DETAILED ITINERARY

 

 

Day 1 - Departure

Depart from your home country.

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Day 2 - Delhi

Arrival at the International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to hotel. Later, we do an amusing rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes of the medieval styled shopping haven of Chandni Chowk. The ride is a very interesting one. We also visit the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). The mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people at once. On our way back to New Delhi, we drive by India Gate, Parliament House and President's Estate. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 3 - Delhi / Jaipur

We drive 295 km / 5 hrs to the Pink City of Jaipur, which is called so because of the pink paint applied to the walls of the Old City. Afternoon is free for relaxation. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 4 - Jaipur

Today, we do the sightseeing of the Pink City, which is covered with fascinating architecture and history.  In the morning, we do an excursion to the breathtaking Amber Fort on Jeep. Former capital of the Jaipur state, the Fort is an ethereal example of Rajput architecture. the magnificent fort was built in the 16th century and shows a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Later, we visit other wonders of Jaipur such as the honeycombed Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), the Royal Observatory - Jantar Mantar and the beautiful City Palace.  Overnight in hotel.

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Day 5 - Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra

Today, we leave behind the colourful state of Jaipur and drive 240 km / 6 hrs to the land of Taj Mahal - Agra. En route, we stop to marvel at the majestic Fatehpur Sikri - the once capital of Mughal Empire. Later, we drive 40 km / 1 hr to Agra. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 6 - Agra

Today we visit the Taj Mahal, which was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This majestic white structure still continues to awestruck many. Later, we also do the sightseeing of Agra Fort - a majestic sandstone structure. The Fort was earlier the residence of the Mughal dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 7 - Agra / Jhansi / Khajuraho

After breakfast, transfer to railway station to board the train to Jhansi.  After arrival at Jhansi railway station, drive 180 kms / 5 hrs to  Khajuraho.  Khajuraho temples are one of the biggest attractions in the Indian tourist map, built by Chandela Rajputs between 950 to 1050 century.  Chandelas ruled for 500 years before falling to onslaught of Mughals but left behind the magnificently carved temples which are also knows as India’s erotica.  Upon arrival in Khajuraho, we do sightseeing of Eastern and Western block of temples. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 8 - Khajuraho / Varanasi

We take a flight to Varanasi, which is the popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. Varanasi is situated on the banks of River Ganga and is considered as the Abode of Lord Shiva. Varanasi is one of the sacred cities of the Hindus and is amongs the oldest, continuously inhabited cities of the world. In the evening, we witness Ganga Arti. Hundreds of oil lamps lit up by the devotees give a divine look to the river at the time of dusk.  Overnight in hotel.

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Day 9 - Varanasi

Early morning, we transfer to the Ghats and enjoy the sunrise boat excursion on the Holy River Ganga to see the bathing Ghats and cremation sites.  We follow the river in reverse direction by walking from Assi Ghat (the last Ghat on one end)  till Raj Ghat (last Ghat on the other end). This walk takes about 1 hour and is very interesting.  The walk throws a curious insight of various rituals being performed on different Ghats. We then come back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we make an excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya.  In the afternoon, we make a city tour. Overnight in hotel.

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Note: Photography of cremation is not permitted anywhere in India.

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Day 10 - Varanasi / Mumbai

We take a flight from Varanasi to the home of Bollywood - Mumbai.  Known as the dream city, Mumbai is known for it's stars and glamour, along with some of the historic sites.  Upon arrival, we visit the Gateway of India, from where the last British troop left.  After that, we make an excursion to Elephanta Caves.  Overnight in hotel.

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Day 11 - Mumbai / Aurangabad

Today, we take a flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad.  Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.  Rest of the time free.  Overnight in hotel.

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Day 12 - Aurangabad / Ellora / Aurangabad

After breakfast, we drive 30 kms / 1 hr to Ellora, which is an archaeological site built by the Rashtrakuta rulers. Well known for its monumental caves, Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture.  Ellora caves are one of the best specimens of rock-cut architecture in India. The caves represent one of the largest rock-hew monastic-temple complexes in the world.  The caves are believed to be built between circa 6th – 7th century AD to 11th – 12th century AD. Ellora caves are open from sunrise to sunset all days of the week, except Tuesday. Ellora caves, in combination with Ajanta caves, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After sightseeing, drive back to Aurangabad. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 13 - Aurangabad / Ajanta / Aurangabad

After breakfast, drive 100 kms / 2 hrs to Ajanta, which is located just outside the village of Ajanta.  Ajanta Caves are one of the most popular Buddhist monuments in India. The caves are rock-cut monuments dating back to 2nd century B.C.  Ajanta caves are famous for their sculptures and painting, which are considered to be masterpieces of “Buddhist religious art” and “universal pictorial art”.  Owing to its fine murals, it is now considered to be one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.  Ajanta caves are excavated in a horse shoe shaped rock  surface. The paintings are executed on a ground of mud-plaster in the tempera technique. After sightseeing, we drive back to Aurangabad. Overnight in hotel.

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Day 14 - Aurangabad / Mumbai / Departure

We take a flight back to Mumbai, from where we bid goodbye to the mystical and magical land of India.

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