Cultural India Tour

Day 1

Arrival at Chennai

On arrival at Chennai airport, you will be greeted by a representative of Optima Travels. You will be welcomed in traditional Indian way, by garlanding and applying ‘Tika’ on forehead. Our representative will transfer you to Chennai hotel and ensure your smooth check in at the hotel. Spend night in Chennai hotel.

Day 2

Chennai – Mahabalipuram

Have delicious breakfast in Chennai hotel and mid morning drive to Mahabalipuram. On the way to Mahabalipuram, do visit Dakshin Chitra, an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, and crafts and dance of South India. Dakshin Chitra, meaning ‘picture of South’, is about 45 kms away at the outskirts of Chennai and on the way to Mahabalipuram. Dakshin Chitra, a living museum, is aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of different communities of India, particularly the four southern states Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. Right hand side to the entrance is ‘Crafts Bazaar’. Chettinad style houses, Tanjore paintings (gold foils are used for making Tanjore paintings), Kerala paintings, terracotta figurines, Kerala style houses and craftsmanship of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have been showcased here.

After visiting Dakshina Chitra, move for Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram, a sea-side village, is set in a boulder-strewn landscape, un-spoilt beach and rock-cut art. Spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in Mahabalipuram hotel.

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Day 3

Mahabalipuram

Having taken delicious breakfast in Mahabalipuram hotel, you will be heading for morning sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram along with local tour guide. The prime attractions of Mahabalipuram, Shore Temples, built in 7th century & listed amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are standing testimonial to the regal heritage of India. Having explored the rich heritage of Mahabalipuram, return to hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

Day 4

Mahabalipuram- Puducherry -Puducherry sightseeing- Tanjore

Having sumptuous breakfast in Mahabalipuram hotel, drive to Puducherry, a Union Territory, is blessed with palm-fringed 32 kms long coastline. Puducherry is endowed with beaches, backwaters, fishing villages and beach resorts. But the beaches are not the attractions of Puducherry. Instead, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the international city of Auroville and the French boulevard town with its French heritage are the main attractions of Puducherry. On arrival at Puducherry, do a brief sightseeing tour. Reminiscent of French colonial rule, are several historical landmarks. Have lunch in a nice restaurant of Puducherry and continue on to Thanjavur (Tanjore). This district stands unique for its agricultural activities, lying in the deltaic region of the famous river Kaveri and criss-crossed by lengthy network of irrigation canals.

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Day 5

Tanjore– Trichy - Trichy sightseeing – Chettinad

Having breakfast in Tanjore hotel, embark on morning sightseeing tour along with Tanjore tour guide. Tanjore has been a historical city and has lot more to display of amply glorious past. Prominent places worth visiting in Tanjore are city palace, municipal art gallery and Sri Brihadeeswara Temple (constructed in the 10th century AD & a magnificent example of Chola Temple architecture). Later, visit the Palace of Tanjore that was built through many decades.

Having seen famous monuments and places of Tanjore, proceed for Trichy. Trichy has several temples of historical and touristic importance but the most remarkable one is Rock Fort temple. The 83m high rock is said to be one of the oldest in the world, dating over 3 billion years ago. To visit the temple is a big climb, up the 437 steps cut into the stone, to the top, but well worth the effort.

After visiting Rock Fort temple and exploring Trichy, continue drive to Chettinad, located in coastal Tamil Nadu and famous for simple yet classy lifestyle of wealthy Chettiar community. Have taste of Chettinad culinary delicacies. Chicken Chettinad is a popular dish of Chettinad region.

Your stay in Chettinad will be in a heritage banglow.

Day 6

Chettinad – Madurai

Having enjoyed delicious breakfast in Chettinad banglow, you will be taken for a morning tour of Chettinad village. While in Chettinad, do see Chettinad Museum & Athangudi handmade patterned terracotta tiles making process. Don’t miss to walk through the lanes of Devkuttai village lined with old Chettinad mansions, renowned for its fortress like homes. Visit palaces constructed during 18th and 19th centuries showcasing architectural marvels of the Chettinad community. Chettinad mansions, a masterpiece of art and architecture, are built of marble and Burma teak in ‘thinnai’ design, characterized by a large courtyard surrounded by family rooms. The mansions are highly embellished. Do see the Chettiar Mansion, a historic home and architectural extravaganza.

