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Tour Program:
Day [1] : UK – DELHI
Meet and assist upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY [2] : DELHI
Morning after breakfast continue with the City sightseeing tour of Old Delhi (Shahajahanabad) and New Delhi visiting Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, Humayun's Tomb (1565 A.D.), aptly called the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Visit the Qutub Minar, 72 metres high and one of the perfect towers of the Persian world. Nearby, amidst the ruins of the Quwut-ul-Islam Mosque stands the Iron Pillar, which has stood the vagaries of the weather and not rusted over1500 years. An orientation drive through New Delhi includes Govt. Building (1921-30 A.D.) and India Gate. Overnight in the Hotel.
Day [3] : DELHI - MANDAWA (265 Kms../ 6 hrs.)
After the breakfast departure for Mandawa. Upon arrival check-in the Hotel and later continue with the sightseeing tour of Mandawa City visiting the semidesert Shekhawati region lies in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. Starting around the 14th century, a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns which developed in the region became important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. The town has still not lost its charm, i.e. the beautiful Havelis (mansions) constructed by the merchants of the region. Most of the buildings date from the 18th century to early this century, and the entire area has been dubbed by some as the open air gallery of Rajasthan. There are also forts a couple of minor castles, baolis (stepwells), chhatries (Cenotaphs), and handful of mosques. Overnight at the hotel.
Day [4] : MANDAWA – FATEHPUR – BIKANER (190 km./ 4 hrs.)
Morning after breakfast leave by surface for Bikaner en-route visiting Fatehpur town which is famous for Havelis. Upon arrival in Bikaner check-in the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [5] : BIKANER – JAISALMER ( 330 Kms. – 6 Hrs. drive )
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning continue with the city sightseeing of Bikaner. This town north of state was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. The old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and, like Jaisalmer. It was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade routes. The old city is encircled by a 7 km. Long city wall with five entrance gates, constructed in the 18th century. Bikaner is famous for Junagarh fort. Later in the afternoon leave for Jaisalmer. Arrive Jaisalmer and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day [6] : JAISALMER
Morning: Half-day city sightseeing tour Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or palace that you’re likely to visit in India. There are homes and hotels hidden in the laneways, and shops and stalls swaddled in the kaleidoscopic mirrors and embroideries of brilliant Rajasthani cloth. This Fort was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisal and reinforced by subsequent rulers, the fort crowns the 80m-high Trikuta Hill. Continue your sightseeing tour visiting Patwon Ki Haveli this most elaborate and magnificent of all Jaisalmer Havelis stands in a narrow lane. Its divided in 6 apartments. There are remnants of paintings on some the inside walls as well as some mirror work. Gadi Sagar – this tank south of the city walls was once the water supply of the city and there are many small temples and shrine around it. After that a small visit to the Chhatries (Cenotaphs). Afternoon free at leisure. Late in the afternoon visit to Sam Sand Dunes where you can also enjoy the Camel Ride. Evening witness Sunset at the Dunes. Late in the evening return to your Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [7] : JAISALMER – MANWAR (205 Kms./ 5 hrs.)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer by surface for Manwar. Check-in at the Hotel. Later in the afternoon Jeep Excursion to Tribal areas to visit Bishnoi Villages. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [8] : MANWAR – JODHPUR (95 km./ 2 hrs.)
Breakfast at the Hotel and departure by surface for Jodhpur. Upon arrival check-in the Hotel. Afternoon continue with the city sightseeing of Jodhpur: Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall nearly 10 kms (6miles) in length, with seven gates. Dominating the city is an eminence surmounted by a massive fortress. In olden days, the fortress must have been well nigh impregnable, for the rocky base on which it is built is scraped on every side. Within the walls are royal palaces of old, with priceless jewels and a striking collection of arms. Sightseeing of Jodhpur includes visit to Fort, Palaces, Armoury and Jaswant Thada. Overnight at the hotel.
Day [9] : JODHPUR - RANAKPUR – DEOGARH (220 km./ 6 hrs.)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Leave by surface for Deogarh. En-route visit Ranakpur. The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex, 60 kms. north of Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. It is tucked away in a remote valley of the Aravali range and is certainly worth seeing. The main temple is the Chaumukha Temple, or Four Faced Temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, superbly crafted and well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two alike. After sightseeing of Ranakpur leave for Deogarh. Upon arrival check-in the hotel Deogarh Palace. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [10] : DEOGARH – UDAIPUR (135 Kms./ 2 hrs.)
