Heritage Tour of India

Day 01: Arrive Mumbai International Airport
Assistance by our Company Representative at Mumbai International airport arrival Terminal, transfer to your prebooked hotel, relax & overnight in Mumbai.
Day 02: Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, after breakfast meet the guide who will take you to city tour visiting Gateway of India – The imposing stone archway in Indo-Saracenic architecture built in 1911, later cruise by motor boats to Elephanta island, island which was known as Gharapuri earlier is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. This island was renamed, Elephanta by the Portuguese who landed here, after they saw the majestically carved elephant on this island. Spread over an area of 500 sq mt is the cave temple of Elephanta. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The temple houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentation of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls is 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. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhawan, Mahalaxmi Temple and Dhobhi Ghat – the Indian Laundry system. Evening free for leisure, overnight in Bombay.
Day 03: Mumbai – Aurangabad (BY air at 0700 hrs / arr at 0800 hrs) – Ellorra – Aurangabad
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Aurangabad at 070 hrs, assistsance on arrival in Aurangabad at 0800 hrs, transfer to hotel. The city – named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is now more renown for its close proximity to Rock hewn caves of Ajanta and Ellora.
After freshen up visit Ellora Caves carved between 7th & 11th century AD. Carved in sickle shaped hill, spread north to south in a area of 3 kms. Of these caves 12 are Buddhists, 17 are Hindus and 5 are Jains. The most remarkable of the carved shrines at Ellora is the Kailasa Temple, chiseled out by hand from single rock with Gateway, Pavilion, Courtyard, Assembly Hall, Vestibule, Sanctum and Tower-hall. Later drive back to Aurangabad & visit the City of Aurangabad visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara & Pan Chakki, evening free to relax, overnight in Aurangabad. Please note that Ellorra is Closed on Tuesdays.
After breakfast take an excursion tour to Ajanta caves. Dated back to 200 BC and 650 BC. These 30 Buddhist caves hewn painstakingly are cut into the scrap of a cliff are Chaityas (Chapels) & Viharas (Monasteries). These caves are known for their architectural beauty and for their remarkable frescoes- paintings with infinite charm , which speak about the civilization of more than 2000 years. Painting in the caves and sculptures outside speak of some kind of transformation from Hinayana in the earlier caves to Mahayana in the latter caves where Buddha is shown in an human form. Drive back to Aurangabad, evening free to relax, overnight in Aurangabad. Please note that Ajanta is closed on Mondays.
Day 05: Aurangabad – Udaipur (By air at 0700 hrs / arr at 1230 hrs)
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for the Lake City at 0700 hrs, assistance on arrival in Udaipur at 1230 hrs, transfer to hotel. After freshen up, meet your guide & start your sight seeing tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace Complex – part of City Palace Complex are 2 hotels belonging to Maharana of Udaipur visit Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple – The Diety of the Maharanas of Udaipur, Jagmandir Palace & Crystal Gallerry, also see the collection of Vintage Cars belonging to His Highness of Udaipur. Later in the day visit Sahelion ki Baari (Recreation Club of olden days specially made in the honour of the Royal Ladies to meet friends & Gossip), Shilp Gram & Lok Kala Mandal – a museum of ethnic village art. Evening take an excursion tour to the Ruins of Nagda not very far from Udaipur a pretty half an hour drive from the lake city you will reach Nagda to see the Sas Bahu (Mother & Daughter in Law) Temple & the famous Temple of Lord Ek Lingji on the bank of Lake Bagel, evening drive back to Udaipur, relax & overnight in Udaipur.
