DIVAS INDIA TOUR

19 DAYS & 18 NIGHTS

KOLKATA I VARANASI I LUCKNOW I DELHI I JAIPUR I JODHPUR I MUMBAI

Ladies, get ready to explore, experience and have a blast…this is your time! Rejuvenate yourself, and enjoy your “me time”. For all you charming ladies, the tour that include a balance of activities and leisure time along with carefully selected accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and a safe travel experience. Be a part of this exclusive women special tour package!

Itinerary Details Cost & Inclusions Book This Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Arrive/Kolkata by Int’l flight

Arrive Kolkata International Airport

Meet & assistance on arrival by our travel executive

Transfer to your Hotel.

Kolkata, a city that means many things to many people. For some, Kolkata is the city of joy, while for others it is dirty, crowded, and noisy. Once the greatest colonial city in the Orient, Kolkata was later reviled as a cauldron of poverty, dirt, and disease. Today, it ranks among the four major metropolis of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. A mere village in the 17th century, Kolkata is not an ancient city like Delhi. Like Mumbai and Chennai, it originated largely due to the expansionist ambitions of the European powers, especially the British Raj. Little wonder, Kolkata has some of the finest Raj edifices built in a variety of styles

Overnight at hotel

Day 02Kolkata

Depart for half day tour of Kolkata

The best way to introduce this city is to start in the heritage zone…comprising of the High Court, Town Hall, the Governor’s House, General Post Office, Writers Building.

Moving on, the Victoria Memorial Hall can be seen rising majestically through the smog, a monument to colonialism that has endured where many haven’t . Built in memory of Queen Victoria, Empress of India, in the early twentieth century by Sir William Emerson, it’s a perfect example of Indo-gothic architecture, incorporating Mughal elements, and filled with Victorian memorabilia, British Raj paintings, and hundreds of other curiosities. It’s surrounded by 64 acres of immaculately kept gardens, and it would be easy to spend a whole afternoon immersed in its splendour.

This is Kolkata’s vast green space inhabited by goats and their herders, cows, cricketers, footballers, horse riders, hawkers, picnickers, and all manner of other street life – this was evidently where every man, woman and child in Kolkata came to escape the hectic streets.

1330 hrs: Lunch at Bengali Restaurant (Paid by you directly)

Bengalis are passionate about food. This restaurant serves traditional Bengali dishes such as malai chingri and bhapa ilish (mustard-flavoured steamed hilsa fish) as well as colonial dishes such as railway mutton curry, and food from further away such as Lucknavi biryani.

Given that Kolkata lies right on the delta of the Ganga, freshwater fish is naturally a Bengali staple. Ilish or hilsa is the favourite, and bekti and ru come close runners-up. Bengal is also famous for its sweets (mishtis). Most of these are made from curdled milk. Don’t leave without tasting mishti doi, caramelized – sugar sweetened yoghurt, served in an earthenware pot.

Weavers studio

Later we visit the Weavers studio. Weavers Studio was set up in Kolkata with the mission statement “Use as many hands as possible”. Young women from different stratas’ of society were employed and trained in the language and aesthetics of our rich textile heritage.

You would be able to see..

Block printing and contemporary applications Weaving Surfacing, Dyes and resists On Display Natural dyes - ingredients/ mordants Block making process / Swatches / Surfacing- kantha stitching.

After they are done they can then come to Weavers Studio - the store, for viewing the ready products and purchase any pieces that they may want to carry back.

Part of this amount charged will be donated to the not-for-profit trust ‘Weavers Studio Resource Center” which supports health & development projects at the adopted cluster of 9 villages near Kolkata.

Overnight at hotel

Day 03Kolkata

Breakfast in the hotel

Our morning begins at the mighty cantilevered Howrah Bridge spread across the mighty Hooghly river connecting Kolkata with the industrial town of Howrah. 80,000 vehicles and 1 million pedestrians cross this bridge every single day. Plus thousands of cattle and bicycles.

Beneath the east end of Howrah Bridge, Mullik Ghat flower market is a sensory overload of sights and smells that's very photogenic. This 125 year-old flower market is the biggest in East India. About 3000 flower growers from the surrounding areas come daily to sell their goods.

Garlands of marigolds in bright yellow and orange carrier on arms, heads and piled into heaps on the ground, women stringing flowers, and men unloading trucks and unpacking gazillion bags and boxes of flowers. Once laden, baskets of a dizzying size were carried with extraordinary poise back up the steps and on to Howrah Bridge, while, beneath the bridge, men, women and children wash, play, pray, work, eat and carry on with their daily lives in and around the river.

Overall a beautiful experience….but, watch every footstep, where you walk and what’s coming at you!

