Indian Cultural & Beach Tour

1. Day 01 - Arrival Mumbai

   Welcome to India!!
   
   You will be received by our "Times India Travels" representative/ driver at the international airport and will be assisted to your hotel. In the Hotel, the representative/driver will hand over your documents regarding the tour.
   
   Overnight at Mumbai hotel.
   
   Mumbai is a group of seven islands and derives its name from the patron goddess Mumbadevi of Koli Fisher folk, who is its oldest resident. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sports activities, nightclubs & discotheques, theater & music, gourmet restaurants, and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

2. Day 02 - Mumbai

   After breakfast takes a sightseeing tour of Bombay, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motor boats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 stairs takes you to the top of the hill where it is installed. The caves have large pillars that seem to hold the roof which are made of cross beams. The picturesque presentation of 9 amazing sculptural panels installed on the walls is terrifying. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon, cruise back to Gateway of India. You can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar which serves continental cuisine. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens.
   
   Note: Elephanta Caves & Prince of Wales museum are closed every Monday.
   
   Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

3. Day 03 - Goa (By Flight)

   After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Goa. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, you can take a visit to the city life of Western Suburban visiting Iskcon Temple and shopping at the big malls like Shoppers Stop, In Style, West End. If you are staying at South Mumbai, you can visit Gateway of India, Marine drive also known as queen's necklace in the night, Mahalaxmi Temple and shopping visit to Cross Road, Phoenix Mill- Bombay Bazaar. Later in the afternoon check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the afternoon flight to Goa. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxing evening free for leisure on the beach resort. Overnight stay in the hotel.
   
   Goa: A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque, swept the Mandovi River, defeated the Bijapur army and emerged victorious in the capital, holding the Portuguese standard in one hand, and a gold crucifix in the other. There was a curious fusion of arts from religion to architecture, art to influence every area of ​​Goa's life. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep-sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa's towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields.
   

4. Day 04 - Goa

   After breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa -10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, the 16th-century church dedicated to the infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sights of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Portuguese built Aguada Fort is situated at the mouth of the Mandovi River and is a lighthouse. And in the evening enjoy a cruise on the Mandovi River. Overnight stay at Goa hotel.
   

5. Day 05 - Goa

   After breakfast we will go to take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Anjuna, Calangute, and Vagator beaches. Rest of the day free for leisure at the beach and resort
   

6. Day 06 - Goa - Mumbai - Udaipur (By Flight)

   After breakfast. Later on, departure transfer Domestic Airport to fly Udaipur.
   
   Upon arrival, you will be received by your driver and transfer to the hotel at Udaipur. Later visit Udaipur. One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittorgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him. Afternoon boat rides at Lake Pichola and visits "Jag Mandir". Evening time free at leisure. Overnight stay at Udaipur hotel.
   

7. Day 07 - Udaipur

   Breakfast at Hotel. Morning visits the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Sahelion ki Bari (queen's resort for her friends), Fateh Sagar Lake. We will try to organize your Lunch at " Lake Palace " ( because that's the only way to visit inside the Lake palace) Afternoon /Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Udaipur hotel.
   

8. Day 08 - Jodhpur via Ranakpur

   After breakfast drive to Jodhpur via Ranakpur. Visit the world-famous Jain temples of Ranakpur. n the AD 1439. After lunch continue drive to Jodhpur. Arrive Jodhpur by late afternoon, Check Inn at hotel. Overnight at Jodhpur hotel.
   
   Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajput who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. above the plains. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.
   

9. Day 09 - Jodhpur

   After breakfast, proceed on sightseeing of Jodhpur- the gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathore of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a lone sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace, you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this, you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
   
   After lunch, if you are interested we can show you some villages at the "Pali District " famous for "Bishnoi" People.
   
   "Bishnoi Villages": Thar desert in India is full of ironies-one of them being the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan. Here, peace is maintained with aggression and robust health rubs shoulders with regular famine. Here penniless women flaunt heavy gold jewelry and wild animals leave the supposed security of jungles to stroll around village huts and farmlands. Not to mention the fact that the Bishnois worship nature in all its manifestations. Not the ripe, yielding nature of ancient pagan societies, but the ruthless and demanding desert where a desolate horizon meets a blazing sky. Here, women suckle motherless deer, die to save trees, go hungry to provide food for animals and live a strictly sattvic (simple) life advocated by their guru Jambaji.
   

10. Day 10 - Pushkar

    After a delicious breakfast, drive to Pushkar. On arrival, check-in to your schedule hotel. Pushkar - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGYA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
    
    A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambiance of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharata. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Pushkar has the most varied terrain in Rajasthan with sand, rock, hills, and proximity to a number of heritage properties in the area and a number of fairs and festivals -, especially on the new and full moon days. Overnight stay at Pushkar hotel.
    

11. Day 11 - Jaipur

    Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing of Pushkar and straight drive to Jaipur. The origin of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II, who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today reflects the spirit of Rajputana. Despite evolving into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion and modernity. It is popularly known as the “Pink City” because the locally abundant pink plastered stones are used in huge amount and are painted in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its exquisite temples, massive forts, magnificent palaces, and lush gardens.
    
    Rest of the time at leisure.
    
    Overnight at Jaipur hotel.
    

