Travel by local taxi to Victoria Terminus I Take a local train to Byculla I Get off at Byculla I Travel to Chor Bazar (Thief Maket)
The tour begins with a quick pick-up from the hotel to Victoria Terminus train station, by a local taxi (or cab as we call it). Inside its rickety frame a bumpy ride to the station is guaranteed.
A mammoth monument unlike any other in Mumbai, Victoria Terminus (VT), re-christened Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), is considered to be one of the largest hubs in Mumbai to experience what it feels like to be surrounded by a sea of people from all walks of life either arriving into the city for work or shuttling themselves to it. First class tickets to Byculla are provided as you board a local train and mingle with the typical Mumbaiwallah (Mumbai local). Disembark at Byculla station and get picked up to visit the famous thief market (Chor Bazar).
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, train ticket of Local Train and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 139 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 67 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 44 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 49 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 43 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 39 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Karla and Bhaja Caves are located near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are regarded to be from the times of Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. Karla is the best example of rock-cut architecture, which is believed to carve out from a living rock. Some of its 2000 year-old wooden beams are still alive. It takes nearly 20 minutes to climb up the steep way of the Karla caves. There is a sculpture of Buddha preaching seated on a lion-supported throne, which has magnificent carvings of three elephants. The pillars are adorned with motifs of elephants, men and riding women etc.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 215 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 107 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 75 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 69 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 60 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 49 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By Amitmahadik100 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The location of the Kanheri caves is so green with wooded hills and valleys, and it is at a distance of only 42 km from Mumbai. The architectures of this cave are regarded to be one of the finest in India. According to historians, these caves scooped out between 200 BC and 600 AD. The whole complex has 109 caves cut manually on the flank of a hill; each fitted with a stone plinth that evidently served as a bed.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 143 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 71 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 46 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 39 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 45 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 40 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By Varun Patil (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Original uploaded by Razimantv (Transfered by sreejithk2000) (Original uploaded on ml.wikipedia) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Excursion to Elephanta Caves
Duration 6hrs approx
Morning proceed for an excursion of Elephanta Caves (Closed on Mondays), the caves contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, boat transfer, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 94 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 53 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 42 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 42 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 39 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 37 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Morning proceed for an excursion of Elephanta Caves (Closed on Mondays), the caves contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Return back to Mumbai to visit Prince of Wales Museum, one of Mumbai’s finest examples of Victorian architecture.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, boat transfer to visit Caves, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 188 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 102 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 78 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 77 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 71 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 67 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By Abhijeet Rane from Bangalore, India [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Tour of Film City of India – Mumbai
Duration 4hrs approx
Drive through up market residential area, Malabar Hills, visit of Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colorful outdoor ‘laundry’.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 84 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 44 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 31 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 30 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 35 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 26 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By Rangakuvara (Own work) [CCBY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Paul Mannix [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Light & Sound Show
Duration 50 minutes show
This fascinating Son-et-Lumiere spectacle evokes the life and times of the greatt Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day.
Timings: 06:30 pm to 07:25 pm
Land Cost: – transportation, tickets for The Light & Sound Show and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 30 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 22 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 20 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 21 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 22 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 21 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By vsvinaykumar (http://www.panoramio.com/user/vsvinaykumar) [Attribution], via Wikimedia CommonsExcursion to Ramnagar Fort
Duration 4hrs approx
14 km. from Varanasi , on the opposite bank of river Ganga Ramnagar lies. The fort at Ramnagar houses a museum displaying the Royal collection which includes vintage Cars, Royal palkies, an armoury of swords and old guns, ivory work and antique clocks. The Durga Temple and Chhinnamastika Temple are also Located at Ramnagar. The VedVyasa temple is also there inside the premises of Ramnagar fort , and a temple of DakshinMukhi Hanuman is there.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 51 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 30 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 23 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 22 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 21 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 20 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By R. M. Calamar from Brooklyn, New York, USA (SaranathUploaded by Ekabhishek) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsDuration 4hrs approx
Proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, where Gautam Budha delivered his first sermon after receiving enlightenment. Also visit Sarnath Museum (closed on Fridays) which houses a rich collection of sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images. Apart from the above the other objects of lnterest at Sarnath are the Dharmrajika Stup, magnificent Lion capital, India’s National Emblem at Sarnath museum, the Saddharmachakra Vihar’s at excavated ruins.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 47 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 28 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 24 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 21 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 19 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 18 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By Jeeheon Cho from Surat Thani, Thailand (Varanasi River BankUploaded by Ekabhishek) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsSightseeing of Temple City Varanasi
