Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 2
In Mumbai
Breakfast at the hotel
Late morning 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, 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.
Rest of the day at leisure
overnight at the hotel
Day 3
Mumbai/ Varanasi by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi, Meeting and assistance on arrival Varanasi Airport and transfer to the hotel
Afternoon visit of Sarnath-10 kms from Varanasi- The Buddha preached his first sermon to five disciples at the Deer Park here, enshrining the principals of his teaching into laws. The Dhamek Stupa marks the location of a once resplendent monastery A large complex of ruined monasteries cover the area north of the stupas. Some of the buildings belong to the Kushan and Gupta period The first monk communities probably settled here in the 3rd century BC Near the Dhamek Stupa is a new monastery built by the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society The major events of Buddha’s life are depicted here in wall paintings by a Japanese artist Sarnath has an interesting archaeological museum which has preserved the famous Sarnath pillar whose capital forms India’s national emblem. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa and Mulgandkuti Vihar.
Later in the evening tour on Ganges-in the evening visit Mother India Temple-a unique temple dedicated to Mother India carved with a single piece of marble. The perfect map of undivided India signifies unity in diversity. From here proceed to the Ghats to witness the Aarti Ceremony (Hindu ritual /prayer of river Ganges at Sunset) on bicycle rickshaws. Passing through the crowded bazaars and galis (old part) of this ancient city, small shops illuminated with beautiful lights followed by a short boat ride on Ganges observe the Aarti ceremony amidst jingling of bells, floating of diyas (traditional lamps) and chanting of mantras give an unforgettable experience indescribable in words. Later return to the hotel with Rickshaws/ your transport
Overnight at hotel
Day 4
Varanasi/ Delhi by flight
Early Morning boat ride on river Ganges
The western banks of Ganges have a string of 84 Ghats (the chain of stone steps) and interestingly each of them has a story to relate. Most of these Ghats built with pavilions, palaces and terraces are mainly used as Dharamsalas (a home for the pilgrims during their visit to the holy city) The sunrise on the Ganges popularly known as Subeh Banaras is a soul-lifting experience. At dawn-the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals At Manikarnika Ghat-cremation is a continuous process (photography prohibited) A boat ride from the Dasaswamedh ghat along the Ghats gives you vantage views of these activity. After the boat cruise on the Ganges through the narrow lanes visiting the Gyanwapi Mosque and the Vishwanath temple popularly known as the Golden Temple (entry restricted to Hindus only)
On return breakfast at the resort
Later in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 5
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
Afternoon 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.
overnight at hotel
Day 6
Delhi/ Agra by road 220km/ 3-3½ hrs
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Agra and on arrival check in at the hotel.
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.
Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 7
Agra –Jaipur (237 Kms)
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
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.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 8
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
Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 9
Jaipur/ Jodhpur (220 Kms/ 6 Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Jodhpur and on arrival check in at the hotel
Afternoon 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.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 10
Jodhpur/ Udaipur (294 Kms/ 6½-7 Hours including visits)
Breakfast at the hotel
After visit proceed by surface for Udaipur en route visit of Ranakpur. Ranakpur- which is around 185 Kms and a drive of around 3½-4 hour. /li>
Temple open from 1200 to 1700 Hours and guide are prohibited in the temple premises
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 the visit proceed for Udaipur and on arrival check in at the hotel Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 11
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).
Later 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).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 12
Udaipur/ Delhi by flight and Leave Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel Holiday Inn- Express (inside the terminal for dinner) After dinner in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for onward journey.
Flight check in starts three hours before the schedule departure time