12. Day 12 - Jaipur

    After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort on the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. From Amber Fort drive back to the city and visit Wind Palace (Hawa Mahal), City Palace, Jantar Mantar. Later in the afternoon, you can visit the Textile & Jewelers showroom. Later in the evening enjoy walking city tour.
    
    Overnight at Jaipur hotel.
    

13. Day 13 - Agra

    After breakfast drive to Agra en-route visiting "Abhaneri" & "Fatehpur Sikri"
    
    Abhaneri: hardly any people know ( including most of the travel agent from India too ) a place called " Abhaneri" situated between Agra & Jaipur. Is famous for 8th Century temple & a special 8th Century Monument called " Chand Baori" is about 100 feet deep open well with flights of steps on three sides, nobody has been able to count the steps. One can see the royal toilets with carved windows and Jhrokhas, which was used by the king & queen Fatehpur Sikri: abandoned Mughal city of built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to the scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory. On arrival at Agra, Check inn at hotel. Overnight stay at Agra hotel.
    

14. Day 14 - Agra

    After breakfast the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. Later on proceed for remaining sightseeing of Agra, which include, Red Fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structures; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was constructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan. Overnight stay at Agra hotel.
    
    Note: Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.
    

15. Day 15 - Gwalior

    After breakfast drive to Gwalior, on arrival Check inn at Hotel. Later on, sightseeing of Gwalior. Overnight stay at Gwalior hotel.
    
    The city of Gwalior has many monuments that were built by the erstwhile Tomar and Scindia rulers. The majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India. There are various chattris or cenotaph commemorating the Scindia rulers who ruled the region till India's independence. The Man Mandir Palace and the Gujari Mahal are two other interesting sights in Gwalior. The Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-meter-high Vishnu temple of the 9th century.
    

16. Day 16 - Gwalior - ( Via Orchha ) - Khajuraho

    Breakfast at Hotel, later on, drive down to Khajuraho via Orchha. Sightseeing and lunch at Orchha
    
    Orchha: Was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap. Orcha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time; a rich legacy to the ages. For, on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection.
    
    Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceiling to the rich life.
    
    Continue to drive to Khajuraho, on arrival at Khajuraho check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Khajuraho hotel.
    

17. Day 17 - Khajuraho

    Breakfast at hotel, sightseeing of Khajuraho.
    
    Khajuraho: - The temple city of central India is famous throughout the world for its exquisitely carved temples in stones. Thousands of visitors and tourists from all over the world flock together to envisage this immortal saga of Hindu art and culture engraved in stone by sharpies (stone craftsmen) a millennium ago.
    
    Today, apart from the temples, Khajuraho is a small village but a thousand years ago it was a large city of the Chandelas, medieval Rajput kings who ruled over Central India. Khajuraho is 595 km (370 miles) south-east of Delhi and can be visited by air, rail or road. The visitor to Khajuraho cannot but be attracted to the vivid erotic sculptures on the walls of the temple. The idols are Mithun i.e. couples in different erotic poses. There have been various interpretations of their presence and some have strongly criticized them. According to an authority, in the erotic embrace a man and woman complete the final union of the soul, such erotic motifs protect the temple from lightning strikes. The reason given for this is that Indra, Lord of rain and lightning who himself is a great connoisseur of Kama, will not damage anything about that.
    
    In the evening, light and sound show will be organized ( this show will give you an idea about the history of this place).
    

18. Day 18 - Khajuraho flight to Varanasi

    Breakfast at Hotel. Later on departure transfer to Airport to fly Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi, you will be received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Later in the evening visit the Ganga river Ghat to see" Arti " Puja. Overnight stay at Varanasi hotel.
    

19. Day 19 - Varanasi

    Morning boat ride tour at river Ganges, return to the hotel for breakfast. Later on, Proceed for full day sightseeing and overnight stay at Varanasi.
    Varanasi is an important and sacred pilgrimage center for Hindus and a major tourist attraction. It is situated on the banks of river Ganga. The word Varanasi has been derived from an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers - Varuna and Asi, which flow in the north and south of the city. Varanasi is also known as Kashi and Benares.
    Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is a center of learning even to this date. Glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion, it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from time immemorial.
    Ghats: Pilgrims gather at the Ghats to have a ritual bath and worship the rising sun. The most famous ghat is the Dasashvamedh Ghat, others being Asi, Panchganga, Barnasangam and Manikarnika, Ghats.
    Sarnath: 12 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon and revealed the eightfold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace and enlightenment. Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has skillfully been restored as the actual temple was destroyed by Mughals.
    
    Overnight stay at Varanasi hotel.
    

20. Day 20 - Varanasi flight to New Delhi

    Morning at leisure, the time before your scheduled flight you can spend as per your own described activities. In time transfer to Varanasi airport for your scheduled flight to Delhi. Upon arrival check-in your schedule hotel, the rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
    

21. Day 21 - New Delhi and Depart

    After breakfast, full day city tour of old & modern capital of India. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; visit Red Fort ( from outside only, as it is not permitted to visit from inside due to security reasons), which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the India Gate, the President's House & the Parliament. Visit Humayun's Tomb: built in the mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutub Minar. Evening at leisure, later enjoy dinner and in time transfer to International Airport for your flight back home.

Every Itinerary is just given for an idea; it can be customized as per your wish and convenience!!