Essential India Tour

Trip Overview

Travel Style : Culture, Heritage

Clients Rating :

Tour Code : AITI/FD/IGT/104

Travel Scale :

Trip Length : 12 Days

Start Point : New Delhi

End Point : New Delhi

Region : North India

Group Size : 24 Maximum

price from
$760*

per person twin sharing

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Tour Name : Essential India Tour Tour code : MAX/FD/EIT/104
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16 Jan'2015 27 Jan'2015 US$1065 Request Booking
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Important Notice : This is a definite departure tour. The rates are per person on twin share basis. Contact our team to check single room supplement for single person. All these rates and discounts apply for the land portion of the trip. The trip price does not include travel insurance, flight tickets, extra meals, extra accommodation and other items not specified here. Read more
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Trip introduction

Discover the best known historic sites and cities of the princely state of Rajasthan, witness the most gorgeous monument Taj Mahal at Agra, visit India’s fastest growing metro cities of Mumbai and Delhi, go back to ages at rock cut caves of Elephanta Island and spoil yourself at the finest beaches of Goa where swaying palm trees, white sand, sparkling water and lazy life has irresistible charm on an essential India group tour packages. This guaranteed departure tour of India can be a dream trip to many. Explore the treasures of India’s wide spectrum of heritage found almost in every corner of the country, listen to the finest love story frozen in the giant white marble structure of Taj Mahal and spoil yourself at the exotic beaches of Goa.

Brief itinerary

Day 01 :Arrive at Mumbai
Day 02 :Mumbai and Elephanta Island tour
Day 03 :Mumbai to Jaipur by flight
Day 04 :Jaipur, Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort tour
Day 05 :Jaipur to Agra drive via Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri
Day 06 :Agra to Delhi drive
Day 07 :Old and New Delhi sightseeing tour
Day 08 :Delhi to Goa by flight
Day 09 :Old Goa and Spice market tour
Day 10 :Explore beaches in Goa and relax
Day 11 :Goa to Mumbai by flight
Day 12 :Depart from Mumbai to hometown

Trip Highlights

  • Visit the busiest and fastest growing world class city of Mumbai
  • Discover the amazing rock cut caves of Elephanta Island
  • Explore the fabled ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur
  • Take a princely ride on an elephant to reach Amer palace situated on a hill
  • Witness the beauty of timeless beauty of Taj Mahal
  • Uncover the beautiful contrast of Old and New Delhi
  • Visit the market place of Mughals at Chandni Chowk
  • Ride on a cycle rickshaw for a real Indian life experience
  • Appreciate the folk dancers performing live for you in Jaipur
  • Taste the finger licking Indian cuisine
  • Spoil yourself at the most beautiful beaches of Goa

Destinations and distance:

total distance covered 4116 kms approx

  • Mumbai
  • (1196 km) Flight
  • Jaipur
  • 95 km / 2hrs
  • Abhaneri
  • 130 km / 2.5hrs
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • 35 km / 45min
  • Agra
  • 205 km / 3.5hrs
  • Delhi
  • 1889 km (Flight )
  • Goa
  • 612 km (Flight )
  • Mumbai

Video


Day 01: Arrival - Mumbai
Today on your arrival at Mumbai international airport and you will be received by our representative. After warm welcome you will be escorted to your pre booked hotel for check in for night stay.
Included meals: no meal Hotel info
Included entrances: no sightseeing trip
Day 02: Mumbai sightseeing tour
After breakfast head to the sea port near ‘Gateway of India’ on Essential India Group tour package. Build during the British era in India, located on the waterfront of South Mumbai, The Gateway of India is a 26 meter high structure which was made to welcome King George V and Queen Mary. From Gateway of India, we take a boat ride from to visit the beautiful rock-cut caves of Elephanta Island dating back to 5th century CE. After one hour boat journey, reach the Elephanta Island to explore the caves. Later take back journey to Gateway of India from Elephanta by the boat.

Upon arrival at Mumbai port, meet with your drive again and continue Mumbai sightseeing tour. The sightseeing trip will include Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens, Mahalaxmi Temple, The Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat and Marine Drive.

Night stay will be at the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: Elephanta caves, Prince of Whales
Day 03: Mumbai – Jaipur (Flight)
Have your breakfast in the hotel and spend leisurely time till our representative comes to hotel for transfer you to airport. After a 01 hour 40 minutes comfortable flight journey you reach Jaipur airport where our local representative is waiting for you to transfer you to the hotel.

After check in, we start our sightseeing tour in Jaipur to visit some excellent historical structures. Start the trip from City Palace Museum which is one of the major tourist attractions in Jaipur. Built in 18th century the huge complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings blend Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Later visit the observatory ‘Jantar Mantar’ which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, between 1727 to 1734 as a sun clock for measuring the time. The astronomical functions of the walls of Jantar Mantar were the great source to measure time, predict eclipses and track stars. We also drive past through the palace of Hawa Mahal and stop here for some photography.

