Tour Title : Classical North India
Duration : 13 nights/14 days
Route : Mumbai-Aurangabad-Udaipur-Jaipur-Delhi-Agra-Khajurao-Varanasi
Tour Code : IVI/S/1029
Cost : On Request
     
Day 01: Arrive Mumbai
Today arrive Mumbai transfer and check in to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.
A beautiful harbor studded with hilly islands and a palm- fringed shore rising gradually to the peaks of mountain ranges form a fine waterfront for Bombay, "the Gateway of India" Besides being the major port of India, Bombay is also a great industrial center. A cosmopolitan city, it owes its prosperity to the industry and enterprise of its population of about eight million. It is the commercial capital of India.
Overnight stay at hotel

Day 02: Mumbai
Breakfast
This morning enjoy the Elephanta excursion.
ELEPHANTA EXCURSION


In the afternoon city tour of Mumbai.
GATEWAY OF INDIA
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI TERMINUS
MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE MARKET (CRAWFORD MARKET)
FLORA FOUNTAIN
MANI BHAWAN
HANGING GARDEN
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 03: Mumbai - Aurangabad
Fly from Mumbai to Aurangabad and check into your hotel.
Aurangabad is said to be a City of Gates and the strong presence of these can be felt as one drives through the city. Aurangabad is also one of the fastest growing cities in the world

Visit Ellora Caves
ELLORA CAVES
Overnight stay at hotel

Day 04: Aurangabad
Breakfast
Full day Ajanta Caves
AJANTA CAVES
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 05:Aurangabad - Udaipur via Mumbai
Breakfast
Travel from Aurangabad to Udaipur by Flight via Mumbai.On arrival in Udaipur check into the hotel.
Rest of the day is free at leisure
Also known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur, is an enchanting city. From the lakes in the midst of the sandy terrain to green forested hills where wildlife still abounds, the surprises are endless. And, in the lakes, or by their edges, are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the other. Founded in 16th century by Maharana Udai Singh, the House of Mewar or Udaipur as it is better known is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges.

Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 06: Udaipur
Breakfast
City tour evening boat ride on Lake Pichola
UDAIPUR CITY TOUR
The City Palace Museum
JAGDISH TEMPLE
JAG NIWAS - LAKE PALACE
JAG MANDIR PALACE
LAKE PICHOLA BOAT RIDE
Meals: Breakfast

Day 07: Udaipur - Jaipur
Breakfast
Transfer from Udaipur to Jaipur by Flight and check into your hotel.
The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, the city was founded in 1727 by the astronomer-king, Sawai Jai Singh II and built according to the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture and sculpture. It is a walled city with seven rectangular blocks. The Maharajah`s palace stands in the center of the city amidst lovely gardens. Jaipur is aptly called the `the pink city` of India.
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur.
Jaipur city tour
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 08: Jaipur - Delhi - Approx 5hrs
Breakfast
Drive from Jaipur to Delhi en route Amber Fort.
AMBER FORT
Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. Construction of the fortress-palace started in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput Commander of Akbar`s army. It was later extended and completed by the Jai Singhs. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and over-looking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Riding on elegantly caparisoned elephants, we approach the palace in the traditional way. The high gateways allow us to enter on these broad-backed animals.

On arrival in Delhi check into your hotel.
Delhi is the capital of India. Its history goes back to 3000 years. Various rulers built eight successive cities in and around present day Delhi. Few capitals in the world have as many monuments of which Delhi is justly proud.

Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 09:Delhi
Breakfast
Visit Old Delhi in the morning followed by New Delhi in the afternoon
Chandni Chowk
Jama Masjid
RED FORT
RAJPATH
INDIA GATE
Humayuns Tomb
QUTAB MINAR
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10:Delhi - Agra 4hrs
Breakfast
Travel from Delhi to Agra by Train.On arriuval in Agra check in to your hotel.

The earliest reference to Agra is in the epic The Mahabharat. Ptolemy, Alexander the Great`s geographer also called it Agra. It was, however, in the medieval period that Agra earned prominence as a capital city under the Mughals. Its many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, have given it a unique position as a major tourist center.
Afternnon City tour
AGRA CITY
AGRA CITY TOUR :
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11:Agra - Khajuraho en route Orchha
Breakfast
Travel from Agra to Jhansi by train
Drive from Jhansi to Khajuraho en route visit Orchha.
ORCHA SIGHT SEEINGS :
Jahangir Mahal - an impressive museum, Rajmahal - the palace of superb murals, Phool Bagh - a cool summer retreat.
Orcha- The quiet town of Orcha, was between 1531 and 1783, the capital of a locally powerful Rajput Kingdom. The 16th century site is located on the rocky shores of Betwa River. In the 16th century, Raja Bir Singh Deo built the magnificent Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace surrounded by lovely Chattris. The interiors house some of the most interesting Bundela School of paintings.
On arrival in Khajuraho check into your hotel.
Khajuraho 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: reflectful, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict griffins, nymphs, beasts, demons in revolt, gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, and jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion.
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Breakfast
Visit the Khajuraho Temples
KHAJURAHO TEMPLES
Later travel from Khajuraho to Varanasi by Flight
VARANASI
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13:
Breakfast

