Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi. You will be met by our representative on arrival at airport & will escort you till check in at hotel
Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a Great Empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered over are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which in an impressive sense of magnificence are memorials not of a single city but of supplanted nations.
Afternoon combined city tour of Delhi visit the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb and drive past India gate , Red Fort & President’s house.
The city’s earliest surviving Islamic monuments, the Qutab mosque and minar created by the founder of the sometimes, called the Slave Dynasty, Qutb-ud-din- Aybak. 73 meters high and consisting of 5 storeys, the Qutab Minar construction started in 1199 on what was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world.
The Humayun’s Tomb was built in the 16th century by the second Mughal emperor. This is an early example of Mughal architecture
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Delhi - Varanasi
Morning intime transfer to airport to connect flight for Varanasi.
On arrival transfer & check in at hotel.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.
Afternoon at leisure.
Evening witness Aarti ceremony at Ghats.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 In Varanasi
Early morning boat ride at River Ganges followed by a city tour.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath.
Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. The attractions at Sarnath are the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and the archaeological museum.
Later drive back to Varanasi.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Varanasi - Khajuraho
Post breakfast intime transfer to airport to connect flight for Khajuraho.
Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.
On arrival transfer & check-in at hotel.
Afternoon visit city.
It took more than 200 years to complete elaborately carved Khajuraho temples that are planned in a similar pattern. Built in the central Indian temple architectural style, the uninhibited and graceful erotic sculptures of Khajuraho temples are known for their paramount architectural balance and exquisiteness. The temple plans range from the simple ones to the most inspired ones. The lovely temples can be divided into three broad groups, namely, the Eastern group, the Southern group and the Western group. However, the Western group is not only the largest one but also the one, which is most easily accessible.
The Eastern Group takes in five isolated sub-group of temples situated in and around the present town of Khajuraho. Along with the three Brahmanical temples more commonly spoken of as temples of Brahma, Vamana and Javari, the three Jain temples of the deities Ghantai, Adinath and Parsvanath fall under this group.
The Southern Group is situated at the most distant location and includes mainly the two temples of Duladeo and Chaturbhuja, which are situated near and across the Khudarnala.
The Western Group is the largest of all the temple groups of Khajuraho. It is not compact and located in the center but also include the most renowned and noteworthy monuments built during the reign of the Chandela rulers. They are also known to have been maintained well by the Archaeological Survey of India and the lush green lawns surrounding them with multihued shrums and fragrant blossoms add to their beauty. The most prominent temples of the group are the Lakshmana Temple, the Matangesvara Temple and the Varaha Temple that are a part of a single complex, the Visvanatha and Nandi temples situated near the above-mentioned complex and the Chitragupta, Jagadambi and the Kandariya Mahadeo temples a little to the west of the complex.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Khajuraho - Orchha
Post breakfast drive to Orchha.
The origin of the Bundela dynasty in the 11th century is traced to a Rajput prince who offered himself as a sacrifice to the mountain goddess Vrindavasini; she stopped him and named him 'Bundela' (one who offered blood). The dynasty ruled over the area between the Yamuna and Narmada rivers. Garhkurar, once capital of the Bundela Rajas, fell to the Tughlaqs just as that dynasty was weakening. Into the vacuum that they left, the Bundelas again expanded, moving their base to Orchha (meaning hidden). Raja Rudra Pratap threw a wall around the existing settlement and began work on the palace building (c. 1525-31) and an arched bridge to it.
On arrival check-in at hotel.
Evening at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Orchha – Jhansi - Agra
Post breakfast proceed for city tour of Orchha.
Jehangir Mahal : The establishment of the Jehangir Mahal dates back to the 17th century A.D. when the then ruler of the region named Bir Singh Deo built the structure as a symbol of warm reception of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, during the latter’s first visit to the city. The entrance of the Jehangir Mahal, Orchha is marked by an artistic and traditional gateway. The front wall of the structure faces to the east and is covered with turquoise tiles. Jehangir Mahal is a three storied structure that is marked by stylishly hanging balconies, porches, and apartments. Like other Palaces in Orchha the Jehangir Mahal, Orchha has and a number of domes that are shaped like onion. These domes cover the central courtyard of the palace. Thus without visiting the Jehangir Mahal as well as other Monuments in Orchha, the Tour to Orchha is incomplete.
Royal Cenotaphs : There are fourteen Chatrries or memorials to the rulers of Orchha grouped along the kanchan ghat of the river Betwa.The 14 Chattries were constructed as a mark of respect for the imperial blue blood of the mighty rulers of Bundelkhand dynasty. Build in Indo-Mughal style, these three storey buildings are open to all sides and have nicely designed tops - domes or pinnacles. Most of the cenotaph is in a single compound with similar plans, except the ones seen on the extreme left. This one is build in memory of King Bir Singh Deo(1605-27) whose rule is considered as the golden age of Orchha.