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies”

Mother Teresa

Later we visit Mother Teresa’s home and “Sishu Bhawan” – orphanage for the homeless kids. She was probably one of the greatest women in the history of the world who dedicated her entire life serving humanity. Born in Yugoslavia, she came to India in 1929. Gods and Goddesses hand made We visit the “potters colony”, an area that produces clay images of the different Hindu god & goddess used in religious ceremonies and during festivals. In the days gone by, instead of buying the idols from the potter’s colony, families invited the artisan home to stay as a house guest weeks before a festival or religious ceremony, during which time he sculpted the idol. Every morning as the artisan started his work, the household gathered around him and gaped in awe as he gradually turned a fistful of straw and a huge mass of clay into a perfectly formed, larger-than-life figure.
And then came the most intriguing part — the painting of the third eye of the goddess. The artisan would sit in meditation sometimes for hours and then suddenly in one swift stroke of his paintbrush, it would be done.

The Marble Palace of Kolkata

The Marble Palace in Kolkata is an exquisitely engineered palatial mansion that was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur, who was one of the wealthiest landlords of Bengal in the year 1835. It's sheer magnificence and scintillating artistry will surely captivate you in a state of trance.
This architectural masterpiece is made from the extensive use of Italian marble. The lush green lawn in front of it is clad with statues of Hindu Gods, The Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, the great explorer Christopher Columbus, Lord Buddha and some lions. Some of the very special attractions of the Marble Palace are a room decorated with mirrors containing prized works of Ruben, Reynolds and others. Plus a mind-boggling collection of antique paintings like Catherine's wedding by Rubens.

Calcutta Coffee House

Late afternoon we will go to the Esplanade tram station to board a tram, which will take us to the area of the Calcutta University. For the trams to ply or not to ply has been a debate for quite some time. Most citizens voted in favour of the trams… but with a touch of modernization in its looks and planned routes. We will go through the narrow lanes of old Kolkata, on both the sides of the road you will see hawkers selling the local products. The Calcutta Coffee House is a landmark that is familiar to every Kolkattan – located in the proximity of the Calcutta University, it is right in the heart of the literary world - bookstalls line either side of the College Street. There are large publishers with small and medium sized ones who rub shoulders with innumerable shops that make a living by selling old and rare books.
The Coffee House of Calcutta has had the honour of seeing the emergence of literary figures who are household names today. It used to be the meeting place for those who tried their hands at penning prose or poetry. The promising ones got willing listeners who listened in rapt attention and commented – all over a cup of coffee (paid by the clients directly)

magazine crowd

Then there were the little magazine crowd who took to printing their own works because no one else wanted to give them the breaks. These young hopefuls harboured thoughts of one day rising up to the level of the established ones. And, one just cannot ignore the ones who sought each other’s company for brief moments in between regular classes – to share their innermost feelings and profess love. The Coffee House was the gateway to freedom; it was a way of life for the collegians. Also visit the local market.

Overnight at hotel

Day 04Kolkata/Varanasi by 6E – 713 at 0825/0950hrs

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Kolkata airport in time to connect flight to Varanasi

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Varanasi, the city was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago, thus making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the country. It is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Many Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, Skanda Purana, Ramayana, and the Mahabharata, mention the city.

Sarnath

In the afternoon you will be taken to visit Sarnath – the Buddhist city

It is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India at Sarnath have revealed many structures which represent facets of the Buddhist history visit the Archaeological Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar and Sri Lankan Temple. The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath is one of the most famous museums of its kind in Southeast Asia. The museum is situated very near the historical ruins. It contains a huge collection of sculptures.

in we will walk through the bazaar of Varanasi—a haven for the rich merchant—wholesale markets for Brocade and Benaras Sari.

Evening visit to Ghat for witness Aarti & Pooja ceremony followed by short Cycle Rickshaw Ride. 

Overnight at hotel

Day 05Varanasi

Arise early morning for boat ride on river Ganges. The sunrise is worth watching. The visit would include the burning ghats among other ghats where people do their early morning chores like bathing, yoga etc. You would also be able to walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi or Kashi.

Enjoy a Cultural morning “SUBAH-E-BANARAS” - the event start 05:40hrs in the morning which include Morning Surya Aarti, Vedic Mantrochaar (recital of vedic hymns) Yoga and Classic Music.

Return to the hotel for breakfast

In the afternoon you will be taken on a half day tour of Varanasi

The city sightseeing tour of Varanasi include a visit to:

Durga Temple

Durga Temple - also nicknamed "Monkey temple," was built in 18th century. The temple got the name 'Monkey temple' because of the presence of large number of monkeys. According to legend, the present statue of Goddess Durga was not made by man but appeared on its own in the temple. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit the Durga temple during Navratri and other auspicious occasions.

Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Mandir or Bharat Mata Temple is one of its kinds in Varanasi. Contrary to what most of the tourists believe, this temple is not dedicated to any God, Goddess or certain deity for that matter. It is dedicated to the human manifestation of India popularly called Mother India or Bharat Mata in Hindi. And this temple even not houses the statue or bust of Bharat Mata; instead it has a very big relief map of India carved out of marble. The temple was inaugurated by none other than Mahatma Gandhi, The father of the Nation
The map is said to be perfectly in scale both in longitude as well as latitude. The map has been carved out of white marble bought from Rajasthan. The construction of temple is unique in itself. It stands on 5 distinct pillars that converse in to one at the top. The five pillars signify the 5 basic elements of creation namely earth, wind, fire, water and sky. Their convergence in to a single pillar symbolizes that every element has to ultimately submerge into the supreme.
Also drive through the most famous Banaras Hindu University founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and visit Laxmi Narain temple.
Afternoon visit the brocading center where you can see the weavers at work—weaving pure gold and silver thread into silk textile.

BROCADE

Zari-brocades-When gold and silver threads are use along with or without silk-threads, thrust either as special weft or warp to create glittering raised or-namentation. We have the Zari brocade kind of fabrics. When we talk of gold or silver threads. It is to be under stood that the gold,threads are actually only silver threads with gold polish and that these threads are obtained by closely winding extremely fine gold or silver wire around a silk thread. According to Sir George Watt, When the gold and silver threads were used so densely that the ground was hardly visible, the material was kinkhab proper and was too heavy for clothing, it was therefore used for trappings, hangings and furnishing.

Overnight at hotel

Day 06Varanasi/Lucknow by road (320kms/7-8hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Lucknow and check in at hotel

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, was also the capital city of the Nawabs of Awadh. The city was a favorite of the nawabs and many magnificient buildings and monuments have been built by them. Situated on the banks of River Gomti, the city of Nawabs is famous all over the world for its etiquettes and Tehzeeb or the graceful and polite behavior. Famous for its lovely monuments, architecture, dance and handicrafts, Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is today one of the growing metropolitan cities of India. Known for its Urdu poetry or Shayari, the city offers its travelers a perfect blend of its glorious past and the modern present.

Chikankari

In the evening visit the weaving center of ‘Chicken Kari’-the famous textile of Lucknow embroidery mostly local design using white thread upon very fine cotton. Thereafter visit the self-employed women’s center, famous for its hand embroidery.
Chikankari is a form of stitching different forms of design on cloth (traditionally white) which has evolved over centuries in the capital of the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. This form of stitching which has delighted both the Kings and the commoners for centuries was patronised particularly by the Nawabs of Awadh.

The word ‘Chikan’ is probably a derivative from the Persian word ‘Chikin’ or Chikeen which means a kind of embroidered fabric. This form of embroidery became very popular with the king and his nobles and was embroidered on the finest Daccai mulmuls or muslin garments which were most appropriate for the hot, tepid climate of north India. There are some very fine Mughal miniatures that depict the Emperor Jehangir in white flowing muslin garments believed by historians to be `chikan’

Overnight at hotel

Day 07Lucknow

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for sightseeing tour of Lucknow

Driving past Kaiserbagh Complex that once was Nawab Wajid-Ali Shah’s Palace complex and the most beautiful of the palaces built in the Awadh region we visit the Baradari and the Kaiserbagh Gates. Though the palace complex is heavily encroached and redone, and it may be hard to believe that it ever was so beautiful, yet we will try and work our creative imaginations to understand and reconstruct the complex.

Sadat Ali & Begum Tombs

Driving past Sadat Ali & Begum Tombs and the ‘Chatar Manzil’ (Outside view only), we reach the world’s most unique architecture, 'Asifi Imambara'. This monument was built as a relief measure for a devastating famine, in order to provide employment to the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula'. This is the world’s biggest hall that is devoid of any pillar support, wood, iron beams or concrete walls. Salute the “Nawab” (Prince) lying in peace inside and proceed to see his noble work. Also see the 'Rumi Darwaza' or the Turkish Gate the Asfi Mosque and Jama Masjid .

Husainabad Complex

Later we reach the Husainabad Complex - The Clock Tower is the highest Clock Tower in Asia and in some ways superior to its counterpart, 'Big Ben'. Today the clock stands motionless but has witnessed all times, the good, the bad and the ugly. Now enter the Babylon of East, The Husainabad Imambara - known for its beauty and pieces of décor. This was built in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and is still considered to be a sacred address by the natives. The beautiful chandeliers, silver seat, sandalwood décor and calligraphy on the walls all are so creative. Admire each one and bow down to the Nawab and his Mother sleeping inside. Also see the Satkhanda that stands as Lucknow’s incomplete leaning tower of Pisa.

