Day 01: Gaya/Bodh Gaya
Arrive in Gaya.
Drive to Bodh Gaya 13 km and check into hotel.
Take a sightseeing tour of this holy seat of the Buddhist religion.
Here is where Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree. There is a serene temple here, as well as the offshoot of the tree that offered shade to Buddha. The original tree was destroyed by Emperor Ashoka's queen, but a sapling of it was saved in time and planted in Sri Lanka by his daughter. A sapling of that tree was brought back to Bodh Gaya, which still stands to tell this tale.

A number of Buddhist nations like Thailand, Japan and Burma have set up monasteries and meditation centres in Bodh Gaya. Some of these include: the Indosan Nipponji temple, the Thai monastery, the Tibetan Karma Temple and Namgyal Monastery, and others by the Chinese, Burmese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, Tamang, Daijokyo and Nepali Buddhist communities.
During October and March, monks from Dharamsala descend to Bodh Gaya. The Dalai Lama pays a visit here too during December and January.
The Mahabodhi temple is a World Heritage site, built adjacent to the site of enlightenment in the 6th century AD. The temple was attacked and plundered by Muslim invaders in the 11th century and re-built several times.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Bodh Gaya - Dungeshwari Caves - Gaya
After breakfast, proceed to Dungeshwari cave temples, 13 km.
Here Buddha spent years of penance before attaining 'nirvana' or enlightenment.
After lunch, return to Gaya to visit the Brahmajuni Hill, believed to be the site of Buddha's fire sermon. There is a cave and a temple on the hill top.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 03: Bodh Gaya - Rajgir
After breakfast, depart for Rajgir, 70 km, 2 hrs by road.
Arrive in Rajgir and check into hotel.
Rajgir was the capital of the Magadha kingdom and is a pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus as well. The Japanese Buddhists have built the massive Vishwashanti Stupa on the Ratnagiri Hill which can be accessed by a chairlift. The stupa has statues of Buddha at the four stages of his life - birth, enlightenment, teaching and death. From the hill top, the Jain shrines can also be viewed, scattered across 26 distant hills. Griddhakuta, located on Ratnagiri Hill is another site where Budhha stopped by to preach.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 04: Rajgir - Nalanda
After breakfast, proceed to Nalanda, 12 km.
Spread over 14 hectares, the Nalanda University Ruins Archaeological Complex is set amidst expansive lawns which offset the spectacular layout and carvings of this ancient university. The monasteries and the viharas are separated by a central valley. Interesting structures to look out for include: steps leading up to perhaps a dais for professors and stupas with images of the Buddha carved in.
According to the Chinese traveler Xuan Zang who also taught at the university during 685 and 762 AD, 10,000 monks and professors resided here at the time.
After the walk around the ruins, visit the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall, a Chinese pagoda built by Chinese Buddhists.
Return to Rajgir hotel for night stay.

Day 05: Rajgir - Patna
After breakfast, proceed to Patna by road, 80 km.
Arrive in Patna and check into hotel.
Patna is Bihar's capital city and can be used as a base to visit the Buddhist sites of Vaishali and Kesariya. It also rests on its ancient past as Pataliputra, the capital of the various dynasties that ruled over the region.
After lunch, take a local sightseeing tour of Patna. This would include: Golghar (built as a granary), Gandhi Museum, Patna Museum, Har Mandir Takht, Qila House or Jalan Museum with some really rare relics like Napolean's bed and Marie Antoinette's porcelain; and the ruins of Pataliputra.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 06: Patna - Vaishali - Kesariya
After an early breakfast, depart for Vaishali, 44 km.
This is where Buddha preached his last sermon. The ruins of the Kolhua complex enclose the 2300 year old Ashoka pillar. A Japanese Peace Pagoda has also been built here. After lunch, proceed to Kesariya, 70 km.
Kesariya marks the site where Buddha gave away his begging bowl before his death. A massive Buddhist stupa built during the rule of the Pala kings is being excavated here. Return to Patna for overnight stay.

