Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2
In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of Old Delhi-the 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital and named after him. Drive past the Red Fort built of red sandstone. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Cycle rickshaw ride through the Kinaree Bazaar and Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Later visit of Bangla Saheb Gurudwara-the place of worship for the Sikhs. Visit to this place is an experience in itself
Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon visit of Akshardham Temple Complex–Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Boat ride at the temple complex
Day 3
Delhi / Agra (220 Kms/ 3 Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of New Delhi-the new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens Drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings- the centre of all government activity and down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum and later visit of Qutub Minar, 72 metres high and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque See Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD.
Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon proceed for Agra and on arrival check in at the hotel
Day 4
In Agra
Tea/ Coffee at the hotel
Morning visit of Taj Mahal at sunrise-(Taj Mahal closed on Friday) which is among the wonders of world and was built by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal by the banks of river Yamuna After her untimely death, Shahajahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum The Taj has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The great monument took almost 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. Around 20,000 workers from all over the country and central Asia were recruited to translate this dream into a reality.
On return breakfast at the hotel
Rest of the morning at leisure
Afternoon visit Agra Fort- the foundation of the fort was laid by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and continued till the time of Shahjahan. The high red stone monument stretches for around 2.5 Kms, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna northwest of the Taj Mahal. The palace is a notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audiences), the Diwan-i-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), the Khas Palace (the private palace was used by emperor as a sleeping chamber), the Sheesh Mahal (palace of Mirrors), the Shah Jahani Mahal (Shahjahan’s Palace), Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace) and the Akbari Mahal (Akbar’s palace) are the fascinating palaces inside the fort. From the rear of Diwan-i-Khas a door leads to Mussaman Burj, a two storey pavilion, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in his old age.
Day 5
In Agra Agra –Jaipur (237 Kms)
Early breakfast at the hotel
Afternoon proceed by surface for Jaipur via Fatehpur sikri Fatehpur sikri- 37 kms west of Agra lies the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri- an epic poem in red sandstone, built by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and deserted 14 years later because its water supply failed. Its glorious courtyards and palaces conjure up dreams of the mysterious past. The Panch Mahal, a strange building which resembles a Buddhist Temple, a cloistered courtyard which was the Hall of Public audience, and the Pachchisi paved with black and white where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as figurines. Later proceed for Jaipur
Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the amenities and facilities at the hotel
Day 6
In Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of Amber Fort-just 7 miles north of Jaipur is Amber with it’s a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills which can be mounted by elephant. It has been described as “the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan”. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art - panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderest hues
Later city tour-Jaipur is the city which has the “tone of the autumn sunset” Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could view the world outside. Jai Singh’s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. City Palace now a museum contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armory
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy amenities and facilities at the hotel
Day 7
Jaipur/ Jodhpur (336 Kms/ 5½-6 Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Jodhpur and on arrival check in at the hotel
Lunch at the hotel
Rest of the day at leisure
Evening panoramic tour of the city
Day 8
In Jodhpur
Morning visit to a Bishnoi village-steeped in history: this 450 year old Bishnoi tribe has a distinctive way of life. They are environmentalists in the fundamental sense, preserving the wilds in scientific and logical routines evolved over the centuries of living with nature by nature. In villages of other tribes one can witness the opium ceremony-a ritual by which guests are traditionally welcomed. Gaily attired men and women carry on about their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village huts remain in the mind’s eye, the effervescence of a cool ambience As the shadows lengthen, the sun caste a golden glow on the sands Driving across this mystic horizon, one could encounter the agile black buck, wild camels and flights of rare birds.
