India Must See First Timers

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Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations: Delhi – Varanasi - Khajuraho – Agra - Jaipur – Udaipur - Mumbai – Cochin - Mumbai – Home

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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, the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03
Delhi – Varanasi
Flight No : 9W 723
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 723
Departure : 1040 hrs.
Arrival : 1150 hrs.
Proceed to the airport after breakfast for flight to Varanasi.
Reach Varanasi.
Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world – renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.
Check in at hotel and relax till lunch.
In the afternoon, proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.

Day 04
Varanasi – Khajuraho
Flight No : 9W 723
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 723
Departure : 1220 hrs.
Arrival : 1300 hrs.
In the early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and proceed for a sightseeing tour of the EASTERN SET OF TEMPLES.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 05
Khajuraho – Agra
By Road to Jhansi 175 km / 3 hr
By Shatabdi Express to Agra in 2 hr

Early breakfast will be at hotel.
Visit the WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES.
Transfer to JHANSI station after early lunch for SUPERFAST SHATABDI EXPRESS to Agra. Reach Agra at 2000 hr.
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. Overnight will be in Agra.

Day 06
Agra
Proceed for sunrise sightseeing of Taj Mahal.
TAJ MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to keep his promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that it was virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost an entire fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the only alternative, astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra, only to be finally transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years later.
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing of the city after breakfast.
Visit the 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.
Visit Itmadullah’s Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (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 – Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Take flight to Udaipur. Reach and check in at 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, 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 10
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 11
Udaipur – Mumbai
Flight No: 9w 3401
Airline: Jet Airways
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Departure: 0840 hrs.
Arrival : 1020 hrs.
Mumbai – Cochin
Flight No : 9w 403
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure: 1325 hrs.
Arrival: 1510 hrs.
Have breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai.
Reach and take connecting flight to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and transfer to Hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing of the CITY.
A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets (The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450) along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue.
Proceed in the evening for the HARBOUR CRUISE and watch the fishing island, dolphins and old town from the sea. Enjoy the sunset from here.
Overnight will be in Cochin.

Day 12
Cochin
Proceed to the jetty after breakfast.
Board a traditional boat of Kerala and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake. Discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch in the boat. A canal cruise is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Reach Aleppey which is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. This place remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.
Drive back to Cochin and transfer to hotel. Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 13
Cochin – Mumbai
Flight No: 9w 406
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 0820 hrs.
Arrival : 1000 hrs.
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport after breakfast 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 14
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. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. 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. Late check out for flight to Delhi for connecting international flight or take international flight from Mumbai itself according to the itinerary.

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

1) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
2) ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
3) AIR-CONDITIONED SUV CAR AT DISPOSAL WITH DRIVER ,
4) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
5) MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
6) DAILY BREAKFASTS,
7) BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA,
8) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
9) ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
10) DINNER AT PAL HAVELI IN JODHPUR,
11) RICKSHAW RIDE AT OLD DELHI,
12) ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT – JAIPUR AND
13) SUNRISE BOAT-RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN VARANASI.

HOTELS:

CITY	DELUXE HOTELS	LUXURY HOTELS	NIGHTS
Delhi	Taj Palace	Imperial	02
Varanasi	Radisson	Taj Ganges	01
Khajuraho	Radisson	Taj Chandela	01
Agra	Trident	Amarvilas	02
Jaipur	Jai Mahal Palace	Rajvilas	02
Udaipur	Fateh Prakash Palace	Taj Lake Palace	02
Cochin	Trident	Brunton Boatyard	02
Mumbai	Hilton Towers	Taj Mahal	01

PRICING: (PER PERSON IN US$):

OCCUPANCY DETAILS	DELUXE TOUR PRICE US $	LUXURY TOUR PRICE US $
Twin Sharing	3855	5333

The tour price is valid for minimum two persons traveling together sharing a room and for single travelers the price is available on request. Please note that only lunches and dinners are not included along with personal expenses and camera charges at monuments, etc. fees, tips, (if any) at places where applicable. All hotels are subject to availability and all flights are subject to confirmation. Note that the airfare could change as per the policy of the airline but in any case it will be on actual fare only.

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