India: West to East
Mumbai,Udaipur,Jodhpur,Nimaj,aipur,Delhi,Agra,Khajuraho,Varanasi,Kolkata(brochure)
Day 1: Australia to Mumbai (D)
Fly from Australia to Mumbai, the most cosmopolitan city of India. Known as the country’s commercial and celluloid capital, Mumbai is also famous as the ‘city that never sleeps’. After clearing airport formalities, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Day 2: Day in Mumbai (B / L / D)
After breakfast, take a short ferry ride from Mumbai harbour to Elephanta Island, home to 7th century rock-cut temples. Spend the morning visiting the ancient Elephanta caves, which also feature delicately carved panels depicting the life of Lord Shiva. The highlight is the main central cave that houses the‘Maheshamurti’ -a three-headed sculpture of Lord Shiva resplendent in all his 3 forms i.e. creator, preserver and destroyer of life. This afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Mumbai visiting the Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, Gandhi museum and the bustling Dhobi Ghats.
Day 3: Mumbai to Udaipur (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to airport to catch your flight to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. This afternoon, take a city tour of Udaipur visiting the City Palace, one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, a garden of the maids of honour; Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, a folklore museum and Jagdish Temple.
Day 4: Udaipur to Jodhpur (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Jodhpur en route visiting the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D.
Day 5: Jodhpur to Nimaj (B / L / D)
This morning, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort, and the grand palaces within the fort - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.
This afternoon, take a jeep safari to nearby tribal village settlements. Rajasthani villagers are famous for their cultural and colourful lifestyle. You get the opportunity to interact with local villagers, shepherds, farmers and weavers of the region and see their way of life. Later, drive to Nimaj Palace, an erstwhile palace that has now been converted to a beautiful heritage hotel. Tonight enjoy a palatial stay at Nimaj Palace.
Day 6: Nimaj to Jaipur (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. This afternoon, take a city tour of Jaipur, visiting the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows.
Day 7: Day in Jaipur (B / L / D)
This morning, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride. This afternoon, take an excursion to the village of Sanganer, famous for block printed textiles and hand made paper. See the traditional printing and paper making process and interact with local artisans. Later, return to Jaipur to visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and shop for souvenirs. Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stoned jewels, enamelled ornaments, beautiful carpets and other artifacts and crafts.
Day 8: Jaipur to Delhi (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Delhi, the capital city of India. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi visiting the famous Qutab Minar, the tallest brick tower in India, built in the 12th century. Drive past President’s House and Parliament House and take a photo stop at the famous India Gate. Also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a white marble and gold sikh shrine still in active worship.
Day 9: Day in Delhi (B / L / D)
Today take a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Walk through the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk (silver street) to arrive at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Drive through the old walled city past the famous Red Fort. Then visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the afternoon, visit Dilli Haat, a sophisticated version of traditional village market, offering a wide selection of handicrafts, apparel, artifacts, and foods from various regions of India.
Day 10: Delhi to Agra (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Agra, land of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. En-route stop at Sikandra, the tomb of mughal emperor Akbar. This afternoon, visit the white marble beauty and symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Later, visit Agra fort, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces and halls of public and private audience.
Day 11: Train Agra to Jhansi; Drive Jhansi to Khajuraho via Orchha (B / L / D)
This morning board an express train to Jhansi. From Jhansi, embark on a short drive to Orchha, a medieval town popular for its palaces and temples. Orchha’s famous landmarks are Jahangir Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Orchha. Later, continue your drive to Khajuraho -the temple city of central India, famous for its exquisitely carved temples in stone. This evening, enjoy the famous cultural dance show of Khajuraho.
Day 12: Khajuraho to Varanasi (B / L / D)
This morning, visit the western group of temples, the most popular temples at Khajuraho. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. This afternoon, catch your flight to Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world, situated along the banks of holy River Ganges. Today, visit the Bharat Mata Temple, the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble. Later, take an evening rikshaw ride to the ghats to enjoy the spectacular sunset ‘Aarti’ ceremony, performed everyday at the banks of holy River Ganges.
Day 13: Varanasi to Kolkata by overnight train (B / L / D)
Take an early morning boat cruise for a spiritual experience on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted. After breakfast, visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum. Varanasi city is also renowned for its silk weavers, who prepare the finest types of woven silk fabrics. This afternoon, visit silk weavers and cooperatives to see the process of silk weaving. This evening, board your overnight train to Kolkata.
Day 14: Day in Kolkata (B / L / D)
Arrive Kolkata early this morning. Taste the rich flavours of Kolkata with breakfast at a local restaurant. Then transfer to your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, take a city tour of Kolkata visiting Jain temple, the white marble Victoria Memorial and Kali temple. Drive past Fort William and Secretariat buildings. Also visit local markets where you get the opportunity to meet local artisans making idols of Hindu gods.
Day 15: Kolkata to Australia (B / L / D)
Enjoy a day at leisure in Kolkata for some last minute shopping and enriching experiences in this culture and tradition rich city. This evening, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.
| Departure dates below are guaranteed on minimum of 4 passengers or above | Twin Share Price |
| 26Feb.2010; 26Mar.2010; | AU$ 4,690 |
| 30Apr.2010; 28May.2010; 27Aug.2010; 10Sep.2010; | AU$ 4,820 |
| 20Nov.2009; 04Dec.2009; 22Jan.2010; | AU$ 5,300 |
| 05Nov 2010; 25Feb 2011; 25Mar 2011; 29Apr 2011; | AU$ 4,980 |
| 03Dec 2010; 28Jan 2011; | AU$ 5,650 |
Single Room Supplement:AU$ 1,480
Land Only: AU $3,780
Price includes:
International and India domestic economy airfares.
Australia/ India airport and departure tax;
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 4*/ heritage hotels or best available hotel in the region.
All meals included (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner).
All monument entrance fees included.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and departures.
Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours. English speaking escort to accompany the group for minimum group size of 8 passengers.
Chauffeured air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours.
All currently applicable taxes.
Train fare for sector Agra - Jhansi and Varanasi - Kolkata.
Ferry ride to Elephanta caves in Mumbai.
Jeep safari to tribal village settlements near Jodhpur.
Elephant ride at Amber fort, Jaipur, subject to availability else, jeep ride will be provided.
Cultural Dance show at Khajuraho.
Boat ride in Varanasi ;
Rikshaw ride to the ghats in Varanasi.
India visa fee for Australian passport holder;
Price excludes:
Air fuel surcharge $380 at brochure printing (subject to airline fluctuation).
Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses.
Local payments in domestic currency, such as tips and gratuities.
Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions.
Request more information about India: West to East
Fields marked * must be filled in.