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Art & Architecture of India
Art & Architecture of India
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations: Mumbai - Aurangabad - Udaipur - Narlai - Jodhpur - Jaipur
- Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
Day
01: Mumbai: Arrival
Arrive at Mumbai airport. Transfer to hotel.
Check in and relax for the evening.
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross
currents have 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 and occupies a peninsular site originally composed
of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western 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.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated
cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took
its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort
of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in
what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
Day 02: Mumbai - Aurangabad (By Air Flight : 9W 3103)
Airline : Jet Airways
Aircraft : ATR
Departure : 0715 hr
Arrival : 0815 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Transfer
to airport for flight to Aurangabad.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Aurangabad was founded in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki
by Malik Ambar - the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. When Fateh Khan,
Malik Ambar's son turned successor in 1626, he gave the city the name 'Fatehpur'.
Later in 1653, when Prince Aurangzeb became Viceroy of the Deccan, he made the
city his capital and called it Aurangabad. Aurangzeb added the walls that enclose
the central part of the city in 1686 in order to withstand attacks from the
Marathas. There are four principle gateways to the city - the Delhi Darwaza,
the Jalna Darwaza, the Paithan Darwaza and the Mecca Darwaza. Nine secondary
gateways also formed a part of the defensive system of this city.
Aurangabad district has always been a prominent region on the Deccan plateau.
Having been inhabited since the Stone Age, it has a long artistic and cultural
history - to which several dynasties have made major contributions over the
years. Maurya rule marked the arrival of Buddhism in Maharashtra.
Aurangabad today is a bustling city of Maharashtra with diverse big and small
industries, fine silken textiles, and exquisite hand woven brocades of silver
and gold fabrics, Himroo of world frame. To scholars and lovers of art and culture
the city is more familiar as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and
Ellora, both famous as treasure houses of Indian Art and Sculpture.
Proceed for a full day sightseeing with excursion to Ajanta Caves.
Ajanta caves: Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100 km
from Aurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horse- shoe, are the 30 rock-hewn
caves of Ajanta. The Caves date from the 2nd century BC. Discovered in 1819
by a group of British army officers, these startling achievements took around
600 years to create. Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta,
once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders features several 'chaityas' (chapels)
and 'viharas' (monasteries). The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels
and sculptures of Buddha's life are famous throughout the world as the earliest
and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art.
Return to Aurangabad and overnight will be at Aurangabad.
Day
03: Aurangabad
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a visit to the Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort and Aurangabad Caves.
Ellora Caves: Impressive in their own right is the rock-hewn temples
and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In
all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17
Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD) 22 more
caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. Kailas Temple (cave16),
the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Chiseled by hand from
a single massive rock, it includes a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, vestibule,
sanctum, sanctorum and tower which bear testimony to the excellence of Dravidian
art. It is believed to have taken 7000 laborers, working in continuous shifts
and 150 years to build. Ever since the first European visitors in 18th Century,
Ellora has attracted chroniclers, antiquarians, scholars and in more recent
years, ever- increasing number of tourists.
Aurangabad Caves: The almost forgotten caves of Aurangabad lie just outside
the city. Excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD, they reflect TANTRIC
influences in their iconography and architectural designs. In all there are
nine caves which are mainly viharas (monasteries). The most interesting among
these are Caves 3 and 7. The former is supported on 12 highly ornate columns
and has sculptures depicting scenes from the legendary 'Jakata' tales. Cave
7 with its detailed figures of bejeweled women also has a dominating sculpture
of a 'Bodhisattva' praying for deliverance.
Daulatabad Fort: Once known as 'Devgiri', this magnificent 12th century
fortress stands on a hill just 13 km. from Aurangabad. It was given the name
Daulatabad, the 'city of fortune', by Muhammad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. Initially
a Yadav stronghold, it passed through the hands of several dynasties in the
Deccan. One of the world's best preserved fort of medieval times, surviving
virtually unaltered, Daulatabad yet displays the character that made it invincible.
This is a Fortress that was conquered only by treachery. A series of secret,
quizzical, subterranean passages lie coiled like a python amidst the fort. Here
flaring torches were thrust upon an unwary enemy. Or hot oil poured down his
path, as he deliberated in the labyrinth. Also the heat from a brazier was blown
into the passage by a process of suction suffocating the entire garrison within.
The Fort itself lies in the body of an isolated hill; the steep hill - sides
at the base falling so sharply to the moat that no hostile troops could scale
the height. The moat, 40 ft. deep with mechanical drawbridges teemed with crocodiles.
A 5-kilometer sturdy wall, artificial scarping and a complicated series of defenses
made Daulatabad impregnable. The 30-meter high Chand Minar (Tower) built much
later with 3 circular galleries had a defensive and religious role in the fortress.
Overnight will be in Aurangabad.
Day
04: Aurangabad - Mumbai (By Air Flight : 9W 3104 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Airbus 320
Departure : 0845 hr
Arrival : 0945 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai.
