Day 1 Mumbai

Arrival in Mumbai. Transfer to the hotel. Check in time is 1200 hrs.

Day 2 Mumbai

Mumbai is India’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading centre. This palm- fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire’s entrance to its `Crown Jewel’. Mumbai is also the centre for Hindi films. It is called Bollywood, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.

This afternoon a short tour Mumbai city, rich blend of East and West. The tour includes the 26 mtr high British-built Arch “Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine Drive dubbed as the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades and a favourite sunset watching spot. The Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers of silence’ the crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Mumbai/Udaipur

Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight to Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur transfer to the hotel.

The city of Udaipur lies in the Girwa valley amidst the Aravali hills of south Rajasthan. It is considered a romantic city - with its lakes, gardens, temples and palaces - an Oasis in the Thar desert. The old city is a traditionally planned fortified walled city, a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by houses with doorways decorated with Mewar folk art, windows with stained glass or jali screens, massive havelis with large inner courtyards and shops. The legendary Ranas who ruled, traced their ancestry to the Sun Dynasty.

This morning visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the Royal family, and part converted into a museum. The Jagdish Temple – (1651) was built by Maharana Jagat Singh. A fine example of the Nagara style of temple architecture. A brass Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank the entrance steps. Inside is a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. Sahelion-ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18^th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.

Afternoon boat ride on the Pichola Lake

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Udaipur

After breakfast visit Nagda (40 km) it has three temples: the ruined 11^th century Jain temple of Adbhutji and the Vaishnavite Sas Bahu - the Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law Temple. The complex, though comparatively small, has very intricate carving on pillars, ceiling and mandapa walls. Visit the white marble Eklingii temple with a two storey mandapa of Shiva, the family deity of the Mewars, dates from 734 AD, rebuilt in the 15^th century. There is a silver door, screen and a silver Nandi facing the black marble Shiva.

Afternoon free at the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Day 5 Udaipur/Mt. Abu (185 km)

After breakfast drive to Mount Abu.

Mt. Abu is Rajasthan's only hill resort. Many of the rulers from surrounding princely states had summer houses built here. There are several legends. One legend has it that Mt. Abu was the home of the legendary sage Vasishtha. One day Nandini his precious wish-fulfilling cow fell into a great lake. Vasishtha requested the gods in the Himalayas to save her. The cobra god Arbuda was sent and he dropped a rock into the lake displacing the water to save the cow. The sage also created the four powerful five born Rajput tribes at a ritual fire ceremony on the mount. Nakki Talao sacred to Hindus was in legend, scooped out by fingernails of the gods to remove the problem of scarcity of water.

En-route visit Ranakpur, the wonderful 3 temples of the Jain sect dating back to the 14th/15th century. The unforgettable main Temple dedicated to Adinatha the first Tirthankar (1439) built in marble took 65 years to complete. It is one of the five holy Jain pilgrimage centres, and has one of the best temple complexes. One can enjoy a good lunch (on direct payment) amid the 19^th century walled orchard the Maharani Bagh Orchard belonging to the Royal family. The orchard is full of bougainvillea and fruit trees predominantly mangoes.

Overnight at the hotel in Mt. Abu.

Day 6 Mt. Abu/Jodhpur (378 km)

After breakfast visit Achalgarh Temple (1380), believed to have Shiva’s toe print, a brass Nandi and a dee hole claimed to reach into the netherworld. A path leads up to a group of carved Jain temples (10 minutes climb).

Later visit Dilwara-Temples (11th /13th Cent.). Set in beautiful surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills, the temples have superb marble carvings. The complex of five main temples is surrounded by a high wall, dazzling white in the sunlight. Visit Chaumukha temple, the grey sandstone three storey building combining 13^th and 15^th century styles. The Vimala Vashi Temple: the oldest and most famous of the Dilwara group. The plain exterior conceals a wonderfully and ornately carved interior. The Risah Deo Temple is unfinished. It encloses a huge brass Trithankara image weighing 4.3 tonnes and made of five metals – gold, silver, coper, brass and zinc. The Luna Vasihi Temple, was erected by two wealthy merchants and dedicated to the 22 Trithankar. The decorative carvings and jali work are excellent. The small domes infront of the shrine containing the bejewelled Neminatha figure, exquisitely carved lotus on the ceiling and the sculptures on the colonnades are especially noteworthy. There is a fifth temple for the Digambar Jains that is more austere.

