| DAY
01 Arrive Mumbai |
WELCOME TO INDIA – One Nation,
countless destinations. A land of rich heritage that’s
ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000
years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical
monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to
create a unique and colorful mosaic. This is the wonder
that is India, come, enjoy and experience it.
Proceed to arrival hall after passing through immigration,
collection of your luggage and clearing custom formalities.
You will be meet by representative of CATAI Tours
and will be escorted for transfer to hotel for overnight
stay [FOR EARLY MORNING ARRIVALS ACCOMMODATION AT
HOTEL IS RESERVED FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT TO GURANTEE
IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY UPON ARRIVAL.
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning - At leisure for independent activities.
Afternoon, proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai.
The tour begins at the “Prince of Wales Museum
“, built to commemorate King George V first
visit to India in 1905. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic
style, has sections of art, paintings, archeology
and natural history dating back from 18th to 19th
century. “The Gateway of India” Mumbai’s
foremost landmark overlooking the harbor, was conceived
following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially
opened in 1924. A drive up to the Malabar Hill, to
the hanging gardens, gives a panoramic view of the
city and the Queens Necklace – the Marine Drive.
The tour concludes with a drive through the Flora
Fountain and Fort area and view the Gothic and Victorian
style buildings. Visit the Victoria Terminus (now
known as Chartapati Shivaji Terminus) India’s
finest Gothic building and a bustling Railway Station.
Continue drive around the Horniman Circle and visit
the Town Hall, right besides the docks.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
 |
| DAY
02 MUMBAI-UDAIPUR |
Early morning transfer from hotel to the airport
in time for:
Leave: Mumbai at 0555
hours by 9W-373
Arrive: Udaipur at 0740 hours
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer from
airport to hotel for overnight stay.
Hotel
check-in time 12 noon.
Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Udaipur. This
is possibly the most romantic city in Rajasthan. There
would be no doubt as to why it is called "The
Venice of the East". Maharana Udai Singh founded
the city in 1568. Udaipur is full of palaces, temples
and havelis, ranging from the modest to the extravagant.
Begin the tour with a visit to the City Palace. At
this palace complex, you will marvel at the rooms
with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass
windows, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens, the
Jagdish temple and the local folk museum.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
03 UDAIPUR-JODHPUR |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning drive to Jodhpur (259 kms/6 hrs), enroute
visiting Ranakpur. Visit the famous Jain Temple, dating
back to the 15th century. Its 29 halls are supported
by 200 pillars, none of which are alike. The Temple
abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. This
tour includes visits to two more Jain temples and
to the Temple of the Sun God, with its erotic sculptures.
Lunch at Hotel Fatehbagh, Ranakpur.
Continue your drive and upon arrival at Jodhpur check-
in at hotel for overnight stay.
Rest of the day at leisure.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
04 JODHPUR-JAISALMER |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur.
The tour begins from “ The Mehrangarh Fort “,this
formidable hilltop fort is the one of the most impressive
in Rajasthan . A series of gates lead into the Fort
like “Jayapol”, built by Maharaja Man
Singh in 1806 and the “ Fatehpol” or “Victory
Gate “, erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate
his victory over the Mughals. The main gate is the
“Lahapol”, an iron gate besides which
there are 15 hand prints which are the “Sati
Marks” of Maharaja Man Singh’s widows
who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843.
Inside the fort ,also visit the palaces Moti Mahal
or “Pearl Palace”, the Sukh Mahal or “Pleasure
Palace” and the Phool Mahal or “Flower
Palace”. Continue the tour to visit the “Jaswant
Thada”, a marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a
memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II
Lunch at the hotel.
After lunch drive from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (280 kms/6
hours).
On arrival check-in at hotel for overnight stay.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
05 JAISALMER |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning, sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. It is in the
heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temples, forts
and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city
is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades
and elaborate balconies. See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies,
Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gadi Sagar Tank and Museum.
Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon excursion to Khuri Village and enjoy Camel
ride.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL |
|
| DAY
06 JAISALMER-JODHPUR-JAIPUR |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (280 kms/6 hours)
enroute lunch at Manvar Desert Resort, Manvar.
Continue drive to Jodhpur Railway station in time
to board train for Jaipur.
Leave Jodhpur at 1930
hours by Mandore Express
|
|
| DAY
07 Arrive Jaipur at 0035 hours |
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer
from Railway Station to hotel for stay.
ACCOMMODATION IS RESERVED FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT
TO ENSURE IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY UPON ARRIVAL.
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which
is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace
was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were
made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example
of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital
of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the palace
on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit
the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which
are famous for their design and decorations. This
unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan
is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.
Afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique
Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory
built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the
Hawa Mahal, an intriguing “ Palace of Winds”.
This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal
ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit
the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence
built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which
has grand museums displaying an excellent collection
of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
08 JAIPUR-AGRA |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, drive from Jaipur to Agra (221 kms/6 hours)
enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red
sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570
and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. This
was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short
period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water.
Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of
Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway
in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard
is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi
saint - Shaik Salim Chishti. This tomb was built in
1570 and legend says that the Moghul Emperor Akbar
was without a male heir because of which he made a
barefoot pilgrimage from Agra to seek the blessings
of this saint. The saint foretold the birth of a son,
and in gratitude Akbar named his son Salim, who later
went to be called by the title Jehangir.
Continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival check-in
at hotel for overnight stay.
Afternoon, proceed for a city tour where you will
experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays). An extravagant
marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653
as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful
mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000
craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra
Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul
Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards,
its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect
the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
09 AGRA-JHANSI-KHAJURAHO |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer from hotel to the Railway Station in time
for:
Leave: Agra at
0805 hours by SHATABDI
EXP
Arrive: Jhansi at 1040 hours
Reception upon arrival at the Railway Station and
drive to Khajuraho (172 kms/5 hours) enroute visiting
Orcha. Orcha - overlooked by the modern era, this
beautiful medieval town, was once the capital of Bundela
Kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, through
a rugged countryside, it still retains the captivating
air of a bygone era. Amongst the various imposing
edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri
Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate
the visit of the Moghul Emperor Jehangir. The Raj
Mahal and the Laxminarayan temple are both noted for
their fine frescoes and mural paintings.
Lunch at Hotel Amar Mahal, Orcha.
On arrival check-in at hotel.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
10 KHAJURAHO |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning, sightseeing tour of the famous Chandela Dynasty
Temples which are set in a lovely grassy park. These
temples are really amazing - rising in many peaks
and spirals, intricately carved and designed with
statues and friezes. These temples are also known
for their renowned erotic carvings.
Afternoon at leisure.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
11 KHAJURHAO-VARANASI |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer from hotel to the airport in time for: Leave:
Khajuraho at 1330
hours by 9W-724
Arrive: Varanasi at
1410 hours
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer
from airport to the hotel.
Later sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visit the numerous
temples, which spot the banks of the river. You will
be able to walk through the narrow lanes and stop
by at the bazaars to have a look at, among other things,
the world famous Banaras silks.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
12 VARANASI-KATHMANDU |
Early morning, drive to Dasaswamedh Ghat and take
a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges. The best time
to visit the ghats is at dawn, when pilgrims take
their morning dip. There are over 100 ghats in all
but Dasaswamedh Ghat is probably the most convenient
place to begin the boat ride. Varanasi's principal
attraction is the long string of bathing ghats, which
line the West Bank of the Ganges. Near the ghats are
the steps which lead down the river. At the "burning
ghats", bodies are cremated. Enjoy the boat ride
while looking out for the people on the ghats –
the women bathing discreetly in their sarees, the
young men displaying prowess in yogic postures, the
Brahmin priests offering prayers for one and all,
and in the midst all this, the numerous beggars. Look
out as well for the numerous temples, which spot the
banks of the river.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
Leave: Varanasi at 1210 hours by IC-751
Arrive: Kathmandu at 1320 hours
Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| DAY
13 KATHMANDU |
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Later proceed for
tour of Kathmandu City.