Reach and check in at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of the city.
Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since
the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings
from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers,
who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan
war of 1843, is also worth a visit.
Marine Drive in Mumbai:
Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land
reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred
to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit
up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road
with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the
other.
Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is
a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point
for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built
to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and
Queen Mary in 1911.
Chowpatty Beach: Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine Drive
has a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of
Mumbai. One can witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty
like the Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin
caste, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi'
immersions.
Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of
the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir
Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the
'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological
figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess
of flowers, at the top.
Hanging Gardens in Mumbai: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the
Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are
popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of
a hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and
affords a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It is built over
three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning
before being supplied to the town.
Chatrapati
Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station)
At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati
Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally
one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines
Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens
the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage
of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle
enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone
Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160
feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a women
with a torch held aloft to symbolise progress.
Mumbai High court
An attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval
Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing
Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.
Rajabai Clock tower
Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building
rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately
decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented
with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.
Overnight will be in Mumbai.
Day 05: Mumbai - Udaipur
By Air
Flight : 9W 373 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boring 737
Departure : 0555 hr
Arrival : 0710 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel or onboard the aircraft.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in
by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and
beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and
inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes
strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and
chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing
sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here
you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass
windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local
folk Museum.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 06: Udaipur - Narlai (By Surface 130 km in 3 hr)
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Proceed for morning motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically
above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir
Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time
at the Jag Mandir Palace.
After breakfast drive to NARLAI.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars,
none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate
friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple
of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Spend the evening at the serene village of NARLAI.
Overnight will be at Narlai.
Day 07: Narlai - Jodhpur (By Surface 120 km in 3 hr)
Enjoy the breakfast at this rustic place.
Spend morning enjoying the sightseeing of the place and then start for Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar
state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs
who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive
15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125
Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with
8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Reach and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert
beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up
a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the
image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive
rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle
room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
Relax in the evening or visit the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day
08: Jodhpur - Jaipur (By Surface 260 km in 6 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Jaipur after breakfast.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts
and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior
caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However,
many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it
was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed
a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that
followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder
Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally
translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought
this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink
City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however,
form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given
a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
Reach and check in at the hotel by afternoon.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious
life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate
statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan
dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings
in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images
of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis
of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves
oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy
the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 09: Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE- Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE- A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR
MANTAR- This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories
built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting
of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL- The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping
is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye
materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur - Agra (By Surface 221 km in 6 hr)
Drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route after breakfast.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and
palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable
fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its
grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
In between stop at KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK for bird visit. Enjoy the rickshaw
ride through the park.
Continue your drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving
it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is
caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble,
narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite
city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still
reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 11: Agra
Proceed for sightseeing of Agra after breakfast.
TAJ
MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory
of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while
accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after
giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all
his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When
Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor:
first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that
he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death
anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631
and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work
on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the
architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it.
It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to keep his
promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that it was
virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost an entire
fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the only alternative,
astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra, only to be finally
transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years later.
After Taj we will visit Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525 AD. After
Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered better
than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 12: Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho (By Train)
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train No. : 2002
Departure : 0800 hr
Arrival : 1024 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to
Jhansi.
Reach Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for
its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name
Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown
abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration
of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture,
the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her
tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming,
seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These
temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward
till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho. Proceed straight to hotel and start sightseeing of the EASTERN
and JAIN TEMPLES.
Overnight will be in Khajuraho.
Day
13: Khajuraho - Varanasi
By Air
Flight : 9W 334
Airline : Jet Airways
Departure : 1330 hr
Arrival : 1410 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Start sightseeing of the WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES
at sunrise.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi,
you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges,
Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound
of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the
north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted,
in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed
to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one
of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been
a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage,
being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers
a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges;
the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue
…soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling
the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the
Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate
bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts
and education. Some of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in
these fields were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi
abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself
in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's
items across the world today.
Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest
Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC.
Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace,
Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing
Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection
of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Spend the evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day
14: Varanasi
In the early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred
river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of
one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs.
for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city,
we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board
a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise
the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks
to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers
from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets
along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes
a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi
Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which
features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the
18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge
population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white
marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit
the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University
Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Enjoy the evening GHATS at Varanasi.
Spend night at Varanasi.
Day 15: Varanasi - Delhi (By Air Flight : 9W 334)
Airline : Jet Airways
Departure : 1440 hr
Arrival : 1600 hr
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Relax in the morning and finish last minute shopping. Explore the city or visit
the GHATS once more. Proceed to the airport for flight to Delhi.
Reach Delhi and take a driving tour of the city.
Relax at a hotel close to the airport and after dinner proceed to the airport
for international flight (late evening of the same day or very early morning
of the next day) home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
Art & Architecture of India, Luxury Tours in India
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