DAY
- 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi by International flight.
A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors
who fixed their royal citadels here-- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila
Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah,
Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. but, combined and integrated
into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and
howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been
intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway.
You will be met on your arrival by the representative of Exotique
Expeditions with fresh flower garlands. You will then be transferred
to your hotel.
In the afternoon you will be given the city tour of Old &
New Delhi.
Old Delhi - Visit the former centre of Moghul Power, Old
Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars.
Drive past the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama
Mosque, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658
by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat,
the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. A unique experience of
taking 'rickshaw ride' from the Red Fort, through "Chandni
Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds
of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Chandni
Chowk - literally means "moonlit crossroads" and
an area which best represents the "super-Oriental" -
the glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its
crowded bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets strange
aromas, the pungent odour of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers,
coolies and "rickshaw-walas" and the clatter and whirr
of furious industry.
New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings
of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India
Gate & the Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple,
Birla Mandir, Akshardham Temple. Continue onto the beautiful
Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world
famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab
Minar.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY - 02 DELHI - AGRA (202 Kms / 126 Miles)
Leave Delhi for Agra by air conditioned car.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident
from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city.
Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty,
numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this
city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty;
Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal
dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept
of square Persian-styled gardens here.
Arrive Agra and check in at the hotel.
This afternoon you will be given the city tour of Agra.
Visit TAJ MAHAL (Closed on Fridays) - located on the bank
of Yamuna River, the most extravagant monument ever built for
love. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder
which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit
to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial
to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years
to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect
Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design balance and perfect
symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes,
intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever
seen.
Red Fort - 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. It is also known
as Agra Fort
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY - 03 AGRA - JAIPUR (235 Kms / 147 Miles)
Leave Agra for Jaipur by air conditioned car.
En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - Impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur
Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied
for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings
in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Agra. Upon
arrival in Agra - check-in at the hotel. Thereafter, visit the
Red Fort, which was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years
1563-73 in the finest architectural style
The historic city of Jaipur or "The City of Vicotory"
was founded in 1727 A.D. by the great Kachhawah ruler Sawai Jai
Singh II (1700 - 1747 A.D.), and named after him. The monarch
was not only a great builder, but also a poet and an astronomer.
Under his aegis, the city was designed by his talented architect
Vidyadhar, who gave shape to the creative aspirations of Sawai
Jai Singh in the form of the dream city of Jaipur.
Arrive Jaipur and check at the hotel.
Rest of the day free.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY - 04 IN JAIPUR (265 Kms/165 Miles)
This morning you will be given excursion to Amber Fort.
Tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge
just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount
your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to
the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion.
The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years
to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight
into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
In the afternoon you will be given the city tour of Jaipur.
Tour of the Pink City - Your tour will include the imposing City
Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms
are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging
to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of
weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal, "Palace of
the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to
see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through
the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY - 05 JAIPUR - MUMBAI ( BY AIR)
Transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for Bombay.
Arrive Mumbai you will be met by the representative of Exptique
Expeditions and transferred to the hotel.
Mumbai's entrepreneurial dreams climb as high as the gleaming
skyscrapers that define its skyline. As the economical powerhouse
of India, this go-getting city is a magnet for high-flyers and
business gurus looking to make a cool million. Mumbai's name however
comes from much humbler beginnings. From a cluster of seven islands
inhabited by Koli fishermen living on the shores of the Arabian
Sea and worshipping Mumbadevi, this impressive city was born.
Afternoon city tour of Bombay - the great port city with its Victorian
Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern.
The tour includes 'Gateway of India' overlooking the Harbour,
the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive', the 'Colaba
Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat,
the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar
Hill to the lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru
Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and
the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan,
a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi,
and the bustling Crawford Market.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY - 06 MUMBAI - GOA ( BY AIR)
Transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for Goa.
Popularly known as the Pearl of the Orient and a Tourist Paradise,
the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the
coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificient scenic beauty and
the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old
houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travelers around the
world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It
has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and
some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
In Goa meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day free.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY - 07 GOA
Full day sightseeing our Goa - Visit Old Goa, the most
important Cathedrals and churches - namely Se-Cathedral, Church
of St. Francis Xavier, St. Catherine's Church, Arch of Vice Roy
of Goa. Miramar Beach - This is the only beach close to any city
and has a good view of the river Mandovi flowing into the sea.
Also visit Dona Paula fishing village which is a small village
at the tip of Panaji, the place has a very good viewpoint and
a monument at the same place
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY - 08 GOA
Full day free.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY - 09 GOA - MUMBAI ( BY AIR)
Transfer to the airport in time to connect your flight for Mumbai.
In Mumbai, you will be met by the representative of Exotique Expeditions
and transferred to the International to connect your onward flight
back home.