Day 07: Patna - Kushinagar - Gorakhpur
After breakfast, depart for Kushinagar, 220 km by road. Or else, you can take the train to Gorakhpur and drive 55 km from there to this historic town.
Arrive in Gorakhpur and check into hotel.
Buddha breathed his last here, leaving a message for all mankind to find their salvation. Several monuments built by devotees from across the world have built monuments on this holy site along the Buddha Marg. These include: Vietnam's Linh Son Buddhists temple, meditation centre and gardens, the Burmese Mahasukhamdadacham Thargyi Pagoda, the Mahaparinirvan Temple with a tranquil and reclining Buddha and the Matahkuar temple, the Japanese - Sri Lanka temple and the Wat Thai temple. The Ramabhar Stupa, or the Mukutbandhan Stupa is the site of the cremation of Buddha.
Return to Gorakhpur for overnight stay.

Day 08: Gorakhpur - Sarnath
Depart in time for train to Varanasi which is 5 ½ hrs from Gorakhpur.
Arrive in Varanasi and check into hotel.
Take a short break before heading to Sarnath, 10 km.
At Sarnath, Buddha gave his first sermon to a small band of followers after attaining nirvana. Emperor Ashoka had monastaries and stupas built here which were destroyed by Muslim invaders in later years. Some remains were discovered by British archaeologists in 1835. Sarnath is one of the four main sites of the Budddhist religion, the others being Bodhgaya, Kushinagar and Lumbini in Nepal.
Return to Varanasi for night stay.

Day 09: Varanasi - Delhi/Mumbai/Onward Destination
After breakfast, take a tour of this holiest of cities for the Hindus. The River Ganga is the lifeline of the city, and all spiritual and religious activities are performed along its banks.
Take a cruise along the river between the Dasaswamedh Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat and visit the temples.
Participate in or observe the "Ganga aarti" in the evening, a spiritually uplifting experience in which the holy river is paid homage.
Take the evening flight out to Delhi or your preferred destination.
Tour Ends.

Day 01: Goa
Arrive at Dabolim airport, 29 km south of the capital Panaji. Dabolim is an international airport and receives flights from the UK and Europe, in addition to being connected to all major airports of India.
Check into hotel.
Depending on the flight and the time available, rest, walk up to the hotel beach and walk around town.

Day 02: North Goa
Goa's charm stems from its string of beautiful beaches receding into lush green paddy fields ringed by towering palms and criss-crossed by rivers. The strong Portuguese influence is for all to see, in the quaint cottages and mansions, and in the lifestyle of the Goans.
Start the tour of this delightful coastal state with its north, which covers Panaji, Torda, Mapusa, Fort Aguada, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora, Arambol and Terekhol Fort.
Panaji has fine churches and the State Museum to visit, and it's closest to the Miramar beach.
You can take a cruise on the Mandovi River where you can experience the folk music and dance of the Goans. The cruises are of varying durations, from an hour to an overnight one.
Old Goa has historic churches worth visiting: the Church of St Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine and the Convent and Church of St. Monica.
The beaches of Sinquerim and Candolim are at the foot of the Fort Aguada which braves the strong sea winds. Calangute, Baga, Vagator and Chapora are popular with back-packers.
A visit to the Terekhol Fort is a must - the road winds through rural Goa and offers good views after the 11.5 km ride from Arambol.
52 km from Panaji is the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary where there's also a botanical garden and a zoo.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 02: South Goa
After breakfast, explore the delights of South Goa. Margao is the heart of commercial activity. As you move further south for about 15 km, you'll discover the stately homes of the Goans styled on Portuguese lines. If you move north-east, Loutolim reveals more relics of the state's colonial past. Cova and Benaulim are quieter beaches, and offer water sports like jet-skiing, para-sailing and dolphin tours. South of Benaulim are the fine beaches of varca and Cavelossim. Venture into the little village of Agonda where you'll find the beach all to yourself. Palolem lies at the southernmost end of Goa, and harbours the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 03: Central Goa
Today, venture into Central Goa, chiefly Ponda, where Hindu temples and spice plantations are the main attractions. Most of the Hindu temples were destroyed by the Portuguese and re-built by the Hindus. Some of the unique ones are: the Shiva Temple of Shri Mangesh, Shri Mahalsa Temple and the Shri Shantadurga Temple.
Spend your day at leisure at any of the beaches in the second half.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 04: Goa - Dudhsagar Falls - Badami
Depart early for the Dudhsagar Falls, which mark Goa's border with Karnataka.
The Mandovi River drops three levels from a height of 310 m, making it India's 5th highest waterfall. During the monsoon, it is a spectacular sight.
After lunch, proceed to Badami in Karnataka, 5 hrs, 200 km
Arrive in Badami and check into hotel for night stay.

