Megha malpani creates a 15 day itinerary for travel to world heritage sites in West bengal, Delhi, Agra, Maharashtra. World heritage sites covered - Sundarbans National Park Humayun’s Tomb Red Fort Qutub Minar Taj Mahal Agra Fort Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Ajanta Caves Ellora Caves Elephanta caves

1. Welcome to the
GOUNESCO Trip
Dream.Discover.Explore.
Be ready to have a time of your life because the next 15 days will be
loaded with fun and thrill!
We start our exciting journey from the City Of Joy,
Kolkata. Our first stop is the Sundarbans National
Park.

2. DAY 1-
JOURNEY-Report at Phoolbagan Bata at 6a.m from where
we start our journey. We have hired an AC Hyundai car
that charges Rs 180 per hour to travel to Gosaba, which
is 85 kms away and will take about 3 hours to reach.
Thereafter we will hire a boat for half a day which will
cost Rs. 650(including the boat permit fees of Rs. 50)
and then travel from Godkhali Port to Sajnekhali which
is another 45 kms away and will take another 2 hours.
Hence we reach Sajnekhali at 11 am.
STAY- We will stay at Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge, operated by
the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation and
located in the national park area because by staying
here we automatically get the permit to visit the park. It
will cost us Rs. 800 for the night.

3. At the Sundarbans National Park, which is
accessible only by a boat, which we already
hired for half a day, we pay Rs 150 as entrance
fees, Rs. 300 for guide fees and Rs 20 for
carrying the camera. On Day 1 we visit the two
sanctuaries outside Sajnekhali. We spend the
day at the park and after 7p.m we go inside our
Lodge, have dinner and go to sleep.
FOOD-We brought chips, biscuits, wai-wai along
with us for emergency which we ate
throughout the day. At night we spent Rs 200
for eating a Bengal favourite, Luchi-aloodum as
dinner.

4. SUNDARBANS NATIONAL PARK
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans
National Park is a magnificent tangle of mangrove
jungle that's the only one of its kind in the world. It's
spread over 54 islands and extends into neighboring
Bangladesh. Part of the Sundarbans is home to a 2,585
sq kilometer (1,606 sq mile) Tiger Reserve, which
includes a 1,330 sq kilometer (826 sq mile) national
park.
• The Sundarbans has three wildlife sanctuaries, one
within the national park at Sajnekhali, as well as south
of the park at Lothian Island and Haliday Island. In
addition to tigers, the area is full of reptiles, birds, and
other animals such as monkeys, wild boar, and deer.

5. DAY 2- We wake up at 6 a.m. in the morning. Cook
wai-wai for breakfast and then go to visit the
wildlife sancuary in Sajnekhali itself. We return at
10 a.m. And then we propose to leave. We again
hire a boat for half a day which cost us Rs 600
again and travel from Sajnekhali to Canning.We
reach Canning at 2 p.m. From Canning we this
time take a train to Sealdah Station (Rs 50 per
ticket) which takes another two hours. We reach
Sealdah Station at 4 p.m. and get ready for the
next stop.

6. DAY 2-
We board the Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani
which departs at 4:30 p.m. Our next stop is
Delhi. :D
Train fare- Rs. 2140 per person inclusive of food.

7. DAY 3- The train reaches New Delhi station at
10:30 a.m. We get off the train and head to
Hotel Delhi City Centre in Paharganj which is
very close to the station. The cost per night is
Rs. 800. We freshen up and then leave the
hotel at around 12. Our first stop in Delhi is
Humayun’s Tomb.
We go to the nearest metro station- Chandni
Chowk and from there take the metro and get
down at Jangpura. From there we take a
rickshaw to Humayun’s Tomb.

8. • Located near the crossing of Mathura road and Lodhi road,
this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial
example of Mughal architecture in India.
• Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1565 A.D. ,nine years after
the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam.
Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are
the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water
channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum
topped by double dome.
• There are several graves of Mughal rulers located inside the
walled enclosure and from here in 1857 A.D; Lieutenant
Hudson had captured the last Mughal emperor Bahadur
Shah II.