Duration 4hrs approx
Today visit various temples, Emperor Aurangzeb’s Mosque and one of the biggest university of India the “Benaras Hindu University. In the evening witness Aarti Ceremony (light Ceremony) on the bank of River Ganges.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 48 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 29 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 24 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 23 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 20 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 19 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Day Excursion to Ajanta Caves – A World Heritage Site – Aurangabad
Duration 8hrs approx
Enjoy a full day tour of Ajanta caves. Visit the temples carved out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff by Buddhist monks. The caves are adorned by remarkable sculptures and vividly colored frescoes, which have been preserved for over 2,000 years.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 174 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 89 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 65 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 66 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 65 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 52 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By Jonathanawhite at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsDaulatabad Fort – Aurangabad
Duration 4hrs approx
Rising dramatically over 600 ft above the Deccan plain is the arresting sight of Daulatabad. Once known as Devgiri, this fort served as the head quarters of the powerful Yadava rulers. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, or City of Fortune
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 77 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 40 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 29 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 25 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 29 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 26 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Visit Bibi ka Maqbara (also called Mini Taj), built in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son’s loving tribute to his mother, Standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument rises majestically in an intentional bid to copy and rival the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra. An engineering feat of the time is the Panchakki, or the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flour mill and grind grain for the pilgrims.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 72 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 38 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 28 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 26 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 28 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 25 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Proceed for guided excursion of extraordinary caves of Ellora (closed on Tuesday), carved by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks between 7th and 13th centuries. Three million cubic feet of stone was chiseled away to create a giant monolithic temple considered one of the wonders of the ancient World. A short distance away from Ellora Caves lies Ghrishneshwar Temple. It enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva. The temple walls are richly sculptured.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 101 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 54 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 40 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 34 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 40 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 35 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Retreat / Closing Ceremony at Indo Pak Border – Wagah Village India
Duration 4hrs approx
The venue is the international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle. The daily highlight is the evening “Beating the Retreat” ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause
Timings: around 1800hrs
No bags of any sort are permitted into the border area — leave them in your room or you’ll waste time trying to find a locker facility. Bring your passport to speed up your entry to the “special seating” area reserved for guests and foreigners
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 75 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 38 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 27 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 24 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 27 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 25 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city visiting Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) – The Golden Temple is considered holy by Sikhs because the eternal guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest literature in the Sikh religion is always present inside it and its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religion to come and worship God equally. Later visit the historic site of Jaliawala Bagh (Garden) where hundreds of innocent Indian men, women and children were massacred by British General on April 13, 1919.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 68 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 34 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 25 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 26 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 28 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 26 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
By Varun Shiv Kapur [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsTour of Fruit & Vegetable market (Subzi Mandi, Azadpur) – New Delhi
Duration: 03 Hrs (0600 am -0900 am)
Early morning pick up (at 0530 Hrs approx) from you Hotel and proceed for Azadpur Fruit & Vegetable Market is the biggest Fruit & Vegetable market in Asia.
This is the market of national importance as it has assumed the character of a National Distribution Centre for important fruits like Apple, Banana, Orange, Mango and Vegetables like Potato, Onion, and Garlic & Ginger. Back to the Hotel around 0900- 0930 Hrs.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 80 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 45 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 40 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 38 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 37 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 35 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost “section, not applicable for the guest staying in hotel located in NOIDA and GURGAON.
Pick up from hotel at 1500 Hrs and proceed for visit to DILLI HAAT which is the magical world of Indian art and heritage presented through a fascinating panorama of craft, cuisine and cultural activities.
You will find here the works of artists from all over the country and they actually preserve the rich heritage of India.
This Place is not just a market place; it has been visualized as a showpiece of traditional Indian culture- a forum where rural life and folk art are brought closer to an urban clientele.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 72 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 38 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 36 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 35 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 33 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 32 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost “section, not applicable for the guest staying in hotel located in NOIDA and GURGAON.
By Christopher John SSF from Stroud, NSW, Australia (20110428_Paharganj-New_Delhi_Station_001) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsWalking Tour: Visit Ancient Havelis in Old Delhi and Chandni Chock Bazaar
Duration 4 hrs approx
Morning pick up (approx 0900 Hrs) for your CITY Hotel and this tour will lead you through Ballimaaran – Area of old Delhi, visit ancient havelies, visiting a local home – Masterji Kee Haveli (Old Private Mansion) etc Dariba Kalan (the silver market), Kinari Bazaar (wedding market) and Paranthewali Galli (Lane of Parathas).Back to the Hotel around 1300 – 1400 hrs.
