Classical Rajasthan with Taj and Mumbai itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI BY FLIGHT (DETAILS AWAITED)
Arrive Delhi by flight. Welcome to India- a country where hospitality is a way of life; to a culture steeped in tradition, a land where history lives in music and dance. You will be received at the airport in a traditional manner with garlands and proceed to your hotel. Overnight in delhi.
Meal: No Meal
DAY 2: DELHI
Morning after a relaxed breakfast we will take you to a tour of Delhi. Pulsing with energy and colour, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes, which twist and turn between the tall, leaning buildings. You will witness the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars where you will experience the full sights, sounds and aromas indicative of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will drive pass the famous Red Fort (closed on Monday) surrounded by shops and bazaars, the Jama Masjid (avoid Friday noon) with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to experience a rickshaw ride (market closed on Sunday)
Then visit New Delhi. As a complete contrast, New Delhi stands in formal splendour. It is a city of wide boulevards that offers ever changing perspectives of Lutyens’s landscaped city. It is also a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 72.5-meter-high tower dating back to the 13th century, and Humayun’s Tomb, which was built in the 16th century and architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Delhi.
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 3: DELHI – AGRA
After breakfast leisurely drive to Agra (Approx. 245 Kms/ 5 hrs drive) via Yamuna express way. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Agra Fort (Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. The Agra Fort is overshadowed by the pristine beauty of the Taj, but for those looking for something beyond romance, the Agra Fort is worth seeing.
Later in the afternoon visit Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah- Before the Taj Mahal was built, its design was already standing in the form of Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, hence it is affectionately known as the ‘Baby Taj’. Built to represent a silver jewel box in marble, this mausoleum houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father of the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan. Overnight in Agra
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 4: AGRA – JAIPUR
Early morning visit Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) at sunrise. Described as the most spectacular monuments ever built for love, Taj Mahal is the Agra fascination and greatest pride of India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died after giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Around 20,000 workers devoted day and night to construct this magnificent monument.
After the sunrise visit come back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast checkout from hotel and drive to Jaipur. After breakfast proceed to Jaipur (Approx. 250 Kms / 5 hrs drive) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, 40 kms west of Agra, is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1570 and 1585. It is one of the finest examples of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
After the sightseeing continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for check in.
Jaipur– The Pink City: Jaipur needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished guest the Prince of Wales in 1905-6. The contractor inability to supply any other colour in the required quantity compelled the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractor’s compulsion famed Jaipur to Pink city. Since then, the PINK colour is associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Overnight in Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 5: JAIPUR
After breakfast, you will proceed for an excursion tour of Amber fort. We will first drive to Amber Fort, the ancient capital that preceded Jaipur. Originally built in the 11th century AD and expanded in size and scope by succeeding dynasties and their rulers, Amber is a fortress town of visual awesomeness.
We do not promote or encourage Elephant ride at the Amber Fort. If you would like to include it in the program, this can be done at a supplement cost. On the way back, you may like to stop at Anokhi Museum, where you will see a collection of old costumes with hand blocked prints that are typical to Rajasthan (closed on Wednesdays).
Later in the afternoon you will visit the City Palace and Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, and its centrepiece is the City Palace, home even today of the royal family, and known for its clutch of excellent private museums that display royal memorabilia, particularly armaments, art, books, costumes and textiles.
Lying adjacent to the City Palace is the medieval Jantar Mantar Observatory – built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, an inveterate astronomer who’s curiously shaped and oversized implements are astonishingly accurate till today. Overnight In Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 6: JAIPUR - JODHPUR
After breakfast morning drive to Jodhpur (Approx. 350 Kms /6 hrs drive). Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan, famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. It is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of Rajput clan known as the Rathores, Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore Kingdom. Until recent times, Jodhpur was known as the ancient kingdom of Marwar, the largest kingdom in Rajputana.
Afternoon visit Mandore gardens and clock tower. Overnight In Jodhpur
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 7: JODHPUR
This morning you will be taken on a tour of the ‘Blue City’, Jodhpur. The Mehrangarh Fort is a living testimony of the military might of the Rajputs. On the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singh built this monument known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singh II of Jodhpur.
In the afternoon proceed for village safari to meet Bishnoi community. Overnight In Jodhpur
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 8: JODHPUR - UDAIPUR (APPROX. 250 KMS/ 05 HRS DRIVE)
Early morning, after breakfast you will be driven to Udaipur via Ranakpur is known for its beautiful temples. Lush green hills surround this picturesque little town, which is one of the most fascinating places to visit. Upon arrival in Ranakpur visit the temples. One of the five holiest places of the Jain community. Most of these temples made of amber stone, date back to the 15th century and are a magnificent sight to behold.
Once the visit of temples is over continued drive to Udaipur. The city of Udaipur is located in the Aravalli ranges of the royal state of Rajasthan and is also known as the jewel of Mewar. Also known as the City of Dawn, Udaipur is surrounded by ancient mountains and set on the edge of three lakes. It is a beautiful old city with narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces, and temples meandering through it.
Upon arrival enjoy the romantic ambiance & fresh feel in the air. Later in evening you will be taken for Boat ride (subject to adequate water level on the lake) in Lake Pichola. Overnight In Udaipur
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 9: UDAIPUR
Today morning after breakfast, you will be taken for sightseeing of Udaipur. Visiting City palace, Saheliyon ki Bari & Jadish temple. Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola.
The Jagdish temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. Built in Indo-Aryan style, the temple is the largest temple of Udaipur. A black stone image of Lord Vishnu and a brass image of Garuda can be seen here.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, the Indian folk art s museum, has interesting exhibits that include folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Overnight In Udaipur
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 10: UDAIPUR – MUMBAI
Morning is at leisure. Afternoon in time transfer to Udaipur airport to board flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai airport meet and assistance by our representative and transfer to hotel. Mumbai once used to be a cluster of seven islands of Colaba, Mumbai, Mazagaon, Old Woman’s Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel, and Matunga Sion, which were the homes of the Koli fishing community. The islands were named ‘Bombay’, meaning ‘good bay’ in Portuguese, by the Portuguese. In 1996, it was officially renamed Mumbai, the name being derived Mumbadevi, the goddess of the Kolis. Overnight in Mumbai
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 11: MUMBAI
Today after breakfast you will be taken for full day sightseeing of Mumbai starting with the wonderful Prince of Wales museum (closed on Monday) is regarded as one of the best museums in the country with art, sculpture, old firearms, and rare coins and a priceless collection of miniature paintings on display. We will then proceed to The Gateway of India is a treasured monument that was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. It is complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone, further drive past a popular sea front, Marine Drive is a winding stretch of road with tall buildings on one side and sea on the other. It was once called the Queen’s Necklace because of its curved shape.
Tours continues with visit to Mani Bhawan. Mani Bhawan used to be the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. One of the important places to visit in Mumbai. It has a reference library with over 2000 books and other of the Mahatma’s belongings. Overnight in Mumbai
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 12: DEPARTURE MUMBAI BY FLIGHT (DETAILS AWAITED)
Breakfast at hotel later in the afternoon checkout from the hotel and well in time transfer to Mumbai airport to board flight for next destination.
Meal: Breakfast
