Itinerary

Day 01:             Arrival in Mumbai

Arrival in India (Mumbai), traditional welcome by our representative at airport, transfer assistance to hotel. Check-in at hotel, before you proceed to your room/s, our representative will hand-over the travel documents and brief you about the tour programme.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 02:             In Mumbai

Breakfast at hotel.  Morning time will be at leisure to recuperate from your international flight.

Late in the morning: Start your city tour and visit following places of interest: Visit Prince of Wales Museum, was set up in the early 20^th century to commemorate the visit of the then Prince of Wales (King George V) to India. Designed by an eminent architect, George Wittet, the museum is an impressive heritage building of Mumbai. Built in 1905 to 1915, this museum served as a Children's Welfare Centre and a Military Hospital during the First World War. In 1922 however, it was transformed into Prince of Wales Museum. Artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and relics from the Gupta and Maurya periods. The rare Sculptures, Miniature Paintings, Decorative Arts, Arms and Armours, Bronze and Textile. Sections on Nepal / Tibet and Far Eastern Art lend the museum a larger perspective.

Later drive to the Flora Fountain for a photo stop - This marvellous fountain was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere. It is situated in the heart of the Mumbai city at a junction of five streets. The fountain has a figure of "Flora", the Roman Goddess of Flowers at the top.

Proceed to visit Dhobi Ghat - The traditional open air laundry of Mumbai, where 200 dhobi families work together and continue to maintain their hereditary occupation.  

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03:             Mumbai / Udaipur                                            (By flight)

Breakfast and check-out from hotel. Start your day with an excursion to Elephanta Island an hour away from Gateway of India (Mumbai Harbour). Motorboats ferry tourists across to the island from the jetty at the Gateway of India. The boat ride, itself, is interesting as you go past fishing boats, anchored ships, yachts and little islands. The island resembles twin hillocks rising from the sea and the caves are located halfway up the higher of the two. Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date between the 5^th and 8^th centuries, these caves were designated as World heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. The temple plan is designed in symmetry with the focal points worked out in a geometric Mandala, representing the cosmic field of energy. This complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. At the entrance to the caves is the famous Trimurti, the celebrated trinity of Elephanta: there's Lord Brahma the Creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer. Unfortunately, many of the sculptures inside have been damaged by iconoclastic Portuguese rulers who took potshots at Hindu Gods with their rifles. And yet somehow, nothing has disturbed the sublime beauty of this place for centuries.

Return and visit Gateway of India, It is one of the architectural marvel, located on the southern part of Mumbai on the shores of Arabian Sea. It is a combination of the "Indo-Sarcenic" architecture and was built in Yellow Basalt stone in 1924 to celebrate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary. It was inaugurated by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading on 4^th Dec 1924. The Gateway of India became all the more symbolic when the last British Force left our country on 28^th Feb 1948.

Later drive to Haji Ali Dargah Sharif to visit the shrine of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.) located on a small islet in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai. It is a one and only structure of its kind in the world having a Dargah, a Masjid and a Sanatorium in the middle of the Sea which accommodates thousands of people at a time.Afterwards, in-time transfer to airport to board your flight for Udaipur. Upon your arrival transfer assistance from airport to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04:             In Udaipur

Breakfast at hotel. This morning set out to explore the romantic city of Lakes - Udaipur, with the palaces built around Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills forming the backdrop.

The highlight will be the City Palace, the former home of the Maharanas of Udaipur, the musuem is entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh, this leads to the Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard. The rooms of the palace are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings. The Ruby Palace has a lovely collection of glass and mirror work while Krishna Vilas display a rich collection of miniature paintings. Pearl palace has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal has ornamental tiles all over. The Surya Chopar depicts a huge ornamental Sun symbolising the Sun dynasty to which the Mewar dynasty belongs. The Bai Mahal is a central garden with view of the city. This Palace being a majestic architectural marvel, within the four walls are mosaics of Peacocks, exquisite mirror work and exotic paintings. It is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens.

Also visit Crystal Gallery, which has been hailed as probably the single largest private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. The collection includes a bewildering number of objects d'art, dinner sets, perfume bottles, decanters, glasses, washing bowls and even furniture. The Crystal Gallery also houses the only crystal bed in the world.

From here you will drive to the Palace Garage to see private collection of Vintage & Classic cars of House of Mewar. The grand limousines and cars showcased here are Rolls-Royce, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, 1936 Vauxhall and 1937 Opel models.