Walter Burley Griffin

We may also have the opportunity to visit the grave of Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who designed Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Griffin spent the last 15 months of his life in India where he designed the zenana (the quarters for elite Muslim women) for the palace of Raja Jahangirabad and some famous building in Lucknow.

Chowk

After this tour we will reach 'Chowk' the oldest market place of Lucknow to shop for the unique crafts of this Nawabi City. We walk in the by-lane of Chowk called ‘Gol Darwaza’ – a place that was once a seat of numerous ‘Kothas’ (a small entertainment studios where nautch girls performed in the evenings) now is a market place that is known to house the best of handicrafts and Chikan work. A heritage walk here will showcase the culture of this fabled city and take you into the bygone era.

Nawabs of Lucknow

After seeing the fabulous monuments of the city built by the Nawabs of Lucknow, how awesome it would be to meet a descendant of the Nawabs himself over an afternoon tea, talk to him about all that he has seen changing over the years in Lucknow, know a bit about his family and experience the etiquettes, the mannerism and the art of speech tha t is mastered by Nawab himself. There is more to the city of Lucknow than its fabulous and grand monuments, there is culture and host of cultured people and their lifestyle, which is not bound by the financial well being, rather is a treasured inheritance of a few families.

We take you for this one to one session after the city tour of Lucknow, serve you a refreshing cup of tea with some European and Indian savouries, while you interact with Nawab Sahib.

Overnight at hotel

Day 08Lucknow/Delhi by Shatabadi Express at 1535/2215hrs

Breakfast in the hotel

You will be taken to visit the architectural marvel of age, La Martiniere School which was designed by the Frenchman Major-General Claude Martin as a palatial home. Even to this day, Claude martin is a revered personality in the city of Lucknow.

Sikanderbagh

Later we driving past Sikanderbagh, the palace complex that fell prey to the British troops and the Mutineers in the revolt of 1857 and what remains is a gate and a few walls as a testimony to the bloody events of that period

Lucknow Residency

We will now reach the Lucknow Residency a place where speechless walls are known to speak the gruesome tale of the 1857 mutiny. The sprawling British campus witnessed nothing less than 3000 deaths to keep the Union Jack flying. Yet the British could not defend their domain and the buildings were lost to the high spirited and enthusiastic Indians who fought till their last breath. The trees, bullet sprinkled walls, unusable canons, worn out firearms all cry aloud with the burden of deaths that were witnessed here. We also visit the graveyard to pay our homage to named and unnamed soldiers who gave up their lives in the defense of The Residency.

Delhi

In the evening transfer to Lucknow train station in time to board Shatabadi Express to Delhi (Travel in First Class)

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Delhi – discover that India’s capital is sprinkled with glittering gems: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent’s yummiest places to eat.

Overnight at hotel

Day 09Delhi

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of Old

Depart for half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting Red Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE - Red Fort was built by the mughal emperor famous for its architectural wonders one of which is Taj Mahal - Shah Jahan. Red Fort is famous for its delicately carved inlaid and Royal chambers) – Monday closed.

Jama Masjid

Stop at Jama Masjid – the Great Mughal Mosque (It is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and it again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were in the construction of the mosque)
Then visit Raj Ghat (The cremation ground of the father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi)

Chandni Chowk

Enjoy Cycle Rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk
Afternoon visit of textile market of Chandni Chowk which is Known for its zari and zardosi work, Kinari Bazaar in Chandni Chowk Market Place is the ultimate stop for an Indian bride. The vibrant hues of the zari work are sure to fascinate you. One such sari deserves to be a part of any Indian woman’s collection. Also Dariba Kalanselling lovely silver jewellery. We recommend all to visit the Gulab Singh Johri Mal, a shop established way back in the year 1819 and not just manufacturers but exporters of Ittar (perfumes) as well.

Chhatta Chowk

The Chhatta Chowk Bazaar, a part of the Chandni Chowk Market is sure to impress you with its rich collection of artificial and semi precious jewellery, embroidered bags, hand painted wall hangings. There is something for everybody at the Chandni Chowk Market.

Crafts Museum

Depart for visit to the Crafts Museum where you will be given an introduction about the wealth of textiles and handicrafts which you can get in India.

Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat (a market displaying a vast array of items from all over the country. Dili Haat - 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. It is here that the crafts persons find an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills to thousands of visitors every day.

