Palatial India With Taj Hotels

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi (-,-,D) 

On arrival at New Delhi International Airport, warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and meet & assist with company representative or tour guide and transfer to the hotel. On arrival check-in at the hotel. (Standard check-in time in 1400hrs.) 

Mystery, magic, mayhem. Welcome to Delhi, City of Djinns, and 25 million people. Like an eastern Rome, India’s capital is littered with the relics of lost empires. A succession of armies stormed across the Indo-Gangetic plain and imprinted their identity onto the vanquished city, before vanishing into rubble and ruin like the conquerors who preceded them. Modern Delhi is a chaotic tapestry of medieval fortifications, Mughal mausoleums, dusty bazaars, colonial-era town planning, and mega malls.

Afternoon proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing. 

First stop would be Raj Ghat, this peaceful, very well maintained park contains a simple black-marble platform marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.

Next you will be driven to Old Delhi market, just before entering the market you will embark on a ‘Rickshaw’ to steer through tiny lanes of Chandni Chowk.  Ride past the majestic Red Fort & through the main Chandni Chowk street straight to Khari Baoli; Asia’s biggest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, herbs, nuts & food products like rice, tea etc. Hop on to your rickshaws and pass through the tiny lanes of Kinaari Bazaar; lane for Indian attire accessories like borders etc, Dariba Kalan; lane for Silver market. Hop off and bid bye to your Rickshaw Puller at Jama Masjid; A beautiful pocket of calm at the heart of Old Delhi's mayhem, the capital's largest mosque is built on a 10m elevation. It can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. 

Dinner at Heritage Haveli: Enjoy a scrumptious meal in this Heritage Haveli. On weekends, the haveli hosts Classical Dance during the dinner time. (On request, classical dance can be arranged on other days for groups as well)

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi (B,-,-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing of New Delhi

Humayun's Tomb: The most perfectly proportioned and captivating of Delhi’s mausoleums, Humayun’s tomb seems to float above the gardens that surround it. This monument strongly influenced the Taj Mahal. Lotus Temple (Photography Stop): Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect FariburzSahba in 1986. Styled after a lotus flower, with 27 immaculate white-marble petals, the temple was created to bring diverse faiths together. (Closed on Monday)

Sikh Temple Bangla Sahib: Topped by golden domes, this handsome white-marble Gurdwara was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, stayed before his death in 1664. Also tour the mega kitchen of this Temple where more than 15000 people are served daily. Visit India Gate, RashtrapatiBhawan& Parliament Street: A drive past Lutyen Delhi’s major monuments, a symbol of the colonial development in the capital. 
(Note: This is a high security area & access to roads are many a times restricted. Hence the panoramic ride is subject to all security clearances)

QutubMinar: is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. Kashmiri Co-operative, enjoy a Kashmiri Tea ‘Kahwa’ here when you witness the artisians presenting their local arts & products.

Overnight at the hotel.

Optional Dinner

Dinner at Indian Accent:Indian Accent showcases inventive Indian cuisine by complementing the flavours and traditions of India with global ingredients and techniques.Indian Accent is time and gain voted the best restaurant of India. 

Day 03 : Delhi – Agra (B,-,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Agra (240 Kms, 3-4 Hrs.). On arrival proceed for sightseeing.

Agra has been immortalized as the City of the Taj. Yet, it doesn’t take much for the roving eye to discover that there’s more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery….. A freeze-frame from a resplendent era that’s long since gone by.

Itmad-ud-daula: Built entirely in white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, this mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna exhibits a strong Persian influence. Agra Fort: Built by Akbar in 1565 A.D, this Fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the Fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas etc. Visit Marble Workshop; local artisans showcase their skill of Marble Inlay work in these workshops. The artisans in Agra are believed to be the descendants of the artists who were actual workers of Taj Mahal.

Check in at the hotel. 

Enjoy an evening at the ‘Mohabbat the Taj’s show. Watch this popular show: a retelling of the Taj Mahal’s story. Be swept up by the dance, music, and songs as you learn how the love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz inspired the Taj.

Multi-lingual show headsets are provided. Enjoy a musical extravaganza that tells the story of the Taj Mahal Trace the love story of the Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal Be swept up by colourful dance, songs, music, and sets, including a replica Taj.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 : Agra – Abhaneri – Jaipur (B,-,D)

Early morning visit Taj Mahal a UNESCO world heritage site constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal that has left tourist spellbound by its beauty for years.Return to the hotel for your breakfast.

Drive to Jaipur (240 kms, 4-5 Hrs.),en-route visit Abhaneri.

