01
Day: Arrival Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International airport, you will
be welcomed and assisted by our representative, then
transfer to the hotel, where we are holding the room
on ready occupancy basis. Overnight stay in Delhi.
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.
02 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 Chandni 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.
03 Day: Delhi - Udaipur
(By Air)
Today after breakfast, morning is free for relaxation
or leisure activities. Then transfer to the airport
to board the morning flight to Udaipur. On arrival transfer
to the hotel. Afternoon is free at leisure or for relaxation.
Early evening 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
04 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.
05 Day: Udaipur - Jodhpur
(276 Kms - 5 ½ hours)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur 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 Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and visit to local
families on the way. Later continue to proceed to Jodhpur.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit
to Umaid Bhawan Palace which is a majestic Palace building
that presently functions as a hotel and museum. Later
take an excursion tour to the Heritage Palace of Balsamand
- 20 kms away over looking the lake of Balsamand. In
the evening you may opt to visit at On The Rocks a garden
restaurants 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.
06 Day: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
(290 kms - 5 - 6 hrs)
After an early breakfast take a sight seeing tour of
Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada (Mausoleums
of the great Rajput Warrior) and Umaid Bhawan Palace
Museum. After lunch, drive to Jaisalmer. En route visit
to Osian Village, ruins of an ancient city called Osian,
an oasis in the desert, a drive to this ancient township
takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert
stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully
sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these, the
most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple
and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the
main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira. After visting
continue to drive to Jaisamer, on arrival transfer to
the hotel. In the evening you can visit in old city
local market, to acclimatize with the city atmosphere.
Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer, the
city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone
in the heart of the Thar Desert. Rawla Jaisal, a Bhatti
Rajput King, founded the city in the year 1156 A.D.
Perched atop the Trikuta Hill; it stands tall against
miles of gleaming sand. The sunset has a peculiar glow
here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames,
which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black.
A breathtaking sight indeed! Every house, here, is exquisitely
carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses
date back to 12th – 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer
is called ’the Museum city’.
07 Day: Jaisalmer
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jaisalmer
covering Jaisalmer Fort - built on the highest point
of the Tricuta hill, consisting of 99 bastions. Outstanding
features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim
Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon-Ki-Haveli - some of the
beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework
of breath taking intricacy, visit followed by Gadisar
Lake. Aftwards drive to Sam Sand Dunes - 45
kms en route visit the ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar
Sagar and Mool Sagar Complex, built in 1815 AD, The
complex also houses a summer palace where some beautiful
paintings and pictures are displayed. On arrival at
Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel
safari to discover the various sights and sounds, the
ruins and the temples in and around Jaisalmer in an
authentic and leisurely fashion with entertainment by
folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from
colorful guides thrown in. After safari drive back to
Jaisalmer for overnight stay.
Note: Optionally you can stay overnight at
the Sam Sand dunes in luxury tented accommodation, enjoy
the starry night with ethnic food, folk dances, bone
fire and camel safari in dues in nights hours.
08 Day: Jaisalmer - Bikaner
(330 kms - 6 - 7 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Bikaner, en
route visit to the massive Fort Pokharan, the town Pokhran
came to the limelight when several nuclear tests were
conducted here during the 1970's and the 1990's. Pokharan
Fort is Built in 1532-1584 the yellow sandstone Pokhran
fort, though not as grand a fort as some of the others
in Rajasthan has a few exquisite palaces like the Mangal
Niwas, the Rani Mahal and the Phool Niwas or the Flower
Palace, visit to Pokhran Museum: housed inside the fort’s
premises is fairly small and contains an assortment
of weapons, paintings, pottery and the costumes which
the Maharajas wore. After visit continues to drive to
Bikaner. On arrival transfer to hotel. The evening free
for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Bikaner: This
is 500-year-old town standing still in time. The rulers
here built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and
images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth
of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces
and temples– magnificent creations in red and
yellow sandstone, are living. Here is a temple where
rats are held sacred. Today the city is known for flourishing
industries of food, wool and camel breeding .The genesis
of Bikaner dates back to 1488A.D, when a Rathors prince,
Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren
wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and transformed
it to a charming city called ’Bikaner’,
after the founder’s name. Not only do the traditions
come alive here in colourful bazaars and Havelis, Bikaner
is also famous for the best riding camels in the world.
