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 Day 01
Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, the
capital city of India. After completing formalities with
customs and immigration, you will be received by our
representative with Traditional Indian Welcome (with
garlands).
Delhi is the capital of India since old times. Delhi's
history dates back to the first millenium BC, when it
was known as Indraprastha. The Tomar Rajputs built Lal
Kot, the core of the first of Delhi's seven cities. It
is the epicenter of the nation's politics, economy and
culture. History is alive and throbbing in Delhi, the
capital of India.
Afterwards transfer to your hotel for the overnight
stay.
Day 02
In
Delhi.
After breakfast you embark
on your sightseeing trip of Delhi City which would
include the visit to Old Delhi and New Delhi
Old Delhi : An ancient walled city. Here you
would see the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace
of the Mughal Empire, Rajghat the Samadhi of our Father
of Nation, Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and
Chandni Chowk the bustling and colourful market of the
old city.
New Delhi : The city designed and built by the
British in the 1920’s- a city of wide boulevards
impressive Government Buildings, green parks and
gardens. First you will visit the two monuments from the
Delhi’s past Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar. Then your
drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath,
past the Imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
After completing the sightseeing return back to the
Hotel for Overnight.
Day 03
Delhi- Agra (Approx 210 Kms/05 Hours)
After breakfast you drive
to Agra. On arrival you check in to the hotel.
Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the
World Tourism map with three heritage monuments - The
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri. It is more just a
dacadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a
vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies
that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over
centuries.
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04
Agra – Jaipur Via Fatehpur Sikri (Approx 270 Kms/06
Hours)
After breakfast you embark
on your sightseeing tour of the Agra City including Taj
Mahal and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal : The 17th Century master piece named
Taj Mahal ,which of course is the most splendid of all
the buildings – perhaps the most perfect architectural
monument of the world. It was built in the memory of the
beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal by one of greatest king of
Mughal Empire Shah Jehan.
Agra Fort: Built primarily as a military
establishment by Emperor Akbar in 1565,the redstone Agra
Fort, was partially converted in to a palace during the
tenure of Emperor Shah Jehan. Though the principal
structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were
made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 Kms long
and is considered the predecessor of the Red Fort of New
Delhi.
Later you visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri: A
fascinating ghost town lies little beyond Agra the
deserted Red sandstone city that was built by Emperor
Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city
and its ruins are still in a pristine condition. It is
not hard to imagine what the court life would have been
like in the days of its grandeur. Set like a jewel in a
court yard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of Saint
Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble
screens.
Afterwards you continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival
in Jaipur you check in to your hotel.
Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, also known as 'Pink City'
is surrounded by an ancient 20ft high wall and eight
gates. Situated at a distance of 280 km away from Delhi,
today, Jaipur is the personification of the old order
influence the new. An inherent interest for colour and
design penetrated over stratum of society, and jewelry,
crafts and architecture became objects of fascination
equally between prince and peasant. Jaipur is also the
main tourist hub of Rajasthan tourist circuit. From here
you can reach out to places like Jodhpur, Bikaner,
Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Pushkar, and many more such
destinations from Jaipur. Jaipur is also the third
corner of the famed Golden Triangle tourist circuit of
India along with Delhi and Agra.
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05
In
Jaipur
After breakfast you embark
on your sightseeing tour of Amer Fort and Jaipur City.
Amer Fort : 11 Kms from Jaipur- A marvelous
example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and
reflected in Matao lake below. The magnificent old
Citadel, a labyrinth of massive walls and towers,
shrouds an exquisite marble palace, pillared and carved
glimmering with a million tiny mirrors, which creates
tanatalising reflection effect. The ascent to the fort
is on a gaily caparisoned elephants.
Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur City visit the
City Palace Museum :
An imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal
Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of
robes of royal princess, carpets an armoury of old
weapons , miniature paintings portraying court scenes ,
battle scenes and processions.
Jantar Mantar : (Observartory): Jantar Mantar,
built between 1728 and 1734, literally means the
‘instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens’.
Jai Singh, the brain behind the grand project, chose
stone with marble facing. This was the biggest of all
his observatories and the only one built of stone. He
used it daily, often with his astronomy gurus Pandit
Jagannath and Kewal Ram. In all there are 17 instruments
in the Jantar Mantar complex. The function of each
instrument is rather complex but serves a particular
function where time plays the main theme.
Hawa Mahal : (Palace of Winds) : A five storeyed
wonder with a spectacular pyra midal façade and
overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and
spires.
After completing the sightseeing return back to the
hotel for overnight.
