After breakfast proceed for full day city tour of Old & New Delhi. 

Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Visit the QUTAB MINAR, a Tower of Victory that was built in the 12th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. Visit INDIA GATE, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to PRESIDENT HOUSE, which is flanked by Parliament House and Government Secretariat buildings.

Delhi is in fact, a conglomeration of several distinct enclaves, chief among which are Old Delhi, with its 16th & 17th century Mughal-built monuments and congested souk like bazaars. The 20th century creation of Imperial India, New Delhi is in total contrast to the Old Delhi, with its wide avenues, grand vistas and colonial mansions, built by the British in the 1930s as their Imperial capital.

Thus, Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, politics and religions of India’s colourful past in its monuments, its palaces, and in the faces of its people that they narrate the story of their glorious past. Visit to  JAMA MASJID (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque, built by Shah Jahan.  Also visit the  historic RED FORT - Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone, which was built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9-meter deep moat which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna river.  Later we will switch back to our coach and drive to RAJ GHAT - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Varanasi

Meet upon arrival & transfer to Hotel

Later, visit the Vishwanath temple, also called the golden temple because of the gold-plating on its roof.

Excursion to sarnath: Proceed for half day city tour of Sarnath.

Half-day tour to Sarnath, 10-Kms away from Varanasi is the fabled place, which bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, expounding the principles of Buddhism.  The remains date back to as far as the3rd-Century BC when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar Edicts.  Visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum.  The main attraction is the superb Capital from Ashokan Pillar - the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back Lions which has been adopted as the state symbol Independent India.  Also visit the Mahabodhi' Buddha temple and walk around the Deer Park.  Later see the Monastery ruins area, Dhameka Stupa.

Overnight stay at hotel

Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges.  The western banks of Ganges has a string of Ghats - the chain of stone steps, all built with pavilions, palaces and terraces, most of which are mainly used as Dharamsalas where the pilgrims stay during their visit to the holy city.  At dawn, the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals.  A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity.  The sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience. 

Later transfer to airport to board flight to Khajuraho. Meeting assistance at Khajuraho airport and transfer to hotel

Later proceed for half day visit to Eastern and Western Group of Temples. Visit the Western Group of temples, the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 "Yoginis" or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also seethe Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. The sculptures that adorn the temples, carved in stone depict gods, goddesses and amorous couples. Later visit the Eastern Group of temples including the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the "Vamana" or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures. Although these are Jain temples, they also contain numerous Vaishnav deities.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Jhansi visiting Orchha Enroute

Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy of the ages.  For this medieval city, the hand of time has rested and the palaces and the temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine perfection.  Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatries, commands a spectacular view of soaring temple-spires and cenotaphs.

Later transfer to Jhansi Railway station to board evening train to Agra

Meeting assistance on arrival at Agra Railway station and transfer to Hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel

After early breakfast proceed for half day city tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal & Agra Fort.   

The tour of world famous Taj Mahal   - Perhaps no other symbol epitomizes India as Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is an epitome of love, a poem in marble by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.  The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which is split by watercourses-a reflection of the Persian style. (TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS).

Agra Fort - Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna and beautified with palaces and gardens by Jehangir, Agra Fort today dominates the center of the city.  Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience) were built by Shahjehan for receiving audiences.  Other places to see within the fort include the Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden).  

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Ranthambore visiting Fatehpur sikri enroute

FATEHPUR SIKRI. This exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone; with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons. The Diwan-i-am - a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwan-i-khas - a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai’s Palace, Mariam’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings.

Continue drive to Ranthambore & on arrival check-in at your hotel

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Enjoy a full day of safari with morning and evening game drive in the park.

