Destinations: Delhi-Varanasi-Khajuraho-Jhansi-Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Mumbai

ITINERARY

Day 01: Delhi

Will be received on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to hotel. Relax and prepare for the exciting activities ahead.
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 and a window to the kaleidoscope. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi

Today explore the city of Delhi. 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 the division in the walled city. Visit Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India and Humayum Tomb, built in 1570, is of particular 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. The 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. Later 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, Jama Masjid one of Asia’s largest mosques and 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 Hotel.

Day 03: Delhi-Varanasi

Morning after breakfast, proceed to airport to board the flight for Varanasi.
Varanasi is 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. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience.
Visit Sarnath for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. In the evening visit the Ghats for the evening ceremony. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Varanasi

Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religion. 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.
Walk through the cobblestone street along the banks of river Ganga. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Morning proceed for day tour of Varanasi. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. The 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. The Banaras Hindu University considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05:Varanasi-Khajuraho

Morning after a leisure breakfast, transfer to airport to board flight for Khajuraho.
Situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho and check in at the hotel. After lunch visit the Eastern Set of Temples.
In the evening enjoy the Sound & Light Show at the temple complex. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Khajuraho-Jhansi

Jhansi – Agra: By deluxe train

Morning after breakfast. Visit the Western set of temples. Drive to Orchha. It is a medieval city founded by the Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century. The town is known for its Chattris which were built in the memory of the kings. The place is flanked by the river Betwa
Enjoy lunch at Orchha. Proceed for sightseeing of Orcha within the Fort Complex.
Reach Jhansi and take a deluxe train to reach Agra by evening. 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 of the Mughals. It is not surprising, that 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 Mughals cuisine. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: Agra

Proceed for a sunrise view of the Taj Mahal. The epitome of love and romance, Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a dedication to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Return back to the hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon visit 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. Itmud-Ud-Duala also known as BABY TAJ, is the very first tomb in India that is entirely made out of Marble overlooking the River Yamuna, a tomb of Mir Ghiyas Beg, a minister in the court of Shah Jahan.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08 : Agra-Jaipur

Morning drive to Jaipur. Enroute 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 drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan 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. 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.
Evening, visit Birla Temple to know 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. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9 : 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 prominent landmark in Jaipur. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Evening 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 10: Jaipur-Jodhpur

Morning drive to Jodhpur, enroute visit Pushkar. Reach Jodhpur and check-in to the hotel.
With India’s only temple dedicated to Brahma, the tiny lakeside town of Pushkar is a major destination for pilgrims and sadhus. Mingle with holy men in this spiritual city and take a tour of the many temples of the city. Drive to Jodhpur. Overnight 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.

Day 11: Jodhpur

Morning drive to the Bishnoi Village and be a part of the local life. Experience the free natural habitat of many wild animals.
Afternoon visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace see different miniature paintings & cradle room.
Jaswant Thada Memorial is the Cenotaphs of the royal rulers and Evening enjoy a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur around the clock tower market. Overnight at hotel .

Day 12: Jodhpur -Osian-Jaisalmer

Morning drive to Jaisalmer enroute visit Osian. Osian is famous for its rich cultural heritage and the 16 temples that adorn this stunning deserts cape. These 16 temples may be categorized as Brahamin and Jain Temples. The walls of these temples are covered with a profusion of life like sculptures and traditionally carved motifs. Lunch at Osian village camp . Drive to Jaisalmer. Arrive and check in at hotel.
Evening visit Vyas chatris in Jaisalmer.Vyas Chhatri is also referred as Sunset Point as it gives a wonderful view of picturesque Jaisalmer at Sundown. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13: Jaisalmer

