Exotic Journeys' - India and Nepal - 18 Days - Luxury Tour

Mumbai(Bombay) • Aurangabad • Udaipur • Jodhpur • Jaipur • Delhi • Agra • Khajuraho • Varanasi • Kathmandu

DAY 1 - Mumbai (Bombay), India

Arrive Bombay. A representative from Exotic Journeys will meet you outside the arrival lounge and escort you to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at :
Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.

DAY 2 - Mumbai (Bombay)

City tour visiting Hanging Gardens, Kamla Nehru Park, Gateway of India, National Museum and Crawford Market.

Overnight at :
Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.

DAY 3 - Mumbai - Aurangabad

Morning boat excursion to Elephanta Caves - the 7th century cave temples carved out of a hill rising from the Arabian Sea.
Fly to Aurangabad.

Overnight at :
Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad

DAY 4 - Aurangabad / Ajanta Caves

Full day excursion to the thirty caves at Ajanta that is either chapels or monasteries. The murals and paintings date back to 2nd century BC and 8th century AD and illustrate the life of Buddha in previous births. Many of the frescoes still glow in their original colors. On the outer walls are brilliantly executed sculptures.

Overnight at :
Vivanta by Taj Aurangabad

DAY 5 - Aurangabad/Ellora Caves / Mumbai

Morning excursion to Ellora Caves. The three groups of temples here relate the story of evolution of Asia's main religions Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Fly to Aurangabad in the evening.

Overnight at :
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

DAY 6 - Udaipur

Fly to Udaipur and city tour. Udaipur is interspersed with shimmering lakes, marble palaces and fountains. The Maharana’s Palace is the largest of its kind. It is remarkable for octagonal towers, brilliant multicolor mosaics of inlaid tiles, inlaid mirror work and exquisite paintings. Sahelion ki Bari is a fascinating garden, adorned by Lotus pool, a marble throne and finely sculptured cenotaphs.

Overnight at :
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

DAY 7 -Udaipur - Ranakpur

The cluster of temples at Ranakpur, made of intricately sculpted white marble, come across as a marvelous feat of architecture. It may surprise visitors that these temples were built in 1460 but are so well preserved and the marble still sparkles. The main temple is supported by 1444 pillars none of which are similarly carved. These temples house statues of Mahavira and other Jain saints.

Overnight at :
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

DAY 8 - Jodhpur

Fly / drive to Jodhpur - the fortified city is surrounded by massive walls and is famous for the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort. Within the fort the luxurious palaces - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Phool Mahal are architecturally remarkable & so is Umaid Bhavan Palace, now a hotel. Close to the fort is Jaswant Thada - a collection of royal cenotaphs built in white marble. City tour and camel ride.

Overnight at :
Taj Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur

DAY 9 - Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur and city tour. Popularly known as Pink City, Jaipur's colorful bazaars, Jantar Mantar, sandstone pink buildings, magnificent City Palace and Palace of Winds reflect the past glory of this remarkable town.

Overnight at :
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

DAY 10 - Amber Fort - Jaipur

Visit Amber Fort with elephant ride in the morning. Amber Fort and its sandstone palaces are perched atop a hill near Jaipur. Within its precincts are Sheesh Mahal or chamber of mirrors reputedly the best in the world, Victory Hall and Pleasure Palace. Reaching the fort on elephant back is a delightful experience. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at :
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

DAY 11 - Delhi

Fly to Delhi - a city of immense past. It is dotted with hundreds of landmarks and has accumulated a tremendous heritage of art, architecture and culture.

Overnight at :
Taj Mahal, New Delhi

DAY 12 - Delhi

City sightseeing tour visiting the Presidential Palace, Parliament House, Red Fort, Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in Asia, Jantar Mantar - the medieval observatory, the 16th century tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, Raj Ghat and Shantivana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, India Gate and Qutub Minar.

Overnight at :
Taj Mahal, New Delhi

DAY 13 - Agra - Taj Mahal

Today you will travel to the city of world's most famous love story - Taj Mahal. City tour includes visit to Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Itemad-ud-daula.

Overnight at :
Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

DAY 14 - Khajuraho - Chandela Temples

Travel by train to Jhansi. Transfer to Khajuraho en route visiting Orcha.

The Chandela temples represent the finest creative examples of temple architecture. Visit the temples.

Overnight at :
Lalit Temple View Hotel, Khajuraho

DAY 15 - Varanasi

Fly to Varanasi. Sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges to witness burning and bathing ghats. Activities include visits to Sarnath, Aurangzeb Mosque, various temples, Well of Knowledge.

Overnight at :
Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi

DAY 16 - Kathmandu

This afternoon fly to the capital of Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. City tour includes City Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, Temple of Living Goddess, Machendranath and Swayambhunath.

Overnight at :
Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu

DAY 17 - Kathmandu

You will continue sightseeing around the valley by visiting the medieval capital - Bhadgaon and the city of artists - Patan.

Overnight at :
Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu

DAY 18 - Kathmandu - Departure

Transfer to airport. Depart from Kathmandu on your onward journey.