Essence Of India

Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days

Destinations Covered : Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur –Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Mandawa – Jaipur – Agra - Delhi

Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai

Upon arrival at Chhattrapati Shivaji International airport, meet & greet by our representative & get transfer to the hotel.

Gateway of India
Gateway of India - Mumbai
Mumbai, which was previously known as Bombay is a major metropolitan city of India. It is the state capital of Maharashtra. Mumbai city is known as the business capital of India, it being the country's principal financial and communications centre. The city has the largest and the busiest port handling India's foreign trade and a major International airport. India's largest Stock Exchange which ranks as the third largest in the world is situated in Mumbai. Here, trading of stocks is carried out in billions of rupees every day. Description about Mumbai cannot be complete without the mention of Bollywood, the biggest Indian film industry which churns out hundreds of Hindi block-busters every year.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02 : Mumbai

After breakfast at hotel proceed for the city tour of Mumbai with expert guide and primarily visit Elephant caves.
The Elephanta Caves is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’. At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai.
There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa 6th – 7th centuries A.D. Among the cave excavations, the Cave 1 is the most impressive which represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures.
Afternoon visit Gateway of India (Mumbai’s most famous Monument), Dhobi Ghats, Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhawan and Juhu beach.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03 : Mumbai – Udaipur (By Air)

After breakfast at hotel meet to our representative in hotel lobby and get in time transfer to the airport to board your flight for Udaipur.
Upon arrival at Udaipur airport meet to our representative & transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day free at leisure for your own activities Udaipur:Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur in 1559 AD.According to alegend Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital on that very spot. Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes this place was less vulnerable to external invasion than Chittaurgarh
Udaipur is often called ‘Venice of the East’. It is also the ‘city of lakes’. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichhola Lake is the finest example of architectural and culturalmarvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above enhances the beauty of this magnificent city. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings.
Overnight at hotel.

Lake Palace - Udaipur
Lake Palace & Pichol Lake
- Udaipur
Day 04 : Udaipur

After breakfast at hotel proceed for the half day city tour which includes the visitto City palace, a majestic architectural marvel that is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichhola. The Palace is a majestic conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Later visit SahelionkiBari (Queen's Resort for her friends), BhartiyaLokKalaMandir (Folk ArtMuseum), Jagdish Temple and drive around FatehsagarLake. Also visit the "Ladies Garden", with its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains and which has an interesting collection of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments and deities.

Afternoon enjoy a Boat ride on Lake Pichola and have the view of ghats alongside the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05 : Udaipur – Ranakpur - Jodhpur (270 Kms & 05 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Jodhpur enroute visit Ranakpur, beautifully sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Considered as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha. These rare temples are enclosed within a wall.

Later after lunch continues drive Jodhpur and upon arrival check – in to the hotel.
Afternoon visit the Meharangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memorium built in 1899 and the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Jodhpur – Osian - Jaisalmer (280 Kms & 05 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Jaisalmer enroute visit Osian, the ancient town of the Thar desert and also it was a great trading center between 8th to 12th centuries AD. Today it is adesert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples. These are beautifully sculpted and designed, and most ofthem have stood theravages of time.
Upon arrival in Jaisalmer check – in to the hotel.

Camel Safari - Jaisalmer
Camel Safari - Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer : The name Jaisalmer evokes utter magic and vibrancy of the desert. It’s straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The hostile terrain notwithstanding the warmth and colour of people is simply overwhelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city and you can let your eyes caress the sloping sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in the Thar Desert. Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 AD.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer

After breakfast at hotel proceed for half day city tour of Jaisalmer with guide and visit Jaisalmer Fort, known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, rises from the sand and merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience, also visit Government Museum, another prime attraction for the visitors to Jaisalmer. Also visit Gadisar Lake, Havelis like Patwon-ki-haveli and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli.

Afternoon enjoy Camel ride at Khuri. Khuriis renowned for its sand dunes, the waves of golden sand. The Jodha Rajputs live here and even today you can see the stamp of Rajput culture in them.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Jaisalmer – Bikaner (335 Kms & 07 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Bikaner and upon arrival & check - in to the hotel. Afternoon visit Junagarh fort, an unassailable fortress which had never been conquered and Lallgarh Palace an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone).

Enjoy the local colorful life of this splendid city.
Bikaner : Lying in the north of the desert State, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country this city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Bikaner – Mandawa (200 Kms & 04 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Mandawa and upon arrival check –in to the hotel.
In evening visit Havelis of Mandawa and around.

Mandawa : Founded in the mid 18th century Mandawa is dominated by an imposing fort, now a heritage hotel that is maintained in classic medievalstyle with modern luxuries. The archway is painted with interesting forms of Lord Krishna and his cowherds. The sprawling architecture houses different themes in different wings.
Mandawa is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style. The Havelis which are painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.
Overnight at hotel.

Jaigarh Fort - Jaipur
Jaigarh Fort - Jaipur
Day 10 : Mandawa – Jaipur (200 Kms & 04 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Jaipur and upon arrival check - in to the hotel.
Evening to shop around the illuminated old markets of this lovely city.

Jaipur : Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. In the present date Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur painted in pink grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur. This pink city is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11 : Jaipur

After breakfast at hotel proceed for the city tour of Jaipur. First visit Amber fort by ascending on the elephant's back . Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort and in 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I however the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.

Later in afternoon visit the City palace (A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar so called observatory (consisting of outsized astronomical instruments).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 : Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (250 Kms & 05 Hrs Approx)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jalal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS era. Akbar, who was not having any child heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision and as a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan-E-Aam, Diwan-E-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Later continue drive to Agra and upon arrival check – in to the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Jahangiri Mahal - Agra Fort
Jahangiri Mahal - Agra Fort
Day 13 : Agra – Delhi

Early morning proceed to visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) & Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal the epitome of love is a monument of immeasurable beauty. Description of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.

Agra Fort built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Later continue drive to Delhi & upon arrival check into hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 14 : Delhi

After breakfast at hotel proceed for full day city tour of old & New Delhi with visit of Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghats, Lotus Temple, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, India Gate, Humayun Tomb, President House and Qutub Minar.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 : Depart Delhi

Today you will get in time transfer to airport to board on flight for onwards destination.