Indian Accent

In the evening enjoy dinner at really nice restaurant called "Indian Accent" awarded as the best restaurant for the 21st century. Savor the contemporary menu created by Chef Manish Mehrotra. He is innovative and creates a unique amalgamation using the freshest local produce. Mehrotra combines home style nostalgic tastes with unusual ingredients from across the world.

Overnight at hotel

Day 10Delhi

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of New Delhi visiting

Delhi, the capital of India comprises of conspicuously contrasting Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 12th and 19th centuries and one can find mosques, monuments and forts related to Muslim history. New Delhi is the imperial city created as India's capital by the British intricately planned and comprises of imposing buildings displaying various modern style of architecture.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE - Humayun's tomb is believed to have been designed in 1565 AD by the widow of Mughal emperor Humayun. Its plan is based on the description of Islamic paradise garden and is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs. This type of garden is known as a charbagh and is based on a grid)

Qutab Minar

Continue your tour with Qutab Minar (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - Qutab Minar is 73 meters high minaret which tapers from a 15 m diameter base to just 2.5 m at the top. The walls consist of intricately carved quotations from Koran. The tower is one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world). The tour would also include a drive through the Lutyens Delhi and a photo stop at India Gate (The war memorial) as well drive past President's Palace & Parliament House.

Kingdom of Dreams

In the evening enjoy show at Kingdom of Dreams (without Guide) - known as India's first live entertainment theatre and leisu re destination. Shah Rukh Khan is the global ambassador of Kingdom of Dreams. . Built at the huge cost of 200 crore this place displays India at its grandest. Kingdom of Dreams is built on the theme, 'A spectacle so grand it can fit only in your dreams'.The place is a showcase of India itself by bringing in 14 States into the Kingdom. It is like creating smaller India at a confined place. The whole place comprises of many places we are proud off as Indians; like the replicas of Lal Qila of Delhi, Truck from Punjab, Mumbai's train, Chennai's temples, beaches of Goa, huts and boats of Kerala, Rajasthani dances etc.

Overnight at hotel

Day 11Delhi/Agra by road (215kms/4hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Drive to Agra and check in at hotel

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the world - The Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the Moslems, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map.

Depart for half day tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal – (closed on Fridays) – Unesco Wolrd Heritage Site. Described as a most extravagant monument ever built for love, this sublime Mughal mausoleum is India’s most appreciated icon. The Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Construction of the Taj began in the same year and was not completed until 1653. Not long after it was finished, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort where, for the rest of his days, he could only gaze out at his creation through a window. Following his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here alongside Mumtaz.

AGRA FORT

nd then you will be taken to visit AGRA FORT (sometimes called the Red Fort), was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and is another of Agra's World Heritage Sites. A stone tablet at the gate of the Fort states that it had been built before 1000 but was later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time, and reworked extensively with marble & Pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e'Ām and Dīwān-e-Khās (halls of public and private audience), Jahangir Palace, Khās Mahal and Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace),

Also visit local market and a marble factory where you can actually see the inlay work on marble as it was done for the construction of Taj.

Overnight at hotel

Day 12Agra/Jaipur via Abhaneri by road (275kms/5-6hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Jaipur en route visiting Abhaneri

Abhaneri is a small village which situated in the Dausa district in Rajasthan. This place is located at 95km away from jaipur. This village is known for Harshat Mata temple which belongs to the 9th century. Only some portions of the ancient Harshat Mata temple remains now such as the sanctuary walls, fore chamber and the terrace. The sanctum and shorn of this ancient structure is enclosed with an ambulatory.

The walls of the ancient shrine are carved with the images of the deities. The worn out images of the deities indicate that the shrine was originally dedicated to the creator of Hindu trinity, lord Vishnu. The columns and walls of the temple are adorned with various scenes of music, sport, and dance and also love. A few of the panels of the temple have been shifted to amber and central museum, archaeological museum of Jaipur.

Continue your drive to Jaipur and check in at hotel

Jaipur

Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is the first well planned city of India, located in the desert land of India. The city which once had been the capital of the royalty now is the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city.

Sanganer

In In the afternoon after lunch visit the nearby villages of Sanganer or Bagru where we will see the villages at work—fascinating art of Tie and Dye, Bandhani, Block printing with wooden blocks and the art of hand made papers.

Bandhani

Bandhani – The art of Bandhani is highly skilled process. The technique involves dyeing a fabric which is tied tightly with a thread at several points,thus producing a variety of patterns like Leheriya, Mothra, Ekdali and Shikari depending on the manner in which the cloth is tied. The main colours used in Bandhani are yellow, red,blue, green and black. Bandhani work, after the processing is over, results into a variety of symbols including, dots, squares, waves and strips. Bandhani pieces can be dyed by natural and artificial colors. The main colors used in Bandhani are natural. In fact all colors in Bandhani are dark, no light color is used, and the background is mostly in black / red cloth.
The Bandhani work has been exclusively carried out by the Khatri community of Kutchh. A meter length of cloth can have millions of tiny knots known as “Bheendi” in the local language (“Kutchhi”). Four bheendis are known as a “Kadi”. These knots form a design once opened after dyeing in bright colors. Traditionally, the final products can be classified into “khombhi”, “Ghar Chola”, “Patori”, “Chandrokhani” etc.