Afternoon visit Swayambhunath and Patan. |
|
| DAY
14 KATHMANDU |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Rest of day is at leisure for independent activities.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
|
| |
| DAY
15 KATHMANDU - DELHI |
| Flight to Delhi. Meeting and assistance at the airport
upon arrival and transfer to hotel. OVERNIGHT AT
THE HOTEL.
|
|
| DAY
16 DELHI |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The tour will
begin with a visit to The Jama Mosque built in 1650
AD, followed by a drive past to the breathtaking Red
Fort (1639-48), built by Shah Jehan, creator of The
Taj Mahal. Then we proceed on to Raj Ghat, which is
the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon,
sightseeing tour of New Delhi, drive past Safdarjang’s
Tomb (1753 AD). Visit the Qutab Minar (72 m high)
- the most perfect of towers of the Persian world.
Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam
mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the
variances of weather and has not rusted over 1500
years. The drive through New Delhi includes the
Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings,
India Gate, Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahib Gurudwara),
Birla Temple and Connaught Place, New Delhi’s
main shopping area.
OEVRNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
|
|
| DAY
17 DELHI-ABROAD |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer from hotel to the International airport.
Leave: Delhi at 0955
hours by LH-763
|
|
| |
 |
| Mumbai: India’s western gateway is Mumbai ,the
capital of Maharashtra. The island of Mumbai defines
itself straight from the dictionary –vibrant,
vivid and electrifying. The city’s rise from
the dowry of a Portuguese queen (when Catherine of
Braganza married England’s Charles II in 1661)
to the country’s foremost sea port, commercial
center and home to the worlds largest film industry,
has been nothing short of meteoric. Mumbai, the economic
powerhouse of India. |
|
| Udaipur:
This is Rajasthan’s most congenial and
romantic city situated in the lap of the thickly
wooded Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by Maharana
Udai Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh
by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals
any of the world famous creations of the Mughals
with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its
superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been
called the “Venice of the East”. |
|
| |
 |
| Jodhpur:
Grandeur by the sand dunes, founded in 1459
by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the
state of Marwar during the rule of the Rathor
clan. Set right at the edge of Thar Desert,
Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that
go back to the 15th century, all vividly testify
to the history of the princely state. |
|
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Jaipur:The
capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city
is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies
hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja
Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded
by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted
with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and
brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s
desert heritage while the teeming markets display
a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit
the city of love, legends and lore. |
|
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
| Agra:
The ancient city once the capital of the Mughal
empire in the 16th and 17th century, depicts
a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural
creations and a rich tradition of art and culture.
Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world,
the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan -
“The Taj Mahal”. Discover the dazzling
creations of their craftsmen in other architectural
marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal City. |
|
| |
 |
| |
| Khajuraho:
Hallmark of the Chandela Dynasty that ruled
central India between the 10th and 11th Century
A.D., the 25 odd surviving temples are today
a world heritage site. The sleepy town rose
into prominence when this heritage presented
to the world was discovered not so long ago.
The temples are world famous for their erotic
carvings and have given rise to much speculation
since their discovery by a British officer in
1838. |
|
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
| Kathmandu:
Visit the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the
ancient royal resident quarter, Mahadev and
Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl - (a royal place
for the Buddhists and Hindus). Temple House
of Kumari and restal virgin or the living goddess.
Walk around the local bazaars. |
|
| |
 |
| |
| Swayambhunath:
A 2500 years old site where, it is believed,
the Radiant Lotus of valley mythology settled
when the water was drained by Manjushri, the
God of Wisdom. The 5 dhyani Buddhas attended
by their consorts are enshrined at the base
of the stupa. Also visit the adjoining Museum
(closed on Tuesdays). |
|
| |
Patan:
Visiting the Old Newar city. The historic Durbar
Square, See the Golden Gate, the sky piercing
temple of Teleju and the status of Yogendra
Malla, other temples and old windows and carved
balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
|
| |
 |
|
