Destinations: Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla- Barong-Amritsar-Delhi-Agra-Ranthambore-Jaipur-Udaipur-Ahemdabad-Mumbai.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Delhi
Arrive at the International airport in Delhi. Meet the representative and transfer to Hotel.
Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land .
Day at leisure. Evening enjoy the visit to Nizamuddin Dargah and listen to Sufi Music. (Only on Thursdays) The dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya is the shrine to visit in New Delhi. It is a pilgrimage site for Sufi devotees from around the world. It is also rich with relics. Visit a baoli (Stepwell) or the tomb of the revered Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib. The main shrine of Nizamuddin Auliya is also flanked by Jamaat Khana mosque, which is said to be the oldest building in Nizamuddin. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Morning visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 – 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. Jama Masjid is one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Visit the Gandhi Samadhi where the great leader is remembered by his country.
Later drive to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India and the Humayun’s Tomb which is one of the great monuments of Delhi. There is a saying that this monument was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal hence it is a must to see this place and enjoy the architecture. Visit the Lotus Temple of the Bahai sect which represents the modern architecture of India.
Drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi -Chandigarh | Chandigarh – Shimla
Morning transfer to airport to take a flight to Chandigarh. Reach and drive to Shimla. On arrival at Shimla, check into the hotel.
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, Shimla is the state’s most important center. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Shimla
Morning explore the scenic places around Shimla. Naldhera with its rolling meadows and a 9 hole golf course, Mashobra with its pine forests offering lovely walks, specially the pathways from Bekalty Road, Kufri ski slopes and the small zoo and Chail with its romantic palace, deodar forests, not to forget its highest cricket pitch. The area has breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks foreshadowed by the terrace field and verdant forest. In the evening soak in the ambience of this old world town, going shopping on the fashionable Mall. Proceed for a stroll in the mall or pick souvenirs and curios at Lakkar Bazaar.
Enjoy the evening at The Ridge / Scandal Point- the hub of the town with its ice-cream vendors, pony rides and spectacular Himalayan views. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Shimla
Morning excursion to Kufri.
Kufri is famous for its Himalayan National Park, One can see the endless Himalayan Panorama from Kufri, various places in and around.
Later in the day visit mosques , Vice regal Lodge, Christ Church, The Gaiety Theatre – the first beauty contest of world was supposed to start (1887), The Grind lays Bank (1912) the world wide bank started by Robert Melville Grind lay. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 : Shimla- barong Barong-Amritsar 250 Km
Morning after breakfast, transfer to Railway station to take a Toy train Himalayan Queen to Barog enjoying the beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountain range. Reach and drive to Amritsar.
Reach Amritsar. Meet and assist at the railway station and transfer to the Hotel.
Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjun Dev. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07 : Amritsar
Morning visit Sri Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. Also known as Shri Darbar Sahib, it is in the center of the old part of Amritsar.
The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform, surrounded by a pool of water called the Amrit Sarovar from which the City is named.
Summer place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is situated in the middle of a beautiful garden called Ram Bagh. This garden is laid out on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. Only its architecturally unique Darshani deorhi has remained intact. A museum after the name of the Maharaja is set up here displaying oil paintings, miniatures, coins, and weapons relating to the Sikh period.
Jalian Wala Bagh, Amritsar Massacre is a place noted for its most notorious massacre under British rule. It is 400 meters north of the Golden Temple.
Wagah Border is the international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces make for a most charming spectacle. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 : Amritsar-Delhi by flight | Delhi-Agra
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and drive to Agra. Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.
Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
In the evening, attend a performance at Kalakriti, a stunning performance art based rendition of the history of the Taj. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09 : Agra
Early morning visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet of early morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect the sun, its colour changes, from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white; it’s well worth visiting at different times. Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast.
Proceed for the sightseeing tour of Agra. Visit Sikandra, the beautifully maintained monument where Emperor Akbar was buried.
Agra Fort built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town.
Baby Taj or the Itmad-Ud-Ullah is one of the most beautiful Mughal tomb built by Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jahangir for her father in 1628. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.
Evening at Mehtab Bagh to experience the Sunset. The Garden complex, situated on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal, is known as Mehtab Bagh, or The Moonlight Garden. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 : Agra- Fatehpur Sikri- Ranthambhore National Park
Morning drive to Ranthambhore National Park en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings Continue your drive to Ranthmbhore National Park. Reach and check in to the Hotel. Evening at leisure.
Ranthambhore is perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger . The Ranthambhore National Park has more Tiger sightings than any other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as The land of the Tiger, where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the Great Boundary Fault where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill Ranges. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11 : Ranthambore National Park
Experience the early morning Tiger Safari in a Jeep/Canter with a Naturalist . Breakfast will be at the resort. In the afternoon proceed for the afternoon safari after lunch.
Relax at the resort in the evening. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 : Ranthambhore- Jaipur
Experience the morning safari and return to the hotel for breakfast.