Day 06: Udaipur – Ranakpur – Kumbhalgarh – Jodhpur (276 kms – 5 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Jodhpur enroute visiting the Fort of Kumbhalgarh known for its longest wall in India surrounding the fort with 36 kms, there are 360 temples inbuilt in this walls which most of them now lies in the state of ruin. One can have some refreshment at the Aodhi Palace Hotel over here. Later drive to Ranakapur to see the 12th Century Jain Temples of Ranakpur which stands on 1444 carved Marble Pillars, each carved differently from other & from every pillar one can see the main diety of the Temple. Proceed to Jodhpur, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Day 07: Jodhpur – Ossian Temples – Jaisalmer (290 kms – 5 to 6 hrs drive)
Today in the morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel’s restaurant, meet your guide after breakfast & start sight seeing tour of Jodhpur, to save time one can checkout before breakfast or leisurely in the afternoon depending upon individual mood. Start sight seeing tour of Jodhpur visiting the Mighty Mehrangarh Fort over looking the city of Jodhpur, you will also visit the Jaswant Thada – Cenotaphs of Rajput Warrior on the foot hills of Mehrangarh Fort, later visit the city Clock Tower, the Great Umaid Bhawan Palace which is now one of the best Heritage Palace Hotel of India, visit the Palace Musuem & continue your journey to the golden city of Jaisalmer enroute visiting the famous Ossain Temples which is also an architecture delight, as Jodhpur is gateway to the Desert as you will drive towards Jaisalmer you will see the deserts on both the sides of the road & as you will enter Jaisalmer you will see every building made out of yellow stone even the street lamp because Yellow Stone is found in India only in Jaisalmer, on arrival in Jaisalmer, you will be transferred to your prebooked hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax & see the 99 Bastion Fort from your Hotel Room window or just take a walk in the lanes of Jaisalmer to see the city offers to its local & tourist, one can see the Gadisar Lake from which the water is supplied to the whole city of Jaisalmer. Relax & overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 08: Jaisalmer
After breakfast at your hotel’s restaurant meet our Guide who will show you the golden city of Jaisalmer start with the Golden Fort of 99 Bastion a different kind of a Fort with people living in this fort, some part of the fort is made into few room hotel, later visit Golden Stone Carving Mansions (Havelis) of Salim-Singh, Pat-won & Nath-mal Singh. Afternoon is free take dip in the pool to cool your self, early evening get ready for the desert Experience drive 45 kms west of Jaisalmer to Sam-Sand-Dunes enroute visiting Jain Temple of Lodurva again a beautifully crafted Temple in Yellow Stone, Lakes of Mool & Amar, arrive at the Dunes of Sam & get transferred to the Camels waiting for you for a Desert Safari till Sun Set on the Dunes, a unique experience of the trip this evening. After the safari ride back to the Car Park & drive back to your hotel in Jaisalmer. Evening free to relax, overnight at the hotel in Jaisalmer.
Day 09: Jaisalmer – Temple of Ram Deora Peer – Bikaner (300 kms – 5 hrs drive)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel restaurant & drive to Bikaner enroute visiting one of the most famous Temple of Ram Deora Peer which withdraws thousands of devotees every day to this temple. Later proceed your journey to citadel city of Bikaner founded by Rao Bikaji in 15th Century, on arrival transfer to one of the Palace Hotel of Bikaner. Rest of the day is kept free for relaxing & walking in the markets of Bikaner.
Day 10: Bikaner – Deshnok Karni Mata Temple – Bikaner
After breakfast meet the Bikaner Guide at your hotel & start your sight seeing tour of Bikaner visiting the Lal Garh Palace Complex, Junagarh Fort, Ram-Puria Haveli, Bhanwar Vilas Palace & most important the Camel Breeding Farm you can try & taste the Camel Milk for the first time over here. Afternoon excursion tour to Deshnok visiting the most amusing sight at the Deshnok Temple also known as Rat Temple, as you enter this Temple which is an architect delight you will see rats running around freely in the entire complex & devotees making sure not to stamp on the rats as they are believed to be holy in this temple, it is also believed that one who spots a white rat from the lot is supposed to be very lucky. Later drive back to Bikaner. Relax & overnight in Bikaner.
Day 11: Bikaner – Jaipur (350 kms – 6 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast checkout & drive to the Capital City of Rajasthan, on arrival transfer to hotel. Day is free for relaxing & seeing the pictures of Deshnok Temples captured on your camera. Start your evening tour by visiting Temple of Goddess Galta also known as valleys of Monkey due to large monkeys found in the premises of Temple, drive pass through Rani Sati Gardens & visit the pure white Temple of Birlas, evening you will be driven to an ethnic resort to enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine with live folk dance & music – a different experience & a chance to see the locals gathering at the venue for enjoyment. Drive back to your hotel for overnight in Jaipur.
