Destination : Delhi -
Kathmandu - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Jhansi - Agra - Jaipur - Mandawa -
Bikaner - Gajner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Pushkar Fair -
Ajmer - Delhi
Duration : 19 Nights / 20 Days
Day
01 : Abroad - Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport.
On
arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and
transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi -
the 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 Jamia 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.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of 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
Day 03 : Delhi - Kathmandu
Morning transfer to the airport
for flight to Kathmandu
Leave: Delhi at 1145 hrs by: IC 813
Arrive: Kathmandu at 1330 hrs
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be
met by our representative and transferred to the hotel
Afternoon city
tour of Kathmandu - locked in by the towering snow-clad mountains of the
Himalyan range, Kathmandu is the capital of the 'Hindu Kingdom of Nepal' -
an extraordinary land only now entering the 20th century. Walk through the
narrow cobbled lanes of the old Kathmandu city visiting its many ancient
temples among which the most unusual is the Temple of Kumari or 'the living
Goddess' where a little girl lives in her temple residence showering
blessings to her many followers. Visit the Hanuman Dhoka the ancient Royal
Palace complex that comprises of a series of 14 courtyards of which Nasal
Chowk is still used for Royal ceremonies including coronation.
Overnight at hotel
Day 04 : Kathmandu
Morning visit Patan - the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley
with 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these temples are
the Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavir, Kumbheshwar temple, Mahaboudha
and Jagatnarayan temple. The Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one
of the finest urban street scapes in the world. One can see the artisans
crafting unbelievably intricate pieces from wood, stone etc.
The Patan Museum displays the traditional sacred art of Nepal in an
illustrious architectural settings. Its home is an old residential court of
Patan Durbar, one of the royal palaces of the former Malla kings of the
Kathmandu valley. The museum exhibits cover a long span of Nepal's cultural
history and some rare objects are amoung its treasures. Their meaning and
context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained.
Most of the objects are cast bronzes and gilt copper repousse work,
traditional crafts for which Patan is famous.
Day 04 : Kathmandu (contd.)
Afternoon, proceed onto Bodhnath, the
largest stupa in the world where from a towering golden pinnacle the painted
eyes of the all-seeing Buddha gaze across the valley in every direction,
then proceed onto the Pashupatinath temple situated on the banks of Bagmati
temple which is the most holy temples of the entire Hindu world. As entrance
into the temple precinct is permitted to Hindus only, visitors can clearly
see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the
eastern bank of the Bagmati river. A sight of cremation being performed on
the banks of the river is very common.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Kathmandu - Varanasi
Morning transfer to airport to
board flight for Varanasi
Leave: Kathmandu at: 1440 hrs by: IC 751
Arrive: Varanasi at: 1520 hrs
On arrival in Varanasi, you will be met
by our representative and proceed for sightseeing tour of Sarnath.
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 Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and
sculptures found at the site. (Sarnath museum is closed on Friday).
Thereafter transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 :
Varanasi - Khajuraho
Early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take
a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and
witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most
important religions. Visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the
river Ganges. Stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops
selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.
Day 07 : Khajuraho - Jhansi - Agra
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.
Afternoon drive to Jhansi Railway Station (170 Kms) to
board train for Agra.
Leave: Jhansi at 1800 hrs by Bhopal Shatabdi
Express
Arrive: Agra at 2020 hrs
Upon arrival in Agra, you will be
met by our representative & transferred to hotel.
Overnight at
hotel.
Day 08 : Agra - Jaipur
Early morning visit the famous Taj Mahal
-This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in
memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been
described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the
emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during
the birth of her 14th child.The central structure has four small domes
surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah
Jahan are false tombs, a common practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is
closed on Friday).
Visit the 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.
Thereafter drive
to Jaipur (221 kms) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - the
deserted, red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and
palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest
gateway in the world.