This morning you do the Sarnath Excursion
SARNATH EXCURSION
Later enjoy the Varanasi City tour by Rickshaw in the afternoon.
VARANASI CITY TOUR
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Varanasi - Delhi
Breakfast
Today before breakfast enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges.
Varanasi Boat ride on Ganges
Later travel from Varanasi to Delhi by Flight for your onward final destination.
Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: Breakfast

 
Gateway of India
Chharapati Mumbai Shivaji Terminus
Flora Fountain
Ellora Caves
Chandi Chowk
 
Jama Masjid
Red Fort
India Gate
Taj Mahal
Ajanata Caves
Details
ELEPHANTA EXCURSION
experience a cruise to the Elephanta caves. The island of Elephanta is known for its four rock- cut Hindu temples which were cut between 450 -750 A.D and at that time the island was known as Gharapuri, the fortress city. When the Portuguese arrived they renamed it Elephanta after the large stone elephant near the landing place.

GATEWAY OF INDIA
Mumbai`s most striking monument, this too was designed by George Wittet. It has an imposing gateway arch in the Indo-Saracenic style with Gujarati and Islamic elements such as wooden carvings. It was built to commemorate the visit
of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. This area is also the departing point for ferries plying to Elephanta Island and other beaches across the port. Behind it is the beautiful old (and new) structure of the Taj Mahal Hotel

CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI TERMINUS
This is a magnificent building, and considered to be architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. Built by the British in 1888, it has exquisite ornamentation on its facade along with beautifully executed panels and friezes. It holds the statue of Queen Victoria on its dome.

MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE MARKET (CRAWFORD MARKET)
A busy market area, this is best visited early on in the day. The fruits and vegetable section offers the best of produce. Depending on when you visit, the fruit/s of the season are always a good buy

FLORA FOUNTAIN
The Flora Fountain stands on the site of the old church gate of the Bombay Fort, now a major crossroad named Hutatma Chowk. It was erected to honour Sir Bartle Frere, a former governor of Bombay and named after the Greek goddess Flora.

MANI BHAWAN
This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi lived on his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. Gandhi`s room and belongings including his books are on display. Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, near the August Kranti Maidan, where the `Quit India` movement was launched in 1942. Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm

HANGING GARDEN
Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) and the Kamala Nehru Park. Both provide relaxing atmospheres of greenery. Beside the Hanging Gardens are the Parsi Towers of Silence. But these are off-limits to all except those who have come to dispose and pay respect to the dead.

ELLORA CAVES
The Ellora Caves are an impressive complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples built between the 6th and 10th centuries AD near the ancient Indian village of Ellora. The caves have a slightly less dramatic setting than those at Ajanta, but more exquisite sculptures. Ellora is a World Heritage Site and the most visited ancient monument in Maharashtra State.
The caves at Ellora were carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries. The carving work began around 550 AD, about the same time the Ajanta Caves (100km northeast) were abandoned.

AJANTA CAVES
The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 Buddhist cave temples in Ajanta, India, some of which date from the 2nd century BC. Encompassing both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the Ajanta caves preserve some of the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India.
The Ajanta Caves were carved in the 2nd century BC out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora River. They were used by Buddhist monks as prayer halls (chaitya grihas) and monasteries (viharas) for about nine centuries, then abruptly abandoned. They fell into oblivion until they were rediscovered in 1819.

UDAIPUR CITY TOUR
Sightseeing tour of Udaipur includes a visit to the vast and the exquisite City Palace of the Maharana. Amber, Jade, and colored glass give the palace a sparkling, yet ethereal quality. Also visit Jagdish Temple, 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Drive past Fateh Sagar Lake with a visit to Sahelion-ki- Bari, garden of the maids-of-Honor. On return visit the Crystal Gallery in the Durbar Hall at the Fateh Prakash Palace which once used to the venue of state banquets, official functions & formal `durbars`, offers breathtaking views of the Lake Pichola with Jagmandir, Lake Palace and Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace).

THE CITY PALACE MUSEUM
Made of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, cornate windows and glass.

JAGDISH TEMPLE
Dedicated to Lord Jaganath, built in 1651. It has imposing sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors.

