India Heritage Tour

The 1st day of India Heritage Tour will start with your arrival on Indian soil at New Delhi international airport. India, known for its cultural ethos of warm hospitality, welcomes you with open arms. Representative of Optima Travels will greet you and take to the pre-booked Delhi hotel. He will ensure speedy and smooth check in at the hotel. During the course of the process, you will be handed over with hard copies of all the documents pertaining to India Heritage Tour. New Delhi is capital of India. India is one of the largest and most populous countries. The stark contrasts, its ancient culture and spirituality make India one of the most attractive tourist destinations for the travelers looking for more than leisure. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Delhi hotel. Sleep and relax to come out of jet-lag and get re-energized.

India Heritage Tour is inspired to unfold before you cultural legacy and continuity of Indian civilization since the Vedic ages, comprising ancient glory, tumultuous medieval era, manifestations of British colonial regime and modern India’s stride towards developed future. Delhi, since the time of Mahabharata, plays vital role in India’s political and cultural developments. Though not much of pre-historic and ancient India is left with due to successive religiously intolerant attacks on Hindu monuments by the Muslim invaders but vestiges of ancient era can be noticed particularly in Old Fort (Purana Qila) and Iron Pillar of Mehrauli. Have delicious breakfast in New Delhi hotel and meet with your Delhi tour guide in the hotel lobby. He will take you on a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi which has been bifurcated into two parts- Old Delhi sightseeing tour and New Delhi sightseeing tour. Old Delhi tour will be comprising sightseeing of major monuments like Red Fort and Jama Masjid. But the major India Heritage Tour attraction will be visiting 400 years old but still popular Chandni Chowk market, built by Jahanara, daughter of Shah Jahan. Another interesting aspect of Old Delhi sightseeing tour is exploring and visiting vibrant alleys and buzzing bazaars of Chandni Chowk while having a manual rickshaw ride. Raj Ghat (the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, who is revered as the father of the Indian nation) is also a tourist attraction. Post lunch, New Delhi sightseeing tour will showcase a mélange of ancient, medieval, colonial and modern era of monuments like India Gate (a 42 meter high archway to commemorate the martyrdom of the soldiers of the second world war), President House, Parliament House, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar and Iron Pillar of Mehrauli. Modern buildings and infrastructure will create a lovely contrast and continuity of a civilization. You will be having ample time to explore culture, market & taste of Delhi. Later, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

The 3rd day of India Heritage Tour is special as you will be moving for Varanasi, the cultural capital of India. Enjoying scrumptious breakfast in New Delhi hotel, you will be timely transferred to New Delhi airport to board flight for Varanasi. Varanasi derives its name for being situated on the confluence of two rivers- Varuna and Assi. Varanasi is also called Kashi- city of learning. Varanasi unfolds before you several aspects of cultural and religious India. Varanasi is a place visited mainly by being holy city of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Being a pilgrim of the Hindu, the Buddhist and the Jain, Varanasi is a cultural centre of India. Specifically the Hindus believe that every believer has to visit the city at least once in life and that whoever dies heret will be free from the cycle of birth and re-birth. As a result, many sick and elderly pilgrims visit Varanasi to end their life journey in the holy land of Kashi, another name of Varanasi. The Ganges, with immensely purifying characteristic of water, passes through the city. On the shore, the funeral pyres are installed in accordance with the religious customs of the Hindus to cremate the bodies of the dead. Harishchandra Ghat & Mani Karnika Ghat are famous for cremation rites. The ashes and debris are then thrown into the river. Thus, combined with sewage and other discharges, make the river highly polluted. Nevertheless thousands of people bathe every day to cleanse their sins.

On arrival at Varanasi airport, you will be warmly welcomed in traditional Indian way by our representative. After speedy and smooth check- in process, you will be introduced with Varanasi tour guide who will then accompany and showcase the Sarnath. Sarnath, merely 13 kms from Varanasi, is a historical Buddhist place. There in Sarnath, you will be shown and explained various historical facts and facets of ravaged Buddhist monastery, Sarnath Museum and Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. It was Sarnath where Lord Buddha, way back in 600 BC, delivered his first sermon and thus the Buddhist religion. Having explored Sarnath, along with Varanasi tour guide, proceed for Dashaswamedha Ghat of Varanasi where auspicious ‘Ganga Aarti’ (Ganges Worship Ceremony) is performed. After enjoying the surge of religiosity at ghats during Ganga Aarti, return to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