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 70 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 37 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 35 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 33 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 31 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 30 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost “section, not applicable for the guest staying in hotel located in NOIDA and GURGAON.
Full day visit of Delhi, you will visit, Rajghat (Gandhi Memorial), Red Fort and Mosque in Old Delhi, and in New Delhi, visit Qutab Minaret and Humayun’s Tomb also drive past government
Land Cost: – transportation, English speaking guide, Monument entrance fees and applicable
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 91 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 63 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 45 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 46 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 47 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 45 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost “section , not applicable for the guest staying in hotel located in NOIDA and GURGAON.
Drive to Alleppey (1 ½ hrs) to enjoy the backwater cruise by Houseboat (starting at 1200hrs) on Vembanadu lake to experience villagers daily activities. Lunch will be served on Houseboat during cruise. De-board at Alleppey boat jetty and drive back to Cochin
Land Cost: – transportation, 3 hours backwater cruise by Houseboat on Vembanadu Lake in Alleppey including lunch and applicable taxes
Subject to minimum 1 person US $ 266 nett
Subject to minimum 2 person US $ 146 nett per person
Subject to minimum 3 person US $ 98 nett per person
Subject to minimum 4 person US $ 86 nett per person
Subject to minimum 5 person US $ 79 nett per person
Subject to minimum 6 person US $ 71 nett per person
The Land cost does not include, tips to driver and guide and any expenses which are not specified in “Land Cost section”
Palitana is the Jain temple city, an essential holy pilgrimage destination for this nonviolent community.
A city of gleaming marble monuments housing representations of the few human souls that have managed to be liberated from the cycle of life, Palitana has over 850 temples atop sacred Mount Satrunjaya (the “hill that conquers enemies”),which makes it highest number of temple city. The interesting fact about these Jain temples is they are made out of white marble. Each and every idol of God has gold underneath it. The God eyes are colored only
Many of these temples date to 15-16th centuries while some of them date to even earlier periods.
The top is reached by climbing (or by being carried up) 3,572 steps—a stiff 2-hour ascent and fasting…. with no food or water.
The ascent is usually commenced in the morning without eating or drinking. While climbing the hill you are not supposed to eat or drink anything. Once you reach the top you can only get a small bowl of curd. If you eat the curd or need to use the restroom – you have to take shower and change into your pooja clothes. Pooja clothes have to be new .
Once you finish your Pooja and climb down, you can vist the Dharamshala which provides you with free food throughout the day. Jains usually finish dinner before sunset.
Amid the massive warren of white marble shrines and temples, you’ll encounter many devotees dressed in white, some wearing gauze masks to filter innocent microbes from the air that they breathe. Some of the devotees attain ecstatic heights, practicing their faith with devotional singing, clapping, and humming. Others create devotional patterns on the ground using rice and nuts, or are seen gently waving fly-whisks over the idols as a gesture of respect.
You can buy very good quality Indian handicrafts in Palitana. Palitana is famous for its Bhel with Pomegranate seeds and sugarcane juice.
By Surya Gahlot (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsThere is a famous Kailash Dham (कैलाश धाम) Lord Shiva Temple in this village. There are few more temples (Ichhapurna Hanuman Temple, Jain Temple etc.) in Bishangarh. The Jain Temple at Bishangarh is of Bhagwan VimalNath. There is a railway station in the village. Which is directly connected to Jodhpur.
Nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport.
For trips to Kailashdham – Book your travel by calling us today!
By amaldla from san francisco (taj mahal) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements. The five principal elements of the complex namely the main gateway, garden, mosque, jawab (literally “answer”; a building mirroring the mosque), and mausoleum (including its four minarets)- were conceived and designed as a unified entity according to the tenets of Mughal building practice, which allowed no subsequent addition or alteration.
Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. These four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the holy Quran and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.
“The interior of the building is dimly lit through pierced marble lattices and contains a virtuoso display of carved marble. Externally the building gains an ethereal quality from its marble facings, which respond with extraordinary subtlety to changing light and weather.”
Two notable decorative features are repeated throughout the complex: pietra dura and Arabic calligraphy. As embodied in the Mughal craft, pietra dura incorporates the inlay of semiprecious stones of various colors, such as lapis lazuli, jade, crystal, turquoise and amethyst, in highly formalized and intertwining geometric and floral designs. The colors serve to moderate the dazzling expanse of the white Makrana marble. The level of sophistication in the art work becomes obvious when one realizes that a 3 cm decorative element contains more than 50 inlaid gemstones.
