DAY 01 - Arrival Mumbai
On arrival assistance and transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay. The
name Mumbai comes from ‘Mumbadevi’, the patron goddess of the Koli
fishermen, original inhabitants of the seven islands that make up
the city. The old name, Mumbai was adopted in 1996, not without
resistance and its share of controversy, but its use has gradually
spread though the city remains ‘Bombay’ to lots of people. Mumbai
Once a tiny island covered by palm trees was used to belong to the
native koli fisher-folk, who still live here in their little
villages surrounded by huge skyscrapers. In the seventeenth century
the Portuguese came and dotted the island with several forts, which
stand even today. In 1661, Mumbai was finally ceded to Charles II of
England and eventually became one the largest ports in the British
Empire.
DAY 02 - Mumbai
After breakfast sightseeing of Elephanta caves, located on an island
about 10 Kms away from the Gateway of India. Reach the Island by
Motor Boat. These caves consist of temples carved from rock which
date back to the 7th century. The Elephanta island was so named by
the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing
area of the island. These rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva
Mahadeva are rich in sculptural content.. This rock cut temples were
created by carving out rock, and creating the columns, the internal
spaces and the images. The entire temple is akin to a huge
sculpture, through whose corridors and chambers one can walk. The
entire complex was created through a process of rock removal. Some
of the rock surfaces are highly finished while some are untreated
bare rock. There are three entrances to this temple. The ones on the
east and the west marking the axis of the temple. A 20 pillared hall
lines the axis, and on its western end is the cella in shich is
enshrined a Shivalingam. The pillars consist of fluted columns
standing on square bases, and are crowned with fluted cushion
capitals. Later sightseeing of Mumbai city visit The Prince of Wales
Museum This museum stands not too far from the Gateway of India. It
has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china and other
antics. Carefully presereved, this mid-Victorian Gothic style
building built in 1904 with beautiful gardens surrounding it, is
worth visiting in Mumbai Hanging Gardens, This terrace garden is
also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Garden and is situated over Bombay's
main reservoir opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. It offers lovely
sunset views over the Arabian Sea. Open air Laundry (Dhobighat).
Overnight stay.
DAY 03 - Mumbai – Bhavnagar :
By Flight
After breakfast assistance and transfer to domestic airport to board
flight to Bhavnagar by 9W-3411 Dep Mumbai at 0710 Hrs / Arrival
Bhavnagar at 0820 Hrs. On arrival assistance and transfer to Hotel.
Bhavnagar, the place of several lakes and temples. Bhavnagar lies in
the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as
Kathiawad or Saurashtra. Once the capital of a princely state,
Situated about 250 km away from Ahmedabad, It is also an important
trading center for cotton goods manufactured. Founded in 1743 AD, by
Bhavsinhji Gohil, on the site of a small village of Vadva, near the
creek, Bhavnagar was once a flourishing port. Afternoon sightseeing
of Bhavnagar. Overnight stay.
DAY 04 - Bhavnagar – Palitana
Early morning leave for Palitana around 0430 Hrs for day excursion
Palitana is one of the most sacred sites of Jainism. The Temple
dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the First Jain Apostle, is the most
sacred. The Four faced temple enshrines a quadruple image of Adinath.
A fantastic collection of temple Jewels can be seen during deity
adorning ceremonies at Shri Adishwara temple. The 600-meter climb to
Shatrunjay is made on foot.
DAY 05 - Palitana – Ahmedabad :
( 210 Kms - 05/06 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad. After Lunch sightseeing of
Ahmedabad city visit Calico Museum. This is one of India's finest
specialized museums. It presents a tasteful display of Indian
textiles, in well-kept galleries. It was founded in 1949 and is the
brainchild of Ms Gira Sarabhai who initiated the collection of rare,
exquisite fabrics from different parts of India. Through Their
traditional excellence and popularity, such pioneers were
instrumental in reviving interest in India's rich textile heritage
and showing the need to preserve and extend it Overnight stay.
DAY 06 - Ahmedabad – Modera –
Patan – Mount Abu : (270 Kms – 06/07 Hours Drive)
After breakfast drive to Mount Abu via Modhera & Patan sightseeing.
Modhera , The sun temple at Modhera is one of the two Sun Temples in
the world - the being at Konarak, Built in 1026 AD,. Modhera, in
north-western Gujarat, 119km from Ahmedabad, is located on a high
mound, on the left bank of the river Pushpawati. The Sun Temple is
an exemplary model of art and architecture of the 11th century - a
style that was to influence the development of temple architecture
in neighboring regions Patan had been capital of Gujarat for more
than 600 years. During the span of reign of Patan three dynasties
have played historical role. Its great rulers viz : Vanraj Chavda,
Mulraj Solanki, Raja Bhimdev, Siddhraj Jaysinh, Kumarpal were not
only heroes of battle field but were enlighted with wisodm. They had
faith in religious credentials as well as taste of culture and art.
They were the founders of Gurjar Desh and glory of Gujarat. The
history of Patan is the history of Gujarat. ‘Kalikalsarvagna’
Hemchandracharya’s Patan was a kindergarten of Gujarati language.
