DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 - Departure
Depart from your home country.
Day 2 - Mumbai
Arrive at the International Airport in Mumbai, where our representative will receive and transfer you to the hotel. We do sightseeing of some of the historical and architectural spots of this ‘Dream City’, called so because many from all over the country come to Mumbai to fulfill their dreams in Bollywood. We first visit the historical Gateway of India. Built in the 20th century, the Gateway of India overlooks the Arabian Sea. The last British troops to leave India, following the country’s Independence passed through the Gateway on their way out. From the Gateway of India, we take a ferryboat that will take us to the famous Elephanta Caves. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the labyrinth of cave temples represent some of India’s most impressive temple carving. It is believed that the caves were built somewhere between late 5th century to late 8th century AD. The main Shiva dedicated temple shows a three faced Lord Shiva as the destroyer, preserver and creator of the Universe. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 - Mumbai / Bhuj
Morning free for relaxation. In the afternoon, we transfer you to the airport for a flight to the artistic and interesting city of Bhuj. The unsung artisans of the city produce some of the finest handicrafts of India. Here, we find many craftswomen and craftsmen engaged in the work of hand block printing on silk and cotton fabric, embroidery and patchworks. It is also famous for Bandhni (tie - die) works. Free time after the flight for relaxation. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4 - Bhuj
We spend the day in visiting the artisans of different villages around Bhuj, who are famous for their beautiful and elegant patchworks and other craftworks. We visit the Hodka village. A vibrant hamlet, the Hodka village takes pride in its mirror work, embroidery, textiles and a range of local crafts. We also visit the villages of Sumrasar, Dhamanka and Dhorodo, which are all famous for patchworks, embroidery and other crafts. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5 - Bhuj / Wankaner
After breakfast, we drive 215 km / 6 hours to the city of Wankaner. Wankaner was one of the princely states of India. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6 - Wankaner / Dasada
In the morning, we drive 150 km / 3 hours to Dasada, the land of Wild Ass Sanctuary. We visit the sanctuary that houses the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. It also has other species of Blue Bulls (Nilgai), Blackbuck, Antelope, etc. Overnight in hotel.
Day 7 - Dasada / Patan / Modhera / Ahmedabad
In the morning, we do a jungle safari in the little Rann of Kutch to see Wild Ass and other animals. Thereafter, we drive 260 km / 6 hours to Ahmedabad. En route, we visit Patan, a beautiful old town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses. It is also the home of famous Patola Silk Saris. On our way to Ahmedabad, we also visit Modhera whose Sun temple is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8 - Ahmedabad
In the morning, we visit Sabarmati Ashram. The Ashram was Mahatma Gandhi’s headquarters during the long struggle for India’s Independence. The peaceful atmosphere and shaded grounds provides a cooling respite and takes us back in the olden times. We also visit Calico Museum of Textiles. The museum contains one of the world’s finest handmade collections of Antique and Modern Indian textiles, which are up to 500 years old. There are some astoundingly beautiful pieces here, including Kashmiri shawls that took three years to make and also double – ikat cloths, whose threads were individually dyed before weaving. We have the evening at leisure. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 - Ahmedabad / Udaipur
In the morning, we slowly leave behind the vibrant land of Gujarat while driving 250 km / 6 hours to the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. We have the evening free for independent activities. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10 - Udaipur
We do sightseeing of the beautiful city of Udaipur, also known as Venice of the East. We visit the City Palace. Built by the founder of Udaipur, the City Palace is the largest palace of its kind in Rajasthan. Later, we visit Sahelion ki Bari – the Garden of Maids of Honour. It was built by Maharana Sangram Singh for the women attendants who came as a princess’ dowry. We also do sightseeing of the Indo – Aryan Jagdish Temple. The temple enshrines a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath – Lord of the Universe. We take a relaxing boat ride in the waters of Lake Pichhola, which will be our last sightseeing spot for the day. Overnight in hotel.
Day 11 - Udaipur / Deogarh
We have the morning at leisure, for independent activities. In the afternoon, we drive 125 km / 2 hours to the city of Deogarh. Evening free for relaxation. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12 -Deogarh / Jaipur
In the afternoon, we drive for about 5 hours to the vibrant city of Jaipur, which is one of the three cities of the very popular ‘Golden Triangle’. Jaipur is also known as the ‘Pink City’, due to the Pink paint applied in the walls of the buildings in the Old City.
Day 13 - Jaipur
In the morning, we go to the impressive and grandiose Amber Fort on Jeep. This magnificent fort is a superb example of architectural excellence. The fort was built in the 16th century and shows a mesmerizing blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture. We drive back to the city and visit Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), Jantar Mantar (Observatory) and City Palace. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14 - Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
We drive 240 km / 6 hours to Agra, the land of the Taj Mahal. En route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, which is an architectural grandeur. It was the former capital of great Mughal Emperor Akbar, which was built in the 16th century. Later, we drive 40 km further to Agra. Overnight in hotel.
Day 15 - Agra
We visit the mesmerizing white beauty the Taj Mahal today. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is an eternal symbol of love. 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. After the sightseeing of these historical monuments, we return to hotel for overnight.
Note: The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.
Day 16 - Agra / Delhi / Departure
In the morning, we drive 220 km / 5 hours to Delhi. Wash and change rooms available before we transfer you to the International Airport for your journey back home.