Incredible India Tour

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. You will be met, greeted and assisted by representative of Optima Travels on arrival. You will be taken to the pre-booked hotel. After warm reception and before your pleasant check in, you will be given the hard-copies of itinerary, hotel vouchers, invoice, receipt of the payment and any domestic air-ticket/ railway tickets done through us. Get checked in at the hotel, relax and have overnight stay in the hotel.

After delicious breakfast in Delhi hotel, leave for full day Old & New Delhi tour. During the course, the Delhi tour guide and India tour driver will be introduced to you. The sightseeing tour of Old Delhi will primarily include Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. To have first- hand feel of the world’s oldest living civilization, the Incredible India Tour itinerary will take you on a rickshaw ride in 400 years old Chandni Chowk bazaar.

Delhi can be segmented into two parts from tourism point of view- New Delhi and Old Delhi. Old Delhi, during Mughal rule, was called as Shahjahanabad, after Mughal ruler Shahjahan. Still existing and bustling with activity old market of Chandni Chowk offers a visitor a peep into past. Jahanara, the Emperor's favorite daughter, is credited with designing this market. Red Fort of Delhi also lies here. The Red Fort, built of red sandstone and on the banks of the river Yamuna, is a mammoth monument, displaying the might of the Mughal during those days. The Red Fort is the site from which the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation on Independence Day. Jama Masjid of Delhi was also build during the regime of Shahjahan. The Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India, built between 1644 and 1658.

During sightseeing tour of New Delhi, visit India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House), Sansad Bhavan (Parliament), Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb and Lotus Temple. The New Delhi is characterized by modern town planning with wide roads, modern infrastructure, malls and shopping arcades etc. But the monuments here are mélange of ancient, medieval and modern era. Parliament building, President House and India Gate are representative of British colonial regime where as Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb symbolic of barbaric Muslim invasion and their gradual settlement. Iron Pillar in Qutub Minar complex is reminiscent of Ancient Indian science and technology. Lotus Temple is a meditation centre for the people of Bahai faith.

After sightseeing tour of New Delhi, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

On Incredible India Tour, today you are scheduled to be in Varanasi. After relishing ssrumptious breakfast, proceed to Delhi airport to get the flight for Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Upon arrival in Varanasi-the spiritual capital of India, representative of Optima Travels will assist you to transfer to the designated hotel. After getting freshened up, proceed to visit Sarnath. Be witness to ancient India and then move for watching splendid and magnanimous Ganges Worship Ceremony (called Ganga Aarti) on the ghats of the Ganges. The spiritual city of Varanasi is cultural capital of India. So, your visit of Varanasi is going to unfold several amazing facets of incredible Indian (Hindu) culture. Sarnath will not only display civilizational zenith achieved by the Hindus but also help you feel and appreciate the continuum of civilization against various odds scripted in history. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and taught the Dharma after his enlightenment here in Sarnath. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. The incredible Varanasi, a holy place for the Hindus, is filled with numerous Ashrams, Ghats, temples, Stupas and sects. The cultural city of Varanasi is a famous commercial city as well and famous for silk weaving, silk sarees, carpets, musical instruments, mangoes and especially sweet betel leaves are very popular attractions in Varanasi City.

After visiting Sarnath and enjoying Ganga Aarti, return to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

The morning in Varanasi will unfold numerous exotic aspects of India and more particularly Varanasi. To acquaint you with the traditional and perennial Varanasi, you will be taken to the Varanasi ghat in the dawn-hours for a long boat-ride alongside the various ghats of the Ganges. Early in the morning, proceed for viewing the panoramic view of ghats on boat. Ghats of Varanasi, embankments with long flights of stone steps leading down to the Ganges, are true podia displaying vital aspects of lifestyle of the people of Varanasi.

After visiting ghats, return to your Varanasi hotel. Get refreshed, relax and have delicious breakfast. Thereafter, proceed to visit famous temples of Varanasi. Varanasi is known as the city of Lord Shiva. Presence of the Ganges adds to the piousness of the city of Varanasi. The temples of Varanasi, the religious capital of India and world's one of the oldest living cities, are said to be as old as the city itself. The temples of Varanasi contain a special aura of spiritual mystery and thus evoke a huge sense of spirituality. Experience the all pervasive aura of ethereal spirituality in Varanasi firsthand on Incredible India Tour.

