DAY 04   IN VARANASI

Early morning boat-ride on holy river Ganges. In Varanasi life and various activities revolve around the river. Life begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - and devotees - come down to the river to offer early morning prayers. Also visit the famous ghats and enjoy a spectacular view of sunrise from river Ganges.

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Temples of Varanasi including Durga Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva. Bharat Mata Temple: This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses one of the most perfect relief of India carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Temple: Built in white marble this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its wall. Well laid out landscaping around the temple adds to its beauty and Banaras Hindu University.Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 06   KHAJURAHO-ORCHHA

Morning after breakfast half day sightseeing tour of Eastern & Western Group of Temples.
Western Group is the best known as it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temples belong - the Kandariya Mahadeo. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 metres high. The main shrine is in an almost perfectly state of preservation. This shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes: celestial beings, lovers, serenading musicians - movement captured in stones and frozen in time, yet retaining the warmth of pulsating life. The stones seem to have taken on the sensuousness of the carved figures. Eastern Group: Hindu and Jain temples make up the eastern group, close to Khajuraho Village. The largest Jain temple, Parsvanath, is in this group. Sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple the finest in the group. The carvings are timeless, of a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter, a damsel removing a thorn from her foot. The sanctum has a thronefacing a bull, emblem of the first Tirthankara, Adinath. The actual image of Parsvanath, from which the temple derives its name,was installed in 1860.
Afternoon depart by surface to Orchha (165 kms/4 hrs drive) and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 07  ORCHHA-JHANSI-AGRA

Morning after breakfast, sightseeing tour of Orchha Fort. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time and a rich legacy and the palaces and the temples built by it Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine perfection. Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chattries has a spectacular view of soaring temples spires and cenotaphs.

Late afternoon departure transfer to the Jhansi Railway Station to board train Shatabdi Express 1755/2010 hrs to Agra. Assistance upon arrival at the Railway Station and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 08  IN AGRA

Morning after breakfast half-day sightseeing tour of Agra city - which includes:
Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this beautiful mausoleum is built of pure white marble and is an architectural marvel, in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar over the years 1565 - 1573 with its maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers. Most of the buildings originally built by Akbar were destroyed and were replaced by his grandson Shah Jehan. The only surviving structure from Akbar's period apart from the solid sand stone ramparts and the gateway is the Jehangir Mahal. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 09  AGRA-FATEHPUR SIKRI-JAIPUR

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Jaipur (235 kms/6 hrs) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Mughal India. Among the principal attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are the large audience halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of Salim Chishti, The Panchmahal, and the Buland Darwaza, which is among the biggest gates in Asia. Continue your drive and upon arrival in Jaipur check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10   VARANASI-KATHMANDU

Morning excursion to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. The highlight of the visit is to take a ride on gaily decorated elephant to the ramparts of the Fort.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Among the principal sights are the Jantar Mantar or the Observatory, The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, The City Palace & Museum. Jaipur is also a major centre of precious and semi precious stones, jewellery, cotton textiles and the typical Blue Pottery. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11   JAIPUR-JODHPUR

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Jodhpur and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12   IN JODHPUR

Morning after breakfast, half day sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill, including Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Later visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memoriam built in 1899 and the museum located in the Umaid Public Gardens.

Afternoon excursion to Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar, which was abandoned for strategic reasons. At the foot of the hills amidst gardens, commemorative cenotaphs line the silent city. A shrine reputedly of 300 million gods, contains the life size statues of local deities and heroes. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 13   JODHPUR-RANAKPUR-UDAIPUR

Morning after breakfast depart by surface to Udaipur (259 kms/7 hrs) en route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Its surrounding is quite and picturesque. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculpture. There are 1444 pillars in the temple different from each other. The magic of light and shade is awe-inspiring

DAY 14  IN UDAIPUR

Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. The jewel of Mewar - Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 A.D. Of the original eleven gates of the city, only five remain now.

Morning half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. Among the places visited are the City Palace - a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake. A conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the Triple arched gate "Tripolia" with eight marble porticos; the Jagdish temple- built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo - Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with note worthy sculpted images; the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, which houses an interesting collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, paintings etc; the Saheliyon ki Bari with its many fountains etc.

A highlight of your trip to Udaipur is a sunset boat cruise on the beautiful placid Lake Pichola. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces including the beautiful city palace, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. There are two island palaces, The Jagmandir and Jagniwas and also the beautiful Lake Palace sits on an island in this lake. boat rides, which originate from the City Palace jetty (known as Bansi Ghat), are a popular way of exploring the natural beauty of Udaipur. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 15  UDAIPUR-MUMBAI-AURANGABAD

Morning departure transfer to the airport to board flight to Mumbai. Remain in transit to connect onward flight to Aurangabad. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 16  IN AURANGABAD

Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves, which are combined three forms of art - architecture, sculpture and painting. Entirely Buddhist in origin, they date from about 200 B.C. See the superb frescoes and paintings depicting episodes from the Jataka stories and the life of Lord Buddha. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 17  AURANGABAD-MUMBAI

Morning excursion to Ellora Caves, which encompasses 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain Art. The most remarkable is the Kailasa Temple.

Afternoon departure transfer to the airport to board flight to Mumbai. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the International airport to board flight back home.