Day 05: Badami
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the magnificent cave temples built by the Chalukyas who ruled between the 4th and the 8th centuries.
Cave 1, the oldest is dedicated to Lord Shiva with an image of Nataraja, (Shiva in his dancing form). Vishnu is the central deity in the 2nd and 3rd caves, while the last of the four is a Jain cave which was carved in the 7th/8th century.
Return to hotel for the night.

Day 06: Badami - Gadag - Hospet - Hampi
Depart early for Gadag, 68 km to board train to Hospet.93 km
Arrive in Hospet and proceed to Hampi.
Arrive in Hampi and check into hotel.
Here are the ruins of the 15th century capital of the Vijaynagar Empire, and the legendary forest of Kishkindha, which finds mention in the Ramayana as the kingdom of the monkeys.
Hampi covers 25 sq. km of startling monuments that speak volumes not only of the artisans' skills, but also of the lifestyle and the cultural and intellectual pursuits of the royalty and the citizens of that time.
Hampi can be grouped in four sections, with the Tungabhadra River dividing the city into the southern and the northern bank. Round shaped coaracles are used by tourists and locals for crossing over the river.
The Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala temple, Sule Bazaar, Achyutaraya Temple, the Royal Centre, the Archaeological Museum, Hampi Bazaar, Virupapur Gaddi and Kamalapuram are its major attractions.
Hampi's boulders draw a great deal of interest from tourists, and bouldering is a sport readily taken to by visitors to this ancient city.
Explore as many sights as you can, depending on the time available
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 07: Hampi
After breakfast, explore the rest of the Hampi ruins.
After lunch, depart for Belur, 275 km
Late evening, arrive in Belur and check into hotel.

Day 08: Belur
After breakfast, explore the architectural wonders of Belur and Halebid
Belur and Halebid are representatives of the best of sculptural art pursued by the Hoysalas in South India. The 12th century Channakeshava temple is still in use, and has remarkably intricate carvings in sections of its exterior. Other attractions include Chennigaraya and the Viranarayana temples.
After lunch proceed to Halebid, 16 km away.
Here too, the temples date back to 12th century, and its major attractions include the Hoysaleswara Temple which is simply outstanding in its architecture, and the Kedareswara group of Jain temples.
Proceed to Sravanbelagola, 90 km
Arrive in Sravanbelagola and check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09: Sravanbelagola
After breakfast, and visit the Gomateshwara statue, a Jain deity
The monolithic statue of Gomateshwara or Bahubali was initiated by one of the generals of King Rachamulla. The Mahamastakabhishekham ceremony is held every 12 years during which milk is poured over the statue, and pastes and powders also applied.
After lunch, check out of hotel and proceed to Mysore, 85 km.
Enroute, visit Sriranagapatnam
This was the hotbed of activity for Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu's summer palace, Daria Daulat Bagh, Gumbaz and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple are the town's major highlights.
Arrive in Mysore and check into hotel for the night.

