Highlights of West India: From Mumbai to the Statue of Unity

Arrive MumbaiOn arrival at Mumbai airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel (hotels check in time 1200hr afternoon, early check in subject to rooms availability).

Mumbai is a city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more. Rest time free for personal activities relax, you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants.Overnight at hotel.

MumbaiBreakfast at hotel, city tour of Mumbai.

Drive to Marine Drive: one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city. Afterwards visit to Elephant caves (Monday closed), from Gateway of India here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set.Afterwards in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India and then city tour starts visiting Parliament House: The Maharashtra State Assembly (view from outside), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (view from outside), Dhobhi Ghat: to see the city's famous open-air laundry in action, Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed): is a heritage museum comprises of a number of ancient artifacts, Mani Bhawan: Known also Gandhi Museum, here Gandhi laid the foundation for many independence movements; The three storied building has now converted into a museum in honour of Father of Nation. If time permits visit to Bandra and Juhu area where bollywood celebrity houses are located like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan etc, (can be seen from outside). Mount Mary Church, an ancient church, built in 1640 and then rebuilt in 1761, The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is also an important religious place in Mumbai. In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple: dedicated to Lord Krishna, The architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures.Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Mumbai – Aurangabad (flight)Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board morning flight to Aurangabad. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel.

Later excursion to visit Ellora, a UNESCO World heritage sites (Tuesday closed). It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga (linga of light).On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. The defence system that made Daulatabad virtually impregnable comprises fortifications with double and even triple rows of massive walls.Back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay.

Aurangabad – Ajanta (105kms/ 2 hrs approx one way)Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora, which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.

After sightseeing drive back to Aurangabad.Visit Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother. Due to its similar design standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan and Panchakki - which literally means 'Water Mill' by Malik Ambar in 1695. It receives water from an underground channel, with its source being 6 km away in the mountains. An artificial waterfall has been created near the mill, through which this water is discharged on to the wheel to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims.Overnight at hotel.

Aurangabad – Udaipur (flight)Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Udaipur. On arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel. Day free & easy for visiting the local market and individual activities with your driver.Enjoy boat cruise on Lake Pichola on which the majestic Lake Palace Hotel is situated. See the ghats along the lake and the interesting buildings on the banks. The view of the city palace from the lake is spectacular. Lake Pichola, is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of the several contiguous lakes, and developed over the last few centuries in and around the famous Udaipur city. The lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighborhood. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake, and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake.Evening watch "Dharohar" folk dance show at Bagore-ki-Haveli, A gorgeous 18th century haveli that has been converted into a museum showcasing Mewar art and architecture. In the evenings, the haveli puts on one of the best Rajasthani folk dance shows in Rajasthan – Dharohar Dance. For an hour, performers dance to Rajasthani folk music wearing bright coloured ethnic dresses. The dances are varied and demonstrate the tradition and culture of Rajasthani folklore.Overnight at hotel.

UdaipurBreakfast at hotel, full day city tour of Udaipur. Visit -

City Palace - Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.Vintage Car Museum - having some of the rarest classic and vintage car collection, a paradise for all motor enthusiasts. The museum houses many famous vintage cars like the 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom used in the Bond film Octopussy and many rare Rolls Royce models to name a few. The quiet and peaceful environment here is an added bonus.Saheliyon Ki Bari is one of the most beautiful and popular destination in Udaipur. The garden lies in the northern part of the city, on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Saheliyon Ki Bari is famous for its lush green lawns, fountains and kiosks, a delightful lotus pool and marble elephants.Moti Magri (Pearl hill) is a hill in India. It overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap, which has a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favourite horse "Chetak".Jagdish Temple - stunning Indo-Aryan architectural marvel built in 1651, is largest temple in city. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and also houses other shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganesh, the Sun God, and Goddess Shakti. This temple should be visited not only to offer your devotion but also to witness beautiful wall carvings, elephant sculptures and for the stunning architecture.Nagda Temples - A historical small town for tourists, Nagda is a wonderful destination to visit which is situated at a distance of 23 Kms from Udaipur. The town was founded in the 6th century by the fourth Mewar King named as Nagaditya. It worked as the capital of Mewar during the time when it was known as Nagahrida.

Rest time free and easy to relax and shopping in local market with your driver.Overnight at hotel.

Udaipur - Ahmedabad (260kms/ 5hrs approx)Breakfast at hotel drive back to Ahmedabad check in at hotel.

Later city tour of Ahmedabad home to several interesting museums. Many of Ahmedabad buildings bear the signatures of world-renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Louis Khan, Doshi and Correa. Visit the Shaking minarets, Sabarmati ashram, Vishala vichar museum, Kite museum & Hatheesing Jain Temple.Overnight at hotel.

AhmedabadBreakfast at hotel full day excursion to visit Akshardham Temple, Adalaj Stepwell, Rani ki Vav & Modhera Sun temple.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Gandhinagar - A large Hindu temple complex inspired by Yogiji maharaj the fourth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan according to the denomination of Swaminarayan Hinduism, and created by Pramukh Swami, the fifth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan according to the denomination of Swaminarayan Hinduism.Adalaj Stepwell - The Adalaj Wav Step Well is located 18 kilometers north of Ahmedabad in the Gandhinagar district. It was built during the reign of Queen Rudabai, a muslim ruler. Though now dry, the well once provided water to weary travellers and pilgrims along the roads outside of Ahmedabad. The four-level well is dug directly into the water table, exposing fresh water that rose and fell according the seasons and the amount of rainfall. Its deep interior provided cool relief from the harsh Indian sun.Rani ki Vav - a stepwell situated in the town of Patan in Gujarat state of India. It is located on the banks of Saraswati river. Its construction is attributed to Udayamati, daughter of Khengara of Saurashtra, queen of the 11th-century Chaulukya dynasty and spouse of Bhima I. Silted over, it was rediscovered in 1940s and restored in 1980s by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has been listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites since 2014.Modhera Sun Temple - a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village, situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines. After sightseeing back to hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Ahmedabad - Vadodara - Statue of Unity (200km/ 4hr drive)Pick up from your hotel or Ahmedabad airport and drive to Statue of Unity, enroute visit Lakshmi Vilas Palace Vadodara. It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built till date and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. It remains the residence of the royal family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the residents of Baroda. The Palace compound is of over 500 acres and houses a number of buildings, particularly the LVP Banquets & Conventions, Moti Bagh Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building.

Continue drive to Sardar Sarovar Dam, Kevadia, check in at Tent City or hotel near Statue of Unity.Later visit Sardar Sarovar Dam, Selfie Point and Valley of Flowers. Evening Laser Show - A Light and Sound show using laser technology projected on the Statue of Unity takes place every evening except Monday. The colourful laser lighting system is accompanied by an excellent narration of the history and life of Sardar Patel, his contribution to the Independence Movement and the unification of India as one nation. Dinner at the Dining Area along with Live Music.Overnight in Tent/ Hotel.

Statue of Unity - Vadodara (98km/ 2hr drive)Breakfast at hotel visit Statue of Unity world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 metres. A huge exhibition hall covering an area of 4,647 square metres has been set up in the pedestal of the Statue of Unity. The hall showcases the life of Sardar Patel, his contributions to the Freedom Movement against British rule and his role in the merger of princely states. The high-speed elevators will take you to a height of about 400 feet through the core of the statue where you can get panoramic view of the surroundings.After sightseeing drive to Vadodara airport to board flight for Mumbai. From Mumbai board connecting flight for onward destination.