Chand Baori (stepwell): Built back in the eighth century, it is one of the deepest and largest step wells in India. The phenomenal structure is 19.5 meters in depth and features 1000 narrow steps, spanning 13 storeys.Harshat Mata Temple: As per the legends, the goddess is always cheerful and showers the people with blessings of joy and happiness.

Drive to Jaipur. On arrival at check-in at the hotel.

Optional Suggested Flight: (Subject to availability / operational status)

Flight : Indigo – 6E | 7724 / Agra – Jaipur 12:55 – 13:50 Hrs. Operates daily

Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 : Jaipur (B,-,-)  

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for Jaipur sightseeing.

Amber Fort. Jeep ride uphill & downhill at the fort. Nostalgic Amber Fort, near Jaipur in Rajasthan, is one of the most well-known and most-visited forts in India. During downhill, visit a very heritage structure – Panna-Meenakakund, which is a square-shaped stepwell, with adjoining stairs on all four sides and a room on the northern wall.

We will make our way back to the city, en-route we will stop at Jal Mahal, Possibly the most serene sight amidst the chaos of Jaipur is the beautiful Jal Mahal Jaipur, the Water Palace. Short stops at the Jewel & Carpet Workshops in Jaipur are must to witness how the local artisans create marvels from raw materials. Jantar Mantar, a large grassy enclosure containing eighteen huge stone astronomical measuring devices constructed between 1728 and 1734. City Palace, originally built by Jai Singh in the 1720s and having lost none of its original pomp and splendour. Before you start exploring the local markets, stop for photography at the one world’s most famous façade Hawa Mahal.

Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 06 : Jaipur – Jodhpur (B,-,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Jodhpur (330 Kms, 6 Hrs.). On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 : Jodhpur (B,-,-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for Jodhpur sightseeing.

Mehrangarh Fort, Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a hill which is 125 metres above Jodhpur’s skyline is the Mehrangarh Fort. This historic fort is one of the most famous in India and is packed with history and legends. Mehrangarh Fort still bears the imprints of cannonball attacks courtesy the armies of Jaipur on its second gate. JaswantThada, This milky white memorial built towards the end of the 19th century as a tribute to the leader Jaswant Singh is a huge tourist attraction. Jaswant Singh, who ruled Jodhpur, invested well in his state. UmaidBhawan Museum, The museum displays glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, information nailed on the building along with unique charms like the stuffed leopards and a huge symbolic flag.

A serene walk in the blue lanes of Jodhpur will immerse you in the history, culture & traditions of this city, walking in the narrow lane, past the locals, the small shops & even cows. A great photographic experience this walk will then bring you to clock tower where you witness the local life-circle running its cycle.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (B,L,-) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Udaipur (240 Kms, 4-5 Hrs.). Visit Ranakpur.

At the foot of a steep wooded escarpment of the Aravalli Hills, Ranakpur is one of India’s biggest and most important Jain temple complexes. The main temple, the ChaumukhaMandir (Four-Faced Temple), is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar (depicted in the many Buddha-like images in the temple), and was built in the 15th century in milk-white marble.

Lunch at Mountbatten lodge

Mountbatten Lodge is an opulent 4 suite hideaway nestled in a ruggedly scenic valley and bordered by the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.  The property is fortunate to have two of the most important historical sites in the country on our doorstep – the famous Ranakpur Jain Temples and the mighty Kumbalgarh Fort.

Drive to Udaipur. On arrival check-In and overnight at the hotel.

Often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. The beautiful City Palace adds to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. 

Day 09 : Udaipur (B,-,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing.

Sahelion-ki-Bari, which is good example of the art of landscaping, a beautiful garden was built for the 48 maidens meant to be a part of the dowry of the princess. Arrive at City Palace, Standing on the edge of the Lake Pichola and built by Maharaja Udai Singh, the gorgeous City Palace is a marvel in marble. Majestically set on a hill, it is accentuated with balconies, towers and cupolas along with superb views of the lake and the city that can be admired from the upper terraces. Udaipur is the storehouse of several items of historical significance. One such place to visit is the Vintage and Classic Car Museum. The museum showcases some of the most exquisite collection of royal antique cars which make it a heritage site, which is worth exploring.

Later, a short walk to the Jagdish Temple, lets you immerse in local life & get great pictures.

Evening, you will have boat ride in Lake Pichola, ride takes you to visit Jag Mandir - the first island palace on Lake Pichola.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : Udaipur – Nagda and Eklingji Temples (B,L,-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for the Excursion tour with Nagda and Eklingji Temples.

