India Culture, Heritage and Beaches Tour

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai

Welcome to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. Our representative will assist and escort you by an air-conditioned car to your pre-booked hotel. After check-in, you will be provided with all the necessary documents related to your tour, and any queries regarding the itinerary and services will be explained. The evening is free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

02 Day: Mumbai

This morning after breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Begin with a visit to the Gateway of India, followed by a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves, ancient rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, return by boat to the Gateway of India. Continue the city tour with a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, a heritage museum showcasing a rich collection of artefacts. Drive past the Parliament House (view from outside), Nariman Point, the city’s commercial hub, and Marine Drive, one of Mumbai’s most beautiful seaside boulevards. Also visit the Dhobi Ghat, the famous open-air laundry, and Mani Bhavan, also known as Gandhi Bhavan. Later, return to the hotel. If time permits, you may visit the Bandra and Juhu areas, known for the residences of famous Bollywood celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan (view from outside). In the evening, visit the ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and admired for its beautiful architecture, murals and sculptures. After the visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

03 Day: Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Air) | Ajanta Excursion (105 km / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board your scheduled flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to refresh, proceed for an excursion to the famous Ajanta Caves, one of India’s most remarkable historical and architectural marvels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These magnificent cave temples are carved into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which a waterfall cascades down the mountain in a series of steps into a pool below. Deep within the hills lie the ancient Buddhist chaitya and vihara caves, used as prayer halls and monasteries. After the visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday.

04 Day: Aurangabad – Ellora (30 km / 30 min)

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to the famous Ellora Caves, one of the most visited World Heritage Sites in India. It comprises 34 monasteries and temples forming an uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from 600 to 1000 AD. The caves are dedicated to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, and feature remarkable stone carvings depicting legends of Lord Shiva. After lunch (on your own), continue for a short sightseeing tour visiting Daulatabad (Devagiri), a historic town that includes the impressive Devagiri-Daulatabad Fort. Also visit the Chand Minar, located about 15 km from Aurangabad, an outstanding example of Islamic architecture built in 1445 by Ala-ud-din Bahmani to mark his victory. Continue to Bibi Ka Maqbara, built by Azam Shah in 1678 as a tribute to his mother Begum Rabia Durrani. Later visit Panchakki, an engineering marvel of its time, where water channeled from a distant hill was used to power a flour mill for pilgrims. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: The Ellora caves are closed to public on Tuesday.

05 Day: Aurangabad – Goa (By Air)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board your scheduled flight to Goa. On arrival, you will be assisted and transferred to your pre-booked resort. After some time to relax, enjoy beach activities in Goa (on your own). Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters define this beautiful coastal destination, which attracts visitors from around the world to its serene shores along the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay at the resort.

06 Day: Goa

After breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the beaches and facilities available at the resort. You may also take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa, located about 10 km from Panjim. Visit the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus, a 16th-century church dedicated to Infant Jesus and housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, making it one of the most important landmarks of Goa. Also visit other prominent churches in the area including the Se Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Nunnery of St. Monica. Later, visit Fort Aguada, known for its historic significance and scenic views. The evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

07 Day: Goa

Today after breakfast, the day is free for individual activities and to enjoy the beaches and water sports in Goa (on your own). Overnight stay at the resort.

08 Day: Goa – Delhi (By Air)

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board your scheduled flight to Delhi. On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel. After some time to relax, the rest of the day is free for shopping. Delhi offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to vibrant street markets. The city is especially known for textiles, jewellery, shoes, bags, leather goods, carpets, handicrafts and both traditional and contemporary Indian art. Several leading designers also have their boutiques and showrooms here. Explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market, shop for handicrafts at Dilli Haat, and visit Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s most popular shopping destinations since 1931. In the evening, witness the captivating Light and Sound Show at the Red Fort, which brings alive the rich history of the city and offers a truly memorable experience. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

09 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the majestic Red Fort, a magnificent structure in red sandstone, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in India. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated. Continue the tour to New Delhi, including a drive past the President’s House and India Gate, built in honour of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Visit the Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, the lotus-shaped Baháʼí Temple (Lotus Temple), and the Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty. Also visit the ISKCON Temple (Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir).. Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

10 Day: Delhi – Udaipur (By Air)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board your scheduled flight to Udaipur. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to relax, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting the magnificent City Palace Complex, a prominent landmark of the city known for its splendid white marble architecture of the Rajput rulers. Within the palace complex, explore notable attractions such as the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and the nearby Jagdish Temple. Continue to Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautiful garden built for the queens and royal ladies. Also visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, an ethnic cultural centre showcasing traditional Rajasthani art, ornaments, costumes, puppets, masks, dolls, classical paintings and folk musical instruments. In the evening, proceed to Lake Bagela (approx. 22 km) for a visit to the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

11 Day: Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur (120 km / 2.5 hrs one way)

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Chittorgarh, home to one of the mightiest and largest historical forts in India. The fort complex houses several remarkable monuments including the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), Rani Padmini Palace, Man Mahal, Mira Temple and the ruins of ancient Shiva temples. After the visit, drive back to Udaipur. After some time to relax, enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Pichola. You may also opt for dinner (on your own) at the famous heritage hotel Taj Lake Palace, once a royal residence and now a luxury property set amidst the lake. Afterwards, return to Udaipur for an overnight stay.