You shall be visiting today Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.) in the afternoon and, later in the evening, explore local market for picking ethnic articles. After visiting Ghats, temples and market of Varanasi, return to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

After early morning breakfast in Varanasi hotel, you will have to proceed to Varanasi airport to board flight for Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, representative of Optima Travels will assist you to transfer to the designated hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. Proceed to visit Khajuraho temples, a zenith of sculptured architecture. Though Khajuraho is a small town of Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh but Khajuraho temples, embellished with incredible erotic lore carved out in stones, have made it a world famous tourist destination of incredible India. Passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts are hallmarks of the sculpture and images of the temples of Khajuraho.

After visiting famous temples of Khajuraho, enjoy the evening by either attending fascinating cultural performance or Sound & Light show. Later in the evening, return to Khajuraho hotel for overnight stay.

A bit early in the morning, having breakfast in Khajuraho hotel, move for Agra. En route, stop at Orchha, a historical medieval town on the banks of river Betwa. Have lunch in restaurant on the bank of the river and visit Orchha Fort, Raja Ram Temple and Jahangir Palace.

After visiting Orchha, move for Jhansi railway station to board train for Agra. On arrival at Agra, you will be received by representative of Optima India Tourism. You will be taken to the designated hotel for overnight stay in Agra.

On Incredible India Tour, you are scheduled today to visit famous monuments of Agra, synonymous with Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is said to be changing colour and looks beautiful at any time. But the folks say that Taj Mahal looks stunning at the time of dawn. So, get mesmerized with the beauty of Taj Mahal. You will be picked from the hotel early in the morning and taken to the Taj Mahal. The Agra tour guide will accompany you and explain all about Taj Mahal.

After viewing Taj Mahal, come back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, move for visiting other famous monuments of Agra - Agra Fort, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula (Baby Taj) and Akbar's Tomb in Sikandara.

After full day sightseeing of monuments and markets of Agra, return to Agra hotel for overnight stay.

Having relished delicious breakfast, proceed for Jaipur- the Pink City- the capital of Rajasthan, India. En route visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri- the city planned and built as capital of Mughal kingdom by Akbar and left out because of paucity of water. The palace complex of Fatehpur Sikri contains several historical buildings. The architecture of various buildings and monuments speaks a lot about evolving discreetly Mughal style of architecture. The prominent monuments of Fatehpur Sikri are Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace, Birbal Bhawan, Shrine of a Sufi saint Salim Chishti.

After viewing Fatehpur Sikri, continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, you will be transferred to Jaipur hotel. Jaipur, known as Pink City of Rajasthan owing to pink-painted buildings of old town, is capital city of Rajasthan. Jaipur is the most visited tourist destination of Rajasthan due to rich cultural heritage, bustling market and good connectivity with Delhi and Agra. Refresh a bit & proceed to visit Birla Temple and Chokhi Dhani.

After viewing Birla Temple and enjoying cultural ambience and taste of Rajasthan, return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed on Jaipur city tour. Take an excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy an elephant ride. On the back of a caparisoned elephant, you will be taken from ground to the main gate of Amber Fort at the hill top. After visiting Amber Fort, you will be taken to other famous monuments of Jaipur- Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Early evening, move to the bustling market of Jaipur. Shopping in Jaipur is a nice experience.

After visiting famous monuments of Jaipur and exploring vibrant and bustling local market known for handicraft products namely carpets, printed clothes and jewellery; return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed to Pushkar. On arrival at Pushkar, you will be transferred to Pushkar hotel. Relax, refresh and proceed for Pushkar sightseeing. Pushkar Lake and Temple of Lord Brahma are major tourist attractions of Pushkar, a pilgrimage destination of the Hindus. Pushkar Lake is semi-circular in shape with 52 ghats around it. The beautiful marble temple is famous for its four-headed idol of Lord Brahma. It's decorated with silver coins and a silver turtle on its black and white chequered floor.

After exploring Pushkar for the whole day, spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in Pushkar hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to Jodhpur. On arrival at Jodhpur, you will be transferred to Jodhpur hotel. Jodhpur is known for traditional Rajput culture and beautiful and gigantic monuments. Jodhpur used to be prominent principality of Marwad region of Rajasthan during India's pre-independence era. Relax, refresh and proceed for Jodhpur which includes Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace.

After relaxed sightseeing and exploration of local market and local culture, return to Jodhpur hotel for overnight stay.

