Duration : 21 Days
Destination Covered : Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Alwar, Amanbagh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Cochin, Goa
Day 01 Mumbai – Delhi
Arrive at Mumbai
By Air
Flight : Private Jet
Aircraft : As per specifications
Stopover : Nil
Time taken : 2 hours approx.
Arrive at Mumbai and we will meet you at the international PORT / AIRPORT.
Board your private jet after the immigration formalities to Delhi.
Reach and transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast proceed for the OLD DELHI TOUR.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
In the afternoon enjoy shopping after lunch.
Enjoy the private performance of DANCES OF INDIA in the evening.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 Delhi:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. If time permits then visit the Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.
Enjoy shopping in the afternoon and relax.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 04 Delhi – Agra:
By Air
Flight : Private Jet
Aircraft : As per specifications
Stopover : Nil
Time taken : 40 min approx.
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Take the private jet to AGRA.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Reach and check in at the AMARVILAS with a view of the TAJ.
Enjoy the sunset tour of TAJ MAHAL. Overnight will be in Agra.
Day 05 Agra:
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.
Relax at the beautiful hotel and spa.
Overnight will be at Agra
Day 06 Agra – Alwar:
By Road 175 km in 4 hr
Proceed for Alwar (AMANBAGH) after breakfast.
Visit FATEHPUR SIKRI - Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Continue your drive to AMANBAGH.
Derived from the Sanskrit word for peace “AMAN” , and “BAGH” or garden in Hindi, AMANBAGH is a verdant oasis of mature palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees lying within a walled compound once the staging area for royal units. Evoking the palatial grandeur of the MOGHUL era, the 24 suites and 16 pool pavilions provide a tranquil garden from which to access the rich heritage of Rajasthan’s dramatic frontier region.
Check in at the resort and let the professionals plan your next couple of days in the lap of nature and luxury.
Enjoy a night excursion to the fort.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 07 Amanbagh:
Spend day at relaxation visiting the local village and the markets or taking an excursion the forests beyond.
Overnight will be at AMANBAGH.
Day 08 Amanbagh – Jaipur:
By Road 45 km in 1 hr
Enjoy your luxurious breakfast and drive to Jaipur.
It is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visitfrom Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 09 Jaipur:
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL – The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 10 Jaipur:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
In the morning you will take a textile tour to SANGANER.
Sanganer is a little village just 16 kilometres from Jaipur. Here you will find the centre of the region’s block printing industry. Traditionally, only coarse cotton was printed for the ankle-length, flared skirts of Rajasthani women and today, you can see cotton cloth being printed by hand. It is said that the water of Sanganer makes the colors fast. Sanganer is the busiest crafts centre in the region and you should have time to visit artisans in their workshops and browse for gifts. You can also visit the Blue Pottery Factory, to see pottery created in Jaipur’s distinctive style; graceful floral designs in white or deep sea-green painted over a traditional inky-blue glaze.
Return for lunch and relax at the hotel and spa.
In the evening enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars. Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja Jai Singh's patronage when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas', the 'cheepas' and the 'meenakari' workers.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 11 Jaipur – Jodhpur:
By Air
Flight : Private Jet
Aircraft : As per specifications
Stopover : Nil
Time taken : 40 min approx.
Enjoy breakfast and proceed for sightseeing of a royal village of SAMODE.
Proceed to Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the THAR Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the RATHORE clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the RAMAYANA. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 metres above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall – 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Enjoy the evening program at the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE and overnight will be that palace.
Day 12 Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at the palace.
Enjoy the morning sightseeing tour of the city.
Jodhpur is also known as the gateway to the desert beyond and home of the Rathors of Marwar. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room.
After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial on your way down from the fort.
Enjoy the old city walk and have lunch in the roof top restaurant of a HAVELI (OLD HOUSE) with a spectacular view of the fort and the people around.
Return to the hotel to freshen up and leave for CHANWA LUNI.
