Day 01: Arrival Delhi
A company representative from
TNS will meet you on arrival at the International airport and transfer to your hotel, where you will stay overnight. You can relax and refresh yourself to overcome jetlag and be refreshed for the next day.
DELHI, the capital of several kingdoms and empires that took hold of the political nerve of India since the 12th century, 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 - that is India.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, you will proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city starting with Old Delhi.
The tour begins with a visit to Raj Ghat - a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and takes you to the magnificent Red Fort that overlooks River Jamuna and was built during the years 1638-48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and the biggest one in India. Emperor Shah Jahan built it in his favorite white marble. The courtyard of Jama Masjid can hold up to 25,000 devotees at once and the relics it houses include a Quran written on deerskin. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of one of the most crowded and largest bazaars in Asia nearby means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride and have famous delicacies for lunch at the Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.
In the second half of the day, you will be driven 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. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the lifestyles of people. The walled city is all-out traditional where one will be able to glean lifestyle of the past in all its facets, colours and smells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan or the President's residence.
You will spend the night at your hotel in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa
Proceed for
Mandawa.
The medieval
Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. It was built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh. The Castle, now a 51 room hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. It is a two hundred and forty year old fortress, which has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at
Mandawa.
Day 04: Mandawa - Bikaner ( 140kms/ 3hours)
Breakfast will be at Hotel. Drive to
Bikaner.
Check in at hotel.
BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a
timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the
city is dotted with many sand dunes.
Bikaner
retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned
for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert
is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts,
transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime
helpers. The wells of
Bikaner
- an important source of water are other attractions of the
city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted
towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even
from a distance.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at
Bikaner.
Day 05: Bikaner - jaisalmer
Proceed for sightseeing tour of
Bikaner
after breakfast.
Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Jodhaji - the founder of Jodhpur,
founded this desert town in the North of the state in 1488.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593
by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's
army. The city is also called the "Camel Country". Visit the
camel-breeding farm - the only one in Asia.
Visit
the KARNI MATA TEMPLE. Proceed for
Jaisalmer
after breakfast.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage
is the city of
Jaisalmer.
A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with
its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according
to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold
Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build
his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled
in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan
and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded
a new capital -
Jaisalmer,
perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be at
Jaisalmer.
Day 06: Jaisalmer
After
a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour
of The Golden City -
Jaisalmer.
It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple,
fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is
a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate
balconies.
Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The
oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of
the tour) See the
Patwon-Ki-Havelies,
Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli
and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.
In the afternoon, proceed to the
SAM SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.
Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Proceed to
Jodhpur.
Reach and check in to the 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.
The massive 15th century AD
Mehrangarh
Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts.
Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10
km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of
Jodhpur
- gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar,
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 you would see different
miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would
visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Overnight will be at
Jodhpur.
Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
Start for
Udaipur
after breakfast. En-route visit to
Ranakpur.
Visit the RANAKPUR
TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200
pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The
Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes
visits to two more
Ranakur Jain
temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic
sculptures.
Reach and check in at 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.
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.
Udaipur is
the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty
for 1200 Years.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of
Udaipur,
stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms
with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows
and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to 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 will be at
Udaipur.
Day 10: Udaipur -Chittorgarh - pushkar
Breakfast will be at hotel. En-route visit
CHITTORGARH.
The
Chittaur
Fort is the best known fort in Rajasthan. Its
origins are traced to the Pandavas of Mahabharata. It is said
that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, built the fort. Standing
on 180 meters high hill, the fort covers an area of 700 Acres.
Inside it is the Meera and Khumba Shyam Temple. It is associated
with Meera, a mystic poetess devoted to Lord Krishna whose
life and bhajans have become part of the folklore and literary
traditions of the region and several parts of India.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan,
discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator
of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed
the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus
the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with
cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous
Pushkar
Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to
buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated
mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims
from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial
with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of
timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience
of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again
and again. The
Pushkar
fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world
and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in
mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats,
which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake.
Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing
and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different
eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of
Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported
the world over.
