Day 01 - 02: Depart Home
Depart home city for the capital of India. Depending on your departure city, an involuntarily transit overnight may be necessary in either Europe or the Orient. If so, we will provide one near the airport.
Day 03: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to New Delhi - we are greeted the traditional way and transferred to our hotel.
Day 04: Delhi
Day tour of Old and New Delhi includes Jama Masjid, Red Fort, India Gate, Parliament Buildings, Birla Mandir, Gandhi memorial and experience the bazaar at Chandini Chowk.
Day 05: Delhi/Varanasi
A short flight to Varanasi which is holy to all - Buddhist, Hindus and Muslims. Our tour includes Sarnarth the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment followed by a visit to some local homes and see in home silk weaving.
Day 06: Varanasi/Agra
A serene experience on a morning cruise on the Ganges highlighting one of the strongest Hindu beliefs -on the holiness of the Ganges. Filled with pilgrims, priests, temples, and rituals in action - this is culture in it's most original form. Later a short flight to the city of Taj Mahal.
Day 07: Agra
We first visit this immortal wonder of the world which was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, followed by a visit to Agra Fort, tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah and the city. Afternoon free to revisit the Taj or explore the bazaars near the fort.
Day 08: Agra/Jaipur (235 Kms)
An interesting countryside drive takes us first to Fatehpur Sikri to visit the one time Moghul capital with its aesthetic palace fort and the shrine of the Sufi Saint Salim Chisty before we continue to Rajasthan.
Day 09: Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan is the most colourful city in India. Our tour includes a royal savor on an elephant back ride to Amer Fort. Next is a tour of the city with it's famous pink coloured buildings, museum, observatory, Palace of Winds and the colourful bazaar.
Day 10: Jaipur/Udaipur
A short flight to Udaipur - capital of Maharajah Udai Singh. Tour the city of lakes, palaces, royal gardens, craft village with a boating trip on Lake Pichola. Today we kick off with - the Royal Orient Train where we are pampered like royalties and this is our home for the next 4 days. Evening, as we enjoy our snooze we take off for Gujarat - the birth province of Gandhi.
Day 11: Udaipur/Ahmedabad
Day train ride to Mahesana to visit the Sun Temple at Modhera,Rani Ka Vav Patola Weaving Centre at Patan. We then continue for Ahmedabad and tour Adalaj Stepwell, Gandhi Ashram, Textile Museum, Sidi Sayyed's Mosque etc.
Sun Temple Modhera: Sun Temple at Modhera: which is one of the two Sun temples in the world- the other being at Konark. There is no data available about the dating of the temple. The only reference comes form an upside down, carelessly placed inscription one of the walls which reads " Vikram Samvat 1083;" i.e 1025 or 1026 A.D. A substantial part of the temple is still in it's original shape and material.
Day 12: Sasan Gir/Veraval
As we depart for Sasan Gir we visit the Lion Sanctuary before continuing on to Delwada and Ahmedpur-Mandvi Beach near Veraval followed by a visit to the Fort and St. Paul's Church before we embark on our journey to Palitana.
Day 13: Palitana/Sarkhej/Udaipur
Early morning tour of the 863 Jain temples on top of the Shatrunjaya Hills, which can
either, be climbed by the 3572 steps or go the royal way - on chair slings. We also
visit the traditional Vishala village before
our last overnight train ride to Udaipur.
Day 14: Udaipur/Bombay (Mumbai)
We have some time for shopping in Udaipur before we depart by air for
Bombay where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Day 15: Bombay (Mumbai)
Our Bombay tour starts with the Gateway of India landmark archway and includes the world's largest open air laundry, Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens and the Prince of Wales Museum. Afternoon free to visit the local bazaars.
Day 16: Bombay /departure
After Scene 1 of India - the Stage Show, we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home.
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