Luxury
Holidays » Art & Architecture with Cultural Rajasthan
Art & Architecture with Cultural Rajasthan
| Duration:
14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations: Mumbai - Aurangabad - Mumbai - Udaipur
- Jodhpur - Jaipur - Delhi - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi |
Day 01: Mumbai: Arrival Arrive at Mumbai airport
in the evening. Transfer to hotel. Check in and relax.
Its young, its
lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and
cross
currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of
India. The capital city of Maharashtra, formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern
part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets
lying off the Konkan Coast of western India. Oozing with the self - confidence
of a maverick moneymaker and "BINDAAS" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is
also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian
Sea.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
Day 02: Mumbai:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Relax in the morning. Start Mumbai
City Tour in the afternoon.
GATEWAY OF INDIA - Mumbai's principal
landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo
Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city.
This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British
Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
MUMBAI FORT -
The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was
once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden
period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their
lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also
worth a visit.
MARINE DRIVE - Marine Drive located in the central
Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's
most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because
of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to
known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath,
at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.
CHOWPATTY BEACH - Chowpatty
Beach situated at the end of Marine Drive has a moderate expanse of sand and is
the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious
ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty like the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating
young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons
and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions.
FLORA FOUNTAIN - This fountain
situated in the heart of the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor
of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and
known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners
with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure
the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.
MUMBAI HIGH COURT -
An attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval
Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing
Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.
CLOCK TOWER -
Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building
rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately
decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented
with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.
HANGING GARDENS
- Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built
in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging Gardens,
because of their location on the slope of a hill. The terrace garden looks south
from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic view of the city or
a breathtaking sunset.
It
is built over three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped
here for cleaning before being supplied to the town.
Relax at the hotel
in the evening or proceed for shopping.
Overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 03 Mumbai - Aurangabad:
By Air
Flight : 9W 3103 (Jet
Airways)
Aircraft : ATR Jet
Departure : 0715 hr
Arrival : 0815 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer to airport for flight
to Aurangabad. Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Aurangabad was
founded in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki by Malik Ambar - the Prime Minister
of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son turned successor
in 1626, he gave the city the name 'Fatehpur'. Later in 1653, when Prince Aurangzeb
became Viceroy of the Deccan, he made the city his capital and called it Aurangabad.
Aurangzeb added the walls that enclose the central part of the city in 1976 in
order to withstand attacks from the Marathas. There are four principle gateways
to the city - the Delhi Darwaza, the Jalna Darwaza, the Paithan Darwaza and the
Mecca Darwaza. Nine secondary gateways also formed a part of the defensive system
of this city.
Aurangabad district has always been a prominent region
on the Deccan plateau. Having been inhabited since the Stone Age, it has a long
artistic and cultural history - to which several dynasties have made major contributions
over the years. Maurya rule marked the arrival of Buddhism in Maharashtra. The
earliest caves at Ajanta and Pitalkhora were excavated during the Satvahana period
(in the 2nd century BC) During the Chalukya reign, Buddhism continued to flourish.
This resulted in several 'viharas' (monasteries) and ' chaityas' (chapels) being
excavated at Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora. In later years the Rashtrakutas built
several temples, the most significant being the Kailas Temple (Cave 16, Ellora)
- an unrivaled example of Indian architecture. With Aurangzeb's death his empire,
extending over almost the entire Indian sub- continent, disintegrated into small
fragments. Shorn of its glory, Aurangzeb's city remained just a part of the State
of Hyderabad, which ultimately merged with the Indian Republic in 1948.
Aurangabad today is a bustling city of Maharashtra with diverse big and small
industries, fine silken textiles, and exquisite hand woven brocades of silver
and gold fabrics, Himroo of world frame. To scholars and lovers of art and culture
the city is more familiar as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora,
both famous as treasure houses of Indian Art and Sculpture.
During the
day visit the following:
Ellora Caves: Impressive in their own
right is the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 km away
from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist
caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith
(800-1000 AD) 22 more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered.
Kailash Temple (cave16), the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable.
Chiseled by hand from a single massive rock, it includes a gateway, pavilion,
courtyard, vestibule, sanctum, sanctorum and tower which bear testimony to the
excellence of Dravidian art. It is believed to have taken 7000 laborers, working
in continuous shifts and 150 years to build. Ever since the first European visitors
in 18th Century, Ellora has attracted chroniclers, antiquarians, scholars and
in more recent years, ever- increasing number of tourists.