JAG NIWAS - LAKE PALACE
Jag Niwas - better known as Lake Palace, built on one of the islands of Lake Pichola, served as a summer residence of the former rulers. Its balconies and windows overlook the lake. This airy complex has marble floors and granite columns. The gardens and fountains are well laid and the rooms are well decorated. Jag Niwas is now a world famous hotel, called Lake Palace Hotel.

JAG MANDIR PALACE
Jag Mandir, also on an island of Lake Pichola, is said to have been built by Maharana Karan Singh as a retreat for his friend Prince Khurram, who later became Emperor Shah Jahan. The cupolas, a lofty dome, majestic palms, beautiful rooms with inlaid stone and paintings of the palace are worth seeing.

LAKE PICHOLA BOAT RIDE
Evening we take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit the Jag Mandir Palace. This palace is built on an island, which covers 4 acres and is noted for its marble interior and imposing dome. You will get a chance to witness the daily life on the banks of the lake.(the same is subject to water in the lake).

JAIPUR CITY TOUR
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city; You visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory which is equipped with instruments of astonishing size and precision, including a 90 foot high sun dial. See the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, a major Rajput landmark built in 1799. This five-story building in the old city is a pink sandstone masterpiece with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows. The monument was originally conceived to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the city`s everyday life and royal processions in absolute privacy.
The City Palace is the royal residence of the erstwhile King of Jaipur. It houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, armory of Mughal and Rajput weaponry, and swords of different shapes and sizes with ornamental handles - some of them inlaid with enamel, embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards.
Drive past Moti-Doongri Palace - a privately owned hilltop fort built like a Scottish castle - to Ram Niwas Gardens and architecturally impressive Albert Hall.

CHANDI CHOWK
One of the main markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. But today the place is very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk is located opposite the Red Fort. The Area has got the Digamber Jain Temple which houses the Birds hospital. On one end of Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri Mosque which was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan. Opposite the old police station or the Kotwali is the Sunheri Masjid from where Nadir Shah ordered his troops to plunder and massacre Delhi.

JAMA MASJID
One of the Architectural gift given by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a birds eye view of Delhi.

Red Fort
Built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places. When the Red fort was being built Yamuna used to flow on its one sides and there were deep moats on the other. Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort and the moats have dried up. In the evening the Delhi Tourism organises a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort.

The Lahore gate, the main entrance, has some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian independence as the Tricolour flutters on the top of this gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses the nation from here. As soon one enters in the fort from the Lahore gate There is a small Bazzar, here all kinds of items are available. This Shopping arcade was known as the Mina Bazar and was open only to women on Thursdays`s during the Mughal era.

The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or the drum house where the Musicians used to play drums on the arrival of Emperors or princes. Just above the Naubat Khana is the Indian war memorial museum which has a rich collection of armours, guns, swords, and other items related to war.

The Dewan-i-Am or the place of public hearing had a wall paneled with marble in laid with precious stone which were removed during the mutiny of 1857. The Dewan-i-Khas or the place for special hearing was the area where the emperor used to hold meetings with his ministers. Next to Dewan-i-Khas are the royal baths or the Hammams and Shahi Burj which are closed for public viewing. The white marbled Moti Masjid or the pearl mosque was the private mosque for Aurangzeb.

RAJPATH
Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath

INDIA GATE
India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns and trees.

HUMAYUNS TOMB
It was built by Humayun`s widowed Queen Haji Begum, in the 16th century. Architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal, it stands in Nizamuddin, which has Mughal architecture at its graceful best.

QUTAB MINAR
The 72.5 metre high-tower dates back to the 13th century and is one of the greatest bequests of Islamic culture. At its base lies the Quwwatul-Islam Masjid, the first mosque in India.

IRON PILLAR
A famous iron pillar of the 5th century, inside Qutub Minar complex. It has remained rust free for 1500 years. According to local belief if you can get your fingers to touch, with your back to the pillar, your wishes will be granted.
AGRA CITY TOUR :
(1) TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan` s second Wife).
(2) 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 Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

KHAJURAHO TEMPLES
Khjuraho 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: reflectful, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict griffins, nymphs, beasts,
Demons in revolt, gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, and jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion.

VARANASI CITY DESCRIPTION
Varanasi is believed to have been created when this universe itself was created. According to historical records, it is a city contemporary with Nineveh and Thebes and therefore is the oldest living city in the world. It is today the most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and the sight of devout Hindus praying, standing waist deep in water is a moving experience. Varanasi has been a seat of learning from time immemorial. It was at nearby Sarnath that the Buddha preached his first sermon.