Return to Hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Day 13Jaipur

Breakfast in the hotel

Morning depart for Amber fort (Situated atop the Aravali hills, it is the ancient capital of Jaipur and a magnificent example of Rajput architecture).

We ascend to the fort on Elephant's back and come down in Jeep.

Pronounced ‘Amber’ and meaning ‘High’, this wraithlike fort – palace beautifully illustrates Rajput artistry in the faded shades of the reddish pink. Situated on the rugged hills 1 Km north of town, Amber was once the ancient capital of the Jaipur state.

Hawa Mahal

Later sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal- Palace of Winds (This five storied building which looks out over the main street of the old city is one of Jaipur's major landmarks. This is a stunning example of the Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal and delicately honey combed and stone windows. Originally Hawa Mahal was built to enable the ladies of the royal families to watch the daily life and processions of the city)

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar (The Observatory, built by Raja Jai Singh in1728. It is an excellent example of the marvelous precision where in each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses. The most striking instruments the Sun Dial which is 90 feet high)

City Palace Museum

City Palace Museum (City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. A part of the palace is still the house of the former Maharaja of Jaipur). Visit the various galleries displaying the armory, clothes and paintings of the Rajput clan.

shopping

The tour of Jaipur is not complete without shopping as Jaipur is known as a shopper’s paradise famous for jewellery, handicraft, carpet, blue pottery and textiles Evening you will be invited by a Rajasthani family for dinner with a cooking demonstration.

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience in traditional surroundings under the hospitality of a noble family of the erstwhile Jaipur State. A true sense of tradion starts from the moment you enter the noble home. Their heritage home sings stories at all corners adorned with fresco paintings & scalloped arches.

Enjoy your evening with their stories of their past. Hear how Rajasthan evolved from the time since their ancestors ruled to this new world. The surrounding will slowly turn into a private dining room for you to savor Rajsthani food, some of the cuisines date back to hundreds of years.

Rajasthani cuisine is a splendid array of colorful, spicy and unique dishes. The platter has always been a delight. The food style has been affected by the natural topography and indigenously available ingredients. A lack of leafy green vegetables, a pronounced uses of lentils, pulses, legumes and the use of milk, curd and buttermilk in place of the water in the gravy marks the essential of Rajasthani cuisine.

The food is best described as drawing influence from traditional Rajasthani cuisine, serving to inspire rather than conforming to strict guidelines. We have created this wonderful ambience with the luxury of privacy just for your unique taste and an unforgettable dining experience.

Overnight at hotel

Day 14Jaipur/Jodhpur via Pushkar by road (330kms/7-8hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Jodhpur en route visiting Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation. It is mentioned that Brahma performed penance here for 60,000 years to have glimpse of Radha Krishna.

The Ramayan mentions Pushkar and says that Vishvamitra performed tapa here. It further says that the Apsara Menaka came to Pushkara to bathe in its sacred waters.

The Mahabharata says that while laying down a programme for Maharaja Yudhishthara’s travel, “Maharaja after entering the Jungles of Sind and crossing the small rivers on the way should bathe in Pushkara". And, as per Vaman Purana, Prahlada on his pilgrimage to holy places visited Pushkarayana.

Pushkar Lake

Pushkar Lake- The prime attraction of Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake which is considered sacred like the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Pushkar has become a place of Hindu pilgrimage because of this holy lake. Legend has it that this lake was consecrated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe when a lotus dropped from his hand into the vale and a lake emerged in that place.

Brahma Temple

Brahma Temple - The most important temple in Pushkar is the Temple of Lord Brahma, one of the holy trinity of Hinduism. In fact it is the only Hindu shrine in the world where Lord Brahma is worshipped. The temple enshrines a life-size idol of Lord Brahma.

And other places of Interest. Continue your drive to Jodhpur and check in at hotel

Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores, and the city grew out of the profits of Opium, Sandalwood, Dates and Copper. Rathore kingdom was once known as Marwar (the Land of Death), but today it’s moustached men are more about smiling for the camera.

Overnight at hotel

Day 15Jodhpur

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of Jodhpur visiting MehrangarhFort which lies at the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is the most majestic and one of the largest Forts in India. It was originally started (c.1459) by RaoJodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the Fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of Palanquins, Howdahs, Royal Cradles, Miniature Paintings, Musical instruments, Costumes and Furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved Cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

JasawantThada

The JaswantThada is the architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs.

