Taj Mahal with Ajanta Ellora Caves Tour

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Travel Duration: 12Nights & 13Days
Covered Destinations:Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Mumbai - Home

Detailed Travel Plan

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

You will meet Company representatives at the international airport in Delhi late in the evening. You will be transferred to your hotel. Relax. DELHI, better referred to as the capital of kingdoms and empires, has now become known as a busy metropolis that embodies the attractive mix of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi

Enjoy your Breakfast and set out for a full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

OLD DELHI - sightseeing in Old Delhi means a visit to the Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat is the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Jama Masjid is another interesting site. It is the largest mosque in India. Then, you will be taken to the Red Fort which was once the most luxurious fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

NEW DELHI - Sightseeing in New Delhi is incomplete without the Humayuns Tomb and the Qutub Minar. It will be a fascinating experience to drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, and the Presidents Residence. Wind up the tour driving through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 3:Delhi Agra
By Surface: 220 kms, 4 hrs

After breakfast drive to Agra. Upon arrival, Company representatives will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.

AGRA: Today what we see in Agra is because of the contributions made by the two great Mughal emperors namely Akbar and Shah Jahan who transformed it from a little village to a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire. They named this city as Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today, when you visit Agra, you are sure to get caught up in the beauty of its contrasting edifices built of red sandstone and white marble. The slender galleys and old buggies also look marvellous. You will be attracted to its irresistible Mughal charm. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce you to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

After lunch, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour to the AGRA FORT. The fort was erected by the celebrated Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. The fort is predominantly made of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Move on to another attraction such as Taj Mahal late in afternoon.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the reason for every tourist's visit to Agra. It was constructed by Shah Jahan. Taj is said to be a white marble memorial built in the memory of Shah Jahans beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, Taj Mahal is also visited particularly for its marvellous domes and elaborate carved screens. You will also come across some of the best inlay work here.

Visit Itmadullahs Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Agra.

Day 04: Agra Fatehpur-Sikri Jaipur
By Surface: 180 kms, 3 hrs.

After breakfast, you will be driven to beautiful Pink City known as Jaipur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. A visit to the deserted, red Sandstone City, which Emperor Akbar built as his capital and palace in the late 16th century, will be an exhilarating experience. It is will seem to be a fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition. You will also be taken to Bulund Darwaza. It is the largest gateway in the world.

Reach and check in at the hotel.

On arrival in Jaipur, you will meet our company representative at the hotel. He will assist you in check-in and provide you with the schedule for the sightseeing.

Jaipur:- The stunning city of Jaipur is as old as the eighteenth century. Its history can be traced back to the time of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today possesses the true spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is called the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Visit forts, palaces, temples and gardens in Jaipur.

Overnight stay will be at Hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Take delight in elephant ride ascent to the fort.

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. The forbidding exterior presents a sharp contrast to its refined interiors that are made with a fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture.

Proceed for sightseeing of the city.

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. The Palace contains attractions like 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, which houses big astronomical instruments, is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds" is best known for its attractive facades in Jaipur. The palace with five-storey structure made of sandstone plastered pink beset with refined trelliswork and elaborate balconies makes for an interesting sightseeing spot. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.

Day 06: Jaipur Jodhpur
By Surface: 295 kms, 5 hrs

In the morning, you will be driven to Jodhpur (290 kms). Once you reach, you will check in at the hotel. Late afternoon, you will be taken on a tour of Jodhpur - with a visit to Meherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive and formidable in the whole of fort - studded Rajasthan. Also visit Jaswant Thada - the Royal Cenotaphs.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 meters above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

Reach and relax and explore the Local market of Jodhpur.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Jodhpur.

Stay overnight at the Hotel.

Day 07: Jodhpur

After breakfast, you will leave for the sightseeing with our company representative. You will visit the rich museum nestled within the Umaid Bhawan palace. Also, visit other attractive local attractions.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. The palace has various miniature paintings and cradle room for you to explore. After this, you will be taken to Jaswant Thada Memorial.

Overnight stay will be at Hotel.

Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
By Surface: 265 kms 5 hrs

In the morning, you will be driven to Udaipur (260 kms). En route, you will visit Ranakpur acclaimed for its 15th century Jain Temples. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Thereafter continue drive to Udaipur, check into the hotel.
Overnight stay will be at the Hotel.

Day 09: Udaipur

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will be impressed to see the rooms adorned with mirrored walls and ivory doors. The colored glass windows, inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard are the other fascinating features of the palace. Pay a visit to 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 can bask in the beauty of the city of Udaipur as it emerges brilliantly above the lake in the centre of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace. It is yet again island palace located in the heart of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Overnight stay will be in Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur Mumbai
Flight: 9W-709 Dep: 08:20 Arr: 09:35

On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel where we will be holding the rooms on ready occupancy basis. You will check in into the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel. Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven islands was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially, the city was inhabited by a few Parsis and Gujarati folk only. But very shortly, sizeable population began to live here. This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country come and settle here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 11: Mumbai - Aurangabad
Flight: 9W-3103 Dep: 07:15 Arr: 08:00

Company representatives will receive you upon your arrival at the airport.

The city of Aurangabad is frequented for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage. It was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short period. The city has prime tourist attractions like Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that resembles the Taj Mahal. The importance of Aurangabad is great, owing to its proximity with world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Ajanta and Ellora are famous for Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. Aurangabad better recognised for its silk and cotton textiles.

There are a number of important tourist spots beyond the city limits of Aurangabad. The cave temples of Ellora, listed among the World Heritage sites, are 30 km northwest of the city. The renowned Buddhist caves in Ajanta, listed as a World Heritage site, are 166 km northeast of Aurangabad. The Buddhist caves of Ajanta boast of well protected frescoes or wall paintings. The wall paintings depict the vivid lifestyle of that period. The fortress of Daulatabad is 13 km from Aurangabad and is situated en route Ellora. Khuldabad, the last resting place of Aurangzeb, is 3 km from Ellora. Grishneshwar temple which is an important Hindu pilgrim site is nestled in Verul village, close to Ellora caves. It is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Paithan, 56 km south of Aurangabad, is famous for its traditional Paithani silk saris. About twenty-four kilometres from Aurangabad, you will come across the Bani Begum Gardens. The gardens are built around the tomb of one of Aurangzeb's queens. Pithalkora caves are 78 km from Aurangabad. Mhaismal, 25 km from Aurangabad, is another tourist spot

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 12: Aurangabad

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Proceed for a full day sightseeing with excursion to Ajanta Caves.

Ajanta caves: In the interiors of the Sahyardi hills, about 100 kilometres from Aurangabad, you will get to notice a mammoth horse- shoe shape formed by the 30 rock-cut caves of Ajanta. The Caves are as old as 2nd century BC. Discovered in 1819 by a group of British army officers, these startling achievements took around 600 years to create. Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta, once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders features several 'chaityas' (chapels) and 'viharas' (monasteries). The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures of Buddha's life are famous throughout the world as the earliest and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art. You will come back to Aurangabad and stay overnight here.

Day 13: Aurangabad - Mumbai - Home
Flight: 9W-3104 Dep: 08:35 Arr:09:20

Company representatives will receive you upon your arrival at the airport.

You will come across various sets of a typical film studio. Move from a place to the village square. It will be a fascinating experience to see men with cameras on cranes shooting sequences. Enjoy the electrifying ambiance of the Film city and take delight in the mouthwatering culinary treats. Late in the evening, you will be transferred to Airport for your onward journey.

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Taj Mahal with Ajanta Ellora Caves Tour

Detailed Travel Plan