After sightseeing drive to Jodhpur. On arrival in Jodhpur transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 7 Jodhpur/Jaisalmer (285 km)

After breakfast visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459. From the top of the fort one can get a bird’s eye view of the old city. You will notice the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses - the colour being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.

After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. Late afternoon arrival in Jaisalmer. Check-in to the hotel. Evening is free for independent activities.

Overnight in hotel at Jaisalmer.

Day 8 Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer across the hot barren desert is magical as the city shimmers like a mirage. The golden sandstone town walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings, through which camel carts trundge leisurely, has an extraordinarily medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. The fort inside perched on its hilltop contains some gems of Jain temple building, while beautifully decorated merchants’ havelis are scattered through the town.

The Havelis (mansions of the rich merchants) have beautifully carved facades, jali screens and oriel windows overhanging the streets below. Visit Salim Singh Haveli (17 century) which is especially attractive with peacock brackets. Nathumal Haveli (1885) was built for the prime minister. Patwon Haveli (1805) is a group of five, built for five brothers. Possibly the finest in town. They have fine murals and carved pillars. A profusion of balconies cover the front wall.

Afternoon is free.

Overnight at the hotel in Jaisalmer.

Day 9 Jaisalmer/Bikaner (259 km)

After breakfast drive to Bikaner.

Bikaner founded by Rao Bika in 1488. An oasis town among scrub and sand dunes. The walled city retains a medieval air and sandstone architecture.

Arrive Bikaner late evening. Check-in to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bikaner.

Day 10 Bikaner/ Mukandgarh or Mandawa (215 km)

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Bikaner takes you to visit the Junagarh Fort which is unusual, because other major forts of Rajasthan were built on hilltops, but this fort is built on the desert plain, surrounded by a moat. Proceed to the Camel Breeding Farm 9 km southeast of Bikaner. It claims to be the only one in Asia. A great sight in the afternoon, to see hundreds of camels as they return from grazing. The British army had a camel corps drawn from Bikaner during WWI

After sightseeing drive to Shekhavati Region, the homeland of many Marwari merchants. It became rich because of its strategic positioning on the East-West silk route. Camel caravans of rich Marwari merchants laden with spices, precious stones and silks and made huge profits passed this region. The region is known for its Puhka Havelis, lavishly painted with frescos of religious stories, folk and historical themes. The whole area is an `open art gallery’. Due to the bandits in the 19^th century, the rich merchants moved to other areas, and Shekhavati was neglected. Many of the haveli’s now stand as mute examples of a rich art, long forgotten. En route visit the havelis in Fatehpur founded in the mid 15^th century by a Kayamkhani Nawab, has very attractive havelis along the Churu-Sikar road. Visit in particular the Devra (1885) Singhania (1880), Goenka (1880). Later amusing frescos showing European influence like marriage, coronation of Georg V. and some other interesting events can be seen in the Jalan and white Bharthia (1929) havelies. The town also produces good tie and dye fabrics.

Arrive Shekavati regarin and check-in at the hotel in Mandawa / Mukandgarh.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Mandawa/Mukandgarh.

Day 11 Mandawa or Mukundgarh/Jaipur (180 km)

After breakfast walk around the village to see the frescos and paintings on the walls of havelies.

After sightseeing drive to Jaipur. En route stop in Nawalgarh with its numerous havelis. Founded in 1737 it has two forts. The ceiling of Bala Kila is full of beautiful paintings. The Chhauchhariya Haveli (1875) and Poddar Haveli (1920) are worth a visit. Dundlod has a fort (1750) with the best murals. The Diwan Khana furnished with 18^th century furniture, portraits and hangings. A visit to the painted family chhattris is a must. The Goenka Haveli near by has three painted courtyards, and the Satyanarayan Temple, has religious paintings. The 100 m deep step well, today is run by electric motor.

