DAY 01
Delhi Arrival
Our travel representative and driver will receive you on arrival (late in the evening) at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
DAY 02
Delhi
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, 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.
After lunch 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. Qutab-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.
This evening you can visit Dilli Haat.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
DAY 03
Delhi – Agra by Road 201 kms in 4 hrs
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time for flight to Agra. Reach Agra. Transfer to hotel and relax.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Enjoy the sunset tour of TAJ MAHAL – it is the best time to experience the marble monument in its full glory. Moreover the light is best for photography during this time of the day while the less number of people help in a better tour.
TAJ MAHAL – Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the TAJ is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately veiled screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Overnight will be at Agra.
DAY 04
Agra
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
SIKANDRA: This beautifully maintained monument is where EMPEROR AKBAR was buried. It is a very low profile monument but it has one of the most awe – inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. The Emperor began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime. However, his son Jahangir completed the construction in 1613. An impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument, which is crowned by a white marble cenotaph and screen. What is interesting is that the structure imbibes the best of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs, signifying the new religion started by Akbar – the DEEN E ILAHI.
AGRA FORT: The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a foursquare formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ or the ITMAD-UD-ULLAH – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Noor Jahan, the Empress of Jahangir for her father in 1628, built one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a trusted treasure in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later, Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married her. Mehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light of the Place. Owing to her influence, her father and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When Ghiyas beg (Itmad-Un-Daulah) dies in 1622, Nur Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him. Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.
Enjoy Mohabatt – e – Taj show in the evening.
Overnight will be at Agra.
DAY 05
Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur by Road 221 kms in 5 hrs
Drive to Jaipur after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chishti, the founder of the Chishti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir, heard about Saint Salim Chishti and visited him in 1568; The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.
Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
DAY 06
Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
AMBER FORT PALACE: Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...
CITY PALACE: A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR: This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL – The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone-plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
DAY 07
Jaipur – Jodhpur by road 280kms in 05hrs
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Jodhpur and reach by late afternoon.
Check in at the beautiful hotel.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the RATHORE clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama – the epic hero of the RAMAYANA. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. A high wall – 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.
Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
DAY 08
Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur by Road 266 kms in 5.5 hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar.
Mehrangarh Fort: Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada: Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.
Start for Udaipur visiting Ranakpur enroute.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Continue drive to Udaipur. Reach and check into the hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, vehicle the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
DAY 09
Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.
City Palace: Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola, is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of "Jag Niwas" (the world wide famous Lake palace hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens - a harmonic profusion hard to describe. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The Chini Chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of KRISHNA are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other places such as Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna villas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princess. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: Maharana Sangram Singh builds this in the mid-18th century. The 'garden of the maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks, and all around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The Foundation of the Sahelion Ki Bari functions solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. The whole ambiences are flavored by the nostalgia of those beautiful bells enjoying themselves in a lavish aura.
Bagore Ki Haveli: This is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar built it in the eighteenth century. The palace has over hundred rooms and some very interesting display of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors of the Haveli delicate work and well preserved too. It also preserves a fine example of Mewar Painting on the walls of Queen's Chamber. The two peacocks made from small pieces of colored glasses are fine examples of glasswork. After the death Badwa the building became the property of Mewar State. It came to be occupied by Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore who built the palace of the three arches also in 1878 and it acquired its name of Bagore-Ki-haveli, the house of Bagore. After independence the structure lay in neglect until 1986 when it housed the West Zone Cultural centre.
Jagdish Temple: The temple is situated in the middle of the city. The temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Raised on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute alike to the tenacity of its builders and the resilience of the art tradition it represents. It attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double - storied, Saandhara (that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal Samavarna (bell - roof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, non - functional stories. Lanes taking off from many of the Sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish Temple and walking leisurely through them brings you face with the many layers of the cultural palimpsest that Udaipur is. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Enjoy Miniature Painting lessons in the evening.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
DAY 10
Udaipur – Ahmedabad by road 255kms in 4hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive to Ahmedabad. Reach and check into the hotel.