Ghats, the Ganges, narrow alleys, temples and unique lifestyle are hallmarks of Varanasi and charm a visitor. India Heritage Tour will help you have first hand-feel of these exotic aspects Varanasi. Today, early in the morning you will be taken along with Varanasi tour guide to the ghats on the banks of the Ganges. A large gathering of people during dawn hour, unimagined by the foreigners, take holy dip in the Ganges and perform religious rituals on the ghats. You shall be taken on an hour long morning cruise on boat alongside the ghats of Varanasi to behold the eccentric aspects of Varanasi. Hereinafter, you will return to Varanasi hotel to refresh, have breakfast and proceed for visiting famous temples of Varanasi, reached through narrow alleys. Sightseeing of Vishwanath Khand and Benares Hindu University (BHU) will be a lifetime experience. Having seen major attractions of Varanasi, return to Varanasi hotel, check out and proceed for the airport to board Khajuraho-bound flight.

On arrival at Khajuraho, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to pre-booked Khajuraho hotel. Relax for a while and then sally out to visit world famous erotically sculptured Khajuraho temples, along with Khajuraho tour guide. Prominent among three clusters of Khajuraho temples, Western Group of Temples is the most visited and appreciated. Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest and true representative of Khajuraho temples’ architecture and sculpture. Having seen exquisite sculpture, intricate carvings and erotic subject of Khajuraho temples, move to attend a “cultural show” to experience rich lineage of folk legacy. The 4th day of India Heritage Tour is dedicated to have a peep into customs, rituals, culture and market. Later, return to Khajuraho hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive for Jhansi, a railway junction where you will board Agra-bound train. En route Jhansi, 13 kms prior, has a stop-over at Orchha, a historical town. Orchha is situated on the banks of River Betwa. Orchha tour guide will accompany you to showcase and detail about various monuments and cultural niceties of Orchha. Orchha Fort Palace complex is the prime attraction of this medieval Indian kingdom. Orchha Fort holds eminence for being un-conquered fort. It houses many 'architectural wonders' such as Raja Ram Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Jehangir Palace, Raj Palace and Rani Praveen Palace. After sightseeing of Orchha, you will be transferred to Jhansi railway station to board train for Agra. On arrival at Agra, our representative will receive you at Agra railway station and transfer to Agra hotel for overnight stay.

Agra, though an historical city, has shot to fame for being seat of Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, is undisputedly the most coveted and visited monument of India. As tourists hail from thousands of miles from across the globe to behold the mesmerizing beauty of Taj Mahal, Optima Travels’ endeavors to make a visitor’s stay in and tour of Agra a lifetime experience. Today, you will be met by Agra tour guide in the lobby of hotel. Agra guide will take you to the gate of Taj Mahal on a ‘tonga’ (a horse carriage), detailing you about history and culture of Agra. ‘Tonga’ ride will be a novel and incredible experience. Taj Mahal, as people say, looks the most beautiful at the time of sunrise. You will be inside Taj Mahal complex at the time of dawn to enjoy the beauty of Taj Mahal at its best. Agra tour guide will keep outpouring lot of details and stories related to Taj Mahal while you are watching unparalleled beauty of Taj Mahal. Spend about two hours in Taj Mahal, breathing in serene beauty and ambience. After visiting Taj Mahal, return to hotel to refresh, relax and to have breakfast. Having delicious breakfast, again proceed for sightseeing of other famous monuments and tourist places of Agra. Prominent among them are Agra Fort (built by Akbar on the banks of River Yamuna), Baby Taj (Tomb of It-Mad-ud-Daula) and Tomb of Akbar in Sikandara (14 kms from Agra). Thereafter, you have ample time to explore the bustling market famous for its handicraft items, jewellery, leather articles and marble goods. Shopping in Agra will be a nice experience. Evening is free for your leisure. You can either explore city as per your wishes or see Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bag at sunset or watch Kalakriti Mohabbat-e-Taj Show. Return to Agra hotel to have overnight stay in Agra.

The 7th day of India Heritage Tour will now lead you to Rajasthan, the desert state of India and appropriately described as tourists’ paradise. After breakfast in Agra hotel, drive to Ranthambhore, a famous tiger reserve with great floral and faunal diversity.

On the way to Ranthambhore National Park, in Sawai Madhosingh district of Rajasthan, about 40 kms from Agra lies a mediaeval era deserted township of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Akbar as twin capital, Fatehpur Sikri is a fine example of art and architecture of early Mughal days and thus represents early days Indo-Mughal architecture. Fatehpur Sikri, presently not more than a big village, is home to meticulously preserved 16th century architectural gems like Buland Darwaja, Jodhabai Mahal, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid and Salim Chishti Shrine. Though the construction of town had been done on a grand scale but Fatehpur Sikri didn’t flourish due to paucity of potable water. The remoteness of the palaces and fortifications help the beauty to be preserved. The loneliness within the manicured grounds invites you to dream of the Arabian Nights.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri drive for Ranthambhore National Park, about 300 kms away from Fatehpur Sikri. Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for two regions- one, it contains lot many historical monuments and second, Royal Bengal tiger can easily be spotted and photographed here, even in day time. The richness of flora and fauna is amazing. On arrival at Ranthambhore National Park, you will be directly transferred to the pre-booked jungle resort. Overnight stay will be in Ranthambhore resort.

