Best of India

Best of India - 17 Days
Mumbai - Aurangabad - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

This exhilarating journey is undoubtedly combines the best of India, and has been the best seller for many years now. It practically covers all facets of our fascinating country showing immense contrasts in lives, and representing virtually every phrase in Indian history. We start with ever bustling Mumbai and travel eastwards across India to see the sunrise over the sacred Ganges at Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world. Your journey will include the discovery of Buddhist caves at Ajanta & Ellora, romantic lakes at Udaipur, the desert forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the erotic statues of Khajuraho and the immortal beauty of Tajmahal.

Day 01
Arrive in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India's most cosmopolitan city and transfer to hotel.

Day 02
Morning commence your tour of Mumbai, which includes the British-built arch "Gateway of India," Mumbai's landmark; the Hanging Gardens and the affluent community of Malabar Hills; the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple.

Day 03
Morning we take on to Elephanta caves across the harbor to Elephanta Island and its famous caves, filled with the carvings and sculptures dating to 550A.D. Later fly to Aurangabad, site of the World Famous rock-cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora, relating the story of the evolution of Hinduism, Jainism, and Budhism.

Day 04
Full day excursion of the Ajanta, one of India's most impressive archaeological sites. Here Budhist art attained the peak of its development, in frescoes and wall paintings revealing a fascinating lifestyle.

Day 05
Tour Ellora Caves this morning, one of the finest sculpture sites in India. Later this evening fly to Mumbai.

Day 06
Morning fly to Udaipur. Afternoon sightseeing tour the "City of Lakes," known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India. Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids; and the folklore museum.

Day 07
Full day excursion, to the formidable medieval citadel-Kumbhalgarh, stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. The massive fort, encompassed by a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watch towers strengthen the crenallated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.

Day 08
Morning drive to Jodhpur enroute visit the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble is so well preserved it belies the temple's 500 years. The entire complex is supported by 1444 pillars and no two pillars are same.

Day 09
Sightseeing this morning covers the invincible Mehrangarh Fort and its' museum, Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph and other landmarks of the city.

Day 10
Early morning transfer to railway station to board your train to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City." This afternoon visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," City Palace and the ancient observatory.

Day 11
You are transported back in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants, up into the high mountain fortress of Amber.

Day 12
Drive to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a glittering imperiel capital, later mysteriously abandoned. This afternoon we tour the Fort and the magnificent Taj Mahal. Enjoy the changing hues of the Taj bathed in the warm glow of sunset.

Day 13
Morning transfer to the railway station to board train to Jhansi, and from thereon drive to the temple town of Khajuraho, visiting enroute Orchha, known for beautiful temples. This afternoon we explore the mysteries of temples of Khajuraho, intricately carved with graceful statues and friezes of gods and goddesses, the temples are exquisite, explicitly erotic and considered the most beautiful monuments in India.

Day 14
Fly to Varanasi today, the center of Hindu faith. This holy city is often called "the heartbeat of India" and is one of the oldest living city in the world. Sightseeing will take you to the principle temples and shrines in the city. Walk through narrow lanes flanked with shops selling silks and enjoy aroma of exotic spice, flowers and incense permeating the air.

Day 15
Before sunrise, drive to the banks of the River Ganges to witness a spectacular religious practice that has remained unchanged over the centuries. As you sail along the river you'll see the pilgrims conversing on the holy waters at sunrise for the ritual immersion and prayer. Fly to Delhi, India's bustling capital city. Transfer to hotel.

Day 16
Sightseeing tour of New Delhi including Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, India Gate War memorial, Secretariat Buildings, Parliament House and President House. Discover Old Delhi this afternoon with Raj Ghat, the Red Fort, and a rickshaw ride to Jama Masjid, through the bustling and colourful marketplace of the Old City, with memories of a bygone era.

Day 17
Morning transfer to airport for your international flight for onward destination.