Ajanta, Ellora and Rajasthan Culture Tour Programme

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai

Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representative welcomes and escorts 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

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 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 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 - Aurangabad (By Air) – Ellora (Excursion 30 kms: ½ hr) - Aurangabad

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mumbai domestic airport to board the schedule morning flight for Aurangabad. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing 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. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. Later visit Grineshwaram temple and then return to the hotel for overnight stay.

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

04 Day: Aurangabad - Ajanta (105 kms: 1½ hrs) - Aurangabad

After breakfast take an 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. Overnight at the hotel.

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

05 Day: Aurangabad – Delhi (By Air)

After take a sightseeing tour of Aurangabad visiting Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani, the Queen of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument rises majestically in an intentional bid to copy and rival the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra and Panchakki - An engineering feat of the time is the Panchakki, or the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims. Later drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

06 Day: Delhi

After a healthy breakfast, take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting the attractions, 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 sightseeing 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. 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.

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

07 Day: Delhi – Agra (240 kms: 4 hrs)

After brekfast check out the hotel and dirve to Agra, en route visit the Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Later proceed to Agra. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view. 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. The tour continues with a 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, followed by visit to Pearl Mosque and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. You may also opt to 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. If time permits watch the 80 minutes new theatrical show: Mohabbat E Taj at Kalakruti Mandal, where they enact the history behind the Taj Mahal. Overnight at the hotel.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

08 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur (240 kms: 5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive to Jaipur , En route visit Fathepur Sikri, 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. After sightseeing continue to drive to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxing 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.

09 Day: Jaipur

Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city. 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 you may opt to explore the colourful bazaar of Jaipur by cycle Rickshaw ride. Overnight at the hotel.

10 Day: Jaipur – Pushkar (135 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Pushkar, known for world’s biggest cattle fair every year in month of November, with glorious celebration. 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. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. On the banks of the lake you will see devotees taking dip into the holy waters of Pushkar & offering prayers. Also visit the Pushkar Fair site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Then visit at Dargah of Khwaja Sahib at Ajmer ( 11 kms ) It is India’s most significant shrine for Muslims and thousands of devotees of all religions visit the holy place through the year. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar visited the saint in the 16th century in pursuit of a boon for a child, the saint obliged the Emperor. Overnight at the 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. 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.

11 Day: Pushkar – Udaipur (290 kms: 5 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Udaipur. En route visit Chittourgarh, spread over 13 square kms, unlike other forts you can explore this fort by the vehicle you are travelling, Chittourgarh fort is the mightiest Fort in Indian History, The pride and glory of Rajasthan. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. After visit continue to drive to Udaipur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation in the evening you may opt to take a walking tour on your own through the narrow lanes and back streets of the city visiting local market and Washing Ghats at the lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola and also opt for dinner at Lake Palace Hotel (of your own) situated in between Lake Pichola. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

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.

12 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 H all, 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 the hotel.

13 Day: Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (280 kms 6 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 piece of architecture. One can have lunch at Maharani Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and visit to local families on the way. After visit continue to drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, take a sightseeing 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 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.

14 Day: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (300 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast 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. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit Gadisar Lake in the main city or the local market to acclimatize with the city atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

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’.

15 Day: Jaisalmer

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer Fort, builton 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, later after lunch 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. You may opt for a jeep 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.

16 Day: Jaisalmer – Bikaner (330 kms - 7 hours)

After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Bikaner. if time permits en route visit to 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, after visit continue to drive to Bikaner, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Bikaner.

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 Jodha 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.

17 Day: Bikaner – Delhi (Overnight journey in train)

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagarh 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, afterwards an excursion tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karni Mata – worldly known as rat temple, at this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this temple is believed to be lucky. Later return to the hotel, after relaxation transfer to the Bikaner Railway station to board the scheduled train for Delhi, overnight at the board.

18 Day: Delhi – Hometown

Assistance on arrival at the Delhi Railway station and transfer to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.