Having lunch in Chettinad, later in the afternoon drive to Madurai, famous for Jasmine flowers and picturesque country side. Madurai, established on the banks of River Vaiga, is one of the oldest living cities of the world. Greeks, Romans and Arabs mention its rich and lively existence as religious, cultural and business centre. Built, organized, fortified and embellished by the Pandya kings for a larger period and later by the Nayaka kings, Madurai is known as City of Junctions, City of Jasmine, Temple City, City that never sleeps and City of Four Junctions. Madurai has historical facts of being in existence and continuous habitation since 600 BCE and is a pilgrimage of the Hindus.

On arrival at Madurai, representative of Optima India Tourism will transfer you in Madurai hotel. Relax a bit and move to visit the spectacular Sri Meenakshi Temple and witness the sacred Aarti ceremony (Closing ceremony of the temple). Later in the evening, return to Madurai hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 7

Madurai sightseeing – Thekkady

Having scrumptious breakfast in Madurai hotel, move to see Meenakshi Temple, visited last evening to attend ‘evening worship ceremony’, Dravidian style of Hindu temple architecture in its exuberant baroque phase. Hereinafter, visit Tirumal Nayak’s Palace. Leisurely explore local market and bazaar as well.

Having visited Madurai, depart for Thekkady (Periyar) serves as the main entrance to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for elephants in the wild and natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species. Spread over 777 sq kms area, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, offering great opportunities for trek and mountain walk, is famous for Asiatic Elephant, unending chain of hills and spice plantations. 25 kms long artificial Periyar Lake presents an opportunity to view wildlife while moving on a boat in the lake.

On arrival at Thekkady, you will be directly transferred to the pre-booked forest resort. Late afternoon, you will be witness to Kalaripayattu. Kalaripayattu is a martial art, created and developed by martial saint Parashuram and patronized by saint Agastya. History of Kalaripayattu dates back to the Vedic era and at least 2000 years historically proven existence is in the records. A Buddhist saint Bodhidharma took it from Kerala to China where it got preserved, spread and flourished in present days Judo & Karate etc. You will experience the Kalaripayattu show. Kalaripayattu martial art emphasizes on footwork, movement and the ability to strike at vital points or 'marmas' in the opponents body of which 108 points are considered lethally vulnerable.

Spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay in forest resort.

Day 8

Thekkady – Kumarakom

As per the schedule of cruise services, have morning boat ride in Periyar Lake along the wildlife sanctuary to view wildlife especially the Asian Elephants. After boat cruise, return to Thekkady resort. Have breakfast, check out from Periyar resort and drive to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’. Situated on the bank of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom presents a landscape of paddy fields, mangrove forests and lush greenery. On arrival at Kumarakom, our representative will give you transfer into a luxurious backwater resort. Rest of the day has been kept free for leisure which you can enjoy by dint of marveling at the beautiful and unending backwaters or enjoying the sunset or indulging in the Ayurvedic therapies at the Spa. Overnight stay has been planned in Kumarakom backwater resort.

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Day 9

Kumarakom – Marari

Have breakfast in Kumarakom beach resort, spend morning in leisure and, thereafter, check out from the resort and board a luxury houseboat to traverse through the backwaters. Your lunch has been scheduled in the houseboat. Get indulged into Kerala cuisine specialties. In the evening, leave the houseboat and check in at Marari beach resort for overnight stay.

Day 10

Marari – Cochin (Kochi)

Have breakfast in Marari hotel and spend morning hours (kept free) for independent activities. Later in the morning, depart for Kochi (Cochin), the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin, known as Queen of Arabian Sea, is one of the finest harbors on the Arabian Sea coast and boasts of lording over trading of spices & seafood.

On arrival at Cochin, you will be transferred to Kochi hotel. Kochi tour guide will be introduced with you in the hotel lobby. Along with the tour guide, proceed for visiting interesting places and monuments of Cochin that include Mattancherry Island, the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India (built in 1568), the Dutch Palace (built in 1555), Chinese fishing nets & St. Francis Church. Evening, you will be taken to a Kathakali Dance Centre to witness the most elaborate 300 years old classical dance form, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime.

Later in the evening, return to Cochin hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 11

Cochin

The 11th day of cultural India tour is kept reserved for the activities to help you explore exotic aspects of Cochin. Having breakfast in Cochin hotel in the morning, you will be taken to Kumbhalanghi, a model fisheries and tourism village. You will observe, explore and experience various facets of the village life by mingling with the local people. You will ride in auto-rickshaws through narrow country roads seeing the village folk engaged in different activities. You may partake in various activities here such as coir and copra processing, mat making, crab catching, fish flipping (fish acrobatics). Late afternoon, return to Cochin hotel. Evening is free and overnight stay has been scheduled here itself.

