DAY 01
Mumbai Arrival
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Mumbai. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the South Western part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick “money-maker” and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" – a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism – whose temple once stood in what is now the south eastern section of the Mumbai city.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
DAY 02
Mumbai
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for the sightseeing of the city. It is mostly driving past the monuments so you will require half a day.
Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.
Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.
Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station: At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolise progress.
Mumbai High court: An attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.
Rajabai Clock tower: Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.
Visit Mani Bhawan.
After lunch, proceed to Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s home in Mumbai.
This little two-storied house is now a small, but engrossing museum that shouldn't be missed. Gandhi's simple room remains untouched and the story of his life is told in a series of doll tableaus.
There is also a wonderful photographic record of his life, along with original documents such as letters he wrote to Hitler and US President Roosevelt.
In the evening you can visit Colaba Causeway and enjoy some shopping, it is close to your hotel as well.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
DAY 03
Mumbai
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Visit the Dhobi Ghat in the morning: Mumbai’s DHOBI GHAT is an unique place in heritage list which is an open air laundry consisting around 700 washing platforms made of stones since above 100 years where hundreds of washer-men wash clothes as their family business since decades now. This is the biggest and oldest open laundry system of Mumbai. The name DHOBI refers to a person who is specialized in cloth washing business and GHAT is the name of the place where they wash the clothes and so the name.
Proceed to the Prince of Wales Museum thereafter.
The Prince of Wales Museum, now commonly known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya', was established during the early 20th century. This museum is considered as a heritage structure in Mumbai because of its admirable architecture. The Prince of Wales Museum is one of the most significant museums in India. The museum showcases several collections of ancient artworks, sculptures and artefacts in its galleries. After the inception of the renovation project in 2008, many new galleries were opened, which contained artworks of Hindu God Krishna, textiles and Indian traditional costumes. Regular exhibitions and lectures on several topics are also held inside the museum. The Prince of Wales Museum was originally a building that was used as a military hospital for the Children's Welfare Exhibitions. Tourists from the world all over, make it a point to visit this magnificent heritage building and to explore the various ancient artefacts preserved within this museum.
Proceed to the National Gallery of Modern Art.
Visit Chor Bazaar in the evening if you wish. Alternatively you can visit shopping arcades and malls to shop for quality products.
Overnight will be in Mumbai.
DAY 04
Mumbai - New Delhi by Air
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Take the flight to Delhi. Reach and you will be transferred to the railway station to board Palace on Wheels.
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway station where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome before the Palace-on-Wheels pulls out into the night for a week-long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.
DAY 05
Jaipur
The first stop of the Palace-on-Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D.
To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five, storied building a one the main street of the old city in pink splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort where elephant ride is available to climb up the hill. Lunch will be at a Five Star Hotel, followed by a visit to City Palace Museum and Observatory.
DAY 06
Sawai Madhopur
One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace-on-Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast a visit is arranged to the Ranthambore National Park, wherein are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the best in the country, for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq. km is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, rate, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its excusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace-on-Wheels, you leave for Chittorgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.
Departure: 10.30hr
Chittorgarh:
Arrival: 16.00hr
After lunch on board you are in Chittorgarh. Images of love and velour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice-besieged, Chittorgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
DAY 07
Udaipur
Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven way by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble palaces- the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichola. After lunch at a Five Star Hotel, proceed for a visit to the City Palace.
DAY 08
Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver's skill. Shop for fine pattu shawls, mirror work and embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios.
After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoy the dinner and the cultural programme at a Five Star hotel.
DAY 09
Jodhpur
Next morning the Palace-on-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stonewalls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within -Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lays Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. Return to the Palace-on-Wheels after a grand palace lunch. While in Jodhpur shop for exquisite handicraft articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics
DAY 10
Bharatpur
Arrival 05.00hr
In the morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
Departure: 08:45hr
Agra:
Arrival 10:30hr
Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A pristine monument of undying love, it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
Departure: 23.00hr
DAY 11
Delhi
Arrival: 04.00hr
Arrive at Delhi.
We will pick you up at the station and transfer you to your hotel.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Visit the National Museum this day.
In the evening visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
DAY 12
Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Visit your choice of art galleries in the city today.
Also visit Hauz Khas Village.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
DAY 13
Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy of the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colors and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floor.
Next stop would be the majestic Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begum, also known as Haji Begum, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
If time permits then visit the Lotus Temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquillity. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.
We could even have time to see the Indira Gandhi Museum or else Lotus Temple can be replaced with the museum visit. The history of the Gandhi family is well documented in this old building which was the last residence of Mrs. Gandhi.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
DAY 14
Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art in the morning.
Post lunch, proceed to Akshardham Temple.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
DAY 15
Delhi – Departure
After breakfast at the hotel start a guided tour of Old Delhi.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”.
One of the most important buildings of Old Delhi is the Red Fort. The magnificent Red Fort was built during the years 1638 – 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. In 1638 Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. It is enclosed by a rubble stonewall, with bastions, gates and wickets at intervals. Of its fourteen gates, the important ones are the Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kashmiri and Delhi gates, some of which have already been demolished. His famous citadel, the Lal-Qila, or the Red Fort, lying at the town's northern end on the right bank or the Yamuna and south of Salimgarh, was begun in 1639 and completed after nine years. The Red Fort is different from the Agra fort and is better planned, because at its back lies the experience gained by Shahjahan at Agra, and because it was the work of one hand. It is an irregular octagon, with two long sides on the east and west, and with two main gates, one on the west and the other on the south, called Lahori and Delhi gates respectively. While the walls, gates and a few other structures in the fort are constructed of red sandstone, marble has been largely used in the palaces.
Continue your tour to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk.
As per your schedule you’ll be transferred to the airport to take your flight back home with sweet memories of the tour.
TOUR ENDS
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