Under the direction of Amanat Khan al-Shirazi, Quranic verses were inscribed across numerous sections of the Taj Mahal in calligraphy, the center of Islamic artistic tradition. One of the inscriptions in the sandstone gateway is known as Daybreak (89:28-30) and invites the faithful to enter paradise. Calligraphy also encircles the soaring arched entrances to the mausoleum proper. On closer look, the lettering of the Quran verses around the archways appears to be uniform, regardless of their height. The lettering, spacing and density have been customized to give this impression to the beholder. To ensure its uniform appearance, the lettering increases in size according to its relative height and distance from the viewer.
As a tribute to a beautiful woman and as a monument for enduring love, the Taj reveals its subtleties when one explores it at leisure and not hurriedly. The rectangular base of Taj is in itself symbolic of the different sides from which to view a beautiful woman. The main gate is like a veil to a woman’s face, which should be lifted delicately, gently and without haste on the wedding night. As per the charming Indian tradition the veil is lifted gently to reveal the beauty of the bride, in the couple’s first night together.
The dome is made of white marble, but the tomb is set against an awesome backdrop of the river and it is this background that works its magic of colors, and through the reflection of these colors transforms the view of the Taj. The colors change at different hours of the day and during different seasons. Like a jewel, the Taj sparkles in moonlight when the semi-precious stones inlaid into the white marble on the main mausoleum catch the glow of the moon. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. These changes, they say, depict the different moods of a woman.
It has been said of the Mughals that they designed like giants and finished like jewelers, a fact amply brought out in the Taj Mahal. The wife of a British officer, Colonel Slleman, while writing home, described it thus:
“I cannot tell what I think. I do not know how to criticize such a building but I can tell what I feel. I would die tomorrow to have such another over me.”
The poet Rabindranath Tagore has perhaps said it best of all:
“You know Shah Jahan, life and youth, wealth and glory, they all drift away in the current of time. You strove therefore, to perpetuate only the sorrow of your heart. Let the splendor of diamond, pearl and ruby vanish. Only let this one teardrop, this Taj Mahal, glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of time, forever and ever.”
To book a hotel right in front of the Taj – please call us and we will get the confirmed bookings for you.
It is a excellent location to spend the new years
The hotel rates range from $500 to $1000 per night.
Palace on Wheels Duration: 10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS
Palace on wheel, the name itself show the king thought. A journey worthy of kings. No wonder the experience is labelled the Palace on Wheels. With its cream saloons, embellished with ethenic designs, filled through Rajasthan on a journey through the former royal kingdoms of this state. This is converted into museums, hotels, and restaurants where retainers serve truly royal repasts.
The 14 coaches of the Palace On Wheels are named after former Rajput states. Each evokes visions of those royal kingdoms. The names are romantic, mesmerizing… Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. It has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Duration: 9 Days Destinations:
Delhi – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
A journey on the luxury train the Palace on Wheels is the journey of a lifetime. Travel in royal style from
Delhi to the best destinations in fascinating Rajasthan and see the beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra.
Day 01 – (Tuesday) Delhi
Arr. Traditional welcome. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 02 – (Wednesday) Delhi
Board Palace on Wheels to a royal welcome. Dinner on board the luxury train.
Day 03 – (Thursday) Arrival Jaipur 0730 hrs B/F on board.
Welcome to the Pink City of Jaipur by caparisoned elephants. Visit to Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort – the silent sentinels of a glorious era. Lunch at Rambagh Palace. Visit the Jantar Mantar, the age-old observatory and the City Palace, home to the erstwhile rulers. Dinner on board.
Dep. 1730 hrs.
Day 04 – (Friday) Arrival Jaisalmer 0615 hrs
Arr. At the 12th century city of Jaisalmer dominated y its sandstone fort of 99 bastions. Visit the exquisitely carved havelis and palaces with their latticed windows & balconies, cupolas and facades. Experience the famed camel safaris & desert camps… and dine under the stars as the rhythm of Rajasthani music drifts into the night.
Dep. 2300 hrs
Day 05 – (Saturday) Arrival Jodhpur 0800 hrs.
The Mehrangarh Fort looms large over this 15th century city. Visit this magnificient fort and Jaswant Thada, the royal cenotaph. Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the royal residence, a part of which is now a hotel.
Dep. 1530 hrs.
Day 06 – (Sunday) Arrival Sawai Madhopur 0630 hrs. B/F on board
Welcome to the beautiful Ranthambore National Park, a Project tiger reserve, where the imposing ramparts of the fort soar high above…still echoing a glorious past.
Dep. 1100 hrs Depart for Chittorgarh lunch on board – Arr. At 1530 hrs.
Images of love and valour, scars of battles lost and won… thrice besieged, Chittorgarh fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Dep. 2000 hrs.