12 Day: Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (245 km / 6 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Jodhpur. En route, halt at Ranakpur to visit the ancient Jain Temples, built in the 12th century. Enjoy lunch at Maharani Bagh (on your own), one of the finest heritage hotels in the area. After the visit, continue your drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check in at the hotel. After some time to refresh, if time permits, proceed for an excursion to Bishnoi Village (approx. 25 km / 45 min one way). Experience local life by visiting traditional artisans such as shoemakers, potters and handloom weavers, and observe villagers in their traditional attire with distinctive silver jewellery. En route, you may also spot wildlife such as blackbuck, chinkara and peacocks, protected and nurtured by the local community. After the visit, return to Jodhpur. In the evening, you may explore the local markets and dine at authentic restaurants. You may choose On The Rocks, an open-air restaurant known for its Rajasthani hospitality, traditional cuisine, folk music and dance. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

13 Day: Jodhpur – Pushkar – Jaipur (335 km / approx. 7 hrs)

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Clock Tower and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, situated at an altitude of about 125 meters and spread over an area of nearly 5 sq. km, with its impressive seven gates. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, followed by the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a grand palace that now functions as a hotel and museum. After lunch, drive to Jaipur. En route, visit Pushkar, famous for its world-renowned cattle fair and home to the only Brahma Temple, located on the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake, surrounded by ghats where devotees gather for prayers and holy dips. After the visit, continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

14 Day: Jaipur

After breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort, located just outside Jaipur. Also visit the nearby Nahargarh Fort, which offers panoramic views of the city. Later, return to Jaipur to visit the grand City Palace, the residence of the royal family. Continue to the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, and the iconic Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Winds.” In the evening, visit the beautiful Birla Temple, known for its white marble architecture. You may also explore the bustling local markets with an optional cycle rickshaw ride. Later, enjoy your evening at the ethnic village resort Chokhi Dhani, where you can experience folk dances, puppet shows, music, camel rides and authentic Rajasthani cuisine. After the visit, return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

15 Day: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (240 km / 6 hrs)

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Agra. En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted Mughal capital built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chishti, who blessed Emperor Akbar with the birth of his sons. Explore notable structures such as the Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chishti and the majestic Buland Darwaza, one of the largest gateways in the world. After the visit, continue your drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may visit Oswal Emporium to see a finely crafted replica of the Taj Mahal, said to have taken years to complete. Later, enjoy the light and sound show “Mohabbat – The Taj”, depicting the timeless saga of love. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

16 Day: Agra – Varanasi (By Train)

Today early morning after breakfast, visit the world’s one of the most popular and beautiful monument, the Taj Mahal, and enjoy its fabulous view at sunrise. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort, built in 1576 AD by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, constructed in red sandstone. Here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and other classic examples of Mughal architecture such as the Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Am and Meena Bazaar. Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Burj, spent his final days viewing the Taj Mahal, the resting place of his beloved wife. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, located about 35 km from Agra, built by Empress Nur Jahan in memory of her father. After sightseeing, transfer to Agra Railway Station to board the evening train to Varanasi. Overnight on board.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

17 Day: Varanasi

Upon arrival at Varanasi Railway Station, you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel. After some rest, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, located about 10 km from Varanasi, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples. Visit the Dharmarajika Stupa and the 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa, marking the place of his first teachings. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a valuable collection of ancient Buddhist relics and artefacts, including several images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. See the Ashoka Pillar with its four-lion capital, built in the 3rd century BC, symbolizing Ashoka’s rule and the spiritual importance of Buddhism, later adopted as the national emblem of India. After the visit, drive back to Varanasi. After relaxation, if time permits, you may explore the local markets and narrow lanes of old Varanasi, known for Banarasi silk fabrics and sarees. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

18 Day: Varanasi

Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on the holy River Ganges. At sunrise, the city and river come alive in the soft rays of the sun, creating a vibrant and mesmerizing atmosphere. Later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting the various ghats, including the two main cremation ghats, Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. Continue to visit the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a unique relief map of the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau. Also visit the Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. Visit the Durga Temple, popularly called the Monkey Temple, and Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, spread across a vast campus. In the evening, visit the banks of the Ganga to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, where priests perform rituals with brass lamps accompanied by the chanting of mantras, creating a deeply spiritual experience. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

19 Day: Varanasi – Khajuraho (By Air)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board your scheduled flight to Khajuraho. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After some time to refresh, proceed to visit Raneh Falls, one of the prominent attractions in the region, named after King Rane Pratap, the former ruler of the area. Located near Khajuraho, the waterfall is formed at the confluence of the Ken and Khuddar rivers. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, known for its collection of stone sculptures from the Chandela dynasty. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular Light and Sound Show. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

20 Day: Khajuraho

After breakfast, explore Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage town where the temples are spread over an area of about 8 sq km. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Western Group of Temples, including the grand Laxman Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha Temples, and the magnificent Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, along with the Chausath Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Later, continue to the Eastern Group of Temples, which includes a mix of Hindu and Jain temples, reflecting the religious harmony of the Chandela period. Visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath and Shanti Nath, along with the Vamana Temple and the Brahma/Hanuman Temple, both dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Afterwards, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

21 Day: Khajuraho – Delhi (By Air) – Hometown

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. On arrival, take your connecting flight to your hometown. With pleasant memories of the journey, the tour concludes on departure.