Day 1 Arrive Mumbai
On arrival in Mumbai you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel. Mumbai is a spicy masala of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood, history, great cuisine, beaches and much more! Afternoon free to catch up on jetlag or explore your surrounds.
Day 2 In Mumbai
A half day's sightseeing tour of Mumbai includes The Gateway of India - a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the visit of King George IV; Mani Bhavan - where the father of our Nation resided for 15 years; the Marine drive; the Prince of Wales museum - considered one of the best museums in the country; the Hanging gardens & Victoria Railway Station. Overnight in Mumbai. We will be happy to recommend restaurants for dinner tonight.
Day 3 Fly Mumbai to Aurangabad
You will be transferred to Mumbai Airport for your flight to Aurangabad - gateway to the marvellous Ajanta and Ellora Caves. After arrival transfer to your hotel, your guide will take you to the Ellora Caves, located 29kms from Aurangabad. Ellora encompasses 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. The most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shivas celestial abode - Kailash is the best example of Rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel. Overnight in Aurangabad
Day 4 In Aurangabad
This morning enjoy a visit to the famous Ajanta Caves, located almost 100kms from Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves with their Buddhist carvings dated between the 2nd century BC and the 7th century AD are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art. Overnight in Aurangabad.
Day 5 Fly Aurangabad to Udaipur (via Mumbai)
You will be transferred to Aurangabad Airport in time to board your flight to Udaipur via Mumbai. Udaipur is the famed "city of sunrise" also called the Venice of the East. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 6 In Udaipur
A half day's sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the opulent City Palace - towering over the lake, this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagdish Temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe and Saheliyon ki bari is a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a delightful lotus pool. An evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola with the shimmering waters of the Lake combined with the City Palace in the background is a magical way to end your day in Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 7 Fly Udaipur to Jaipur
Transfer to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Jaipur, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still. Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the hotel or explore Jaipur's fabulous bazaars. Overnight in Jaipur
Day 8 In Jaipur
A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, 11kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they believe their fated souls move to its rhythms. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 9 Drive Jaipur to Agra (250kms/5 hours) via Fatehpur Sikri
Your drive to Agra takes you via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital. Continue on to Agra - City of the Taj Mahal, a great monument to love and one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Pass the afternoon enjoying the facilities or exploring on your own. Overnight in Agra
Day 10 Drive Agra to Delhi (220kms/4 hours)
The day starts early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah - the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jehangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jehan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal. Stop for lunch and in the afternoon drive to Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 11 In Delhi
A full day's sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan - the President's House; Humayun's Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and the Bahai Temple - beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower. Overnight in Delhi. We will be happy to recommend restaurants and lovely places for an evening stroll.
Day 12 Depart Delhi
You will be transferred to the International Airport in time to board your onward flight.