Visit Orchha fort & Drive past through famous temples of Orchha.
Later intime transfer to Jhansi to board train for Agra.
On arrival transfer & check-in at hotel.
Agra, the city known for the famous monument of love - the Taj Mahal. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jehan, constructed Taj Mahal. It is said he built this monument in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is ethereal at any part of the day - blushing in the rosy glow of dawn or sunset, appearing like a pearly mirage in the moonlight or reflected in the pools of the garden. Perhaps the most moving view of the Taj is from an octagonal tower in the Agra Fort further along the river Yamuna.
There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and heritage of Agra. Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous tourist destination of India. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Norther Indian plains. The architectural splendor of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality, which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain in Agra.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 In Agra
Post breakfast proceed for city tour.
Agra Fort :-
Few Forts in the earth have a more charming storey to tell then Agra Fort. Initially designed as an invincible military organization by Akbar, Fort obtain by the time of Shah Jahan, all the grace and magnificence of an royally palace. located 2.5 kms upstream of Taj Mahal on the right bank of Yamuna was built under the course of Akbar.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah :-
About 4 kms north of Taj Mahal, on the left bank of river Yamuna, is the completely balanced marble mausoleum of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Nur Jahan’s Father. The twice storied tomb is about 20m four-sided figure, built of the premium Indian marble and is stuffed with mosaic inlaid with semi valuable stones.
Evening free for independent activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Agra-Ranthambore
Post breakfasr visit Taj Mahal.
For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and son. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna river. It was built in the memory of the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir's third son Prince Khurram and stayed loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps. A labour of love ~ Work on the mausoleum began in 1633 and 20,000 workers laboured for 17 years to build it.
Later drive to Ranthambore enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri
35kms before Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. Remarkably broadminded for his time, this Muslim king married a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture at Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the cultures.
The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (near Sawai Madhopur) is known for its spectacular scenery. The sanctuary is a system of lakes and rivers - hemmed by steep, high crags and the remains of a thousand year old fortress and temple. The area has a dramatic terrain of rocky, steeply–scarped hills, valleys and open land, enhanced by structures that testify to a heroic past; old guard posts, pavilions and ruins of palaces. There is a good chance of seeing one of the few, highly endangered Bengal Tigers still remaining in the park. The deep gorges of Ranthambore serve as hide outs for leopards, tigers and sloth bear. The park also provides a congenial habitat for the ‘chital’ or spotted deer and sambar, the largest of the Asiatic deer. Woodland, ground and water birds also bound in the area, including the uncommon red jungle fowl and eagle.
On arrival check in at hotel
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 In Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon Jungle safari in the park accompanied by a naturalist.
Ranthambore has for over a century been one of the most sought after hunting grounds for tiger on the Indian subcontinent. In more recent times and especially in the last decade this reserve has become internationally known as an exciting hub for research and conservation directed towards protecting the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and its total environment. Some individual tigers in the reserve that developed unique styles of hunting became the subjects of films and books that have won worldwide acclaim. The 10th century fort that overlooks the reserve provides a sense of grandeur and history that puts its diversity of wildlife (much of which continue to use the ancient ramparts!) in unique perspective.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Ranthambore-Bundi
Morning drive to Bundi.
Bundi is a small town with rustic setting that stands on the foothills of the Aravali Mountains. Bundi is very famous for its baolis meaning waterworks or step wells, havelis, temples and chhatris with carved pillars. The mural adorned palaces, the forts and the monuments tell tales about the glorious past of the city. A picturesque lake where the entire city and the palaces get reflected in the lake adds a stunning quality to the place
On arrival check in at hotel
Evening enjoy walking tour of the back streets of Bundi & time permitting visit Bundi Palace, Taragarh Fort , Chhattar Mahal, Nawl sagar Bundi market & temple & Nail Painting .
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 Bundi-Udaipur
Morning after breakfast drive to Udaipur
The city of Udaipur or the city of `sunrise’ combines real beauty with a picturesque association of a great and glorious past. The legendary Ranas or kings of this state traced their ancestry back to the sun! It stands in a valley, amidst green hills on the banks of the wide, steel blue lake Pichola and is regarded as the most romantic spot in India. On little islands in the lake, from the waters edge, rise marble palaces of pure white that glisten like fairy castles. Crowning the ridge, in which the city clusters, along the shore of the lake, stands the massive palace of the Maharana
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 In Udaipur
Morning city tour of Udaipur.
Visit the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, is today a museum. It consists of several flawlessly integrated palaces, which overlook the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) the scene of royal parties for centuries. Drive around Fateh Sagar Lake excavated in the late 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh and past the Kala Mandir (Puppet Museum) and the Cenotaph of Maharana Pratap. And ofcourse last but not the last - the Jagdish temple.
