Splendours of India: Holiday of a Lifetime

Upon arrival in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. There are no activities planned for this day however you will be greeted by your Goway Tour Director and along with your fellow travellers, you’ll receive an informal briefing of the days to come.

After a late break­fast, depart for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai's most iconic sites starting with a tour of the city passing by the University of Mumbai, the High Court, the exquisitely designed Flora Fountain, Victoria Terminus and the city’s best known market, Crawford Market.  Then drive along the attractive Marine Drive to the affluent Malabar Hill where we will visit the Jain Temple and the Hanging Gardens which has a great view of the city in the distance. After that, head to the Dhobi Ghats (the local outdoor laundry), one of the highlights of Mumbai before visiting Mani Bhavan, the house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay during his visits to Mumbai, now a permanent museum and memorial to Gandhi. Also visit the Prince of Wales Museum housing interesting displays of jade, ceramics, weapons, manuscripts and exquisite miniatures finally visit to the iconic monument and landmark, the Gateway of India located on the waterfront. There is time for an optional stop at Colaba Causeway for shopping before returning to your hotel. This evening enjoy a “Welcome to India” special dinner. 

Our day begins with a visit to the Old City to visit Banganga with its sacred water tank surrounded by four hundred year old temples. Also visit Kotachiwadi, a nineteenth century settlement with quaint old houses before returning to Mumbai for lunch. After this, head to the airport for the flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, you will be transferred to your hotel.

We start with a visit to the spectacular City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan built in 1725. The palace walls stretch over a mile.  Also visit the museum inside the palace with its wide array of artifacts. Afterwards, enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful Lake Pichola offering wonderful city views. In the evening, enjoy a typical Rajasthani dinner.

This morning, we drive overland to Jodhpur visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temple complex en route (approximately a 2 hour drive). The temple has more than 1440 marble pillars carved in exquisite detail. On arrival in Jodhpur (approximately a 4 hour drive), we check into our hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. In the evening we will have dinner at our hotel.

We explore the city including a visit to the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India overlooking the city and Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built for a distinguished Maharaja of the past with a beautiful multi-tiered garden and small lake. In the afternoon, visit the Bishnoi Villages and enjoy a jeep safari to view the desert and the local wildlife. 

Travel today by train (approximately a 4 hour journey) to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” due to the colour of its buildings. On arrival, we check into our hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. 

We start the day with a visit to the famed Amber Fort. Located on a rugged hilltop offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, it is constructed in white and red sandstone. Later, enjoy a city tour which includes a visit to the Palace of Winds; the City Palace & Museum as well as The Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built in 18th century, the huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars. This evening, enjoy dinner at a special restaurant.

This morning depart by road (approximately a 4 hour drive) to Ranthambore National Park known for its fascinating blend of history and nature. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and is home to the majestic Bengal tiger.

Today we will experience 2 jungle safaris with a profes­sional naturalist at both dawn and dusk. Ride in an open canter, perfect for safe tiger tracking, bird watching and photography. The afternoon is free time for you to relax at the hotel before undertaking a further jungle safari.

We board the Shatabdi Express to Bharatpur (a 2 hour rail journey) where we con­tinue by scenic drive (approximately a one and a half hour drive) to Agra. En route we visit the deserted capital of Fatehpur Sikri, known as the “Ghost City” as it was originally built as the capital of the Mughal Empire but was eventually abandoned.

Today we visit the Taj Mahal, a monument commemorating one of the greatest love stories ever told. It took 22 years and 20,000 men to build. Afterwards, we drive to the imposing Agra Fort which dominates the city and later visit Mother Teresa's Orphanage, an interesting experience. Dinner this evening at a special local restaurant. 

We drive to Delhi (a 5 hour drive) where we catch a flight to the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi and one of the oldest cities in India. On arrival, remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight is a special kebab dinner at the hotel.

Start the day with an excursion to Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. It was also the centre of religious activity and learning up to the 9^th Century AD. Also visit the local museum with its Buddhist artifacts. The afternoon is free to explore the city or go shopping. Varanasi is famous for its excellent saris and cashmere. In the early evening, board a rickshaw and visit the atmospheric Ghats and witness an aarti ceremony at sunset.

Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the sacred River Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and wit­ness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest religions. In the afternoon, depart on your flight to Delhi. Dinner at the hotel.

We start with a half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the extensive Red Fort, the Jama Masjid Mosque, India’s largest and renowned as the most elegant mosque in India. Then there will be an interesting cycle rickshaw ride through Chadni Chowk, the very centre of Old Delhi. Next visit the atmospheric Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.  In the afternoon, we take in the sights of New Delhi including the India Gate, a war memorial commemorating the Indian soldiers killed in the World War II. We also drive past the magnificent Presidential Palace and Government buildings. In the afternoon, visit Humayun’s Tomb with its several tombs of past Mughal Emperors and Qutub Minar, India’s tallest stone tower made of red sandstone and considered an architectural marvel of the 13th century. After some last minute shopping, enjoy a special farewell to India dinner.

Depart today from Delhi flying back to North America arriving the same day in time to connect to your home city.