Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE DELHI
Late evening: On arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, meet and greet by our representative. Later, assistance and transfer to hotel for immediate occupancy.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 2

IN DELHI
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed for the full day guided city tour of New Delhi & Old Delhi.

Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of the river Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.

Morning: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar, a Tower of Victory that was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries. The tomb of Humayun - the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Also visit India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to Rashtrapathi Bhawan - the residence of the President of India which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort - Shah Jehan's elegant citadel in red sandstone, which was built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9 meter deep moat which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna river. The fort is entered from the Lahori Gate and leads to a roofed passage called Chatta Chowk. The Naqqar Khana (drum house) at the end of this passage marks the entrance to the royal enclosure. A spacious lawn leads to the Diwan-i-Am - the pillared Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-i-Khas - the Hall of Private Audience where the emperor met select visitors and the Pearl Mosque built by Shah Jahan's son, Aurangazeb, the last of the "Great Mughals". Very near the Fort is the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India's largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan. Take an interesting rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque. Time permitting also visit Raj Ghat - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 3

DELHI / MANDAWA
Morning: Drive to Mandawa (220 kms/04½ hrs) and on arrival, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Guided excursion to nearby villages to visit the havelis.

Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open-air art galley, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. It is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The Havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.

Overnight in Mandawa

Day 4

MANDAWA / BIKANER
Morning: Drive to Bikaner (250 kms/ 5hrs) and on arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon: Guided city tour of Bikaner.

Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the North State of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven-km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting experience. Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting.

Overnight in Bikaner

Day 5

BIKANER / JAISALMER
Early Morning: Drive to Jaisalmer (331 kms/07½ hrs) enroute visit the rat temple at Deshnoke. Evening: On arrival in Jaisalmer, check in at hotel.

The 600 year old Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok (30 kms) is dedicated to Karni Mata - an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

Overnight in Jaisalmer

Day 6

IN JAISALMER
Morning: Guided city tour of Jaisalmer. Afternoon: Free for independent activities. (Optional: A short camel safari in the Thar Desert).

Rising from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The Jaiselmer fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendour. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelies, temples and typical desert life of men women cattle and camels. The 80 meter high fort, perch on the hill, houses the entire township within its ramparts. It has enchanting narrow lanes dotted with exquisite havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century and palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways - Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer each with a different facade. The Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon and Salim Singh all in Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are exquisite works of art.

A jeep safari through the interesting and remote desert villages of Roopsi, Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara and the Cenotaphs of Barabagh can be interesting. The villages are very special, as different communities inhabit them.

Overnight at Jaisalmer

Day 7

JAISALMER / JODHPUR
After Breakfast drive to Jodhpur (308 kms/06½ hrs) and on arrival in Jodhpur, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the market and old bazaar.

Overnight in Jodhpur

Day 8

IN JODHPUR
Morning: Guided city tour of Jodhpur. Afternoon: Free for independent activities. (Optional jeep safari to the nearby Bishnoi Villages)

At the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains.

A high wall encompasses the city - 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with people wearing lovely multi hued costumes, artistically designed. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered "jutis" or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items etc., are of interest. The Mehrangarh fort is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels with latticed windows These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

Overnight in Jodhpur

Day 9

JODHPUR / RANAKPUR / UDAIPUR
Morning: Drive to Udaipur (260 kms/06 hrs), enroute visit the Temple complex at Ranakpur. On arrival in Udaipur, check in at hotel.

Ranakpur - In a quiet and picturesque glen, which runs into the western slopes of the Aravalli hills lies the remarkable 15th century Jain temples. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images.

Overnight in Udaipur

Day 10

IN UDAIPUR
Morning: Guided city tour of Udaipur. Afternoon: Free for independent activities. (Optional: Boat ride in Lake Pichola).

Udaipur, the city of Dawn, is the Jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty for 1200 years. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection of these building in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.

Morning: City tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel that is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichola. The Palace is a majestic conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, which has an interesting collection of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments and deities. Later visit Saheliyon-ki-bari the "Ladies Garden", with its rich foliage and intricately designed fountains.

Afternoon: Enjoy a 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. Dock at the Jagmandir island where the Maharana of Udaipur once gave Shah Jehan sanctuary.

Overnight in Udaipur

Day 11

UDAIPUR / CHITTORGARH / PUSHKAR
After breakfast, drive to Pushkar(260 kms/06hrs) enroute visit the fort at Chittorgarh. On arrival in Pushkar check in at hotel.

Overnight in Pushkar

Day 12

PUSHKAR / JAIPUR
Morning: Guided tour of Pushkar. Later drive to Jaipur (150 km/03½ hrs) and on arrival in Jaipur, assistance at check in. Rest of the day free for independent activities.

Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar, 11 kms from Ajmer, abounds in temples. of these the most famous is the Brahma temple - the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Once a year, during the Kartik Purnima, the entire region comes alive with a pulsating Camel and Cattle Fair. There is a week long celebration with an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter with threads of religious fervour. Bedecked and festooned cattle wait in the clouds of sand and the pious gather at the break of dawn to take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake to absolve themselves of all their sins.

Overnight in Jaipur

Day 13

IN JAIPUR
After breakfast, Full day Guided city tour of Jaipur including elephant ride at Amer Fort.

Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues is picturesque. The first planned city of its time, a formidable wall encircles Jaipur.

Morning Drive past by Hawa Mahal, known popularly as the Palace of Winds, is a facade built for the Ladies of the Royal household in the 19th century. The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of Amba (Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance to the palace. Ride an elephant to ascend the hill on which the Fort is situated.

Afternoon : City tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace - the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles which houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornate handles. It has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Also visit the Jantar Mantar - an astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 18th century which is remarkable for its accuracy even at the present times.

Overnight in Jaipur

Day 14

JAIPUR / FATHEPUR SIKRI / AGRA
After breakfast, guided excursion to Amer Fort with elephant ride. Later drive to Agra (231 kms/05 hrs) enroute visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra, assistance and check in at hotel.

Fatehpur Sikri - This exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone; with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons. The Diwan-i-am - a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwan-i-khas - a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai's Palace, Mariam's Palace, Birbal's Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this

residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings.

Overnight in Agra

Day 15

AGRA / DELHI
Early Morning: Guided visit to the world famous "Taj Mahal" at sun rise. After breakfast guided visit to Agra Fort. Afternoon: Drive back to Delhi (204 kms/04½ hrs) and on arrival check in at hotel.

Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

The Taj Mahal - the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on Fridays] Visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 16

DELHI / DEPART
Full day free for last minute packing / shopping. Evening: Farewell dinner at an Indian Specialty Restaurant. Later transfer to airport in time to connect onward flight home.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Accommodation for 14 nights at the above mentioned hotels or similar on Twin sharing basis.

Exclusions -

Camera/video fee at monuments or any other expenses not mentioned above.

Extras -

Above pricing is for per person on twin share based on atleast 2 people traveling together.