North - West India Heritage and Buddhist Tour

Welcome to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, where our representative will assist you and transfer you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. After check-in, receive the required tour documents and a briefing about the itinerary and services. The evening is free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the Gateway of India, Mumbai's landmark waterfront arch, and take a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of rock-cut temples dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva. Return to the Gateway of India and continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, housed in an Indo-Saracenic building and known for its collections of art and archaeology. Drive through Nariman Point and along Marine Drive, followed by Dhobi Ghat and Mani Bhavan, associated with Mahatma Gandhi. If time permits, visit the Bandra and Juhu areas before visiting the ISKCON Temple. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. On arrival, continue to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into a horseshoe-shaped gorge above the Waghora River. The caves contain Buddhist chaityas and viharas, with paintings and sculptures dating mainly from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th–6th centuries CE. After sightseeing, return to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing 34 Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monasteries and temples carved into a basalt cliff between the 6th and 12th centuries. The highlight is Kailasa Temple, a monumental temple carved from the rock itself. Continue to Daulatabad Fort, a medieval hill fortress known for its massive defensive works, followed by Bibi Ka Maqbara, a 17th-century marble mausoleum, and Panchakki, an historic water-powered mill complex. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur. On arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore the City Palace, the former residence of Udaipur's royal family, known for its courtyards, balconies, ornate gateways and Rajput-Mughal architectural influences. Continue to Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari and the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, showcasing regional folk traditions, costumes, puppets and musical instruments. Later visit the Eklingji Temple and Nagda Temples, a historic group of Hindu temples north of Udaipur. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, subject to operating conditions. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Jodhpur. En route, visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a 15th-century marble temple dedicated to Adinath and known for its intricate carvings and more than 1,400 individually carved pillars. Continue to Jodhpur and transfer to the hotel. If time permits, visit a nearby Bishnoi village to observe traditional crafts, village life and the community's relationship with the surrounding desert environment. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Jodhpur, visiting Mehrangarh Fort, a major hilltop fort overlooking the old city, followed by Jaswant Thada, a white-marble memorial, and Umaid Bhawan Palace, a 20th-century palace combining Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco influences. Continue to Manvar in the Thar Desert. On arrival, transfer to the desert resort. In the evening, enjoy a camel safari through the dunes to the camp, followed by traditional folk music and dance with dinner. Overnight at the desert resort.

Early morning, an optional jeep excursion can be arranged to nearby desert villages to observe traditional crafts and rural life. After breakfast, check out and drive to Jaisalmer. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later visit Amar Sagar and the surrounding temple complex, followed by a walk through the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's few living forts, with houses, shops and temples still functioning within its sandstone walls. Continue to the Jain Temples inside the fort and visit the richly carved Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli. Later visit Gadisar Lake. In the evening, drive to Sam Sand Dunes for a camel ride and sunset over the Thar Desert. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bikaner. En route, stop at Pokhran Fort, a historic sandstone fort complex containing palace buildings and a museum displaying arms, textiles, paintings and other objects associated with the former estate. Continue to Bikaner and transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Junagarh Fort, a major Bikaner fort complex known for its palaces, courtyards and richly decorated interiors. Check out and drive to Deshnok to visit the Karni Mata Temple, widely known for its resident rats, which are considered sacred by devotees. Continue to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region, known for its painted havelis and frescoes. In the evening, walk through the historic lanes and enjoy traditional music and dance with dinner at the heritage hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore the painted havelis of Mandawa, known for their frescoes depicting religious themes, local life, animals, portraits and scenes from the region's history. Continue to Nawalgarh, another important Shekhawati town with richly decorated havelis and historic gateways. Proceed to Jaipur and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Chokhi Dhani for Rajasthani folk performances, traditional entertainment and regional cuisine. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Amer Fort, a former royal residence known for its Rajput and Mughal-influenced architecture, courtyards, gateways and mirror work. Continue to Nahargarh Fort, positioned on the Aravalli hills overlooking Jaipur. Visit the City Palace, the former residence of Jaipur's royal family, known for its courtyards, ornate gateways and Rajput-Mughal architectural influences. Continue to Jantar Mantar, completed in 1734 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in 1799 with 953 jharokhas (windows). Visit Birla Mandir, a modern white-marble Hindu temple, and later explore Jaipur's bustling markets by cycle rickshaw. