Cultural Tour from Mumbai to Delhi: Gujarat and Rajasthan

Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at Mumbai airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel (hotels check in time 1200hr afternoon, early check in subject to rooms availability).

Mumbai 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 sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theater & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

Rest time free for personal activities relax, you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants.

Overnight at hotel.

Afterwards in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India and then city tour starts visiting Parliament House: The Maharashtra State Assembly (view from outside), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (view from outside), Dhobhi Ghat: to see the city's famous open-air laundry in action, Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed): is a heritage museum comprises of a number of ancient artifacts, Mani Bhawan: Known also Gandhi Museum, here Gandhi laid the foundation for many independence movements; The three storied building has now converted into a museum in honour of Father of Nation.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Rajkot. On arrival assistance and transferred to hotel.

Later city tour of Rajkot visit Jubilee Garden a large and open park area. It features many monuments of colonial time. The centre of the city garden is the Connaught Hall and other notable places of interest near the Garden include the historic Mohandas Gandhi High School, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, Rashtriya Shala, Watson Museum, Lang Library, and Rotary Midtown Library. Watson Museum has a great collection of precious objects of colonial period and is considered to be one the finest in Gujarat. It was made to commemorate the works of the then administrator Colonel James Watson in 1888. The museum also houses a varied collection of old artefacts from the ancient city of Mohenjodaro.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Sasangir via visiting Gondal & Junagadh.

Gondal the former princely state ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan till the independence of India. Visit Navlakha Palace one of the oldest and most beautiful palaces situated on a riverbank, on a grand masonry base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 meters, above the riverbed.

Junagarh an ancient fortified city rich in myth and legend. Junagadh lies at the foot of the temple-studded Girnar Hill. It derives its name from the 'old fort', which circles the medieval town. The Girnar Hills that landscape Junagadh are a holy sanctuary to the Jains. The history of Mount Girnar dates back to the awesome empire of Ashoka, one of India's greatest emperors. Ashoka inscribed 14 edicts on a huge boulder en-route to Mt. Girnar peak. Junagadh's main feature is the Uperkot fort (upper fort), a somber and inaccessible fortress.

Continue drive to Sasangir check in at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Jeep Safari in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Sprawling in an area of 1424 sq. kms, Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a luxuriantly rich ecosystem endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The forest also harbors a number of smaller birds and animals. Other predators are the panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur.

Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel drive to Diu, via visit Somnath.

In Somnath visit Somnath Temple (Jyotirlinga) believed to have been built in gold by the moon god Soma, in silver by the sun god Ravi, in wood by Krishna and in stone by the Solanki Rajputs in the 11th century. The present temple, built in 1951, is the seventh reconstruction on the original site. Tales of its riches attracted a series of invasions, but each time the temple was invaded, it was restored to its original glory by devout Hindu worshipers.

Paanch Pandav Caves situated in the Lalghati near the Temple City of Somnath is typically a cave temple revered by the followers of Hinduism. Pandav spent time in this temple during the term of their exile. The Panch Pandav Gufa also has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ram, Lord Laxman, Devi Sita, Goddess Durga and Lord Hanuman. Suraj Mandir the architecture features many animal figurines like lions, and huge elephant trunks. In the front of the temple, above the entrance doorway, is an image of Surya with his seven horses below him and his two wives. Around the shrine, in the circumambulatory passage, are three image niches, one on each of the north, south and west sides. They contain iconography of Vishnu and Lakshmi, Brahma with Saraswati, and Shiva with Parvati, this place is one of the best for an surreal Somnath sightseeing experience.

Continue the drive to Diu, check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Diu. Visit Diu Fort a very large and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. This fort was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after the treaty signed between the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese. The fort is surrounded by the sea on the three sides and a canal on the fourth side. The fort offers a magnificent view of sea. On the fort stands a giant structure which now houses a Light House and the Diu jail. The beam from the lighthouse reaches to about 32 kms. Several canons are still located on the top of the fort and peep out of the holes on the walls of this gigantic structure.

Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. This fortress can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch. This fortress has a light house and small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The fortress offers a very beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper. Old Town has a few old mansions belonging to rich Portuguese and Indian merchants. The colorful three-story Nagar Sheth Haveli has porticoes, carved balconies, stone-made lions and intricate arches in European and Indian styles.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel drive to Bhavnagar via visiting Palitana. Palitana Temples Known for being the largest cluster of Jain temples. There are in total 863 temples from base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya hill on the banks of the Shetrunji River, where the Palitana temples are located. These hills have similarities to other hills where Jain temples have been built in Bihar, Gwalior, Mount Abu and Girnar. The Jain's sacred hill of Shatrunjaya have 865 temples atop itself. The hills were sanctified when Rishabha, the first tirthankara of Jainism, gave his first sermon on the top of this hill. The ancient history of the hills is also traced to Pundarika Swami, a chief Ganadhara and grandson of Rishabha, who attained Nirvana/ Moksha here. His shrine located opposite to the main Adinath temple, built by Son of Rishabha, Bharata. The path is climbed through 3950 steps spanning 3.5 km up the Shatrunjaya Hills.

