Depart from your hometown to Delhi.
Stay at ITC Welcome Hotel Dwarka

This morning sightseeing of Old Delhi visiting Red Fort ( UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jama Mosqu and Chandani Chak.Post lunch drive past India Gate , President House and Parliament House. Red Fort Closed on Friday)

Delhi... The capital of the vast, mystic subcontinent that is India. A fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern in every stream of life is found in Delhi. History of Delhi goes back to the days of Mahabharata, when it was known as the Indraprastha. It is surprising, indeed, that since that era this city has remained the capital of the country. Delhi always ruled. Situated near the Aravali range and on the banks of the great river Yamuna, this city was the most suitable for the rulers, Tughlaq, Mughals or the British as well.
Magnificent forts and edifices of the Mughal and the pre-Mughal era and the huge architectures of the Raj era have become the pride of Delhi. These structures stand in silence watching the growing hustle and bustle of the city.
It has always been the seat of power and today it is fast emerging as an important center for corporate power too. The cosmopolitan nature of the city has only added to the beauty and glory of it. Big gardens, wide roads, ancient structures, and power of politics is what Delhi is all about.

Red Fort
One of the most magnificent structures of Delhi, complete with red sand stone, the Red Fort, is one of the architectural marvels built by the great Mughal Emperor and architect, Shahajehan. The 400 year old ancient monument is the pride of Delhi and stands a mute witness to the historical transformations and revolutions that took place in India. The building of the Lal Qila, as it is commonly known, began in 1640 and it took around 8 years to complete the structure. The emperor decided to built this magnificent structure on the banks of Yamuna River when the capital was decided to shift from Agra to Delhi. Right from huge moat and the enormous gates of the fort, every piece of architecture is a marvel.
The 110 feet high walls of the fort, house a beautiful city within. The interiors are of marble with Divan - I - Aam (house of the public audience) and the Divan - I - Khas (house of the private audience). The most famous peacock throne was situated in this very fort and today it stands a reminiscent glory and royalty of the Mughals. The beautiful hamams or the bathing rooms and the equally beautiful zenana or the ladies rooms, only tell the tales of the royalty that lived within the ramparts of this massive structure. The wonderful fountains and the waterways still working in perfect condition give the architectural insight of the emperor himself. The most attractive is the beautiful Moti Masjid, built by the son of the Shahajehan, Aurangzeb. Built in Marble, the white colour gives a serene and calm atmosphere to the otherwise gigantic Fort.
The Lal Qila is one of the best preserved forts of India and also the one which has witnessed many an upheavals within. It was the centre of the political movement during the Mughal empire.
The last emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was imprisoned in this very fort by the British. The British used the forts for constructing a few buildings, for their military back up. It was on these very ramparts of this fort that the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru announced the freedom of India. Till date the Prime minister of India hoists the national flag here on the Independence Day every year on the Red Fort.
The Red Fort of Delhi…indeed a pride of Delhi!

Jama Masjid
The internationally acclaimed, magnificent, Jama Masjid Delhi originally named Masjid Jahan Numa, was built by Shahjahan (Mercy be upon him), the Fifth Mughal Emperor of India. Shahjahan himself laid its foundation stone on the strong basements of a hillock on Friday the 6th of October 1650 AD corresponding to 10th of Shawwal 1060 AH.
Top experts in the field of construction, best chiselers, sculptors, engineers, best calligraphers and eminent artisans of the world assisted by six thousand labourers took part in the construction of the magnificent Jama Masjid. They dedicatedly worked for six continuous years. The Jama Masjid got ready in the year 1656 AD (1066 AH).

The India Gate expanse
One of the most important structures of the New Delhi or the Lutyen's Delhi with a clear British impression is the India Gate and its surroundings.
India Gate is the enormous arch built in the memory of the innumerous soldiers who attained martyrdom during the First World War. The gate is 160 feet high with an arch of 138 feet. The arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
The President's House or the Rashtapati Bhawan standing in symmetry with the India Gate on the Raisina Hills is the magnificent structure that denotes the Raj days and the beginning of Lutyen's Delhi. Earlier built as the residence of the Viceroy of India, when the British shifted their capital from Kolkata to Delhi, it is presently the official residence of the President of India. The road leading to the President's House starts from the India Gate and is called as the Raj Path. On both the sides of the Raj Path are the official buildings of the dignitaris in the Indian Government.
Another structure the British built during the same time, is the Parliament house or the Sansad Bhawan. The Parliament house has all the constructive geometric qualities with 144 pillars and small attic storeys. It is the official meeting hall of both the houses in the Indian Government.
Stay at ITC Welcome Hotel Dwarka

