Duration: 18 Nights - 19 Days Places to Visit:Mumbai - Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Pushkar -
Udaipur - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Mumbai - Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Cochin - Mumbai
01 Day: Arrive Mumbai:
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcomes and escorts you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel.02 Day: Mumbai
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling, which is made, have crossbeams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Taraporewala Aquarium, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, and Hanging Garden. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.Note:
Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.03 Day: Mumbai - Delhi (By Air)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After rest and relaxation, evening is free for shopping in the colourful markets of Delhi. Overnight at the hotel.04 Day: Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, Later take a sight seeing tour of New Delhi includes Rashtrapati Bhawan, 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 India's leading industrial families; Humayun's Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai's Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit see light and sound show at Red fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.05 Day: Delhi - Agra (200 kms: 4 hrs)
Early morning check out the hotel and drive to Agra en route visit the Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Then proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to hotel. After relaxation visit to witness one of most beautiful among the seven wonders of the world: Taj Mahal with its' speculative view. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit Agra Fort, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., built with barricaded wall of red sand stone; it houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Meena Bazar, Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj where from Taj Mahal is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. So very ironically, Emperor Sahahjahan, prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from his cell in the fort. one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. Overnight at the hotel.Note:
Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday06 Day: Agra - Ranthambhore (280 kms: 6 hrs)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, en rout stop over at Fathepur Sikri, the Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty -Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honor of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the emperor's throne. The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here, the marble Tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. Akbar built in 1492, The Tomb is combination of Muslims and Hindu Architectural styles. Later proceed to Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore, the hunting place of Royal Family of Jaipur and one of Finest Tiger Reserve of India. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.07 Day: Ranthambhore
Today morning, after breakfast day free for jungle activities in the Ranthambhore, drive for a jungle safari to take another opportunity to see the tiger and other wild habitat. Later visit to Ganesh Temple and Ranthambhore fort. Then return to the hotel for rest and relaxation. In the evening you can again take the jungle ride at the tiger reserve. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.08 Day: Ranthambhore - Jaipur (180 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After a relaxation in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator white marble temple, glitters in the in the night, at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Overnight at the hotel.09 Day: Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. In the evening take a cycle rickshaw ride to explore the colourful market of Jaipur city. Overnight at the hotel.10 Day: Jaipur - Pushkar (131 kms: 2 - 3 hrs)
After breakfast, checkout and drive to Pushkar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Pushkar, known for worlds biggest cattle fair every year. 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. After relaxation take sightseeing tour of the city visiting temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. On the banks of the lake you will see devotees taking dip into the holy waters of Pushkar & offering prayers. Also visit the Pushkar Fair site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Explore the colourful market of Pushkar. Optionally you can visit to Shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, at Ajmer, (11 kms from Pushkar). Overnight at the hotel.11 Day: Pushkar - Udaipur (260 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)
After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Udaipur, enroute visit Deogarh Mahal a fortified palace in the heart of Deogarh village. A castle of Medieval Rajasthan, converted into to a heritage hotel, you may opt for lunch here. Later continue to drive to Udaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, in the evening free to relax, optionally you can take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Washing Ghats at the lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola and also opt for dinner at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the Lake. Overnight at the hotel.12 Day: Udaipur
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over looking at the Lake Pichola, the additions were made to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved become the larges place in Rajasthan, Main attraction of Place are Durbar Hall, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets ,masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening from 1800 to 1900 in an adjacent open air theatre. & Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Followed by visit to Eklingji & Nagda Temples - built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur. Overnight at the hotel.13 Day: Udaipur - Mumbai (By Air) - Aurangabad (By Air)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai. On arrival transfer to board the connecting flight for Aurangabad. Assistance on arrival at the airport and drive to the hotel. Evening g is free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.14 Day: Aurangabad - Ajanta - Aurangabad (Excursion 105 kms: 2 hrs)
After breakfast take an excursion to famous Ajanta caves. Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. Recognized as the World Heritage Site today, it was discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depicts the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD. Ajanta's wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below -deep inside the mountain are the Buddhist chaitya - vihara prayer and monastery caves. They cover a span of 800 years where under the royal patronage of ruling dynasties, professional artists helped Buddhist monks to create magnificent murals narrating the story of Buddha in his cycle of incarnations, while simultaneously creating a painted record of the panorama of life in ancient India. Etched and painted in mineral dyes, the paintings have a languorous stylized beauty and magical eloquence. After visit drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
15 Day: Aurangabad - Ellora - Aurangabad (Excursion 30 kms: ½ hr)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Ellora, one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. After visit, return to Aurangabad. Later visit to Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani, the Queen of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument rises majestically in an intentional bid to copy and rival the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra and Panchakki - An engineering feat of the time is the Panchakki, or the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims. Rest of the evening is free to enjoy city atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
