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Mystic Caves and Majestic Monuments: A Journey Through India’s Historic Heartland

0/5
Duration

13 Nights / 14 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey with Mystic Caves and Majestic Monuments: A Journey Through India’s Historic Heartland. This meticulously crafted tour begins in the vibrant city of Mumbai, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India and the Elephanta Caves. Travel to Aurangabad to marvel at the architectural splendor of Bibi Ka Maqbara and the ancient Aurangabad Caves. Discover the awe-inspiring Ajanta and Ellora Caves, renowned for their exquisite rock-cut temples and sculptures. Continue to Delhi and Jaipur, immersing yourself in their rich historical and cultural heritage. Conclude your adventure in the sacred city of Varanasi, experiencing its timeless rituals and profound spirituality.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.3%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.4%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 51.9%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.4%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 56.9%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 56.6%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.8%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at Mumbai airport, assistance and transfer to hotel (check-in/out time 12pm). Mumbai, a vibrant city known for its bustling life, offers dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sports activities, nightclubs, discotheques, theatre, music, and gourmet restaurants. Rest of the time free for personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel. Start with a city tour of Mumbai. Drive along Marine Drive, a picturesque boulevard known for its sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Visit the Gateway of India, a historic monument that overlooks the waterfront and was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Board a ferry to visit the Elephanta Caves, famous for their ancient rock-cut temples and colossal sculptures dedicated to Hindu deities. The caves are located atop a hill that requires a climb of 100 steps. Return to Gateway of India by ferry. Drive past the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Parliament House. Visit Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's famous open-air laundry, where laundry is washed by hand in large open spaces. Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum), which exhibits a myriad collection of ancient artifacts, artwork, and sculptures, offering a unique insight into India's past. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, an impressive mausoleum built in 1678 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, often referred to as the "Taj of the Deccan" due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal. Explore Panchakki, a historical water mill that once powered flour mills and supplied water to pilgrims. Discover the Aurangabad Caves, a group of rock-cut Buddhist caves from the 6th and 7th centuries, known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Aurangabad

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves. These caves, dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 650 AD, feature stunning frescoes and intricate sculptures depicting Buddha’s life and Jataka tales. Explore the 30 caves, including Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries), showcasing the evolution of Buddhist art and architecture. Return to Aurangabad in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad - Ellora (36km) / Flight to Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 34 monasteries and temples carved from rock between 600 and 1000 AD. The complex includes Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples, showcasing a remarkable uninterrupted sequence of monuments. Visit Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana, known for its intricate carvings and religious significance. En route back, visit Daulatabad Fort, a formidable medieval fortress known for its impressive defenses and strategic location. Return to Aurangabad and transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest time to relax and explore famous malls and markets in Dadar, Fort, and Colaba Causeway. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Delhi - Jaipur (265km)

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit the Red Fort (closed on Mondays), the residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. Explore Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk and explore Khari Baoli Spice Market, a bustling area full of spices, dried fruits, silver jewelry, and vivid saris. Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated after his assassination. In New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, the first garden-tomb in India and an early example of Mughal architecture. Explore Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tall minaret and a fine example of Afghan architecture. Visit the Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its flower-like shape. Drive past the President House, Parliament House, and India Gate. Later, drive to Jaipur, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Jaipur, the first planned city of India. Start with Amber Fort, known for its grand architecture and stunning views. Visit Jaigarh Fort, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and houses the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Explore City Palace, a magnificent palace complex that houses several museums and the royal residence. Visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with impressive instruments used for celestial observations. See Hawa Mahal, the iconic “Palace of Winds,” with its intricately carved façade and numerous windows. Visit Sisodia Rani Garden, a charming garden with fountains and pavilions, and Birla Temple, known for its beautiful white marble structure. Explore the bazaars of the Pink City, known for their rich history and vibrant heritage. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Jaipur - Agra (245km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Agra, visiting Abhaneri village en route, famous for its ancient stepwell and Hindu Temple. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city constructed of red sandstone, known for its graceful buildings, including Diwan-e-Khas Hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal, and Buland Darwaza. Continue to Agra, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Agra - Orchha (220km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is renowned for its exquisite beauty and architectural grandeur. Visit Agra Fort, the former main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638, known for its impressive red sandstone architecture and historical significance. Explore Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, also known as the "Baby Taj," a beautiful marble mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Drive to Orchha, visiting Gwalior Fort en route. The fort, situated atop a hill, is known for its impressive architecture, including several temples, palaces, and water tanks. Visit Siddhachal Caves and Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments, featuring numerous Jain Tirthankar idols. Explore the architectural richness of Teli Ka Mandir and Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir, Hindu temples with intricate carvings. See Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor and the Man Mandir Palace with its grand interiors. Arrive in Orchha, check-in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Orchha - Khajuraho (178km)

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Orchha, known for its grand palaces and intricately carved temples. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, including Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and the surrounding gardens and pavilions. Explore Chaturbhuj Temple, noted for its tall Vimana (tower) and architectural significance. Visit Chattris (cenotaphs) on the banks of the Betwa River, royal tombs of the Maharajas set on elevated platforms supported by pillars. Drive to Khajuraho, check in at the hotel, and enjoy an evening light and sound show. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Khajuraho - Varanasi (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, known for its exquisite temples adorned with erotic and sensuous carvings. The temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, are famous for their detailed depictions of various aspects of life and love. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Attend the Holy Ganga Aarti in the evening, a mesmerizing ritual held on the banks of the Ganges. The aarti involves huge brass lamps lit with oil, accompanied by the chanting of holy mantras, creating a divine atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Varanasi

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning boat ride along the Ganges to witness the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred waters. Visit Banaras Hindu University, the largest residential university in India with a sprawling campus and a vibrant academic environment. Explore Bharat Mata Temple, built in 1936, featuring a relief map of undivided India carved out of marble. Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir, a famous temple with beautiful images of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. The temple walls are adorned with verses from the Ramcharitmanas. Continue to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment. Explore the Dhamekh Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar, which commemorate the significance of the site. If time permits, visit Ram Nagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. The fort features a museum with a collection of vintage cars, swords, palanquins, ivory works, and an unusual astrological clock. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Varanasi - Mumbai (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. On arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the time free for relaxation or personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Mumbai - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport as per flight schedule for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 13 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Mumbai - Aurangabad - Delhi, Khajuraho - Varanasi - Mumbai flight fare approx. INR 20,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 13 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Mumbai x 2 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
Aurangabad x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel
Delhi x 1 night: The Hans/ The Royal Plaza
Jaipur x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Premier/ The Fern An Ecotel Hotel
Agra x 1 night: Radisson Hotel/ Holiday Inn
Orchha x 1 night: Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal
Khajuraho x 1 night: Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela
Varanasi x 2 nights: Rivatas by Ideal/ The Amayaa

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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