Essence of India

Duration :   14 Nights & 15 Days
Itinerary at a Glance : Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur –Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Mandawa – Jaipur – Agra - Delhi

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Day 01: MUMBAI
Upon arrival at Chhattrapati Shivaji International airport, meet & greet by our Representative & you will be transferred to hotel.  Overnight at hotel.
Mumbai, which was previously known as Bombay is a major metropolitan city of India. It is the state capital of Maharashtra. Mumbai city is known as the business capital of India, it being the country's principal financial and communications centre. The city has the largest and the busiest port handling India's foreign trade and a major International airport. India's largest Stock Exchange which ranks as the third largest in the world is situated in Mumbai. Here, trading of stocks is carried out in billions of rupees everyday. Description about Mumbai can not be complete without the mention of Bollywood, the biggest Indian film industry which churns out hundreds of Hindi block-busters every year.

Day 02: MUMBAI
After breakfast at hotel proceed to visit Elephant caves.
The Elephanta Caves is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’. At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai.
There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa 6th – 7th centuries A.D. Among the cave excavations, the Cave 1 is the most impressive which represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures.
Afternoon visit Gateway of India (Mumbai’s most famous Monument), Dhobi Ghats, Hanging Gardens. Back to the hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: MUMBAI – UDAIPUR (By Flight)
In the morning transfer to airport to board on flight for Udaipur.
On arrival at Udaipur meet & greet at the airport & transfer to hotel.  Rest of the day at leisure.  Overnight at hotel.
Udaipur: Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur in 1559 AD. According to a legend Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital on that very spot. Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes this place was less vulnerable to external invasion than Chittaurgarh.
Udaipur is often called ‘Venice of the East’. It is also the ‘city of lakes’. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of architectural and cultural  marvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above enhances the beauty of this magnificent city. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings.

Day 04: UDAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel half day city tour includes visit to the City palace, a majestic architectural marvel that is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichola.  The Palace is a majestic conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens.  Visit Jagdish temple, drive around Fatehsagar   Lake,  Sahelion  ki   bari (Queen's Resort for her friends), the "Ladies Garden", with its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains and   Bhartiya  Lok  Kala  Mandir (Folk Art  Museum), which has an interesting collection of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments and deities.
Afternoon enjoy a Boat ride on Lake Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular.
Overnights at hotel.

Day 05: UDAIPUR – JODHPUR
In the morning drive (07 hrs) to Jodhpur enroute visit Ranakpur, beautifully sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Considered as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha. These are enclosed within a wall. The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji. The temple is an astounding creation of architectural splendor with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved, no two pillars being alike. Every hall of temple has  inconceivable surface carved with equal delicacy. Another temple worth visiting is the nearby 'Sun Temple' dedicated to the 'Sun God'. The temple has a polygonal wall, richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and celestial (Nakshatras, grahs) bodies. The Sun God has been shown riding its vehicle, the chariot.
Upon arrival in Jodhpur check into the hotel.
Afternoon Visit the Meharangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memorium built in 1899 and the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: JODHPUR – JAISALMER
After breakfast at hotel leave (07 hrs) for Jaisalmer enroute visit Osian, the ancient town of the Thar Desert was a great trading center between 8th to 12th centuries AD. Today it is a desert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples. These are beautifully sculpted and designed, and most of them have stood the ravages of time.
Arrive at Jaisalmer & check into hotel.  Overnight at hotel.
Jaisalmer: The name Jaisalmer evokes utter magic and vibrancy of the desert. It’s straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The hostile terrain not withstanding the warmth and colour of people is simply overwhelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloping sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in the Thar Desert. Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 AD. 

Day 07: JAISALMER
After breakfast at hotel proceed for half day city tour of Jaisalmer, includes visit to Jaisalmer Fort, known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, rises from the sand and merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience, also visit Government Museum, another prime attraction for the visitors to Jaisalmer.
Afternoon enjoy Camel ride at Khuri. Khuri is renowned for its sand dunes, the waves of golden sand. The Jodha Rajputs live here and even today you can see the stamp of Rajput culture in them. 
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: JAISALMER – BIKANER
After breakfast at hotel drive (07 hrs) to Bikaner, arrive & check into the hotel.  Afternoon visit Junagarh (an unassailable fortress, which had never been conquered), Lallgarh Palace (an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone).  Overnight at hotel.
Bikaner: Lying in the north of the desert State, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides being a mode of transport, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Day 09: BIKANER – MANDAWA
After breakfast at hotel drive (04 hrs) to Mandawa, arrive & check into hotel.  Evening visit Havelis in and around Mandawa.  Overnight at hotel.
Mandawa: Founded in the mid 18th century Mandawa is dominated by an imposing fort, now a heritage hotel that is maintained in classic medieval style with modern luxuries. The archway is painted with interesting forms of Lord Krishna and his cowherds. The sprawling architecture houses different themes in different wings.
Mandawa is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style.  The Havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.

Day 10: MANDAWA – JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel drive (04 hrs) to Jaipur and check-in at the hotel.   Evening to shop around the illuminated old markets of this lovely city.  Overnight at hotel.
Jaipur: Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur. Jaipur is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy.

Day 11: JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel proceed for the city tour of Jaipur. First visit Amber fort by ascending on the elephant's back Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.
Later in afternoon visit the city palace (A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar so called observatory (consisting of outsized astronomical instruments).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA
After breakfast at hotel leave for Agra (06 hrs) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jalal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was not having any child heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan-E-Aam, Diwan-E-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
On arrival at Agra check into the hotel.  Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13: AGRA – DELHI
Early morning proceed to visit Taj Mahal (Friday closed) & Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.
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. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Later drive (04 hrs) to Delhi & check into hotel.   Overnight at hotel.
New Delhi:  The capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India.
Delhi is a palimpsest, bearing the complexities, the contradictions, the beauty and the dynamism of a city where the past coexists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of the city have enriched its character.

Day 14: DELHI
After breakfast proceed for full day city tour of old & New Delhi, drive past Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghats, Lotus Temple, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, India Gate, Humayun Tomb, President   House and Qutub Minar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: DELHI
Today you will get in time transfer to airport to board on flight for onwards destination.

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