Continue drive to Jaipur and upon arrival,
check-in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
09 : Jaipur
Morning 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 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
Day 10 : Jaipur - Mandawa Morning
drive to Mandawa (157 km). Upon arrival in Mandawa, check-in at 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.
Day 11 : Mandawa - Bikaner -
Gajner
Morning drive to Gajner (230 km), en route visit Bikaner
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.
Thereafter continue drive to
Gajner and check into the hotel.
Gajner Palace is an incomparable "Jewel
in the Thar Desert" built on the embankment of a lake by His Late
Highness Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. During winter even now, this
palace with its beautiful lake and surrounded wooded areas become the home
of different species of migratory birds, most renowned amongst them being
the Imperial Sand Grouse. Endangered Antelopes like Black Bucks, Nilgais,
Chinkaras and other animals like the Wild Boar roam freely in this area
which is now a preserved sanctuary.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy
the surrounding areas of the Palace.
Overnight at hotel
Day 12 : Gajner - Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer (280
km). Upon arrival in Jaisalmer, check-in at hotel. Late afternoon visit the
sand dunes and 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
Day 13 : 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.
Afternoon visit the Royal
Cenotaphs of the Rawals in Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. This
is also the best place from which to watch the spectacular desert sunset,
and photograph the fort.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Morning drive to Jodhpur (290
kms). Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check-in at hotel.
Afternoon city tour
of Jodhpur - the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur stands at
the edge of the Thar Desert. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the chief of the
Rajput clan of Rathore. 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.
Day 15 : Jodhpur - Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur ( 280 Kms)
enroute visit Ranakpur Jain 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.
Thereafter
continue drive to Udaipur and upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Udaipur
Morning
city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its
lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering
through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden
of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari" and the Folk Art Museum, to view the
interesting collection of puppets & paintings.
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.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 : Udaipur - Pushkar
Morning drive to Pushkar (205 Kms)
Pushkar - is famous for its
colourful annual fair during Kartik Poornima (full moon) in the November
each year. At this time, this otherwise peaceful and gentle village on the
banks of holy Pushkar take is thrown into colourful confusion when the
desert tribes and camel caravans meet to trade cattle, camels, goat, sheep,
clothes, jewellery and spices. Upto 2,00,000 traders and 50,000 cattle pour
into town, along with numerous festooned camels and colourful pilgrims.
After 10 hectic days of livestock dealing, camel racing and colourful
festivities, everybody goes for a big holy dip in the lake on the night of
the full moon (Kartik Purnima) and performs rituals in its waters to the
accompaniment of temple & folk music.
Upon arrival in Pushkar -
check into the Camp which captures the luxurious nostalgia of a bygone age
of the Maharaja's Safari camps, combined with innovative design
demonstrating many of the skills and crafts of Marwar. The camp consists of
tents, each with verandah, bedroom and bathroom. There is a large dining
tent serving the best of Rajasthani cuisine and a large open reception tent
with seating areas.
Overnight at Camp.
Day
18 : Pushkar
Full day at the fair. Built as 'an explosion of fun,
frolic, games and laughter', the fair provides some wonderful photographic
opportunities and is a great chance to see Rajasthani women decked up in all
their traditional jewellery, dress and finery. It is worth getting up early
to see the camels and tribes rousing themselves in the pink of the dawn
desert light. Temple music wafts through the night, as the fires die down
and the Rajasthani melodies played on the stringed ek-tara come to a close.
Overnight at Camp.
Day 19 : Pushkar Fair -
Ajmer - Delhi
Morning witness Pushkar Fair.
Later transfer to
the railway station for train to Delhi.
Leave: Ajmer by Shatabadi
Express at 1550 hrs
Arrive: Delhi at 2220 hrs
(Operates daily
except Mondays)
Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and
transferred to hotel.
Later transfer to the airport for flight back
home.
Day 20 : Delhi - Abroad
Depart
Delhi.
Seasons in India
Formalities