This morning after breakfast visit Qutub Minar ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Lotus Temple , Raj Ghat and psot lunch visit Humyun’s Tomb ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Lotus temple closed on Monday

Qutub Minar
One of the great monuments in India and one of the finest examples of the Islamic architecture identified with Delhi is the Qutub Minar. The tallest building in India was built in the 12th century by Qtubuddin Aibak, either as a victory tower or as a simple tower beside the adjacent mosque. This is the tallest stone tower of India with the height of 72.5meters. This beautiful tower is made of red sandstone and is full of verses from the Koran inscribed on it. The carvings of beautiful creepers and flowers, the unique architecture all this make Qutub Minar one of the most perfect towers in the world and was once the axis of the imperial city of Delhi. In the vicinity of this ancient structure are the mosque and the most famous Iron pillar. This mysterious pillar bears the inscription from the Gupta period but has withstood the rain, the wind and the sun, without any rust on it.

Lotus Temple
It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Bahai’s Temple is a marvel of modern architecture, which is visible from several spots in south Delhi. The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God, to the people of India. This ancient symbol has been given a modern and contemporary form in the structure of the Bahai House of Worship drawing into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith, - an independent world religion; divine in origin, all acceptance in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles, and dynamic in the influence.
This "House of Worship of the Indian subcontinent" joins six other Bahá''''í temples around the world. Each of these Houses of Worship, while sharing some basic design concepts, has its own distinct cultural identity embodying the principle of unity in diversity. The lotus, the national flower of India, is a recurring symbol in the religious architecture of the Indian subcontinent. This ancient symbol has been given a modern and contemporary form in the structure of the Bahá''''í House of Worship drawing into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe.
To the people of India the lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God. Rising pure and unsullied above stagnant, muddy waters, the Indians have seen this flower as worthy of emulation, teaching them to be detached from material preoccupations. It is because this flower is so revered in Indian mythology and cultures that its translation into the design of a temple has caught the attention of the people at large.
The structure of the House of Worship is composed of three ranks of nine petals; each springing from a podium which elevates the building above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inward, embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals, constructed of reinforced white concrete cast in place, are clad in white marble panels, performed to surface profiles and patterns related to the geometry. The double-layered interior dome, modeled on the innermost portion of the lotus, is comprised of 54 ribs with concrete shells between. Nine arches that provide the main support for the superstructure ring the central hall. Nine reflecting pools surround the building on the outside, their form suggesting the green leaves of the lotus flower.

Humayun's Tomb
The tomb of the father of Akbar the great, Humayun, is supposed to be first Indo _ Islamic buildings of India. This beautiful structure is also known as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built by the widow of Humayun and one of stepmothers of Akbar, Hajji Begum in the 16th century, this red sand stone structure has Humayun's soul resting in peace. The perfect symmetrical structure offers a marvelous view of the well-laid gardens and the fountains
Stay at ITC Welcome Hotel Dwarka

This morning after breakfast drive to Agra. Arrive in Agra visit Taj Mahal ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Agra Fort ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Taj Mahal closed on Friday

