Bringing the world to India….

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Day 01 Delhi: Arrival at Delhi
 
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

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 - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02 Delhi:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
       
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna 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 which is viewed from the 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.

After visiting Old Delhi, 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 life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. 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. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.

Relax at the hotel in the evening.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03 Delhi – Varanasi:
By flight
Flight Number               : 9W 723 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft                          : Boeing 737
Departure                     : 1040 Hrs
Arrival                            : 1150 Hrs 

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also called CITY OF TEMPLES.

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. 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 then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

In the evening you can visit the GHATS for the evening ceremony and the cremations.  Overnight stay will be at Varanasi.

Day 04 Varanasi:

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. Then 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. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi.

Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit 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. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Overnight stay will be at hotel.

Day 05 Varanasi – Khajuraho:
By flight
Flight                    : 9W 723 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft                : Boeing 737
Departure           : 1220 hr
Arrival                  : 1300 hr

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Take an afternoon flight to Khajuraho.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

Reach and after lunch visit the EASTERN SET OF TEMPLES in the afternoon.

In the evening enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the temple complex.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 06 Khajuraho – Jhansi: By Road 175 km in 4 hr
Jhansi – Agra: By deluxe train at 1800 hr reaching at 2000 hr

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the Western set of temples.

Start for Orchha by surface.

It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century – which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex.

Take the deluxe train for Agra and reach by evening.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. 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 Mughlai cuisine.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 07 Agra:

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.

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.   

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. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 08 Agra – Jaipur: By road 221 km in 5 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.

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.
Continue drive to Jaipur.
Reach and check in at hotel by afternoon.

Jaipur is the capital of the state 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. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour 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.

This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about 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. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.

Overnight will be in Jaipur.

Day 09 Jaipur:

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. 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. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Continue sightseeing.

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.

This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

 Day 10 Jaipur – Jodhpur: By Road 280 km in 6 hr

Drive to Jodhpur after breakfast.

Reach later in the afternoon and in the evening relax at 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.

Enjoy the visit to the old city in the evening with a dinner in one of the heritage roof top restaurants experiencing the blue city.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 11 Jodhpur:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Morning 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.

In the afternoon go for a drive visiting the BISHNOI VILLAGES and / or explore the blue city.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 12 Jodhpur – Udaipur: By Road 250 km in 6 hr

Drive to Udaipur.

On your way you will stop at the beautiful temples of RANAKPUR for sightseeing.

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 nice village restaurant or at the FATEH BAGH PALACE and 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.

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.

Overnight stay will be at Udaipur.

 Day 13 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 and spend some time. (Currently water level is very low and is subject to increase water level)

Enjoy the visit to the CENOTAPHS of the royal rulers and in the evening proceed for a dinner with dances show.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 14 Udaipur – Mumbai:
By Flight
Number               : 9W 709 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft                : Boeing 737
Departure           : 0820 hr
Arrival                  : 0935 hr
Mumbai – Goa: By Flight
Number               : 9W 475 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft                : Boeing 737
Departure           : 1200 hr
Arrival                  : 1300 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed to the airport for flight to Mumbai. Reach and take flight to Goa.

Reach and check into the hotel.

Goa,variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world. Nestled on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharasthra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar Districts of Karnataka, and on the west by Arabian Sea.

Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on 19th of December 1961 and became a Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On 30th of May 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

Overnight will be in Goa.

Day 15 – 18 Goa:

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Enjoy the beaches of Goa.

Overnight will be at the resort.

Day 19 Goa – Delhi:
By Flight
Number               : S2 118 (Sahara Airlines)
Aircraft                : Boeing 737
Departure           : 1545 hr
Arrival                  : 1810 hr

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Take flight to Delhi later in the afternoon.

Reach and check in at the hotel by evening.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 20 Delhi – Home:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy shopping during the day or relax at the hotel.

Later in the evening take flight home with sweet memories of India.

 THE TOUR INCLUDES:

• ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
• DAILY BREAKFASTS,
• SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
• ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS IN AC CAR,
• ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
• SARNATH EXCURSION AT VARANASI,
• SUNRISE & SUNSET GANGES CRUISE IN VARANASI,
• EVENING AARTI IN GANGES GHATS AT VARANASI,
• SOUND & LIGHT SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,
• LUNCH AT ORCHHA,
• FIRST CLASS RAIL TRAVEL FOR MENTIONED SECTOR,
• RANAKPUR & FATEHPUR SIKRI EXCURSION,
• ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
• ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
• PRIVATE TRANSFERS AND ONE SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN GOA,
• BOAT RIDE IN LAKE PICHOLA AT UDAIPUR,
• ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT – JAIPUR AND
• ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES.

 
HOTELS:

Destination	Heritage & Deluxe Hotels	Nights
Delhi	THE NIKKO	02
Varanasi	TAJ GANGES	02
Khajuraho	TAJ CHANDELA	01
Agra	TAJ VIEW	02
Jaipur	JAI MAHAL PALACE	02
Jodhpur	AJIT BHAWAN PALACE	02
Udaipur	HILTON TRIDENT	02
Goa	RAMADA	05
Delhi	SHANGRI LA	01