Heritage Tours In India

Destinations Covered: Delhi - Khajuraho - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Ajanta - Ellora - Bombay
Duration: 17 Nights / 18 Days

Day 1- Delhi
Evening arrival at Delhi follows transfer to hotel Imperial.

Day 2- Delhi
Trace the history of ancient Indian Architecture in the morning orientation and slide show/ lecture presentation. Admire the architectural beauty of Delhi after lunch. The monuments covered are Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's tomb and many others.

Day 3- Delhi
Visit the National Museum in the morning to know more about Indian art and architecture. After lunch, visit the Crafts Museum. In the evening enjoy classical dances of India followed by Indian dinner.

Day 4- Delhi/ Khajuraho
From Delhi you will be flown to Khajuraho. After lunch, visit the classical temples of Chandela style, illustrated with remarkable and erotic sculptures from the Kama Sutra.

Day 5- Khajuraho
In the morning, have a closer look at the Jain temples, belonging to the same period. This also includes an introduction to the Jain Religion. In the afternoon, you can take the optional excursion in to the Panna National Park,

Day 6- Chandela Forts
Learn more about the Chandela architecture by visiting the little known Chandela Forts at Kalinjar (130km) and Ajayagarah (80 km).

Day 7- Khajuraho/ Orchha
Set put for Orchha in the morning and see the Jahangir Mahal Palace. Drive to Jhansi to take the train to Agra.

Day 8- Agra - Taj Mahal
At Agra, see the beauty of the Taj Mahal in the rising sun. After breakfast visit the Agra Fort. An introduction to the Indo-Persian architecture follows.

Day 9- Agra/ Fatehpur Sikri/ Jaipur
A visit to Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is organized. It is the first white marble inlaid grave in pure Indo-Persian style. Set out for Jaipur in the afternoon, visiting the deserted town of Fatehpur Sikri enroute.

Day 10- Jaipur
Full day sightseeing excursion is organized. The tour includes the Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal. You will also have the opportunity to visit block printing factory, gem cutting, carpet factory and silk shops.

Day 11- Jaipur/ Udaipur
From Jaipur you will be flown to Udaipur. A lecture on modern Indian architecture follows in the afternoon.

Day 12- Udaipur
Explore the historic city of Udaipur by visiting the City Palace and its Museum. Here, you will also be introduced to the world of miniature paintings. It follows boat ride in the Pichola Sagar Lake. Also, visit the Saheliyon Ki Bari, the ladies garden. Get ready for a special dinner and presentation on old Mughal, Rajput, Jain and Deccani paintings.

Day 13- Udaipur (Ranakpur Temples)
Set out to Ranakpur to explore the wonderful Jain temples there. Also, enjoy lunch at Maharani Bagh (Mango Orchard of the Maharaja of Jodhpur), near the Temples.

Day 14- Aurangabad
Fly Udaipur-Bombay-Aurangabad. On arrival at Aurangabad, you will be transferred to Hotel Rama International.

Day 15- Ajanta
Discover the architectural and mural wonder at the Ajanta caves by visiting the Buddhist and Brahminical caves.

Day 16- Ellora
At Ellora, admire the beauty of the most extraordinary free standing monolithic temple (there are only two of these in India), the Kailashanatha Temple, with unique carvings of the Ramayana and Vishnupurana. Fly to Mumbai and transfer to hotel Taj Mahal, new wing.

Day 17- Bombay
In the morning, a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum (the largest Fine Art Museum in India) and the Hanging Gardens is organized. Afternoon follows a cruise to the magnificent Elephanta Caves

Day 18- Bombay
Before lunch, you have leisure time and can take optional visit to Crawford Market or the Chor Bazaar. After lunch, join Bombay Heritage Walking Club (art & architecture students /professionals) and explore the old parts of Mumbai city. The Bombay Heritage Walking Club organizes a 2 hr. walk through the old part of Bombay and also interacts with the local people. Dinner follows evening transfer to airport for flight back home.