Drive to Jaipur. Reach and transfer to the Hotel.
The origin of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history. A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
In evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. The visit will coincide with the Aarti , which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13: Jaipur
Morning excursion to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back / Jeep in a royal manner.
Amber Fort Palace is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace ,a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Visit Choki Dhani and experience a true flavour of Rajasthani culture. Enjoy a cultural evening with a folk dance performance by local tribal artistes. A sumptuous Indian dinner will mark the perfect end to a great day. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14 : Jaipur-Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur. Reach Udaipur and check in at the hotel
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past,epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight. Evening at leisure .Overnight at Hotel
Day 15 : Udaipur
Morning Visit City Palace, Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola, is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic view of Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. The palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Saheliyon ki Bari was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the mid-18th century. The garden of the maidens brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful garden appear discreet and in impeccable taste. The whole ambiences are flavored by the nostalgia of beautiful bells enjoying themselves in a lavish aura.
Bagore ki Haveli is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. It came to be occupied by Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore who built the palace of the three arches also in 1878 and it acquired its name
Jagdish Temple is situated in the middle of the city. The temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace – the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 16 : Udaipur
Morning after breakfast drive to Chittorgarh, city of war and romance. It is the town which clutches the consequence and proves all the imperial clashes and all the imperial love. Arrive Chittorgarh, have a sightseeing tour of the city covering Chittorgarh Fort the grand hill citadel in the shape of a Ship on a enormous rock, constructed 3 miles lengthy and 495 feet above the ground, it clutches the peak place for being the biggest citadel in India.The fort is extremely well-known for the tales of courage where the people prefer death as an alternative of receiving lined by some others or surrendering in front of them. Have lunch at Pratap Palace Hotel, explore the place and Later drive back to Udaipur . Overnight at Udaipur.
Day 17 : Udaipur-Ahmedabad
Morning after breakfast ,drive to Ahmedabad. Reach and check into the hotel.
The city was built in open and spacious plane to the East of Sabarmati. It compromised of smaller known Fort as Bhadra Fort. The city fort wall was enclosed containing 12 Gates.
Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat and the sixth largest city in India with a population of almost 5 million. History is immortalized by the magnificent architecture of Ahmedabad’s monuments ranging from the grand Havelis to the majestic mosques. The Havelis of Ahmedabad are a window to the lofty life styles of the rich of early 19th century Ahmedabad. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 18 : Ahmedabad
Morning begin sightseeing tour with the visit of The Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir’s Mosque remain a mystery till today. Shake one minaret and the other resonates in harmony while the interconnecting terrace stands still. The Jain temples of Ahmedabad present yet another distinctly different style of architecture of which the Hatheesing Jain Temple is most representative.
The Palace of Shahibaugh was built in 1622 A.D. by Shahjahan as a royal residence. Currently same has been converted into Sardar Patel Memorial. It is also associated with Shri Ravindranath Tagore.
Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram was built when Gandhiji returned from Africa and started living in Ahmedabad. He built on the banks of the river Sabarmati, the famous Gandhi Ashram. Still various things of Gandhiji can be seen and few Khadi shops around, which Gandhiji promoted.
Ahmedabad has been famous for its Jain Temples like Chintamani Temple, Hutheesingh Temple and various other are situated in the old city. There are approximately hundred plus Derasars/ Jain temples in the old city. Many of them were built in Moghul times, many are situated in the houses of people and many are underground.
During Ahmedabad’s construction, various monuments were built around the fort of Bhadra. These monuments were the gates for the entrance in the city,known as The Dawazas/Gates of Ahmedabad.
Calico Museum of Textile has one of the finest collections of textile work from all over the India. It all also has collection from varied ages.
Tribal Museum is located at Gujarat Vidyapeeth. The museum boast a collection of complete tribal life right from their home, artifacts and various objects which are used in day to day life. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 19: Ahmedabad- Mumbai
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Representative receives at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the Konkon Coast of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and carefree attitude. Day will be at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 20 : Mumbai
Morning visit Elephant Caves. The ferry leaves in the morning, every half hour and is for 45-60 mins.
The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture.
Later take a ferry back and proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Gateway of India. Mumbai’s principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water’s edge at Apollo Bunder.This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai’s most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen’s Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night.
The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai’s golden period here. St. John’s church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843.
Dhobi Ghat is a unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation.
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus – one of Mumbai’s most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences
Prince of Whales Museum is one of Mumbai’s finest examples of Victorian architecture. It is undoubtedly one of India’s finest museums and houses treasures, artifacts, paintings and sculpture from the many periods covering India’s history, including the Indus Valley Civilization.
Mani Bhawan/Gandhi Museum is Gandhi’s room and belongings including his books are on display. Mani Bhavan is situated on laburnum Road, near the August Kranti Maidan, where the Quit India movement was launched in 1942. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 21 : Mumbai -Back Home
Morning free at leisure. Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board a flight back home .