Day 1: Mumbai

Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can check-in and relax. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. You may choose to take a stroll along the Marine Drive, visit the famous Crawford Market or enjoy some local street food. Overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 2: Mumbai

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a city tour of Mumbai. Your first stop will be the Gateway of India, a magnificent monument that was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911. From there, you will take a ferry to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features rock-cut temples and sculptures dating back to the 6th century. After returning to the mainland, you will drive past the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and the Parliament House. Later, you will visit Dhobhi Ghat, a famous open-air laundromat, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, a museum that showcases the art, culture, and history of Mumbai. Overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad.

Upon arrival, you will check-in at the hotel and proceed to visit Bibi ka Maqbara, a beautiful mausoleum that was built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife. Next, you will visit Panchakki, an ancient water mill that was used to grind grain for the pilgrims who visited the nearby dargah. You will also visit the Aurangabad Caves, a complex of rock-cut Buddhist shrines that date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 4: Aurangabad

After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed on an excursion to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art. The caves are known for their exquisite paintings and sculptures that depict the life of Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. After the visit, you will return to Aurangabad for an overnight stay at the hotel.

 

Day 5: Aurangabad - Ellora (36km) / Flight to Delhi

After breakfast, you will visit Ellora Caves, a complex of rock-cut temples that were built between the 6th and 10th centuries. You will also visit the Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. On the way back, you will visit Daulatabad Fort, an impressive fortress that was built in the 14th century. You will also visit Bibi ka Maqbara for a second time. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

 

Day 6: Delhi - Jaipur (265km)

After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel in Delhi, get ready to embark on a full day city tour of Delhi, the bustling capital of India. This tour will take you to some of the most iconic landmarks of the city, including the Red Fort, a majestic Mughal-era structure built in red sandstone. Next, visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi.

Afterward, visit Raj Gath, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Also visit the towering Qutab Minar, a 73-meter tall tower built in 1193 AD, and the magnificent Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship known for its unique flower-like architecture. While driving back to the hotel, catch a glimpse of the grand Presidential Palace, the Parliament House, and India Gate.

Later, drive to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, known for its royal history, stunning palaces, and vibrant culture. On arrival, check into the hotel and relax. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Jaipur.

 

Day 7: Jaipur

After breakfast begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the fusion of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Continue to the Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 to protect the Amber Fort and its palace complex, and offering breathtaking views of Jaipur. Next, visit the City Palace, a stunning example of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that houses a museum showcasing Jaipur's rich history and culture. Then, explore the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory featuring 19 instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking stars.

Afterward, visit the Birla Temple, a beautiful white marble temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture. Then, head to the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, famous for its unique honeycomb structure and 953 small windows that allow the breeze to flow through. Finally, visit Johri Bazar, one of the most famous and oldest markets in Jaipur, offering a range of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and more.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and heritage of the Pink City as you explore its bustling bazaars and street markets, filled with colorful handicrafts and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 8: Jaipur - Agra (245km)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra, stopping at Abhaneri, a small village famous for India's deepest, largest, and most amazing step well, as well as a Hindu temple. Then visit Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned red sandstone complex with graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Afterward, continue driving to Agra, check-in at the hotel, and spend the night.

 

Day 9: Agra - Orchha (220km)

Start your day with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Then, visit Agra Fort, the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, and Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. 
Next, drive to Orchha and visit Gwalior Fort en route, which sits atop a hill and is known for its great architecture and rich past. Continue to visit Siddhachal Caves and Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments, Teli Ka Mandir, Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir, Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor, Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Assi Khamba Ki Baoli, Suraj Kund, and Jai Vilas Palace. Arrive in Orchha, check-in at the hotel, and spend the night.

 

Day 10: Orchha - Khajuraho (178km)

After breakfast, take a city tour of Orchha, a historical town known for its grand palaces, intricately carved temples adorned with classic mural paintings, frescos, and cenotaphs. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments, Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens, and pavilions. Also, visit Chaturbhuj Temple, a multi-storied structure noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples, and Chattris (Cenotaphs), which are magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas placed on a platform and supported by pillars. After sightseeing, drive to Khajuraho, check-in at the hotel, and attend the evening light & sound show before spending the night.

 

Day 11: Khajuraho - Varanasi (flight)

After breakfast, visit the well-maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, exploring the eastern, western, and southern group of temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. Built between 950 to 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, the temples depict the erotic forms of love, and the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways. 

Afterward, transfer to the airport to board a flight for Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and attend the Holy Ganga Aarti held every evening at sunset on the banks of the Holy Ganges. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil and the priests chanting holy mantras. Spend the night at the hotel.

 

Day 12: Varanasi

Early morning boat ride & Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. 

After breakfast visit Banaras Hindu University. With 5.3 sq kms campus and 30,000 residing students it is the largest residential university in the continent. Bharat Mata Temple built in 1936 houses a relief map of undivided India, carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Mandir one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. The temple has beautiful images of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The walls of temple are adorned with verses from Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the epic Ramayana. Continue to Sarnath, it was here Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The great Dhamekh Stupa and glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. 

If time permits, visit Ram Nagar Fort located on the eastern bank of River Ganga. The Fort dates back to the 18th century and is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Varanasi. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Varanasi - Mumbai (flight)

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out and transferring to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you in transferring to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and explore the city at your own pace.

 

Day 14: Mumbai - Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 13 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.

- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar 

Mumbai x 3 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - 7 Apple Hotel Aurangabad / Ginger Aurangabad
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Delhi x 1 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Fortune Select Metropolitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur

Agra x 1 nights
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Four Point by Sheraton/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Mansion Grand/ Courtyard by Marriott

Orchha x 1 night
3* & 4* - Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal 
5* - Orchha Palace and Convention Centrerchha x 1 night

Khajuraho x 1 night
3* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
4*/ 5* -- Ramada/Clarks Hotel
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

- Mumbai - Aurangabad - Delhi, Khajuraho - Varanasi - Mumbai flight fare approx INR 20,500 per person in economy class.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.