Abroad – Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘rickshaw ride’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

This afternoon you will be taken to visit New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Overnight at hotel

Morning drive to Mandawa (250 km). Upon arrival in Mandawa – check into the hotel.

Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate & lively frescoes, cataloging the life, habits/fashions of the Marwari community.

Overnight at hotel

Morning drive to Bikaner (230 km). Upon arrival in Bikaner – check into the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bikaner - this desert town in the north of the state was founded in 1488 by Roa Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Jaisalmer (280 km). Upon arrival in Jaisalmer – check into the hotel. Late afternoon visit the sand dunes and enjoy a camel ride to view the sunset, as the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes. It can be an unforgettable experience.

Overnight at hotel

  Jaisalmer

Morning visit the city's magnificent havelis or merchant's houses, each richly decorated and carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli (House of the Brocade Merchants) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli (The Mansion of Nathmalji), the last of the great havelis was built in the late 19th century. End the morning with a visit to Gadisar Lake the large natural oasis that attracted Rawal Jaisal to this site.

Afternoon at leisure for own activities.
Overnight at hotel

Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Morning drive to Jodhpur (280 km). Upon arrival in Jodhpur – check into the hotel.

Afternoon city tour of Jodhpur the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. The tour includes Meherangarh Fort one of the most impressive & formidable fort in the whole of fort studded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada the Royal Cenotaphs.

Overnight at hotel

Jodhpur – Mount Abu

Morning drive to Mount Abu (225 kms). Upon arrival in Mount Abu – check into the hotel.

Mount Abu - A serene retreat set amidst lush forested hills, Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range, this pleasant hill retreat in Rajasthan owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs.

Late afternoon proceed to Sunset Point: Spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here.
Overnight at hotel

Mount Abu – Udaipur

Mt. Abu offers a stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture. Another is Lun Vasahi temple and Adhar Devi temple with its many stairs is a tourist attraction.

Thereafter drive to Udaipur (190 kms) enroute visit Ranakpur Temples.

Ranakpur Temples the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. 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. Includes visit to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Continue drive to Udaipur and check into the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Udaipur

Morning proceed for city tour of Udaipur.

Udaipur is one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the majestic City Palace, built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan standing on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake. In contrast to its rugged exterior, the inside presents a delicate and feminine world of beauty with lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, a profusion of colored glass, fluted columns, inlay work, silver doors, fountains and gardens.

Continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari”, built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter, who had been ill for a long period and the ladies of the Queen’s court. Lotus pools, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and marble pavilions in Rajputana style, all combine to make it an enchanting place.

Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside. (Boat ride depending upon the water level of the Lake).

Overnight at hotel

Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Kota

Morning drive to Kota (235 kms) en route visit Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort - a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput warriors who sacrificed their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission.

Thereafter, continue drive to Kota and check into hotel.

Along the eastern bank of the Chambal river lies the city of Kota - an amazing mix of the majestic medieval age heritage and modernization. The untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples date back over centuries.

Afternoon visit City Palace & Fort - located beside the Kota Barrage, overlooking the Chambal River, the City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. Within the palace complex there are some striking buildings with delicate ornamental stonework. The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) decorated with more recent murals, shows a royal wedding procession, while the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is modelled on the one in Jaipur. Also within the palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum which has a fine collection of weapons, old costumes, stuffed beasts and some of the best preserved murals in the state.

Overnight at hotel

Kota – Bundi – Ranthambore

Morning day excursion to Bundi for sightseeing tour.

Bundi – is famous for its miniature paintings, the finest in Rajasthan. Bundi is fringed by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is surrounded by a massive wall with four gateways. The charming fort, perched on a hill has palaces and havelis with intricate carvings and murals of vegetable colour painting, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris (cenotaphs) with carved pillars. There is a picturesque lake in the heart of the town.

Bundi Palace -built of locally quarried stone presents one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted elephants are used liberally. The walls and ceilings of this palace are completely covered with paintings of the Bundi School, hunting and court scenes, festivals, processions, animal and bird life and scenes from Lord Krishna's life are still in very good condition. The Chitra Shala, located on the outer perimeter of the palace is a fascinating pavilion and has a gallery of miniature murals.

Baolis (stepwells) - Bundi has scores of impressive baolis or step wells, many right in the centre of the town. The noteworthy Raniji-ki-Baoli is 46m deep and has some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate. Built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji, this is one of the largest of its kind.