Breakfast at the Palace. Morning visit the atmospheric little town of Deogarh (pronounced ‘Dev-gar’) is 135 kms. north of Udaipur and has a wonderful castle that has been converted into a hotel. It makes an ideal stopover between Udaipur and Jodhpur and is a great place to catch up on some serious relaxation. Visit Anjaneshwar Mahadev, an extraordinary cave temple believed to be around 2000 years old. Afternoon leave for Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur check-in the Hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [11] : UDAIPUR
After breakfast continue with the full day city sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Morning: City sightseeing visiting Saheliyon ki Bari, or Garden of the maids of Honour is in the north of the city. This small ornamental garden, with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. City Place: The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. This Fort Palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city’s founder. The palace is surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. Late in the afternoon enjoy the Boatride on Lake Pichola. Boatrides which regularly leaves from the City Palace jetty (known as Bansi Ghat) are popular. During Boatride you will also visit Jagmandir Island which was commenced by Maharana Karan Singh, but takes its name from Maharana Jagat Singh (1628-52) who made a number of additions to it. It is said that the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, derived some of his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace after staying here in 1623-24 while leading a revolt against his father, Jehangir. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [12] : UDAIPUR – JAIPUR (By Air)
Early morning Breakfast at the Hotel and transfer to Domestic Airport to connect the flight for Jaipur. Upon arrival meet and great with our local representative and transfer to the Hotel. Afternoon continue with the sightseeing of Jaipur City visiting the City Palace which now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, painting and an armoury; the Observatory - built in the 17th century by Jai Singh - with a sundial 90 ft. high; the Museum amidst the Ram Niwas Palace Gardens founded in 1876 with a large collection of antiques; the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal), a landmark of Jaipur made of pink sandstone and a unique design. Overnight at the hotel.
Day [13] : JAIPUR – ABHANERI – FATHEPUR SIKRI - AGRA by surface (232 km./ 5 hrs.)
Morning departure for Agra, en-route visiting Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri. Abhaneri: 95 kms. from Jaipur on the Jaipur/Agra Road this little village has one of Rajasthan’s most awesome baolis (step-wells). Flanking the baoli is a small, crumbling palace, now inhabited by pigeons and bats. Fatehpur Sikri: The City of Victory" the audience halls; palaces and the mosques are still in a state of perfection as are the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panchmahal and the Buland Darwaza. Later upon arrival in Agra, check-in the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [14] Agra
Morning after having the relaxed breakfast at the hotel proceed for city sightseeing tour of Agra visiting The Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum is pure white marble and an architectural marvel. Remains closed on Fridays to all the visitors. Later visit Agra Fort: Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Sikandra: The tomb of Akbar the Great, built in red sandstone inlaid with marble is a striking sight. The tomb is in the center of a large garden which is enclosed by battlemented walls, divided into squares and provided with channels and fountains in the fashion of Moghul Gardens. Itmad-ud-Daula: The tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. This very serene place tells the love of a great Mogul emperor for a beautiful young woman, Mehr-un-Nissa, Itmad-ud-Daula daughters. When this last died, Mehr-un-Nissa ordered the construction of a mausoleum. The craftsmen of Agra exceeded themselves in the transparent marble screens and the use of pietra dura from Italy. Overnight at the hotel.
Day [15] : Agra - Orcha – Khajuraho
Early breakfast at the Hotel. Leave for Railway Station to connect your Shatabadi Express Train for Agra/Jhansi (0800/1040 Hrs.). Arrive Jhansi and proceed by surface for Khajuraho via Orchha which is approximately 11Kms./ 30 minutes drive. Once the Capital city of powerful Rajput kingdom. Orchha (hidden place) is now just a village, set among a wonderful complex of well preserved palaces and temples. The main palaces were protected inside fortified walls on an island in the Betwa River. The Palaces (The Jehangir Mahal, The Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen Mahal) The impressive Chhatris (cenotaphs) to orchha’s rulers. Later leave for Khajuraho approximately 175 kms./04 Hrs. drive. Arrive Khajuraho and check-in at Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY [16] : KHAJURAHO
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning: City sightseeing of Khajuraho which is known for its magnificent temples, which are among the most creative examples of Indian architecture. Built between 950 and 1050 A.D., only 22 temples out of 85 now survive. Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and sensuous, the center of new imagery in art. The popular theme is woman; reflective, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict griffin's nymphs, beasts, and demons in revolt, gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. The temples of Khajuraho can be divided into three geographical groups - western, eastern and southern. Sightseeing of Khajuraho: Visit the temples of Khajuraho, which are world famous not only for their symmetry and design, but also for intricate and erotic carvings on their walls. The main temples are Kandariya Mahadeo, Chitragupta, Parsvanath and the ghantai. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [17] : KHAJURAHO – VARANASI (By Air)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning at leisure. Later transfer to the Airport to take flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi transfer to Hotel en-route visiting Sarnath. Sarnath: Eight kms (5 miles) north of Varanasi is Sarnath, where, in the Deer Park, Gasutam Buddha delivered his first sermon after he became the 'Enlightened One'. The ruins of monasteries, built more than 2000 years ago, the Dhamok Stupa, the Dharmaraji Ka Stupa and the main shrine draw Buddhist pilgrims yearly to Sarnath. The Mahabodhi Society of India have recently built a modern Vihara, the interior frescoes of which have been executed by a Japanese artist. At Sarnath stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of polished sandstone whose lion capital has been adopted by the Republic of India as its state emblem. The museum (closed on Fridays) designed like a Buddhist monastery, contains many superb specimens of ancient art. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [18] : VARANASI – KATHMANDU (By Air)
Early morning Boatride on river Ganges. Ganges Boatride: Drive through the city to the sacred River Ganges and visit by boat the Bathing Ghats, Observatory, Nepalese Temple (Temple of Love). Cremation Ghats and Aurangzeb's Mosque. Return to Desasswamedh Ghat and then back to the hotel. Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning: City sightseeing visiting temples. To the Hindus, Varanasi, sprawling along the left bank of the river Ganges, is the holiest city. With its array of shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the water's edge, Varanasi is one of the most fascinating cities in the east. It is also a city of fairs and festivals, celebrating about four hundred of them during the year. Afternoon, transfer to Airport to connect the International flight for Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu you will be greeted at the airport and will be transferred to the hotel. Evening free for personal activities. Overnight in the hotel.