Day 10: Mysore
After breakfast, discover the many attractions of this royal city.
Mysore Palace, the seat of the Wodeyar kings is the star attraction here, with a stunning exterior and highly ornate interiors.
After lunch proceed to the fairytale gardens at Brindavan, built around the dam on the River Cauvery. Stay on till after 7 PM to see the brilliant spectacle created by the garden lights.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 11: Mysore - Bandipur National Park
Early morning, depart for a day tour of the Bandipur National Park, 80 km, 2 ½ hrs.
Bandipur covers 880 sq.km and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which includes the Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad in Kerala. Gaurs, spotted deer, sloth bears, panthers and langurs roam this mixed deciduous forest.
Return to Mysore for night stay.

Day 12: Mysore - Coorg
Depart early for Mercara/Madikeri the capital of Coorg, or Kodava, 113 km, 3 hours Coorg is a coffee plantation district, and its inhabitants, the Kodavas are culturally and physically distinct from the rest of the Kannadigas. Coorg has plenty of trekking routes into the forests around it.
Arrive in Madikeri and check into hotel.
After lunch and rest, proceed to see some of its many attractions: Madikeri Fort which houses the municipal office, Omkareshwara Temple, Raja's Seat, Abbi Falls and Raja's Tomb.
Return to hotel for night stay

Day 13: Coorg
Keep this day for trekking. After breakfast, take a guided tour into the forest, or visit Coorg's coffee and spice plantations on the gently sloping Western Ghats.Or, you can choose to visit the Tibetan centre at Bylakuppe, near Kushalnagar within Coorg district Return to hotel in Madikeri.

Day 14: Coorg - Bangalore
Depart early for a 246 km, 6 hour drive from Madikeri to Bangalore (Bengaluru)
Arrive in Bangalore and check into hotel.
Late afternoon/evening, go around the dynamic city, India's IT capital. Its sights include: Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Bengaluru Palace, Cubbon Park, Tipu's Palace, Bull temple and the Dodda Ganesha Temple
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 14: Bangalore - Onward Destination
Check out of hotel in time for flight to onward destination.
Tour Ends

Day 01: Ahmedabad
Arrive in Ahmedabad and check into hotel.
Ahmedabad is Gujarat's commercial hub, and ex-capital, till Gandhinagar was planned 32 km from the city on the west bank of the Sabarmati River.
Afternoon, proceed to Gandhinagar, to visit Akshardham Temple. This temple has been built by the Swaminarayan sect who deployed 1000 artisans and 6000 tonnes of sandstone in its construction.
Return to Ahmedabad for night stay.

Day 02: Ahmedabad - Modhera - Patan
After an early breakfast, depart for Modhera, 102 km from Ahmedabad.
The magnificent Sun Temple predates the one in Konark and has suffered the attack from Mahmud of Ghazni. Rich carvings from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata can be seen here.
Proceed to Patan approximately 30 km from here to visit the amazingly beautiful Rani ka Vav. The ancient capital of Patan was also destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni, but this step well remains to tell the story of the city's glorious times.
Return to Ahmedabad for night stay.

Day 03: Ahmedabad - Lothal
Early morning, depart for Lothal, 85 km from Ahmedabad.
The visit will take you back 5000 years and reveal the technical prowess of the Indus Valley Civilization. The highlight here is the tidal dock yard with a complicated lock-gate system. Findings suggest links with ports of Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt.
Enroute, visit Adalaj Wav, 19 km. This is the finest of Gujarat's step wells, built by Queen Rudabai in 1499. It rests on a platform supported by 16 pillars, and has stone carvings that speak of the lifestyle of the times.
Return to Ahmedabad for night stay.

Day 04: Ahmedabad - Vadodara
Travel by train to Vadodara, 107 km.
Visit Champaner and Pavagadh, 47 km,
Champaner is a World Heritage site dating back to the 8th century when the Chauhan Rajputs ruled from here. The site is still undergoing excavation and a host of interesting structures have been discovered. Mosques built in the Indo-Islamic style are the major attractions in Champaner. Pavagadh has ancient temples that were built in the 11th century. The Kalika Mata temple is one of the notable pilgrimages in Gujarat where a month long festival is celebrated in March/April.
Return to Vadodara for night stay.