Continue drive to Ranthambore (220 kms) and check into hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Ranthambore

Early morning and afternoon game viewing in the sanctuary by canter/jeeps.

Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan's most renowned wildlife sanctuary, it is 400 sq kms of dry deciduous forest, perfect natural habitat for tigers, and is set in the Aravalli and Vindhya hills, dotted with pavillions and dominated by a hilltop fort. Ranthambore was one of the hunting preserves of the former rulers of Jaipur and because of this the Maharajas ensured the environment was preserved and the forest and their inhabitants well protected. It has a good population of tiger and their prey species, and has been declared a "Project Tiger" reserve. Wildlife includes blue bull, black buck, spotted deer or cheetal, wild boar, a large variety of bird species and, if very lucky, the rarely seen leopard.

Overnight at the hotel.

Ranthambore – Jaipur

Morning drive to Jaipur (140 kms). Upon arrival in Jaipur – check into the hotel.

Afternoon, tour of the "Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Jaipur

After breakfast, tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own.

Overnight at the hotel.

Jaipur – Bharatpur

Morning drive to Bharatpur (176 kms). Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, proceed by cycle rickshaws to the famous Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary which is a wonder of the natural world and no less worth seeing than the marble mausoleum of the Taj. Here over 350 species of birds find refuge in the 29 sq. kms of shallow lakes & wood lands of the park. A third of them are migrants many of whom spend winter in Bharatpur before returning to their breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Central Asia.

Overnight at hotel .

Bharatpur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

Morning drive to Agra (56 kms) en route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri - drive to the impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions.

Continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra – check into the hotel.

Afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal is the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. The Taj complex comprises a forecourt, a lofty entrance, a charming formal Mughal garden with canals and a central tank with a series of fountains, the tomb proper, and an attached mosque on the west and its symmetrical counterpart on the east. The Taj is remarkable for its perfect proportion and rich pietra dura, with minute details executed with great skill. The building, often styled "a dream in marble" is said to have taken at least 22 years (1631-1653) to build. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

Overnight at hotel

Agra – Bandhavgarh

Morning visit Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Evening transfer to railway station to board train for Bandhavgarh.

Leave: Agra at: 1920 hrs by: Mahakaushal Exp.

Overnight on train .

Arrive Bandhavgarh

Arrive: Katni at: 0710 hrs

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Bandhavgarh. Check into the hotel.

Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the Vindhya range of hills which offers a good variety of cover from Bamboo forest to open grassland and a wide range of animals including sambar, barking deer, chinkara, chowsingha, gaur (the largest of the world's wild oxen), wild boar and leopard. Bandhavgarh also holds a good population of tiger and is particularly noted for daylight sightings.

Overnight at hotel .

Bandhavgarh

Early morning and afternoon game viewing in the sanctuary by jeeps.

Overnight at hotel.

Bandhavgarh – Khajuraho

Morning drive to Khajuraho (210 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Afternoon visit the Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular.

Overnight at hotel

Khajuraho – Varanasi

Morning visit the most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art.

Thereafter transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi.

Leave: Khajuraho at: 1330 hrs
Arrive: Varanasi at: 1410 hrs

Upon arrival in Varanasi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Varanasi - Formerly known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning for over 2000 years. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city of India and one of the worlds’ most ancient.

Afternoon visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the river Ganges and stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.

Thereafter proceed to the "ghats", a long stone stepped embankment built on the riverbank. Here, watch the evening "aarti" ceremony, a deeply moving spectacle where devotees release leaf borne lamps on to the water at sunset.

Overnight at hotel

Varanasi

Early morning take a short trip by country boat on the sacred river Ganges to see the Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition.

Afternoon visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Archaeological Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. The main attraction at this excellent Archaeological Museum is the superb capital from the Ashokan pillar. It has the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back lions which has been adopted as the state symbol of modern India. Other finds from the site include many figures and sculptures from the various periods of Saranath - Mauryan, Kushana, Gupta and later. (The museum is closed on Fridays).

Overnight at hotel

Varanasi – Delhi

Morning at leisure for own activities.
Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.

Leave: Varanasi at: 1445 hrs
Arrive: Delhi at: 1605 hrs

Upon arrival in Delhi, the guests will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Delhi

Full day at leisure for own activities.
Late at night transfer to International airport for flight to back home.