Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred by our representative and
check-in. New Delhi, the capital city of India, is an unusual blend of Eastern and
Western influences. The older part of the city, Old Delhi, is a medieval world of imperial
Mughal forts, soaring mosques and bazaars. While New Delhi, with its broad avenues,
stately homes and landscaped gardens, has more than a bit of British character to it.
Together, these two cities fused into one have played a pivotal role in India's history in
the last millennium. Overnight at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for combined city tour of Old & New Delhi which includes
following places of interest:
Red Fort: name derived from a Hindi word Lal which means red and
Quila which means fort. It is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon, surrounded by a
wall of about 2.4 kms in circumference and is built of red sandstone. Shah Jahan started
construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. The fort has two
main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate, which faces the famed Chandni Chowk
market. The fort has Diwan-e- Aam (hall for public audience); Diwan-e-Khas (hall for
private audience); Rang Mahal (a water-cooled apartment of royal ladies); Pearl mosque,
built of white marble.
Jama Masjid :In Old Delhi, an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan,
is the country's largest mosque where thousands of Muslims offers prayers even today. It was
built in 1658. The flight of stairs and its large courtyard are marvels of architecture.
Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): It is the colourful main street and
shopping bazaar of Old Delhi and is today one of the country's best known wholesale market for
textiles, electronic goods and watches. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum,
Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was then inhabitated by the well-to-do families of the
time. Around the area is the famed Paranthawale Gali, known for its delicious paranthas,
Dariba Kalan, the gold market and well-known sweetmeats shops.
Raj Ghat: On the banks of river Yamuna, a simple square platform of
black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in
1948. A commemorative ceremony takes place each Friday, the day he was killed.
Birla Mandir: Close to Connaught Place, it was built by the industrialist Raja
Baldev Birla in 1938. The temple is an important prayer site and contains idols of several deities.
India Gate: This 42 metre high, free standing arch was built in 1931.It
was originally called All India War Memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the
Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the soldiers are inscribed all along the
walls of the arch. In 1971, the eternal flame was lit here to honour the Amar Jawan
(Immortal Soldier).
Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House): It is the official residence of
President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the official residence of the
Viceroy when the British ruled India. Humayun's Tomb : It was built by Haji Begum (widow
of Humayun) in 1565 - 66, nine years after his death.
Qutub Minar: This magnificent structure in the southern part of the
capital was built by the Muslim King, Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1199 A.D. Minar (tower) is 72.5 metres
high and has as its base a mosque.
Bahai's Temple (lotus Temple): It is a very recent architectural marvel of
the Bahai faith and is visible from several spots in South Delhi. It is a lotus shaped and has
rightly been given the name. Dinner and overnight at Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi – Agra
After Breakfast you will travel by road (220 kms / 4 hours) to Agra, situated on the
bank of Yamuna River, is home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the
capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries and its superb monuments date from
this era. On arrival check in at the hotel for overnight stay. Afternoon proceed for the
city tour of Agra visiting Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan
in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died during the birth of her child in 1631. The
construction is said to have taken 22 years to complete, starting from 1631, with over
20,000 craftsmen working round the clock.
Agra Fort: Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the
bank of Yamuna river was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and it was to be predominantly a military
structure until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more palatial accommodations. There are a
number of exquisite buildings within its portals such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was
held captive by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan-e-Aaam, Diwan-e-Khas,
Jahangir's Palace and Shish Mahal. Dinner and overnight at Agra.
Day 04: Agra – Samode
After breakfast you will travel by road (250 kms / 5 hours) to Samode en-route
visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar approximately 35 kms
outside Agra. Built in the 16th century, this city was abandoned 12 years later due to a
scarcity of water. The entire city of Red sand stone (sand stone palaces and temples) is
virtually intact and a site worth seeing is the 54 mtr high main entrance called Buland
Darwaza, The gate of victory constructed to commemorate Akbar's victory in Gujarat. Upon
arrival check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Samode.