Agra…the majestic capital of the Mughals has placed it self in the world map as the most sought after destination in the world. The city of Taj Mahal as it is known to the world, it is also a city of magical splendours and city having the most magnificent monuments in India, standing testimony to its glorious past. The first establishment possibly was some 5,000 years ago. Basically it has a strategic location and therefore the Aryans must have come and settled here then. It finds a mention in the epic of Mahabharata as Agravana, which the say is the origin of the present name Agra. Agravana means Paradise in Sanskrit. Later the city was also referred to as Arya Griha as the place of Aryans. It is also said that the town was founded by the King Ugrasen. But the town rose to prominence from the time that the Muslim rulers established themselves over here.
The present city of Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty. The Lodhis ruled the area till the Mughals seized it in the mid of the 16th century. It was the mighty Babur who laid the foundation of building forts and gardens in this city. The Mughals loved this city and beautified it as per their requirements by building huge forts and lovely and shapely gardens. The architects were specially brought from Persia to construct the dream buildings of every emperor.
Agra remained the seat of almost four Mughal emperors. While Babur settled here, Humayun and Akbar guarded it and Jehangir and Shahajehan beautified it. It remained the capital till emperor Shahajehan shifted the capital to Delhi in the later years of his life. But nonetheless, he could not find a better place than Agra to build the great monument, as tribute to his love, the exotic Taj. And till date for tourists all over the world India is synonymous to the great Taj Mahal.
But there is more to Agra than only the Taj. Not only other huge edifices that dot the town, but also something to satisfy the connoisseur for good things in life. Agra is the birth place of the Tandoor cuisine that is famous all over the world. Another famous item of Agra is the sweet prepared of white pumpkin called petha. The spicy snack of dal moth is also tasty.
Under the patronage of the Mughal rulers many arts and craft forms were encouraged which still form the handicraft industry of Agra. Brass ware, embroidered clothes, marble curios, intricately designed jewellery and the original Persian carpets are few of the things which can be carried from Agra..

The Taj Mahal
The grandeur called the Taj is perhaps the most photographed, filmed,described and sketched building of the world. Taj Mahal is where fantasy coincides with reality in perfect harmony. An inspiration for innumerous artists over the centuries, the Taj is an ode to love. An epitome of love the world has ever seen which no monument in the world can match. The splendour and the beauty of this pleasant edifice brings one back to experience the magic of this majestic structure. The beauty of the Taj is in its simplicity. It is rare that a person would not fall in love with the pure and simple beauty in white.
Emperor Shahajehan had built many an architectural marvels in his career, but Taj Mahal is the zenith. The world heritage site and the seventh architectural wonder of the world, Taj Mahal is different from the rest. The emperor loved his wife Mumtaz dearly. When in 1631, his wife died giving birth to their 14th child; Shahajehan lost the charm to live. It was then he decided to build a mausoleum for his beloved which the world would remember. And indeed Taj Mahal mesmerizes everyone who visits it.

Shahajehan employed best artisans and architects to work on the masterpiece. Finally, 22 years later, with 20,000 workers toiling day and night stood the world''''s most beautiful monument, and was called the Taj Mahal.

It is said that the world is divided in two parts, people who have seen the Taj and those who have not, such is the glory of this great monument. The subtle beauty of the Taj is the main reason that tourists from all over the world come here, again and again.

The structure of Taj Mahal adheres to the Indo Islamic architecture, which flourished in India during the medieval period. It is said that the structure was based primarily on the structure of Humayun''''s tomb in Delhi , which was culminated in precision with the building of the Taj.

The mammoth entrance gate built in red sandstone is a beautiful inscribed with texts from the Koran. They are beautifully written in absolutely uniform size from whichever angle you see them. After passing the gate you enter in to the exquisitely laid gardens with symmetrical designs and fountains built in red sandstone with the majestic Taj standing nearly thousand feet away.

The Taj stands atop a plinth with four minarets in each corner. The central dome is huge supported by four smaller domes. The elegantly carved arches and the floral designs, not only intricate, but in perfect symmetry is the highlight of Taj. The exquisite tracery looks more like lace than actual carvings. Earlier precious and semi-precious stones were laid inside the floral designs, a very typical form of craftsmanship known as the pietra dura.

Inside the cenotaph are the two dummy tombs of Shahajehan and his wife Mumtaz; the original ones are in the basement just beneath these. The tombs studded with various precious gems like the Sapphire, Ruby et al were the natural target for grave robbers. The interiors of the chamber have fine floral motifs on in its walls with various shades of marble stones. The most moving feature is the tragic prayer of the emperor which is carved in perfect calligraphy on the tomb which asks for help from the almighty and says,Help us, O Lord, to bear that which we can not bear!

