Detailed Itinerary

North India with Goa

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Kalka - Shimla - Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Goa - Mumbai - Delhi

Day 01: Arrival at Delhi

You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

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 proceed for a day tour of Old & New Delhi.

OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

In the evening proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW close to your hotel.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi to Kalka (By Train)
Name : Shatabdi Exp.
Train No. : 2011
Departure : 0740 hrs
Arrival : 1200 hrs
Kalka - Shimla
By road 103 km / 2 hr

Breakfast will be at hotel. Take a Morning train Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh, by road to Kalka then by narrow gauge toy train through pine clad foothills of the Himalayas to Shimla.

Shimla - the capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, Shimla is the state's most important centre. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings.

Overnight stay will be at Shimla.

Day 04: Shimla

Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for the sight seeing tour of the city.

Explore the scenic places around Shimla - Naldhera with its rolling meadows and a 9 hole golf course, Mashobra with its pine forests offering lovely walks, specially the pathways from Bekalty Road, Kufri's famed ski slopes and the small zoo and Chail with its romantic palace, deodar forests, not to forget its highest cricket pitch. The area has breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks foreshadowed by the terraced fields and verdant forests. In the evening soak in the ambience of this old world town, going shopping on the fashionable Mall.

In the evening, pamper yourself at the facilities of the resort. Overnight will be at Shimla.

Day 05: Shimla - Kalka (By road 103 km / 2 hr)
By road
Kalka to Delhi:
By Train No. 2012
KALKA SHATABDI EXPRESS
Departure : 1730 HRS
Arrival : 2140 HRS

After a leisurely breakfast proceed to Kalka by road.

Drive around and reach by evening to board the Shatabdi Express at 1730 hrs. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met by our representative. Transfer to your Hotel.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 06: Delhi - Agra (By road 201 km / 4 hr)

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Drive to the city of TAJ MAHAL - Agra.

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.

Reach and check in at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of the city.

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 carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

AGRA FORT - 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.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 07: Agra - Jaipur (By road 221 km / 5 hr)

Proceed for Jaipur after breakfast. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri on your way for sightseeing.

The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.

Continue drive to JAIPUR.

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 08: 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.

Free in the evening. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 09: Jaipur - Jodhpur (By road 275 km / 6 hr)

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Drive to Jodhpur and on your way visit the holy city of PUSKAR.

PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

Visit the GHATS and the BRAHMA TEMPLE.

Continue drive to Jodhpur and reach by afternoon. In the evening visit the UMAID BHAWAN MUSEUM or relax at the 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. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur (By road 250 km / 6 hr)

In the morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur after breakfast.

The city is the gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

Drive to Udaipur and lunch will be in Pali.

Visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES.

The RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century have 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.

Reach Udaipur by evening.

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, carry 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.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 11: Udaipur

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

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.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 12: Udaipur - Mumbai
By Air
Flight : 9W 709
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 0820 hr
Arrival : 0935 hr
Mumbai - Goa:
By Air
Flight : 9W 458
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 1200 hr
Arrival : 1300 hr

Have breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai.

Reach and take connecting flight to Goa. Arrive Goa and transfer to 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 Maharasthra, 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.

Relax at the beach. Overnight will be in Goa.

Day 13: Goa

After breakfast proceed for a short sightseeing tour of Goa.

Situated on the Mandovi River, it still shows a strong Portuguese heritage in its plazas, cathedrals and architecture. Although it is best known for its 65 miles/105 km of magnificent, palm tree - lined beaches along the Arabian Sea, Goa has other attractions of significance. Among them are the Portuguese Catholic Church of Old Goa and the Basilica of Bom Jesus (most of the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is exhibited there on occasion.) Full day tour of South Goa and North Goa includes visits to Mapusa town, Mayem Lake, Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute beaches and Fort Aguada in North Goa and the South Goa tour covers Old Goa Churches - Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Margao, Colva and Mormugao.

Enjoy the beach during the rest of the day.

Overnight will be resort.

Day 14: Goa - Mumbai
By Air
Flight : 9W 474
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Stopover : Nil
Departure : 1615 hr
Arrival : 1715 hr

Breakfast will be at the resort. Enjoy the morning at the beach.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai. Transfer to 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 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.

Relax in the evening and overnight will be in Mumbai.

Day 15: Mumbai - Home

Proceed for a city tour of Mumbai after breakfast.

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.

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 Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.

Hanging Gardens in Mumbai - Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a hill. It is built over three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning before being supplied to the town.

Finish the tour and then in the afternoon and return to the hotel.

Check out for flight to Delhi for connecting international flight or take international flight from Mumbai itself according to the itinerary.

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