India Bird Watching Tour 21 Days

Travellers have become increasingly discerning and demanding. This is why it has become imperative to offer the pertinent and specialised solutions. Among the various influences that have been brought into India are migratory birds, which, along with the resident variety bring the greatest spectacle of colour and grace. The India bird watching tour takes you through some wonderful cities in the North. This is where some of the most renowned bird parks are located, and where you have the greatest chance of catching the fleeting wonders at their best. With the wonderful monuments and landmarks providing a scenic backdrop, this is the greatest way to sample wildlife and birds in the natural surroundings.

Take in the best of nature in India with the India bird watching Tour. This is the best chance for you to not just be one with nature, but also to travel to some of the most interesting and stunning cities within the country. With the characteristic hallmark of luxury at each step, this is a holiday worth taking.

Itinerary Details

Destinations Covered : Delhi - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Ranthambhore - Bharatpur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Mumbai - Delhi

Day 01 : ARRIVAL DELHI
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI: the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight stay at Delhi.

Day 02 : DELHI - JAISALMER
Breakfast at hotel, in the morning guide will meet you and take you to the sightseeing of new and old Delhi

OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.

Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar and a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and the Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

In the evening departure transfer to the railway station to take overnight train to Jaisalmer

Day 03 : JAISALMER
Upon arrival Jaisalmer transfer to hotel, check in into hotel and relax.

JAISALMER: The history of spectacular Jaisalmer can be traced back to 1156 A.D., when Rawal Jaisal established his kingdom in the middle of the massive and arid Thar Desert.

A descendant of the Yadu Vamsi clan, Rawal Jaisal was a Bhatti Rajput. The Bhatti Rajputs were more than courageous; bards still sing praises of their inimitable courage and valor. According to historical records, one Gaj Singh of the Bhatti Rajput clan established his supremacy in Ghazni, Afghanisthan, though he lost it to Khorasan forces in the later years. One of his grandsons recaptured Ghazni, embraced Islam and came to be known as the Chagatta clan. Babar, a descendant of the Chagattas established the Mughal dynasty in India.

According to a popular legend, Lord Krishna had prophesized that a descendant of the Yadav clan would establish his bastion atop the Trikuta hill and true to his prediction Rawal Jaisal built the massive Jaisalmer Fort on top of the Trikuta hillock.

Jaisalmer became an important city on the Rajasthan map during the medieval era as it lay on a crucial and flourishing foreign trade route that connected India to Egypt, Persia, Arabia, Africa and the West. The kingdom of Jaisalmer supposedly amassed riches by imposing heavy tariffs on passing camel caravans carrying silks, spices and other precious items for trade from one continent to the other.

Courage, valor and regal determination turned Jaisalmer into one of the most powerful Rajasthan states that survived inspite of being a waterless land. In fact entire Jaisalmer had just one water source in the olden days and that was the manmade Gadi Sagar Tank.

The history of Jaisalmer is marked by royal intrigues, wars and desert romances. Jaisalmer lost its importance as an important caravanserai after the development of Mumbai ports. Jaisalmer was a lost chapter till two crucial Indo-Pak wars that reinforced Jaisalmer's importance as a border state.

Come and explore this enchanting land with Rajasthan Holiday and discover for yourself the secret of Jaisalmer undying spirit.

Overnight stay at Jaisalmer hotel.

Day 04 : JAISALMER SIGHT SEEING
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour)

See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.

In the afternoon, proceed to the SAM SAND DUNES for a short CAMEL SAFARI visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire.

Proceed to the camp for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.

Stay overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 05 : JAISALMER - JODHPUR
After breakfast proceed to Jodhpur by road.

JODHPUR :- Jodhpur was founded in the 15th century by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief, and stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. Despite its aridness, Jodhpur presents a remarkable colourful life. Apart from the the bright colour dresses that float in the desert breezes, the houses of the city are also pleasantly draped in bluish hues. Jodhpur was also the proud shooting venue of the Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book.

This vibrant city is the next destination in your tour. On arrival to Jodhpur, transfer straight to the hotel. For the rest of the day relax and get prepared for an exciting next day ahead. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 06 : JODHPUR SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing in Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort: Situated at an altitude of about 125 meters, the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is spread over an area of 5 sq km in the heart of the city of Jodhpur. Besides being a landmark in Jodhpur Mehrangarh fort is a must visit for all the tourists. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate.

