Culture & Heritage Tour of India

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport assistance & transfer to hotel (check in/out time 12pm). Rest time free for personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2: Delhi (B)

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 3: Delhi - Agra (204km) (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 4: 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 5: 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 6: Jaipur - Ahmedabad (B)

Transfer to airport to board flight for Ahmedabad. 
Arrival transfer to hotel. City tour of Ahmedabad. 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 7: Ahmedabad (B)

Adalaj Stepwell a magnificent structure built in 1498 to provide access to groundwater in this arid region. Walk in to witness astonishing beauty captured in stone and feel soothing drop in temperature. The tale of its creation is full of love and war, devotion and betrayal. 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. 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.
Evening back to Ahmedabad. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 8: Ahmedabad - Kevadia (200km) (B,L,D)

Drive to Kevadia enroute visit Vadodara Lakshmi Vilas Palace & Fateh Singh Museum. Next visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pavagadh-Champaner. The site encompasses forts, temples, mosques, mausoleum complexes, pavilions, wells and tanks built around 1523 in Indo-Saracenic architecture. Arrive Kevadia, check in at hotel. Evening Light & Sound show. Overnight at tent/hotel.

 

Day 9: Kevadia - Vadodara (98km) / Mumbai (B)

Visit world tallest Statue of Unity. The high-speed elevators will take you to a height of about 400 feet through the core of the statue where you can get panoramic view of the surroundings. Next visit Sardar Sarovar Dam, the world`s second-largest concrete gravity dam, located on the mighty Narmada river near the Statue of Unity. Sardar Sarovar Dam provides electricity, drinking, and irrigation water to four states in India. Valley of Flowers, a beautifully landscaped garden with the mighty Narmada river and the Statue of Unity in the background. Made to give a glimpse into local ecology, featuring hundreds of species of native flowers, shrubs, trees, bamboo, grasses, and more. Also featuring many selfie points for all visitors to capture photos from the most scenic spots. 
Transfer to Vadodara airport to board flight for Mumbai. Arrival transfer to hotel check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Mumbai (B)

City tour of Mumbai. Drive via Marine Drive one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city to reach Gateway of India. Board a ferry from here to reach 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 and then city tour. Drive pass CST & Parliament House. Visit Dhobhi Ghat to see the city famous open air laundry in action. 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. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Mumbai - Aurangabad (B)

Transfer to airport to board flight for Aurangabad. 
Arrival transfer to hotel. 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 12: Aurangabad (B)

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.

 

Day 13: Aurangabad - Hyderabad (B)

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. 
Transfer to airport to board flight for Hyderabad. Arrival transfer to hotel check in. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Hyderabad (B)

City tour of Hyderabad, explore 400 year old metropolitan city teeming with bustling bazaars & Muslim monuments. Visit Golconda Fort renowned for its diamond mines that have given the world famous Kohinoor and Darya-i-noor diamonds. The ancient fort complex of Golconda will charm you with its history, tinged with legends and anecdotes. Qutub Shahi Tombs a group of small and big mosques and tombs built by the rulers of the Qutub Shah dynasty on a raised platform and have a dome-shaped structure. Charminar built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah is an identifying landmark of Hyderabad. It is also famous for the market that sprawls around it called Laad Bazaar. Salar Jung Museum (Friday closed) a treat for tourists famous for being the third largest museum in the country, having the largest antiques collection dating back to the first century. Chowmahalla Palace (Friday closed) the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Birla Mandir made of pure white Rajasthani marble the temple beauty leaves you awestruck. Also drive pass Hussain Sagar Lake one of the largest man made lake renowned for its monolith of Lord Buddha placed right at the center of the lake. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 15: Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260km) (B)

Drive to Gulbarga via visiting Bidar Fort one of the magnificent forts rebuilt by Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of Bahmani Dynasty, when his capital was moved from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1430 AD along with a number of Islamic monuments. The Bidar fort is a specimen of the Persian architecture, surrounded by three miles long walls and comprising 37 bastions, triple moat & seven gates. Bahmani Tombs the 12 tombs of Bahmani Sultans are huge structures with beautiful arches, niches and lofty domes. The Rangeen Mahal built in the mid-16th century, the tile work and the granite with mother-of-pearl inlay work are the exclusive features of the citadel walls. Narasimha Jhira a wonderful cave temple situated on the outskirts of Bidar town dedicated to the lion god Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Temple is known for its natural beauty and is considered to be very sacred. 
Continue drive to Gulbarga check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 16: Gulbarga - Bijapur (170km) (B)

Visit Gulburga Fort a leftover of the Brahmani era, was originally built by Raja Gulchand. Later 15 towers were added by Allah-ud-din Bahmani in the existing structure of the fort. The fort contained 15 towers and 26 guns of which one was 8 metres long. Jama Masjid a 14th-century mosque in Fort complex which marks the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom in the Deccan. Jama Masjid interior are similar to the Great Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. Sharana Basaveshwara Temple built in the twelfth century, this temple is a marvel of Hindu stone carvings. The pillars, walls and towers of the site are covered with intricate carvings of Hindu gods, goddesses, demigods, damsels, animals and events from local lore. Tomb of Sufi mystic Khwaja Bande Nawaz a unique confluence of religious diversity. The Persian, Indo-Saracenic and Arabic influences on the building are evident from the dome and towers that surround the tomb. 
Drive to Bijapur, check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 17: Bijapur (B)

City tour of Bijapur. Visit The Bijapur Fort which has a plethora of historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of Adil Shahi dynasty. Prominent attraction includes Asar Mahal built in 1640 used to serve as a Hall of Justice, Bara Kaman the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II, Gol Gumbaz the second largest dome in the world, Jama Masjid noted for graceful twin minarets, Malik-e-Maidan the biggest cannon ever made in the history of world & Mehtar Mahal built in 1620 the most elegant structure within the fort & the Ibrahims Rouza built in the 15th century. 
Drive to Badami check in & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 18: Bijapur - Hyderabad (385km) (B)

Drive to Hyderabad check in at hotel. Rest time free & easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 19: Hyderabad - Srinagar (B)

Transfer to airport to board flight for Srinagar. 
On arrival transfer hotel check in. 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, visiting floating vegetable gardens. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 20: Srinagar - Gulmarg (56km) (B)

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 21: Gulmarg - Pahalgam (142km) (B)

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 22: Pahalgam

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. Lolab Valley an oval-shaped valley famous for its scenic natural beauty, dense pine forests and bubbling springs. It is also home to some animals like Himalayan brown and black bear, snow leopard, hangul and musk deer. Sheshnag Lake, an epitome of natural beauty, peace and serenity, enveloped in snow capped 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 23: Pahalgam - Srinagar (83km)/ Delhi (B)

Drive to Srinagar to board flight for Delhi. On arrival transfer hotel check in. Rest time to visit any place of your interest with your driver. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 24: Delhi - Departure (B)

As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.