Afternoon arrive Jaipur and check-in to the hotel.

Jaipur was built in the 18^th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made attractive with the pink wash - a traditional colour of welcome in 1853 in honour of the visit of Prince Albert.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 12 Jaipur

After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the Palace fort.

Return to Jaipur.

Afternoon visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc.

Also visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 13 Jaipur/Agra (230 km)

After breakfast drive to Agra.

En-route sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri. 40 km (1 hour) from Agra, lies the beautiful and deserted medieval city, Fatehpur Skiri, built by Akbar the Great in the 16^th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the empire’s splendor.

Proceed to Agra. On arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel.

Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.

Overnight at the hotel in Agra.

Day 14 Agra

After breakfast visit Agra Fort (Fort and Palace) situated on the west bank of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16^th century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort, before his death. The fort is crescent-shaped and the perimeter is 2.4 km long.

Also visit the stunning tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the `Baby Taj’- a marble memorial with exquisite inlay work built in 1628 by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg

Afternoon visit the world famous monument of India, the Taj Mahal (1631-1653), a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It employed 20,000 workers from the Central Asia and Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant monument of love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious stones.

Overnight in hotel.

IMP: TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY.

Day 15 Agra/Khajuraho

After breakfast you are free till its time to transfer to the airport to connect flight to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khanjuraho, transfer to hotel.

Khajuraho, home to the most famous erotic temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the Chandella Rulers, with the Vindhyan Hills as a backdrop. Of 85 temples only 20 survive. This is a world heritage site. Morning after breakfast visit the Eastern and Western Group of temples.

Rest of the day free. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 Khajuraho/Varanasi

After breakfast sightseeing of Khajuraho. Visit Eastern and Western group of Temples.

The Eastern Group of temples are mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers - tirthankaras - The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. There is a 4.5m statue of Adinatha in the main place of Jain worship. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses.

The Western Group consists of a group of artistic temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time. We will visit the Varaha Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and also the Lakshmana Temple also dedicated to Vishnu. It is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples dating from 930 to 950 AD. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is not only the largest of the temples, it is also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built between 1025 and 1050 it represents Chandella art at its most finely developed phase.

Afternoon in time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Varanasi.

On arrival in Varanasi transfer to the hotel.

Varanasi derives its name from the two streams – Varuna in the north and Assi in the south, the British corrupted the name Varanasi to Banaras. The oldest name is Kashi, which means `the City of Light’. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the holiest city for the Hindus, also for the Jains, because the three tirthankars, 7^th, 11^th & 23^rd were born here. It is believed that anyone who dies here goes straight to heaven The city draws pilgrims from all over the world, to worship, meditate and above all to bathe.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 Varanasi/Kathmandu

Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.

After boat ride drive back to the hotel. Later excursion to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism’s major centers in India. It was here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after attaining Nirvana. In the complex is the Dhamekh Stupa (5^th-6^th AD) or Dharma Chakra, the most imposing monument at Sarnath built to commemorate the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five disciples. Also visit Dharmarajika Stupa that was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-326 BC). From this stupa a green marble casket containing human bones and pearls was found, said to be the relics of Buddha. It was the seat for Buddha’s meditation. To the rear is the 5m lower portion polished sandstone Asokan Column (3^rd century). The Deer Park on the south – west, has several species of deer. On the way back to the Hotel visit a modern Buddhist temple which has beautiful life size frescos of Buddhas life. In the vicinity is the sapling of the Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka, under which Buddha sat and attained enlightenment.

In time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu transfer to the hotel.