Set at the junction of the Vindhya and Aravalli hills, and covered in scrub forest, the area is interesting both as a wildlife reserve and a place of historical importance. Overlooking the national park is the formidable Rao Hamir fortress. Although Ranthambore is the smallest reserve of the Project Tiger Reserves, it perhaps has the highest chances of spotting the majestic predators roaming freely in the reserve. The park has a large number of sambhar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar and peafowl. Systems of three artificial lakes are part of the biosphere and besides enhancing the beauty of the park, is an important source of water for the inhabitants of the park. Fresh water crocodile can be seen, and the area attracts a large number of local and migratory birds. The local fauna also includes the leopard, jackal, jungle cat, sloth bear and python.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive about 4 hours to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your Hotel

You may have vehicle at disposal for shopping Or visit Birla temple in the evening

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive about proceed for full day city tour of Jaipur.

Morning visit to Amber Fort with Jeep ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. A major attraction at Amber is the Elephant Ride all the way up to the Fort entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. 

Afternoon  Half day city tour begins with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Bikaner & Check-in at your hotel

Later proceed for Half day city sightseeing of Bikaner. The city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Joramal temple. The royal chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and births were once celebrated.

Overnight stay at hotel

Later depart by surface for Jaisalmer. On arrival check-in at hotel 

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing of Jaisalmer, built in burnished sandstone is an intricately moulded wonderland. A full-day sightseeing tour takes you through this city of gilded magic. See the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. Also visit Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries. Patwon ki Haveli, a five-story mansion with carved pillars and murals; Salim Singh and Nathmalji ki Haveli.

Later excursion to Sam with camel ride: Located at a distance of 42 kilometres from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast depart by surface for Jodhpur.  On arrival Check-in a hotel 

Later free at leisure to explore local markets which is an interesting experience.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast proceed for city tour of Jodhpur

Visit the 5-km long Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125-mt high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or "Jarokhas" with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendour and glamour of a bygone era. Also visit the Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II.

Afternoon: Jeep safari to tribal village of Bishnoi

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast depart by surface for Udaipur enroute visiting Ranakpur Temples. The Jain temples of Ranakpur built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely Aravali valley. The town is named after Rana Khumba the legendary warrior king of Udaipur.

Later continue drive to Udaipur & check-in at Hotel

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast at hotel, proceed with sightseeing tour of Udaipur, a splash of colour in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which hours the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in gardens of the maids-of-honour, with beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains. Later drive around the Fateh Sagar Lake.

Afternoon: Visit  Eklingji & Nagda temples - About 20 kms from Udaipur is the temple of Eklingji, dedicated to Lord Siva, the family deity of the Maharanas of Mewar. It dates back to 8th century, has silver door, screen and a silver Nandi (bull) facing the black marble Siva. A kilometer further is the ruins of Nagda Jain temples. The complex though comparatively smaller, has some intricate carvings and beautiful carvings on the pillars, ceilings and the walls depicting stories from the mythologies of Mahabharat and Ramayana.

Evening: Enjoy Boat cruise at Lake Pichola

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Mumbai. Meeting assistance on arrival at Mumbai airport & transfer to hotel

Later proceed with sightseeing tour of Mumbai

Mumbai: Visit to Gateway of India, Mumbai's principle landmark.  This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V's visit to this colony in 1911. Visit Prince of Wales Museum (now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum) is Mumbai’s top museum and arguably the best in India. Drive past the Afghan Church.  Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the 'Queen's Necklace'.  Visit Jain temple and Hanging Gardens which offer a splendid view of the city, Chowpatty, Kamala Nehru Park and also Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai.  Drive past Haji Ali Mosque, a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint on an island 500 m. out at sea and  is linked by a causeway to the mainland.  Stop at the 'Dhobi Ghat' where Mumbai's 'dirties' are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry.  Watch the local train passing close by on which the city commuters 'hang out like laundry' - a nice photography stop.  Continue to the colourful Crawford market and to the Flora fountain in the large bustling square, in the heart of the city.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast transfer to Mumbai airport to board flight to Aurangabad. Onn arrival in Aurangabad you will be met upon arrival at airport & transferred to your hotel

Later excursion to Ellora caves & Daultabad Fort

Ellora Caves - Carved in the volcanic rocks at Ellora, the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves are amongst the finest in the country. Total of 34 caves, 12 Buddhist caves were created between VII and IX centuries include monasteries and chapels where the monks worshipped having various stone cut structures and images of Buddha. 17 Hindus caves created during VII and X centuries have images of various Gods and Goddesses; the Kailash Temple is the most magnificent rock-cut structures meant to be a replica of Siva’s celestial abode - Kailash.  The 5 Jain caves which were created between IX and XII century have an aura peace and simplicity; the carvings depict Mahavir and various animals.

