Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrival transfer to hotel check in (check in/out time 12pm). 
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 flower-like shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2: Delhi - Agra (210km) (B)

Drive to Agra check in at hotel. 
Later 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. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 3: Agra - Jaipur (245km) (B)

Drive to Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikri an abandoned predominately a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Next visit Abhaneri a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing step well & a Hindu Temple. 
Continue drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the local market of Pink City. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 4: Jaipur (B)

City tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 5: Jaipur - Jodhpur (330km) (B)

Drive to Jodhpur enroute visit Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. The city of Pushkar is home to the only active temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation. Visit of Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lake in the country having 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. And Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda, Anasagar Lake in nearby town Ajmer. 
Arrive Jodhpur check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 6: Jodhpur (B)

City tour of Jodhpur popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architectures, forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with eight gates leading out of the fortress. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD, Rao Jodha the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is a major historical sites lying just 10kms out from Jodhpur where you will find the cenotaphs of Jodhpur`s former rulers built along the lines of Hindu temples. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, Mandore Temples, Gardens & Cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 7: Jodhpur - Udaipur (265km) (B)

Drive to Udaipur enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. The temple complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork. 
Continue drive to Udaipur check in at hotel. Enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 8: Udaipur (B)

City tour of Udaipur located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest Man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Monsoon Palace add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Visit City Palace & Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bada Mahal, Eklingji & Nagda Temple. Explore Hathi Pol Bazar, Bada Bazar & Shilpgram a craftsmens village. Evening watch folk dance show Dharohar at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 9: Udaipur - Mount Abu (165km) (B)

Drive to Mount Abu, check in at hotel. 
Later visit the Dilwara Jain temples, built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastupala, Jain minister of Dholka, between the 11th and 16th centuries. Famous for their use of white marble and intricate marble carvings, they are a pilgrimage place of the Jains. The temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars, and panels is simply marvelous. Shri Raghunath Ji Temple a 650-year-old temple on the shores of Nakki Lake dedicated to the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. The architectural heritage of Mewar can be seen through several wall inscriptions, delicate paintings and carvings. The exquisitely carved idol of Shri Raghunath Ji is one of the main attractions. Toad Rock is a colossal rock piece which looks like a toad about to jump into the waters of the lake. The path to Toad Rock starts near the Nakki Lake and includes climbing 250 steps to the top. Boat ride on Nakki Lake a paradise for nature lovers surrounded by lush greenery, mountains and strangely shaped rocks. By the side of Nakki Lake is a path leading to Sunset Point. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Mount Abu - Ahmedabad (280km) (B)

Drive to Ahmedabad via visiting Rani ki Vav 11th century Solanki era step well built by the Queen Udayamati & Karna in memory of her husband Bhima I. The stepwell is designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels, more than 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery. And Panchasara Jain Temples, more than 100 Jain temples with exquisite domes & sacred carvings on the walls built by king Vanraj Chavada around 746 CE. Modhera Sun Temple a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya built wetbeen 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines.
Continue drive to Ahmedabad, check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Ahmedabad (B)

Visit Hatheesing Jain Temple established in 1850 by Seth Hatheesing a rich Jain merchant, the temple is dedicated to 15th Jain Tirthankar Dharamnath. Bhadra Fort a beautiful monument that is famous for its intricate carvings, pattern works and beautiful frescos suits. Located in the middle of lush greenery the huge 44 acre Fort got its name from the Bhadrakali Temple that it houses. Sabarmati Ashram once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi located on the tranquil and serene stretch of Sabarmati River. The museum is one of the most interesting sections of the ashram as it has on display some of Gandhi`s personal letters and photographs. Shaking Minarets one of the most intriguing architectural wonders & an unsolvable mystery that the world has ever seen. VECHAAR Utensils Museum it house an elaborate collection of utensils ranging from hundreds of years back to the current times. Kite Museum in the premises of Sanskar Kendra the museum had an elaborate display of about 125 uniquely carved kites including mirror embroidered kites, block print kites and Japanese kites such as Rokuku. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 12: Ahmedabad - Bhavnagar (175km) (B)

Drive to Bhavnagar via visiting archaeological remains of Harappa Port-Town at Lothal of Indus Valley Civilization. Unlike many other doorways into Harappan culture, Lothal passed through all the phases of the society, from earliest development to most mature. Roam the ruins with your heart open to the ancient, and with the help of the local museum here, allow yourself to be transported to an era 4,500 years ago. 

