Day 01 :DEPART NEW YORK BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Day 02 :ARRIVE MUMBAI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
You will arrive at Mumbai International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a TIWARI TOURS representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed for check-in at the hotel.
Mumbai - It is young, it’s lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents has given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State, formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea. Mumbai is the hub of Indian film industry, which has played a pivoted role in the development of cinematography. "Bollywood", as it is called, produces the second most number of pictures in the world every year, next only to Hollywood, U.S.A. Mumbai claims to be the world's largest production centre for films.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 03 :MUMBAI
Breakfast at hotel & Morning is at leisure.
later on the tour starts from the Gateway of India. Gateway of India is the landmark of Bombay, which, was before the advent of air travel, the only gateway to India. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911. You will be then driven along Marine Drive, the sea - Front Boulevard. It is also known as the Queen’s Necklace as in the evening, the breeze from the Arabian Sea comes over Marine Drive and as the streetlights on this U-shaped road light up, the view from south Bombay’s skyscrapers or from the exclusive residential area, is that of a Queen’s Necklace. Your first stop will be the Jain Temples, built of marble and dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara. From the temples you will be driven along Malabar Hill via the Tower of Silence - a round stone construction on which Parsis place their dead to be eaten by the vultures and Hanging Gardens which is built over Bombay’s reservoir. From here one can get a panoramic view of picturesque Marine Drive. From Malabar Hill you will be driven to the Dhobi Ghats a huge open-air laundry, which makes an interesting viewing. Continue to Mani Bhawan (Gandhi Memorial), the house where the Father of the Nation stayed on his early visits to the city. The room, in which Gandhi stayed, preserved as it was, and the scenes of Gandhi’s life in photographs and models are of special interest. Return to your hotel after the visit.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 04 :MUMBAI – JAIPUR BY: FLIGHT
After an early breakfast, in the time a TIWARI TOURS representative will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport in time to board your flight for Jaipur.
Departure: Mumbai at: 1100 Hrs By: TBA
Arrival : Jaipur at: 1200 Hrs
Upon arrival at Jaipur a Tiwari Tours representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel, where you will proceed for check-in.
Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces ad waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. By far it is the most colourful region in India.
Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 05 :JAIPUR
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century.
Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.
An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour of Jaipur City.
Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 06 :JAIPUR – AGRA BY: SURFACE
After buffet breakfast at hotel, you will be driven to Agra (235 Kms / 6 hours), en-route stop at Abhaneri Step wells. Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, Built during the 8th and 9th century by King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty, provided the surrounding areas with a dependable water source for centuries before modern water delivery systems were introduced. The huge tank with delicate carvings certainly is delightful to the eyes. There is a Harshat Mata Temple adjucent to the stepwells. This Impressive structure is over 1000 years old.. which means the city of brightness. In the present day, this city of brightness is in ruins;This colossal step well is one of India's deepest and largest step wells. This incredible square structure is 13 stories deep, and lined along the walls on three sides are double flight of steps. 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry descends to the bottom of the well 20 meters deep to a murky green puddle of water
Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood.
Arrive agra and check inn Hotel later on afternoon to visit Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 07 :AGRA - MATHURA – DELHI BY: SURFACE
Early Morning visit Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays).
The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.
Breakfast at the hotel & driven from Agra to Mathura (55 KMS / 01 Hours)
Mathura is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the seven most sacred cities in India. The main pilgrim centre in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi temple. A stone slab marks the original spot of the birth of Lord Krishna. The earlier Kesava Deo temple had the room where Lord Krishna was born. According to legends, Lord Krishna was born in a small prison room where the tyrant ruler Kansa held his parents captive.
Later visit Vrindavan is 10 km from Mathura and it is associated with the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna. Like Mathura, Vrindavan is also famous for its temples. There are about 4,000 temples in Vrindavan. The main temples are Govind Dev Temple, Rangaji temple, Bankey Bihari temple, Radha Ballabh temple, Madan Mohan temple, Pagal Baba temple and the Nidhi Van temple.
Later drive to Delhi by surface (150 Km / 0400 Hrs)
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 08 :DELHI – VARANASI BY: FLIGHT
Morning buffet breakfast at hotel.
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi.
Departure: Delhi at: 0935 Hrs By: TBA
Arrival: Varanasi at: 1045 Hrs
Upon arrival meet with our representative and check-in at hotel.
The antiquity of Varanasi is veiled in immortal times and has been the centre of religion, learning and civilization since ages. It has an endearing universal mystique, which has to be experienced to be understood. The city gets its inherent charm from the location as it’s situated on west side of the Holy Ganges. The principal attraction being the bathing ghats that are always bustling with life at any given time of the day.
Varanasi has been the religious capital of Hinduism since time immemorial. Written records of the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata mention its existence as long as 3000 years ago. It is probably the oldest living city in India, and one of the world's most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here.
The mythological name of the city was Kashi meaning light or luminescence, i.e. the city that illuminates with its spiritual light. Two rivers, the Varuna and the Assi, meet the hilly Ganga at the northern and southern tips of the city respectively. In medieval times and till as recently as the mid-20th century, the city was known as Benares, which seems to have been the result of putting together the names of the rivers Varuna and Assi. Since 1956, the name had been changed to Varanasi. The wealth of Varanasi and its religious significance were also its bette-noir. Its past is replete with hoary tales of plunder and destruction by conquerors and religious zealots. But such is the invigorating strength of the holy waters of the Ganges that Varanasi refused to die.
This evening proceed for evening Aarti ceremony at the Ghat. This is one of a lifetime opportunity for any traveler to this holy city.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 09 :VARANASI - ALLAHABAD – VARANASI BY: SURFACE
Today after breakfast drive to Allahabad (200 KM / 03 Hrs)
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Allahabad . On arrival visit to Rama Janmbhumi – the birth place of lord Rama and other temples.
