Day 1 Mumbai

Flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai transfer to hotel. Check in time is 1200 hrs.

Day 2 Mumbai

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.

After breakfast in the hotel, set out on a morning excursion to the rock-cut temples on the Elephanta Island. An hour’s motor boat ride takes you 10 kms across the sea, north-east from Mumbai’s harbour. A short walk on the jatti, with a slight steep uphill climb flanked by islander’s shops on either side, you arrive to the top where the island’s beautiful and magnificent temple wonders of the 7^th century stand, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Creator, Preserver, Destroyer and in `Cosmic Dance’.

Half day sightseeing of Mumbai city, rich blend of East and West. The tour includes the 26 meter 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 in hotel.

IMP: ELEPHANTA CAVES ARE CLOSED ON MONDAY.

Day 3 Mumbai/Palitana/Bhavnagar

After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect morning flight to Bhavnagar.

Bhavnagar, ruled by progressive rulers since it was founded in 1723, is now a major industrial town. It is an important cotton, oilseeds and salt export centre, and is rapidly becoming one of India’s most important ship building ports. However, most of its character is preserved in the bazaars of the old city, where you can pick your way through the crowded lanes amongst the old merchants’ havelis, with fantastic wood carving on the both sides of the roads.

On arrival in Bhavnagar transfer to the hotel. After check in drive 57 kms to Palitana, which is the base for visiting one of the 5 important pilgrimage centres of the Jains. The impressive Jain temple complex on Shatrunjaya hill is at an altitude of 591 m. Palitana has a name for diamond cutting and horse breeding. Shatrunjaya City, is the largest temple complex of India. The ascent of 3.5 kms climb up a winding path has 3950 steps. The temple complex has 863 temples strung along two ridges of the hill, with further temples in the hollow. These temples were destroyed by Muslims in the 14^th and 15^th centuries. Most of the temples are named after their founders and are mostly built over a period of a 1000 years in the11^th century and rebuilt in the 16^th century.

After visiting Palitana drive back to Bhavnagar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Bhavnagar/Ahmedabad

After breakfast drive to Ahmedabad via Lothal `Mound of the dead’.

Southeast of Mohanjodaro, Lothal has some of the most substantial remains of the Harappan culture in India dating from 2500-1700 B.C. It was discovered in 1954 and is one of the most remarkable Indus Valley sites. It had neatly laid out street, carefully assembled brick-work and a scientific drainage system. Excavations have revealed a dockyard – at its peak this was probably an important port in the sub continent. Seals discovered at the site suggest that trade may have been conducted with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. Continue drive to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.

Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411. Today it is metropolis of the Indian Textile Industry. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River was the former capital of the state of Gujarat.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Ahmedabad.

Day 5 Ahmedabad

After breakfast visit the Calico-Museum, an attractive old haveli in the Shahi Bagh Gardens. It is a store-house with a rich collection of brocades, fine embroideries, saris, rare carpets, curtains, turbans, Maharajah”s costumes and royal Mughal tents. It illustrates weaving techniques. Fabric paintings “Pad” and worth seeing antiques, interesting old and modern textiles. Further visit Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) built by Ahmed Shah in 1424, the founder of the city. The façade is emphasized by the spacious courtyard paved in marble with a tank in the middle. Over 300 graceful pillars less than 2 m a part, are organised in 15 square bays covered by a dome. The Rani Sipri’s Mosque (1514), small but well proportioned has two 15m minarets.

Afternoon excursion to Adalaj (17 km) and the Vav (baoli) (1502) built by Maharani Rudai Bai.

On the way back visit the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of Nation” lived as a lawyer after his return from South Africa. It was founded in 1917. It was the starting point for Gandhiji’s celebrated 24 day, 385 km Salt March to Dandi in 1930. It has a library, archives and a picture gallery depicting Gandhiji’s life. The Haridaya Kunj, Gandhiji’s home for 15 years containing simple mats, desk, spinning wheel and personal belongings over looks the central prayer corner and the river.

Overnight in hotel at Ahmedabad.

Day 6 Ahmedabad/Mt. Abu

After breakfast drive to Mount Abu. The fertile irrigated land immediately north of Ahmedabad becomes increasingly arid northwards towards Rajasthan. After about a 2 hours drive we arrive at Modhera. Virtually a deserted hamlet. Modhera is visited for the remains of one of the finest Hindu temples in Gujarat The Sun Temple (1026). It is the product of the great Solanki period (8^th-13^th centuries). Despite its ruined condition, it remains an outstanding monument, set against the backdrop of the baren landscape. Superb gateway arches, carvings of goddesses, birds, beasts and blossoms decorate the remaining pillars. Surya’s image in the sanctuary (now missing), was once illuminated by the first rays of the rising sun at each solar equinox. Images of Surya and Agni are among the better preserved carvings on the external walls which also contain some erotic scenes.

Arrival in Mount Abu, check-in to the hotel.

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.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Mt. Abu.

Day 7 Mt. Abu

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 ofcarved Jain temples (10 minutes climb).

Afternoon visit the 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.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 8 Mt. Abu/Udaipur (185 kms)

Early morning drive to Udaipur. 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.

A beautiful two hours drive will bring you to Udaipur. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day free.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Day 9 Udaipur

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 stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Day 10 Udaipur/Jodhpur

After early breakfast set out for on the drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur the second largest city of Rajasthan, once the capital of Marwar, sprawls around the massively impressive cliff top Meherangarh Fort. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 11 Jodhpur/Jaipur (332 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.

In the evening transfer to the airport to connect flight to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur transfer 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 at the hotel.

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 (180 kms)

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 Sikri, 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.

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.

Today, 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 stay at the hotel in Agra.

IMP: TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY.

Day 14 Agra/Delhi (200 km)

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.

After sightseeing of Agra Fort drive to Delhi. En-route visit Sikandra, 9 kilometer before Agra, the mausoleum of the great Mughal King Akbar (1556-1605).

Proceed to Delhi. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Day 15 Delhi

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.

After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

Visit the 7^th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Red Fort – the 17^th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

Afternoon visit New Delhi.

Day 16 Delhi/Amritsar

After a very early breakfast, transfer to the railway station to connect Shatabdi Express train to Amritsar ( 0720/1300 hrs). On arrival in Amritsar transfer to the hotel.

Amritsar was founded by the fourth of the ten Gurus, Guru Ram Das in 1577. The world famous Golden Temple, Harmandir Sahib in which is enshrined the Holy Book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib, is the centre of a 400-year-old pool in Amritsar.Today it is the capital of the Punjab state of India.

Late afternoon visit Amritsar with its famous Golden Temple. The name Amritsar is derived from Amrit meaning `Nectar’ and Sar which means `Pool’, which is the small, holy lake around which is built the Golden Temple. The holy book of the Sikhs “Guru Granth Sahib” is enshrined here. Next to the Golden Temple is the Akal Takht established by Guru Har Gobind Singh in the early 17 century. This is the supreme seat of Sikh temporal authority. Another edifice is a 9 storey tower built in memory of Baba Atal Rai decorated with frescos depiting the life of the founder of Sikhism – Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Near by is the Hindu Durgiana Temple dedicated to goddess Durga.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 17 Amritsar/Delhi

Early morning transfer to the railway station to connect Shatabdi Express train to Delhi ( 0515/1050 hrs). On arrival in Delhi transfer to the hotel.

Day 18 Delhi/Home

Early morning transfer to the International airport to connect flight back home.