The day has been assigned for leisurely travel and enjoying the oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan India. After breakfast, depart for the city of lakes, palaces, and rising sun – Udaipur. On the way, visit Ranakpur temple one of the most famous cities of Rajasthan. Ranakpur Temple belongs to people of Jain community but it is open to all faiths. Earlier visit of Ranakpur Temple was free for all but, now- a- days, having seen large cache of foreign tourists' inflow, entrance fee has been introduced. Ranakpur Temple, built of light colored marble, consists of 1444 marble pillars and is spread in about 4000 sq meter area. The carvings on marble are exquisite.

After visiting Ranakpur temple, proceed for Udaipur which is almost 95 kms away from here. On arrival at Udaipur, you will be transferred to Udaipur hotel. Evening of Udaipur is kept for relaxing leisurely in the hotel. Have overnight stay in Udaipur hotel.

Have delicious breakfast and embark on Udaipur city tour. Udaipur tour guide will take you to visit the City Palace Complex, the Jagdish Temple, the Jag Mandir, Saheliyon-k-Bari, the Lake Pichola & Jag Niwas Palace (Lake Palace) and other picturesque spots of tourist interests. Udaipur City Palace is the grandest palace of Rajasthan. Located on the banks of famous Lake Pichola, this most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur, is testimony to glorious past of Udaipur. City Palace of Udaipur is characterized by insurmountable fortification, vast courtyards, 11 palaces within the walls, superb museum, beautiful temples and wide terraces. Jag Mandir Palace is also a very beautiful palace, located on the southern end of Lake Pichola. Saheliyon Ki Bari is a nice garden, meant for the royal maids.

After watching these magnanimous monuments, you will be taken for a boat cruise in Lake Pichola. During the course of this boat ride, you will be witnessing majestic palace called Jag Niwas. Jag Niwas has been leased to Taj Group of Hotels which has converted it into a heritage hotel.

After relaxed sightseeing and exploration of local market and local culture, return to Udaipur hotel for overnight stay.

After having breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai, you will be transferred to Mumbai hotel. Relax a bit and after having relished sumptuous lunch in Mumbai hotel, move on for Mumbai sightseeing. The Mumbai tour guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and take you on guided tour of Mumbai. The Mumbai sightseeing will include Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), Mani Bhawan, Hanging Garden and Chowpatty Beach. Also drive past Afghan Church, Flora Fountain (Bombay nerve-centre), colourful Crawford Market and Marine Drive.

After visiting famous places of Mumbai, return to Mumbai hotel for overnight stay.

Today, early in the morning, you will be driven to Mumbai airport to board flight for Aurangabad where cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora are located. Upon Aurangabad arrival, you will be hailed by Optima Travels representative to lead you to the pre-booked hotel to check in and relax a bit.

This day is very special as you will happen to see the monuments of more than 2000 years old which still hold inspirational value for modern day artists, designers and architects. Have tasty breakfast in Aurangabad hotel and move for exploring treasures of humanity in the form of cave temples of Ajanta.

Ajanta cave temples are located about 120 kms from Aurangabad. Aurangabad, a district of state of Maharashtra, is famous because of its historical and religious architectural sites. The treasure of Ajanta was discovered by the British army officers in 19th century. Cave temples of Ajanta are located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora. They describe the story of Lord Buddha and Buddhism religion that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD.

After watching splendid cave temples of Ajanta, return to Aurangabad hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast in Aurangabad hotel, you shall be taken by Ellora tour guide to UNESCO World Heritage site of Ellora. The Ellora cave temples, the World heritage sites of India, belong to several faiths like Shaivism, Buddhism and Jainism. Located 30 kilometers from Aurangabad, Ellora cave temples, almost 34 in number, date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The cave temples here have some superior carvings on the stone depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.

After sightseeing tour of Ellora, have lunch in the city and proceed to Aurangabad airport to board flight for Goa. Upon arrival at Goa airport, our representative will give you transfer to Goa hotel. Internationally renowned for its beaches, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of foreign and domestic tourists each year. Stay in Goa hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast in Goa hotel, you will be taken for a half day tour of Goa. Besides beaches, Goa is also known for its world heritage architecture including the Bom Jesus Basilica. Goa also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which are classified as a biodiversity hotspot.

After sightseeing, rest of the day free for leisure activities to relax on the beaches of this fascinating Goa resort. Overnight stay at Goa hotel.

Have breakfast in Goa hotel and spend the day as per your own way as the penultimate day of your Incredible India Tour has been kept free. Free time to relax on the beaches of this fascinating Goa resort. Overnight stay at Goa hotel.

Have a relaxed breakfast at Goa hotel and, then, proceed for Goa airport to board the flight for your home/onward destination…