The 8th day of India Heritage Tour is reserved for two game drives in an open jeep with a naturalist. These game drives are conducted by the forest department. Have breakfast in Ranthambhore hotel/ resort and proceed for Jungle safari by Jeep/ Canter on sharing basis in Ranthambore National Park for 04 hrs, from 07:00’Oclock to 10:30’Oclock. After jungle safari, return to the resort/hotel and have lunch. Having lunch, proceed for Jungle safari by Jeep/Canter on sharing basis in Ranthambore National Park for 04 hrs, from 02:00’Oclock to 05:30’Oclock in the evening. After tiger safari, come back to resort and enjoy the evening tea with camp-fire. Have dinner and overnight stay in Ranthambhore hotel.

From the jungles of Ranthambhore, you will today proceed to Jaipur, the first smartly planned city of medieval India. Laid down and built on conventional nine-grid pattern of Vaastushastra (Jaipur city plan), Jaipur is representative of royal and regal Rajasthan. Sturdy and mammoth forts, beautiful palaces, majestic temples, colorful bazaar buzzing with activities, rich culture, tasty cuisines, great hospitality, glorious historical past etc make Jaipur one of the most opted & visited tourist destinations of India. Enjoying delectable breakfast in Ranthambhore resort, drive to Jaipur. You will be received on arrival and ensured smooth check in at Jaipur hotel. There itself, you will be introduced with Jaipur tour guide. After relaxing a bit, move along with Jaipur guide to explore the famous monuments located in the heart of the city. Today’s sightseeing will include a visit of City Palace of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jantar Mantar (a still working stone-built solar observatory built in 17th century). These monuments are adjacent to the market and hence the tourists, attracted towards colorful bazaar of Jaipur, are taken to this shopping arcade, naturally under the supervision of Jaipur tour guide to help you understand and explore properly. Having seen the monuments and exploring local market, proceed to visit Birla Temple of Jaipur in the evening. Built of white marble, Birla Temple is a prime tourist attraction of Jaipur. You will be attending the ‘aarti’ or ‘deity worship ceremony’ at the time of dusk. It will be an exotic experience of India. Hereinafter, return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

Rajasthan is famous across the world for its forts. Rajasthan is the land of warriors, the Rajput. Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, prides on having three prominent forts, rich museum and temples. Visit of these forts will impart you real feel of regal Rajasthan. A bit early morning breakfast in Jaipur hotel, you will be taken to excursion of Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort. The first stop-over will be Amber Fort. Amber Fort ranks highest in Jaipur tourism. Located about 11 kms away from Jaipur city, Amber Fort Palace complex sprawls over 4 sq kms of area. Amber Fort contains several prominent buildings like Sila Devi temple, Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir, the Sukh Niwas etc. Though the fine and grand architecture of Amber Fort charms a visitor a lot but an elephant ride from the foothill to hilltop (the site of main gate) is an incredible real experience of India at Amber Fort, overlooking Maota Lake and Garden. After visiting Amber Fort, you will be moving to explore Jaigarh Fort, located on Cheel Ka Teela, a hilltop of Aravali range overlooking Amber Fort. In Jaigarh Fort, still in possession of Jaipur royal family and maintained by them, you will see a foundry, great water harvesting and storage system, a museum of arms and ammunitions, and world’s largest canon ‘Jaivan’. Nahargarh Fort, though largely in ramshackle state, offers best view of Jaipur city and pristine Rajasthani art and architecture. Nahargarh Fort was earlier called as Sudarshan Garh. Having seen three forts of Jaipur, return to Jaipur city. Have lunch in a nice city restaurant and move for visiting Albert Hall Museum which showcases a great wealth of historical artefacts. Famous for housing an Egyptian mummy of Ptolemaic era, Albert Hall Museum offers an opportunity to view a large and rare collection of textiles, carpets, paintings, metal and wood crafts, pottery, arms and weapons, flora and fauna of the state, toys, dolls etc. After visiting Albert Hall, proceed to partake into late evening worship ceremony of Govind Dev Ji Temple. It will be a mesmerizing experience. After visiting famous monuments of Jaipur, return to Jaipur hotel for overnight stay.

