Agra
(230 kms - 4 hours)
After breakfast drive to Agra. En route visit the Old
Deserted Town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built
in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who
foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an
example of robust stability combined with originality.
Each important edifice here represents a type by itself.
Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas; Punch Mahal,
the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Bulund Darwaza. After
visit, continue to proceed to Agra. On arrival transfer
to the hotel. After some rest and relaxation visit to
the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving
view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the
Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. In the
evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra,
one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built
a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10
years for the artists to complete the mini replica of
the Taj. The show room conducts free sound & light
show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in the
hotel.
Agra is famous
as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the
Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace,
craftsmen who are descendant of those who worked under
the Mughals know Agra for its superb inlay work on marble
and soapstone. The city is also famous for its carpets,
gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra, and
the nearby city of Fatehpur Sikri, is conveniently close
to Delhi. Besides the Taj Mahal are Agra Fort, Sikandra,
Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah-35 kms away are the imperial
ruins of the Mughal city, Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is an
old city and it is said that its name was derived from
Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
16 Day: Agra - Delhi (200
kms - 4 hours) - Varanasi (By Air)
After an early breakfast drive to Delhi, en route visit
Sikandra, mausoleum of Emperor Akbar built in 1492,
The Tomb is combination of Muslims and Hindu Architectural
styles. Later drive to Delhi. On arrival transfer to
the airport to board the afternoon flight for Varanasi.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. After some relaxation
take an excursion tour to Sarnath - 10 kms visit the
deer park and Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha perched his
First Sermon, visit the Dhamekh Stupa. Drive back to
Varanasi. Evening free for leisure and individual activities.
Overnight at the hotel.
Varanasi: Sandwiched
between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the
Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It
is also called Kashi, the city of light, but the British,
in an endeavor to simplify matters, had coined their
own name for the place—Benaras. Varanasi is the
city of a thousand temples. The main object of all devotees
is the Kasi Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu belief,
Benaras or Varanasi as it is known is the cosmic center
of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark
Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history,
older than tradition, older even than legend and looks
twice as old as all of them put together.
17 Day: Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges at dawn when it
is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness the
living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most
important religions. While on the boat you will also
see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi
Rituals. After lunch visit to Banaras Hindu University
- probably the largest residential university in Asia,
in the university visit at Bharat Kala Museum. Later
proceed on a tour of the temples of Varanasi visiting
the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga
temple dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly the
Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due
to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple premises,
In the evening you can take a walk through the narrow
lane to explore and colourful market of the ancient
city. Rest of the evening free for leisure. Overnight
at the hotel.
18 Day: Varanasi - Khajuraho
(By Air)
After breakfast morning free at lesuire. Afterwards
check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board
early afternoon flight for Khajuraho, On arrival transfer
to the hotel. Later visit Western group of Temples consisting
of the massive Lakshmana Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu,
the Lakshmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s
consort Lakshman, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated
to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological museum with
its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty.
Overnight at the hotel in Khajuraho.
Khajuraho: The
fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift
of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh,
were built between 950 and 1050 A.D.It derives its name
from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can
be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures
in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying
everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it.
With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent
temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages
of Nature. It was only in this century, that they were
rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that
they justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples,
of which only 22 still exist. These magnificent temples
dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras.
The three main compartments are the entrance (ardhamandapa),
assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum (garbha
griha). The temples are grouped into three geographical
divisions: western, eastern and southern.
19 Day: Khajuraho - Delhi
(By Air)
After breakfast visit Eastern group of Temples and visit
the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti
Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman
both dedicated to lord Vishnu. After lunch check out
and transfer to the airport to board the afternoon flight
to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of
the evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
20 Day: Delhi –
Home Town: (By Air)
Today is free fore leisure and individual activities,
you my opt for city shopping tour at various markets.
Later on transfer to the international airport to board
the schedule flight to your hometown. On departure tour
concludes with happy memories. |