Day 06
Jaipur – Pushkar by Surface Approx (140 Kms – 03 Hours)
Breakfast in the hotel.
This morning drive to Pushkar
Pushkar is among the five Dhams or pilgrimages that are
held in high esteem by Hindus, the others being
Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, and Dwarka.
It is said that in battle lord Brahma killed the demon
Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower, whose petals floated
down to earth and landed in three places in and around
Pushkar where lakes sprang up. According to legends,
Pushkar Lake was surrounded by 500 temples and 52
palaces (several rajas and maharajas maintained palaces
here for pilgrimage) at one point.
The Brahma temple is the most important temple here and
is, in fact, the only Brahma temple of India. It is
interesting to note that Brahma is not worshipped, even
though he is one of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism.
Brahma, it is said, had descended on earth to perform a
Yajna (fire-sacrifice). His wife Savitri was not with
him at that time and the Yajna would be incomplete
without her. Therefore, Brahma married a local girl and
sat down for the Yajna. Meanwhile Savitri landed on
earth and, upon finding this new bride sitting next to
Brahma, cursed him that he would never be worshipped
anywhere else on earth.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel.
Afternoon : Embark upon the sightseeing of the
city which would include the visit to Pushkar Lake and
temples.
Return back to the hotel after the sightseeing.
Overnight will be in Pushkar.
Day 07
Pushkar – Udaipur By Surface Approx (285 Kms – 06 Hours)
Breakfast in the hotel.
After breakfast this morning drive to Udaipur.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar kingdom ruled by the
Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. The foundation of the
city has an interesting legend associated with it.
According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was
hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations on a
hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.The hermit blessed
the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this
favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by
the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an
amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the
advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Evening free at
leisure.
Overnight will be in Udaipur.
Day 08
Udaipur – Ahmedabad By Surface Approx (255 Kms – 05
Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast this morning embark upon the half day
city tour which would include the visit to :
Udaipur City : Visit the city Palace- Museum-
grandeur and intricacy stroked all over in granite,
marble and mosaic displayed in the sparkling white
filigreed balconies and windows ,ornate arches and
cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers,
Jagdish Temple : built in 1651 AD, also visit the
Sahelion Ki Bari- the spectacular garden displaying the
unique life styles of royal ladies who once lived in the
palaces.
Return back to the hotel after the sightseeing.
After the completion of the sightseeing drive to
Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad India, the largest city and former capital of
Gujarat, nurtures a striking blend of the glorious past
and a vibrant present. Ahmedabad (Ahmadabad) is named
after a Sultan who founded it in 1411, the city is
associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation,
whose simple ashram on the banks of river Sabarmati is
now a site of national pilgrimage. It is a great textile
and commercial centre and known as the "Manchester of
India". Some times spelled Ahmedabad, is today the
second largest prosperous city in Western India and a
place where tradition and modern coexist in perfect
harmony.
On arrival check in to the hotel.
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight will be in Ahmedabad.
Day 09
In
Ahmedabad
Breakfast at hotel. This
morning embark upon the sightseeing of the city which
would include the visit to :
Adalaj Vav : Adalaj is a small village, situated
at a distance of 18 km to the north of Ahmedabad. Vav
means a step well. Adalaj Vav was built by Queen Rudabai,
in 1499 AD.
Bhadra Fort : This is one of the majestic
buildings in the city of Ahmedabad. The fort was
constructed by Sultan Ahmed Shah in the year 1411 AD. It
houses a number of palatial buildings, along with the
sprawling Nagina Baugh.
Calico Museum of Textiles : Calico Museum of
Textiles is one of the finest museums to be set up in
India. It was inaugurated in the year 1949 by the then
Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru.
Jumma Masjid : Jumma Masjid of Ahmedabad is one
of the most beautiful mosques in India. It was built in
the year 1423 by the founder of the city, Sultan Ahmed
Shah, and is located in the old city.
Rani Roopmati Mosque : Rani Roopmati Mosque,
situated towards the north of Ahmedabad, is a historic
monument built by Sultan Mehmud Beghara. It is named
after his Hindu wife Rani Roopmati and was constructed
during the period of 1430 to 1440 AD.
Sabarmati Ashram : Sabarmati Ashram is situated
on the banks of River Sabarmati. It was founded in the
year 1917 AD and is also known as Gandhi Ashram or the
Harijan Ashram. The ashram once served as the residence
of the Father of the Nation.
Sarkhej Roza :
Sarkhej Roza is a small
city, located 10 km towards the southwest of Ahmedabad.
It is known for its beautiful architectural complexes.
The complex houses a mausoleum and a mosque.