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital established in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chishti and Buland Darwaza. Continue to Agra and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, attend the Mohabbat-the-Taj show or visit a local marble workshop. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its white-marble architecture, symmetrical composition and pietra dura inlay work. Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site developed mainly under Akbar and later expanded with marble palaces and halls. Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, a white-marble Mughal mausoleum known for its fine inlay decoration. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. En route, stop at Sikandra to visit Akbar's Tomb, a Mughal mausoleum set within a large garden complex and notable for its combination of Islamic and Hindu architectural elements. Continue to Delhi and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if operating, attend the Light and Sound Show at the Red Fort. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Old Delhi, visiting the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Mughal imperial residence, followed by Jama Masjid, one of India's largest historic mosques, and Rajghat, the memorial marking Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site. Continue through New Delhi to see Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate and Parliament House from outside. Visit Birla Mandir, followed by Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important early example of Mughal garden-tomb architecture. Continue to the lotus-shaped Lotus Temple, Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and ISKCON Temple. In the evening, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively lanes and markets of Chandni Chowk. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi for your scheduled flight to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later explore Bara Imambara, an 18th-century complex known for its vast vaulted central hall and Bhul Bhulaiya, followed by Rumi Darwaza, an ornate gateway inspired by Indo-Islamic and Ottoman architectural forms, and the historic Husainabad Clock Tower. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Ayodhya, an important pilgrimage city associated with the Ramayana tradition. Visit Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and Nageshwarnath Temple. Later spend time along the Saryu River before returning to Lucknow. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Prayagraj. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later visit Triveni Sangam, the confluence traditionally associated with the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati and an important pilgrimage site, followed by the Allahabad Cantonment Cemetery. The remainder of the evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Chitrakoot, an important pilgrimage centre associated with the Ramayana tradition. Visit Ramghat on the Mandakini River, Janki Kund, Sphatik Shila, Kamadgiri Hill and Hanuman Dhara. Later return to Prayagraj for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Prayagraj, visiting Anand Bhawan, the former Nehru family residence and now a museum, followed by Khusrau Bagh, a Mughal-era garden-tomb complex. Continue to Varanasi and transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges to see the historic ghats and riverside activity at sunrise. After breakfast, explore Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, followed by Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and the area around Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Continue to Banaras Hindu University. In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti on the riverfront. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Sarnath, the Buddhist site where the Buddha is traditionally believed to have delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, remains of the monastic complex and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, home to the Lion Capital of Ashoka. The site was inscribed as the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026. Continue to Bodhgaya and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Bodhgaya, visiting the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the place traditionally associated with the Buddha's enlightenment. See the Bodhi Tree and Vajrasana, the diamond throne associated with the Buddha's meditation. Continue to the Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museum, Chinese Temple and Niranjana River. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Rajgir, an important ancient centre associated with both Buddhism and Jainism. Visit Gridhakuta Hill, Saptaparni Cave and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Continue to Nalanda, where the archaeological remains of Nalanda Mahavihara form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent one of the ancient world's major centres of Buddhist learning. Visit the ruins and Nalanda Archaeological Museum before continuing to Patna. Transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Patna, visiting Golghar, an 18th-century granary built in 1786, followed by Patna Museum, Pathar Ki Masjid and Padri Ki Haveli. Continue to Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism's most important pilgrimage sites and the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. Visit the Gandhi Setu and, if time permits, the Jalan Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna for your scheduled flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, followed by your connecting flight for the onward journey. The tour concludes with happy memories.