An Architect’s Dream Heritage India

"An Architect’s Dream"- Heritage India

13 Nights/ 14 Days

Delhi – Aurangabad – Mumbai – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi

Experience ancient culture and the exquisite beauty of North India’s vast and diverse art and architecture, spanning the centuries from 200 BC. Artists, Art History Buffs, Art Teachers and Students will especially enjoy this focused excursion into India’s colorful and diverse culture. The tour highlights the Art and History of Indo – Aryan and Dravidian architecture (Sikhara, Nagara and Gopuram styles), Sultanat, Persian, Mughal, Rajput and Mori carpets and textiles and the marble inlay technique, Pietra Dura.

Day 01

Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi; the capital of India. Traditional welcome and transfer to hotel. Overnight.

NOTE : if flight is arrive in the morning, day 2 sightseeing can be divided on two days and add some interesting places.

Day 02

Delhi

After breakfast full day guided tour of Delhi starting with old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Red Fort. Later visit Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, drive pass Parliament Street & President house and visit Qutab Minar and Chattarpur Mandir if time permit Lotus Temple. Overnight at hotel

Day 03

Delhi / Aurangabad

Morning transfer to airport to connect flight to Aurangabad. On arrival transfer to hotel followed by sightseeing of Ellora caves. Overnight.

Day 04

Aurangabad – Mumbai

Morning visit Ajanta caves. After sightseeing transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight.

Day 05

Mumbai

Morning excursion on motorized boats across the Arabian Sea to the Elephanta Caves, which house several, sculptures and images sacred to the Hindu faith. Afternoon city tour visiting Gateway of India, Hanging Garden, Aquarium. Overnight.

Day 06

Jodhpur / Udaipur (260 Kms / 6 hrs)

Morning transfer to airport to connect flight to Udaipur. On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening Boat ride on Lake Pichola & witness the magnificent sunset at the lake. Overnight.

Day 07

Udaipur

Morning sightseeing of city - visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion Ki Bari, Fatehsagar Lake. Afternoon visit Eklingji – 22 kilometers from Udaipur built in 734 AD. This complex has 108 temples devoted to Eklingji. Nagda- This ancient place in Mewar, was the first capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificent torana exquisitely carved with graceful Apsaras. The Sas-Bahu Temples here (10^th Century) are resplendent in their intricate carving. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08

Udaipur – Jaipur (374 Kms / 8 hrs)

Morning depart for Jaipur. Enroute visit Chittorgarh. On arrival check into hotel. Overnight.

Day 09

Jaipur

Full day sightseeing- visiting City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar Observatory & Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Afternoon visit Amber Fort. Ascend the Fort on Elephant back. Overnight.

Day 10

Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (250 Kms / 5 hrs)

Morning drive to Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri – Ghost City. This massive habitat was abandoned by Emperor Akbar due to lack of water. Today, it remains a testament to the master builders of the Mughal Empire. On arrival check into hotel followed by sightseeing of Agra visiting world famous Taj Mahal - one of the 7^th wonders of the world- unquestionably the world’s most magnificent Monument to Love built in the 17th century (Friday closed) Agra Fort and Fort of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Overnight.

Day 11

Agra- Khajuraho

Morning visit handicraft Bazaar Under the patronage of the Mughal rulers, many arts and craft forms were encouraged which still form the handicraft industry of Agra. Brass ware, embroidered clothes, marble curios, intricately designed jewellery and the original Persian carpets are few of the things which can be carried from Agra. Afternoon transfer to airport to connect flight to Khajuraho. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight.

Day 12

Khajuraho - Varanasi

Morning visit famous Khajuraho Temples from Chandella period of the 9th to 11th centuries, illustrated with remarkable sculptures of the classical erotic literature, the Kama Sutra and Jain Temples of the same period and an introduction to Jain religion. After sightseeing transfer to airport to connect flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight

Day 13

Varanasi

Early morning visit Ghats and boat ride on River Ganges. Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast excursion to Sarnath an important Buddhist pilgrimage point. Overnight.

Day 14

Varanasi – Delhi – Onward journey

Morning city tour visiting various temples. Afternoon transfer to airport to connect flight to Delhi. On arrival Delhi visit “Dilli Haat” where artists display and sell their products/ Government Emporiums. Transfer to International Airport for onward / return flight.