Essentials of India tour
15 Nights/ 16 Days
Detailed Tour Itenerary
Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi
Transfer to the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Your Tour begins with an arrival into Delhi, where you will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to the hotel and assisted with check in formalities. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 - In Delhi Full Day Visit
Breakfast at hotel
Full Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi
Evening free
Overnight at hotel
Old Delhi came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. You visit 300 year old Chandni Chowk market. A maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and food, the noise and crowds are a quintessential part of any Indian market. From here you continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque.
This is India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan, and was his last architectural legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means "mosque commanding a view of the world". In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence. You pass through the Red Fort that dominates this area is the landmark. Built in the mid 17th century by Shah Jahan, it was plundered by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and later by British soldiers. Afternoon, we take our tour of New Delhi, visit Qutab Minar, the tapering monument begun in 1199 was built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually the prototype of all minars or towers in India. Our next stop is Humayun's tomb, built by his senior wife and mother of emperor Akbar. This is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. It is believed that it was this mausoleum, which inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. We drive pass the India Gate, Presidential Palace and Parliament House.
Evening Free.
Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Delhi– Varanasi (By Flight)
Breakfast at hotel
Check-out from Hotel
Transfer to airport
Check-in at hotel
Evening aarti ceremony and rickshaw ride.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check-out from hotel and in time you will be transfer to airport to board the flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi you will be meet and greet by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening you will witness the Aarti ceremony on river Ganges. Every evening, as dusk descends, it's time for the Ganga Aarti to be performed at the three holy cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi in India. It's a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual. The aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by changing or songs in praise of Mother Ganga. The idea is that the lamps acquire the power of the deity. After the ritual is complete, devotees will cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead in order to get the Goddess's purification and blessing.
We return to the hotel for overnight. (Breakfast)
Day 04 - In Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel
Visit to Sarnath
Temple tour in Varanasi
Evening free
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast you will visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon "Maha- DharmaChakra Pravartan" (in Buddhist terminology, ‘turned the wheel of the law’) after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D. Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorsed Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. Among other structures at Sarnath are the ruins of the brick temple; the DhamekhStupa, adorned with delicate floral carvings; the Chaukhandi Stupa and Mahabodhi Society’s Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple. We also visit the Archeological Museum, with an extremely rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images. In the afternoon we visit the Vishwanath temple, also called the golden temple because of the gold-plating on its roof and drive pass Bharat Mata Mandirand Benaras Hindu University - is a premier Central University and a world class educational institution located in Varanasi. It is regarded as the largest residential university in Asia. The fully-residential campus has more than 128 independent teaching departments in its 1350 acre campus.
We return to the hotel for overnight. (Breakfast)
Special Note:- Sarnath Museum remains closed on every Thursday
Day 05 - Varanasi - Khajuraho (By Flight)
Boating on the Ganges
Breakfast at hotel
Check-out from Hotel
Transfer to airport
Arrival in Khajuraho
Check-in at hotel
PM half day city tour
Overnight at hotel
Early morning today we leave for a boat ride on River Ganges. The western banks of Ganges has a string of Ghats -the chain of stone steps, all built with pavilions, palaces and terraces, most of which are mainly used as Dharamsalas where the pilgrims stay during their visit to the holy city. At dawn, the Ghats are a buzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity. The sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience. After boat ride we return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast intime you will be transfer to airport to board the flight to Khajuraho, Upon arrival in Khajuraho you will be meet and greet by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon you will visit Eastern and Western Group of Temples. Western Group of Temples. The most important temple is the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Our next stop is the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 "Yoginis" or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also see the Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. Eastern Group of Temples. you will visit to the Eastern Group of temples in the morning includes the Ghantai Temple dedicated to the "Vamana" or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and nonerotic sculptures.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 06 - Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi (Drive: Approx 4 Hrs) (Jhansi– Agra by Shatabdi Exp (Train #12001) 1759 Hrs / 2030 Hrs)
Breakfast at hotel
Check-out from hotel
Drive to Jhansi
EnRouté visit Orchha
Board the train
Arrive in Agra
Checkin at hotel
After breakfast we transfer you to Jhansi railway station to board the train to Agra, Optional enroute you can also visit Orchha, a medieval temple town situated on the Betwa River in the state of Madhya Pradesh. We explore the 16th and 17th century palaces and temples built by the Bundela rulers; most of them still in their pristine perfection. We visit the fort complex consisting of palaces, temples, cenotaphs, and memorials.
After visit you will transfer to Jhansi railway station to board the train to Agra.
On arrival in Agra transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 07 - In Agra
Visit of Taj Mahal
Breakfast at hotel
Visit of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Afternoon free.
Overnight at hotel
At sunrise, We take our Tonga to visit the world famous Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the sill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'. After visit return back to Hotel.
After breakfast you will visit Agra Fort and Itmad –ud – daulah. Agra fort, built by Emperor Akbar, reveals the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design. This fort palace was begun by Akbar as a purely defensive citadel and was subsequently completed by two successive generations that added the delicate mosaic and magnificent marble palaces. The fort is the history of Mughal life in Agra and offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal. Itmad-ud daulah, one of the most beautiful of Mughal tombs, stands across the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, nearly one and a half kilometres up-stream. Belonging to the age of Jahangir, it contains cenotaphs of the parents of the powerful Mughal Empress Nurjahan, queen of Jahangir, an exceptional beauty and an astute administrator.
Afternoon free.
Overnight at Hotel.
Special Not:- Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday.
Day 08 - Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (Drive: 5 hours approx.)
Breakfast at hotel
Check-out from hotel
Drive to Jaipur
Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri
Check-in at hotel
Evening free
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast we drive to Jaipur en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. The emperor used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.
Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur check in at the hotel.
Evening free to visit local Markets in Jaipur
Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 09 - In Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel
Excursion to Amer Fort
City Tour of Jaipur
Evening free
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast we leave for excursion to Amber Fort. A major attraction at Amber is the Elephant Ride (subject to availability) all the way up to the Fort entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience.
Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. En route to Amber Fort from your hotel, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. In the afternoon, we tour the city of Jaipur. We first visit the Maharaja's city Palace, the former Royal residence part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. The main entrance leads to the courtyard at the center, which is the Mubarak Mahal. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. On the first floor is the Textile and Costume Museum, which is the fine example of fabrics and costumes from all over India.
Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast
Day 10 - Jaipur – Jodhpur (Drive: 7 hours approx.)
Breakfast at hotel
Check-out from hotel
Drive to Jodhpur
Checkin at hotel
Evening free
After breakfast we check-out from hotel and drive to Jodhpur, which is 220 kilometers away. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall, which has 101 bastions and seven gates. on arrival check-in at hotel Evening free.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - In Jodhpur
Breakfast at hotel
City tour of Jodhpur
Evening free
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast you will enjoy half day city tour of Jodhpur, your included Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada.
Mehrangarh Fort, which was built on a steep hill. The fort is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential complexes. Later proceed to visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble.
Overnight in the hotel.
Evening free to visit markets of Jodhpur.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (Drive: 5 hours approx.)
Breakfast at hotel
Checkout from hotel
Drive to Udaipur
Enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple
Check-in at hotel.
Boating on Lake Pichola
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast drive to Udaipur enrout you will also visit Ranakpur Jain Temples. Ranakpur Temples: The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, the main temple is the Adinath or Chaumukha temple (the four-faced temple) dedicated to the first tirthankara Adinath. Tucked away deep in the forested Aravalli hills, this is easily one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India. Built in the 15th century, the detailed and intricate carving on the marble looks like lace work rather than stone carving. The 15th century Adishwar temple or the Chaumaukha temple built by Sheth Dhanna Shah is a fine structure. It is in the form of a Nalinigulm Vimana (heavenly aircraft) that Shah had seen in his dream. Designed by Dipa Shilpi it took 65 years (1367- 1432) to erect and is the largest and most complex Jain temple in India. It also boasts of being one of the five most important holy shrines of the Jains. After visit continue drive to Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur checkin at hotel. Evening enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola. Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichhola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 13 - In Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel
Half day city tour
Evening free
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast city tour of Udaipur and visit Sahelion Ki Bari, Shree Jagdish Temple and City Palace
SAHELIYON KI BARI Saheliyon Ki Bari is one the most beautiful gardens and a major tourist destination in Udaipur. The garden is famous for its lush green lawns, marble art and fountains. English translation of Saheliyon Ki Bari means "Garden of maids". This renowned garden is located near the Fateh Sagar Lake, presenting a green retreat in the dry lands of Rajasthan. Garden of maids was built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies.
SHREE JAGDISH TEMPLE Shree Jagdish Temple is a world renowned temple of Lord Vishnu. This three stories and 79 feet high temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singhji in 1651 with a costing of more than 1.5 million rupees. It is owned and managed by the royal family of Udaipur. In the complex the main Jagdish temple is located in the centre surrounded by four smaller temples of Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. It has 32 steps and 50 pillars, really a brilliant piece of Indian architecture. Every year thousands of devotee came witness this amazing temple
CITY PALACE MUSEUM The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the lethal two-pronged sword. The City Palace museum is then entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh.
Afternoon free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 - Udaipur - Mumbai (By Flight)
Breakfast at hotel
AM Free
Check-out from hotel
Transfer to airport
Transfer to hotel
Check-in at hotel
Evening free
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast you have free time to relax, later intime you will be transfer to airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Mumbai is the commercial capital of India where everybody becomes a winner someday is termed as Mumbai. Cricket, Bollywood, Fashion, Industries, Fun and food are some of the terms associated with the Mumbai.
On arrival in Mumbai you will be transfer to hotel.
In Mumbai you have the entire evening is free to visit local markets.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 - In Mumbai
Breakfast at hotel
Board the ferry to elephanta caves
Afternoon city tour of Mumbai
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast you will embark the ferry from Gateway of India to visit Elephanta Islands.
Elephanta cave is a World Heritage Site, showcasing legends of Lord Shiva carved in rock cave temples. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The island is about an hour’s boat ride from the Gateway Of India.
Afternoon you will visit Gate Way of India, Colaba University Building, Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Marine, Mani Bhawan, Jain temple, Hanging Garden, Dhobi (Ghat open laundry), Crawford Market.
Gateway of India: Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in 1911, this famous landmark has welcomed one and all.
The Prince of Wales Museum: The museum houses rare and ancient exhibits of Indian history as well as objects from foreign lands. It also has Indus Valley Civilization artifacts, relics from the times of Gupta's of ancient India and examples of Mauryan art.
Hanging Gardens: Perched on Malabar Hill, these terraced gardens offer lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The park overlooks the Towers of Silence, a Parsi crematorium.
Mani Bhavan: Previously the epicenter of Mahatma Gandhi's freedom movement, this building is now a memorial of Gandhi's life and all that he stood for. You can go down the alleys of history and unravel the man behind the Mahatma. Dhobi Ghat: Probably one of the most fascinating places in Mumbai, this laundry area is an impressive visual. Thousands of clothes are washed in the open in huge pits of water and then ironed and systematically returned.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 - Mumbai Departure
Breakfast at hotel
Check-out from hotel
Transfer to airport
Final departure
After breakfast you will be transfer to international airport to board the flight for onwards destination.