Day 01 Arrive Delhi

Arrive at Delhi; you will clear customs and immigration & meet our representative,  holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge,  who will transfer you to the hotel & assist check-in the hotel.

Day 02 Delhi (Sightseeing)

After breakfast leave for full day city tour of Delhi,  Capital and busiest city of India. Old & New Delhi present a stunning juxtaposition of sights and sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the famous Taj Mahal,  and the new garden city built in 1911 by the British.

First of all visit India Gate,  famous war memorial at the east end of Rajpath. Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m high gate structure in memory of the thousands of Indians who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Today,  an eternal flame is lit under the gate known as Amar Jawan Jyoti,  to honor the unknown soldiers and the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of 1971. Also visit Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi). Later on visit Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple) which is the most extravagant architectural wonder of the Bahai faith,  located in Kalkaji,  south of Delhi. The temple in white is shaped like a half opened lotus flower,  which is made of marble,  cement,  dolomite and sand,  the Lotus Temple is a marvel of 20th century architecture. The lotus shaped temple in a modern and contemporary form captivates into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races,  religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith - an independent world religion,  divine in origin,  all embracing in scope,  broad in its outlook,  scientific in its method,  humanitarian in its principles,  and dynamic in the influence. 

In the late afternoon visit Humayun's tomb,  which was built in 1565 A.D by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's widow). Visiting Humayun's tomb is a wonderful experience where you get to see the Mughal architecture and the history of Mughal India. Humayun's tomb is preceded by a tomb with blue dome. The dome has been made with Persian tiles which became very popular since Mughals came to India. Later on drive past President's House,  Parliament House & Secretariat Building.

Day 03 Delhi - Khajuraho

After breakfast,  check out from hotel and transfer to domestic airport to catch flight to Khajuraho. The temples of Khajuraho,  World Heritage Site,  are India’s unique gift to the world,  built by the Chandela kings some 1000 years ago- which probably forms one of the best examples of Indian Erotic art. The Temples are divided into 3 parts according to location- Western,  Eastern & Southern occupying 13 sq kms out of which the Western Group is the most acclaimed. Arrive Khajuraho and you will be met by our representative,  holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to Hotel. 

Enjoy full day visit of the Western & Eastern group of Temple complex of Khajuraho. The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandelas while some show marks of a Shaivite sensibility,  others clearly manifest the influence of Vaishnaism,  Jainism,  and tantrism. These temples have an architectural character distinct from that of any other group of temples elsewhere in the country. Instead of being contained within the customary enclosure wall,  each temple stands on a high and solid masonry terrace. Though none of the temples are very large,  they are still imposing structures because of their elegant proportions and rich surface sculpture.

First visit the Western group of temples and the museum and later visit the Eastern group. You will see exquisitely sculptured Temples of Kandariya Mahadeb,  Laxman,  Vishwanath,  Parvati,  Chittragupta,  Varaha & Jagdamba in the western complex,  dedicated to different Gods & Goddess,  which presently comprises of 12 temples. The Eastern Group of temples,  adjoining the Kajuraho village comprises of 3 temples each of Hindus & Jains.

Day 04 Khajuraho - Gwalior

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Gwalior,  which is named after a saint who cured the local chieftain Suraj Sen from leprosy. History of Gwalior dates back to 8th century,  from then onwards Gwalior has become the cradle of dynasties,  the massive fort which overlooks the city is a testimony to its glory and grandeur,  warrior kings,  poets,  musicians and saints contributed in making Gwalior the city it is.

En-route visit Orchha,  which is a small village,  but like Mandu,  it too has an old world charm and is surrounded by history. Located on an island in the Betwa river,  this 16th century capital is famous for its magnificent chattris or tombs and monuments. As you drive up the road,  into the city,  the buildings around give a sense of what it must have been like to be in Orchha a few centuries ago.

