Incredible India

Assistance on arrival at International airport

Arrive Delhi, the Political Capital of India. Delhi is history, and the monuments are tablets on which the history is written. Every conqueror did his best to possess Delhi and make it his capital. It is not a single city but a combination of eight cities that have been established here from as early as 900 BC to 1930 when the British completed the construction of New Delhi as the capital of Imperial India. It is therefore not surprising that the monuments of Delhi successfully mirror the development of the architectural styles in the country. On arrival at the airport lounge, you will be welcomed by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive holding a placard and will assist you with a transfer.

Full day city tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Qutub minar, Jama Masjid with rickshaw ride in old Delhi

Today proceed for full day city tour of Old and New Delhi. Begin with a drive past Red Fort to reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most exhilarating journey of the tour. A rickshaw ride will take you through markets buzzing with people going about their daily chores, vendors selling their wares and shops decorated and ready for business. The rickshaw tour is a great way to discover a different aspect of Delhi and experience the energy of the city. Conclude your day with a visit to Qutub Minar; being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphy decorated interiors as well as inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran.

Train to Varanasi

In time assisted departure transfer to Delhi Railway station to board the train to Varanasi. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ghats of Varanasi is a natural supplement to the concept of divinity and is known as the city that liberates the soul from the human body to the ultimate. The city is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts, and education.

Assistance on arrival at railway station and evening attend aarti ceremony

On arrival at the railway station, TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive will meet you at the platform holding a placard who will provide assisted transfer to your accommodation. Later in the evening witness the grand prayer ceremony on the ghats of river Ganges. You will be transferred to a surreal world, as dozens of big lamps are lighted and swayed in a semi-circle, in tandem by the priests to offer prayers, while singing of Vedic hymns and playing of the traditional instruments, while the visitors release 100 of small earthen lamps with flickering lights.

Sunrise boat ride followed by Heritage walk, later visit Sarnath and silk weaver's village

Start your day with a sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges followed by a short heritage walk through the old city. One can see the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the steps, the vivid colours of their clothes glistening against the pale gold water, the triangular flags fluttering atop the temple spires. Visit the Banaras ghat, Assi ghat and various others. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Thereafter visit silk weaver’s village, where the famous exclusive Varanasi or Banarasi silk sarees are produced by the talented local weaving community. Varanasi, abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades. Later visit Sarnath - the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism and has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images on display at the Museum.

Travel to Lucknow

Assistance on departure and travel to Lucknow, the aristocratic city of the Nawabs which still resounds with the reminiscence of the royal heritage and luxurious life. It is a mosaic of ancient mansions, magnificent Imambaras, narrow lanes and the unique cultural ethos of the Nawabs, which echo the bygone grandeur of the city.

Assistance on arrival, evening walking food tour

On arrival in Lucknow, you will be assisted with the check-in to your accommodation. In the evening, embark upon a Cuisine Walk of Lucknow to indulge into the never before pampering of taste buds visiting the roadside eateries (these eateries are very traditional, and none can copy the taste that they offer). Start with Shri Lassi and move to Kaleji Kabab, Rahim's Kulche Nihari, Mobeen's Pasanda Kabab, Tunde's Gilawat Kabab and finally to sweeten the mouth the Silver foiled Malai Gilori at Radhey's. If you feel heavy after such a heavy diet, we still have a solution to try out the Paan.

Full day city tour visiting The Residency, Bada Imambara, Asfi Mosque, Labyrinth, La Martiniere, Dilkusha Palace & Gardens with a experience of Chikan Kari embroidery works

Morning proceed for the city tour of Lucknow starting with The Residency a place where speechless walls are known to speak the gruesome tale of the 1857 mutiny. Bada Imambara a famous monument of Lucknow that is of historical, cultural and heritage importance. The complex also includes Asfi mosque, the labyrinth, and a summer palace. Later visit the architectural marvel of age, La Martiniere which was designed by a Frenchman Major-General Claude Martin as a palatial home and Dilkusha Palace & Gardens the palace was built by a European architect for the Nawab - Sadat Ali Khan. The palace was used as a country house and hunting lodge by the Nawab and his begums. Lucknow is the centre for Chikan embroidery, renowned for it's timeless grace and gossamer delicacy, a skill more than 2000 years old. In the evening experience Chikan Kari embroidery works followed by a walk-through Colourful Dhobi ghat.

Travel to Agra

Morning assistance on departure and travel to Agra, home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. A poem of white marble, the Taj is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love.

Assistance on arrival, later in the afternoon visit marble workshop

On arrival, you will be assisted with a transfer to your accommodation. Afternoon, begin your city tour with a drive pass traditional house, local schools, British Raj Colonies to Mughal Era Architectures till you reach Marble factory to witness artisans creating beautiful marble handicrafts whose ancestors had worked during the construction of the Taj.