Day 07 – (Monday) Arrival Udaipur 0730 hrs.
The city of lakes, palaces and gardens and forts. Lunch at the lake palace hotel, the former summer residence of the princes of Mewar. Enjoy the tranquility of lake Pichola visit the city palace, the residence of the maharajas of Udaipur in all its ancient glory.
Dep. 2000 hrs.
Day 08 – (Tuesday) Arrival Bharatpur 0700 hrs.
A wonderland of birds. Visit the renowned Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur, once the preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur and now a world heritage site. It is home to 300 species of birds, some flying in from as far as Siberia and china.
Arr. Agra
Visit the red sand stone fort of Fatehpur Sikri. Lunch on board and proceed for Agra and proceed to Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful monuments ever conceived.
Dinner at Taj Khema – Dep. 2300 hrs.
Day 09 – (Wednesday) Arrival Delhi
Breakfast on board and return to Delhi Cantonment Railway. Station. Arr. 0800 hrs.
It is considered to be the ultimate ride on rails.
The Royale Indian Rail Tours offers one of the most
luxurious train journeys across India ‘s most beautiful locales.
The Maharajas’ Express is one of the six luxury trains in India that promises to offer the best in travel, traditional food and hospitality.
The fares for this luxurious travel range from Rs 212,000 ($4,725) for a single cabin to Rs 900,000 ($17,500)
for the presidential suite for a 7-day trip on a ‘classical journey’.
The ‘Classical India ‘ tour (7 days/6 nights) starts from Delhi and passes through Agra , Gwalior , Khajuraho,
Bandhavgarh, Varanasi , and Lucknow , before returning to Delhi .
For a ‘Princely India ‘ trip (8 days/7 nights), it costs Rs 243,000 ($5,400) for single accommodation,
Rs 321,000 ($7,140) for double occupancy and Rs 900,000 ($17,500) for the presidential suite.
This particular trip starts from Mumbai and passes through Vadodara, Udaipur , Jodhpur , Bikaner ,
Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra , and finally ends at New Delhi .
The train criss-crosses through some of the most beautiful locales in the country offering a panoramic view of India ‘s countryside.
The Royal India tour (8 days/7 nights) takes you from Delhi to Agra , Ranthambore,
Jaipur, Bikaner , Jodhpur , Udaipur , Vadodara, before winding up at Mumbai.
The train chugs along the majestic ghats, deserts, lush green fields, scenic villages and rivers of western and north India .
The Maharaja Express redefines luxury travel with five-star hotel hospitality and high-tech modern amenities all along the journey.
The pan-India super luxury has a total of 23 coaches with a passenger capacity of 84.
It has five deluxe cars each with four cabins, six junior suite cars with three cabins;
two suite cars with two cabins each and finally the presidential suite that occupies
an entire compartment. Every cabin has large panoramic windows,
individual temperature controls, the first of its kind in India .
It also has LCD televisions, DVD players, direct dial telephone, electronic safe deposit box and internet facilities
to make the journey an unforgettable experience.
The train is operated by Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd (RIRTL), a joint venture between Cox and Kings (India) Ltd
and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
A royal banquet for passengers, the Maharajas’ Express has two fine dining restaurants that seat 42 persons at a time.
Wine and beer are complimentary. A bar with the choicest collection of house wines also offers beer and spirits along with snacks
that are complimentary for every passenger. There’s also a lounge-cum-bar with comfortable club armchairs.
The deluxe cabin is decked up in lavish style.
The Maharajas’ Express also houses a high-end boutique, featuring exquisite and unique creations.
The tour package includes guided train excursions at different places.
The fare includes entrance fees at various sight seeing places, camera fee, transport and services of a guide,
complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board and porterage at stations.
The Maharajas’ Express is comprehensively insured for fire, earthquake, theft and terrorism.
All guests are covered under an umbrella insurance cover.
One of most significant religious centres of Hinduism, Varasani needs to visited to be believed. Bustling with devotees, sadhus, tourists and locals, the place is teeming with sights that are uniquely Indian.
The temples and ghats (steps leading to the Ganga) with thousands of devotees performing religious rituals and dotted with Hindu priests performing rites is quite a sight to behold.
The Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath Deer Park and the Ram Nagar Fort are worth a visit. Also the Panchganaga, Dasaswamedh and Kedar ghats offer a great slice of Varanasi life.
Getting there: Being the religious and tourist hub that it is, Varanasi is well connected to most major Indian cities by rail, the end point being either the Varanasi Juction or the Mughal Sarai Junction. You can also fly into Varanasi airport, that is about 25 km from the city centre.