After lunch visit Gwalior Fort - Standing 100 m above the city,  this fort was built in the 15th century by Raja Mansingh Tomar. Teli-ka-mandir temple,  dating 9th century flanks prominent Dravidian architecture. The Sas-Bahu temples are a couple of temples,  similar in style but different in size. Man Singh Palace is a delightful blue palace with beautiful mosaic decorations in animal shapes. Also covering Teli Ka Mandir - the Indo-Aryan architectural beauty,  Man singh Palace - a delightfully whimsical building.

Day 05 Gwalior - Agra 

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Agra. Arrive Agra and check-in into hotel,  after which in the afternoon visit Agra Red Fort which is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. It is home to the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal,  Diwan-i-Khas,  Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. Later it was used by his son Jehangir as the seat of power. With four gates the Fort is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone. The Jahangir Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls,  profuse carvings on stone,  exquisitely carved heavy brackets,  piers and cross beams.

Day 06 Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur

Early morning visit the Taj Mahal,  India’s most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna river,  this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife,  Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death,  Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum and after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum. The Taj is most enthralling in the quietness of early morning. With the rising Sun the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography. 

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri - Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire,  Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant,  containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland Darwaza or "Great Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight of stairs. Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: "The World is a bridge. Pass over it,  but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour,  may hope for eternity." 

On arrival to Jaipur check-in into hotel,  rest of the day either relax at your hotel or you can explore the local markets for souvinir shopping.

Shopping in Jaipur: Jaipur is famous for Jewellery,  precious stones,  paintings,  hand printed textiles etc which enjoys high reputation for the manufacture of Jewellery. It is one of the most active jewel markets of the world and is famous for precious and semi-precious stones and also for the cutting,  polishing and setting of these stone,  particularly that of diamonds,  topaz and emeralds. Jaipur brass work is of immaculate quality,  brass workers are successful in infusing life like charm into the dull metal. Two kinds of work is done in Jaipur on brass - Lacquered brass carved brass. The Jaipur art is renowned not only for the purity of the colours,  but also for its evenness. Jaipur is also famous for its textiles - Sanganeri and Bagru block prints are the fashion designer's craze these days,  Bandhej (tie and dye) print is very typical of the region.

In the evening enjoy hot & delicious dinner with the Rajasthani Folk Dance & Music. 

Day 07 Jaipur (Sightseeing)

After breakfast visit Amer Fort - The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts,  which once witnessed royal processions,  are now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments,  a juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble.  Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort palace. Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital,  Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Ascend on elephant back,  the hill,  on which the fort is situated. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (Mirror Palace),  a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors.

In the afternoon,  visit Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds, " one of the major landmarks of Jaipur,  although it is actually little more than a facade. The five-storey building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink,  semi-octagonal,  honeycombed,  sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace which is blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace. The palace is now a fine museum and houses a remarkable collection of textiles,  paintings,  manuscripts,  and extraordinary weapons. On display there are two huge urns of silver,  said to be the largest silver vessels in the world. Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza,  the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants,  is monumental. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar,  the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh,  whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior.

In the evening we have arranged a special Theme Dinner at a Rajasthani Ethnic Village Resort where you can savor the taste of RAJASTHANI CUISINE with Folk Dances. Other attractions are CAMEL RIDES,  PUPPET SHOW,  MAGICIAN,  FORTUNE TELLER and VILLAGE CRAFTS.

Day 08 Jaipur - Udaipur

After breakfast visit City Palace - the largest palace complex in Rajasthan,  with its scalloped arches,  fretted balconies,  and cupolas. A part of the palace is converted into a museum,  which  showcases arms and armor,  paintings and photographs,  royal insignia,  processional trappings and other objects,  reflecting Pioneer Journey's Pvt. Ltd.,  and tradition of the Mewar and Sisodia Maharanas. Also visit the following places during the day:

Jagdish Temple - 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Fateh Sagar Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari,  garden of the maids-of-Honor.
Pratap Memorial,  atop the Moti Magri or prarl hill,  overlooking the Fateh Sagar lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.
Ahar - The ancient capital of sisodias,  3 Km from Udaipur,  Ahar boasts of a profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities including earthen pots,  iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are displayed in a small Govt. museum.
Eklingji & Nagda temples. Eklingji,  It is famous for the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls built in 734 A.D. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva,  the presiding deity of Mewar ruler. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or mandap under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. 
Nagda,  This ancient place in Mewar was the capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificent torana exquisitely carved with graceful apsaras. This ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th- 1Oth century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings.