In the evening, we will have a live evening with Rajasthani folk dances followed by delicious local cuisine served in a local restaurant.

Night stay at your hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Theme dinner Hotel info
Included entrances: City Palace Museum, Observatory, Hawa Mahal
Day 04 : Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort
In the morning, get ready for your trip to Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort for which we have to take early breakfast at around 07.00 AM today to get to the fort on time for enjoying an elephant’s ride to ascend the fort. Those who are not keen to travel uphill on the elephant may use jeep here.

Amer Fort is situated 10 kms out of Jaipur city atop the hills of Aravali. This magnificient palace overlooks the city of Jaipur that was the original house of the royal Rajput family until the Jaipur city was built. The palace offers many breathtakingly beautiful places including halls, gardens, temples etc., and the highlight is the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ a room decorated with mirror work.

After visiting the Amer Fort, we come down and travel further by our vehicle to the top of the hill to visit Jaigarh Fort. The largest canon on wheels displayed at Jaigarh Fort is a major tourist attraction besides the grandeur of the fort.

Now, we have finished the sightseeing tour in Jaipur and we have some time to explore the streets and markets of Jaipur which are catching your attractions since you arrived here. A short rickshaw ride in the busy markets will be arranged for you to give you a closer feel of life here.

Relaxed time in your hotel and night stay in Jaipur.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: Amer Fort by Elephant, Jaigarh Fort
Day 05: Jaipur – Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast, we meet in the hotel lobby to start the journey to Agra today. Once the capital of Mughal India, it is famous for the world renowned Taj Mahal.

Enroute to Agra, we will be visiting Abhaneri village which is world famous for its beautiful ‘Chand Baori’ stepwell and also Fatehpur Sikri which is now a deserted city standing strong on the national highway on Jaipur-Agra route. This ghost city of Fatehpur was built by Mughal emperor Akbar on birth of his son Jahangir. A huge part of the fort was gifted to Sufi Saint Khwaja Mainnuddin Chishti which is now known as ‘Dargah’, Mughals stayed in Fatehpur for about 15 years before leaving to Agra due to acute shortage of water faced in Fatehpur Sikri.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri drive to Agra. Check into your hotel and relax for some time.

Later afternoon, we will visit the world famous monument of Taj Mahal which is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. This 73 meter gorgeous white marble structure was built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaj who died while giving birth to his 14th child.

We will enjoy a ‘Tonga Ride’ to reach Taj Mahal. On entering the monument our tour guide will tell us the love story behind Taj Mahal and also about its architectural genius.

Now, we are tired after a hectic day and we go back to our hotel for staying for the night.
Included meals: Breakfast Hotel info
Included entrances: Fatehpur Sikri, Chand Baori stepewells, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal
Day 06: Agra - Delhi
After breakfast, we will visit Agra Fort which is a massive red stone structure on the other bank of Yamuna river. It is said that Auranzeb , the third son of Shah Jahan gathered a well trained army and became its chief commander. He defeated his own elder brother in war and the kept his father Shah Jahan (creator of Taj Mahal and the great Mughal Emperor) under house arrest in this fort by declaring him incompetent to rule.

We now check out from our hotel and drive to Delhi which is about 200 kms and 4 hours drive away from Agra. There is a newly constructed Express Highway which connects Agra to Delhi but we travel through the traditional route to see the beautiful countryside and experience the life of locals residing in small villages and towns along the highway.

Upon arrival in Delhi, check into your hotel for stay.
Included meals: Breakfast Hotel info
Included entrances: Agra Fort.
Day 07: Delhi sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy combined sightseeing trip of Old and New Delhi. Delhi is the metropolis city which is one of the fastest growing cities in India and serving as the capital city. The city is known for its wide spread boulevards and greenery. Old Delhi includes visit to Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosque of India). We will enjoy rickshaw ride at Old Delhi. Afternoon, we will enjoy a lavish lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, proceed to New Delhi holds attractions like Qutab Minar, Humayun's tomb, President’s Palace and India Gate etc. Visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara – a sikh temple

Overnight stay is at Delhi.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included entrances: Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar
Day 08 : Delhi – Goa (Flight)
After breakfast fly to Goa, the most beautiful beach destination of India. Airport transfers in Delhi and Goa are arranged for your convenience. IN Goa you will be shifted to your beautiful beach resort.

Sparkling beaches, white sand, swaying palms, Portuguese colonies, delicious sea food and the funfilled lifestyle of Goa attracts over two million visitors every year.