9. JAMA MASJID
This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in
India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000
devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up
being the final architectural extravagance of Shah
Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj
Mahal and the Red Fort.
The highly decorative mosque has three great gates,
four towers and two 40 m-high minarets
constructed of strips of red sandstone and white
marble.

10. The entrance fee to the tomb was Rs 10. We
reached the tomb at 1 p.m and stayed there
till 5 p.m. The intricate Mughal architecure left
us in complete awe. From there we went to
Delhi’s Khan Market, which is quite nearby.
We had the famous ‘Khan Chacha’s Rolls’ and
hen came back to our hotel. We then went to
bed early that night to prepare for the next
day.

11. DAY 4
Today we shall cover places near to the hotel area- Red Fort, Jama
Masjid and India gate. We need to get ready by 10 a.m and head
towards Red Fort. The red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort
(Lal Qila) rise 33-m above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of
the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. The
walls, built in 1638, were designed to keep out invaders, now they
mainly keep out the noise and confusion of the city.The main gate,
Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of
the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd on each
Independence Day.The vaulted arcade of Chatta Chowk, a bazaar
selling tourist trinkets, leads into the huge fort compound. Inside is
a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House,
the Hall of Public Audiences, the white marble Hall of Private
Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color.

12. We stay at the Red Fort from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
after which we intend to have the famous
paranthas of ‘Parantha gali’ in Chandni Chowk.
Thereafter, we head to Jama Masjid at around 2
p.m. At about 3 p.m we come out and then come
back to the hotel for rest. We shall leave the hotel
at about 8 p.m., have dinner in Chandni Chowk
again and then take an auto for India Gate. The
auto will charge about Rs 80 roughly. We shall
then spend 2-3 hours at the magnificent India
Gate.

13. INDIA GATE
In the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in
the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000
Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The
memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the
Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.
The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921
and it was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by
the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later, after India
got its independence. The eternal flame burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of
soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971.
The entire arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge moulding.
The cornice is inscribed with the Imperial suns while both sides of the arch have INDIA, flanked by
the dates MCMXIV (1914 left) and MCMXIX (1919 right).
During nightfall, India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display
with coloured lights. India Gate stands at one end of Rajpath, and the area surrounding it is
generally referred to as 'India Gate'.

14. DAY 5
We returned late the last night and hence we rest. At about 11 a.m we set out. The two
destinations to be covered are- Qutub Minar and Sarojini Nagar Market. We shall take a metro train
from Chandni Chowk to Qutub Minar. The journey shall take 50 minutes. From the metro station,
Qutub Minar is a small walk.
Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak
immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each
marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the
top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble
and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be
built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with
material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the
courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with
your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.
Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab
Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more
storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey.

15. SAROJINI NAGAR MARKET
From Qutub Minar, we again board a metro train
and get down at INA,from where we take a
rickshaw to Sarojini Nagar Market. As a girl, I
intend to take full advantage of coming to
Delhi and do some serious shopping at Delhi’s
Sarojini Nagar Market. Branded tops, dresses,
scarves, kurtis, I intend to fill my bag as much
as I can!

16. DAY 6
Today, we intend to leave the capital city and
head towards Agra. We board the UPSRTC bus
from ISBT at 7 a.m. The bus reaches Agra at
10:30 a.m. We check in to Hotel Love Kush
and then set out at 11:30 a.m to visit one of
the Wonders of the World- the magnificent Taj
Mahal. The hotel costs Rs. 1200 for each night
spent and food charges for day 6 amount to Rs
500.

