Heritage Tour of India

Day 2 :DELHI HOLIDAYS
Full day guide tour of Delhi

Delhi , the capital of the country , and one of the India's fastest growing cities. Post breakfast , the day shall begin with the sightseeing of Old Delhi.

Old Delhi owes it's origins to moghul emperor Shah Jahan. It offers monuments , narrowded streets within it's granite walls and bustling bazaars. The main structure is the Red fort built of red sandstone; it houses the famous Diwan-e-khas, the beautiful audience chamber where the moghul emperor Shah Jahan held court seated on the peacock throne.

On Board the Rickshaw Ride, for a unique experience through the Chandni Chowk or the silver street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this busy avenue heading west from the Red fort.. Opposite the fort is the largest mosque in India - the Jama Masjid and as you walk down its steps, you walk into the teeming market place famous for brocades, braids, silver, manuscripts etc.

Continuing the tour of Old delhi, visit Raj Ghat (Where the Father of Nation, Mahatma Ghandi was cremated) .

Post lunch , commenced the City tour of New Delhi . Drive past the state Government buildings designed by Lutyens, visiting Rajpath leading up from the war memorial arch India gate, up to the imposing presidential palace - the Rashtrapati bhawan - built on Raisina hill and flanked by the secretariat buildings.

Landscaped parks and formal gardens surround old monuments all over the city- mausoleum of Humayun.

End the tour at the tower Minaret of Qutab Minar . The earliest Muslim city of India is 15 kms from Rashtrapati bhawan which is dominated by the Qutab Minar, which is an amazing 2000 yrs old pure iron pillar erected in 4 AD which has never rusted. Overnight at the hotel

Day 3 : DELHI - VARANASI
Breakfast at hotel.. Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Varanasi or Banaras is one of the oldest cities of India. This city has found place in the Buddhist scriptures as well the epic of Mahabharata.

In Pali language Varanasi was called Banarasi hence it got the name 'Banaras'. Varanasi is also called 'Kashi' or the city of spiritual light. Kashi is the place where Shiva and Parvati stood when the "time started ticking".

This ancient city of India is located on holiest river of India-Ganga. This relation is unique and has attracted thousands of pilgrims. One theory also goes that Varanasi is located on the land between the river Varuna and Assi hence the name Varanasi.

Sunrise on the riveRfront, as seen from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism

Overnight at Varanasi.

Day 4 : VARANASI- AGRA
For every visitor Varanasi has different experiences to offer. The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions all are an experience in themselves.

Chanting of Mantras, the hymns along with the fragrance of incense in fills the air with mysticism which entrails every person. The refreshing dip in the Ganges with the splashing of water along the ghats- in Varanasi discovery and experience takes to the ultimate bliss.

Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience)

For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga".

As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.

Return for breakfast to the hotel. Depart for Agra by flight. On arrival transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit

Red Fort - A massive structure on the bank of river, Tomb of

Itmad-ud-daula- The exquisite marble structure which was a forerunner of the Taj. Also take an excursion to

Fatehpur Sikri - Better known as the deserted city of Mughal dynasty, it still retains its magnificence. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 : AGRA - KHAJURAHO
After Breakfast we will drive to Taj Ganges parking place. From there we will take the battery operated Bus to World famous Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s second Wife).

After Taj you will visit

Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525 AD.

After Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Also visit Sikandra.

AGRA - KHAJURAHO (travel By Air)
Reach and transfer to hotel. Late afternoon visit to Kahajuraho Temples.

Khajuraho - Situated in the heart of India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint, rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage, honored by the world as India's unique contribution to human civilization.

There are few things in the world which are beyond compare and certain things that inspired human emotions to give an outlet to his spirtual and physical love. The erotic images of Khajuraho are the expresions of these human inner fellings . Every facade-wall, window, pillar, and ceiling of Khajuraho is carved with figures of mythical and historical origins, and while many of these depict the innocent form of love on these walls. Forgotten and unvisited until the mid-1960s, Khajuraho is now, after the Taj , India's biggest single tourist attraction.

Explore the village in the evening. Visit SHILPAGRAM. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 6 : KHAJURAHO - ORCHHA - GWALIOR
Post breakfast , Depart for Orchha - Medieval legacy in stone.

Orchha - The Bundela chief Raja Rudra Pratap (1501-31) chose an easily defended and beautiful site for his capital. Set on the island on a bend in the Betwa River, it is elevated above the surrounding wooded countryside. Once capital of its own state, Orchha contains three palaces - The Raj Mahal, Rai Parveen Mahal, Jahangir Mahal - each built by succeeding Maharajas in a similar style and combining to form a complex as imposing as that at Udaipur. Other places of interest includes Ram Raja Temple & Chaturbhuj Temple.