The Taj overlooks the Yamuna and on a quiet day one can hear the water flowing by. As it stands on a raised platform with the blue sky as its backdrop, it gives an impression of a palace floating in the air. The Taj never looks the same at any time and from any angle. The colour of the Taj changes with every change that takes place in the sky. The golden pink Taj at dawn turns into dazzling white at noon. Giving way to the sultry orange at sunset is the milky blue at night. Viewing the Taj on Full moon nights is a blissful experience. The Taj seems to be bathing in the moon light with its fine designs getting illuminated further. The reflections of the Taj in the water pond in front of it or in the Yamuna waters in the back are some of the breath taking views. And actually the life after the Taj is different with a feeling of fulfillment with no blemishes, a feeling of ecstasy having experienced a beautiful monument, a feeling of contentment having viewed the flawless magnificent edifice. It is the most visited attraction in Agra and of India.

Memories abound to cherish and a promise to keep returning to view the Taj in its various moods is what one goes back with from the Taj.

The Red Fort
From the sight of it the magnificent structure in Red Sand Stone looks strong and invincible. The common belief goes that it was build by the Mughal emperor Akbar and further developed by his heirs. But in reality the fort was actually a small fortress which a Hindu war lord had built long back around the 5th century viewing the strategic importance of Agra on the banks of River Yamuna.
Later when the Hindu kings and their dynasties were taken over by the Muslim rulers, the small fortress was developed which took the shape of a massive fortress. The Lodhis rebuilt it in the 13th century and Mughal emperor Akbar renovated the Fort in 1565 A.D. Though Akbar built it for military purposes, his heir son Jehangir and grandson Shahajehan turned it into a palatial fort.
The majestic structure is in the area of nearly 3 km and the walls are 20 feet high. It is surrounded by a moat full of water and crocodiles. The fort is built with Red Sand stone and is supposed to be the predecessor of the Red Fort of Delhi. Many buildings inside the fort were built by Shahajehan, unique among which is the stunning pearl mosque. The only building that remains which was built by Akbar is the Jehangiri Mahal, which stands in stark contrast with the rest as it has dominating Hindu architecture. The Diwan - e - Aam and the Diwan - e - Khas are the audience halls built by Shahajehan. The Sheesh Mahal near the Diwan - e - Khas is a beautiful palace with inlaid mirror work on the walls. The Mussaman Burj built by Shahajehan holds significance in the Agra Fort. This octagonal tower built by Shahajehan was supposed to be his bed room. This is also the place where he was detained by his son in his last days. This particular pavilion gives commanding views of the Taj, which the emperor would stare lying on his death bed.
Stay at ITC Mughal

This morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) and further drive to Jaipur.

Fatehpur Sikri
Around 40 km from the main city of Agra stands the ephemeral capital of Emperor Akbar, the Fatehpur Sikri or the city of Victory. Built by Akbar in the 16th century, it is a beautiful city made in brilliant red coloured sand stone that was available around. The city is built on the ridge of a hill within 5 sq. km area, next to a lake which has now dried up. The rapid construction of the city is mysterious and equally mysterious is its desertion.
It is said that Akbar decided to build a mosque for the Sufi saint Salim Chisti on the spot where it stands now, as a gesture of gratitude. Akbar did not have an heir to his kingdom and after the saint's prophecy he was blessed by three sons. As he started building the palaces, harems, courtyards, pools and places of public and private audience after the construction of the huge mosque and the tomb, his ministers too started building their houses around it; thus constructing a huge city within no time.
But this beautiful city which was fully operational was deserted soon. The reason for desertion is not clear although it is said to be shortage of water in the royal palaces. Was it a whim of an emperor to build a city and then suddenly leave it or was it his unfulfilled dream, no one knows. A huge gate, known as the Buland Darwaza a unique piece of Mughal architecture, of around 40 meters in height, was constructed after Akbar's victory over Gujarat, which probably gave the city its name of Fatehpur Sikri. The name Buland Darwaza suggests the invincibility of the Fort.
Fatehpur Sikri is the amalgamation of many architectural styles. Primarily used are the Gujarat and the Rajput kind of architectures in the construction of its various palaces. The Mosque and especially the tomb of Salim Chisti hold a lot of importance. It is said that if a devotee with whole heartedness prays on the tomb and ties a thread to the carved pane making a wish, his wish definitely gets fulfilled. One can see innumerous threads tied and visitors of all the religions coming over to fulfill their wishes.
The other important structures on the campus are the Jodhabai Mahal, the Panch Mahal and the Birbal Mahal. All have a distinctive quality of architecture which differs from the rest of the Mughal architecture built during that time. The city also known as the ghost city due to its mysterious abandonment holds a unique charm. Whatever may be the reason of the desertion of the city by the emperor, he definitely left behind one of the finest specimens of architecture of that era.
Stay at ITC Rajputana

This morning excursion to Amar Fort en-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal( Wind Palace). Post lunch visit Jantar Mantar ( Observatory) ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) and City Palace.

