Mystical Tour Through India

Day 01: Arrival Bombay

On arrival in Mumbai you will be received by our representative and escorted to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Bombay-Rajkot-Gondal

In the morning take a one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbor to the lush green Elephanta Island. On the island visit some of the huge and finely carved cave temples that date back to the 8th century.These cave temples are devoted to the Hindu Sun God - Shiva (Closed on Monday).From here you will proceed to the hotel. After having lunch check-out of the hotel.

In the afternoon take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed) here you will see its extensive collection of fascinating 18th & 19th century miniature paintings; beautifully carved ivory artworks; and a rich collection of Nepalese and Tibetian art, among other fine works of art. Travel to the Gateway of India overlooking the Harbor; and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get aexotic view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, strectched out before you. Also visit Mani Bhavan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi; and the lively Crawford Market.

In the evening you will be transferred from hotel to the airport for flight to Rajkot (1610/1700 hrs.).

On arrival in Rajkot meet our representative who will assist you with your onward journey. Drive straight to Gondal (40 kms). On arriving in Gondal check in at hotel.

Enjoy a cultural performance in the evening followed by dinner.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Gondal-Bhavnagar

In the morning you can visit the Vintage car collection of the Maharaja of Gondal nearby to where you will be staying. Also, visit 500 years old Palace, temple. Proceed to the hotel for an early lunch to continue ahead with drive to Bhavnagar (250 kms/5 hrs.). On arrival check in at hotel. Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Bhavnagar-Palitana-Ahmedabad

Embark on early morning journey to Ahmedabad (250 kms / 5 hrs) via Palitana. Palitana is situated at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the ShatrunjayaRiver flowing to its South. The holy hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temple, 863 in all, that soar in marble splendor of its top. As per the legend only the Gods live on this holy hilltop city for, after sundown, none may stay here, not even the priests who take their way down the hill and leave the resplendent pinnacle to the gods. These temples were built over aremarkable span of 900 years, with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. Enjoy lunch at Vijay Vilas Palace near Palitana.On arrival check in at hotel. Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 : Ahmedabad

In the morning take a sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad city. Visit the famous Jama Masjid, famed for its beautiful porticoes resting on 250 columns. Also visitSidi Sayyad's Mosque which iswell-knownin the world for its sophisticated lattice work of rich and elaborate design. Travel to the Calico Textile Museum. Have dinner and relax overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Ahmedabad-Mount Abu

Embark on an early morning drive to Mount Abu (230 kms / 6 hrs) enroute visiting Modhera, Patan and the havelis of Sidhpur.

Modherais famous for its Sun Temple which is one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture of its period. This temple was built in 1026 A.D. The temple is dedicated to the Sun-God, Surya and stands tall on a plinth overlooking a deep stone tank. Every inch of the available surface space of the temple, both inside and outside is finely carved with Gods and Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers.

Patan is home to the famous patola silk saris.Patan is anattractive old town with Jain temples and carved wooden houses. Rana kivav (step well) is an interesting place to be visited in Patan.

Sidhpuris located on the banks of river Saraswati and is famous for two things - havelis of the Vohra community of Muslims and as a Hindu pilgrim center. Enjoy a guided walk to see the havelis along the narrow streets.Marvelous carvings and glass paintings seen in the havelis are bound to grab your attention. You might be allowed inside a Haveli by some friendly families. Have lunch at hotel Balaram Palace, Balaram. On arrival check in at hotel.

Take an afternoon, city sightseeing tour of Mt.Abu. Visit Dilwara Temple, Nakki Lake, Sun-set Point.

Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Mount Abu-Udaipur

In the morning take a journey to Udaipur, via Ranakpur (292 kms/7 hrs.). In Ranakpur visit the famous Jain Temple which came into existence in the 15th century. This temple has 29 halls which are supported by 200 pillars, none of which are alike. The Temple abounds with attractive friezes and sculptures. Visit two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God famous for its erotic sculptures.

Enjoy lunch at Maharani Bagh, Continue ahead with your journey to Udaipur. On arriving in Udaipur check-in at hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Udaipur

Start your morning with a sightseeing tour of Udaipur.First visit the City Palace whichhas rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows, inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens. In the afternoon take a motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. On your boat journey you will be able to have the glimpses of 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.