Also visit Lake Palace , Monsoon Palace, Bharatiya lok Kala Mandir Folk art Museum and puppet show & Shilpgram craft village.
Evening enjoy boat ride at Lake Pichola
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 Udaipur-Luni
Morning drive to Luni
Post breakfast drive to Luni. Fort Chanwa of Luni, was built over a hundred years ago. It is an imposing well-maintained structure made of famous red stone with ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate jharokhas.
On arrival check in at hotel
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Luni-Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer
Founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer grew to be a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert from India to the West. Set in a sea of golden tinged sand, Sonar Kila, a golden fort rises out of a rock of topaz. The entire living area of Jaisalmer lies within the gigantic citadel walls.
On arrival transfer to hotel
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 In Jaisalmer
Morning after breakfasts proceed for half-day city tour of Jaisalmer.
Visit the silent 12th century Fort built by Prince Jaisal and the Palace. The uniqueness of this fort, is that it is the only ‘living fort’only fort in Rajasthan – people still reside within the fort walls. The fort stands at the highest point (100 metres) above the marketplace. Also visit the Jain Temples (12th-15th century) which lie within the fort complex. Some of them have quaint but impressive figures of Jain saints of white marble and of red and black stone. Others have beautiful images of deities, which indicate the remarkable religious tolerance of that age. The famous art of the stone carvers of Jaisalmer is evident in the elaborate facades of the yellow sandstone desert havelis (mansions) which glow softly in honey tones. Visit intricately carved Havelis built by Merchants, the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer is Patwon ki Haveli. Patwas were the merchants trading in rich brocades, gold and silver embroidery, sequins and ribbons. This family eventually expanded their business to include opium, banking and revenue collecting. A brief stop at Gadhi Sagar is a must – a man made pond; a luxury in the centre of the Thar Desert !
Afternoon camel ride at Sam dunes..
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 Jaisalmer-Osian
Post breakfast proceed to Osian.
On arrival transfer and check in to Camps.
Balance day at leisure.
Overnight at Camp.
Day 17 Osian-Pushkar
Morning drive to Pushkar
Pushkar is a small town sacred to the Hindus and now a tourist attraction for its annual camel fair, largest in the world.. Pushkar is one of the traditional “once in a lifetime” places of pilgrimage. Epics, religious texts, coins and inscriptions bear evidence to the sanctity of Pushkar. Over the centuries it grew into a temple town, and today there are as many as 400 temples in Pushkar. On the first full moon after Diwali- called “Kartik Purnima” the annual cattle fair is held at Pushkar. This is by far the largest cattle fair of Rajasthan. Villagers from every tribe and corner of Rajasthan converge here to participate in one way or other. For the first 2 days races of various kinds are held between different cattle. This is the villager’s way of showing off his cattle Thereafter the cattle are sold. Along with the cattle bazaar, villagers also set up handicraft shops. These have become more popular in the past 15 years due to the fact that many foreigners are attracted to this fair. Red’s, orange’s, pink’s blacks – colors of all sorts come together here in gay abandon. On the night of the full moon, the main bathing rituals take place at the Pushkar Lake, followed by singing of ballads through the night by campfire
Afternoon visit to Brahma Temple & Pushkar Lake.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 18 Pushkar-Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur
Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a colorful cast of characters – from printers and potters to artists and antique dealers - present a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change.
Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur was no ordinary man. He was a scholar and an astronomer, keenly sensitive to beauty, a formidable general, who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur, Jai Singh's vision took him beyond architectural beauty for in the sprawling, barren plains beneath Amber, the former capital, he gave India its first planned city, which has remained unique in two and a half centuries. Jai Singh made Jaipur a haven and it became a center of commerce and religion.
Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenulated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 19 In Jaipur
Morning visit to the Amber fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Ascending the fortress seated on elephants, wander around the beautiful palaces and visit the Shiladevi temple (which continues to be the private temple of the Royal family) with its exquisite marble carvings and silver door.
Afternoon visit the open-air royal observatory "Jantar Mantar", with gigantic, astronomical instruments, the City Palace and Museum stopping by the "Hawa Mahal" or the Palace of Winds.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City PalaceMuseum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Rest of the day is at leisure with an opportunity to shop. Jaipur is a shopper’s delight offering a wide range of local handicrafts, vegetable dyed carpets with Persian designs, block printing with indigo and a variety of natural dyes, blue pottery, tie and dye fabrics and scarves. Jaipur is also famous for its gems and is a centre for the gem cutting industry.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 20 Jaipur-Delhi
Morning free. Afternoon drive to Delhi
On arrival check in at hotel
Overnight at hotel.
Day 21 Leave Delhi
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for your onward destination.
** Imp: all our program's are 100% tailor made and can be modified as per the requirements.