Aurangabad
Caves: The almost forgotten caves of Aurangabad lie just outside the city.
Excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD, they reflect TANTRIC influences
in their iconography and architectural designs. In all there are nine caves which
are mainly viharas (monasteries). The most interesting among these are Caves 3
and 7. The former is supported on 12 highly ornate columns and has sculptures
depicting scenes from the legendary 'Jakata' tales. Cave 7 with its detailed figures
of bejeweled women also has a dominating sculpture of a 'Bodhisattva' praying
for deliverance.
Daulatabad Fort: Once known as 'Devgiri', this
magnificent 12th century fortress stands on a hill just 13 km. from Aurangabad.
It was given the name Daulatabad, the 'city of fortune', by Muhammad Tughlaq,
Sultan of Delhi. Initially a Yadav stronghold, it passed through the hands of
several dynasties in the Deccan. One of the world's best preserved fort of medieval
times, surviving virtually unaltered, Daulatabad yet displays the character that
made it invincible. This fortress was conquered only by treachery. A series of
secret, quizzical, subterranean passages lie coiled like a python amidst the fort.
Here flaring torches were thrust upon an unwary enemy. Or hot oil poured down
his path, as he deliberated in the labyrinth. Also the heat from a brazier was
blown into the passage by a process of suction suffocating the entire garrison
within. The Fort itself lies in the body of an isolated hill; the steep hill -
sides at the base falling so sharply to the moat that no hostile troops could
scale the height. The moat, 40 ft. deep with mechanical drawbridges teemed with
crocodiles. A 5-kilometer sturdy wall, artificial scarping and a complicated series
of defenses made Daulatabad impregnable. The 30-meter high Chand Minar (Tower)
built much later with 3 circular galleries had a defensive and religious role
in the fortress.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Aurangabad.
Day 04 Aurangabad: Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a full day sightseeing with excursion to Ajanta Caves.
Ajanta caves: Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100 km from
Aurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horse- shoe, are the 30 rock-hewn caves of
Ajanta. The Caves date from the 2nd century BC. Discovered in 1819 by a group
of British army officers, these startling achievements took around 600 years to
create. Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta, once the retreat
of Buddhist monastic orders features several 'chaityas' (chapels) and 'viharas'
(monasteries). The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures
of Buddha's life are famous throughout the world as the earliest and finest examples
of Buddhist pictorial art.
Overnight will be at Aurangabad.
Day 05 Aurangabad - Mumbai:
Flight : 9W 3104 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft
: ATR Jet
Departure : 0845 hr
Arrival : 0945 hr
Mumbai - Udaipur:
By Air
Flight : 9W 3405 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : ATR Jet
Departure
: 1710 hr
Arrival : 1855 hr Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer to airport in time for flight to Mumbai. Reach and proceed to visit
ELEPHANTA CAVES.
Start the tour of ELEPHANTA CAVES.
The Elephanta
Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings,
sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located
at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religions centre
for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture.
The Elephanta caves
are thought to date back to the Silhara kings belonging to the period between
9th - 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta
dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into
existence at Elephanta. Legends and history suggest that the great warrior prince
of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some
historians also suggest that these caves were built by the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja
in 6th century AD.
As the worship of the figure of the Buddha began
to be encouraged with rise of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, a shrine was introduced
to house Buddha's image, replacing the cells at the centre of the back wall. The
Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta. It appears that the same
families of craftsmen and sculptors who were working on the Kailasa temple of
Ellora and adjoining Buddhist caves at Ellora were employed at Elephanta.
Return to city and transfer to airport for flight to Udaipur.
The
city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the
lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty,
Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration
for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope
of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls,
carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection
in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur
is the jewel of MEWAR - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Reach Udaipur and check into hotel.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 06 Udaipur: Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you
will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows
and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also
visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk
Museum.
In the afternoon, enjoy a motor launch cruise on the placid
waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur
as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.
Also visit the JAG MANDIR PALACE - the other island palace in the middle
of the lake.
Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 07 Udaipur
- Jodhpur:
By Road
260 km in 6hr After breakfast drive to
Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th
century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple
abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain
temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Lunch
will be at a mid-way restaurant.
Reach Jodhpur.