The City of Victory, Jaipur, was founded by Kachhawaha Rajput King, Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, who ruled from 1699 -1744. His took special interest in the designing, planning and execution of the making of this city. This has been divided into nine blocks, two of which were kept for the city palace and other state buildings. The rest were for the public. The city was encircled by a city wall and seven gates opened in to the city.
In 1728 maharaja Jai singh II built the observatory, still one of the main tourist attraction's of Jaipur. The old city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid out avenues, all painted in pink thus giving a magical glow to the city in the evenings. Jaipur has what the most other Indian cities do not have, a combination of cultural and architectural beauty. This is evident in the various historical sites that dot the city. Amongst the most striking monument is the Hawa Mahal. As against the popular belief it is not actually a wind palace, but a sandstone screen, specially built for the ladies of the palace to watch the processions on the roads below, without being seen.
Jaipur is also famous for semi-precious stones and the best place to buy them is the Johari Bazar. Miniatures, handicrafts, clothes, Jewellery of silver and Lakh are the other items that can be bought in Jaipur.

Amber Fort
A fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, this fort was built by Raja Man singh on the hill side in the 16th century. The construction was started by Raja Mansingh I in 1592 and was completed by his descendant Jai singh I. While the exterior of the fort are rugged, equally bewitching are the interiors where the fusions of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles find ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the wall with precious stones and mirrors set in to the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake giving a magnificent reflection of the Fort.

Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal is the most important landmark of the city. This honey-combed building, known as the wind palace was originally built to facilitate the women of the royal families to watch the everyday life and the processions held in the pink city, without being seen by the people downstairs. This remarkable structure was built by Sawai Pratap singh in 1799. The outer structure look like a crown (mukut) adorning Lord Krishna!¦s head, as the building is dedicated to the Lord of whom, Sawai Pratap singh was a great devotee. It overlooks one of the main streets, adjoining the outside of the city palace wall, and lies sandwiched between the more prosaic buildings.
This five storeyed, pyramid shaped structure is made up of small casements, each with windows arched roofs with hanging carvices, exquisitely modeled and carved. It looks more like a screen than a palace. The top three storeyes are single rooms but at the base are two courtyards. It is a 50 feet high thin shield less than afoot thick. The carved sandstone grills, and domes gives this palace its unique facade. At sunrise the Hawa mahal bathes in the golden light glowing like a gem and is best viewed then.

Jantar Mantar
It is one of the most famous of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai singh in the 18th century. He was progressive and believed in science and technology, and was passionate about astronomy. Situated near the gates of the city palace, Jantar Mantar is the largest stone observatory in the world and has an interesting story behind its construction. Sawai Jai singh sent his emissaries all around the world before the construction began, and they returned with many manuals on astronomy containing technological information. One of these was the copy of La Hire!¦s tables and the king ordered the observatory to be built on these tables. After the construction they realized that was 20 seconds more accurate than the table!

The City Palace
In the heart of the old city stands the majestic city palace, a former residence of the royal family. It ahs a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The carved arches are supported by grey white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones.
Two marble elephants guard the entrance. The palace houses a museum with an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes. Some of them have precious stones embelled handles in gold.The palace has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II.
Stay at ITC Rajputana

This morning transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival visit Victoria Terminus ( UNESCO World Heritage Site), drive past Dhobi Ghat, Mani Bhawan.