Hence Patan can easily be equated with identity and dignity of
Gujarat Pradesh and Gujarati Language. Anhilpur Patan is said to be
established either on Aashadh Sud 3, Saturday, V.S. 802 ( 746 A.D.)
or on Shravan Sud 2, Monday, V.S. 802 ( 746 A.D.). In the era of
Allauddin Khilji this patan was known as "Neharval Patan". In Urdu
it was known as "Piran Patan". On arrival check in check in at
Hotel. Overnight stay.
DAY 07 - Mount Abu – Udaipur :
(190 Kms / 4 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast sightseeing of Mount Abu visit Delwara Jain temple,
One of the finest Jain temples & many even consider them
architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. Built between 11th & 13th
century, the most outstanding feature are its exquisite carvings in
marble. The two temples Vimala Vasahi & Luna Vasahi are singled out
by experts as superb examples of architecture drive to Udaipur via
Pindwara sightseeing. Overnight stay.
DAY 08 - Udaipur
Early morning check out from the hotel and transfer to railway
station to board the Shatabdi Express train for Jhansi. Breakfast on
board. Upon arrival at Jhansi, drive to Khajuraho - famous for the
exquisite temples with erotic sculptures, built by Chandella Kings
during the heyday of their power between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D.
These amazing temples not only depict the many aspects of life in
contemporary India, they are also a living celebration of the
eternal beauty of life. En route visit Jahangir Mahal and the famous
temples at Orcha. Upon arrival, check in. After breakfast the next
day, full day combined sightseeing tour of Eastern and Western
temples. Khajuraho is the place where the famous "Kama Sutra" was
written. Dinner and overnight at Khajuraho.
DAY 09 - Udaipur – Rohetgarh/Luni
After breakfast drive to Rohetgarh enroute sightseeing of Ranakpur
Jain temple, A visit to the famous Jain Temple, dating back to the
15th century is part of the itinerary. 200 pillars, none of which
are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate
friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and
the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures arrival check
in at Hotel. Later Jeep ride in Village. Overnight stay.
DAY 10 - Rohetgarh – Jaisalmer
: (355 Kms / 07 –08 Hrs Drive)
After break drive to Jodhpur after Jodhpur sightseeing continue
drive to Jaisalmer. Lunch at Pokaran. On arrival check in at Hotel .
Overnight stay.
DAY 11 - Jaisalmer
After breakfast sightseeing of Jaisalmer city visit JAISALMER FORT,
Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan after Chittor and
commands the desertscape from its 250 feet high perch on the hill,
Old Haveli, Temple. Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan
after Chittor and commands the desertscape from its 250 feet high
perch on the hill. Three strong walls protect the citadel. The first
buttress wall was constructed by the local Jain panchayat in the
15th century. Subsequent additions and fortifications were built by
the Rawals. The steep cobblestone pathway leading to the royal
palace passes through four gates-Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj
Pole, Bhuta Pole and Hawa Pole. Sharp turns on the road topped by
high defense gateways made it invincible. At the highest point of
the place can be seen an umbrella-Meghadamber symbolic of Krishna
Afternoon Camel ride. Overnight stay.
DAY 12 - Jaisalmer – Bikaner
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. On arrival check in at Hotel.
After noon city sightseeing of Bikaner. Overnight Stay.
DAY : 13 -
Bikaner to Mandawa
Today,
we drive to we drive to Mandawa in the heart of the semi-arid
Shekhawati region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha who ruled
this area in the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the
year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. These were
the times when Mandawa was settled & fortified by the rich &
dominant Silk Route merchants of the region, who constructed many
Havelis (Mansions), Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples & Baolis
(Step-wells) with ornate frescoes adorning their walls & now aptly
given the epithet - Open-Air Gallery. With the migration of these
merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity
with no one to look after them. Mandawa still retains the charm &
aura of a bygone era & coming here is like stepping into a different
world.
DAY 14 - Mandawa – Jaipur :
(350 Kms / 07-08 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. On arrival check in at Hotel.
Overnight stay.
DAY 15 - Jaipur
After breakfast sightseeing of Amer fort with Elephant or Jeep ride,
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its
construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by
his descendent Jai Singh I. It's forbidding exterior belies an inner
paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds
it's ultimate expression. City Palace : A delightful blend of Mughal
and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls
over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the
Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar : - This is the largest and the best preserved of the
five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the
country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical
instruments is still in use. Hawa Mahal : - The ornamental facade of
this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its
five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with
fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches
and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women.
DAY 16 - Jaipur – Agra : ( 221
Km/05 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast drive to Agra Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. The
deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his
capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating
experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in
pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life
must have been like in the days of it's grandeur. Also visit the
Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Then to Agra, Two
great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire
- giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a
visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of
red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies,
and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals
still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects
its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. On arrival check in at
hotel. Overnight stay.
DAY 17- Agra – Delhi : (205 Kms
/ 04-05 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast sightseeing of Agra Visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. A
walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the
visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Proceed for
sightseeing of the city. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal : Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder
which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to
Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his
beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be
completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad
Isa. Apart from it's 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. Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed
Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red
sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque,
which is a major tourist attraction. After Lunch proceed to Delhi.
On arrival Dinner and transfer to International Airport to board
flight for Home Country.
Our tour concludes: We thank you for
your patronage & look forward serve you again in near future.