Day 12: Jaipur
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel & start your sight seeing tour of Jaipur by 0900 hrs, drive 11 kms out of the city to reach the Fort of Amber, over here you have choice of reaching the fort on Elephant Back or by open jeeps, though elephant ride is recommended because the Kings at there time use to travel on Elephant back & will give you the same feeling of the golden era visit the Amer Fort & Palace & several chambers & ancient temples in the premises of the fort. After this wonderful experience, we will drive back to the city of Jaipur to continue our sight seeing tour comprising of City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal – the Palace on winds specially made in the honour of Royal Ladies of the bygone era to watch the processions & other festivals from here without being seen from the eyes of the local crowd. Later visit the Royal Observatory & take a peep into the markets of Jaipur known for the superior quality of Handicrafts, Arts, Gems & Jewellery. Rest of the day is kept free for individual activities, relax & overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 13: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (280 kms – 7 hrs)
After an early breakfast leave for Agra by 0830 hrs enroute visiting the city of Fatehpur Sikri built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar but later shifted to Delhi due to scarcity of water in Fatehpur Sikri the most importance places to see in Fatehpur Sikri is Bulund Darwaza, Panch Mahal, & Shrine of Shaikh Salim Chisti. Proceed to Agra & transfer to your prebooked hotel. Afternoon freshen up & get ready to see the 7th wonder of the World – The Great Taj Mahal built by Mughal Icon Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Queen Mumtaz. After admiring the Taj Mahal you will proceed to Agra Fort & visit its Chambers of Kings, Common Man, the prisons & also enjoy a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal from here. Later drive to Ittamuddaulahs Tomb which is also referred as mini Taj for its superb marble inlay works gifted by Mughal King Jehangir to his wife in honour of her Parents. Evening visit the Tomb of the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar at Sikandra & rest of evening is kept free to walk in the markets of Agra & exploring the skills of artisan at the Handicraft factories. Relax & overnight in Agra. Evening free to relax after the long drive. Overnight in Agra.
Day 14: Agra – Jhansi (By train at 0800 hrs / arr at 1030 hrs) -Orchha – Khajuraho (178 kms – 3 hrs)
Morning transfer to Railway station to boa rd the train for Jhansi at 0800 hrs, assistance on arrival in Jhansi at 1030 hrs by our Tour Manager, drive to Khajuraho enroute visiting Orchha; Orchha once the capital of the Bunde-las, Orchha is now just a village of well prese-rved Heritage Temples and Palaces. It was built by Bir-Singh Deo in 1531 AD. Later visit Jehangir Mahal – the largest of the palaces , the Raj Palace with its Murals and the Raj Praveen Palace built near a garden, You would also visit Dinman Hardaul Mahal, The highly preserved two main temples are the Ram Raja Temple and the Chaturbhuj Temple. Later proceed to drive to the city of Erotic Temples Khajuraho, on arrival transfer to your prebooked hotel. After freshen up enjoy sight seeing of Khajuraho visiting the Eastern Group of Temples & in the evening Enjoy the Western Group of Temples, you can also enjoy the Sound & Light Show at the Western group of Temples. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 15: Khajuraho – Varanasi (By air at 1220 hrs / arr at 1300 hrs)
Morning walk in the village of Khajuraho after breakfast. Later checkout & drive to Khajuraho airport to board the flight for Varanasi also known as Kashi at 1220 hrs, assistance on arrival by our Tour Manager at 1300 hrs at Varanasi Airport, transfer to your prebooked hotel in Varanasi. Meet your Varanasi Guide & start the sight seeing tour by taking an excursion tour to the Holy Saranath – to see the Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashok Pillar, Dhamek Stupa, Dharamika Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Archaeological Museum also visit the deer park and Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha perched his First Sermon. Later in the day visit the temples of Varanasi – the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple complex. Evening you will enjoy unforgetfull tour of the holy River Ganges and see the various Ghats with people ritually cleansing their sins. While on the boat you will also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. Later drive back to hotel for overnight.
Day 16: Varanasi – Delhi (By air at 1430 hrs / arr at 1600 hrs) – Back Home
Early morning a tour of River Ganges on the Boat to see the morning rituals at the time of sunrise a different sight from last evening, you will see people offering water to Sun God & taking dip in the holy waters of River Ganges. After breakfast walk in the bazaars of Varanasi checkout in the afternoon & transfer to airport t board the flight for Delhi at 1430 hrs, assistance on arrival in Delhi at 1600 hrs, time free in Delhi for individual activities till departure transfer to International airport to board the flight back home.