Jaswant Thada: Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir. This place is a must visit in Jodhpur.

Umaid Bhawan: Made of marble and pink sandstone, the construction of the Umaid Bhawan of Jodhpur started in 1929 and it took 16 years to complete it. It is believed that the palace was constructed to give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. This majestic building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.

Overnight stay at Jodhpur hotel.

Day 07 : JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR
After breakfast proceed to Udaipur, en-route visit En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Continue drive to Udaipur after a relaxing breakfast. Reach Udaipur and check in at hotel.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Upon arrival check in into hotel and relax.

Overnight will be at Udaipur hotel.

Day 08 : UDAIPUR SEIGHTSEEING - JAIPUR
After breakfast full day sightseeing in Udaipur visit.

City Palace:
A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenallated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtards, pavilions, terraces corridors rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate. The Tripolia with eight marble porticos. The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace. The suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the suryavansi maharanas of mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The "Mor Chowk' known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the Chini Chitrashala noted for its blue and white ceramics are another attraction in the palace.

Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indoarmy temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple if Udaipur with noteworthy scupted images.

Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the maids of Honor )
This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing sport where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.

Fateh Sagar
A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of jills on the three sides and the Pratap memorial on the north was built by Maharana fateh singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park a lovely garden island with a boar shaped cafe accessile by an enjoyable boat ride.

Pichhola Lake
The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, jag Mandir and jag Niwas {Lake Palace} on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.

Evening departure transfer to railway station to take the overnight train for Jaipur.

Day 09 : ARRIVAL JAIPUR
Upon arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax,

JAIPUR: The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Relax in the evening visit local market.

Overnight stay at Jaipur Hotel.

Day 10 : JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING
Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

Continue sight-seeing.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Day 11 : JAIPUR - RANTHAMBHORE
After breakfast proceed to Ranthambhore.

Reach and transfer to the resort. Evening free at the resort and you can relax or watch some slides on the tiger.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Ranthambhore - perhaps the best place in the world to sight a tiger in the wild. The Ranthambhore National Park has had more Tiger sightings than any other National Park in the country. It has come to be known as "The land of the Tiger", where most of the documented footage of this majestic beast has been recorded.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali hill ranges, meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.

Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type, further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaves of this tree are good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source of nutrition.

Palas or Cheela or the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperms) blooms magnificently around mid-April. During the period, Kachida and Anatpura provide an amazing view, like a forest on fire. Around Kamaldhar massive Gum trees (Sterculia urens) with smooth white trunk stand out conspicuously. Similarly, Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica) with greyish trunks at the banks of the lakes and soft wood Salar (Boswellia serrata) dotted atop hills are noticeable.

Fruits of Ber (Zizyphus spp.) and 'crocodile bark' Tendu (Diospuyros melanoxylon) are highly relished by Sloth Bears. The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including duck weeds, lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive caracals, hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.

The other kinds of cats found in Ranthambhore are Leopard (Panthera pardus), Caracal (Felis caracal), Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). Besides the big cats, the other large predators found in Ranthambhore include Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Wild dog (or Dhole), Jackal, Indian Fox, Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Common Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, Ratel (or Honey Badger), Marsh Crocodile and the Indian Python. There are two species of Antlers, namely the Spotted Deer (or Chital) and the Sambhar Deer, and, two kinds of Antelopes, namely the Indian Gazelle (or Chinkara) and the Bluebull (or Neelgai). Black Buck (another kind of antelope), which is rarely found in the National Park is common in Devpura area, in the outskirts of the park.

Overnight at Ranthambhore Resort,

Day 12 : RANTHAMBHORE
A full day game viewing inside the jungle (Two safaris) and Overnight at the resort,

Day 13 : RANTHAMBHORE - BHARATPUR - AGRA
Early morning after breakfast proceed to Agra. En-route visit Bharatpur Bird Century. The story of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is incomplete without an account of the migratory waterfowl. The most prominent waterfowl coming to this park are bareheaded and greyleg geese. Ducks also create a lot of fluttering in the lakes. The ducks usually found here are pintail, widgeon, common shelduck, shoveler, garganey, teal, etc.