This Rajasthani city is tourist magnet thanks to its serene lakes and beautiful palaces.
Topping the list of must-see spots is the Udaipur City Palace, with its impeccably maintained gardens, luxurious halls and chambers.
The Pichola and Fateh Sagar both offer a variety of attractions for tourists and the Saheliyon ki Badi has opulent gardens and fountains that are definitely worth a viewing.
As with most Rajasthani cities and towns, there is plenty of shopping here. So if you’re looking for traditional arts, jewellery or clothing, Udaipur is just the place to go.
Getting there: Tourists can fly into Dabok Airport (24 km from the city) from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. Udaipur is connected
Another important centre of Hinduism, Rishikesh lies along the Ganga river and the Char Dham Yatra, one of the faith’s most holy pilgrimages, typically begins here. Apt from its religious significance, it is also a major centre for yoga and the town is dotted with yoga and meditation schools. For travellers looking a little adventure can opt for whitewater rafting, kayaking on the river and rappelling, trekking and even bungee jumping along the Himalayas nearby. Getting there: The town is not too well connected by plane or rail. The best way to get there is by bus from Delhi (230 km away). By rail, there are a few trains that run to and from Haridwar.
By soham_pablo [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsOften called the cultural capital of the state, Pune is where the Marathi film industry is based and also where many esteemed centres of higher learning have been established.
The city has 4 museums that tourists can visit including the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, the National War Museum, and palaces such as Shaniwar Wada and the Aga Khan Palace.
Adventure seekers should drop by the Pataleshwar Caves, the Bhimashankar Sanctuary or trek up one of the many nearby forts.
Getting there: Flights, both domestic and international, come into Lohegaon airport that lies about 10 km from the city. By rail, Pune is connected to most major cities and three national highways 4, 9 and 50 by road.
A quiet little union territory has an interesting history, being the largest of the erstwhile French colonies in India. French is still widely understood here and the architecture and eating spots still continue with the cultural influences.
The town moves along at a relaxed paced and there’s not much to do besides walking around taking in the environs so different from any other place in the country.
Some of the popular tourist spots are the beaches (Paradise and Auro), the Aurobindo Ashram, and the Boat House.
There are also plenty of places to get some great French and European cuisine, so if you’re in the mood to experiment, this is the place for you!
Getting there: The town is best accessed by road. Buses and taxis are available from Chennai and most other large cities like Bangalore, Trichy and Combatore.
The nearest airport is about 135 km away, in Chennai and nearest railway station is Villupuram that is connected to Chennai, Madurai and a few other cities.
This sleepy little tea town is best known (apart from its tea blends) for its rolling green hills and scenic beauty.
There’s not much to do in town except for relax and take in the beauty of the place, but there are a number of attractions short distances away.
Some of these include the Atukkad Falls, Mattupetti Dam, Kundala Lake and the Eravikullam National Park, where you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Thar. There are also elephant tours that can be organised from the town for the more adventurous.
Getting there: Nestled in the Western Ghats, the only way to get here is by road. The nearest railway stations are Ernakulam and Aluva and the nearest airport is at Cochin, all three a little over 100 km away.
Travellers can catch one of the many buses that ply the steep slopes from most major cities of the state and taxis and cars can be hired as well.
The country’s commercial capital, Mumbai’s rhythm needs to be experience to be believed. Fast-paced and constantly on the go, the city has something for everyone.
Colonial architecture, diverse cuisine and plenty of entertainment options are just some of what’s in store. Shopping is a tourist’s delight, and the nightlife while have you partying away.
Some of the must-visits are the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal hotel opposite, Juhu Beach and Chowpatty for the fast food; and Bandra for the shopping.
There’s Film City for a glimpse of some Bollywood stars and drop by one of the many religious sites for some spiritual upliftment. Mt Mary’s Church, Haji Ali mosque, and the ISCKON temple are just some of the crowd-pullers.
Getting there: The metro is very well connected from all major cities and most smaller towns as well. Trains pull in from all parts of the country, the major stops being Mumbai Central and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
One of India’s prettiest hill stations, Manali has long been a honeymooner’s paradise. But the little town nestled in the mighty Himalayas offers plenty of entertainment for adventure seekers.
The Beas river has whitewater rafting and there’s skiing, trekking, paragliding and zorbing to be done all along the hilly terrain nearby.
Rohtang Pass has mesmerising views of the great mountains, the Vashisht hot water springs has bathhouses for visitors to soak in the bubbling water and then there are large and small waterfalls at short drives all around Manali. So make sure you pack your outdoor gear.