Ahmedabad or Ahmadabad is the largest city in Gujarat and the sixth largest city in India with a population of almost 5 million. The city is also sometimes called Karnavati, an older name and as Ahmedabad in colloquial Gujarati. Ahmedabad is the administrative center of Ahmedabad District, and was the former capital of Gujarat State from 1960 to 1970, when Gandhinagar replaced it.
King Karandev 1, the Solanki Ruler, had waged a war against the Bhil king of Ashapall or Ashaval. After his victory Karandev established the city called "Karnavati". This Hindu kingdom of Karnavati retained its importance till early 15th century when Gujarat fell to the Muslim Sultanate.
The city was built in open and spacious plane to the East of Sabarmati. It compromised of smaller known Fort as Bhadra Fort. The city fort wall was enclosed containing 12 Gates. The city of Ahmedabad went on expanding in every direction by the addition of new areas on both the sides of the river and with the well laid out beautiful buildings, lakes and mosques.
Overnight will be at Ahmedabad.
DAY 11
Ahmedabad
Start sightseeing of the city after breakfast.
History is immortalized by the magnificent architecture of Ahmedabad’s monuments ranging from the grand Havelis to the majestic mosques. The HAVELIS (wooden Mansions) of Ahmedabad are a window to the lofty life styles of the rich of early 19th century Ahmedabad. But no sooner do one cross the columned verandahs the Havelis open into the courtyards, the divankhanu (formal drawing room), the service areas and other rooms. In the mosques and mausolea of Ahmedabad you will discover the contribution Gujarat made to Islamic architecture in India. They embody a fusion of the austere Islamic principles of design with the traditional Hindu art of sculpted ornamentation. See fusion architecture at its best in the stone tracery on the windows of SIDDI SAYED MOSQUE (1571) and the elegant JUMMA MASJID (1424). The delicate tracery, the ornamented minarets and rich detail of SARKHEJ ROJA (1445-51), is yet another example of this splendid style. So are the RANI ROOPMATI MOSQUE (1430-40) and RANI SIPRI MOSQUE (1514). SHAH ALAM ROZA built by Empress Noorjehan’s brother also reflects the same elegance in its carved marble architecture.
The SHAKING MINARETS of Sidi Bashir’s Mosque remain a mystery till today. Shake one minaret and the other resonates in harmony while the interconnecting terrace stands still. The Jain temples of Ahmedabad present yet another distinctly different style of architecture of which the HATHEESING JAIN TEMPLE is most representative. A grandiose structure built in marble that cost a whopping Rs. 1 million back in 1848. Next is the 300 year old DUTCH CEMETERY near Kankaria Lake. These tombs dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries were in memory of the Dutch and English pioneers who established their factories in Surat and Ahmedabad. Visit the famous CALICO TEXTILE MUSEUM which is one of the finest textile museums in the world displaying an impressive collection of rare textiles and costumes that date back to the early 17th century. At the UTENSILS MUSEUM more than 2000 varieties of traditional Indian utensils in curious shapes and sizes are on display. And finally the crown jewel, SABARMATI ASHRAM. Mahatma Gandhi’s home from 1918-1930, the Ashram is tucked away in a quiet corner by the river Sabarmati. It served as Mahatma Gandhi’s base for his Dandi Satyagraha that triggered the nonviolent agitation against the British.
Step Wells: In era of the Sultanate, the authorities use to develop wells for travelers as a place to rest or to drink water. The finest examples are Dada Hari ni Vav and the Adalaj ni Vav. The interiors of these caves are paved with beautiful carvings in stone.
The Palace of Shahibaugh: Shahibaug Palace was built in 1622 A.D. by Shahjahan as a royal residence. Currently same has been converted into Sardar Patel Memorial. It is also associated with Shri Ravindranath Tagore.
Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram: After the return of Gandhiji from Africa, after some time Gandhiji started living in Ahmedabad. He built on the banks of the river Sabarmati, the famous Gandhi Ashram. In today's modern Ahmedabad this particular place stands high on tourist map. Still various things of Gandhiji can be seen and there are few Khadi shops around, which Gandhiji promoted.