Mumbai…. India's most dynamic and cosmopolitan city, with frenetic lifestyles and a multicultural society. Mumbai, a hardworking city that never sleeps, is the capital of Maharashtra. People from all over the country come here to fulfill their dreams thus making Mumbai a big melting pot of all the cultures, traditions and languages. This confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents has given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. This enigmatic city, which houses the richest families of the country, also has the largest slum area of Asia. It has fashion and glamour but pursues the age old customs and values. This contradiction in every phase of life is what makes Mumbai an enchanting place.
Once, a sultry tropical archipelago cluster of seven islands is the commercial capital of the Indian sub - continent, today. Forty percent if the country's taxes come from this city alone and half of India's international trade passes through its natural harbours. The much talked about India's underworld, operates in this city.
The original inhabitants of the island were fishermen or the 'Koli' tribe, who worshiped a goddess, 'Mumba', and 'aai' in the local Marathi language means mother, hence the city derives its name, Mumbai.
Around the third century BC, Mumbai became a part of the Magadh Empire of Ashok. Mumbai was ruled by many rulers and eventually came under the Sultan of Gujarat in the 14th century. Bahadur Shah of Gujarat lost the island to the Portuguese in 1534 A.D. The Portuguese called it Bom Bahia, or the good bay and hence the name Bombay.
Bombay was passed on to the British as part of dowry during the wedding of Princess Infanta Catharine de Briganza to Charles II in 1661. After this Bombay never looked back. The British recognized the importance of its port and started with its development, beginning with reclamation of land and merging the seven islands into one big island called Bombay.
Bombay played a major role in the freedom movement and after India's independence became the economic centre of the country. In 1960 Mumbai became the unopposed capital of the new state of Maharashtra. Mills and factories producing just about anything are present in Mumbai. Bollywood, India's answer to Hollywood is a booming industry producing maximum number of films than any other country in the world. Being one of the traditional centers of India, Mumbai offers an exciting range of hand woven and hand printed silks and cottons in traditional dresses, as well as in trendiest new fashions.
Mumbai with its uniqueness has few distinctive features like the local trains, the Dabbawalas and its own typical fast food which originated here. Sky scrapers and slums, old and new, theatre or cinema, shoppers and foodies' delight, Mumbai entertains every one. The vibrant and bustling capital of Maharashtra is bubbling with social and cultural activities throughout the year. Truly a city that never sleeps, a city of dreams.

Buildings of Mumbai
Mumbai''''''''s architecture is a mixture of florid Gothic styles, characteristic of the 18th and 19th centuries, and contemporary designs. The temples have a prominent Hindu impression. Though the older buildings and the new ones have intermingled, Mumbai has become a concrete jungle. With the British buildings and the posh skyscrapers, there are ''''''''chawls'''''''', very typical of Mumbai.

The Gateway of India, The Taj Mahal Hotel, The Chhatrapati Shivaji or Victoria Terminus, The Town Hall or the Asiatic Library, Mumbai University and Rajabai Tower, The High Court, The Flora Fountain or Hutatma Chowk, J. J. School of Arts building, Times of India Building, Crawford market, General Post Office, Nariman Point, Mantralaya (the Assembly house), Air India, Hotel Oberoi Malabar Hills, Marine Drive.

Mani Bhawan
Mani Bhawan is one of the important places to visit in Mumbai. Located in a quiet lane, Mani Bhawan is the old Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi and has been turned into a modest museum. The two-storied structure now houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo exhibition of the Mahatma's life, and well preserved memorabilia of the Mahatma.
Stay at ITC Maratha

This morning transfer to airport to board flight for Aurangabad. On arrival in Aurangabad visit Ellora Caves ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) Ellora closed on Tuesday

Aurangabad has always been an important city throughout the history of Maharashtra. The heritage of Aurangabad is linked with different rulers. Under royal dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, Aurangabad developed as a centre of culture and learning. Some famous poets, saints and philosophers like Dyaneshwar, Eknath and Ramdas, were born and preached in this region.
The city, originally called Khadke, or "Big Rock", was founded in the early 16th century by Malik Amber, a prime minister of the independent Muslim kingdom of the Nizam, based at Ahmadnagar, 112-km southwest to the city. The city rose to prominence towards the end of the 17th century, when Aurangazeb decamped here from Delhi to subdue the Marathas. After his death the city was renamed as Aurangabad in his honour.
Aurangabad has always been a prominent region on the Deccan plateau and has a long artistic and cultural history, to which several dynasties have made major contributions over the years. It was on the famous Silk route reaching Europe. Aurangabad has traces of settlements dating to the Stone Age and the remains of the cities of several dynasties. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt.
The importance of Aurangabad is great, owing to its proximity with world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Today it has become a great industrial town and also a big centre of education owing to the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University.