Getting there: By road, the easiest way is to hop into a bust or taxi at Delhi (about 550 km away).
The town does not have an airport or railhead, the closest being the Bhuntar Airport (50 km away) with flights coming in from Delhi and some from Chandigarh, and the railheads at Ambala Cantonment or Chandigarh roughly about 250 km away, trains starting from Delhi.
By Ramkumar (Terraced farming- Kodaikanal) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsNested in the forested Palani hills, Kodai offers scenic lakes, waterfalls, beautiful valley views and observation points galore.
Some of the must-visit spots include the Berijam Lake (where special permission is required before tourists can visit), the Kodai Lake (for day picnics and boating) and the sprawling Bryant Park.
Getting there: The hill station does not have its own airport or railhead. The closest airports are at Madurai (135 km away), Coimbatore (170 km away) and Trichy (200 km away). By train, travellers can alight at Palani (64 km) or Kodai Road (80 km) and travel on by road.
The ‘Golden City’ has long been a tourist hotspot thanks to its royal history. The desert town boasts of the Jaisalmer Fort (that houses the Raj Mahal), a number of havelis, the most impressive being the Amar Sagar, Patwon-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, and ornate Jain temples.
Tourists can explore the Thar desert perched atop camels, visit the Desert National Park for a gander at the fauna, or the Akal Wood Fossil Park. Of course, there’s plenty of shopping to be done for traditional Rajasthani art, clothes and jewellery.
Getting there: The town has its own railway station and is quite well connected with the major cities. Jodhpur is the closest airport, about 285 km away. Visitors can also get there by road; it is well connected and buses, taxis or rented cars are aplenty.
By Ziaur Rahman (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
It is Jaipur’s rich history and culture that have made it one of the three major tourist centres in the state.
Imposing forts, awe-inspiring palaces and exquisite temples are all there and plenty of them. Visit the Jaigarh and Amber Forts and catch the Amber sound and light show for a glimpse of the city’s history.
The City Palace and Jal Mahal are must-sees. There are also a number of gardens that are perfect for long walks in beautiful surrounds.
Getting there: Jaipur has its own airport with flights coming in from the larger Indian cities. National highways 8, 11 and 12 connect it by road and its railway station connects to most major cities and towns.
Often called the cultural capital of the country, Kolkata has a lot to offer tourists who are open to new experiences.
The Victoria Memorial and Birla Planetarium are definite must-sees as are the famous Howrah Bridge and Tagore House (where the great poet was born).
Of course one of the highlights is the food. Drop by Chowringhee Lane for a taste of the street food and make sure you’re not on a diet when you come to Kolkata, because turning down the juicy Bengali sandesh would simply be a shame.
Getting there: Kolkata is well connected with most of the larger cities and a number for smaller ones. Tourists can fly in to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport, about 20 km out of the city.
The Howrah and Sealdah stations have trains coming in from across the country and national highways 2 and 6 connects the city by road to Mumbai and Delhi.
Image: Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
By Ibrahim Husain Meraj (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
This buzzing metro might be one of the most recognised Indian cities abroad, but the ‘Garden City’ had plenty going for it long before it became an IT hub.
Bengaluru offers a blend of the old and the new and won’t disappoint. The Bangalore Palace and Summer Palace are a glimpse into the city’s royal past and the imposing Vidhana Soudha structure an example of its prosperous present.
There are plenty of ancient religious centres, such as St Mary’s Basilica, St Patric’s Church, the Masjid-e-Khadria and Shri Nimishamba Devi Temple.
Younger tourists will enjoy the plentiful shopping at the many malls, all offering the biggest brands, and the thriving nightlife complete with pubs and lounge bars.
Getting there: The capital city is well connected by road, rail and air. Buses ply national highway 4 from most major cities.
By Amol.Gaitonde (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The spiritual centre of Sikhism, the Golden Temple, is situated at Amritsar and draws tens of thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
The temple has a sprawling complex with the central building housing the Harmandir Sahib situated in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar pool.
Apart from the temple, there are a few other places of interest as well. The Jallianwala Bagh, where over 1570 unarmed people were killed by British Indian Army soldiers, still stands and a memorial has been erected in remembrance. The Summer Palace and Mata Temple are both worth a visit as well.
Visitors can also travel to the Wagah border (27 km away), where there is a flag raising ceremony on both the India and Pakistan border every day.
Getting there: Being a religious hub, Amritsar is well connected both domestically and internationally. The airport located 11 km away from town with regular flights from Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar.
Direct trains connect Amritsar to Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Nagpur, Calcutta and Puri. By road, Amritsar is 235 km from Chandigarh and 450 km from Delhi.
