Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at Mumbai airport assistance & transfer to hotel. (Standard hotel check in time 12pm, early check in subject to room availability). Rest time free to relax and personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2: Mumbai

Breakfast at hotel, morning excursion to Elephanta Caves (Monday closed). A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where caves are located. Afterwards cruise back to Gateway of India. 

Later city of Mumbai, drive pass Marine Drive one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city, CST & Parliament House. Visit The Gateway of India an arch-monument built to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V & Queen-Empress Mary in December 1911 at Apollo Bunder. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, a grade I Heritage Building of the city counted amongst one of the most prominent museums of India. The complex exhibits a myriad collection of ancient artefacts, artwork and sculptors of the country which give a unique insight into our past. Kala Ghoda Art Precinct area that stretches from the Regal Circle at the Southern end of Mahatma Gandhi Road, up to the Mumbai University at the northern end, flanked by the Oval Maidan to the west and the Lion Gate to the east. Its curious name, meaning Black Horse, can be traced back to a bronze equestrian statue of King Edward VII that existed there during the colonial era. Dhobhi Ghat to see the city famous open air laundry in action. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Aurangabad. 

On arrival transfer to hotel.Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to visit the Ellora Caves (Tuesday closed), a UNESCO World Heritage Site from about 200 BC. to 650 AD. There are 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions Buddhism, Hinduism & Jainism. Grishneshwar Temple one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. 

Later visit Bibi ka Maqbara built in 1678 is a sons loving tribute to his mother, Panchakki which discharged water on the wheel to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims & Aurangabad Caves artificial caves that were dug out of soft rock during the 6th & 7th century. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 4: Aurangabad - Ajanja - Aurangabad (210kms round)

Breakfast at hotel, excursion to Ajanta (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while hunting tiger. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between AD 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora which date from about 200 BC to 650 AD. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha`s life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.

Drive back to Aurangabad for overnight stay. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 5: Aurangabad - Delhi (flight)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. 

On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later city tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. 
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape.

Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 6: Delhi - Agra - Delhi (200kms one way)

Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Agra. visit 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, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. 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.

After sightseeing drive back to Delhi. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 7: Delhi - Srinagar (flight)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Srinagar. 

City tour of Srinagar. Visit Shalimar Bagh the largest of the 3 breathtaking Mughal Gardens and one of the most sublime places to see in Srinagar. This stunning garden was constructed by Jahangir back in the year 1619 for his beautiful wife Noor Jahan. Nishat Bagh located near the Dal Lake, an enchanting twelve terraced garden, packed with green trees, scented flowers, and beautiful fountains. Known to be the 2nd biggest Mughal garden, this garden was constructed by Noor Jahan elder brother, Asif Khan, in the year 1633. Chashma Shahi a well-manicured triple-terraced garden, showcasing the Persian style architecture. A two storey hut has been positioned atop the garden top terrace and this structure is considered as the source of origin of the natural spring. Tulip Garden the largest tulip garden in Asia in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain overlooking the mesmerising Dal Lake. Shankaracharya Temple the sacred 250BC temple occupies the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman in the south-east of Srinagar. The temple boasts breathtaking views of the valley.

Evening Shikara ride on the Dal Lake. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 8: Srinagar - Gulmarg (56kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Gulmarg (The Meadow of the Flowers) check in at hotel. Located at the altitude of 9, 000ft, Gulmarg is a mountain resort of exceptional beauty. It has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2, 650m, and is the country`s premier ski resort in the winter.

Enjoy a cable car ride on Gondola which will take you to the Majestic height of 13, 000ft above sea level covering the magnificent views of Himalayan Mountains and Pirpanjal ranges. You can also enjoy a view of Nanga Parbat if the weather permits. Golf playing, Riding, Hiking & Snow Skiing are other optional activities available here at additional cost. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 9: Gulmarg - Pahalgam (142kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Pahalgam (the Valley of Shepherds) 7, 000ft above sea level. On the way visit the famous Saffron growing fields and Awantipur Ruins (1100 years old temple of lord Vishnu build by King Awantivarman). Enjoy the beautiful countryside on the way. 

On arrival check-in at hotel. Pahalgam once a humble shepherd`s village with breathtaking views is surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Pahalgam 

Breakfast at hotel, full day to explore Pahalgam & surrounding in a local union car. Visit Mamleshwara Temple a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the few temples constructed purely of stone by the then King Jayasima. Inside the temple complex is a shrine completely covered in gold. Aru valley the base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar-Marsar Lake, noted for its scenic meadows. There are about 20 alpine lakes, peaks and meadows around the Aru Valley. Betaab Valley, a breathtaking combination of picturesque surroundings encircled by tall deodar trees and pine forests, with the Lidder River flowing right through it. Sheshnag Lake, an epitome of natural beauty, peace and serenity, enveloped in snowcapped mountains and surrounded by tall alpine meadows, the lake is a haven for nature lovers. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Pahalgam - Srinagar (83kms)/ Mumbai (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Srinagar airport to board flight for Mumbai. 

On arrival transfer hotel check in at hotel. Rest time to visit any place of your interest with your driver. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 12: Mumbai - Departure (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule departure transfer to airport.

Assistance on arrival at airport.

11 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

Daily breakfast at hotels. Any other meal (lunch/ dinner) if clearly mentioned in the itinerary).

Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per 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 for 11 night accommodation

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* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Srinagar x 1 nights
3* - Hotel Royal Batoo/ Batra Hotel 
4* - Fortune Resort Heevan/ Four Point by Sheraton
5* - The Lalit Grand Palace/ Vivanta by Taj Dal View

Gulmarg  x 1 nights
3* - Grand Mumtaz/ Royal Park Hotel
4* - Heevan Retreat/ The Vintage 
5* - The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Pahalgam  x 2 nights
3* - Grand Mumtaz/ Hotel Baisaran Pahalgam
4* - Heevan/  Pine Spring
5* - WelcomHotel Pine N Peak/ Pahalgam Hotel

Mumbai - Aurangabad - Delhi - Srinagar - Mumbai flight fare approx INR 21, 500 per person in economy class.

Camera charges at monuments.

Meals other than mentioned in day plan.

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

Gratuities & optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in inclusions.