BISHNOI

Afternoon you will be taken to visit Bishnoi Village
THE BISHNOI: a rural tribal group, are a Hindu sect founded in the Punjab, who follow the teaching of Jambeshwar, a 15th-century sage & religious reformer who left a legacy of 29 (bisnoi) tenets. The countryside around Jodhpur is home to many tidy Bishnoi villages & family compounds. These gentle communities of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers & camel herders have achieved world acclaim for their religious conservationist beliefs.

OPIUM CEREMONY

OPIUM CEREMONY : Although now illegal in India, & forbidden by the 29 tenets of the Bishnoi, the sect still uses it & have been given special consent from the Indian government to use opium for ‘religious’ purposes. Legally , they are only allowed to use empty poppy pods, after the opium has been extracted for medical manufacture.

Overnight at hotel

Day 16Jodhpur/Mumbai by AI - 646 at 1220/1410hrs

Breakfast in the hotel

Morning is free to explore the city on your own

Transfer to Jodhpur airport in time to connect flight to Mumbai

Mumbai – earlier known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian State of Maharashtra. The city is the second most-populous in the world; with approximately 14 million inhabitants. Along with the neighbouring cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane it forms the world’s 4th largest urban agglomeration, with around 19 million people. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural Harbor.

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Overnight at hotel

Day 17Mumbai

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for full day tour of Mumbai visiting

Gateway of India Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens.

Elephanta Cave

Elephanta Cave Excursion by motor launch to Elephanta Island - 9 kms on the sea. These 7th century rock cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are situated on top of a hill on the Island.
These Caves contain Shaivistic high reliefs in stone of Hindu Deities important to worshipers of Shiva. The sculptures were created beginning in the late Gupta Empire, or sometime after, and at later dates. Elephanta Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. The original name of this epitome of temple art is Agraharpuri, Agrahar. Agrahar is the necklace or most important neck ornament. The Agraharpuri slowly became Gharapuri; still retaining the original meaning as the focal point of Gharapuri Island, which was renamed Elephanta Island by the Portugues.

Marine Drive

Drive past Marine Drive is a 3-kilometre-long boulevard in South Mumbai in the city of Mumbai. It is a 'C'-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast, which is a natural bay. This is a windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Nariman Point, Mumbai's Manhattan, and the leafy green slopes of Malabar hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen's Necklace, strung with glittering street lights like an enormous strand of imperious jewels. It is also one of Mumbai's busiest roads, an important artery for the heavy suburban traffic heading downtown. Cars whiz continually past the two mile stretch, past huddled lovers, children and babies in perambulators. Like other seafronts, this is where most of south Mumbai comes to breathe in some fresh air.

Mani Bhavan

Mani Bhavan in Mumbai is a must visit for all those who are curious about knowing Mahatma Gandhi, the torchbearer of Ahimsa or Non-violence. The memorial is dedicated to this legendary freedom fighter of India & the Father of the Nation, who stayed here between 1917 and 1934 during India's freedom struggle.

Dhobi Ghat

The Dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. The "laundries" are called "ghats": row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation.

Hanging Garden

Hanging Garden Perched at the top of Malabar Hill, where the elite have built their plush modern palaces is Kamala Nehru Park, the hangout of the bourgeois middle class. It has little to offer by way of entertainment, apart from a "Old Woman's Shoe" relegated to a distant corner, but the view of the city is spectacular and should not be missed. For most Mumbaiites, Kamala Nehru Park is to Mumbai what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris -- a vantage point that casts a proud eye on the entire city.

Overnight at hotel

Day 18Mumbai

Breakfast in the hotel

Full day free to do shopping on your own or you can opt the following options:-

Bollywood tour is one of a different type of tours, it’s not the regular tour where in you see the city highlights , Mumbai is known for its Films. It can be said as the capital for Film making in India and where mostly all stars, big and small stay. Whenever one mentions Mumbai, it gives a background picture of Bollywood.

The first films India watched was in 1896, and thanks to the country's colonial rulers, it was the Lumiere Brothers who introduced the art of cinema to the sub-continent. Bombay, as it was then called, was the first Indian city to screen the cinema.

Mumbai is now home to one of the largest film industry in the world - Bollywood. Even bigger than Hollywood in terms of the number of films produced per year i.e. 900 movies per year (and no we haven't included the regional movies in this category), the Indian Film industry is the probably the only one in the world to have been given the designated status of an "industry".

