Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Assistance on arrival at Delhi International airport, on arrival
you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel,
relax and overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning take a sight seeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi:
The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort,
the historical Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid and if time permits you
can visit Raj Ghat the Memoir of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon visit
New Delhi visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the one-time imperial residence
of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour
of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi
Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of Indias leading
industrial families; Qutab Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of
the Slave Dynasty; and the lotus-shaped Bahai Temple. Evening free
to relax, overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Varanasi (By air at 0900 / 1100 hrs)
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi, assistance
on arrival, transfer to hotel. Relax for some time & take an
excursion tour to Sarnath 10 kms visit the deer park and
Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha perched his First Sermon. Drive back
to Varanasi, later in the day visit Golden Temple dedicated to lord
Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly
the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large
number of monkeys found in the Temple premises. Evening take a boat
ride on the River Ganges and see the various Ghats with people ritually
cleansing their sins. While on the boat you will also see the cremation
ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 04: Varanasi - Khajuraho (By air at 1220 hrs / 1310 hrs)
Early morning one can take boat ride again on the Ganges, later
transfer to airport to connect flight for Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho
meet & transfer to hotel. The ancient capital of the
Chandela Kings, Khajuraho is known for its magnificent carved temples
dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras.
These temples were built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. These temples
represent some of the most exquisite specimens of medieval India,
now declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Relax and overnight
at the hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 05: Khajuraho - Orchha (150 kms - 3 hours)
This morning, visit famous temples of the western group, built by
Chandela kings about 1000 years back. The 89 temples represent are
dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The main shrines are ornately
carved with massive pillars and arches. The ceilings and walls are
adorned with exquisite carvings depicting on the interests in human
life, feasts, hunting's, music, dances, love.!. Afternoon, visit
eastern group temples dedicated to Jainism with beautiful sculptures.
Later take a walk into the village of the craftsmen. Late afternoon
depart for Orchha on arrival check in to hotel, relax & overnight
at the hotel
Day 06: Orchha - Gwalior (150 kms 3 hours)
After breakfast take a sightseeing of Orchha, visiting the temples
and the Fort Orchha was an ancient capital of a powerful
Rajput kingdom between 1531 & 1783, situated on a large rocky
island in the Betwa river. Later checkout & drive to Gwalior
enroute visiting Datia to see the 7 storey Palace, an impressive
building with some rooms still containing. Arrive Gwalior and check
in at the hotel. Later in the evening watch Son-et-Lumiere
at the Gwalior Fort optionally. Evening free to relax, overnight
in Gwalior.
Day 07: Gwalior Agra (110 kms - 3 hours)
Morning sightseeing tour of Gwalior, visit the majestic Gwalior
fort is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India. Also visit
Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir
is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th Century. Later in the
afternoon checkout & drive to Agra, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Evening free to relax, overnight in Agra.
Day 08: Agra
Morning, proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal
beauty will astonish and mesmerize the visitors. It is also known
as the "Crown of Palaces built by the Emperor Shah Jahan
to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Thereafter
continue to discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built
by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between 1565 and 1573,
whose military power cannot be questioned. It was the residence
of the Mughal Emperors. Each one left there its print, Red sandstone
of Akbar and Jehangir, White marble of Shah Jahan. This fort rises
on the edges of Yamuna River; surrounded by a wall from 20 to 33
meters top and 2500 m perimeter. Evening free to visit Inlay Handicraft
Market of Agra, overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Agra - Fatehpur - Sikhri - Jaipur (230 kms - 5 hours)
Morning leave for Jaipur, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the
extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years later,
but which during its brief span, the city had more significant than
London in both grandeur and population visit Panch Mahal, Bulund
Darwaza & Shrine of Shaikh Salim Chisti. Continue to Jaipur
the capital city of Rajasthan arrive and check in to hotel.
Afternoon is kept free for relaxing. Later in the evening visit
Sisodia Gardens, Temple of Galta which is also known as Valley of
Monkeys, and Birla Temple of White Marble and at the time of dinner
visit Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic resort serving Rajasthani & Continental
cuisine with live music and puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic
village. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 10: Jaipur
Morning visit the Amber Fort built in the time of Mughals.
The area used to be always ready for the war. Amber was residence
of the Maharajas. By seeing the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which
surround the palace, you will be able to imagine the power of the
character. Rise towards the ramparts on the elephants back.
Visit the Palace with its crimped rooms of mirrors and the old harem,
true labyrinth. The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence
of the splendor of the rulers of 16th & 17th century. Possibility
of attending Puja at the Kali temple. Puja is the time of the prayers
according to Hindu rites'. One can enter in the temple only naked
feet and without leather articles on oneself. Thereafter, return
to Jaipur. Afternoon proceed for the tour of Pink City - visiting
the imposing City Palace now a museum - the principal residence
of the former ruling family, Jantar Mantar - the ancient Observatory,
Hawa Mahal - the exotic Palace of the Winds & the picturesque
bazaars of the walled city. Evening free to visit the famous handicrafts
souvenir & jewelry market of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Jaipur - Samode (50 Kms - 1 hour)
Morning drive to Samode arrive and check in to the Palace - once
a noble state, the palace is decorated in the Shekhawati style with
wealth frescoes, many of them depicting religious subjects. The
highlight is vast & grand Durbar hall. Later visit the Palace
& its small village. One can take Camel Cart ride to explore
the village of Samode. Overnight at the Palace.
Day 12: Samode - Kuchaman (145 Kms - 3 hours)
Morning drive to Kuchaman Fort - built atop a 1000 feet high rock
cliff, the imposing fort is a rare masterpiece of royal heritage.
