Rajasthan Tours, Cultural Tours India, Delhi Tours, Gujarat Tours, Temple Tours India, Heritage Tours, Tours to Ahmedabad

DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel.

Delhi : India’s capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’ past.

DAY 02 : DELHI
After breakfast, half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi. Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught holidays india Place. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple

DAY 03 : DELHI - AGRA
After breakfast, leave for Agra. On arrival in Agra, check-in at your prebooked hotel.
Afternoon, city tour of Agra. Visit Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan; the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. Afternoon, free for individual activities.

DAY 04 : AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR
After breakfast, leave for Jaipur. Enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory.
Continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival checkin at your prebooked hotel.

DAY 05 : JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort : At a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army and is a superb example of Rajput architecture.
Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar Mantar - the observatory built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal.

DAY 06 : JAIPUR - JODHPUR
After breakfast, leave for Jodhpur - A flourishing trading center of the 16th century, the fortress city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha who claimed to be descendent of Lord Rama. The massive fort Mehrangarh-came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions.

Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure..

DAY 07 : JODHPUR
Morning, Jeep safari to a Bishnoi village – A memorable outing in jeeps visit various traditional village seeing local handicrafts viz shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph wildlife black buck, chinkaras, peacock etc. freely moving in abundance protected by "Bishnois" Protectors of wildlife and tree.

Afternoon, visit the Mehrangarh Fort which literally means "Majestic Fort", located at the very centre of the city. There are ,in all , three gates , each built to commemorate a particular victory, as well as to reinforce the fort. It has a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture & cannons on the forts’ ramparts are well preserved. Jaswant Thada : Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada. Also visit the Clock Tower – the city centre.

DAY 08 : JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR 275 Kms / 06-07 hrs.
After breakfast, leave for Udaipur. Enroute visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur : The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, come across as a marvellousfeat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved & sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars – none of which is similarly carved.

After the visit, continue drive to Udaipur - The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination. Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of world, also know as the Venice of East. Arrive Udaipur in the evening and check-in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 09 : UDAIPUR
After breakfast, visit the romantic city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; Jagdish temple, a fine Indo Aryan temple built in 1651; Sahelion ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour, which is a small garden with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants & lotus pool. In the evening, boat ride on Lake Pichola.

DAY 10 : UDAIPUR - MT. ABU
After breakfast, leave for Mt. Abu. Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel.

DAY 11 : MT. ABU
After breakfast, visit the Dilwara Jain temple, which are the main attraction in Mt. Abu and are amongst the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. The complex included 02 temples, the older of which is the Vimal Visahi built in 1031 and is dedicated to the first tirthankar, Adinath. The later Tejpal temple was built in 1230 AD and is dedicated to Neminath - the 22nd tirthankar. Afternoon, free for individual activities.

DAY 12 : MT. ABU - AHMEDABAD
After breakfast, leave for Ahmedabad. Enroute visit the Sun temple at Modhera. It was built in 1026-27 AD and bears some resemblance to the Sun temple at Konark which it predates by some 200 years. Continue drive to Ahmedabad. Arrive Ahmedabad and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 13 : AHMEDABAD
After breakfast, city tour of Ahmedabad. The city was founded in 1411 by Ahmed Shah from whom the city takes its name. Visit the ity tour of Ahmedabad. Visit Jama Masjid which was built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah; the Tombs of Ahmed Shah and his queens and Rani Rupmati's Mosque which was built between 1430 and 1440 and is names after the sultan's Hindu wife and Sidi Bashir's Mosque which is famed for its shaking minarets.

DAY 14 : AHMEDABAD - BHAVNAGAR
After breakfast leave for Bhavnagar. Enroute visit Lothal - a city which stood 4500 years ago was related to the Indus Valley cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa. Visit the archeological museum at this site. Continue drive to Bhavnagar. Arrive Bhavnagar and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 15 : BHAVNAGAR
After breakfast, day return excursion to Palitana. Visit the temples atop a hill. The 600m ascent from the base of the hill is more than 3000 stelps. Over a period of 900 years, 863 temples have been built here. The hilltop is dedicated entirely to gods; at dusk, even the priests depart from the temples. Almost all temples are Jain and this hill is one of Jainism's holiest pilgrimage places. Return to Bhavnagar for overnight stay.

DAY 16 : BHAVNAGAR - DIU
After breakfast, leave for Diu - a Portugese Colony until 1961. Diu's crowning glory is the massive fort which was completed in 1541 by the Portugese. Arrive Diu and check in at prebooked hotel.

DAY 17 : DIU
Day free to relax on the beach

DAY 18 : DIU
Day free to relax on the beach

DAY 19 : DIU - SASANGIR
After breakfast, leave for Sasangir - the home of the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary covers 1400 sq km and apart from lions, there are over 30 species of other mammals, including bears, hynas, foxes and a number of species of deer and antelope.
Note : The sanctuary is closed from 16 June to 15 October.

DAY 20 : SASANGIR
Morning & afternoon, game viewing in the Sasangir National Park.

DAY 21 : SASANGIR
After breakfast, day return excursion to Junagadh (59 kms) - a town situated right at the base of the temple studded Girnar Hill. It is a 600m climb up 10,000 stone steps to reach the summit of the Girnar Hill. Like Palitana, the temple topped hill is of great significance to the Jains.

DAY 22 : SASANGIR - WANKANER
After breakfast, leave for Wankaner. Arrive Wankaner and check in the palace. The Royal Palace at Wankaner has been converted into a hotel and is an exotic holiday resort.Rest of the day free to explore the area in and around the palace.

DAY 23 : WANKANER - BHUJ
After breakfast, leave for Bhuj. Known as the gateway to the Kutch, Bhuj is an old walled city with maze like streets and crenellated gateways. Arrive Bhuj and check in at prebooked hotel. Afternoon, city tour of Bhuj. Visit the Museum, known as Fergusson Museum this museum is one of the best museums in India; Rao Pragmalji's Palace, constructed in the later part of 19th century of marble and sandstone is imposing and ornate.

DAY 24 : BHUJ
Full day visit to the villages of Kutch region. Each of these villages specialize in different forms of handicraft. Some of the crafts that they specialise in include wool and cotton weaving, Ahir embroidery, block printing & tie-dying.
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DAY 25 : BHUJ
Day return excursion to the Little Rann of Kutch which is home to the last remaining population of Khur (Asiatic Wild Ass) in India. Return to Bhuj for overnight stay.

DAY 26 : BHUJ - MUMBAI (FLIGHT)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, meet and assist at the airport and transfer to prebooked hotel. Rest of the day, at leisure.

DAY 27 : MUMBAI
After breakfast, excursion to Elephanta island which is a major tourist attraction due to its four rock cut temples which were cut out between 450 and 750 AD. There is one main cave with a number of large sculpted panels, all relating to Shiva. The most famous panels include one of Trimurti or the three headed Shiva.

Afternoon, city tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, which was conceived following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924; Prince of Wales Museum, designed in Indo Saracenic style and has sections for arts and paintings, archeology, natural history and an interesting collection of miniature paintings, bas reliefs from the Elephanta caves and Budha images; Marine Drive, which runs along the shoreline, starting at Nariman Point and upto Malabar Hill; Hanging Gardens, laid out in 1881 these formally laid out gardens have a notable collection of hedges shaped like animals.

DAY 28 : DEPART MUMBAI
Transfer to the airport to board flight back home/onward destination.