Day 12

Cochin – New Delhi (by flight)- Half-day Delhi tour

The 12th day of cultural India tour will now take you to north India. Having feasted on delicious breakfast, check out from hotel to proceed for airport to board flight for New Delhi, capital of Republic of India. On arrival at New Delhi airport, a representative of Optima Travels will greet you and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. He will ensure your smooth check in. Having relaxed for an hour or so, you will be enjoying half day sightseeing of Delhi along with Delhi tour guide. The places to be visited include Qutub Minar (the tallest stone tower in India), Humayun’s Tomb (an outstanding monument in Indo-Persian style). The tour concludes after driving past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.

Later in the evening return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 13

Delhi sightseeing

The second day in Delhi will be devoted to visit the Old Delhi that is happily chaotic. The sightseeing will include Raj Ghat (a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi), the Red Fort (not much of olden times is preserved) and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque of India). One of the most memorable experiences will be that of a rickshaw ride in 400 years old Chandni Chowk market, formed of narrow alleys buzzing with activity). In the afternoon, a shopping and browsing tour of Delhi will be conducted.

Later in the evening, after sightseeing and shopping activities, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

Day 14

New Delhi – Varanasi (flight)- Sarnath sightseeing & Ganga Aarti.

By morning flight, you shall be landing at Varanasi airport where representative of Optima Travels will greet and transfer to the designated hotel by ensuring smooth check in. Varanasi is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. Varanasi tour guide, waiting to be introduced with you, will take you on Sarnath. sightseeing tour. 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. It was the 6th century BC then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. At Sarnath, see a decent museum and also a Tibetan Buddhist Temple.

After visit of Sarnath, at dusk, you will be driven to Dashaswamedh Ghat of Varanasi that is the site of splendid and magnanimous Ganges Worship Ceremony (called Ganga Aarti) on the banks of the Ganges. Head to the banks of the sacred Ganges River to witness the Aarti (prayer) ceremony with sounds of chanted prayers. After visiting Sarnath and enjoying Ganga Aarti, return to Varanasi hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 15

: Varanasi Ghats & Temples Tour.

A view of Varanasi, especially the ghats of Varanasi, in morning hours will definitely be a lifetime experience for a foreigner. It will be a pleasant cultural shock. Colorful Indian culture will be evident in its great vitality. 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 for morning boat-ride alongside the various ghats of the Ganges will be carried out. Early in the morning, proceed for viewing the panoramic view of ghats on boat. See the sun rise with a boat ride on River Ganges. See Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river and people bathing and worshiping the rising sun. 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.

Day 16

Varanasi-Khajuraho (By Flight).

As the flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho is in the early noon, have breakfast in Varanasi hotel and spend morning in leisure. Late in the morning, check out from Varanasi hotel and head for Varanasi airport to board flight for Khajuraho, where you will discover exquisitely carved legendary temples. Built between 9th & 12th century only 20 of the original 85 temples survive. The facades of these temples are replete with erotic sculptures & depictions of dance, music & other creative arts. Optima Travels representative will receive you on arrival. Along with Khajuraho tour guide, proceed to visit Khajuraho temples, a zenith of sculptured architecture. 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.

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Day 17

Khajuraho-Orchha- Jhansi-Agra (By Car & Train).

A bit early in the morning, having breakfast in Khajuraho hotel, move for Agra. Stop en route at Orchha, passing small villages, arriving at the 17th century Orchha Palace, 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 Travels. You will be taken to the designated hotel for overnight stay in Agra.

Day 18

Agra sightseeing- Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur

It’s time for sunrise visit to Taj Mahal. Tourists gather at Taj Mahal during dawn hours to watch Taj Mahal at the time of sunrise when Taj Mahal looks stunningly beautiful. A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE and one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ Taj Mahal is one of the prime tourist attractions of Agra. Along with Agra tour guide, visit Taj Mahal leisurely and enjoy a feast to the eyes. After viewing Taj Mahal, come back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, move for visiting another famous monument of Agra - Agra Fort.

Early afternoon, push off for Jaipur. On the way to Jaipur, at the outskirts of Agra, about 35 kms away, stop at Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted red sandstone city built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity 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.