Day [19] : KATHMANDU - POKHRA (By Surface)
After breakfast drive to Pokhra. Upon arrival check-in the Hotel. In the evening enjoy the Boatride at Phewa Lake. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [20] : POKHRA – CHITWAN
After breakfast Morning sightseeing tour of Pokhra visiting Devi's Fall, Seti Gorge, and Bendebasini Temple. Later in the afternoon departure to Chitwan. Arrive and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [21] : CHITWAN – KATHMANDU
Breakfast at the Hotel. Enjoy the day in Jungle safari and Jungle activities. Later in the afternoon departure to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY [22] : KATHMANDU
After Breakfast half day sightseeing of Kathmandu City visiting Hanuman Dhoka (It is the historic seat of Royalty. The Durbar Square with its old temples & Palaces epitomizes the religious & cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned & there coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, Kal Bhairav,), Temple of living Goddess (The temple residence of living goddess, Kumari, is situated in vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has been profusely carved with wooden balconies & window screens. The Kumari- The Living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her Balcony window) and Swayambunath (This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 Yrs. old. Painted on the four sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.). Later in the afternoon continue with the Half-Day sightseeing tour of Patan: 5km/3miles away from Kathmandu city. Patan also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection, the Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Mahaboudha Temple. A trip to The Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Centre will also be done while visiting Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and moulding of metal statues. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in the Hotel.
Day [23] : KATHMANDU – NAGARKOT
Breakfast in the Hotel and proceed for half day Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple (Situated Five Kms. East of Kathmandu, the temple of lord Shiva- Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from Eastern Bank of the Bagmati River). Visit Boudhnath Stupa (This Stupa lies Eight Kms. East of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of the biggest in the world), and visit Bhaktapur City (Situated at an altitude of 1,401 mtrs. Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 Sq. Miles. Shaped like a conch- shell). After sightseeing tour drive from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot (20 Kms./ 45 Minutes). Upon arrival check-in the Hotel / Resort. Afternoon walking tour on the surrounding hills. View the sunset over the Himalayas if weather permits. Overnight in the hotel.
Day [24] : NAGARKOT – KATHMANDU
Early morning wake up call to view the sunrise over the Himalayas if weather is fine and clear. Breakfast at the hotel / resort. Later departure for Kathmandu. Rest of the day free for personal activities. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [25] : KATHMANDU – MUMBAI (By Air)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning free at leisure. Afternoon transfer to Kathmandu International Airport to connect the flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival meet and great with our local representative and transfer to the Hotel. Check-in the Hotel. Evening free for personal activities. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [26] : MUMBAI – GOA (By Air)
After breakfast transfer to domestic airport to connect the flight for Goa. Upon arrival meet and great with our local representative and transfer to the Hotel/Resort. Check-in the hotel. Rest of the day is free for your personal activities. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [27] : GOA
Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning free for relaxation, later sightseeing tour of old churches, Mangeshi Temple, Dona Paula, in the evening 1-hour boat ride at Mondovi River. Return to the Resort/Hotel for overnight stay.
DAY [28] : GOA
After breakfast, the day free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day [29] : GOA
After breakfast, the day free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day [30] : GOA – MUMBAI (By Air)
Morning after the breakfast at the hotel transfer to the domestic airport to take a flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are 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. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day [31] : MUMBAI – UK (By Air)
After Breakfast checkout from the Hotel and continue the visit of Mumbai including the monuments like Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens. Later in the afternoon transfer to the Mumbai International Airport to connect flight for onward destination.
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