Day 09 Udaipur - Mumbai - Aurangabad

After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to airport to catch flight to Mumbai. On arrival,  you will be met by our representative,  holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Then drive to Aurangabad covering Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Memorial),  Victoria Terminus,  Crawford Market,  Thieves Market (Chor Bazaar),  General Post office,  Kala Ghoda and Dhobi ghats.

Aurangabad which is a city of rich historical heritage,  such as the Ajanta,  Ellora,  Lonar Crater Etc. On arrival you will be met by our representative,  holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to Hotel.

In the afternoon visit Ellora Caves. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora,  excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment are 26 kms north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement,  the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas,  or halls of worship,  and Viharas,  or monasteries,  Hindu and Jain temples.

Day 10 Aurangabad - Mumbai

After breakfast half day excursion to visit Ajanta Caves. These Caves are famous for Buddhist cave temples and monasteries dating from 200 BC to 650 AD. In the late afternoon come back to Aurangabad and rest of the day feel relax at the hotel or enjoy shopping.

Shopping in Aurangabad: Aurangabad is famous for its woven Himroo shawls,  Mashru and Kimkhab weaves. The fabulous Paithani sarees tempt most women,  as to the wide range of semi precious stones available in rough,  polished and Jewellery form. Agate in particular is available in a variety of forms and sizes. Bidri ware,  and old coins dating back to the Mughal period are also available.

Day 11 Mumbai (Sightseeing)

After breakfast enjoy a short trip to Elephanta Caves - 9kms by sea by Motor Boat. These 7th  century rock - cut temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. An epitome of Hindu cave culture,  Elephanta consists of seven caves of which the most notable is the Mahesa-murti cave. It has an impressive size with a main body of 27 meters square supported by rows of six columns each. The main temple consists of a large pillared mandapa (hall) and a freestanding square shrine at the west end of the hall. The pillars and relief in the cave are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large reliefs depicting different aspects of Shaivaite iconography. Around the perimeter of the cave are sculptured compartments in this cave with images from the Hindu mythology. They depict Lord Shiva as Andhakasuravadha,  impaling the demon of darkness,  as Kalyanasundara-the gentle loving god,  as Ardhanarishwara,  Shiva and Shakti,  male and female,  Nataraja-Shiva as the cosmic dancer and as Ravana anugraha -the destroyer of enemies. Take a Boat Ride to Elephanta Caves.

In the afternoon half day city sightseeing of Mumbai,  as it was formerly known - remains India's city of dreams. Built largely by the British around one of the best-protected natural harbors in the world,  Mumbai is India's business center and one of the most important commercial hubs between Singapore and Europe. It generates more than a third of the country's GNP,  and half of India's foreign trade moves through this busy seaport on the Arabian Sea. Mumbai also is home to the country's prolific Bollywood film industry,  which cranks out more feature films than any place in the world.

Visit The Gateway of India which is Mumbai's most famous landmark,  The Gateway of India,  is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument,  numerous viceroys and governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers,  hence the name. After that 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 preserved,  this mid-Victorian Gothic style building built in 1904 with beautiful gardens surrounding it,  is worth visiting in Mumbai. In the afternoon visit The Mani Bhawan or the Gandhi memorial was once used to be the residence of Mahatma Gandhi in Mumbai.

Day 12 Mumbai (Departure)

After breakfast,  rest of the morning free to relax at your hotel. In the afternoon check-out from the hotel and car with driver will be at your disposal until departure transfer to International airport to catch flight back to home.