You will arrive at MUMBAI’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, aINDI TRAILS representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel (standard check in time is 1400 hrs).
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay), an archipelago of seven islands. Artifacts found that these islands had been inhabited since the Stone Age & documented evidence of human habitation dates back to 250 BC. In the 3rd century BC, the islands formed part of the Maurya Empire. In 1534, Portuguese appropriated islands from king of Gujarat later ceded to Charles II of England in 1661, as dowry for Catherine de Braganza. These islands were in turn leased to the British East India Company in 1668.
Later proceed for half day sightseeing of Mumbai.
Sightseeing tour of Mumbai – the city of dreams, the city of films, the city of contrasts. This second biggest city of India is frequented for its temples, cathedrals and mosques and the best of cosmopolitan culture. While walking through the harbour area, we visit the Gateway of India. This 1927 structure was built by the English to commemorate the visit of George 5th from England. You will visit to Dhobi Ghat, Marin Drive and the Keneseth Eliyahoo Jewish Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Later proceed to visit Dharavi and see why it is the heart of small scale industry in Mumbai.
Many people know Dharavi as the 'largest slum in Asia', but there is so much more to this historic area of Mumbai than poverty. Dharavi's industries have an annual turnover of approximately US$ 665 million. Through our tour visitors experience a wide range of these activities: recycling, pottery-making, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning, poppadom-making and many more. Most of these things are created in innovative ways and in very small spaces!
When passing through the residential spaces, you will undoubtedly feel the sense of community spirit that exists in the area. People from all over India live in Dharavi, and this diversity is apparent in the temples, mosques and churches that stand side by side. A tour through Dharavi's narrow alleys is quite an adventure, and you will leave with an enlightened sense of the purpose and determination that exists in the area.
Recycling Area
Metal and plastic comes from all over the world to Dharavi to be recycled. See the entire recycling process from sorting to the finished plastic pellets.
Rooftop Visit
There is nothing like the view from a Dharavi factory rooftop. The tin hutments that house so many human lives stretch on as far as you can see. You will never forget this view!
Community Centre
The Community Centre, supported by funds from the tour, provides education in English, computers and soft skills to the teenagers and young adults of Dharavi. Visitors experience what matters most to Reality Tours... the men, women and children that make this dynamic community one of the most vibrant places in Mumbai.
Popaddom Making
Watch the women of Dharavi make popaddoms, the essential appetizer of any Indian meal, by drying them in the sun on wooden baskets that are turned upside-down.
Kumbharwada Pottery Colony
Watch artisans create all types of pots out of unfired, sundried clay.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel and visit to The Elephanta Caves is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’. At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai. In ancient period, the place is variously identified as Puri which is mentioned in the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II. It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese. The Marathas also had this island under their control and from them it passed into the control of the British.
Later in the afternoon transfer to the domestic airport to board the flight for Rajkot. Upon arrival at Rajkot airport meet with our representative and drive to Gondal. On reaching transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning visit of Ayurvedic medicine factory, cattle breeding and stud farm, Udyog Bharti an spinning & weaving center of Khadi fabric, Navlakha Palace built of 17th century by Bhakumbhaji the founder of Gondal.
After lunch we will drive to Bhavnagar. En-route visit Palitana, the gateway to the Shatrunjaya hill and one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains. There are about 863 temples on the top of the hill, exquisitely carved in marble and built over a span of 900 years.
After reaching the top we will visit the Jain temple. The temple is dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first jain Tirthankara (apostle) is one of the most magnificent temples and the most sacred temple in Shatrunjaya hill. Further visit Chaumukha or the four faced temple. It has an image of Adinath facing out in the fore cardinal direction.
Further continue drive to Bhavnagar. Upon arrival check into the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast we will go on city sightseeing tour of Bhavnagar visiting Gandhi Smriti, Takhteshwar temple, Barton Library and Museum.
Gandhi Smriti: This living tribute to Gandhiji was opened in 1955. The Gandhi Smriti complex attached to a clock tower is located in the heart of the city. The clock tower bells tolls with timings on all four sides. The smriti has a gallery displaying photos on the Life of Mahatma Gandhi, a small museum of artifacts, a big departmental Khadi (Cotton) Gramodyog Bhandar and a first class, well arranged running library.
Takhteshwar Temple: Built on a small hill top, the Takhteshwar temple devoted to of Lord Shiva, is named after Maharaja Takht Singhji is a very popular temple it is made of pure marble in the 19th century.
