The Ajanta caves are a series of 30 Buddhist caves. They were built between 2nd and 7th century AD. However, they remained undiscovered till about 1850 (I forget the exact year) when an English soldier in the army of Nizam of Hyderabad accidentally bumped into them.
Day 01: Arrival / Mumbai
Meeting
and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and
escort you to your car. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Fariyas Hotel
Day 02: Mumbai / Aurangabad (9W 113 - 0715 / 0800 Hours)
Morning transfer to the airport to connect your flight to Aurangabad
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your Hotel Q.I. Meadows
After wash & change proceed on an excursion to Ellora caves, which were carved during 350 A.D. to 700 A.D. these structures represent the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. These caves 34 in number are the finest example of cave temple architecture housing elaborate facades and exquisite interiors. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.
Overnight at Q.I. Meadows (Deluxe Room)
Day 03: Aurangabad Caves Tours - Delhi (IC 888 - 1720 / 2055 Hours)
Depart this morning for an excursion of the Ajanta Caves.
The Ajanta caves depict the stories of Buddhism spanning from the period from 200 B.C. and 650 A.D. These caves were discovered in the 19th century by some British Officers who had been on a tiger hunt. These 29 caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools like hammer & chisel. These caves were the retreats of Buddhist monks who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning. The elaborate and exquisite sculptures and paintings depict stories from Jataka tales. The caves also house images of nymphs and princesses.
Evening transfer to the airport to connect your flight to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your Hotel Palace Heights
Overnight at Palace Heights
Day 04: Delhi - Agra Taj Mahal Holidays
After
a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi,
Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the
Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the
Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of
weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy
area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the
heart and main shopping district of the capital. Later, we cross over to the Old Delhi. The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its chequered history. Our tour includes visit to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi, on to the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Afternoon we will drive to Agra, along one of India's finest freeways
Upon arrival check into your hotel Howard Park Plaza
Overnight at Howard Park Plaza
Day 05: Agra Tour Packages - Delhi
Delhi - Departure
Agra
is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument
in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj.
Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many
pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is
the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have
seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets
you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building
surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of
the greatest sights of one's lifetime - Taj Mahal. Before departure
for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so that
our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn
visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused
by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on
this brilliant white marble building. After a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Later transfer to Delhi airport to connect your onward flight back home / Scheduled Destinations.
