India Tour Beyond the Taj Mahal

Namaste and welcome to India! On the day of arrival at Mumbai Airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day guided tour of Mumbai, famously known as "The City that Never Sleeps." Begin your adventure at Mumbai Harbor, where you will take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island to explore its ancient caves, dating back to the 5th century BC. In the afternoon, return by ferry and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Next, visit the iconic Gateway of India for a photo shoot and sightseeing, followed by a trip to the Prince of Wales Museum, home to fascinating artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization. Continue your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan, a poignant memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening, enjoy free time for shopping along bustling streets filled with shops and attractions. End your day with an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Mumbai Airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After settling in and freshening up, embark on an exploration of the stunning Sahasra Bahu temples, an architectural marvel from the 10th century dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the ancient town of Nagda. Continue your journey with a visit to the sacred Shri Ekling Ji Temple, an 8th-century shrine revered for its devotion to Lord Ekling Ji. In the evening, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After a sumptuous breakfast at your luxurious hotel, begin your sightseeing in Udaipur with a visit to Sahelion-Ki-Bari, a serene garden renowned for its elegant fountains, marble pavilions, and lush landscapes, designed for the royal ladies of the court. Next, immerse yourself in local culture at the Museum of Folk Art, where an impressive collection of traditional folk dresses, puppets, dolls, masks, ornaments, and musical instruments offers a vibrant snapshot of Rajasthan’s rich heritage.

Continue your exploration at the grand City Palace, India’s largest palace complex, which has been expanded by four generations of Maharajas. The palace museum houses exquisite treasures, including a stunning peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings depicting Indian mythology. Your tour also includes a visit to Pratap Smarak, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the Karni Mata Temple, accessible via a scenic ropeway. Conclude your day with a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola, where the city’s stunning palaces and temples reflect beautifully in the serene waters. Return to your hotel for an indulgent overnight stay, wrapped in the luxury and charm of Udaipur.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, depart for Jodhpur, making a captivating stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temples en route. Dating back to the 12th century, these temples are renowned for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Marvel at the 1,444 unique marble pillars, each featuring a distinct design and theme. Following your visit to Ranakpur, continue your journey to Jodhpur and check in at your hotel upon arrival. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, and in the evening, embark on an engaging Village Safari to the Bishnoi village. Here, you'll have the chance to interact with the local community, gaining insights into their traditional lifestyle and cultural practices. Return to your hotel in Jodhpur for a comfortable overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Perched on a 150-meter-high hill, this grand fort is one of Rajasthan's most formidable and majestic structures. As you tour the fort, admire its seven gates, including Jayapol (Victory Gate), which Maharaja Man Singh constructed to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner. You can still see the battle scars on the fort's second gate. Next, visit Jaswant Thada, the elegant marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and then explore Mandore Garden, Clock Tower, and Sardar Market. Conclude your day with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Museum, located within the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the world's largest private residence built between 1928 and 1943. The palace is divided into a luxury hotel, royal quarters, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel, then head off to Jaisalmer. When you arrive, check into your hotel and take some time to unwind. Later in the evening, get ready for an adventure! Hop on a camel for a safari and soak in the breath-taking sunset views in the Rajasthan desert. As night falls, get ready to experience some local culture. Watch traditional dance performances by Rajasthani artists right in the heart of the Thar Desert. After a day full of excitement, head back to your hotel for a good night's rest.

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, get ready for a full day of exploring Jaisalmer. First stop, the impressive Jaisalmer Fort, built back in 1156. It's unique because lots of people still live inside, making it one of the few living forts worldwide. Explore the beautiful Jain temples inside the fort, known for their intricate architecture. Next, head to the palace museum inside the fort, where you can see fancy imperial clothes and artifacts from the royal family. Don't miss the ornate havelis (traditional townhouses) like Patwaon-ki-Haveli, with their detailed designs and fancy windows. Then, visit Gadisar Lake, a popular spot in the city. Finally, check out the Bara Bagh Temples, where you'll find royal cenotaphs (memorials) built by the Maharajas of Jaisalmer in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries CE. After all that sightseeing, you've got the rest of the day to relax and do whatever you like. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Gajner. Upon arrival, check in at the Gajner Palace, a magnificent lakeside estate originally constructed as a hunting lodge by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner, property was converted into a heritage hotel in 1976. This heritage hotel, set amid the Thar Desert, exudes royal charm and offers stunning views. After settling in, take some time to relax at the palace before heading out to explore the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique sanctuary, once a favored hunting ground for the Maharaja, provides a rare opportunity to see desert wildlife in their natural habitat. Look out for various species such as wild fowls, deer, antelopes, nilgais, chinkaras, black bucks, desert foxes, and wild boars. The sanctuary’s central lake, an essential oasis, attracts many animals seeking respite from the desert’s heat. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on your journey to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and refresh yourself. Later, proceed with your sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Start with a visit to Junagarh Fort, a grand fortress built by Raja Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593 AD. Explore its impressive architecture and historical significance. Next, head to Lalgarh Palace, constructed by Sir Ganga Singh, the Maharaja of Bikaner, between 1902 and 1926. This palace also serves as a heritage hotel and is noted for its stunning design. Continue to the Bhandasar Jain Temple, renowned for its exquisite wall paintings and artwork, and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the National Research Centre on Camels, where you can learn about the significance of camels in the region and their various uses. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Mandawa, located in the Shekhawati region. On the way, visit the historic Nawalgarh Havelis, including the Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, and Morarka Haveli. These beautifully decorated havelis showcase intricate frescoes and the rich heritage of the region. Continue your drive to Mandawa. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour to discover the vibrant painted havelis (palaces) of Mandawa. These colorful and artistically adorned buildings are a testament to the area's rich cultural and artistic history. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, depart for Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, explore the charming markets of Jaipur's historic walled pink city, where you can witness the timeless traditions and vibrant local culture. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Jaipur. Begin your exploration with Rajasthan's iconic attraction, the "Amber Fort and Palace," a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 using red sandstone and marble. This majestic fort complex is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Explore its extensive palace sections and intricate architecture, which blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Following your visit to Amber Fort, continue your Jaipur sightseeing with a visit to Jal Mahal, the serene Water Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

Proceed to City Palace, a magnificent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture that houses museums showcasing royal artifacts. Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, featuring impressive instruments designed for accurate celestial observations. Continue to Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, renowned for its intricate facade adorned with hundreds of windows that allowed royal ladies to observe street festivities. Explore the Albert Hall Museum, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture housing a diverse collection of artifacts. Conclude your day with a visit to Birla Mandir, a modern Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. After an enriching day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Agra. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Akbar in the late 16th century. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Agra. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Spend the evening exploring the local markets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Early morning before sunrise our tour guide will pick you from your hotel and take you for a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, visit the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah and the majestic Agra Fort. Later in the afternoon, leave for New Delhi for overnight stay.

Today, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. Begin your tour at Rajghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's busiest market. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, we will transfer you to IGI Airport, New Delhi for your journey home or onward journey.