Agra needs no introduction. The timeless Taj Mahal makes it to almost every must-visit list, and deservedly so.
The white marble structure and the sprawling campus around it are simply magnificent.
And while the Taj will be the highlight of any visit to the city, there are quite a few other architectural delights the city offers visitors.
The Agra Fort is another majestic construction, bearing plenty of evidence of the regalia of Mughal times. Some other attractions include the Sikandra complex, Swami Bagh and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Getting there: Being the tourist hub that it is, Agra is well connected by air, road and rail. Agra Airport is about 120 km from the city.
Rail travellers can hop off at Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort or the smaller Raja ki Mandi stations.
By road, travellers can pick from three national highways depending on where they’re arriving from. National highways 2, 3 and 11 most prominently connect Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur respectively
Hindi is the national language of India. If you can learn some basic Hindi Vocabulary you will be able to survive your trip tn any city in India.
Some of the most common words can be found here
Day 01 : Arrival Delhi – Rishikesh(235 Kms. 07 hrs)
Upon arrival in Delhi meeting and assistance followed by drive to Rishikesh. On arrival at Rishikesh check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02 : Rishikesh – Barkot (190 Kms. 07 hrs)
Morning visit Ramjhula,Laxmanjhula,Swargashram,Geetabhawan and drive to Barkot via Dehradun, Mussoorie, and en-route visit Kempty fall. Later continue drive to Barkot. On arrival Barkot Check In at Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning leave for Janki Chatti via Hanuman Chatti & Fool Chatti. On arrival Janki Chatti start Trek of 05 kms for Yamunotri, On Arrive Yamunotri Holi Dip in Tapt Kund, than Pooja and Darshan of Shree Yamunotri Ji, after Darshan and Pooja and back to Janki Chatti on arrival Janki Chatti and drive back to Barkot. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 04: Barkot – Uttarkashi (Drive 82 Kms, 04 hrs)
Morning leave for Uttarkashi, a drive of 82 kms. on arrival Uttarkashi check in at the hotel evening visit Vishwnath Temple,Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05 : Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi (100 Kms. one way)
Early morning drive to Gangotri and on arrival take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges and Perform Pooja, afternoon drive to Uttarkashi, on arrival check into the Hotel.
Morning drive to Rudrapryag, en-route visit Tehri Dam & continue journey toward Rudrapryag. Upon arrival in check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Morning drive to Helipad to catch Helicopter for Kedarnath. On arrival Kedarnath Darshan and Later fly back to helipad. on arrival back to Rudraprayag. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 08 : Rudraprayag – Badrinath (155 kms)
Morning drive to Shree Badrinath Ji, On arrival Badrinath Check in at hotel. Later take a holy Dip in Narad Kund Darshan of Shree Vishnu Ji. Evening visit Mana village (the last village before the Tibetan border) Byas Gufa, Ganesh gufa, Shree Saraswati Temple, Saraswati River,Bhim pul than back to Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09 : Badrinath – Srinagar Garhwal (188 kms)
Early morning Pooja at Temple.Later drive back to Srinagar Garhwal. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Srinagar – Haridwar (134 Kms 05 hrs)
Morning drive to Haridwar visit mansa davi chandi devi darshan and evening ganges Arti Darshan at har ki paidi over night stay at hotel.
Day 11: Haridwar- Delhi (205 kms 07hrs)
Morning drive to Delhi on arrival drop you at the railway station/airport to connect train/flight for onward destination.
Tour and Services Ends
HOTELS DURING YATRA
Hotel Urmi /Similar ,Haridwar(ac) , Hotel Chouhan anexe /Similar , Barkot
Nights: – (1nts) Nights :-( 2nts)
Hotel Shivlinga/mahima/similar,Utterkashi , Hotel Pushpdeep/similar,Rudrapryag(ac)
Nights: – (2nts) Nights: – (2nts )
Hotel Dwarikesh/similar,Badrinath ji , Hotel samrat/similar ,Shrinagar(ac)
Night : (1nts) Night :- (1nts)
Hotel Niraj Bhawan /similar,Rishikesh(ac)
Nights:- (1nts)
Transportation : By 2*2 push back Non ac Bus
Inclusive of toll, parking, driver charges, fuel charges, state taxes, transfers and s/seeing as per the program .
Accommodation :Twin sharing basis on above mention hotels
Food : All meal with running kitchen with tour ( gujrati ,north Indian ,south Indian )
Not Included :
· Govt Service Tax Extra 3.575%
· Meals other than the ones mentioned in the inclusions above and as specified.
· Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, room service etc. Cost would be @- $600/- Per person On twin Sharing Basis..