SARNATH EXCURSION
Sarnath situated 10 km from Varanasi is the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples, preaching the middle path for attaining `Nirvana`. Realizing the sanctity of the site, emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. built some of the finest monuments and legacies. Set in well-maintained gardens Sarnath`s ruins are a pleasant place to stroll amongst or meditate in. The main things to see are Asoka`s pillar, the ruins of the Mulagandhakuti and the huge Dharmek Stupa.
Further to the east is the modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara with its beautiful wall paintings and behind it the Deer Park. The Sarnath Museum houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art and should not be missed. Asoka`s lion capital and the beautiful Teaching Buddha are amongst the most beautiful sculptures ever made.

VARANASI CITY TOUR
Varanasi tour include visit to Bharat Mata relief map of India and we`ll drive through the Benares Hindu University, one of the oldest universities of India, constructed in the beginning of the 20th century, founded by Pandit Malviya as a center of education in Indian art, culture and music, and for the study of Sanskrit.

VARANASI BOAT RIDE ON GANGES
boat ride on the holy river Ganges. To see thousands of Devout Hindus descend to the holy waters of the Ganges for Prayers and rituals may be one of the most extraordinary experiences of your visit to India. Varanasi has over 100 bathing Ghats but the Manikarnika is the most sacred of them all. During holy occasions it is visited by a multitude of pilgrims who offer flowers, milk, sandalwood and sweetmeats.

JAG NIWAS - LAKE PALACE
Jag Niwas - better known as Lake Palace, built on one of the islands of Lake Pichola, served as a summer residence of the former rulers. Its balconies and windows overlook the lake. This airy complex has marble floors and granite columns. The gardens and fountains are well laid and the rooms are well decorated. Jag Niwas is now a world famous hotel, called Lake Palace Hotel.

JAG MANDIR PALACE
Jag Mandir, also on an island of Lake Pichola, is said to have been built by Maharana Karan Singh as a retreat for his friend Prince Khurram, who later became Emperor Shah Jahan. The cupolas, a lofty dome, majestic palms, beautiful rooms with inlaid stone and paintings of the palace are worth seeing.

CITY PALACE
This palace is a striking architectural marvel, located atop a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. The picture-perfect placing of the palace only adds to the splendour of the building, which is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Spend hours rambling through the palace’s pavilions, courtyards and terraces, or relax in the tranquility of the beautiful hanging gardens. The palace’s main building houses a museum featuring a collection of miniature Krishna figurines.

BAGORE KI HAVELI
This palace and beautiful work of architecture dating back to the mid-1700s was handed over in 1986 by the West Zone Cultural Centre and opened to the public. The building, with over 130 rooms, features mirror and glass inlay in the Haveli, still in prime condition since the palace was first erected. Outstanding works of craftsmanship are seen in the colourful peacock-shaped glass ornaments, while the courtyards and terraces bring visitors back to a period of wealth and elegance.

CLOCK TOWER
This towering structure was built in 1876 and is located in the centre of the old city. The winding alleys below the tower are home to charming shops selling exotic goods, silver and gold products as well as workshops of some of the region’s best coppersmiths. The Clock Tower, the first public clock in the city, is particularly elegant at night when it is illuminated.

JAGDISH TEMPLE
This is not only the largest temple in the region, but it is also widely considered one of the most spectacular. Although it is located about 150kms north of Udaipur, it is worth the journey for its unique Indo-Aryan style architecture and black stone image of Lord Vishnu.

GATEWAY OF INDIA
Mumbai`s most striking monument, this too was designed by George Wittet. It has an imposing gateway arch in the Indo-Saracenic style with Gujarati and Islamic elements such as wooden carvings. It was built to commemorate the visit
of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. This area is also the departing point for ferries plying to Elephanta Island and other beaches across the port. Behind it is the beautiful old (and new) structure of the Taj Mahal Hotel

CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI TERMINUS
This is a magnificent building, and considered to be architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. Built by the British in 1888, it has exquisite ornamentation on its facade along with beautifully executed panels and friezes. It holds the statue of Queen Victoria on its dome.

FLORA FOUNTAIN
The Flora Fountain stands on the site of the old church gate of the Bombay Fort, now a major crossroad named Hutatma Chowk. It was erected to honour Sir Bartle Frere, a former governor of Bombay and named after the Greek goddess Flora.

MANI BHAVAN
This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi lived on his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. Gandhi`s room and belongings including his books are on display. Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, near the August Kranti Maidan, where the `Quit India` movement was launched in 1942. Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm

HANGING GARDEN
Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) and the Kamala Nehru Park. Both provide relaxing atmospheres of greenery. Beside the Hanging Gardens are the Parsi Towers of Silence. But these are off-limits to all except those who have come to dispose and pay respect to the dead.

ELEPHANTA EXCURSION
Experience a cruise to the Elephanta caves. The island of Elephanta is known for its four rock- cut Hindu temples which were cut between 450 -750 A.D and at that time the island was known as Gharapuri, the fortress city. When the Portuguese arrived they renamed it Elephanta after the large stone elephant near the landing place.

 
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