1. Home
  2. »
  3. Essence Of India

Essence Of India

alarm-clock

Duration

17 Nights / 18 Days

destination

Destinations

Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Jaipur - Pushkar - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Mumbai

favorite

Tour Price

Start from USD 2720 / INR 186,100 per person

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Delhi (Flight TBA)
On arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be welcomed by our executive and assisted for transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 2 : In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi.

Start the day to explore the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 20th centuries, the Old Delhi. We shall stop at the Red Fort for a photo shoot and then take a Rickshaw Ride through the narrow streets of the Old Delhi up to the nearby Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest in India, has a courtyard that can hold 25,000 worshippers. Then pay a poignant visit to Rajghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation and a memorial to this humble man who so changed the world.

In the afternoon we explore India’s bustling capital city the New Delhi visiting the Vijay Chowk, “Victory Square”, stopover at the Presidential Palace with its intriguing combination of classical and Indian design elements and the India Gate memorializing Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Finally visit the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world.

Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 3 : Delhi - Agra (By Road 210 kms / 4-5 hrs)
After breakfast check out and start the drive for Agra. On reaching Agra check-in to your hotel.

In the afternoon proceed to visit the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under many successive generations. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness of an imperial palace.

Next we visit the world renowned Taj Mahal at SUNSET, referred to as one of the wonders of the world. It is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The main structure is set amidst landscape gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna.

Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.
Remark: Taj Mahal is closed for visitors on Friday’s.
Day 4 : Agra – Gwalior (By Road 130 kms / 2-3 hrs)
After breakfast check out and start the drive for Gwalior - known for its palaces and temples. It is best known for its imposing hilltop fort, which was famously described as ‘the pearl amongst fortresses in India’. Gwalior also holds an unparalleled reputation in Sangeet, and has retained Indian traditions and the wealth of music intact over the years. The Gwalior Gharana is one of the oldest Khayal Gharanas and the one to which most classical Indian musicians can trace the origin of their style. Legendary musicians like  Tansen  and Baiju Bawara belonged to Gwalior.

Afternoon proceed for a guide tour visiting the Sasbahu Temple, Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal, Man Singh Palace, Sarod Mahal, Tansen Memorial and Jas Vilas Palace.

Overnight stay at hotel in Gwalior.
Day 5 : Gwalior – Jhansi (Morning Shatabdi Express) Jhansi – Khajuraho (By Road 180 kms / 4-5 hrs)
Early breakfast and transfer to the train station to board your Shatabdi Express for Jhansi. At Jhansi station you will met by our representative who will assist to board your vehicle to continue the drive towards Khajuraho.

En-route we shall be visiting the small medieval town of Orchha known for its Cenatophs. A cenotaph is a monument honoring the dead whose mortal remains lay elsewhere. The historic city of Orchha has fourteen magnificent cenotaphs commemorating deceased heroes and rulers. You’ll be able to admire them, along with the site’s impressive ruins of temples and palaces.

Post visit continue with the drive and on reaching Khajuraho check-in to the hotel.

Evening we take you to enjoy The Sound & Light Show organized in Western Group of Temples. This is the best evening activity for tourists to understand the history, facts and myths of Khajuraho temples. You will get the chance to visit popular Western Group of temples in artificial light, after sunset. Viewing these temples in artificial light gives different experience.

Overnight stay at hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 6 : Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for you tour to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, which are a group of Hindu and Jain Temples and among one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.

Post visit return to hotel to pick your luggage and transfer to airport to connect flight for Varanasi. At Varanasi airport our representative will meet and assist you for transfer to hotel.

Varanasi ‘Holy City of India’ on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, devout Hindu pilgrims have flocked to Varanasi from all over India to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges in the belief that doing so washes away sins and cleanses one of all evil.

Evening we take you to the Ganges to view the spectacle of evening prayers on the great “ghats,” stairways leading down to the river, and the ritual of “putting the river to sleep”. You’ll always remember the twinkle of numerous diyas (tiny lamps), as they are set afloat on the river.

Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 7 : In Varanasi
You’ll know that sunrise is a special time on the Ganges as, during an early Morning Cruise on Ganges, you view locals & tourist gathering on the ghats to bathe in its sacred waters, as the day begins performing their daily morning rituals.

Later we proceed for the city tour visiting Benaras Hindu University – which is one of the largest and oldest university in north India and the New Vishwa Nath Temple in the university complex. Then we visit the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple.

In the afternoon we visit and discover Sarnath, one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, where Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon.

Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.
Day 8 : Varanasi – Jaipur (By Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. In time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur airport you will assisted for your transfer to the hotel.

Jaipur also called the Pink City, is a city of many colors and contrasts. It is definitely a feast for the eyes because life in the walled city has the flavor and ambience of old times. Despite having grown into a bustling metropolis, the ancient heart of this planned city still beats in its gali-mohallas.

Optional activities suggested:
Jaipur Bazaar Walk Tour OR Cuisines of Jaipur

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 9 : In Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel.

Start your city tour with a photo stop at Palace of Winds popularly known as Hawa Mahal, a five storeyed wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Then continue to the splendid Amber Fort, an architectural masterpiece of great historical significance. Begun in the 16th century and built of red sandstone and marble, the seemingly rough exterior gives no hint of the warm and opulent ambiance of the interior, as you’ll discover this morning. Here you also get an opportunity to climb up to the fort on Decorated Elephant back.

In the afternoon we visit the splendid City Palace & Museum which opens a door into the opulent world of the Rajput princes and the treasures with which they surrounded themselves. The City Palace complex is home to several palatial buildings constructed by influential rulers that reflect the blending of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Next visit The Observatory popularly known as Jantar Mantar built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the world’s biggest stone observatory, between 1727 and 1733 AD. You’ll be amazed by the “tools” he used to study the heavens – and that still provide accurate information today – during a tour.

Optional activity suggested for evening:
Traditional Rajasthani Folk Dance show with Dinner

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 10 : Jaipur – Pushkar (By Road 150 kms / 3-4 hrs)
Today after breakfast we leave for Pushkar, a holy and sacred town in Rajasthan. It is known for Lord Brahma Temple (worshipped as creator of the world), and the only one dedicated to him.

Pushkar is also famous for its yearly Pushkar Camel Fair which attracts a huge crowd.  It’s one of the largest camel fairs in the world and involves the buying and selling of livestock. The fair has developed into a local celebration and a big tourist attraction. Competitions such as ‘longest mustache’ and ‘bridal competition’ have become mainstays at the fair. Men are selling camels, sheep, goats, and cows while the women are selling textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. The Pushkar Camel Fair begins with a camel race, music, and songs.

Later in the afternoon visit the famous Brahma temple, Pushkar Lake, Ghats, and bazaar. Most of the sights center around the lakefront which can be seen on foot. While you walk through the bazaar explore several small temples experience local rituals at the ghats. You can also enjoy the sunrise or sunset by lake.

Overnight stay at hotel in Pushkar.
Day 11 : Pushkar – Jodhpur (By Road 260 kms / 5-6 hrs)
Today morning check out and continue for our next destination Jodhpur. Jodhpur, set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. On arrival in Jodhpur, check-in to the hotel.

Afternoon, proceed for your guided tour visiting Mehrangarh Fort- The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, and temples and so on. Jaswant Thada- Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.

Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 12 : Jodhpur – Ranakpur - Udaipur (By Road 260 kms / 5-6 hrs)
Today morning, we start our drive towards Udaipur en-route visiting the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur.

Udaipur is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan. It is known for its picturesque lakes, and also referred to as 'The City of Lakes'. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. On reaching Udaipur check in to your hotel, with the day at leisure to relax.

Optional activity suggested:
Dinner at a nice Restaurant either on a Roof Top or On the Banks on Lake Pichola

Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.
Day 13 : In Udaipur
Proceed for the full day guided tour of at Udaipur. We begin with the visit to Saheliyon Ki Bari, the “Garden of Maids”. Then to The City Palace Complex, overlooking Lake Pichola, reveals the splendor with which maharajas and their families surrounded themselves. The City Palace Museum exhibits a remarkable collection of ancient curios, antiques, and sculptures, as well as priceless possessions of ages gone by. Miniature paintings on display depict many aspects of the royal lifestyle enjoyed by privileged few who lived here.

Up next is a visit to the magnificent Jagdish Mandir, the largest temple in Udaipur, adorned with bas- reliefs of elephants, alligators, horsemen and musicians, and enshrining a black stone image of the supreme Hindu god Vishnu.

Followed by a Boat Ride on picturesque Lake Pichola which reveals some of the spectacular palaces of the Rajput princes, for which Udaipur is famous, on islands and along its shore.

Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur.
Day 14 : Udaipur – Aurangabad (By Flight)
Early breakfast and transfer to the airport to connect flight to Aurangabad. On reaching Aurangabad transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon proceed to visit Ellora Caves: The Rashtrakuta rulers produced the architectural giant which is what now known as the Ajanta Caves. Only at a distance of 30 km from the Aurangabad city, these caves are mainly famous for the Buddhist monasteries and the temples that are superior in architectural beauty. 34 Cave temples and 12 Buddhist caves make the major part of the Ellora Caves. Dedicated to the Lord Shiva, these temples always have a crowd throughout the year who are the lovers of the Lord Shiva. In addition to the religious importance, the historical reasons and beauty worth admiring pulls the tourists from all over the world especially those who love admiring historical buildings. An entrance, courtyard, sanctorum, vestibule and a tower are the excellent part of each of the caves. Interestingly, all of them have been carved out of a single gigantic rock.

Scholars, archaeologists and many other historians took interest behind the mysteries of these caves and thus have given it a special place in the list of the UNESCO's world heritage sites.

Overnight stay at hotel in Aurangabad.
Day 15 : In Aurangabad
After breakfast leave for an excursion to view the amazing and striking Ajanta caves which are the main tourist attractions of the city.

Located near the Sahaydri Hills, Ajanta Caves is a little far from the Aurangabad. The 100 km journey from Aurangabad to the Ajanta caves is completed in a little span of time. Located at a distance of 3 and a half kilometre from the village Ajanta, these provide a blissful view of the caves which are named after the village Ajanta only. An amazing fact is that these 29 caves out of the 30 are built on a horse-shoe shaped ravine.

As dedicated to the Buddha, these caves are made just like other Buddhist monastery having viharas and chaityas. The viharas which are the monastic halls of residence have a special appearance and these huge halls are always accompanied with silence and harmony. The silence and harmony brings it closer to the spiritual world. Another amazing fact is that these Ajanta caves were discarded during 480 AD due to some serious issues. But luckily, the Europeans rediscovered the ancient masterpieces clubbed together in the Ajanta Caves. The support or rather the columns that support the ceiling of the caves has excellent art work depicting the work of those times. You must not have seen paintings on the ceilings but when you are visiting the Ajanta caves, you'd be delighted to see and cherish it. The pictorial art i.e. the paintings or the artwork in the sculptures are worth admiring. By evening return back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel in Aurangabad.
Day 16 : Aurangabad – Mumbai (By Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to the airport to connect the flight for Mumbai. At Mumbai airport you will be assisted for transfer to your hotel.

Later in the afternoon enjoy a tour of Heritage Mile Walk - this walk takes you into the heart of the old ‘Fort’. Explore the ‘White Town’ or the European half of the old town that existed within the Fort walls. Begin the walk at F.W. Steven’s gothic masterpiece, the grand Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus also known as the Victoria Terminus. Then walk down D.N.Road, also called the Heritage Mile of Mumbai, while admiring one of the oldest parts of the city(almost as old as the city itself) which even today is reminiscence of it colonial past and make your way to the ornate Flora Fountain. Here take a minute to soak in the atmosphere of one of the busiest precincts’ of Mumbai. Next just a hop, skip and jump away lies the historic art district of Kala Ghoda with its many Gothic buildings and numerous art galleries creating a charm that is unmatched in Mumbai. Move onto the Oval Maidan where in a great phalanx lie the Old Secretariat, University Library and Convocation Hall, High Court building , the old PWD building and Telegraph Department. Finally take Veer Nariman Road (the former Churchgate Street) down to Marine Drive to enjoy a fantastic view of the Art Deco Skyline that has become an identity of Mumbai the world over.

Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.
Day 17 : In Mumbai
Early breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed for an excursion to Elephant Island by cruise from Gateway of India which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the rock-cut cave temples with sculptured interiors dating back to the 6th century. A highlight is the Mahesamurti, a triple-headed Shiva statue. By afternoon return back to the city.

In the afternoon you shall be visiting the Prince of Wales Museum with its excellent collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, in addition to priceless Tibetan and Nepali Art followed by Mani Bhawan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi that includes a reference library with over 2,000 books, a photo exhibition of Gandhi's life and an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhi used. Afterward, view the colossal Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's outdoor hand laundry and enjoy the drive on the Marine Drive.

Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.
Day 18 : Mumbai depart
Breakfast at the hotel and check out at 1200 hrs.

You shall be given the departure transfer to the airport 03 hours prior to your departure fight time or as advised to report by your airlines.

Related Tours

Contact Our Tour Planner

Just fill in the form and we will get back to you with a custom made tour plan

    Contact Info