17. DAY 8
We set out for Fatehpur Sikri, 39 kms away, at around 8 a.m in the
morning. We board the local bus which takes 50 minutes. We check in to
the Govardhan Tourist Complex which charges about Rs 400 for the
night.We visit the places of attraction at Fatehpur Sikri, four main buildings
replete with architectural grandeur characteristic of the Mughal Dynasty-
Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri Fort, Tomb of Salim Chishti and the Panch
Mahal. Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yeasteryear,
today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal
Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D.. Mughal Emperor Akbar had no heir. He
visited holy men to enlist their prayers for his son. When he visited Sheikh
Salim Chishti who was living at the village of Sikri the saint foretold the
emperor that he would be blessed with a son. When is son was born, he is
gratitude, constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later,
due to shortage of water and unrest in North-West, Akbar has to abandon
this city. The beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti still attract
thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned
places are Dewane-e-Am, Dewane-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal,
Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan.

18. TAJ MAHAL
The Taj-Mahal is India’s most iconic building and a UNESCO World
Heritage-listed site.The marble mausoleum, was built by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal,
and combines Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles.
Spanning an area of about 1,000 acres (400 hectares), this majestic
architectural wonder offers incredible sights. One can just admire the
structure’s magnificent construction, the intricate exterior and interior
decor, the beautiful garden and the outlying red-sandstone buildings. The
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, situated on the opposite bank of the Yamuna
from the Taj Mahal and commonly known as the Baby Taj. Built between
1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, the mausoleum is
often described as a jewel box. Admire the trellis work and precious stone
inlay as you listen to your guide’s commentary and learn about the
strong Persian influence on the tomb’s design—the first in India entirely
made out of marble.

19. DAY 7
We intend to visit The Agra Fort and the Jama masjid at
Agra today. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Agra
Fort is a treasure house of Mughal architecture. This
94-acre (34-hectare) brick fort dates back to 1080 AD
and has seen many battles and undergone major
renovations. One can witness the interesting fusion of
Hindu and Islamic influences on its construction and
decor as you walk inside the fort with your guide and
learn about the different functions of the buildings
including the Moti Masjid (Pearl Fort), Diwan-i-Khas
(Hall of Private Audience), Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public
Audience), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and more.

20. DAY 9
We set out from Fatehpur Sikri at 9 a.m and
head towards Agra. We reach Agra at 10 a.m.
And at 10:30 a.m we board the UPSRTC bus
towardes Delhi. We reach Delhi at 2 p.m. and
then we head towards the New Delhi station.
We board the Mumbai BCT Rajdhani at 4:30
p.m. The charges are Rs 2140 per person.

21. DAY 12
We start heading towards our next stop- Ajanta
and Ellora Caves located in Northen Maharashtra.
We hire a car and head towards Aurangabad
which is 6 hours away (400 kms). From
Aurangabad, Ellora caves takes about 45minutes
(29 km) and from there Ajanta is 76 km away
which takes another 2 hours. We started our
journey at 9 a.m, reached Aurangabad at 3 p.m
and Ellora at 4 p.m. We decide to stay at Hotel
Kailas which charges 800 per night. After having
travelled for 429 kms on this day, we decide to
call it off for the day.

22. DAY 10
We reach Mumbai at 9:30 a.m. We check into Bentley’s Hotel in Colaba
that charges around Rs 2060 per night with breakfast included. We shall
rest for a while and then a about 4 p.m we set out to first visit the
Gateway of India and then the Kala Ghodha Art Precinct.
Mumbai's most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was
constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary
to the city. The looming Gateway is designed to be the first thing that
visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. It's also a popular place to
start exploring Mumbai. These days the atmosphere around the
monument resembles a circus at times, with numerous vendors peddling
everything from balloons to Indian tea.
Kala Ghoda, meaning "Black Horse" in reference to a statue that was once
located there, is Mumbai's cultural center. This crescent-shaped stretch is
home to Mumbai's best art galleries and museums. It's also filled with
cultural spaces, including some wonderful pavement galleries.

23. DAY 11
We intend to set out at 11 a.m today and first visit the Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus during the day. And in the evening we shall visit
Juhu beach and Marine Drive. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is
popular railway station and is a spitting image of Victorian-Gothic
style of architecture in India. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the
CST is also a 'World Heritage Site' declared by UNESCO in 2004.
Built in 1888, the station is the grand reminder of the British Raj
pre-independence and is still one of the most historical landmarks
within the Central Business District (CBD) of Mumbai. A bustling
terminus, the CST is well-connected by rail to all parts of the
country. The structure represents the heart of the mercantile facet
of the city and also symbolizes the British Commonwealth. Apart
from being Victorian-Gothic in architecture, parts of this grand
edifice also contain remnants of Mughal styled architecture. After
viewing this bustling station, we intend to have fun, eat vada-pav
and shrikhant at he Juhu beach!

24. DAY 13
• Astonishingly carved into hillside rock in the middle of nowhere are the
Ajanta and Ellora caves. There are 34 caves at Ellora dating from between
the 6th and 11th centuries AD, and 29 caves at Ajanta dating back to
between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD.
• The caves at Ajanta are all Buddhist, while the caves at Ellora are a mixture
of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain.
• Ajanta Cave is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of
India and has been listed in the World Heritage list of monuments.The 30
caves of Ajanta were created over a span of some 600 years.
• In their range of time and treatments they provide a panorama of life in
ancient India and are a source of all kinds of information- hair styles,
ornaments, textiles, musical instruments, details of architecture, customs
etc. It was from this collection of classical Indian art that a particular style
was formed that traveled with Buddhism to many parts of the world.
Similar paintings can be seen in Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, Bamiyan in
Afghanistan, temples and shrines in Tibet, Nepal, China and Japan.

25. DAY 14
We set out early in the morning at 6 a.m and
thereby reach Mumbai by 1 p.m. Thereafter
we check in to the hotel we stayed earlier,
take rest and in the evening go to the famous
Siddhivinayak Temple.

26. DAY 15
We get ready at 8 a.m in the morning and head out towards Gateway Of
India from where we shall take a boat/ferry ride from there. The journey
takes one hour by sea. Tickets for a deluxe boat are Rs. 140 for adults and
Rs. 90 for children. Located close to the concrete jungle of Mumbai, the
Elephanta Caves lie just off the coast of the Arabian Sea, situated at a 10
km radius from the bustling metropolis. One of the oldest rock cut
structures in the country, the Elephanta Caves are the perfect expressions
of archaic Indian art associated to the cult of Lord Shiva. Primarily believed
to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the Elephanta Caves are an epitome of
Hindu Cave culture and are a unique testimony to a bygone civilization.
The Elephanta Caves is a great place to get away from the hustle and
bustle of Mumbai metropolis. This trip to the caves will take you back in
time, when faith, religion, hard labor, art and romanticism served as a
base for everyday living. The Elephanta Caves are a glorious testimony to
the aesthetics of a forgotten world and stand as one of the most popular
tourist destinations, along with being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

27. DAY 16
As the trip comes to an end, we board the
Gitanjali Express to Kolkata at 6 a.m. The fare
is 2140.

28. GOUNESCO HERITAGE SITES COVERED
• Sundarbans National Park
• Humayun’s Tomb
• Red Fort
• Qutub Minar
• Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
• Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Elephanta caves

29. TOTAL EXPENSES INCURRED
• Day 1- Rs. 2660
• Day 2- Rs. 2790
• Day 3- Rs. 1570
• Day 4- Rs. 370
• Day 5- Rs. 350
• Day 6- Rs. 2500
• Day 7- Rs. 1700
• Day 8- Rs. 800
• Day 9- Rs. 3040
• Day 10- Rs. 2560
• Day 11- Rs. 2860
• Day 12- Rs. 2100
• Day 13- Rs. 1350
• Day 14- Rs. 2660
• Day 15- Rs. 540
• Day 16- Rs. 2140
TOTAL – Rs. 29990
(Note: All expenses include food and lodging expenses. All expenses are done approximately.)

30. SUBMITTED BY :
MEGHA MALPANI