Destinations: Mumbai-Udaipur-Ranakpur-Jodhpur-Jaipur-Ranthambore-Fatehpur Sikri-Agra-Jhansi-Orcha-Panna-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Delhi

ITINERARY

Day 01: Mumbai

Our Representative will receive on arrival at the International airport and transfer to the hotel.
Mumbai is the most multicultural, vibrant cosmopolitan city. The capital city of Maharashtra State has a multitude of unique and interesting sights and the grandiose monument overlooking the Arabian sea. The Gateway of India is a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Mumbai

Morning visit Mumbai Fort, which is the area north of Colaba, since the old British fort was once located here. There are 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.
Marine Drive in Mumbai is 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.
Gateway of India is Mumbai’s principal landmark, and is a huge archway on the water’s edge at Apollo Bunder.
Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine Drive has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place.
Mumbai High court is an attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.
Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately decorated story,the tower. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes. In the evening walk around Colaba local market. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Mumbai- Udaipur

Morning as per the flight schedule, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Udaipur. Reach and check into the hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely 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. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar,a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Uaipur

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. Now 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 those 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 of Bagore-ki-haveli, the house of Bagore. After independence the structure lay in neglect until 1986 when it housed the West Zone Cultural centre.
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 05: Udaipur -Ranakpur- Jodhpur

Drive to Jodhpur enroute visit Ranakpur temple. Ranakpur Temple, dates back to the 15th century. It has 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures. Reach and check in at hotel.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama – the epic hero of the Ramayana.
Evening visit museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family – weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6; Jodhpur- Jaipur

Morning visit Mehrangarh Fort. Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort’s ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada is the 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur.
Drive to the city of Jaipur through rustic villages. Reach and check in at hotel.

Jaipur is a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya ,warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7: Jaipur

Morning after breakfast, Proceed to Amber Fort. 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. Elephant rides or a hired jeep can take one up to the towering heights of Amber fort.

City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthan 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 consist of outsized astronomical instruments which is still in use.
Hawa Mahal is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine work and elaborate balconies.Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. Your visit will coincide with the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.
Visit Choki Dhani. 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 8: Jaipur- Ranthambore

Drive to Ranthambore and check in at your Hotel.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan. The Ranthambore National Park has had more Tiger sightings than any other National Park in the country. It is known as The land of the Tiger, where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9 : Ranthambore

Experience the early morning safari and late afternoon safari into the National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning.
Spend time at the hotel or visit the town. One can also visit to the temple at the fort. Overnight at Hotel

Day 10: Ranthambore-Fathehpur Sikri-Agra

Drive to Agra enroute visit Fathehpur 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. Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.

Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and the irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. Modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: 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. 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 is 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 tombs and was 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. Proceed for a Heritage Walk to the other side of River Yamuna .

Enjoy the extended hospitality of the local villagers sipping a cup of Masala Chai on the Tea Terrace with standard, comfortable, clean, affordable, and safe facilities. The village walk through India’s Mughal History and amiable people is an unforgettable experience. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12: Agra-Jhansi, Jhansi-Orcha-Panna

Transfer to the railway station to board train for Jhansi. Reach Jhansi and drive to Panna visiting Orchha enroute.

Orchha is a medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa.

Enjoy sightseeing of Orchha, within the Fort Complex. Continue drive to Panna. Reach Panna and check into the hotel.

Panna National Park is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, at a short distance from Khajuraho and is one of the most famous Tiger Reserves in the country. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. Due to close proximity to Khajuraho, the park is recognized as an exciting stop-over destination. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13: Panna

Enjoy early morning game drive. Come back to the hotel . Morning an excursion to Khajuraho. Visit Famous Westen and Eastern Temples of Khajuraho. Return back to Panna and evening at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14: Panna-Khajuraho by road,Khajuraho-Varanasi

Proceed for the morning safari. After breakfast enjoy the serene environment of the hotel ,later drive to Khajuraho airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Reach Varanasi and check into the hotel.

Situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year.
In the evening, witness Aarti at the ghats of Varanasi. The chants of religious hymns by priests, the sound of conch shells, bells, gongs, the smell of camphor and incense sticks will mesmerize as one sit by the dark waters of the ancient rivers. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Varanasi

Drive to Daswamedh Ghat early in the morning and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. To appreciate this remarkable city, transfer to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of Ganga. As the shops opens, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are come and go. Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Visit Benaras Hindu University campus which is spread over 4000 acres, it is considered to be among the biggest residential universities in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride through the main market thoroughfare of the city to reach Chowk.
Proceed to Sarnath after lunch. This is the famed deer park where the Buddha delivered his first sermon to all of five disciples, making it one of the holiest places in Asia, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Sarnath has a terrific museum that houses antiquities dating back to the 3rd century BC, notable among them colossal standing Bodhisatvas of red sandstone and the magnificent Asokan pillar that is India’s state symbol. Visit textile village covering the artisan, his set up and his house and daily activity. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Varanasi- Delhi

Morning in leisure…enjoy last minute photography. Later transfer to the airport to take flight for Delhi. Reach and check into the hotel.

DELHI is a city built in layers. Over millennia, with the city as epicenter, great empires have risen and fallen, one built atop the remains of another. Consequently, countless ruins and monuments dot the city, each with a story to tell. Alongside, New Delhi’s wide multi-lane motorways, bustling with shopping malls, fast cars and steel and glass office complexes, belong to the 21st century. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17: Delhi

Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city. The tour will begin with a drive to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles and in the walled city.
The tour will include Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India and Humayum Tomb, cultural significance as it was the first garden- tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the constructions of Taj Mahal. Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. Drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Afternoon visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna which was built during the years 1638-48 when the Mughul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques which is viewed from outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi. Overnight at Delhi.

Day 18 : Delhi-Departure

Morning according to the international flight schedule , transfer to the airport to board the flight back home.