We offer an organized Bollywood tour to give you a closer look at one of the largest and most glamorous industries in the country. Bollywood tour in Mumbai is indeed an experience of a lifetime. Bollywood Tour Package offered by us gives you a complete view and knowledge of how much time and efforts are out in to make of a film or a serial a very colorful affair.

The Bollywood tour includes:-

Studio visit for live shooting (Films or Serials - Subject to Availability) Dubbing/Recording Studio Dresswala - Who supplies dresses to films Dance and Acting Classes Film stars houses in Bandstand and Juhu are all suburban side places

Slum tour

Slum tour Home to nearly one million people, Mumbai’s Dharavi district has the dubious honor of being the largest slum in Asia. This to ur aims to break the negative stereotype associated with the slum. Put aside your initial apprehensions and discover a place that’s alive with small scale industries and high community spirit. See why Dharavi is the heart of small scale industry in Mumbai. Experience a wide range of activities such as recycling, pottery-making, embroidery, soap-making and leather tanning. Most of these things are created in innovative ways and in very confined spaces.
When passing through the residential spaces, you will feel the sense of community and spirit that exists in the area. People from all over India live in Dharavi, and this diversity is apparent in the temples, mosques and churches that stand here side by side. A tour through Dharavi’s narrow alleys is quite an adventure, and you will leave with an enlightened sense of the purpose and determination that exists in the area.

Dhobi Ghat and Dabbe Wala Tour

In this tour you will visit the Dhobhi Ghat well known open air Laundromat in Mumbai also, called the world's largest outdoor laundry and Dabbawala who deliver freshly made food from customer’s home in a lunch box (Dabba) and deliver it to offices.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Mumbai port (your guide will be waiting for you at the EXIT GATE of port, having a placard and your name written on it). Then you will drive to Mahalaxmi Dhobhi Ghat the world’s largest outdoor laundry, every day for over 120 years the dirt has been washed from thousands of kilos of clothes by the dhobis (washermen and women) of Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat.

After Dhobhi Ghat, guide will take you to Church gate to meet with the dabbawallas. A word of caution: these guys don't have the time for interviews and photographs. You will just about manage to scramble into their compartment on the train, where the floor is covered by Tiffin’s and lunch packs of every possible shape and size. It's fascinating to see those dabbas carted from one end of the city to the other, and to everywhere in between. The footpath outside Church gate station serves as a reconnaissance point, where the men in Gandhi topis wade among rows of hundreds of dabbas, and take them to offices where hungry executives wait in earnest for their home cooked meal to arrive each day.

Overnight at hotel

Day 19Depart/Mumbai by International flight

Today you will be transferred to Mumbai International airport in time to connect your onward flight to next destination

COST & INCLUSIONS

	Premier	Premier	Luxury	Comfort
Summer	US$5232	US$4881	US$2844	US$2541
Winter	US$6207	US$6565	US$3235	US$2561
Kolkata	Oberoi Grand	Taj Bengal	The Lalit	Park Plaza
Varanasi	Brij Rama Palace	Brij Rama Palace	Ramada Hotel	Hindustan International
Lucknow	Vivanta by Taj	Vivanta by Taj	Renaissance	La Palace Park Inn
Delhi	The Oberoi	Taj Palace	The Lalit	Suryaa Hotel
Agra	Oberoi Amarvilas	ITC Mughal	Trident	Crystal Sarovar
Jaipur	Oberoi Rajvilas	Taj Rambagh Palace	Trident	Shahapura House
Jodhpur	The Raas	Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace	Ajit Bhawan	Park Plaza
Mumbai	The oberoi	Taj Mahal Palace	Trident	Fariyas Hotel

The above rates are valid from

Summer: 16th April 2020 – 30th Sep 2020

Winter: 1st Oct 2020 – 15th April 2021

Based on Minimum 2 persons traveling together.

Note:The above rates are not valid for:-

Pushkar Fair 2020 : 22 November 2020 - 30 November 2020

Christmas & New Year Period: 20th December, 2020 till 10th January, 2021

Tour Includes

Share twin accommodation with breakfast
Transfers & sightseeing by Air Conditioned vehicle
Services of Local English speaking Guide
Tramp ride in Kolkata
Visit to Weavers Studio
Boat ride on River Ganga
First class train ticket for travle Lucknow/Delhi by Shatabadi Express
Cycle Rickshaw in Old Delhi
Visit to Dilli haat
Ticket for Kingdom of Dreams
Elephant ride in Jaipur
Visit to Bishnoi Village
Boat ticket for Elephant excursion
Bollywood Tour of Mumbai
Slum tour of Mumbai
Present Applicable taxes as on 15th Jan, 2020

Tour Excludes

Entrance tickets to Monuments
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare
Visa fee & Insurance
Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, telephone, camera fee, drinks & tips etc

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