Day 05: Vadodara - Bhavnagar
After breakfast, depart for Bhavnagar, 300 km by road, 5 hrs.
Arrive in Vadodara and check into hotel.
After lunch, visit the Shatrunjaya temples. 863 Jain temples were built here on a plateau over a period 900 years. The hilltop is walled, and the temples are divided into nine temples, each with a central temple. Date back to 11th century, and some were destroyed by Muslim invaders. To get there, you need to trek 2 ½ km up a hill, or 3200 steps.
Overnight stay in Bhavnagar.

Day 06: Bhavnagar - Velavadar National Park
Visit Velavadar National Park, 65 km north of Bhavnagar.
This 34 sq. km park has approximately 3500 black bucks sharing space with antelopes and a variety of birds.
Return to Bhavnagar and proceed for a night journey by road to Diu, which could take up to 7 hours.

Day 07: Bhavnagar - Diu
Arrive in Diu.
Enjoy the peaceful environs of this seaside town at leisure.
Diu's white beaches are a welcome change for the city folk of Bhavnagar. This ex- Portuguese colony has churches and a Portuguese fort. Enjoy the fine fish delicacies and the beaches at Sunset Point, Gomptimata, Jalandhar, Chakratirth and Nagoa.
Overnight stay in Diu.

Day 08: Diu - Sasangir -Veraval
Take the train from Delvada Station, 8 km from Diu to Gir. Train departs at 8:10 am and reaches Gir at 9:50 am. Diu - Sasangir 100 km by road.
Arrive in Sasan Gir and check into hotel.
1400 sq km of the Sasan Gir sanctuary is spread over undulating forested countryside, and is home to more than 325 Asiatic lions.
Take a jeep safari into the park for almost sure sightings of the lions. Also visit the Crocodile Breeding Farm which has crocodiles of all ages and sizes numbering at least 100.
Evening, proceed to Veraval, 40 km.
Arrive in Veraval, check into hotel for night stay.

Day 09: Veraval - Somnath - Veraval
After breakfast, depart for the famous Somanth Temple, 6 km east of Veraval.
Situated by the sea, Somnath is a magnificent temple which suffered a series of devastating attacks by Mahmud of Ghazni and other Muslim rulers, including Aurangzeb. The temple's original glory was restored in 1950 by S.V.Patel. The Bhalka Tirth, Triveni Tirth, Surya Mandir, Ahilya Mandir and the Prabas Pata Museum are other attractions in Somnath.
Return to Veraval for night stay

Day 10: Veraval - Dwarka
Early morning, depart for Dwarka by road 220 km, via Porbandar or take any of the trains that terminate at Okha.
On the tip of the Kathiawar Peninsula, Dwarka is the holy capital of Lord Krishna. The awesome Dwarkadhish temple is a five storeyed structure with rich carvings that rise to170 ft. The original temple is believed to be submerged off the coast. Bet Dwarka, or Bet Shankhodhara is the legendary residence of Lord Krishna and situated in the Gulf of Kutch and can be accessed by ferry from the jetty at Okha. Krishna's consort, Rukmini has also been honoured here with a beautiful temple.
A lovely beach, coral reefs and dolphins, turtles and octopus are the natural attractions to look out for.

Day 11: Dwarka - Jamnagar
Depart in the morning for Jamnagar by train, or by road 125 km 2 ½ hrs.
Arrive in Jamnagar and check into hotel.
Visit the Marine National Park, a stretch of 42 islands circled by coral reefs and rich in marine and bird life.
Pirotan Island is 12 nautical miles from Bedi port and it's a 2 hr boat ride through mangroves from here. Look out for dolphins and exotic birds and take a walk on the corals.
The tides play a vital role in enabling a trip to Pirotan, so check with the operator. If conditions are not feasible, take a trip to Narara Island, 60 km from Jamnagar. You may also check with your operator for a sailing trip to Mandvi. If conditions do not permit the cruise to Mandvi, return to Jamnagar for the night.