Proceed to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09: Udaipur- Jaipur

After having breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the airport to catch flight to Jaipur (0810/0915 hrs.). On arriving in Jaipur you will meet our representative who will assist youand escort you to the hotel. In the morning drive to Amber Fort. Here you will be made to climb on the gaily caparisoned elephant back for your ascent to the fortress making your entry in the time honored fashion. Stroll through the chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their excellent design and decoration. In the afternoon take a tour of Jaipur city, known as "The Pink City of Rajasthan". Visit the unique JantarMantar Observatory, which was constructed in the 1700's, yet even today still looks futuristic or almost surrealistic. Visit the City Palace and its Museum.Tour the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. Have dinner andrelax overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Jaipur-Agra

In the morning embark on a journey to Agra enroute visit FatehpurSikri (221 kms/6 hrs.) the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Walk down to the famed BulundDarwaza considered to be the largest gateway in the world. Continue ahead on a drive to Agra.Upon arrival in Agra check-in at hotel.

Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Agra

Start a full day sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, ItmadudDaulah Tomb &Sikandra.

Taj Mahal - the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. The Taj complex houses a forecourt, a lofty entrance, and a charming formal Mughal garden with canals and a central tank with a series of fountains, the tombs and an attached mosque on the west with its symmetrical counterpart on the east. The Taj is noteworthy for its perfect proportions and rich pieta dura, with minute details executed with great skill and perfection. The building, often styled "a dream in marble" took over almost 22 years (1631-1653) to be built.

Agra Fort is located on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the centre of the town. It was built by Akbar as his fortress over the years 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has impressive gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

ItmadUdDaula Tomb – This tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan in memory of her father GhiyasBeg. Like all other Mughal mausoleums, the tomb stands in the center of a garden and is the first of the Mughal buildingsto be made entirely of marble. It is richly decorated with pietra dura inlay work. Because of the medium of its construction and the use of inlay as the chief form of decoration, it is often called the mini-Taj Mahal, and has been accurately likened to a jewel box.

Sikandra here you will have the glimpses of the impressive Mausoleum of Emperor Akbar the Great Moghul, a four storied building, three stories being red sandstone and the fourth of white marble.

Proceed to the hotel. Enjoy magic show at the hotel in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Agra-Jhansi-Orcha-Khajuraho

After having breakfast travel to the railway station to board the train to Jhansi (Dep: Agra at 0815 hrs by Shatabdi Exp.Ar: Jhansi at 1040 hrs)

On arrival in Jhansi you will be welcomed by our representative who will then guide you with your furtherjourney directly to Orcha. Orcha, overlooked by the modern era, this exotic medieval town, was once the capital of Bundela Kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, flowing through a rugged country side, it still retains the charming air of a bygone era. Amongst the various impressive edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to honor the visit of Moghul Emperor Jehangir, the Raj Mahal and the Laxminarayan temple, both noted for their fine Frescoes and Mural paintings.

After lunch drive to Khajuraho (170 kms/ 4 hrs). On arrival check in at hotel.

Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Khajuraho-Varanasi

Start on a morning, sightseeing tour of the famous Chandela Dynasty Temples which are set in a lovely grassy park. The Temples are quite remarkable - rising in many peaks and spirals, intricately carved and designed with statues and friezes, some of which are the distinguished erotic carvings. Have an early lunch at hotel and transfer to the airport Khajuraho/Varanasi flight (1330/1410 hrs.).

Meeting and assistance will be provided to you on arrival. Transfer from airport to the hotel.Start an afternoon sightseeing tour of the holy city of Varanasi. Travel to some of the many Hindu Temples that line the river Ganges. Walk along the narrow lanes and bustling bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world-famous Banaras Silks.

Relax overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 : Varanasi-Delhi

Early in the morning, travel to DaswamedhGhat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges. Continue by boat to have glimpses of burning and bathing Ghats.

Thereafter travel to the buried Buddhist city of Sarnath, just outside Varanasi - it's as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Here you can have the sightings of ruins of a once prosperous Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine museum which houses a finest collection of Buddhist art and sculpture (Sarnath Museum Closed on Fridays). In the afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport for Varanasi/Delhi flight (1440/1550 hrs.).

Meeting and assistance will be provided upon arrival.Transfer from airport to hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 : Delhi

In the morning start a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Visit Jama Masjid one of the largest mosque in India and the famous Red Fort which once the most prosperous fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. In the afternoon embark on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Travel to the the Humayun's Tomb.Visit the famed QutubMinar. Drive along the ceremonial road – Rajpath. Travel past the magnificent India Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and then conclude your tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave.

Late evening you will be transferred to the airport.

Day 16 : Delhi-Abroad

Depart from Delhi for onward journey to your destination.