Morning visit to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, later travel to Jaipur

Early morning visit India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The epitome of love, standing majestically on the banks of the river Yamuna, was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his queen. Made in pure white marble, ornated with semi-precious stones and built around a beautiful four gardens plan, it is universally admired as the greatest achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. Thereafter, visit Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar, made with red sandstone, exhibits a fascinating mixture of Islamic and Hindu styles of artistry. The splendid structures within the fort, the ramparts and majestic gateways signify the immense power, wealth and confidence of the Mughal empire.

Assistance on arrival, rest of the day free to relax

On arrival, you will be assisted with a transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the evening is free to relax or for doing your own activities.

Full day city tour visiting Amber fort with Jeep ride, en-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal, visit to City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and evening free to explore local market

Morning tour of Jaipur starts with a drive to Amber fort. En-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). Next visit City Palace Museum which boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles (haudas). Visit Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories, a complex of astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to the day. Later explore through the colourful and chaotic streets, shopping for souvenirs like silver jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, topaz and emeralds, embroidered clothing and quilts, block printed textiles, lacquered brass work, miniature marble carvings and blue potteries.

Travel to Jodhpur

Morning assistance on departure and travel to Jodhpur. Today you will experience the feeling of travelling back in time with a journey to Jodhpur. Also known as the "The Blue City", and "Gateway to Thar", Jodhpur is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era.

Assistance on arrival and evening free to explore colorful bazaars

On arrival in Jodhpur, you will be assisted with a transfer to your accommodation. Evening free to explore the Sadar Bazaar famous for glass bangles, rugged camel leather mojari slippers and incredible fabrics.

Morning visit to Mehrangarh followed by Jaswant Thada

Morning proceed for a city tour of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, where the beauty and grandeur of numerous palaces inside narrates a saga of hard sandstone yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptors. Inside, the collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort’s ramparts are all well preserved. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur. Rest of the day is at leisure for your own activity.

Travel to Udaipur en-route visit Ranakpur Jain temple

Morning assistance on departure and travel to Udaipur. Enroute visit Ranakpur Jain temple, renowned for its Jain temples with intricately carved marble Pillars and Domes, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravalli ranges, it boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. Later continue your drive to Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. The city has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture, which makes it one of the must-visit destinations in India.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your accommodation with rest of the day is at leisure.

Full day city tour visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion Ki Bari, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal and Boat ride

Morning proceed for the guided tour visiting City Palace and its complex. The City Palace boasts a wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture and has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavour of this heritage site. Later visit Jagdish Temple, dating back to 1651 AD, it is an exquisite example of Indo Aryan architecture. Visit the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, an Indian folk arts museum which has interesting exhibits that include traditional dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments, folk deities. Also visit Shalion Ki Bari means Garden of Maids. Later enjoy a boat ride (shared) on Lake Pichola, an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, and named after the nearby Picholi village.

Flight to Mumbai

Morning in time check out and assisted departure transfer to Udaipur airport to board the flight to Mumbai, famously known as the city of Dreams. The city offers a cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment and nightlife, available in a form and abundance comparable to that in other world capitals.

Assistance on arrival at airport (Domestic flight)

On arrival at Mumbai airport, TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive will meet you at the arrival lounge holding a placard. He will assist you with a transfer to your hotel. Mumbai is a place where culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, music, and theatres. The city offers a cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment, and nightlife, available in a form and abundance comparable to that in other world capitals.

Full day city tour visiting Gateway of India, Hanging Garden, Dhobi Ghat and Dharavi Slum

Morning proceed for city tour of Mumbai visiting The Gateway of India, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Sitting proudly on the Apollo Bunder overlooking the Arabian Sea. Visit Hanging Garden, a terrace garden situated on top of the Malabar Hill. The other famous sites to visit are the Dhobi Ghats, one of the more well-known open-air laundry facilities in Mumbai. Afternoon, Set out on 2.5-hrs walking tour to Dharavi Slum. Follow your guide down a maze of narrow lanes that comprise a mix of households and small-scale businesses run by Dharavi's residents. Learn about the working conditions among numerous cottage industries, including textiles, recycling, pottery and leather tanning in an informal economy that turns over millions of dollars annually. Passing through these small spaces, you will learn about the sense of community that exists among the residents, whose diversity is reflected in the temples, mosques, and churches that stand side by side.

Visit to Elephanta Caves followed by Crawford Market

Today we proceed for a guided excursion to Elephanta caves. Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD and is a cave complex housing a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticoes arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The sheer labour which had gone into constructing these caves puts one in amazement, especially when one realizes that it is without the use of any machines. It is situated on Gharapuri Island in Mumbai's harbour, about an hour's boat ride from the Gateway of India. The ferry ride to the island in itself is an experience. On our return we explore Crawford Markets, having goodies for everyone that bring back childhood memories no matter where you were born. People will tell you this is a wild, crazy place where you can find everything.

Departure transfer to International Airport

Morning assisted departure transfer to Mumbai airport to board the flight to onward destination. The tour ends with sweet memories.