Today you will depart for Goa, famous across the world as beach vacationers’ paradise. Having scrumptious breakfast early in the morning in Jaipur hotel, proceed for Sanganer airport of Jaipur to board flight for Goa. On arrival at Goa, you will be directly transferred to Goa hotel. Goa is famous for its emerald green beaches. Situated on the western coast of Indian peninsula, Goa’s coastline is embedded with numerous world-class beaches. Goa had been an erstwhile Portuguese colony. As a result, the culture of Goa is a pleasant mélange of Konkani and Portuguese cultures. Goa is also famous for its alcoholic beverage ‘feni’ and carnivals. Spend evening in leisure in Goa and overnight stay in Goa hotel.

The Portuguese influence is still felt today in the buildings of the cities, palaces, churches, kitchen and the carnival. People reach Goa for relaxed vacationing. Most of the visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on the beaches of Goa and in the hotel's beautiful facilities. Now you have time to pursue the peaceful life on the wide beaches. Holidays in this unique, relaxing environment are an unforgettable experience for people from the hectic and robotic routine of day to day life in Europe and America. The day in Goa has been kept free for you to enjoy the beach life and remain engaged in activities of your choice. Have breakfast in Goa hotel and spend the rest of day in leisure on the beaches of Goa. Overnight stay is planned in Goa hotel.

Though beaches are the prime reason to visit Goa but a different culture, historical monuments, sea-surfing and buzzing market place make Goa a destination to be explored. After enjoying beach stay in the morning, you are suggested to visit Goan tourist destinations which comprise churches, temples and forts. Have breakfast in Goa hotel and spend day in leisure on the beaches of Goa. Overnight stay will be in Goa hotel.

Enjoy the morning in Goa and in early afternoon, depart for Goa airport to board flight for Mumbai. Mumbai is home to Bollywood, the center of the Indian film industry. The most famous landmark of Mumbai is the Gateway of India. On arrival at Mumbai, you will be received at Mumbai airport and transferred to Mumbai hotel for overnight stay.

Mumbai is commercial capital of India. Its remarkable growth and development is legacy of British rule. Mumbai sightseeing mainly showcases monuments and museum of colonial era. Modern market, Asia’s largest slum Dharavi, Dhobi Ghat etc also attract a visitor’s attention, especially the stark contrast of richness and poverty. But Optima Travels will show you ancient Indian heritage of Elephanta cave temples. As Elephanta cave temples are approached through sea route and require at least four hours to visit, your Mumbai sightseeing tour will start soon after early breakfast in Mumbai hotel. The Mumbai tour guide will meet you in hotel lobby and take you for guided sightseeing tour which will primarily include Elephanta cave temples (one has to reach there through sea route by a large boat/ steamer/ ship). After returning from Elephanta (around 1 pm), you will be visiting Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Garden (seen on the way from a distance), Dhobi Ghat (open air laundry), High Court building (seen on the way from a distance), Marine Drive, and Mani Bhawan. The emphasis will be mainly on 4 destinations- Elephanta, Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India and Mani Bhawan. Later in the evening, return to Mumbai hotel for overnight stay.

The penultimate day of India Heritage Tour will bring you to Aurangabad, the city of Ajanta and Ellora cave temples. After a very early morning breakfast in Mumbai hotel, you will be transferred to Mumbai airport to board Aurangabad-bound flight. On arrival at Aurangabad airport, you will be received by our representative and introduced with Aurangabad tour guide and the tour chauffeur. You will be driven to Ajanta directly from the airport. Ajanta cave temples belong to 200 BCE and are known for their exquisite wall paintings, sculptures and ‘Buddhist chapel’ architecture. The wall paintings and sculptures are depicting the stories of Jataka. The wall paintings in the thirty cave temples of Ajanta have been described by the government Archaeological Survey of India as "the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting". Ajanta cave temples are one of the finest examples of rich cultural heritage of India. Having seen Ajanta caves, treasure of Indian heritage, return to Aurangabad hotel to check in and have overnight stay.

The last day of India Heritage Tour is planned to showcase you Ellora cave temples, belonging to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist faiths. Aurangabad tour guide will be waiting for you in Aurangabad hotel’s lobby at the pre-decided time to lead you to Ellora. Having scrumptious breakfast in the hotel, move for visiting Ellora cave temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ellora cave temples are thirty four in numbers and are specimen of intricately, richly, tastefully and graciously carved architecture. The cave temples here have some superior carvings on the stone depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. The temples of Ellora belong to Gupta Period (600-1000 AD) of ancient India. After sightseeing of Aurangabad, at late afternoon, proceed to airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai domestic airport, you will be transferred to Mumbai International airport to board flight for your onward destination.