Ellora Caves
30 km away from Aurangabad in a small village of Verul, are the impressive Ellora caves. Intricately carved into the sides of a basaltic hill of the Sahyadri Mountain this world heritage site is one of the best examples of rock - cut caves in the whole world. It is the meeting point of three faiths, Buddhist, Jain and Hindu. There are 34 caves in all. 12 Buddhist (600 -800 A.D.), 17 Hindu (900A.D.) and 5 Jain caves (800 1000 A.D.).
Stay at WelcomHotel Rama International

This morning excursion to Ajanta caves( UNESCO World Heritage Site) Ajanta closed on Monday. Back to city and visit Bibi ka Makbara

Ajanta caves
A two and half hour drive from Aurangabad takes you to the world heritage site of Ajanta. Although it is nearer to the cities of Jalgaon and Buldhana, Ajanta caves are better approached from Aurangabad. The caves are built in a horseshoe shaped curve of the steep rocky gorge that rises above the river Waghore. These rock hewn caves, still glowing in their own natural colours, are the finest achievements of the Buddhist monks who arrived here in 2nd century B.C. and reflect the zenith of ancient Indian art and architecture. Though most were carved in the first 400 years span, but the work continued till 7th century A.D. The caves were suddenly abandoned, most probably to the nearby Ellora caves. They remained unknown and forgotten for centuries, until, in 1819, soldiers from a British hunting party found them, accidentally.
Stay at WelcomHotel Rama International

This morning transfer to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai transfer by ferry to Elephanta Caves ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) Elephanta caves closed on Monday.

Elephanta Caves
Elephanta anciently known as Gharapuri, the island capital of Konkan Mauryas is famous today for its beautiful caves. These caves are located at a distance of 11-km from the mainland of Mumbai, on a small island of Gharapuri, in the Arabian sea. Motor launches make numerous hour long trips to and fro the island from the Gateway of India. Far from the busy and bustling island of Mumbai, this tranquil, forested island of Elephanta is one of the most atmospheric places and is a must visit.
The caves on these islands date back to 6th century A.D. Legends and history suggest that the great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin II raised the shrine to celebrate his victory. Some historians also suggest that these caves were built by the Kalchuri King Krishnaraja in 6th century AD. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, especially devoted to Lord Shiva.
At the entrance of the cave is the famous Trimurti, the Creator: Brahma, the Protector: Vishnu and the Destroyer: Shiva all three in unison. Other than this most of the sculptures denote Shiva in his various moods and forms.
After capturing the island, the Portuguese found a big monolithic elephant at the gate of these caves and gave the name elephanta to the island. It is believed, that the caves were used as target practice by the Portuguese. Whatever the cause may be many of the sculptures have been desecrated.
The British, later tried to find out builders of these caves, but failed. They also planned to take the monolith elephant to England but could not lift it and now is in the Jijamata Udyan.
Stay at ITC Maratha

This morning after breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for Chennai. On arrival in Chennai transfer to hotel .Post lunch visit temple and church

Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the gateway to Southern India and the largest city in southern India located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, developed after 1639 when the British East India Company established a fort and trading post at the small fishing village of Chennai. It is the capital city of Tamilnadu state. This coastal center of trade has drawn traffic from all over the world for centuries and maintains a cosmopolitan quality as well as a Tamil air. The center of South India's film industry, its skyline is ablaze with bright movie billboards advertising the latest celluloid fantasies.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple One of the most famous temples of Chennai, the Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane or Thiruvallikeni, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, several additions were made by the Chola and the Vijayanagara Kings. The most important thing about the temple is that it also has images of the five incarnations of Vishnu including that of a wounded Krishna.

San Thome Cathedral Basilica
San Thome at the southern end of Marina derives its name from St Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed on St Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD and was interned in San Thome beach where a church was later built. Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred from the old church to the new one. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary, which is believed that have been brought from Portugal in 1543.
Stay at ITC Grand Chola

This morning excursion to Mamallapuram visit Shore Temple ( UNESCO World Heritage Site) and five Ratha and back to city for overnight stay in Chennai
Stay at ITC Grand Chola