Visit Sahelion ki Bari, a spot once reserved for the royal ladies who strolled here, this well-planned garden is blessed with extensive and shady lawns on the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake. The garden’s lotus pools and fountains show ancient science since they’ve been placed at a lower level than the Lake, thus being gravity-driven. The main fountain lies in the center on a white marble deck with black marble marking its four corners. On the western face are pavilions, delicately sculptured of black stone that are embraced by more fountains on all sides.

Late Afternoon - Take a boat ride of Lake Pichola and visit the beautiful 17^th century Jagmandir Island Palace and Jagat Niwas (Lake Palace : a luxury hotel) set amidst the lake.

In the evening visit the Jagdish Temple, an Indo-Aryan temple, this temple with Lord Vishnu as the main deity was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. The temple is constructed by perfectly following the Shipa Shastra, an art and science of construction theories for temples and other buildings. Excellent Carvings showing musicians playing musical instruments, dancing and singing of beautiful lady folks adorn the large hall in the temple.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05:             Udaipur / Jodhpur                                            (260 Kms)

Check out from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Jodhpur, en-route stop at Ranakpur for a temple tour. Acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style, one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. These temples lies at a distance of 95 kms in the north of Udaipur city. Built in the 15^th century by Seth Dharna Sah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of Rana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15^th century.  This complex is positioned in an isolated valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. This temple is wholly constructed in light colored marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet. There are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple.

In the complex, there are several temples including Chaumukha temple, Parsavanath temple, Amba Mata Temple and Surya Temple. Amongst all of them, Chaumukha Temple is the most important and as the term Chaumukha suggests, this temple is four-faced. Chaumukha temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, who is the first 'Tirthankara' of the Jains. The Temple structure is highly compound having four different doorways to get into the chambers. These chambers ultimately take you to the main hall where the image of Adinath is positioned.

The four faced image also symbolizes the Tirthankara's quest for the four directions and ultimately the cosmos. The image is surrounded by many small shrines and domes. One more range of cells with separate roofs encircles these shrines and domes all over again. The five spires elevate above the walls and around 20 cupolas rise from roof of the pillared hall. Each spire houses a shrine and the largest shrine is the important one that addresses the central altar. The temple is a masterpiece of architecture and boasts of not less than four additional shrines. It has 24 pillared halls with 80 domes that are supported by 400 columns. The upper and lower parts of the domes are linked by brackets that have deities' sculptures. Above all, you would be amazed to see at a height of 45 ft engraved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures. Each column is intricately carved and it is surprising to know that no two columns have the similar design. In the Mandap (prayer hall), the two big bells of 108 kg each produce a harmonious sound on the movement. Chaumukha temple is formed like a Nalinigulm Vimana (heavenly aircraft) and provides this whole structure a celestial appearance. Conceivably, it is due to the intricacy of the structure that the temple took approximately 65 years to complete.

The Temple of Parsavanath is renowned for its engraved windows embellished with Jain figures. Also known as Patriyon Ka Mandir, in close proximity to this temple, you can trace two other temples dedicated to Neminath (22^nd saint) and Surya Narayan (Sun God) respectively. Here, Surya Narayan Temple has innumerable wall projections with circular structure. The sight of Lord Surya driven in his chariot of seven horses is truly pleasing.

After the tour, continue your drive to Jodhpur, Arrive in the evening and check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06:             Jodhpur / Jaipur                                              (334 Kms)

Breakfast and check out from hotel. Proceed for the city tour of Jodhpur, Visit the aptly named majestic Meherangarh Fort, which dominates the skyline. Entered through gates, which bear the evocative handprints of the "Sati" queens women of the royal harem, who took their own lives when their men were defeated in battle. The fort has a series of spectacular palaces and museum, each decorated with exquisite engravings, lattice and mirror work. Of particular note is the museum that exhibits a magnificent collection of royal memorabilia; we stop to admire the graceful cenotaph at Jaswant Thada,

A prime attraction of the city is clock tower and the colorful Sadar Market near to it. Narrow alleys lead to quaint bazaars selling vivid tie and dye fabric, textiles, antiques, glass bangles, silverware and handicrafts. These colorful markets with tiny shops are situated in the heart of city. 

During the day time drive to Jaipur, known as Pink city the capital of enchanting state of Rajasthan. Arrive Jaipur in the evening and check in to your hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07:             In Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel, this morning take an excursion to Amber Fort, the former royal capital. On the way, take a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a four-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could see the royal processions, unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.

Amber Fort - Set on the dry wrinkled Aravalli Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills. We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. This fort is an architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delighted their former royal residents.