Barton Library and Museum: Amongst the oldest monuments in Bhavnagar, this library is a popular among men of all age group. Old age people sit and read newspaper, magazines, and dailies to spend their time. A Museum containing old books, manuscripts, arms and armor and rare coins belonging to rulers of Bhavnagar.
Later in the afternoon leave for Ahmedabad. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.
Evening enjoys the panoramic tour of Ahmedabad city!
LunchDinner & Overnight stay at Hotel/Resort
Breakfast at hotel and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur City, also known as the City of Sunrise.
First on your sightseeing tour you will proceed for a tour of the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) and nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art.
Visit the museums and the hall of public audiences, the private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace and Sahelion-ki-Badi.
Afternoon, we enjoy a motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. 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. One would get an interesting view of the Dhobi (laundry) ghats. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Later proceed for excursion to Kumbalgarh.
Kumbalgarh and visit the Kumbalgarh Fort - Kumbhalgarh fort is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand district near Udaipur of Rajasthan state in western India. It is a World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha.
Later drive back to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Later drive to Kota - The city is very lively and an important region, since the 12th century. A part of Malwa Plateau, this region was taken by Rajputs from local tribes. The city is also famous for handicrafts, cotton articles, dairy products and much more. Since the Victorian times, the place has been a resort for royals and locals.
Upon arrival check at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
The tour of Khajuraho concentrates on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India. The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven. They were built during the mighty Chandela dynasty; the majority was constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the eighty-five original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition. You visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath & Ghantai Temples, each remarkable for its design and architecture.
In time transfer to Khajuraho airport to board the flight for Khajuraho. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, transfer to hotel for check – in at hotel
In evening witness AARTI ceremony at the Ghats and enjoy the Rickshaw ride.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Early morning you will be taken on a visit to the Ghats witnessing 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.
Return Back to Hotel for Breakfast then you will visit Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of Varanasi. Reconstructed in the 18th century, its gold plating on the 'shikaras' was a gift of the one-eyed Sikh king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh; Bharat Mata Mandir inaugurated
by Mahatma Gandhi is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. It houses a relief map of India carved out of marble; and some other important temples.
Afternoon visit to Buddhist city of Sarnath, north-east of Varanasi – it is as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Having achieved enlightenment as Bodhgaya, Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his message of the way to niravana. Later, Ashoka, the great Buddhist emperor erected magnificent stupas and monasteries at Sarnath. What is visible today are the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and one can visit a fine museum, which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculpture.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
In time Transfer to the airport to flightto Delhi.
Upon arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Later proceed for Walk in the Old Delhi. Our guide a Young Boy fromSALAM BALAK
Trust will take you on a walk through lanes & by-lanes of walled city.
The Walk takes about 2 hours. After the introduction you will see one of Trust's contact point and one shelter home, each in a different environment and for different children. The route then follows narrow streets via the pottery market and some old havelis to the Salaam Baalak head office. Along the way your guide will also share his personal story and do his best to answer any questions about street life. The end point is very close to Main Bazaar in Paharganj, which you can follow back to the railway station.
After visiting Old Delhi proceed to visit New Delhi, which will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque also built by him. Then visit Lotus temple, located in New Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship completed in 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Overnight stay at hotel.
- A partnership based on mutual trust and transparency,
- Equipped to handle the most complex travel logistics with meticulous attention to detail and impeccable service.
- Expert Tour Managers and Trail Leaders ,who, with their experience and knowledge share the regions history , customs, and culture.
- Stringent Quality Control to monitor guest feedback and constantly work on improving in areas that require attention.
- Language speaking staff both in Operations and Airport assistance .
- Independent Travelers- Customized & Tailormade.
- Group Tours
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- Incentives
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Delhi - Sultanant - Dynasties - Shajahanabad - Delhi - Abroad
Cochin -Alleppy - Calicut - Vythiri - Mysore - Hasan - Hospet - Badami – Bijapur – Solapur
Bangalore - Mysore – Hassan - Chikmangalur - Hospet – Hampi - Hospet
Bhubneswar – Konark – Puri – Raghurajpur- Pipili – Dhauli – Bhubneswar
Delhi - Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur – Nimaj – Jodhpur – Journey to Marwar
Delhi - Nawalgarh - Khimsar - Jodhpur - Kumbalgarh -- Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Karauli
Mumbai - Nagpur – Pench - Kanha - Bandhvgarh - Kahjuraho - Orchha - Jhansi
Delhi - Samode - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi
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Mumbai – Rajkot – Gondal – Palitana – Bhavnagar - Ahmedabad – Mount Abu
Bangalore – Nagarhole - Bandipur - Ooty - Munnar - Periyar - Alleppey