Jain Temples (Derasars): Ahmedabad has been famous for its Derasars or Jain Temples like Chintamani Temple, Hutheesingh Temple and various other are situated in the old city. There are approximately hundred plus Derasars in the old city. Many of them were built in Moghul times, many are situated in the houses of people and many are underground.
Darwazas (Gates) of Ahmedabad: During Ahmedabad's construction, various monuments were built around the fort of Bhadra. These monuments were the gates for the entrance in the city. These gates, also called Darwazas are situated all around the old city. Few of them still are visible in proper condition.
- Teen Darwazas
- Lal Darwazas
- Delhi Darwazas
Calico Museum of Textile: CMT has one of the finest collections of textile work from all over the India; it all also has collection from varied ages. The collection has Shamianas, Wall Hangings, Saris and various rich works of embroideries. The Museum is situated near Shahibaugh Palace.
Vishalla Utensils Museum: Utensil Museum takes in account more than 2000 traditional Utensils of all sizes & shapes. They are designed in silver, brass, and bronze. And various utensils have work on them done in wooden & ivory. This beautiful museum is located at Vasna.
Tribal Museum: The Museum is located at Gujarat Vidyapeeth. The museum takes credit in properly documenting life of Tribal. The museum boast a collection of complete tribal life right from their home, artifacts and various objects which are used in day to day life.
Sanskar Kendra: Kite Museum is situated at Paldi, the museum boasts the collection of various kites, which is one of its kinds in India. It has collection of kites from all over the world, various photographs as well. The adjacent part to the museum has theatre, which on various occasions is hub of various cultural activities.
Enjoy a Thali experience at House of MG this evening.
Overnight will be at Ahmedabad.
DAY 12
Ahmedabad – Goa by Air
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to take flight for Goa. Reach and check into the hotel.
Goa, variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world. Nestled on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar Districts of Karnataka, and on the west by Arabian Sea.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on 19th of December 1961 and became a Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On 30th of May 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.
Overnight will be at Goa.
DAY 13
Goa
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for the sightseeing of Goa.
Overnight will be in Goa.
DAY 14
Goa
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure, enjoy the sun and sand.
Overnight will be in Goa.
DAY 15
Goa – Mumbai by Air
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport to take flight for Mumbai. Reach and check into the hotel.
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 southwestern 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 moneymaker 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 southeastern section of the Mumbai city.
Visit Haji Ali.
Enjoy beach in evening.
Chowpatty Beach: Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine Drive has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty like the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
DAY 16
Mumbai
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for the sightseeing:
Gateway of India: Mumbai’s most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the
last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbor.
Marine Drive: Marine Drive is possibly the best way to discover Mumbai. This is a windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Nariman Point, Mumbai's Manhattan, and the leafy green slopes of Malabar hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen's Necklace, strung with glittering street lights like an enormous strand of imperious jewels.
Hanging Gardens: Built on top of Malabar Hill, the gardens are picturesque though often quite crowded. You get splendid views of the city and see sunset over the Arabian Sea from here.
The Prince of Wales Museum: This museum stands not too far from the Gateway of India. It has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china and other antics. Carefully preserved, this mid-Victorian Gothic style building built in 1904 with beautiful gardens surrounding it, is worth visiting in Mumbai.
Queen Victoria Terminus: No photograph collection of Mumbai is complete without a photo of the Queen Victoria Terminus station in the "Fort Area" of Mumbai. Beloved referred to as VT station. It was acknowledged as a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO in 2004. And “Slumdog Millionaire " famous song was shot here on these platform.
Bombay University: Next to the High Court on Bhaurao Patil Road, the Venetian Gothic Bombay University has a Gothic clock tower 260 feet high, that is curiously adorned with oriental figures.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
DAY 17
Mumbai
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure; vehicle and driver will be at disposal.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
DAY 18
Mumbai
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure; vehicle and driver will be at disposal.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
DAY 19
Mumbai Departure
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back home with sweet memories of the tour.
TOUR ENDS
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