Nagda, the abandoned capital of the Mewar region, is an ancient group of temples dating from the 7th century, situated beside an ever-expanding lake covered by a floating forest of lotus flowers. Most buildings were destroyed by the Mughals or have been submersed by the lake over the years. Yet, the surviving pair of 10th century temples, called the ‘mother-in-law’ and ‘daughter-in-law’, still offer a breath-taking glimpse into the colourful history of the city.

Eklingjiis a 1000-year old temple complex dedicated to the god Shiva. It is an ideal choice to explore Hindu religious practices, as the temple is usually not too crowded and in remarkably good condition. The quality of the upkeep is due to the fact that Eklingji is serviced by the personnel of the Rajasthani Maharana himself, who visits the temple every Monday, on the holy day of Shiva.

Lunch at RAAS Devigarh.

RAAS Devigarh: sets the bar for next-generation India. Nestled in the Aravali Hills, just 45 minutes away from Udaipur, this 18th-century palace is an outstanding heritage property.

Return to hotel, overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 : Udaipur – Mumbai (B,-,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai.

Suggested Flight:
Indigo – 6E 5185    Udaipur – Mumbai    08:30 – 9:50 Hrs.
Vistara UK 626    Udaipur - Mumbai    12:30 – 14:05 Hrs.

Check-in on arrival. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is big. It’s full of dreamers and hard-labourers, starlets and ‘crorepatis’ (millionaires), and lots and lots of people. It has India’s most prolific film industry, some of Asia’s biggest slums (as well as the world’s most expensive home) and the largest tropical forest in an urban zone. Mumbai is India’s financial powerhouse and fashion epicentre. The heart of the city contains some of the most ornate colonial-era architecture on the planet, but explore a little more and you’ll uncover unique bazaars, hidden temples, hipster enclaves and India’s premier restaurants and nightlife.

Day 12 : Mumbai (B,-,-) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing.

Drive through the cloistered Navy Nagar, Mumbai’s hidden bastion of the army and naval base and reach Afghan Church Heritage site. Afghan Church was built to commemorate the martyrs of the Three Afghan Wars fought between 1835 and 1843. Back in 1820s, the church used to be simply the attached roof shape. Your panoramic ride takes you thru the Colaba Causeway, CST (Prince of Wales) Museum, Kala Ghoda, High Court, Churchgate. Disembark at Churchgate Station to watch Dabbawallahs. Dabbawallahs (lunch meal carrier) are 5,000 strong members co-operative run by a bunch of Mahashtrian semiliterate men for the last 125 years, earning between Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month. Embark on a Local Train from Churchgate Railway Station to Mahalaxmi to visit Dhobi Ghat. Even if you are not interested in other people’s dirty laundry, you will be fascinated by the Dhobi Ghat. Each morning washing from all over Mumbai is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten and thrashed. Next day, after being aired, pressed, folded and wrapped, the bundles are returned from when they came. 

Return to the hotel while driving past Marine Drive, Chowpaty Beach & Malabar Hill. 

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 : Mumbai (B,-,-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Elephant caves.

To board the jetty you arrive at Gateway of India, an arch-monument built in the early 20th century in the city of Mumbai, India. It was erected to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V, the first British monarch to visit India. Hotel Taj Mahal, opened in Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1903, giving birth to the country’s first harbour landmark can also be seen on the other side of the road. 

The Elephanta Caves are situated on Elephant Island, often referred to as the Island of Gharapuri, in Western India. The island is made up of two hillocks that are separated from one another by a small valley. The little island is covered in a large number of ancient archaeological ruins that serve as the only reminders of its illustrious past.

Return to the mainland by Catamaran, rest of the day at leisure. 

Optional Dharavi Tour

Dharavi Slum Tour: On this tour, you will see why Dharavi is the heart of small scale industry in Mumbai. Many people know Dharavi as the largest slum in Asia', but there is much more to this historic area of Mumbai than poverty. Dharavi's industries have an annual turnover of approximately US$ 665 million. Through our tour visitors experience a wide range of these activities: recycling, pottery-making, embroidery etc.  Most of these things are created in innovative ways and in very small spaces! When passing through the residential spaces, you will undoubtedly feel the sense of community and spirit that exists in the area. People from all over India live in Dharavi, and this diversity is apparent in the temples, mosques and churches that stand side by side.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 : Departure (B,-,-)    

Breakfast at the hotel (subject to time availability). Transfer to airport as per your flight timings.

End of the tour