Daulatabad Fort built by Mohammed  Tughlauk in the 14th century  as he tried to shift his capital from Delhi, along with its population. His project ended in disaster but the Fort remained. The Fort has many gun bastion and huge palaces.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast proceed with excursion to Ajanta caves & on return back City tour of Aurangabad

Ajanta Caves - Ajanta caves date back from about 2nd centutry BC to 7th century AD. Cut from the volcanic lavas of the Deccan Trap, these caves have some remarkable murals and frescoes. These masterpieces retell the life story of Buddha and the life, culture and traditions of the people of the times. Some of the murals also depict Buddha in various forms and various bodhisattvas.

Later proceed with city tour of Aurangabad visiting Bibi-Ka-Maqbara and Panchakki most of the monuments or mosques like the Kali Masjid,Shahganj Masjid, Chuk Masjid or Lal Masjid and just past-by visits as they are situated in dense, congested areas and no parking is possible close to these places. A short visit to Aurangabad caves in conjunction with Bibi-Ka-Maqbara would be worthwhile. A certain vantage point from the caves gives excellent views of Aurangabad city and surroundings.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast Transfer to airport to board connecting flight from Aurangabad to Goa via Mumbai

Meeting assistance on arrival & transfer to Hotel

Later free at leisure to relax

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast proceed with half-day sightseeing tour of Goa

Goa - Visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus built in the 16th century, wherein is enshrined in an ornate silver casket, the body of St. Francis Xavier, most popular and famous of all churches in Goa - Church of St. Cathedral, the biggest in Goa - church of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan Church, built in the style of St. Peters Basilica in Rome, Church of lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica.

Afternoon free at leisure

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Full day free at leisure to relax at beachside

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast Transfer to airport to board connecting flight from Goa to Cochin via Bangalore. Meet on arrival at Cochin airport & transfer to Hotel

Later proceed with Half-day City tour of Cochin

Cochin -The spirit of the Portuguese, Dutch and the English lingers in the narrow streets and the houses of Cochin. The city was put on the World Map by Vasco da Gama, who was also buried here in the St. Francis Church. Visit The Mattencherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, houses a museum which has a collection of portraits of Maharajas of Cochin, their costumes, jewelry and seventeenth century depicting lively scenes from the Hindu mythologies. One of the oldest Jewish Synagogue of the Commonwealth is located here, built in 1568; it was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1664. The floor of the synagogue is paved with hand-printed tiles of willow pattern brought from China and each of these tiles is different. The interiors of the Synagogue glitters with nineteenth century chandeliers and a brass pulpit.  Also see the Chinese fishing nets on the harbour.

Evening: Kathakali Dance show - The picturesque state of Kerala gifts India a dance drama, which is really embedded in stories from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and from the Puranas (ancient scriptures). The heavy make-up and stunning costumes add to the euphoric moments of watching a Kathakali performance. Elaborate masks are used by the performers.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Periyar. On arrival Check-in at Hotel

After lunch proceed with boat ride at Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary. Periyar tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq .km., Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Zealously guarded and efficiently managed reserve is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and Pamba

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Alleppey. On arrival board on Houseboat. Rest of the day at leisure and enjoy cruising on your houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala

Overnight stay at Houseboat

After breakfast de-board Houseboat and drive to Kovalam. Assistance on arrival at hotel in Kovalam and check in Hotel

Evening will be at leisure

Overnight stay at hotel

Free at leisure & you may indulge in Ayurvedic massage

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Trivandrum airport & straight transfer to airport to board onward flight