The fort houses splendid palaces, temples and palatial rooms decorated
with exquisite frescoes and murals. Arrive and check in to the Majestic
Kuchaman Fort, which is now converted into a heritage hotel. Arrive
at the The Sabha Prakash or lounge of the Fort, which is stunning
with its walls and ceiling covered with intricate murals, frescoes,
and exquisite paintings. After the check in formalities, proceed
by jeep towards main fort. Afternoon, visit the Fort visiting
the Sunehri Burj, a marvel of Rajasthani architecture with extravagant
works of art executed in gold paint. It overlooks a pool where the
raja and his wives used to bathe and next to this is the small Erotic
Room: its walls adorned with paintings showing positions from the
Kama Sutra. In the evening, stroll down to the colourful bazaar
of Kuchaman city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Kuchaman - Bikaner (140 kms - 3 hours)
Morning, depart for the fortified city of Bikaner - lying at the
northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner
stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a long
embattled wall having five entrance gates. Arrive and check in to
hotel. In the afternoon take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering
Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai
Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two
entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple The 16th century Jain temple,
is the most important of this temple complex, Camel Breeding Farm
a unique experience where you can ride on a camel & have
perhaps the first taste of camels milk. Later in the evening
take an excursion tour to Deshnok Temple situated in semi desert
village at a distance of 30 kms, this place is famous for Karni
Mata Temple where you will see thousands of rats roaming freely
in the temple complex and are held sacred. If one sees white rat
in the temple complex, than it is believed to be very lucky. Enjoy
sunset from here over the small dunes & drive back to Bikaner
for overnight.
Day 14: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (333 kms - 6 hours)
In the morning, depart for Jaisalmer - the yellow city lying in
the heart of the desert, surrounded by sand dunes with a posing
and impregnable sand coloured fort. Today it is an inhabited city
whose chief attraction is lacy filigree of pierced stonework facades
of merchant Havelis and private houses, and a series of ornately
carved Jain temples. Arrive Jaisalmer and check in to hotel. In
the afternoon visit the Gadisar Lake, adorned with an arched gateway
and the royal Cenotaphs at the Bada Bagh and view the setting Sun
over this city which, has a peculiar glow. Rests of the day at leisure
to relax near the swimming pool. Overnight at hotel
Day 15: Jaisalmer
Morning take a sight seeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer
Fort built on the highest point of the Tricuta hill, consisting
of 99 bastions. Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various
temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & PatwonKi-Haveli
some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework
of breath taking intricacy. Rest of the day free to relax, Early
evening drive to Sam Sand Dunes 45 kms enroute visit the
ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Lakes. Arrive
Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel rides on the
dunes till the sunset. Drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight.
Day 16: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 kms - 6 hours)
Morning leave for Jodhpur - the blue city of the desert. Arrive
Jodhpur and check in to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the grand
and imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which was to be practically in expugnable
in times of the wars. Spread over many kilometers, it dominates
the landscape. It shelters exquisite Palace decorated with mural
frescos and stone laces. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins,
furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts are well - preserved.
Also visit Jaswant Thada at the foot hills of Mehrangarh Fort and
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Evening free to relax, overnight at
the hotel.
Day 17: Jodhpur Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur (276
kms 5 hours)
Morning checkout and drive to Udaipur, enroute visit the famous
Ranakpur Jain Temples of 12th Century delicately carved out of white
marble, in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. There
are 1444 pillars in the temples and none of them are similarly carved.
Also visit the temple of Adinath, later visit Kumbhalgarh Fort enroute
to Udaipur. Kumbhalgarh Fort is known for its longest wall of 36
kms surrounding the fort with 360 inbuilt temples in the wall, some
of the temple now leis in the state of ruin. Proceed to Udaipur
- the romantic city of Udaipur also known as "The White City",
on arrival transfer to hotel. Evening free to relax, overnight at
the hotel.
Day 18: Udaipur
Morning visit City Palace located amidst Lake Pichola, comprising
of Crystal Gallery, Durbar Hall and Jagdish Temple. After lunch
visit Sahelion Ki Bari The garden for the maids
of honour of the queen. Evening visit Eklingji & Nagda Temples
built in white marble with a double storied porch on the
bank of Lake bagel 22 kms from Udaipur. Drive back to Udaipur
for overnight.
Day 19: Udaipur - Mumbai (Bombay) - Goa By air at 1040 hrs/
1400 hrs)
Morning transfer to airport at 0800 hrs to board the flight for
Bombay at 0900 hrs. Arrive Bombay and connect the flight for Goa
from the same airport at 1325 hrs. Arrive Goa meet &
transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax near the
beach. Overnight at hotel .
Day 20: Goa
Morning depart for the sightseeing tour of Old Goa - 10 km from
Panjim, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated
to Infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis
Xavier, is one of the most important sights of Goa. The other churches
in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church
of Our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort,
built by the Portuguese, commands the mouth of the Mandovi River
and houses a lighthouse. Afternoon at leisure on the beach. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 21: Goa
Day at leisure for independent activities Overnight at hotel
Day 22: Goa - Mumbai (Bombay) BY air at 1300 / 1400 hrs)
In the afternoon, transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai
Arrive Bombay meet & transfer to hotel. Day free to relax,
overnight at hotel.
Day 23: Mumbai (Bombay) - back home
Morning, proceed to take a cruise in the Arabian Sea to see the
famous Elephanta Caves - Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves
date back to 600 AD, The cave complex is a collection of shrines,
courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the
splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with
exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses represented
in many reincarnations. In the afternoon city tour of Bombay visiting
Gateway of India the imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic
architecture built in 1911, Prince of Whales Museum, Hanging Gardens,
the Aquarium and Marine Drive, also known as "Queens Necklace".
After farewell dinner transfer to International airport to board
the flight back home.
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