Day 12: Jamnagar - Bhuj
Depart early for a 7 hour journey, 250 km by road to Bhuj.
Arrive in Bhuj and check into hotel.
Evening at leisure, or shopping. Bhuj is the capital of Kutch district and known for exotic handicrafts and embroidered textiles.
Night stay in Bhuj.

Day 13: Bhuj - Local Sightseeing / Dholavira
Depart early if you wish to visit the ancient site of the Indus Valley Civilization, 7 hrs from Bhuj. Dholavira is still undergoing excavation, and is a fascinating place to visit. You need to get back the same day as there's no accommodation available there.
For local sightseeing, there's the Swaminarayan Temple, the Kutch Museum, the Folk Museum and the Sarad Bagh Palace to visit. The village of Hodka is a must-see, 50 km from Bhuj, where you can observe the lifestyle of the rural folk from close quarters.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 14: Bhuj - Mandvi - Bhuj - Ahmedabad
After breakfast, depart for Mandvi, 55 km, 2 hours by road.
Arrive in Mandvi, check into hotel.
Visit the lovely Vijay Vilas Palace and the beautiful beach.
Late evening, board train/bus for Ahmedabad.

Day 15: Ahmedabad
Arrive in Ahmedabad. Proceed to your next destination.

OR

Day 15: Ahmedabad - Little Rann Sanctuary
Arrive in Ahmedabad, early morning.
After breakfast, leave for Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, approx 100 km.
This saline desert is the home of the endangered Wild Ass and a large number of birds, especially flamingoes. The other wildlife attractions include the Gazelle, Blue Bull, Wolf, Indian Foxes, Jackal, Jungle Cat and Hare. The Rann undergoes a brief transformation into a coastal wetland after the rains and is a unique landscape with no parallel anywhere in the world.
Return to Ahmedabad for night stay.

Day 16: Ahmedabad - Onward Destination
Check out of hotel in time for train or flight to onward destination.
Tour Ends.

Day 01: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and check into hotel.
Depending on the time available, rest, shop, or take a sightseeing tour of the city.
Delhi is the country's capital, and has a host of man-made attractions that have made it to the World Heritage list. The city offers great opportunities for shopping from any of its local markets, state emporia, and of course, the malls. If you're a heritage buff, do visit the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutab Minar. The magnificent Akshardham, Lotus and Birla temples are not to be missed either.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi - Jaipur
Depart early for Jaipur to cover the distance of 258 km in 6 hours.
Check in at the hotel and after lunch, proceed for a half day tour of the city's attractions.
The Amber and Jaigarh forts, Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal are architectural masterpieces of the past. Jaipur is Rajasthan's capital city with a rich tradition of art and culture.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03: Jaipur
After breakfast, you may take a trip to Samode Palace, 42 km from Jaipur.
Return to Jaipur for lunch, and shop around for exquisite handicrafts, textiles and trinkets at any of the local shopping markets in Jauhari Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Tripolia etc.
In the evening, visit Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic Rajasthani village resort. Enjoy the village dances and the folk music with the delectable local cuisine.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04: Jaipur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
Depart early for Agra, 220 km.
Enroute, halt at Fatehpur Sikri, 180 km from Jaipur.
Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's dream city, built to honour the saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed him with a son. With some impressive monuments like the Buland Darwaza, Anup Talao, Jodhabai's palace, Raja Birbal's house, the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan- i- Khas to boast of, it has earned the status of a World Heritage site.
Continue journey to Agra and check into hotel.
Proceed to visit the icon of India's heritage, the Taj Mahal.
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this glorious monument for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1653. Take your time to view this wondrous work of art which has earned it a place in the list of the world's Seven Wonders.
Check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05: Agra - Gwalior
Board the Shatabdi Express to Gwalior from Agra railway station at 8:17 hrs. The 222 km distance is covered in one and a half hours.
Alight from train in Gwalior at 9:45 hrs and check into hotel.
Proceed for day trip of the city.
Gwalior is the historical city of the Scindia royal family, and its hill top fort dominates its skyline, standing majestically in the background. Take a tour of the fort, and visit the tombs of Ghaus Mohammed, a 16th century saint and Mian Tansen the singer in Akbar's court, and the opulent Jai Vilas Palace, built on the lines of the Palais de Versailles in France.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 06: Gwalior - Jhansi - Orchha
Depart early for Jhansi by road, 97 km.
Jhansi is the home of the legendary Rani Laxmibai who led the revolt against the British in 1857. The Jhansi Fort built by Bir Singh Deo, has many stories to tell of the Rani's struggle to safeguard her kingdom from the British.
After lunch, proceed to Orchha, 98 km.
Orchha is the heart of Bundelkhand and known for its 16th century temples, the Rama Raja temple, Chaturbhuj temple and Lakshmi Narayan temple.
Arrive in Orchha and check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07: Orchha - Khajuraho 90 km.
After breakfast, take a tour of the town's attractions, including the Jahangir Mahal, built by Bir Singh Deo especially for his friend Emperor Jahangir who visited him in 1606; and the Raj Praveen Mahal, Palki Mahal and Phool Bagh which are enveloped in tales of intrigue and conspiracy the guide would be only too happy to reveal.
Post lunch, depart for Khajuraho 176 km.
Arrive in Khajuraho and check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 08: Khajuraho
The stunning architecture of the Khajuraho temples leaves every visitor spellbound. The Chandelas who ruled for five centuries patronized the building of 85 temples in a secluded village with unabashedly carved sculptures depicting every aspect of human life. These temples built during 950 AD and 1050 AD, of which only 25 remain, are spread in three directions, and accordingly referred to as the western, eastern and southern groups.
After breakfast, spend your time at the Khajuraho temple site set amidst landscaped lawns.
Return to hotel in the evening.
Dinner and night stay at hotel.