09 Day: Bikaner - Jaipur
(330 Kms - 7 hrs)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner
covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588 and
1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall
with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple
- The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important
temple of this complex. Later check out the hotel and
drive to Jaipur en route visit Deshnok to see the world
famous rat Temple of Karnimata - at this temple rats
are held sacred & roam freely within the temple
complex. After visit continue to drive to Jaipur, if
time permit you can take a stop over at Mandawa visiting
old havelis. After visit continue to drive to Jaipur,
on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for individual
activities and relax. Overnight at the hotel.
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.
10 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 afternoon is kept free to visit the famous
Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts.
Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can
also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over
the floodlights. Evening visit to Birla Temple later
at the time of dinner visit unique 5 star ethnic resort
Chokhi Dhani for dinner in village ambience with puppet
shows, folk dances astrology, camel ride. Return to
the hotel for overnight stay.
11 Day: Jaipur - Agra
(240 kms - 5 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.
12 Day Agra – Delhi
(200 kms 4 hours)
Early morning visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal
with its’ speculative view at the time of Sunrise.
Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the
world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion
of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of
the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest
buildings in the world. Later visit the Pearl Mosque
and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan
in memory of her father. Later drive to Delhi, en route;
you can visit Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor
Akbar. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at
Delhi.
Note: Taj Mahal closed on every Friday.
13 Day: Delhi - Varanasi
(By Air)
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport to
board the schedule morning flight to Varanasi. Assistance
on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Later take an
excursion to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi
where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five
holy men; visit Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh
Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon.,
also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection
of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous
Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar
with 4 lions, built in 3rd Centaury BC., symbolize both
Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha.
The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the
modern Indian republic. After visit return to Varanasi,
early evening take half day sightseeing of the city
visiting. 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 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.
14 Day: Varanasi - Khajuraho
(By Air)
Early morning enjoy the 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 religion. While on the boat you will
also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as
per Hindi Rituals. After ride return to the hotel check
out and drive to the airport to board the early afternoon
flight to Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival and check
in to the hotel. The evening free for leisure and individual
activities. Overnight at the hotel.
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.
15 Day: Khajuraho - Bhopal
(By Train)
After breakfast, visit Eastern Group of Temples and
visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti
Nath. Sightseeing contiues by visiting Western group
of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated
to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated
to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, 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. After visit checkout and then drive
to Satna to board the night train to Bhopal. Overnight
at the board.
Bhopal, capital
of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity
and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site
of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.
Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old
city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques
and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its
former rulers; among them the succession of powerful
Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive
is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out
parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern
edifices.
16 Day: Bhopal - Sanchi
- Bhopal (Excursion 46 kms - 1 hour)
Assistance on arrival early morning and transfer to
the hotel. After some relaxation and breakfast take
an excursion to Sanchi, which is an assemblage of ruins
of Stupas, Temples and Monasteries, built from 3rd Century
BC to the 12th Century AD. Sanchi gained prominence
as an important pilgrimage centre of Buddhist World.
After visit return back to Bhopal and then visit to
National Archives. Overnight at hotel.
Sanchi is known
for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating
from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The
most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa 1,
was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka,
the then governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the
daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. Their
son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra were born in Ujjayini
and sent to Sri Lanka, where they converted the King,
the Queen and their people to Buddhism.
