Arrive at Mumbai International airport. After completing the immigration and custom, proceed towards the arrival area. Meeting and assistance on arrival with traditional welcome of garlanding and transfer to the hotel (room being held from 1400 hrs).

Mumbai once a group of seven islands and over the century has been the most vibrant, commercial, industrial and centre of theatre, art, music centre of India which the British had acquired from the Portuguese in 1665 and handed it over to the East India Company in 1671.

Overnight in Mumbai

After leisurely breakfast, set off to explore the financial capital of India, Mumbai.

The full day trip will include highlights like the excursion to Elephanta Caves followed by the visit of Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

This morning, you will be transferred to the Gateway of India to board the motor launch for an hours travel, the only way to access the Caves located 22 kms of the coast of Mumbai. An amazing collection of 7th century rock cut caves containing fine example of Hindu architecture. The beauty and power of these sculptures are dedicated to Shiva depicting the different manifestation of Shiva.

We disembark at Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911 and the only gateway available to India before the invent of air travel.

This will be followed by the drive along the Marine drive, known as the Queen’s Necklace. The Jain Temples, built of marble and dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara. Drive via the Tower of Silence - a round stone construction on which Parsis place their dead to be eaten by the vultures and Hanging Gardens which is built over Bombay’s reservoir. We cannot miss the Dhobi Ghats a huge open-air laundry, followed by the visit to Mani Bhawan (Gandhi Memorial), the house where the Father of the Nation stayed on his early visits to the city.

We will wind up the day with the visit of Prince of Wales Museum(closed on Friday), established in the 20th Century boasts of a significant collection of Indus valley artifacts and the miniature paintings – nearly 2000 of them are from various stylistic schools of India.

Return to the hotel

Overnight in Mumbai

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi - dating back to more than 3000 years, Varanasi is said to be the oldest city of the world. There are temples at every few steps here Hinduism it is believed that those who breathe their last in this city attain nirvana and get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

Evening, attend Aarti ceremony performed at the banks of river Ganges (Ghats). The evening aarti offers one of the most spectacular sensory experiences, when hundreds of lamps light up the river side at dusk, the entire city of Varanasi comes to a standstill and the sound of chimes and dongs reverberates in each and every street.

Overnight in Varanasi

Early morning Sunrise Boat ride on the River Ganges. The Ghats of Ganga dotted with temples or more than 100 ghats (Banks) alongside the Ganges. The best way to cover them all is a boat ride, presents a very beautiful view of the Ghats bathed in crimson light.

After the early morning experience, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later in the morning, proceed for the visit of Varanasi city, covering famous sites like Banaras Hindu, 18th century Durga temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, Tulsi Manas temple, ‘Bharat Mata’ (Mother India). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.

Afternoon excursion visit to Sarnath (10 kms/about 25 minutes drive one way) (closed on Friday), where Buddha delivered his first sermon (Religious language). Explore the Dharmek Stupa, Sarnath Museum. Ashoka pillar and the several statues dating from the Gupta period. Also visit Mulagandhakuti vihar temple with frescoes scenes of Buddha’s life.

Return to Varanasi city and you can explore the markets or walk around the city to get the feel of the city life.

Overnight in Varanasi

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to the erotic city of Khajuraho. Arrive and transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Khajuraho is home to the magnificent and remarkable erotic temples, with a backdrop of Vindhyan hills. Stay two nights in Taj Chandela.

Overnight in Khajuraho

After breakfast, visit the Chandela Hindu temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India. The remaining temples have been beautifully restored and are in excellent condition. Visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, Chhatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai temple; each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture.

Overnight in Khajuraho

After breakfast drive to Orchha; it is an interesting drive as we get a glimpse of the rural life of India. Orchha is a wonderful example of a medieval fort palace. Within the turreted walls are gardens, gateways, pavilions, and temples. Arrive and stay

Overnight in Orchha

Morning visit to Raj Mahal: a fine example of Bundela Rajput architecture; also visit the impressive Jahangir Mahal, built in elegant Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Evening transfer to Jhansi railway station for Shatabdi Express to Agra. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for two nights in Amar Vilas or Taj View.

Overnight in Agra

Today we visit India’s most celebrated monument, the Taj Mahal which was built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan in memory of his bride Mumtaz. Later visit the Agra Fort, offering fine views of the Taj Mahal across river Yamuna. Afternoon visit to the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).

Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast, drive past Rajasthani villages; the charming journey bringing us first to the deserted sandstone buildings of Fatehpur Sikri and the Sufi shrine of Slim Chishti. Arrive Jaipur. Built-in 1727, this city was the dream of the brilliant ruler Jai Singh. Stay two nights in Ram Bagh Palace or Raj Vilas Palace.

Overnight in Jaipur

This morning we drive to nearby Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th-century hilltop fortress. In the afternoon, we visit City Palace; still inhabited by Jai Singh’s descendants. It is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Also, visit Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory. On the periphery of the City Palace, we will visit the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds).

Overnight in Jaipur

After breakfast, drive to Delhi. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital. Stay two nights in the Imperial or Taj Mahal hotel.

Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast, visit Jama Masjid (mosque) and Red Fort in Old Delhi. Afternoon visit to New Delhi, including Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the India Gate.

Overnight in Delhi

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.