Day 09: Khajuraho - Varanasi (by air)
Check out of hotel to catch morning flight to Varanasi from Khajuraho airport, 45 min flying time.
Arrive in Varanasi and check into hotel.

Varanasi is the holiest of Indian cities, a place where you can wash away all your sins with a dip in the sacred river Ganga . It is also a very ancient city, with historians setting the date back to 1400 BC. Its temples have suffered the wrath of the Mughals, especially Aurangzeb who had scant respect for other religions.
The bathing ghats in Varanasi breathe spirituality - 80 of these line the riverbank where devotees bathe. There are dedicated burning ghats as well, such as the Manikarnika.
Your morning in Varanasi can begin with a boat ride between Dasaswamedh Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat which would take almost an hour.
After lunch, make the trip to Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon after achieving enlightenment.
Emperor Ashoka built a stupa and monasteries at the spot in the 3rd century BC. A decline of Buddhism and plunder by Muslim invaders in medieval times brought the city to rubble. Excavation by British archaeologists retrieved some of Sarnath's past glory, and today it is a peaceful suburb of Varanasi.
Return to Varanasi before dark to catch the glorious spectacle of the "Ganga Aarti" in the evening.
You can choose the Dasaswamedh Ghat to participate or observe the daily ritual of paying homage to the holy and benevolent river Ganga. The ritual starts after sunset, wherein large lamps are lit up and smaller ones swung to the beat of the 'mantras'. Devotees light lotus flower candles and set them adrift in the water.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Varanasi - Delhi
Check out of hotel in time for flight to Delhi. Flying time -1 hour 20 minutes.
Tour Ends.

Day 01: Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai and check into hotel.
Depending on flight and time available, relax, shop or take a sightseeing tour.
Mumbai is India's most adored city - it's vibrant and dynamic, and enjoyable in spite of the crowds and the traffic. No tourist gets lost here; he just gets absorbed into the milieu, ensuring a real 'India' experience.
Night stay in hotel.