17 Day: Bhopal - Indore
(186 kms - 3 hrs)
After breakfast visit Sadar Manzil, Taj-ul-Masjid, Secretariat,
Vidhan Sabha, Fatehgarh Fort, Moti Masjid, after lunch
check out the hotel and drive to Indore, on arrival
transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit to Bodhi
Sheesh Mahal and Lal Baugh Palace. Overnight at hotel.
Indore: Planned
and built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen,
Indore lies to the extreme west of Madhya Pradesh on
the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan, which unite
at the centre of the city. The bustling and vibrant
city, 186 km from Bhopal, derives its name from the
18th century Indreshwar temple. The history of Indore
is inseparable from the history of the Holkar State.
The founder of the House of Holkars was Malhar Rao Holkar,
born in 1693 AD. His soldierly qualities brought him
to the forefront under the Peshwa and he was rewarded
with the gift of territories comprising the Indore region.
His grandson, on whose death, without issue, his mother,
Maharani Devi Ahilya Bai ascended the throne, succeeded
Malhar Rao.
18 Day: Indore - Mandu
- Dhar (99 kms - 1 ½ hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Dhar. En route visit
to Mandu, called The City of Joy, which in fact is a
superb Hill top Fort deserted, dramatic and alive with
ghosts. It is the largest fortified city in the world.
Take a sightseeing tour of Mandu visiting several noteworthy
palaces and pavilions some of which are Ashrafi Mahal,
Rewa Kund Group, Hindola Mahal (swinging Palace). After
visit continue to drive to Dhar, on arrival transfer
to the hotel. Overnight at Dhar.
Dhar or Dharanagari
of the legendary King Bhoj is the soya & cotton
belt of Malwa & Nimar. This tribal dominated district
boasts of a rich wealth of arts, flourishing soya markets
and Pithampur, the largest industrial estate, of Madhya
Pradesh. Mandu, the largest walled city in the world,
with the legendary love lore of Roopmati and Baz Bahadur,
and the world-renowned millennium and a half old Bag
cave frescoes hark back to a glorious past.
19 Day: Dhar
After breakfast an excursion to Bagh, which is famous
for Buddhist Caves of Gupta Period. The Highlights of
caves are wall paintings. After visiting one can have
lunch at Hotel Jhira Bagh Palace. After lunch take an
excursion to Maheshwar and Omkareshwar on the river
Narmada famous for finest Ghats, Temples and Mystic
Power Centre. Overnight at the hotel.
20 Day: Dhar - Aurangabad
(380 kms - 8 hrs)
After an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive
to Aurangabad. Enroute one can stop at Dhule for lunch.
After lunch continue to drive to Aurangabad. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Evening is free to enjoy the
surroundings on your own. Overnight stay at Aurangabad.
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 Bombay, is linked by air too. Spectacular
rock cut caves and cave paintings exist at two nearby
places, Ajanta and Ellora.
21 Day: Aurangabad - Ajanta
- Ellora - Aurangabad: (105 Kms - 2 hours)
After breakfast take an excursion of 105 kms to witness
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. After visiting Ajanta Caves drive to (30
kms) Ellora Caves, 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.
It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting
the legends related to Lord Shiva. After visit return
back to the hotel for overnight stay.
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.
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.
Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public
on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
22 Day: Aurangabad - Mumbai
(By Air)
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to
the Airport to board the morning flight for Mumbai.
Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. After relaxation
you can take a visit to the city life of Western Suburan
visiting Iscon Temple and shopping at the big malls
like Shoppers Stop, In Style, West End. If you are staying
at South Mumbai, you can visit Gateway of India, Marine
drive also known as queens necklace in the night, Mahalaxmi
Temple and for shopping visit to Cross Road, Phoenix
Mill- Bombay Bazaar. Optionally you can have dinner
at choice of city restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.
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.
23 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 & Prince of Wales
Museum are closed on every Monday.
24 Day: Mumbai - Hometown
(By Air)
After breakfast one can take a city tour of Mumbai,
later transfer to the international airport to board
the scheduled flight for your hometown. On departure
tour concludes with happy memories. |