Kathmandu, the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, nestled in the cradle of the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world. It is the world’s only Hindu Kingdom, unified by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the late 18^th century. Nepal is known as the kingdom where deities mingle with mortals. It is a blend of the best of China, Tibet and India, squeezed between the vastness of China to the north and India to the south, east and west, and the staircase to the forzen heights of “the roof of the world. Nepalese people are perhaps the friendliest in the world, with kind and spiritual nature. The scenery is simply without parallel.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18 Kathmandu

After breakfast visit Kathmandu city, a city which looks like a living museum. Visit the Durbar Square, the highest concentration of at least 48 buildings of unique architecture, palaces, monuments and temples are found here. We continue to the Kumari Bhal, or the Temple of the Living Goddess. A young Buddhist girl whom the locals believe is a living goddess appears in a window of the temple courtyard. However, you will not be allowed to come any closer to this deity, as only Hindus are allowed an audience with her. Overlooking the Durbar Square is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, built by King Pratap Mall in the 17^th century, which means the “gate of the Monkey God”. At the entrance there is a huge statue of the Monkey God Hanuman from the Ramayan epic. Shiva-Parvati Temple, a three storey temple famous for its erotic stone carvings. visit to the world’s most glorious Buddhist Also visit stupa of Swayambunath. It is said to be 2000 years old and is situated 70 m above the level of valley. Often referred to as the `Monkey Temple’. This temple is believed to be famous in the tantric cult.

Afternoon visit the ancient town of Patan also known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty and Fine Art) .It was an important Buddhist centre, that flourished under the Malla kings. Patan is an ancient city filled with exotic pagodas, intricate gateways, fabulous deities, and endless carvings. Stroll through the city, visiting Durbar Square with the Old King’s Palace. Visit Krishna Temple with its depictions of ancient Hindu epics and the Ashoka Stupa, and the mythological bird Garuda with spread wings on the peak of a pillar sits. Also visit Taleju Temple (17 century), the 3 storey Bhimsen Temple. Further you see the Shiva Temple with two stone elephants and artistic, erotic stone cutting work, and the Mahabuddha Temple (14th century), the temple of 1000 Buddhas, similar to the one in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained Nirvana. Next we visit the Tibetan Refugee Settlement. This is an interesting slice of culture and history contained in a relatively small area. In 1957 the Chinese invaded Tibet, causing thousands of Tibetans to flee their country. The Tibetans crossed the Himalayan Mountains on foot and many settled in Nepal. This camp was formed with the help of the United Nations and provides a place for the people of Tibet to work and live self-sufficiently, while they await the opportunity to return to their homeland.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19 Kathmandu

Today we visit the second sister city of the capital, Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), which means “the City of Devotees”. It is the 3^rd largest in the valley, which has preserved its medieval character, said to have been founded by King Ananda Deva in the 9^th century. The houses with artistic stone cutting work, as well as the beautiful wood carving date back to the time of King Bhupatindra Mallas (17^th century). The city was constructed in the shape of a conch shell – an object of religious significance to Hindus and Buddhist. Visit Durbar Square with King Palace specially its golden gate and 55-Windows-Palace (15^th century), the 5 storey Nyatopala-Temple, the highest and probably the finest temple in Kathmandu Valley, built by King Bhupatindra. The 2 storey Bhairabnath-Temple (18^th century) as well as the Dattatraya Temple dedicated to God Vishnu and the Pujahari Math with its famous Peacock Window. Apart from the usual temples and palaces, the added attractions are the Big Bell, the bell of the Barking Dog, the lion gate, and the picture gallery.

Afternoon visit Bodhnath. One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Bodhnath Stupa is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private family houses. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century AD. At the Pashupatinath Temple view the most sacred of Nepal’s Shiva shrines, located near the holy river Bagmati. This Hindu temple’s twin-roofed pagoda is of gold-gilt-brass; the gateways are silver-plated. Dinner and overnight in Kathmandu.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 20 Kathmandu

Free to relax.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 21 Kathmandu/Delhi

Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to the hotel.

In Delhi’s 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where the present capital of India stands. Here you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary - where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

Later in the afternoon half day sightseeing of New Delhi.

Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar – the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles – the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways are Mughal in design. The northern building has an inscription with “Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed”. The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative assembly. The India Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1^st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

After sightseeing drive back to the hotel. Stay at the hotel till transfer to the airport.

Day 22 Delhi/Home

Early morning transfer to Delhi’s international airport for the flight back home.