01
Day: Arrival Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representatives welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. 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.
02 Day:
Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi: 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, Later take a sight seeing tour of New Delhi includes 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 light an sound show at Red fort. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Light and Sound Show, A spectacular sound and light show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and legendary past are vividly brought to life. Special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
03 Day:
Delhi – Agra (200 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Agra. Enroute visit the Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Then proceed to Agra. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation visit Agra Fort, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., built with barricaded wall of red sand stone; it houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Meena Bazar, Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj where from Taj Mahal is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. So very ironically, Emperor Sahahjahan, prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from his cell in the fort. 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. Overnight at 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.
04 Day:
Agra – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 hrs)
Early morning visit to witness one of most beautiful among the seven wonders of the world: 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 check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, (37 kms from Agra), Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty –Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honor 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 entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the emperor's throne. The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here, the marble Tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. Akbar built in 1492, The Tomb is combination of Muslims and Hindu Architectural styles. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening free for relaxation, you may opt to explore the colourful bazaar of Jaipur by cycle Rickshaw ride. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
05 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. 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 stay.
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.
06 Day: Jaipur – Samode (Excursion) Nimrana – Delhi (260 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast take an excursion to Samode, (45 kms: 1 hr) - the old caravan city of Samode locked up in its walls and dominated by the castle, on arrival after refreshment visit Samode Palace, the Sheesh Mahal- the hall of mirrors. You can take camel cart ride to explore the Samode Fort and the semi desert village of Samode, witness the culture and traditional of villagers. Return back to Jaipur and check out of the hotel and drive to Delhi. Enroute visit magnificent Neemrana Fort, you can opt for lunch over here; the fort is converted into grand heritage hotel. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Samode is situated in the royal Indian state of Rajasthan around 42 km from Jaipur, the capital city. Located on way to Shekhavati, this small village is famous for its Haveli and fort. Samode is connected to Jaipur through a good network of roads. Samode is an ideal desert getaway. During the day, a camel ride through the Samode village and the surrounding countryside is a good idea. Riding this gentle animal with its rocking gait is the best way to relax on a sunny morning.
Neemrana Fort It was a tributary
chief ship of the former Alwar state. The track is sandy and bleak and is known as Rath. The place is said to be the home of chauhan Rajput claiming descent from Prithvi Raj the last Hindu emperor. One of the descendents of Prithvi Raj the, embraced Islam and settled here. That is why the old lineage is shown by the title Rao and was recognized so by the ruler of Alwar. Lord lake in 1803, as a punitive measure for the shelter and assistance given by then chief to the Marathas, confiscated the villages of the estate and made them over to
Alwar.
07 Day: Delhi – Aurangabad (By Air)
After breakfast, checkout and drive to the airport to board the flight for Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Aurangabad is the is the most elaborate vase temples of India, although Buddhist monks began excavating in the seventh century, the site grew to include Hindu and Jain temples as the Buddhist faith waned in popularity towards the end of the seventh century. There are 34 caves - 12 Buddhist (Ad 600-800) 17 Hindu (around AD 900) and they are numbered in that order as you progress from south to North. After relaxation visit at 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 at 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. 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.
08 Day: Aurangabad – Ajanta (105 kms: 2 hrs)
After breakfast for excursion to 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. Return back to Aurangabad 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 - centres of the Buddhist cultural movement.
Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday.
09 Day: Aurangabad – Ellora (30 kms: ½ hrs) – Mumbai (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. After visit return to the Aurangabad. Later check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
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.
10 Day: Mumbai
Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai 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, have crossbeams. 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 hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Taraporewala Aquarium, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, and Hanging Garden. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
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.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.
11 Day: Mumbai – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast, morning is free for leisure and shopping in the local markets. Later check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories. |