Mystical India Tour

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by International flight. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 – Delhi – Varanasi (By Night Train)
Morning sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Mosque – the largest Mosque in India and the Red Fort – Once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave.

In evening transfer to the railway station to board train for Varanasi. Overnight on the board.

Day 03 – Varanasi
Morning arrive in Varanasi and transfer to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in subject to availability). Varanasi situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of pilgrimage and learning for over 2000 years and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving cities in the world. Later proceed for a panoramic city sightseeing tour of Varanasi including tour to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. Evening witness Aarti ceremony at Ghats. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – Varanasi – Agra (By Night Train)
This morning an early start for a dawn boat ride on the Ganges River. Ritual is a very important aspect of Hinduism and there is no better place to observe it than at the Ganges. You will view the thread ceremony, head shaving and food being offered to the departing souls. Also along its bank witness devotees bathing, cremating their dead and doing laundry. A walk through narrow twisting lanes will give you a chance to witness the various rituals of the pilgrims and followed by temple tour. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later tour the old city visiting the principles temples including Kashi Hindu University where more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are learning.

In evening departure transfer to railway station to board train for Agra. Overnight on the board.

Day 05 – Agra
Morning arrive in Agra and transfer to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in subject to availability). Later sightseeing tour of Agra city visiting the impressive Agra Fort, the local bazaar and of course, the most perfect architectural monument in the world – The Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays) – one of the seven wonders of the world, this beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble, took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build it. This monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approx. 255kms / 06hours) enroute visiting one of the most important place of Mughal era Fatehpur Sikri founded by Akbar in 1569 AD as a ceremonial capital. But unfortunately this magnificent city was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water and Akbar went back to Agra.

Continue your drive to Jaipur, This historic city was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 AD after shifting his capital from Amer valley to newly formed and planned city of its time after consulting so many maps of the world and finally organized own religious map Shilpa Shastra with the help of a young Bengali architect Vidyadhar Batacharya. Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was a builder, astronomer, astrologer, soldier, philospher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is world famous as the Pink City. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check – in at the hotel. Evening is free to relaxation or independently explores the crowded and colorful lanes of the pink city’s local bazaars. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 – Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort situated just outside the city is perhaps the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a grand view of the city down below. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Later visit City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum with its large collection of woodwork, jewellery, costumes, brassware and pottery. Another monument near the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 – Jaipur – Udaipur
After an early breakfast, drive to Udaipur (approx. 380kms / 07hours). Udaipur, founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 AD (Maha means great & Rana means warrior, so Maharana means a great warrior). Udaipur is a beautiful city of lakes, with its hilltop fortresses, fairytale palaces and exotic legends and its urban and industrial center, the city is proud of its heritage as a center for performing arts, painting and crafts. Most of the marble palaces and fortification have now been transformed into palace hotels. Evening is free to relaxation or independently explores the crowded and colorful lanes of the pink city’s local bazaars. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 – Udaipur
After breakfast, day guided city tour to visit the City Palace, it stands on a hill surrounded by crenulated walls. Its main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence.

Visit the Crystal Gallery, this is one the most lustrous attractions for tourist showcasing the rare and precious crystal from the royal treasure, closely is another fascinating monument Jagdish Temple, Built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur and later visit Sahalion Ki Bari. Afternoon enjoy boat ride in lake Pichola to visit Jagmandir Island (Optional). Late afternoon, enjoy exciting cultural folk dances of Rajasthan. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10 – Udaipur – Mount Abu
After the morning breakfast, we will drive to Mount Abu (approx. 165Kms / 03 hours) enroute visiting Delwara temple which is known for their architectural splendour and exquisite stone carvings. This temple in Rajasthan are dedicated to Jain Tirthankars and built in 11th and 13th centuries AD by the ministers of the Solanki rulers of Gujarat. The five shrines are dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdev, Lord Nemi Nathji, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath.

Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the comforts of your room. In the evening take a ride to the Market for best Rajasthani handicraft shopping. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – Mount Abu – Balaram
After the morning breakfast, visit Nakki Lake – A tiny lake picturesquely set amid hills and enjoy boating. Later drive to Balaram (approx. 80Kms / 02 hours). Upon arrival check-in at the resort and visit tribal villages which are located around the bordering Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Gowala and Garacia are primarily sheepherders, known for their unique culture and traditions. The Gowala and Garacia tribes are second cousins to each other, differing only in the manner of living. While the Gowala are more settled, the Garacia are still wanderers, and their women dress in slightly less ostentatious manner than the Gowala females. At night see the tribal dance at the resort. (On request) overnight stay at the Balaram palace resort.

Day 12 – Balaram – Patan – Little Rann of Kutch
Today after breakfast, drive to Little Rann of Kutch (approx. 250Kms / 06 hours) en-route visiting Patan. Upon arrival at Patan, visit one of the families of patola weavers, known for their unique patola art. The fact that one patola sari can take up to six months to complete. Proves that how difficult and demanding is the patola art. Also visit the famous 11th century Rani-ki-vav (step well).

Continue your drive into the Little Rann of Kutch. Upon arrival check-in at the resort and lost yourself in the desert and resort’s environment. Overnight at the resort.

Day 13 – Little Rann of Kutch
Today, visit Rabari and Banjara are the two important tribes of the region. While the Rabari, the most nomadic of Gujarat’s tribes, constantly migrate in search for better grazing ground for their camels and sheep, the Banjara and other tribes have settled here.

In the evening enjoy desert safaris in the Little Rann of Kutch, where you can sight animals like Wild-Ass, Desert Fox, Blue Bull, Blackbuck, Wolf, Jackal and few species of snakes & many species of birds. Overnight at the resort.

Day 14 – Little Rann of Kutch – Ahmedabad
Today after breakfast, we will drive to Ahmedabad (approx. 190Kms / 05 hours). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and later visit Jama Masjid, the Sidi Sayyad’s Mosque – which is world renowned for its intricate lattice-work of rich and elaborate design, Gandhi Ashram, Akshardham temple, Calico Textile Museum and other prominent tourist attractions of the historical city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 – Ahmedabad – Mumbai (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and later panoramic view of The Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford Market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 – Mumbai – In night transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Today morning after breakfast visit Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan and Dhobi Ghat. Afternoon is free to explore local market or individual activities.

In night transfer to the airport for your departure flight for onward destination.