Allahabad is situated on the right bank of the river Ghagra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts; this town is closely associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The ancient city of Allahabad , according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu. For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. Allahabad during ancient times was known as Kaushaldesa. Later drive back to Varanasi.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 10 :VARANASI
Early morning at dawn after tea & coffee in the lobby level you will be visiting the ghats to witness the Hindu pilgrims perform the rituals and following the centuries old tradition and belief that by dying in Varanasi or by immersing the mortal remains in the holy Ganges it clears one from the birth circle and you are incarnated to human life in the next birth. You would be taking a boat cruise on the river Ganges around all the ghats and stopping at the important ones.
The riverfront, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, is a spiritually uplifting sight. This religious city is crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets with their throngs of people is exciting and enticing.
Return to your hotel for buffet breakfast.
After breakfast, proceed for city tour of Varanasi, including a visit to Vishwanath Temple, the Benaras Hindu University and Sankat Mochan Temple Durga Temple and Bharat Mata temple.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 11 :VARANASI – DELHI BY: FLIGHT
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, in time a TIWARI TOURS representative will transfer you to you to the airport for your flight to Delhi
Departure: Varanasi at: 1420 Hours By:
Arrive: Delhi at: 1500 Hours
Upon arrival, a TIWARI TOURS representative will meet you upon arrival & transfer you to your hotel, where you will proceed for check in.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 12 :DELHI – HARIDWAR BY: TRAIN
Early morning a TIWARI TOURS representative will transfer you to the New Delhi Railway Station to board your train departing for Haridwar.
Departure: New Delhi at: 0650 Hours By: Dehradun Shatabdi Express
Arrival: Haridwar at: 1125 Hours
Upon arrival check-in at hotel.
Later in the afternoon visit to Mansa Devi temple The Maya Devi Temple holds great religious importance for the follower of Hindu religion. The temple is also regarded as one of the Siddhapethas dedicated to the Adhisthatri Devi of Haridwar. In the evening enjoy the spectacular view of ‘Aarti at Hat Ki Pauri’ is regarded as one of the major attractions of Haridwar. It is a sacred ghat built by the then King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. Thousands of devotees come here to take a holy dip in the river Ganga during the Kumbh Mela.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 13 :HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH - HARIDWAR
Before breakfast, we drive to Rishikesh - The foothill town on the banks of the holy Ganges, Rishikesh is the gateway to the beautiful Garhwal on the Himalayas. Rishikesh is located on the Tehri-Garhwal region in Uttaranchal. It is believed that Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu at this place and hence is an important place for the Hindu pilgrims from all over the world. Here we take a bath at the Holy Ganga. We return to Hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon you are free to spend time at the hotel at leisure or go to the “Galis” of Haridwar and shop. Evening return back to the hotel.
Today evening farewell Dinner with live musical program
Overnight stay at hotel
Day 14 :HARIDWAR - DELHI BY: TRAIN
Breakfast at hotel & in time transfer to Haridwar railway station to connect train for Delhi.
Departure: Haridwar at: 0622 Hours By: Jan Shatabdi Express
Arrival: Delhi at: 1115 Hours
Upon arrival in Delhi railway station and transfer you to your hotel for check in. You have the rest of the afternoon at leisure or shopping.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel
Day 15 :DELHI
After breakfast the day is free for shopping at Local Market or independent activities. Return to Hotel for dinner. In time transfer to airport to board the flight for onward Destination
Day 16 :DELHI – NEW YORK BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Board your flight back to New York.
Optional - AMRITSAR TOUR
Day 01 :DELHI – AMRITSAR BY: TRAIN
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, a Tiwari Tours representative will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the New Delhi Railway station to board your train to Amritsar.
Departure: New Delhi at: 0720 Hours By: 2029 Swarna Shatabdi Express
Arrival: Amritsar at: 1325 Hours
Upon arrival in Amritsar railway station and transfer you to your hotel for check in. In the late afternoon, visit the Wagah Border - international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle.
Watch Flag Retreat Ceremony - Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border 30 Kms from Amritsar where the daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.
Return to the hotel after the tour.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 02 :AMRITSAR
After a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing tour of Amritsar visiting Golden temple and Jallianwala Bagh.
Golden Temple - Shining in the morning light, the gilded splendor of its paneling and big dome and small minarets, this temple is a fairy world palace to the devotees of the Sikh faith. Certainly, the first look brings onto the innocent eye the image of a transcendent fact The 'loving sight' peering into heaven from the legends of the miraculous cures by the touch of the water in the pool of nectar, in which the shrine stands makes for ecstatic awareness. The vision has been received by millions of pilgrims who have come here for centuries from near and far. The actual construction had modest beginnings: A mud-house was constructed by Guru Amar Das, who is said to have found on the edge of the pool the magical herb which cured a skin ailment of his master Guru Angad. The Amrit Sarovar remained a village tank, until the fourth Guru Ram Das began to carry out the plans of his mentor for a more permanent structure in brick.
Continue to visit the Jallianwala Bagh - the historic site where hundreds of innocent Indian men, women and children were massacred by British General Michael Dyer on April 13, 1919. A memorial and Garden have been created here as a national monument.
Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour following which remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 03 :DEPARTURE DELHI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
After buffet breakfast at hotel, you will be driven to the Train Station in time to board your train to Delhi.
Departure: Amritsar at: 0510 Hours By: Shatabdi Express
Arrival: New Delhi at: 1115 Hours
Upon arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to hotel. Rest of day is free. Later in the evening you will be transferred to International airport to board flight back home