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II Ruler of Jodhpur Marwar from 1876-1895 A.D is remembered as the benign Monarch who steered the administration and economy of Marwar away from chaos and instability to a period of sustained development and security and justice for all. Amongst the prominent civil servants in this Ruler's coterie of administrators, was a young Charan by the name of Kaviraj Muraridanji. He was an astute politician and a farsighted administrator. In 1894 Kaviraj Muraridanji received in Jagir the little known hamlet of Chanwa. There he built an exquisite little fortress Palace today known as Fort Chanwa. In 1941, Today Fort Chanwa restored to its pristine glory and charm by its proud owners Maharaj Dalip Singh & Rani Madhu Devi, warmly welcome travelers from distant lands offering princely hospitality in an inimitably enchanting setting - a Heritage Hotel in the finest traditions.
Enjoy the hospitality and take a village safari in an open safari jeep. The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors. The village elders solemnly reflect the changing times under shady trees, while the children enjoy running around narrow carefree streets. The women, swaying in their brilliant Rajasthani colours go about their daily chores to give water and sustenance to the village.
Return to the city of Jodhpur and overnight will be spent in the palace.
Day 13 Jodhpur – Udaipur:
By Air
Flight : Private Jet
Aircraft : As per specifications
Stopover : Nil
Time taken : 30 min approx.
Enjoy your breakfast at the palace.
Take your private jet to Udaipur.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imaginationof poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Take a walk of the old city around the lake and in the evening proceed for motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthandesert.
Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace – the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the palace and return to the hotel.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 14 Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the Royal Cenotaphs.
The sightseeing of Udaipur is not too long. Finish by late morning and then freshen up to enjoy the hotel.
Enjoy the spa at the hotel or proceed for a visit of the old town.
Overnight will be at Devigarh.
Day 15 Udaipur – Cochin:
By Air
Flight : Private Jet
Aircraft : As per specifications
Stopover : Nil
Time taken : 2 hours approx.
Enjoy breakfast at the palace.
Proceed to the airport for boarding the private jet to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and transfer to Hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Proceed in the evening for the PRIVATE CHAMPAGNE HARBOUR CRUISE and watch the fishing island, dolphins and old town from the sea. Enjoy the sunset from here.
Return to the hotel for a lovely dinner served at the hotel harbor.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
Day 16 Cochin:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Today you will visit Cochin, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
Chinese fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
The Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. are also nice for sightseeing. Take a boat ride and visit BOLGATTY PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.
Over night stay at hotel.
Day 17 Cochin:
Excursion to the magical backwaters
Proceed for Aleppey by surface after a leisurely breakfast.
Board the houseboat. Our backwater journey will start from Aleppey (also known as Alappuzha) which is known as the Venice of the East. It was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs.
Plunge into a crystal maze of one of the greatest gifts of nature that god has bestowed upon us. As the boat glides silently forward through the largest vast expanse backwater body, The Vembanad Lake, you will drift into a world of peace and serenity. At this point, we will serve you the mouth watering local cuisine and you will agree that it is truly God’s own country.
After a short siesta be prepared for the most fascinating journey through the panoramic view of the paddy fields admiring duck farming, watching divers diving for mussels via Mangalam, Chithira, R-block and C block with a cup of steaming tea/coffee in your hand.
On our way a stop at the St. Mary’s Church at Champakulam is a must. One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s church is believed to be one of the seven established by St Thomas. You will see the 130 feet long snake racing boat here as they originally belong to this place.
Return to Cochin and overnight will be at the BRUNTOAN BOATYARD.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 18 Cochin – Goa:
By Sea
By private yacht in 6 hr approx
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Board your yacht and sail for Goa. Reach and check in at the beautiful CLUB at LEELA GOA.
Goa, variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world. Nestled on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharasthra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar Districts of Karnataka, and on the west by Arabian Sea.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on 19th of December 1961 and became a Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On 30th of May 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.
Enjoy the resort and the private beach. Overnight will be at Goa.
Day 19- 20 Goa:
Enjoy the resort and the beach. Breakfasts will be at the resort.
One of the days (I would prefer on DAY 19) take a tour of North & Old Goa visiting the churches and the PANJIM city. (VEHICLES WILL BE AT DISPOSAL)
Nights will be at the CLUB, LEELA.
Day 21 Departure:
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Depart in your yacht / private jet with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
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