India’s amazing diversity offers you everything you could ever want in a holiday. From the moment that you set foot in India to be greeted by a graceful Namaste, a gesture that donates both welcome and respect, you are on the way to one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Bound by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline surrounded by three seats, India is a vivid Kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich culture and festivities. Experience exotic India – always warm and inviting, a place of infinite variety - one that favours you with a different facet of its fascination every time you come on a visit.
Day 1 : ARRIVE MUMBAI
Arrive Mumbai International airport, warm welcome on arrival by PCTI representative and transfer to the Hotel. The "City of Gold," Mumbai (Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Morning we explore this legendary city and visit the Gateway of India, the entrance to the port of Mumbai and then cruise towards Elephanta Island(Monday closed), a UNESCO World Heritage site, this island originally known as Gharapurti was renamed as Elephanta after the Portuguese found the carved elephant there. The main attraction of the island is the four rock cut temples dating back to 5th-8th century AD. The most renowned is the cave sculpture of 'Trimurthi', a three headed figure almost 20 feet in height, of Lord Shiva as a creator, preserver and destroyer. Afternoon either relax in the hotel or cover some more attractions of the city including the Prince Wales Museum(Monday closed), India's finest museums and houses treasures, artefacts, paintings and sculpture from the many periods covering India's history, including the Indus Valley Civilization. Dhobi Ghat, the city’s open-air municipal laundry where thousands wash clothes brought daily from around the city. Also see the memorial at Mani Bhawan, once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 2 : FLY MUMBAI / JAIPUR
After breakfast, check out room and transfer to the airport to board flight to Jaipur. Met upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur. Later in the evening visit the Birla Temple, the marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 3 : JAIPUR TOUR
Morning breakfast followed by a sight-seeing tour of the city visiting the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber – ascend the imposing fort on a decorated painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors. On the way back we stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world. Post lunch we tour the Maharajah’s City Palace, now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumesiH. Later we explore the city on our own and indulge in shopping for gemstones, silver jewellery, Paintings, blue pottery and hand printed textiles that Jaipur is renowned for.Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4 :JAIPUR / AGRA
After breakfast, depart by surface for Agra. Enroute visit FatehpurSikri, a UNESCO World Heritage sitewhich has been described as “the world’s most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your Hotel. Overnight in Agra.
Day 5 : DELHI / AGRA TOUR
After breakfast, proceed to sightseeing tour including Taj Mahal (Friday closed), a UNESCO World Heritage siteone of the 7-wonders of the world. Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 years to complete this ‘Love poem In Marble’. Proceed to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage sitebuilt during the great Mughal era. Agra Fort built in 1569 on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra fort containing the halls private and public audiences and other palaces. Shah Jahan spent years of continement at the hands of his son Aurangzeb, looking wistfully at the Taj Mahal from the Fort. Post lunch drive to the capital city of Delhi. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.Overnight in Delhi.
Day 5 : DELHI
Morning after leisurely breakfast we leave for a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. We visit Jama Masjid, this immense mosque is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees, Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January, 1948. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are located nearby. Later we drive past Red Fort citadel. In New Delhi we visit the 11th century QutabMinar Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a red sandstone tower, standing tall at a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, considered to be the precursor of the Taj Mahal. The India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and drive past the grand government buildings the President’s House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj. Overnight in Delhi. Day 07: Depart Delhi (MK745 @ 0920 Hrs) Early morning 0530 Hrs drop at Delhi airport