Having visited Fatehpur Sikri, resume your drive to Jaipur. You will be directly transferred to Jaipur hotel where our representative will receive you and ensure your smooth check in at 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. Overnight stay is planned in Jaipur hotel.

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Day 19

Jaipur sightseeing

The Jaipur city tour will commence a bit early in the morning as an exotic experience of cultural Jaipur- ‘maharaja-like’ elephant ride at Amber Fort- awaits you. Having delicious breakfast in Jaipur hotel, drive for 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. See the Palace of Mirrors in Amber Fort, originally built as the royal family’s private residence, which is covered with countless inlaid mirrors. After visiting Amber Fort, you will be taken to other famous monuments of Jaipur- Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar (a large open-air array of astronomical instruments that includes the world’s largest sundial) and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds- the high sandstone facade whose ornately screened windows allowed women of the palace to gaze out unobserved). Early evening, move to the bustling market of Jaipur.

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.

Day 20

Jaipur –Pushkar- Jodhpur

Relish delicious breakfast in Jaipur hotel, check out in time and drive to Jodhpur. On the way, stop at Pushkar, a pilgrimage of the Hindus and a prominent tourist destination in Rajasthan, to see Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple. Embanked by 52 ghats, Pushkar Lake is semi-circular in shape. Pushkar is famous for having the lone temple of Lord Brahma, one of the three gods of Hindu Trinity- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Brahma Temple houses four-headed idol of Lord Brahma. It's decorated with silver coins and a silver turtle on its black and white chequered floor. Have lunch in a nice restaurant on the banks of Pushkar Lake and depart for Jodhpur. Jodhpur also referred as the “Blue City” due to the vivid blue clay washed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The famous ‘blue pottery’ of Jodhpur is well known.

On arrival at Jodhpur, get transferred directly to Jodhpur hotel where our representative will ensure smooth check in. Spend the evening in leisure and have overnight stay in Jodhpur hotel.

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Day 21

Jodhpur – Manvar Desert Camp

Having enjoyed delicious breakfast in Jodhpur hotel, check out and proceed for visiting monuments and market of Jodhpur. Prominent monuments of Jodhpur include Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Known for traditional Rajput culture and beautiful and gigantic monuments, Jodhpur was an erstwhile prominent principality of Marwad region of Rajasthan during India's pre-independence era.

After relaxed sightseeing and exploration of local market and local culture, proceed for Manvar Desert Camp. Manvar tourist destination can be segregated into two parts- resorts and camps. The camps area, being aloof from in-habitation or traffic, offers amazing ambiance. Stay in luxury tents with views of serene sand dunes imparts one a feel of luxurious nomadic life. Ancient village of Manvar is the gateway into the merciless Thar Desert, the legendary 6th- 8th century temples, sand-dunes and diversity of Rajasthani culture and tradition. Camel rides in the evening, followed by traditional music performance and dinner, are main attractions of Manvar. Overnight stay is scheduled in desert camp.

Day 22

Manvar-Ranakpur -Udaipur

The 22nd day of cultural India tour has been assigned for leisurely travel and enjoying the oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan, India. Having taken delicious breakfast in Manvar desert camp, drive to the city of lakes, palaces, and rising sun – Udaipur. En route Udaipur, visit Ranakpur temple one of the most famous cities of Rajasthan, India. 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.

Visiting Ranakpur temple, drive to Udaipur which is almost 95 kms away from here. Possibly no city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur, even though the state is replete with fantastic hilltop fortresses, exotic palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism, it’s not without justification that Udaipur has been called “the Venice of the East”.

On arrival at Udaipur, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Udaipur hotel. Evening of Udaipur today is kept for relaxing leisurely in the hotel. Have overnight stay in Udaipur hotel.

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Day 23

Jaipur sightseeing

Have delicious breakfast in Udaipur hotel and then embark on Udaipur city tour. Udaipur tour guide will take you to visit the City Palace Complex, the Jagdish Temple,the Jag Mandir, Saheliyon-ki-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, City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass with a visit to the Crystal Gallery. 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.

Day 24

Udaipur- Mumbai (flight)- Mumbai sightseeing

After having breakfast in Udaipur hotel, proceed for 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. Mumbai, also known as Bombay is a major metropolitan city and the business capital of India. Afternoon, explore classic “Bombay” sights. 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), colorful Crawford Market and Marine Drive.

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

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Day 25

Mumbai-Departure to final destination.

This morning at leisure, shopping, and enjoying Mumbai before transfer to airport for flight back home.