Afterwards, return to city to visit City Palace, located in the heart of Jaipur known for its Rajput architecture. Series of open courtyards, simple stables and buildings leading to the richly decorated royal rooms. The museum within the palace house a fabulous collection of Ornaments, Textiles, Carpets, Manuscripts, Royal costumes and Decorative Art objects from the personal collection of the royal family.

Another monument near the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh-I, the founder ruler of Jaipur. It is an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the evening spend some time in the colourful bazaars in the city, for shopping or buy some souvenir. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 08:             Jaipur / Agra                                                    (254 Kms)

Breakfast and check out from your hotel. This morning drive to Agra. On the way, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city of the Mughals. Built in 1571, it is a synthesis of the flourishing styles of the Persian courts and the prevailing Hindu Islamic trends. It was planned as a great town by Emperor Akbar with great care and planning in the honor of Sufi saint - Sheikh Salim Chishti but had to be abandoned only after fifteen years due to scarcity of water in the town. Sheikh Salim Chishti, who blessed the Akbar with his first son and heir, who was named Salim after him and later came to be known as Jehangir. The town was originally named Sikri after the village, where it was founded but its twin city Fatehpur (Victory Town) was erected to celebrate Akbar's conquest of Gujarat.

However, ruins of the temple dating back to 12^th century suggest the reign of Rajputs in the area long before Mughals took over the area. The two mosques in the village of Sikri have inscriptions, which announce their conception in 1314 under Mohd. Khilji. There have been records that Babur renamed the village 'Sikri' as 'Shukri', meaning 'thanks to the god'. It was also the famous dwelling place and Khanqah of Shiekh Salim Chishti, the famous Sufi saint whom Akbar revered for blessing him with child. Built in Red Sandstone, an example of robust stability combined with originality each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Buland Darwaza, Diwan-e-Khas, Panch Mahal and the the Tomb of Salim Chishti.

After the visit continue your drive to Agra, arrive and check into hotel.

PM - Visit the fabled Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays), One of the Seven Wonders of the World, a pristine monument of undying love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan to enshrine the body of his beloved wife Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz Mahal) after she died in 1631 at Burhanpur. The Taj has continued to be a mark of love since ever. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. The construction started in 1632 and was completed in 1653. The workforce of some 20,000 and 1,000 elephants, included Masons, Stonecutters, Inlayers, Carvers, Calligraphers, Dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the empire and also from Italy, Central Asia and Persia. In accordance with Islamic tradition, verses from the Quran were inscribed in calligraphy on the arched entrances to the mausoleum, in addition to numerous other sections of the complex. 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. Witness the white marble reflect the nuances of the changing light from the Sun. Taj Mahal symbolize the richness of art and architecture of the Mughal period.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09:             Agra / Delhi                                                      (210 Kms)

Early Morning: Visit the Mughal garden of Mehtab Bagh, which is located across from the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River. Enjoy a walk and view the Taj Mahal from across the river at sunrise.

Afterwards visit, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. Tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg - A Wazir (Chief Minister) in the court of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Ghiyas Beg was honored with the title of Itmad-ud-Daulah or the Pillar of the State. Emperor Jehangir married her beautiful widowed daughter Mehr-un-Nissa, she was later christened Noor Jahan and went down in the history as one of the most beautiful and artistically gifted women in the world. After the death of Mirza Ghiyas Beg in 1622, Noor Jahan undertook the project to build his mausoleum, which took six years to get complete. It is entirely made of white marble. This tomb represents the transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture - primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations with mosaic and lattice.

Return to your hotel after the tour to have breakfast & relax. After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, it’s first red sandstone fort of North India was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1565. Its royal audience halls, immense stone courtyards, marble mosque and the private royal chambers give us a glimpse of the grandeur and talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design of the Mughal Empire.

Check-out from your hotel by noon. After early lunch, proceed on the drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi in the evening and check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10:             In Delhi

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and start your tour of Delhi with a visit to the Old walled city. Explore the 17^th century imposing Red Fort (Closed on Mondays), take a traditional cycle rickshaw ride in the back streets & bazaars of Chandni Chowk (Closed on Sundays) selling an extraordinary variety of items like., dress material, spices, jewellery & perfumes and mouth-watering food delicacies. From here you visit the India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon: Explore New Delhi, which is a blend of ancient & pre-independence India. Visit the 12^th century Qutub Minar; the exquisite Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Sightseeing will also include drive past the Lodhi Garden, Safdarjung's tomb, the elegant government buildings designed in blend of Indian and European styles - the India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Palace.

Your vehicle and driver are at your disposal until your departure transfer to the airport. Later you are transferred to the airport in time to board your flight to onward destination.

Day 11:             Departure from Delhi

Departure in the morning by an international flight.

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