On return breakfast at the hotel
Late morning city tour of Jodhpur-the city of Jodhpur, with its gentle atmosphere belies a stormy yet glorious past. Its walls, seven gates and numerous bastions and towers were built in the 16th century by Rao Maldeo. 393 feet above the flat surrounding plains soars a bold bluff on which was built the massive Meherangarh (Majestic) Fort. In the old city’s maze of old lanes lie several palaces, havelis and some temples. The famous puppet makers of Jodhpur are found here. Visit the Sardar Bazar with its Clock Tower of 1912. Visit the fort and palaces, some of which contain a fine collection of Rajput miniature paintings, a museum, Maan Vilas which houses Rathore armoury and on the ramparts stand cannons, the spoils of Gaj Singh. On the road down from the Fort see Jaswant Thada, the blinding white marble cenotaph (chhatri) of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Rest of the day at leisure
Day 9
Jodhpur/ Udaipur (294 Kms/ 6½-7 Hours including visits)
Breakfast at the hotel
Late morning proceed by surface for Udaipur en route visit of Ranakpur. Ranakpur- which is around 185 Kms and a drive of around 3½-4 hour.
Visit of Ranakpur Temples-in a deep, secluded valley at Ranakpur are the most magnificent Jain temples in India. It is an extensive complex covering 3,600 sq. metres and has 29 halls with 1,444 pillars, each unlike the other, intricately covered with delicate carvings, geometrically so designed that if one stands near any pillar, one can see the deity. The central temple is dedicated to Adinath, the Revealer of truth. The temple was constructed in the early 14th century. No guide is allowed to enter the temple premises and audio guides are provided which are of very high standard
After Lunch proceed for Udaipur and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Day 10
In Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for the visit of Eklingji and Nagda Temples- 22 kms. north east of Udaipur is the village of Kailashpuri known for its 108 temples surrounded by a high fortified wall. This 16th century complex is known as Shi Eklingji Temple and since ancient times has been a holy site. Lord Eklingji Nath is the ruler of Mewar state and Manaranas are the dewan of the state of Mewar. The temple was damaged by the Sultan of Delhi (Allaudin Khilji) in 1314, restored by Rana Kumbha and again destroyed by Aurangazeb in the late 16th century. Close by is the village of Nagda (the first capital of Mewar state) which has several temples dating from the 4th century A.D., ancient rock edicts, stone inscriptions and simple prehistoric shrines.
Afternoon city tour- Udaipur is one of the most charming cities of Rajasthan. It nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by the green Aravalli hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Old dwellings, temples and palaces speak of an aristocratic past. Visit the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, is today a museum. It consists of several flawlessly integrated palaces which overlook the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) the scene of royal parties for centuries. Drive around Fateh Sagar Lake excavated in the late 17th century by Maharana Feteh Singh and past the Puppet Museum (Lok Kala Mandal) and the statue of Maharana Pratap (Moti Magri).
Late afternoon/ evening boat ride on Lake Pichola (before sunset). This lake takes its name from the small village of Picholi on its west bank. In the lake are several islands. On two of them the maharanas of Udaipur constructed pleasure palaces, the Jag Mandir and the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace Hotel).
Day 11
Udaipur/ Mumbai by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning at leisure
Later in time transfer to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Day 12
In Mumbai
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning excursion to Elephanta by motor launch (Closed on Mondays)-The island of Elephanta is just an hour away from Mumbai by motor launch. The cave temples here, excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries AD, are famous for their magnificently sculpted panels. The best known is one that depicts the Maheshmurti-a three-headed image of Lord Shiva. This island was so named by the Portuguese after the large stone elephant near the landing place and which now stands at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the mainland. The caves are reached by a stairway up the hillside from the ferry landing.
Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon visit the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principal landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to this colony in 1911. Afghan Church built in memory of those who fell in the First Afghan War. Drive past the Bombay High Court built in Gothic style and the Old secretariat. The ornamental university building with its 280 ft. high Rajabhai Clock Tower, the ornate Victoria Terminus, the colourful Crawford Market, the Flora Fountain in the large bustling square at the heart of the city, the Prince of Wales Museum (Closed on Mondays) which houses a varied collection of China-ware, miniature paintings and sculpture. Drive along the Marine Drive which is known as the Queen’s Necklace. View the memorial to Haji Ali, a Muslim Saint. This unusual shrine stands on an island 500m out at sea and is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Stop at the Jain Temple and also visit Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai.
Day 13
Leave Mumbai
Breakfast at the hotel
Rooms foreseen till 12 Noon on this day
Later in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for onward journey. Flight check in starts three hours before the schedule departure time