Day 02: Mumbai
After breakfast, take a full-day tour of the city's many attractions.
These include the splendid Victorian buildings that line South Mumbai's commercial district - the Victoria Terminus, also known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Flora Fountain, University of Mumbai, Rajabhai Tower, Prince of Wales Museum. Other monuments on the must-see list are the Gateway of India, the Jehangir Art Gallery, Mahalakshmi Temple, Siddhi Vinayak Temple and Haji Ali Shrine. Mumbaikars love their beaches - visit any of these at Juhu, Chowpatty, Malad or Gorai. There's the Sanjay Gandhi National Park as well where you can sight the big cats, and some rare birds, right in the heart of the city!
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 03: Mumbai - Aurangabad
Take the first flight out to Aurangabad (tentatively 7:15 am).
Flying time: 45 min to 1 hr 05 min.
Check into hotel and rest a while.
After an early lunch, proceed to Daulatabad, 26 km and Ellora, 26 km ahead The fort at Daulatabad is atop a 600 ft high hillock, built by Mohammed bin Tughlaq in the 12th century. The fort is known for its intricate network of secret passageways and its impregnable walls. Within the fort, structures to look out for are the Chand Minar, Chini Mahal and Jami Masjid.
Continue journey to the magnificent Ellora caves.
Built by the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta kings between the 7th and the 10th centuries, these 34 rock-cut temples belong to the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions. Within the caves are fine carvings and paintings, ensconced by wooden beams and angles, steps and figures of various deities.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04: Aurangabad - Ajanta
After breakfast, depart for Ajanta Caves, 88 km
30 ancient caves were carved between the 2nd to the 6th centuries AD along the Wagura River which falls from a height of 200 ft. These are Buddhist caves with carvings and paintings depicting the life of Buddha, besides etching of human figures and animals Spend enough time exploring these caves, a World Heritage site.
Return to Aurangabad for night stay.

Day 05: Aurangabad - Mahabaleshwar 320 km, via Pune
After an early breakfast, depart for Mahabaleshwar, 320 km, via Pune.
Arrive in Mahabaleshwar and check into hotel.
Mahabaleshwar, 4400 ft, is a delightful hill resort on the Sahyadris with excellent trekking routes and breathtaking views of quiet, lush valleys. Besides the Venna Lake which is popular with tourists for boating, there are several peaks and waterfalls which can be visited. Panchgani is 20 km from Mahabaleshwar and can be visited on the way from Aurangabad.

Day 06: Mahabaleshwar
After breakfast, visit the Pratap Gadh fort, 25 km, which has the tomb of Afzal Khan and a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhawani. En route, visit the Panchaganga Mandir, Shri Shankar Mandir and the Krishnabai Mandir, known for their religious and historical significance.
Alternatively, you can trek up to any of the peaks in Mahabaleshwar - the views and the bracing temperatures are worth the effort.
Return to hotel for night stay.

Day 07: Mahabaleshwar - Koyna Lake - Ganapatiphule
Depart soon after breakfast towards Ganapatiphule, via the scenic Koyna Lake.
The Koyna Lake is the confluence of the River Koyna and its tributaries Solishi and Kandati, and extends for 51 km. Also called the Shivajisagar. The Koyna Wild life Sanctuary flanking the lake is the home of elephants, bears, tigers, leopards and deer. A short trek will take you up to the old Jaigad fort which has an outstanding view of the Sahyadris. The Rambaan Tirtha and the lovely Nehru Garden are other attractions here.
Continue journey to Ganapatiphule.
Arrive in Ganapatiphule and check into hotel.

Day 08: Ganapatiphule
You have the expanse of the white beach to yourself. Spend your day at will. There is a 400 year old temple with an interesting story.
Enjoy the local fish delicacies, the mango pulp preparations and the locally grown cashew nuts.
Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 09: Ganapatiphule - Mumbai
You can choose to return to Mumbai either by road which is a very pleasant drive through 375 km of charming tree-lined roads, red tiled cottages and paddy fields; or fly back to Mumbai from the nearest airport at Ratnagiri, 50 km fom Ganapatiphule.
Arrive in Mumbai and proceed to your next destination.
Tour Ends.