01 Day: Arrival Delhi

On arrival at Delhi 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 Delhi.

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 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.

03 Day: Delhi – Patna (By Air)

After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Patna. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation and lunch take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Har Mandir The second most important gurudwara in India, the Takht Har Mandir was built by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru of the Sikhs. Golghar built for the purpose of storing grains to be used in the times of famines, this round building was completed in 1786 though never used. The construction of Golghar was necessitated following famines like the one that took place in the region in 1770. Also visit Jalan Museum situated over the ruins of the Qila House, the site of Shershah’s fort. It is a private collection containing Chinese paintings and an invaluable collection of silver and jade filigree work of the Mughal period and Bihar Institute Of Handicraft and Design, the institute is trying to revive the old crafts and art of Bihar to modern use, especially Mithila paintings. After visit drive back to hotel for overnight stay. Overnight at Patna.

04 Day: Patna - Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya (190 Kms – 3 hours)

Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya en route visiting Rajgir and Nalanda. Rajgir, a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the most famed university citadels of ancient times. Rajgir, it was once the ancient capital of the powerful Kingdom of Maghada. From the out - skirts of Rajgir, a historic road leads to Gridhakuta. Nalanda Mahavihara an institute for the study of Pali literature houses rare Buddhist manuscripts. Though Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th - 12th centuries. Lunch at a local restaurant and proceed for Rajgir the ancient capital of Magadha kings. The Buddha often visited Rajagriha to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery, preaching and meditating on the Gridhakuta Hill. The disciples of the Buddha built many structures here. Rajgir is also sacred to Jains as Lord Mahavira studied and meditated here. The first Buddhist Council was held here after the Buddha's nirvana. Later continue to drive to Bodhgaya. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

05 Day: Bodhgaya

Today morning after breakfast visit at Mahabodhi Temple. Bodhgaya- the place where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree followed by visit to Chinese Temple. In the afternoon visit Niranjana Temple and River. Evening is free at leisure or you can explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight at Bodhgaya.

06 Day: Bodhgaya – Varanasi (190 kms 4 hours)

After breakfast morning is free at leisure. Then check out the hotel and drive to Varanasi, en route visit to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit at 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 continue to proceed to Varanasi, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Or you may opt to visit the Ganga River at the time of sunset. Overnight at the hotel.

07 Day: Varanasi - Satna (By Train)

Early morning take a boat ride for a pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. the two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Varanasi - Hindus holiest city and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi was already old when Rome was founded, a flourishing trade centre when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. It was a city of great wealth and religious important when the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited in the 7th century. Half day, sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Bharat Mata temple with a big relief map of India in marble, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University which has an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. In the evening a walk through the myriad of narrow lanes in the old city, past the many ancient temples, shrines and little shops crammed with customers looking for the famous silver & gold brocades for weddings or even for cremation cloth. The most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it, strolling in narrow lanes of the colourful bazaar of ancient city. Later transfer to the Railway station to board the train for Satna. Overnight at the board.

08 Day: Satna – Khajuraho (By Road)

Assistance on Satna Railway station at 0625 hours, and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation explore Khajuraho, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - The very name, Khajuraho, arouses strange dreams even in daytime. Of full bodied feminine forms frozen in stone, so real that you wonder whether they might come alive at a touch. Khajuraho is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km, take a visit at fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. 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. Return to the hotel for overnight.

09 Day: Khajuraho (Satna) – Agra (By Train)

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Eastern group of Temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular, visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Later checkout and drive to Satna to board the evening train for Agra. Overnight on the board.

10 Day: Agra

Assistance on arrival Agra Railway Station, early morning and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation and breakfast, visit to witness the incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day, the most beautiful monument among the seven wonders 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, 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. 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 Agra.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

11 Day: Agra - Jaipur (240 Kms - 4 hours)

Early morning, optionally you can visit again to witness the incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view at the time of Sunrise. After visit return to the hotel for check out and drive to Jaipur. 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 Diwane Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. Later continue to proceed Jaipur. On arrival transfer to hotel. After a relaxation in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator marble temple, glitters in the in the night, later 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.

12 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 you may take a Rickshaw ride to explore the colourful market of Jaipur. Overnight at the hotel.

13 Day: Jaipur – Delhi (260 Kms – 5 hours) – Aurangabad (By Air)

Early in the morning check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, en route visit to Neemrana Fort, one of the mighty and massive fort of Rajasthan, converted into a luxury heritage hotel. You may opt to have lunch over here. After visit continue to drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the domestic airport to board the scheduled Flight for Aurangabad, assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit the local market or leisure and overnight at the hotel.

14 Day: Aurangabad – Ajanta Ellora – Aurangabad (105 kms - 2 hours)

After breakfast for excursion 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 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. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday

15 Day: Aurangabad – Mumbai (By Air)

Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight 9W 3104 depart at 0845 hours, assistance on arrival at Mumbai airport at 0945 hours and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take half day an excursion 15 kms to Kanheri caves are the seat for the Buddhist monks during the period of 1st Century BC to 9th Century AD. These caves are simple and bare, quite different from that of Elephanta caves which are artistically magnificent. Kanheri caves are mostly tiny cells that are cut into the edges of a hill, each having a stone plinth that might have served as a bed. There is also a congregation hall supported by huge stone pillars that contains the dagoba, a kind of Buddhist shrine. Later in the evening visit to ISCON Temple. In the night hours you can enjoy dinner at various restaurants, visiting shopping malls of Mumbai. Overnight at the hotel.

16 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.

17 Day: Mumbai – Hometown

Today morning after breakfast day is free for shopping and relaxation. Later transfer to the International airport to board the flight for hometown. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.

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