Duration: 14 Days
DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Welcome to India! Special welcome, garlanding and assistance on arrival at the airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02 IN DELHI
Morning after breakfast, full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Among some of the most interesting highlights of your city tour of Old and New Delhi are the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat in the old city area and the Government Buildings, a drive through the majestic Rajpath to the India Gate, the Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutab Minar etc. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03 DELHI-VARANASI
After breakfast, departure transfer to the airport to board flight 9W-723 1045/1155 hrs to Varanasi. Assistance upon arrival at the airport and transfer to Hotel.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath (total distance approx. 10 km). Sarnath the fabled place bear testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04 IN VARANASI
Early morning Boat-ride on holy river Ganges. In Varanasi life and various activities revolve around the river. Life begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - and devotees - come down to the river to offer early morning prayers. Also visit the famous ghats and enjoy a spectacular view of sunrise from river Ganges.
After breakfast sightseeing tour of Temples of Varanasi including Durga Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva. Bharat Mata Temple: This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses one of the most perfect relief of India carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Temple: Built in white marble this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its wall. Well laid out landscaping around the temple adds to its beauty and Banaras Hindu University.Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05 VARANASI-KHAJURAHO
After breakfast, departure transfer to the airport to board flight 9W-723 1225-1305 hrs to Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to Hotel.
Later sightseeing tour of Eastern Western Group of Temples. Western Group is the best known as it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temples belong to the Kandariya Mahadeo. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 meters high. The main shrine is in an almost perfectly state of preservation. This shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes: celestial beings, lovers, serenading musicians ,movement captured in stones and frozen in time, yet retaining the warmth of pulsating life. The stones seem to have taken on the sensuousness of the carved figures.
Eastern Group: Hindu and Jain temples make up the eastern group, close to Khajuraho Village. The largest Jain temple, Parsvanath, is in this group. Sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple the finest in the group. The carvings are timeless, of a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter, a damsel removing a thorn from her foot. The sanctum has a throne facing a bull, emblem of the first Tirthankara, Adinath. The actual image of Parsvanath, from which the temple derives its name, was installed in 1860. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06 KHAJURAHO -ORCHHA -JHANSI -AGRA
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Jhansi en route visiting Orchha (165 kms/4 hrs drive) Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time and a rich legacy and the palaces and the temples built by it Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine perfection. Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chattries has a spectacular view of soaring temples spires and cenotaphs.
Later departure transfer to the Jhansi Railway Station to board train Shatabdi Express 1755-2010 hrs to Agra. Assistance upon arrival at the Railway Station and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07 AGRA-FATEHPUR SIKRI-JAIPUR
Morning after breakfast, sightseeing tour of Agra city – which includes -Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this beautiful mausoleum is built of pure white marble and is an architectural marvel, in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar over the years 1565 – 1573 with its maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers. Most of the buildings originally built by Akbar were destroyed and were replaced by his grandson Shah Jehan. The only surviving structure from Akbar’s period apart from the solid sand stone ramparts and the gateway is the Jehangir Mahal.
Afternoon depart by surface to Jaipur (235 kms/6 hrs) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Mughal India. Among the principal attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are the large audience halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of Salim Chishti, The Panchmahal, and the Buland Darwaza, which is among the biggest gates in Asia. Continue your drive and upon arrival in Jaipur check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 IN JAIPUR
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. The highlight of the visit is to take a ride on gaily decorated elephant to the ramparts of the Fort. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Among the principal sights are the Jantar Mantar or the Observatory, The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, The City Palace & Museum. Jaipur is also a major centre of precious and semi precious stones, jewellery, cotton textiles and the typical Blue Pottery. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 JAIPUR-PUSHKAR
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Pushkar. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Pushkar which is the home to one of just two Brahma Temples in the country (the other being in Goa). Brahma was cursed by his wife because of which, he is worshipped nowhere else in India. While temples to Vishnu and Shiva abound, the third of the trinity goes unrecognized. Legend has it that at Pushkar, where a lotus fell from Brahma’s hands, a lake sprang up, and so here Brahma is worshipped. At the heart of Pushkar is the Brahma Temple, made from marble, with Brahma’s vehicle, the turtle, cast in silver at its entrance. At the booth of the temple is the Lake surrounded by bathing Ghats. Here you can sit and meditate while the faithful take a dip. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 PUSHKAR-JODHPUR
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Jodhpur. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill, including Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Later visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memoriam built in 1899. Overnight at the hotel
Day 11 JODHPUR - RANAKPUR -UDAIPUR
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Udaipur (259 kms/7 hrs) en route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Its surrounding is quite and picturesque. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculpture. There are 1444 pillars in the temple different from each other. The magic of light and shade is awe-inspiring. Later continue your drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 IN UDAIPUR
Morning after breakfast sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. Among the places visited are the City Palace , a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake. A conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the Triple arched gate ,Tripolia with eight marble porticos; the Jagdish temple- built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo . Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with note worthy sculpted images; the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, which houses an interesting collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, paintings etc; the Saheliyon ki Bari with its many fountains etc. A highlight of your trip to Udaipur is a sunset boat cruise on the beautiful placid Lake Pichola. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces including the beautiful city palace, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. There are two island palaces, The Jagmandir and Jagniwas and also the beautiful Lake Palace sits on an island in this lake. Boat rides, which originate from the City Palace jetty (known as Bansi Ghat), are a popular way of exploring the natural beauty of Udaipur. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 UDAIPUR – MUMBAI
Morning after breakfast, departure transfer to the Udaipur airport to board flight to Mumbai. Assistance on arrival at airport and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai city visiting Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), Fish Aquarium, Jain Temples, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering nice view of Marine Lines and Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park and Marine drive.
Day 14 DEPART MUMBAI
Morning transfer to Gate way of India to take a Motor Launch to Elephanta Caves – the 7th century sculptures of manifestation of Shiva, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings belonging to the period between 9th - 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. Legends and history suggest that the great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Historians also suggest that the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja built these caves in 6th century ADAfternoon check out from the hotel and explore the city or do last minute shopping etc. Optional dinner at one of the restaurants. Later departure transfer to the International airport to board flight back to home.
END OF THE TOUR
CHECK-IN/OUT AT THE HOTELS IS 12 NOON
TRAIN/FLIGHT SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE