The militants' journey began in Lahore before they reached Karachi with strict instructions that they should not be talking to any fellow passengers or among themselves during the train journey to the port-city, the sources said.

After sailing in a merchant vessel from Karachi, they found the Indian vessel.

Subsequently, the dozen people split into at least five groups that created havoc in five-star hotels -- Taj and Trident. The terrorists were carrying dry fruits, suggesting they were prepared for a long-drawn battle.

Choice of targets - Taj Mahal hotel and Oberoi – was given to them by a Lashker commander in Karachi before they sailed to carry out the attack as these two hotels were always frequented by foreigners, especially Britons and Americans due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea, the sources said.

The arrested militant claimed that Mumbai's Nariman House was selected as it was home to a large number of Israeli families and a Jewish prayer house, and was being frequented by Americans intelligence officials, the sources said.