Pushkar
has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock,
hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in
the area and a number of fairs and festivals - especially
on the new and full moon days.
Overnight Will Be At Hotel.
Day 11: Pushkar - jaipur
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City -
Jaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Jaipur - The origins 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
so 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.
Day 12: Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed
for excursion to
Amber
Fort in the outskirts of
Jaipur.
Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber
Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani
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.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
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 - This 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 - The ornamental facade of this "Palace
of Winds" 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 a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory and see the gem cutting and polishing process.
Overnight will be at
Jaipur.
Day 13: Jaipur - Fathepursikri - agra
After Breakfast drive to Agra en-route visit Drive to Fatehpur Sikri.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition. It's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the
Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world
Overnight will be at Hotel.
Day 14: Agra
After Breakfast start for sightseeing.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. 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.
Proceed for sightseeing to the
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit
Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15: Agra - Jhansi - orcha - Khajuraho
Bhopal Shatabdi Express
DEP. 0817 AM / ARR. 1048 AM
Morning transfer to railway station to board at Bhopal Shatabdi Express for Jhansi. Upon arrival at Jhansi drive to Khajuraho enroute visit Orcha.
ORCHHA - A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex.
Lunch will be at Orchha and then proceed to
KHAJURAHO. Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax.
Visit the Western set of Temples and enjoy Sound and Light Show.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 16: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Start sightseeing of the TEMPLES.
The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven. They were built during the mighty Chandela dynasty, the majority were constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the eighty-five original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition including the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai Temples, each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture.
Afternoon fly to Varanasi.
9W 724 DEP. 1330 HRS./ ARR. 1410HRS
Upon arrival transfer to hotel enroute
visit SARNATH.
Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Evening -
Prayer ceremony at the banks of River Ganges in Varanasi.
Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 17: Varanasi
In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a
boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide 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 shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.
Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.
Proceed for a guided tour of Varanasi in the afternoon including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Benaras Hindu University and other important monuments.
Evening free to explore the various banks of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 18: Varanasi - Mumbai
FLIGHT NUMBER - IC 405
DEP. 1540 HRS
ARR. 1955 HRS
MUMBAI:
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. 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 KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.
Enjoy a local beach in the evening. Overnight will be at Mumbai.
Day 19: Mumbai
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visiting Mumbai Fort, Marine Drive in Mumbai, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus / Western Railway Station, Hanging Gardens in Mumbai.
Transfer to hotel and relax, Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 20: Mumbai - Departure
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to start the tour of
ELEPHANTA CAVES. For this you would need to take the ferry service to the caves island.
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.
The Elephanta caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings belonging to the period between 9th - 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. Legends and history suggest that the great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that these caves were built by the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja in 6th century AD.
In time transfer to international airport.
Tour Ends
Tour Includes
a) ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY,
b) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
c) AIR-CONDITIONED CAR AT DISPOSAL FROM AIRPORT TO AIRPORT,
d) DRIVER FOR THE FULL TOUR,
e) MEET AND ASSIST AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE,
f) DAILY BUFFET BREAKFASTS,
g) DANCES OF INDIA SHOW IN DELHI,
h) EVENING PRAYER CEREMONY AT THE BANKS OF RIVER GANGES,
i) SUNRISE BOAT RIDE IN VARANASI,
j) SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW AT WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES IN KHAJURAHO,
k) DANCES SHOW IN KHAJURAHO,
l) HORSE CART RIDE TO TAJ MAHAL AT AGRA,
m) ELEPHANT BACK RIDE TO AMBER FORT IN JAIPUR,
n) BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA, UDAIPUR,
o) VILLAGE VISIT IN JODHPUR,
p) CAMEL RIDE IN THE DESERT AT JAISALMER,
q) MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
r) ECEONOMY CLASS AIRFARE FOR VARANASI TO DELHI AND KHAJURAHO TO VARANASI, VARANASI - MUMBAI
s) ALL PARKING, GOVT TAXES, STATE TAXES, ETC
t) TOLL TAXES, DRIVER ALLOWANCE, FUEL AND
u) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