Continue drive to Bhavnagar check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel visit Gandhi Smriti a living tribute to Gandhiji. Barton Library & Museum among the oldest monuments in Bhavnagar, this library is a popular among men of all age group. Old age people sit and read newspaper, magazines, and dailies to spend their time. A Museum containg old books, manuscripts, arms and armor and rare coins belonging to rulers of Bhavnagar.

Later drive to Ahmedabad via visiting archaeological remains of a Harappa Port-Town at Lothal. Lothal literally “Mound of the Dead”, is the most extensively excavated site of Harappan culture in India, and therefore allows the most insight into the story of the Indus Valley Civilization, its exuberant flight, and its tragic decay. Once a sleepy pottery village, Lothal rumbled awake to become a flourishing centre of trade and industry, famous for its expertly constructed system of underground sanitary drainage, and an astonishing precision of standarized weights and measures. Unlike many other doorways into Harappan culture, Lothal passed through all the phases of the society, from earliest development to most mature. In the height of its prosperity, it not only survived but was strengthened by three floods, using the disaster as an opportunity to improve on the infrastructure.

Continue drive to Ahmedabad check in at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Bhadra fort a beautiful monument that is famous for its intricate carvings, pattern works and beautiful frescos suits. Arches at the entry gate, has some inscriptions that represents the history of the fort.

Jama Mosque there are different entrances to the mosque. Near the eastern entrance, stands the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed Shah, which houses the graveyard of three great rulers, namely Ahmed Shah, his son, Mohammed Shah and his grandson, Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Dungarpur check in at hotel.

Later city tour of Dungarpur. Dungarpur was founded in 1258 AD by Rawal Veer Singh, the eldest son of Karan Singh, the ruler of Mewar, after he drove out the local Bhil chieftain named Dungariya. Dungarpur is as exotic as the green marble found here and shipped globally. Harsh and wild in the northeast and teeming with life in the fertile plains of the southwest, it is irrigated by two rivers, Mahi And Som. Dungarpur’s is famous for the exceptional architecture of its palaces and royal residences. These stone structures are adorned with 'jharokhas' (windows) and built in a style that was born during the times of Maharawal Shiv Singh ([ ] AD). Dungarpur’s goldsmiths and silversmiths are skilled artisans Famous for Their lacquer-painted toys and picture frames.

Visit Udai Bilas Palace, Juna Mahal, Gaib Sagar Lake, Vijay Rajrajeshwar Temple, The Badal Mahal, The Beneshwar temple & Surpur Temple.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel drive to Udaipur check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Evening enjoy boat cruise on Lake Pichola, see the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Lake Pichola, is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of the several contiguous lakes, and developed over the last few centuries in and around the famous Udaipur city. The lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighborhood. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake, and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake.

Overnight at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel drive to Jodhpur, enroute visit Ranakpur. The Ranakpur Temple complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The temple structure has five spires, each of which houses a shrine underneath, and it is under the largest spire in the axis of the main entrance (Chaumukha Shrine) that one can locate the 6 feet tall statue of Lord Adinath. Another exquisite aspect that has also earned the temple its name is the carving of the four-headed image of Adinath, sheltered by a 108-headed snake with numerous tails. The four heads face four directions, suggesting the pursuit of the Tirthankaras. The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork.

Continue drive visit Guda village, a Bishnoi village, home to a vivid range of exotic wildlife and nature. It is a habitat for thousands of migratory birds in the area. One can often catch the Demoiselle crane frolicking at the lake. Antelopes and black bucks can also be spotted by the pond. This place is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Bishnoi community inhabits the village. The villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, specially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land and make every effort to conserve the environment. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians. It is the perfect place to experience the traditions and customs of tribal life. It is a place caught in a delightful time warp, where life still goes on like the days of the past.

Thereafter drive to Jodhpur check in at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur en route visit Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.

Visit of Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lake in the country, has 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. Excursion to visit Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda, Anasagar Lake in nearby town Ajmer.

Continue drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the pink city and visit the colorful bazaars. You can also visit Albert Hall Museum. The building gets inspiration for its design & name from The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The museum displays a wide range of metal objects, wood crafts, carpets, stone and metal sculptures, arms and weapons, natural stones and ivory goods. It also houses a large collection of miniatures from Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur schools of art.

Overnight at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra enroute visit Abhaneri a small village popular for the amazing Chand Baoris (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is one of India's deepest and largest step wells. The huge tank with delicate carvings is certainly delightful to the eyes.

Continue to Fatehpur Sikri founded in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar and abandoned after 15 yrs due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bais Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza.

Further drive to Agra check in at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Sunrise visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna river 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.

Breakfast at hotel visit Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

Afternoon drive to Delhi, check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.

Overnight at hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

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