Sardar Patel National
Memorial: Sardar
Patel National Memorial is one of the most important
buildings in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat. It is a museum
as well as an exhibition center, dedicated to the Iron
Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Teen Darwaza :
Teen Darwaja is a triple
arched gateway, situated in the city of Ahmedabad. It is
the landmark of the city and is an architectural
masterpiece. The gateway was built by the founder of
Ahmedabad, Sultan Ahmed Shah.
Return back to the hotel after the sightseeing.
Overnight will be in Ahmedabad.
Day 10
Ahmedabad – Palitana By Surface Approx (239 Kms – 04
Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning take the Heritage Walk in the walled city
of Ahmedabad. This walk tour is a great way to explore
the Historic Swaminarayan Temple, exquisitely carved
Jain and Hindu temples, ornate wooden havelis and the
traditional lifestyle of the dwellers of the old
quarters, bird-feeders, the 15th century Jumma Mosque
and the mausoleum complexes of the Sultans and Begums of
medieval Ahmedabad. Proceed for Palitana calling in on
the way at the 2400 – 1600 BC Indus site of Lothal for
an insight into the Harappan civilization.
Afterwards drive to Palitana. Upon arrival in Palitana
check in to the hotel.
Overnight will be in Palitana.
Day 11
Palitana - Gondal By Surface Approx (160 Kms – 03 Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early morning ascent to the 863-temple covered summit of
Shatrunjaya Hill. This is one of the most awe-inspiring
sights of Gujarat and is one of the major Jain
pilgrimage sites with an aura of devotion that is
mind-blowing. Depart after lunch at the Vijay Vilas for
Gondal. See the 1748 AD Naulakha Palace, the Vintage and
Classic Car museum, the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy
and the Swaminarayan Temple.
Overnight stay at the Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace of
Gondal, both of them are heritage hotels owned and
managed by their owners with 11 and seven rooms resp.
Day 12 -
Gondal – Junagadh – Gondal (123 km round trip):
Drive to Junagadh to see
the Uparkot Fort & Buddhist cave-sites, Ashoka’s rock
inscriptions (3rd century BC), palace museum, 18th &
19th century royal mausoleum complexes, Nawabi buildings
and museums. Return to Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace
of Gondal for overnight stay.
Day 13 -
Gondal – Dasada (220 km, four hours)
On arrival at Dasada,
depart for a jeep safari in the Little Rann of Kutch in
search of endangered desert wildlife like the Asiatic
wild ass and witness the sunset at a lake that attracts
flamingos, pelicans, cranes and other attractive birds
in large numbers. Overnight stay at Rann Riders, an
imaginatively designed safari resort.
Day 14 -
Dasada – Balasinor (180 km)
Early morning walk in
Dasada village, known for its Rabari and Bharwad
embroidery, weaving and other handiwork. Drive to
Balasinor which will take approx three hours. Visit the
dinosaur site, one of the largest prehistoric fossil
sites in the world. Overnight at the Garden Palace where
you can experience the NAWABI CULTURE. The Nawab dynasty
of Balasinore came to India during Mughal period. This
Palace was built in 19th Century by Nawab Saheb Manover
Khanji and is set in fine gardens, agricultural fields
and orchards. It has a grand drawing room which is
elegantly furnished with Louis XIV style French chairs,
antique lamps, portraits, a collection of photographs of
Indian Royals and hunting trophies and beautiful dining
hall where meals are served in a typical Nawabi period
ambience, made from home grown vegetables, milk from the
palace dairy and chicken from the family's own poultry.
The guests of the Garden Palace are entertain by Nawab
family itself. The Garden Palace has beautiful furnished
rooms with attached modern baths and royal atmosphere
for its guests.
Day 15 -
Balasinor – Champaner - Chhota Udepur
Drive to Champaner (also
known as ghost city), the only Gujarat site on the World
Heritage List, and see the impressive forts, mosques,
mausoleum and temples. Proceed to Chhota Udepur and
Overnight stay at Kali Niketan. Originally called Nahar
Mahal, this palatial mansion was built about 100 years
ago as the summer residence of the royal family of
Chhota Udepur (descendants of emperor Prithvi Raj
Chauhan) in 60 acres near River Orsang. Attractively set
in fruit orchards, the mansion has fountains in the
forecourt and in the courtyard.
Day 16 -
Drive to Ahmedabad
In the morning, after
having your leisurely breakfast, proceed towards
Ahmedabad Airport to catch the flight back home or to
Delhi. There are some budget airlines operating at
Ahmedabad and you can have very attractive fare for
Delhi or Mumbai from Ahmedabadectively and the latter
also has a converted rail saloon suite. |