Attracted by the influx of the waterfowl the predatory birds-tawny eagles, spotted eagles short-toed eagles imperial eagles and fishing eagle also arrive. They all form the apex of the biological pyramid of the sanctuary and complete the avian food chain of the ecosystem. There are large herds of the nilgai, chital, wild boar and fear cows in addition to a few herds of sambar.

Proceed on RICKSHAW for viewing the birds. RICKSHAW PULLERS have been trained by the forest department in bird watching and are knowledgeable.

After, proceed for Agra.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Reach Agra. Check in at hotel, Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 14 : AGRA SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast sightseeing in Agra, visit the TAJ MAHAL - one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan's second Wife).

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Shopping or relax in the evening.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 15 : AGRA - JHANSI - KHAJURAHO
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to Jhansi.

Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away. It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Continue drive to Khajuraho.

Upon arrival check in into hotel and relax.

Day 16 : KHAJURAHO SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast sightseeing in Khajuraho visit. The temples built by the Chandela dynasty are undeniably the main sightseeing attractions. The temples are split into three groups: the western group, the eastern group and the southern group. Of these, the western group is perhaps the most notable.

Hindu Temples
Brahman, Vamana and Javari comprise the three Hindu temples within the eastern group. All three temples feature the same style of erotic carvings as the others; while Braham is known for its four-faced lingam statue, Vamana for its sculptures of nymphs, and Javari for its magnificent gateway.

Jain Temples
Parsvanath which is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha, is the largest of the Jain Temples and, like the somewhat smaller Adinath (dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Adinath), features a selection of erotic carvings as well as other stone works telling less sexually explicit stories. Ghantai Temple, meanwhile, features stone carvings that tell the stories of the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother. The Jain temples are all a part of the eastern group of temples.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple
This is the tallest of the temples, not only in the western group but in the entire collection, and is believed to have been built around 1025 in honour of Lord Shiva. This 30-metre-high structure features erotic carvings along its northern and southern faces but also a variety of others depicting women engaged in non-sexual activity. Notable also, is the large lingam inside of the temple which is commonly held to be a representation of Shiva.

Evening stay at hotel.

Day 17 : KHAJURAHO - VARANASI
Breakfast will be at hotel then Departure transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also called CITY OF TEMPLES. The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions all are an experience in themselves.

Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Spend the evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi.

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day 18 : VARANASI SIGHTSEEING
Drive to Daswamedh Ghat early in the morning and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises.

Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge.

Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.

Return for breakfast to the hotel.

Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 19 : VARANASI - MUMBAI
After breakfast departure transfer to domestic airport to take the flight for Mumbai

MUMBAI:
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.

Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.

Upon arrival transfers to hotel for relax. Enjoy a local beach in the evening.

Overnight will be at Mumbai.

Day 20 : MUMBAI SIGHTSEEING
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visiting

Mumbai Fort: The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit.

Marine Drive in Mumbai: Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other.

Gateway of India: Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

Flora Fountain / Hutama Chowk: This fountain situated in the heart of the city was erected in 1869 in honour of a British Governor of Bombay. Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.

Victoria Terminus / Western Railway Station: At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic Building has a frontage of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolise progress.

Mumbai High court: An attractive building in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture. Statues representing Justice and Mercy surmount the Central structure.

Rajabai Clock tower: Rajabai Clock tower, situated at the gardens of the Bombay University building rises above the portion of the library section. Consisting of five elaborately decorated storeys the tower is 280ft.in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues depicting various Indian castes.

Hanging Gardens in Mumbai: Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It is built over three reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning before being supplied to the town.

Transfer to hotel and relax, Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 21 : MUMBAI - DELHI
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to start the tour of ELEPHANTA CAVES. For this you would need to take the ferry service to the caves island.

The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai and are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Elephanta, being a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries has traces of early Buddhist culture.

The Elephanta caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings belonging to the period between 9th - 12th centuries. With the Brahminical resurgence during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD, these great cave dedicated to Lord Shiva exploded into existence at Elephanta. Legends and history suggest that the great warrior prince of Chalukya dynasty Pulkesin ll 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.

As the worship of the figure of the Buddha began to be encouraged with rise of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, a shrine was introduced to house Buddha's image, replacing the cells at the centre of the back wall. The Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta.

Afternoon transfer to airport to catch flight to Delhi, on arrival Delhi transfer to Delhi international airport to catch flight to home country with sweet memories of tour to India

TOUR END