Morning visit to Fort Perched on the 250 feet high hilltop, Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittor and provides an ecstatic overview of the desert land all around. Walk through the beautifully designed havelis of the past the Patwon ki haveli, the Salim Singh ki Haveli, the Nathmalji ki Haveli. Enjoy at leisure explore the markets hidden among the twisting alleys. In the evening proceed to Sam Sand Dunes via Kuldhara village and take a camel ride out into the dunes and watch the sun set .Drive back to jaisalmer. Overnight at hotel.
Khuldra was once upon a time inhabited mainly by Paliwal Brahmins. It was a resting place for traders and the camel caravan people. The Paliwals were basically descendents of the priestly sect of the Pali tribe who gave up their spiritual calling and took to commercial and agricultural pursuits. Khuldra today resembles a ghost town. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14: Jaisalmer-Jodhpur

Morning Excursion to Bada Bagh and Luderva
Bada Bagh has three different things to visit, a garden, a tank and a dam. In the vicinity itself you will find Govardhan Stambh (pillar). This pillar was constructed to commemorate the construction of the Dam and the tank.
Cenotaph known as chattris, were constructed by the various Bhatti rulers. One cenotaph has been erected for each ruler.
Lodurva is the ancient capital of Bhattis Rajputs and was once a flourishing city but lost most of the splendor when the Bhattis shifted their capital to Jaisalmer.
Afternoon drive to Jodhpur. Check in at the hotel. Evening at Leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15:Jodhpur -Udaipur

Drive to Udaipur, enroute visit the Historical Ranakpur temples.
The Ranakpur Temples, dating back to the 15th century have 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.
Enjoy a hot lunch in a village restaurant, continue drive to Udaipur. Reach Udaipur and check in to 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 16: Udaipur

Morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur,
Visit City Palace known for mirrored walls , ivory doors, colored glasses windows , marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. The richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan.
Maharana Sangram Singh build Sahelion- ki- Bari garden complex with fountains and lakes for his beautiful daughter.
In the evening take a lake cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichhola by sunset and visit the island palace Jagmandir where according to legends the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan lived and got inspired to build the Taj Mahal later. Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Udaipur-Mumbai

Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Reach and transfer to the Hotel.
Proceed for a city tour of Mumbai. Visit Mumbai Fort 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 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.The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes. In the evening enjoy the beach close to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel

Day 18 : Mumbai- Aurangabad

Morning transfer to Airport to board the flight for Aurangabad. On arrival transfer to the hotel.
Aurangabad district has always been a prominent region on the Deccan plateau. Having been inhabited since the Stone Age, it has a long artistic and cultural history to which several dynasties have made major contributions over the years. Maurya rule marked the arrival of Buddhism in Maharashtra. To scholars and lovers of art and culture the city is more familiar as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora, both famous as treasure houses of Indian Art and Sculpture.
Proceed for a full day sightseeing with excursion to Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves and Aurangabad Caves.
Ellora Caves are the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, Mahayana Buddhist caves , Hindu caves and caves of the Jain faith, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. Kailas Temple, the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Chiseled by hand from a single massive rock, it includes a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, vestibule, sanctum, sanctorum and tower which bear testimony to the excellence of Dravidian art.
Ajanta caves are nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100 km from Aurangabad. The 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta are in the shape of a mammoth horse-shoe. The Caves date from the 2nd century BC. carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta, once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders features several ‘chaityas’ (chapels) and ‘viharas’ (monasteries). The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures of Buddha’s life are famous throughout the world as the earliest and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art.
Daulatabad Fort,was once known as ‘Devgiri’. This magnificent 12th century fortress stands on a hill just 13 km. from Aurangabad. It was given the name Daulatabad, the ‘city of fortune’, by Muhammad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. One of the world’s best preserved fort of medieval times, surviving virtually unaltered. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 19 : Aurangabad-Mumbai

Morning after breakfast, Proceed for a visit to Aurangabad Caves. They are almost forgotten caves of Aurangabad which lie just outside the city. Excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD, they reflect Tantric influences in their iconography and architectural designs. In all there are nine caves which are mainly viharas (monasteries).
Proceed to the airport for flight to Mumbai. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 20: Mumbai

After a leisure breakfast, explore the beautiful market and enjoy shopping picking up souvenirs as a remembrance of the visit to Mumbai city or relax at the hotel taking an Ayurvedic massage. Transfer to airport to board the flight for onward journey .