Morning city tour of Mumbai, visit to Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principal landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to this colony in 1911. Drive past the Afghan Church. Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’. Drive past Haji Ali Mosque, a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint on an island 500 m. out at sea and is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Stop at the ‘Dhobi Ghat’ where Mumbai’s ‘dirties’ are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry. Watch the local train passing close by on which the city commuters ‘hang out like laundry’ – a nice photography stop. Continue to the colourful Crawford market and to the Flora fountain in the large bustling square, in the heart of the city. Also visit Mani Bhawan if time permits.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning excursion to Elephanta Caves. An early morning excursion across the Mumbai harbor to 1200-year-old Elephanta Caves housing some of the most beautiful rock-cuts of the period. The famous Trimurti sculpture of three-faced Shiva depicting his three aspects as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer is powerfully portrayed in the massive sculpture. Closed on Mondays and not available during the Monsoon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meeting assisted departure transfer to the airport to connect flight for Aurangabad. On arrival, assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Aurangabad is a city in Maharashtra state, in India. It’s known for the 17th-century marble Bibika Maqbara shrine,  styled on the Taj Mahal. The nearby Shivaji Maharaj Museum dedicatedto the Maratha king Shivaji, displays war weapons and a coin collection. North of the city, the Aurangabad Caves comprise ancient, rock-cut Buddhist shrines.

Overnight at the hotel.

Full day excursion of Ajanta Caves. (Closed on Mondays)

It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora River, was discovered. A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 AD. The 29 caves were built assecluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityasand Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve – centres of the Buddhist cultural movement. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others are also elaborately portrayed.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning excursion of Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesdays)

The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave – temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.

Overnight at the hotel.

In time assisted departure transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi. Meeting, assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture, and human diversity, deep in history, monuments,museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning post breakfast in time assisted departure transfer to the railway station to board the train Maharajas’ Express

Meeting, assistance on arrival at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Start your morning with visit of Old Delhi. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, – a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi), Jama Masjid, – The largest mosque in India. A cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Enjoy rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk.

Afernoon sightseeing of New Delhi: Visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully handcarved for its entire height of 234f, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even afer 1500 years, the mausoleum of emperor Humayun. Drive past India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the viceroy’s residence) and the Parliament House.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day free on our own.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meeting, assistance on departure and transfer to the international airport to connect flight for onwards journey.