Set at the
edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity
in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded
in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be
descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century
AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the
plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable
bastions.
Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 08 Jodhpur - Jaipur:
By Road
290 km in 6hr Start for Jaipur after breakfast.
Lunch could be in KISHANGARH PHOOL MAHAL PALACE. Visit the KISHANGARH FORT.
Reach and check in at hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of
the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during
the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today,
epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis,
it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears
and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive
use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit
of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur
thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples
and lush gardens.
Spend the evening shopping at leisure in the city.
Dinner will be at hotel.
Spend night at Jaipur.
Day 09
Jaipur: Breakfast will be at hotel.
Morning excursion
will be to the Amber Fort where you will reach the fort on elephant back.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort
palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by
his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Lunch will be at the TURBAN MUSEUM RESTAURANT.
Afternoon sightseeing
tour of Jaipur visiting...
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of
Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh
of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple
and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest
and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different
parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments
is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace
of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure
of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies.
The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 10 Jaipur - Delhi:
By Road
260 km in 6hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Delhi.
DELHI, the capital
of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend
of the past and the present - A perfect introduction to the composite culture
of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
In
the evening enjoy DANCES OF INDIA SHOW.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day
11 Delhi: Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for a day tour
of Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail
visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama
Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent
fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from
Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing
tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar,
Lotus Temple, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing
India Gate, Parliament House, The President's Residence and would end with a drive
through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Spend evening walking in the Connaught
Place or relax at hotel. Retire early.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 12 Delhi - Agra:
By Train:
Train No. : 2002
Name : Shatabdi
Express
Departure : 0600 hr
Arrival : 0800 hr Proceed for
station after breakfast.
Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the
little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire -
giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble,
narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite
city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still
reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling
streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai
cuisine.
Proceed for sightseeing.
Enjoy battery van ride to
the Taj.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural
wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra.
Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife
Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and
planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance
and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes,
intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar
in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the
picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit FATEHPUR SIKRI (30 km from Agra) - The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor
Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating
experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine
condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like
in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway
in the world.
Relax in the evening and dinner at hotel.
Overnight
will be at Agra.
Day 13 Agra - Jhansi:
By Train:
Train No.
: 2002
Name : Shatabdi Express
Departure : 0810 hr
Arrival : 1040
hr
Jhansi - Khajuraho:
By Road
175 km in 4hr Proceed
to station after early breakfast for train to Jhansi.
Reach Jhansi and
transfer to Orchha, 12 km away.
ORCHHA - A MEDIEVAL CITY FOUNDED BY
BUNDELA RULERS WITH PALACES AND TEMPLES OF THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURY - WHICH HAVE
REMARKABLY WITHSTOOD THE ONSLAUGHT OF TIME. THE CITY IS PICTURESQUELY FLANKED
BY THE RIVER BETWA.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the
Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha. Continue drive to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its
enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho
is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly
in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood,
her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings
include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing
& playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent
beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been
designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to
be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax.
Watch the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES. Overnight will be
at Khajuraho.
Day 14 Khajuraho - Varanasi:
Flight : 9W 334 (Jet
Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1335 hr
Arrival : 1415
hr Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a guided tour of the
exotic temples of Khajuraho.
Transfer
in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. (Early lunch at hotel)
Varanasi
is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth
of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital
of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously
known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the
fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also
called CITY OF TEMPLES. The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges when
rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions
all are an experience in themselves.
Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of
Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world,
where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once
flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent
collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Spend the
evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 15 Varanasi - Delhi:
By Air
Flight : 9W 334 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1440 hr
Arrival : 1600 hr
Delhi
- Next Destination: Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat
ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living
traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start
at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable
city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises.
Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at
sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the
banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers
from the water's edge.
Then return to the shores for a walk through
the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening,
the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return
for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for half day-guided tour of Varanasi
including the, Gyanvapi Mosque, Benaras Hindu University and other important monuments
OR can proceed for last minute shopping.
Transfer to airport for flight
to Delhi. Reach Delhi and will be received at international airport. Transfer
to hotel for "Wash and Change".
Proceed for FAREWELL DINNER
with COMPASS and then onto the airport for international flight with sweet memories
of India.
TOUR ENDS Art
& Architecture with Cultural Rajasthan Reservation Form 
