EXCLUSIVE TOUR FOR HONEYMOONERS
Duration: 12 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Samode - Jaipur - Udaipur - Goa - Mumbai
Arrive late night at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. Upon arrival, the guests will be met by our representative outside the customs gate and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel
DAY 2 NEW DELHI
The capital of India has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties - the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals, who continued their imperial line until the British.
Morning, sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which has some dramatic remnants of the Mughal Empire. Visit the Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, both built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Also visit Rajghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation.
Afternoon, drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1920. Lutyens' Delhi includes the grand government buildings and parliament house, the India gate and "Rashtrapati Bhawan" - the presidential palace. Also visit the 234-foot high Qutab Minar and Humayun's tomb, built in the 16th century by the second Mughal emperor, and is an early example of Mughal architecture.
Overnight in Delhi
DAY 3 NEW DELHI - AGRA
Morning drive to Agra covering a distance of 200 kms in approximately 4 ½ hours.
On arrival in Agra, check-in at your hotel.
Agra, is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahjahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble. The crowning glory of the city is obviously the Taj, a monument of love and imagination that represents India to the world.
This afternoon visit the Agra Fort, situated two kilometers west of the Taj Mahal on the banks of the river Yamuna. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar, and added to by his son Jehangir and grandson Shahjahan. Agra Fort is an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost 3 kilometers (two miles) long. The eastern part of the fort (the only part open to visitors) contains palaces, audience halls and mosques built by all the three emperors. The fort presents a good sampling of their favored architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shahjahan time, the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-i-am (public audience hall) once housed the fabled peacock throne, which incorporated virtually all the important gems of the imperial treasury. The beautiful Diwan-i-khas (private audience hall) and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) are other attractions within the fort.
Later, visit the
Taj Mahal to watch the colours in the marble change as the sun sets.
With its incredible lacy white grandeur and loveliness is perhaps the most
perfect architectural monument in the world. Emperor Shahjahan constructed
this most famous and incomparable Moghul monument in memory of his beloved
wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is the most extravagant monument ever built for love.
The Taj Mahal is amazingly graceful from almost any angle and it is the close
up detail, 
which is really astounding.
Please note: The Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday.
Overnight in Agra
DAY 4 AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - SAMODE
This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, drive to Samode (280 kms), enroute visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. The mini-city of Fatehpur Sikri's is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Mughal Emperor Akbar made this a capital once but deserted it later due to paucity of drinking water. This structure also houses Salim-Chishti's Dargah. This is a white marble canopy set in the courtyard of the royal mosque to honour a Sufi saint who reportedly blessed Akbar’s wife with a son.
After the visit proceed to Bharatpur for lunch.
Continue you drive to Samode, located 40 kms northwest of the city of Jaipur and dates back to the 16th Century. The 7th ruler of Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, had twelve sons, one of whom was awarded the feudatory seat of Samode for his gallantry and outstanding service. The construction of the fort began 400 years ago and each successive ruler added to the fort and the palace.
Upon arrival check-in at Samode Palace. Nestled picturesquely amid rugged hills, the quiet luxury of the Palace offers a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment. Stately corridors, frescoed walls, ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflect the skill of master craftsmen. Samode Palace is one of India's most charming hotels and is the winner of the best ‘Heritage Hotel’ in the country, for 5 consecutive years.
This evening a romantic candle lit dinner will be organized under the stars at the sand dunes. You will be transferred to the dunes in beautifully decorated camel carts where you will witness the musicians singing just for the two of you. While you enjoy the music and dance performance, our barman will serve drinks of your choice followed by an special barbeque dinner. This will be an experience of a lifetime.
Overnight in Samode
DAY 5 SAMODE - JAIPUR
Morning, explore the surrounding of the Samode village where you get to witness the life of people living in the villages.
Later drive to Jaipur covering a distance of 40 kms in approximately one hour. Arrive Jaipur and check-in at hotel.
Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It has long been established on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India's Golden Triangle, just 260 kilometers southwest of Delhi, and 200 kilometers west of Agra. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri. The 'pink city' label, applies specifically, to the old walled quarter of the Rajasthani capital, while in the northeast of the town, glorious palaces and temples, in an assortment of styles, spanning centuries, are scattered throughout the predominantly urban area. Jaipur is a tourist's delight. It is an extremely colorful city, and in the evening light, the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, which is complemented by the vibrantly attired Rajasthanis. Camel drawn carts are characteristic of Jaipur's passing street scene.
This afternoon’s sightseeing would include a visit to the City Palace. In the heart of the old city is the former Royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style. Gray-white marble columns ornate support the carved arches with floral motifs in gold and colored stones, while two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The palace houses a Museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornamental handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works. Adjacent to the City palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes. Also visit the Hawa Mahal. Built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. This five-storey building, which looks out over the main street of the old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry, with its pink semi octagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household, to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
Overnight in Jaipur
DAY 6 JAIPUR
This morning, excursion to Amber Fort situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Within the fort lies Jai “Mandir” (Temple) with its world renowned Sheesh Mahal, a hall full of mirrors. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflects any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room. The architecture shows distinct Mughal influence.