Leisure time for you to relax on the beach and enjoy your stay at the resort.
Included meals: Breakfast Hotel info
Included entrances: no sightseeing trip
Day 09: Old Goa and Spice Market Tour
After breakfast our driver and guide will take you for a trip to Old Goa where the Old Portuguese style houses, Old churches and temples are the main attractions for you. Belisca of Bom Jesus, Dona Paula, Panjim city and Mangeshi Temple are the main inclusions. Later drive towards Se Cathedral, one of the largest church build during the Portuguese era in Asia, located at Old Goa, also known for it's one of the largest golden Bell in the world.

Later we take a visit to Spice Plantation. OHH Boy!! It’s time for lunch, so would you like to taste Goan cuisine. After, you’ve had a sumptuous meal, how about we go for shopping, stroll through the market, here you’ll find many stalls and boutique shops displaying their items, for sale. A spree time of about 2 hrs will be allotted accompanied with our guide. After you finish the shopping part, we drive to Miramar beach and later head straight to your resort.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included entrances: Spice Plantation
Day 10: Goa
Day is at leisure to enjoy the spectacular beaches of Goa
Included meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: no sightseeing trip
Day 11: Goa - Mumbai (Flight)
After breakfast leisurely time at the resort. Later intime transfer to airport to board your flight to Mumbai. Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Mumbai and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon enjoy shopping in local markets at Mumbai. Visit the Colaba market by walk to shop for friends and family.

Night stay in the hotel at Mumbai.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: no sightseeing trip
Day 12: Leave Mumbai
Our representative will transport you to the Mumbai airport where you will board your next flight to home/onward destination.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: no sightseeing trip

What's included

Accommodation

  • 06 nights in handpicked modern hotels
  • 02 nights in a heritage hotel
  • 03 nights in a beach resort

Transport

  • Air conditioned coach/bus
  • Motor boat
  • Elephant
  • Tonga (Horse cart)
  • Cycle rickshaw
  • Walk on foot
  • Aeroplane

Meals

  • 11 Breakfasts
  • 01 Lunch
  • 01 Theme Dinner

Tour Guide / Escort

  • Escorted airport transfers
  • Expert and qualified tour guides in each city

Others

  • Decorated elephant ride at Jaipur to ascend the fort
  • Tonga ride at Agra to visit Taj Mahal
  • Cycle rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk bazaar
  • Monument & museum entry tickets for places listed in the tour
  • Portage at airports, railway stations and hotels
  • Taxes and service fee

Not included

International or domestic flights tickets and airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visa
Tips at hotels, restaurants, stations, monuments etc.
Pre and post tour accommodation or transport services
Meals other than specified
Camera fee at monuments or museums
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, telephone calls, mini fridge/bar in room etc.
Single room cost
Other item which is not specified in the above list of inclusions

Why book a holiday with us

Most experienced team

Our travel professionals are highly experienced in the field of tourism in India and beyond. Carrying more than 20 years of expertise Learn more

Best price guaranteed

with us you are sure to get the best price offers for the trip and an excellently conducted tour arrangements for your India tour. Learn more

100% protected holidays

We are duly recognised and certified by Govt. of India, Ministry of Tourism. Our service standard meets with ISO 901:2008 standard Learn more

Why book a holiday with us

Most experienced team

Our travel professionals are highly experienced in the field of tourism in India and beyond. Carrying more than 20 years of expertise Learn more

Best price guaranteed

with us you are sure to get the best price offers for the trip and an excellently conducted tour arrangements for your India tour. Learn more

100% protected holidays

We are duly recognised and certified by Govt. of India, Ministry of Tourism. Our service standard meets with ISO 901:2008 standard Learn more

What our travellers have to say ...

Hi Max, We are back at home after the wonderful visit to India and Nepal organised by your expert team. Each day and every aspect of it was so wonderfully organised and it exceeded our expectations for sure. The hotels, meals, drivers, vehicles everything was just ‘perfect’. Please convey our special thanks to Mr. Vishal Gogia who has been the most generous person we came across during our trip. We like to admit that we are in love with your beautiful country and we will surely refer your services to all our friends here."

Patricia and Group
Australia

Hello Ms. Rohini and Max Holidays team. We have received your special gifts from your staff while we were leaving from India after the wonderful and memorable tour in Rajasthan. Me, Alice and Catherine were very confused and worried for our India trip at initial stages but you took the worries off and made it so easy and enjoyable for us. Apart from the delay in the flight which was actually not the fault of yours, there was no problem at all for us in India. The entire trip was so well planned and executed that it was just ‘extraordinary’."

Giselie Catharina and friends
France

The services we received were fantastic and Max Holidays team deserves extra appreciation for the personalised attention given to even the very small part of their service. We are very happy with our holidays to India which were organised by Max. For our family it was just like a dream vacations and we feel lucky for coming across this company through internet and I must thank the owner of the Company Mr. Vishal Gogia for taking care of us and calling us mostly everyday to ensure that we are enjoying the trip."

Geoff White & family
USA
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