Arrive Bhavnagar check in at hotel. Visit Gandhi Smriti, one of the prominent places related to Mahatma Gandhi, whose life and ethics on truth and non-violence have been a motivation to all world. This two storeyed memorial preserve a huge collection of books and other memorabilia used by Mahatma Gandhi. Barton Museum is found on the ground floor of Gandhi Smriti, where you can find a broad range of artifacts like religious carvings and nut cutters that represent the culture of Saurashtra. Aside from the museum and the picture gallery, Gandhi Smriti also houses the Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar. An array of high quality local and traditional handicrafts and embroidered products are available at the Smriti. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Bhavnagar - Junagadh (215km) (B)

Drive to Junagadh via visiting Palitana Temples are known for being the largest cluster of Jain temples on Shatrunjaya hills. These hills have similarities to other hills where Jain temples have been built in Bihar, Gwalior, Mount Abu and Girnar. The Jain`s sacred hill of Shatrunjaya have 863 temples atop itself. The path is climbed through 3950 steps spanning 3.5 km up the Shatrunjaya Hills. The construction of temples of Palitana spanned over a period of 900 years and was structured in two phases. 
Drive to Junagadh check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Junagadh - Sasan Gir (70km) (B,L,D)

Visit Junagadh an ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend, at the foot of the temple-studded Girnar Hill. The Girnar Hills are a holy sanctuary to the Jains. Ashoka inscribed 14 edicts on a huge boulder at Mt. Girnar peak. Also visit Uperkot fort an inaccessible fortress at Junagadh. 
Drive to Sasan Gir National Park check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 15: Sasan Gir National Park - Somnath (45kms) (B)

Gypsy safari in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary sprawling in an area of 1424 sq kms. Gir forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Other predators are panther & hyena. Sambhar, Chital, Blue Bull, Chinkara and four horned antelope are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur. Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest. 
Afternoon drive to Somnath check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax and walk on the beach. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 16: Somnath - Dwarka (255km) (B)

Visit Somnath Temple believed to have been built in gold by the moon god Soma, in silver by the sun god Ravi, in wood by Krishna and in stone by the Solanki Rajputs in the 11th century. The present temple built in 1951, is the seventh reconstruction on the original site. Tales of its riches attracted a series of invasions, but each time the temple was invaded, it was restored to its original glory by devout Hindu worshipers. Paanch Pandav Caves situated in the Lalghati where Pandav spent time during the term of their exile. Suraj Mandir the architecture features many animal figurines like lions, and huge elephant trunks. 

Drive to dwarka check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 17: Dwarka - Rajkot (230km) (B)

Visit Dwarkadhish temple dedicated to the god Krishna. The main shrine of the five storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir. Archaeological findings suggest it to be 2000 - 2200 years old. The original temple believed to have been built by Krishna`s grandson, Vajranabha, over the hari-griha, was enlarged in the 15th- 16th century. Swami Narayan Temple, located very close to the beautiful seashore and the Dwarkadish temple is a relatively new structure, with intricate architecture expressed through sculptures and embossed wall work. Nageshwar Temple, located on the route between Dwarka city and Beyt Dwarka Island, it enshrined one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in an underground sanctum. Rukhmini Devi Temple, a 12th-century remnant having some evident architectural marvels of the time through its mural carvings and other structures.
Drive to Rajkot check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 18: Rajkot - Delhi/Mumbai (B)

Visit Jubilee Garden a large open park area featuring many monuments of colonial time. The Garden include the historic Mohandas Gandhi High School, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, Rashtriya Shala, Watson Museum, Lang Library, and Rotary Midtown Library. The museum houses a varied collection of old artefact`s from the ancient city of Mohenjodaro. Transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi/Mumbai.

Assistance on arrival at airport.

17 Nights accommodation in selected price category hotels.

Meal as per day plan (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)

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.

Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

1-Time shared Gypsy safari in Gir National Park with forest department naturalist.

Bottled drinking water in car.

Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 17 night accommodation

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

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

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

Jodhpur x 2 nights
3* - Devi Bhawan/ Pal Haveli
4* - The Ummed/ Ranbanka Place
5* - Welcome Hotel/ Ajit Bhawan

Udaipur x 2 nights
3* - Lake Pichola Hotel/ Jaiwana Haveli
4* - Shikarbadi Hotel/ Hotel Lakend
5* - Shiv Niwas Palace/ Trident Udaipur

Mount Abu x 1 nights
3* - Hotel Maganji's / Krishna Niwas
4*/5* - Connaught House/ Bikaner House

Ahmedabad x 2 night
3* - WelcomHeritage Mani Mansion/ Parker Lords Eco Inn
4* - Ramada Hotel/ Lemon Tree Premier 
5* - Hyatt Regency/ Le Meridien

Bhavnagar x 1 night
3*/4*/5* - Nilambag Palace Hotel/ The Fern Bhavnagar

Junagarh x 1 night
3*/4*/5* - Lotus Hotel & Vista Rooms

Sasan Gir x 1 night
3*/4*- The Fern Gir Forest Resort/ Lion Safari Camp
5* - Woods at Sasan/ The Gateway Hotel Gir Forest

Somnath x 1 night
3*/4*/5* - The Fern Residency/ Lords Inn Somnath

Dwarika x 1 night
3*/4*/5* - The Fern Sattva Resort/ Dwarkadhish Lords Eco Inn

Rajkot x 1 night
3* - The Fern Residency/ Marasa Sarovar Portico
4*/5* - Fortune Park JPS Grand/ Regency Lagoon Resort
 

Rajkot - Delhi/Mumbai flight fare approx INR 6500 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.