This afternoon, enjoy a rickshaw ride in the colorful bazaar of the old city. Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja Jai Singh's patronage when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas', the 'cheepas' and the 'meenakari' workers.
Overnight in Jaipur
DAY 7 JAIPUR - UDAIPUR
This morning transfer to the airport to board your flight to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to hotel.
Udaipur, the city combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue Lake Pichola. On little islands in the lake, from the water's edge, rise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake is the palace of the Maharana. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur and is replete with fantastic hill top fortresses, exotic fairy tale palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism. Udaipur rivals any of the world's famous creations of the Moghuls with the Rajput love of the whimsical and it's superbly crafted elegance.
Sightseeing today includes a visit to the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas. The palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The entrance is through Hathi Pol (elephant gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The paintings, mosaics, intricately carved ‘chhatries’ and of course the architecturally brilliant façade all contribute in making a visit to the City Palace a truly memorable experience.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids of Honour was constructed for forty-eight young ladies in waiting who were sent to the royal house as a part of the lavish dowry. This garden is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. The sprawling flower lined parks hug the shores of the second major lake of Udaipur, Fateh Sagar.
Today’s lunch will be at hotel Fateh Prakash Palace, at the Gallery Restaurant that lies just below the famous Crystal Gallery. The Palace hotel is a part of the City Palace Complex which was built in early 20th century during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singhji. It is situated on the shore of Lake Pichola and while eating at the restaurant you can witness the Lake Palace in the middle of the lake.
Afternoon, enjoy a 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 lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.
This evening an exclusive dinner will be arranged on a floating platoon on the Lake Pichola - the most romantic dinner with Lake Palace lit up at the backdrop.
Overnight in Udaipur
DAY 8 UDAIPUR - MUMBAI - GOA
In the morning transfer to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai and connect you flight to Goa in the early afternoon.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel
Rest of the day at leisure - enjoy the beach, Spa, etc.
Overnight in Goa
DAY 9 GOA
This morning, after breakfast visit some of beautiful Portuguese Churches in Goa.
Goa successfully blends Old Portuguese architecture and traditions, with a lifestyle that abounds with Indian mythology. Its unending beaches, pristine beauty of the seascape, its mystical hills and groves, the rhythmic pounding of the sea, its swaying palms - all render it a fairytale land for the traveler. At Goa, one can add excitement and adventure to beauty. There are hosts of aquatic sports to choose from, riding the daunting waves or racing against the wind.
The beaches of tourist interest are Colva, Calangute, Vagator, Harmal, Anjuna and Miramar. Other tourist attractions are Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral churches at Old Goa; Kavlem, Mardol, Mangesh, Bandora temples; Aguad, Terekhol, Chapora and Cabo de Rama Forts; Dudhsagar and Harvalem Waterfalls and Mayem Lake Resort. The state also has fascinating wildlife sanctuaries like Bondla, Cotigao, Molem and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao.
Return to the hotel and rest of the afternoon at leisure to pursue independent activities -SPA; water sports like aqua cycling, parasailing, windsurfing and sailing.
Overnight in Goa
DAY 10 GOA
Full morning at leisure to pursue independent activities - SPA; water sports like aqua cycling, parasailing, windsurfing and sailing.
Late afternoon, visit a beautiful Portuguese home and enjoy high tea with a Goan family.
Overnight in Goa
DAY 11 GOA - MUMBAI
Morning at leisure to pursue independent activities - golf; SPA; water sports like aqua cycling, parasailing, windsurfing and sailing.
Late morning transfer to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai in the early afternoon.
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the fastest moving, most affluent and industrialised city in India. Bombay is part of India's beautiful west coast that runs down from Gujarat, through Bombay to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The city has a natural harbour, which was developed by the British and is one of the busiest ports of India. It is home to people of all Indian creeds and cultures, a fascinating city, throbbing with life, and, for many people, the gateway to India.
On arrival, meet and greet at the airport and transfer directly for an orientation drive of Mumbai visiting the Gateway of India, the principal landmark of Bombay, was the principal port when the visitors came to India by ship. The gateway was conceived, following the visit of King George V to India in 1911, and was officially opened in 1924. Its architecture is akin to the conventional Arch of Triumph, with elements derived from Muslim styles of 16th century Gujarat. A major landmark of this vibrant city is the VT or Victoria Terminus, which was designed in Italian Gothic style by F. W. Stevens. The first train to steam out of Bombay was from here to Thane in 1853. Drive upto Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea spread out before you.
Later check-in at hotel, where day rooms would be provided till departure.
Late night, transfer to the international airport, to board home bound flight in the early hours of day 12.
DAY 12 MUMBAI - ABROAD
Flight back home