Later in the day drive to Gwalior. On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 : GWALIOR - SHIVPURI
Guide tour of Gwalior, The ancient capital of Gwalior is steeped in the splendour of its past. A multitude of regning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas. Kachwahas and Tomars have left indelible etching of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. The magnificent momentoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior a unique and timeless appea You will visit the magnificent

Gwalior Fort - This Fort complex houses a marvellous Palace, Man Mandir Palace, Sas Bahu Ka Mandir, Suraj Kund etc, the tombs of Tansen and Ghias Mohammed, the Museum in Jai Vilas Palace

Then drive to Shivpuri where you arrive in time for dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8 : SHIVPURI
The day begins with a visit to elegant chhatris or cenotaphs of Shivpuri. Shivpuri's royal ambience still lives on in its majestic palaces, hunting lodges, exquisitely adorned chhatries (cenotaphs) built by the Scindias. You also visit Bhadaiya Kund, a scenic spot noted for its natural mineral spring. After lunch and rest, there is a refreshing visit to Madhav National Park (the sanctuary is like a dream come true for wildlife patrons ). Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 : SHIVPURI - UJJAIN
You leave after breakfast for Ujjain carrying your packed lunch. On arrival check in into hotel where you will spend the night.

Ujjain - One of the seven holy cities of the Hindus, situated on the banks of Khipra, is a much frequented pilgrimage centre. The famous Kumbha Mela is celebrated with great splendour every twelve years.

Day 10 : UJJAIN
After breakfast enjoy sightseeing trip of renowned pilgrim centre. Visit

Mahakaleshwar Temple -The temple enshrines one of the 12 Jyotirlingams

Bada Ganeshji Ka Mandir - The largest ornate statue of Ganesha makes this temple a popular picnic spot

Kaliadeh Palace - The sacred river Shipra runs through this city of temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : UJJAIN - INDORE - MANDU
Depart after breakfast for Indore where you visit the unusual

Kanch Mandir - This Jain temple is very plain from outside but inside is completely mirrored with pictures of sinners being tortured in the after life, and the Museum - It has one of the best collections of medieval and pre-medieval Hindu Sculpture in Madhya Pradesh.

Leave Indore for Mandu by surface, enroute visit Omkareshwar.

Omkareshwar- A holy island, shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol 'OM', Omkareshwar continues to draw thousands of devotees. Here the rivers Narmada and Kaveri meet and pilgrims gather at the confluence in large numbers to kneel and pay obeisance before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Sri Omkar Mandhata.

After the visit continue your drive, on arrival check-in at Tourist Cottage.

Afternoon visit Mandu. Arrive in time for a relaxed evening and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12 : MANDU
Mandu, The city of Joy, is full of legends of love and glory, specially those of Baz Bahadur and the beautiful Roopmati.

Mandu- Emperor Jehagir who journeyed all the way from Delhi to spend time here wrote, "I Know of no place so pleasant in climate and so pretty in scenery as Mandu during the rains".

A fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, Mandu is a romance in stone echoing joyous life and the love tales of poet-prince Baz Bahadur for the beautiful Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa continue to sing of the royal romance. According to a legend Rani Rupmati's lyrical voice can still be heard across the Narmada.

Mandu, situated at an altitude of 2000 ft. was originally the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Towards the end of the 13th century, it became the pleasure resort of the Sultan of Malwa who renamed it Shadiabad or the City of Joy.

Enclosed by 45 kms. Of parapets and walls, it can be entered by 12 gates, the most important among these being the Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance of this fortress city. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : MANDU - BHOPAL
After breakfast you leave for Bhopal. Enroute have your lunch at Indore and arrive in time for tea at Bhopal. You enjoy a free evening to shop and relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 : BHOPAL - SANCHI - BHOPAL
Full day visit excursion to Sanchi

Sanchi - is a serene hill crowned by a group of stupa and pillars that represents the peak of perfection in Buddhist art and architectural modes. See the great stupa No.1 the oldest stone structure in India, 36.5 mts in diameter and 16.4 mts high and with a massive hemispherical dome, the dome stands in eternal majesty. It has paved procession path around it worn smooth by centuries of visiting pilgrims. Four gateways - Eastern, Western, Southern, Northern gateway; Stupa No.2, No.3 and the Ashoka Pillar. The Buddhist Vihara, The great bowl - carved out of one block of stone, this mammoth bowl was carved to contain food that was distributed amongst the monks of Sanchi. The Gupta temple, the museum also are worth visiting.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 : BHOPAL- PACHMARHI
Depart for Panchmarhi after breakfast. Enroute you visit Bhimbetka where paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the pre-historic dwellers in vivid, panoramic detail. Enroute have your lunch. You arrive at Pachmarhi for a relaxed evening and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 16 : PACHMARHI
As a hill station this place has been untouched and unexplored. The natural beauty of Pachmarhi has remained unexploited and is lesser known to the foreign tourists. Geographically Pachmarhi is a group of waterfalls. Apart from the ancient temples and buildings, this place is known for its natural beauty. Though Pachmarhi has no comparison with the hill stations of the Himalayas still it carries a charm of its own which is unique to this place.

Day for Relaxation. Overnight at Panchmarhi

Day 17 : PACHMARHI - JABALPUR
After breakfast, you leave for Jabalpur with packed lunch from tourist motel Pipariya. You reach Jabalpur in time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Pleasure resort and capital of the Gond kings during the 12th century, Jabalpur was later the seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks. Today Jabalpur is an important administrative centre, abustle with commercial activity.

Day 18 : JABALPUR - MUMBAI
Depart for Mumbai by train . Overnight in the train.

Day 19 : MUMBAI
On arrival, transfer to the hotel for wash and change.

Afternoon , city tour of Mumbai - The fashion City of India , followed by dinner and departure transfer to International Airport to board flight back home.