BEST OF INDIA

17 Days
London – Mumbai – Aurangabad – Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur –
Jaipur – Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi – London

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 01 – Depart London

Day 02 – Arrive Mumbai – City Tour
Early this morning you arrive at Mumbai, the commercial hub of India. You are met and transferred to hotel. Later embark on a sightseeing tour of Mumbai City visiting the Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive and other local sights. Overnight stay.

Day 03– Mumbai / Aurangabad – Ajanta Visit
Early morning you are transferred to the airport to board flight to Aurangabad, the site of the famous 3^rd century Ajanta Caves. On arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel. Thereafter visit the Ajanta Caves. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight stay.

Day 04 – Ellora Visit – Aurangabad / Mumbai
This morning visit the Ellora Caves, one of the finest sculpture sites in the country. Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening you are transferred to the airport to board flight back to Mumbai. On arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05 – Mumbai / Udaipur – City Tour
Early this morning you are transferred to the airport to board flight to Udaipur. On arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel. Later tour this Romantic City of Lakes visiting the City Palace and the Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maids). Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 06 – Udaipur / Ranakpur / Jodhpur
This morning drive to Jodhpur en route visiting the beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Continue drive to Jodhpur and check into hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 07 – In Jodhpur – City Tour
In the morning tour this blue-hued City of Warriors visiting the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, the Jaswant Thada Memorial and the local bazaar. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 08 – Jodhpur / Jaipur – City Tour
Early this morning you are transferred to the railway station to board the express train to Jaipur, the capital of the State of Rajasthan: Inter City Express dep. Jodhpur at 05:45hrs / arr. Jaipur 10:30hrs

On arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon embark on a sightseeing tour of this "Pink" City visiting the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory and the colourful bazaars. Overnight stay.

Day 09 – In Jaipur – Amber Fort excursion
This morning embark on an excursion to Amber Fort, located 11kms outside the City. Here enjoy an Elephant Ride to reach the top of the Fort. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 10 – Jaipur / Bharatpur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
This morning drive to Agra stopping en route first to visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the most spectacular sanctuary nesting indigenous as well as migratory birds. Enjoy a Rickshaw ride in the sanctuary to view the bird-life. Thereafter visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital, which is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture unique in India. Built in red sandstone this nearly intact city is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements. Continue drive to Agra and check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 11 – In Agra – City tour
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Agra City visiting the Agra Fort the Taj Mahal and the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar at Sikandra. The tomb is a splendid example of the combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture and represents Akbar’s philosophy and secular outlook. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 12 – Agra / Orchha / Khajuraho
Early this morning you are transferred to the railway station to board express train to Jhansi: Shatabdi Express dep. Agra at 08:00hrs / arr. Jhansi 10:24hrs

On arrival in Jhansi you are met and transferred to Khajuraho. En route you will visit Orchha a quaint little town famous for its temples and sculptures. Continue drive to Khajuraho and check into hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 13 – In Khajuraho – Temples Tour
Morning full day tour of Khajuraho’s famous Temples visiting the Eastern and Western groups. Overnight stay.

Day 14 – Khajuraho / Varanasi – Sarnath Visit
Morning is at leisure. In the afternoon you are transferred to the airport to board flight to the Holy City of Varanasi. On arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel. Later, a short drive takes you to Sarnath, the scene of Lord Buddha's first sermon. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 15 – City Tour – Varanasi / Delhi
Early in the morning enjoy a Boat Cruise on the Holy River Ganges – an incredible scene of devotees paying homage to the Sun God. You will pass the bathing ghats (riverbank) where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. Return to the hotel for breakfast and thereafter embark on a sightseeing tour of Varanasi City visiting the Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Mata temple and the local markets.

In the afternoon you are transferred to the airport to board flight back to Delhi. You are met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 16 – City tour – Delhi / Outbound
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. The places you visit include the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and the Qutab Minar Complex. In the evening you are transferred to the airport to board your midnight flight back home.

Day 17 – Arrive London