Day 05: Samode – Jaipur
After Breakfast you will travel by road (42 kms / 1 hour) to Jaipur. On arrival in
Jaipur check in at the hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, known as the "Pink City" because of
the pink colour buildings in its old city. It is situated on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid
landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. Founded
in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was careful to cultivate good favour with the ruling
Mughals, he laid out the city with rectangular blocks according to ancient Hindu
architecture. It is a wonderful city for shopping. Dinner and over night at Jaipur.
Day 06: Jaipur
After breakfast you will proceed for full day city tour of Jaipur visiting Hawa Mahal
(Palace of winds), Built by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is
one of Jaipur's major landmarks, the facade of which is all pink windows and filigree
screens. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the
everyday life and processions of the city.
City Palace: It is still the home of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur housing an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory): It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728.
At first glance, Jantar Mantar appears to be a curious collection of sculptures but in fact
each construction has a specific purpose such as measuring the positions of stars,
altitudes and azimuths, and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the
sundial with its 27 metre high gnomon. The shadow this casts moves up to 4 metre an
hour.
Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is situated 11 kms away from Jaipur. Amber
was once the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture,
stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and
ramparts. The climb to the fort is on gaily-bedecked elephants. Dinner and overnight at
Jaipur.
Day 07: Jaipur – Mandawa
After breakfast you will travel by road (168 kms / 3 hours) to Mandawa. On arrival
check-in at the hotel. Later visit the painted 'havelis' of some of the leading business
families of the country. Though they no longer live here, the local caretakers are happy
to show the visitors around. En-route you can shop for the colourful art and crafts of
Rajasthan: tied and dyed textiles, metal handicrafts, carved wooden artefacts’ and more.
You can also get a unique insight to life in the desert by visiting nearby villages on a
camel safari. Dinner and overnight at Mandawa.
Day 08: Mandawa – Bikaner
After breakfast you will travel by road (190 kms / 3 ½ hours) to Bikaner. Bikaner was
founded by Rao Bika, second son of the founder of Jodhpur. The city figured importantly on
the great caravan trade routes. A long city wall encircles the old city while all
important buildings, including the fort and the palaces, are outside the city walls. The
Ganga Canal, built between 1925 and 1927, brought prosperity to this otherwise arid desert
region.
On arrival in Bikaner check in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon proceed for half
day city tour of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort & Museum, the late sixteenth
century fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Akbar, the Mughal
emperor. It housed palaces inside and subsequent Maharajas added luxurious suites. Don't
miss the beautiful Diwan-e-Khas (private audience hall), Anup Mahal, Badal Mahal, Gaj
Mandir and Hawa Mahal. A major feature of the fort and palaces is the superb quality of
stone carvings.Several rooms at the fort house an interesting collection of royal
vestments, armory (enormous bore guns used from the back of camels), Maharaja Ganga
Singh's 56 kilogram suit of armour, sword with ivory and crystal handles and a biplane
presented to Ganga Singhji by the British during World War I. There are supposed to be
only two models of this plane in the world.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: Don't miss the exhibits at this
interesting museum. You can enjoy terracotta ware, traditional Rajasthani musical instruments, a
miniature of the Royal Bikaner train, antique carpets and royal vestments. You can also
see the royal decree of Prince Jehangir advising Rai Singh to immediately proceed to Delhi
'as Emperor Akbar is dying.
Camel Breeding Farm: Just 8 km away from the city, at the govt. run
camel breeding farm, you discover a lot about the Ship of the Desert. You learn that the long
-haired camel with hair on its ears is the Bikaner variety, famed for its strength. The
light- coloured ones are the ones from Jaisalmer, and are prized for their speed. The
dark-coloured camels come from Gujarat and the female camels are prized for their
milk-producing capacity. Dinner and overnight at Bikaner.
Day 09: Bikaner – Jaisalmer
After breakfast you will travel by road (330 kms / 7 hours) to Jaisalmer, the golden
city of Thar Desert was founded in 1156 A.D. by Rawal Jaisal, the head of Bhati clan of
Rajputs. This citadel town blossoms with intricately carved Havelies & Temples. Placid
cows chew cud as life continues at its own pace in this medieval fortified wonder of the
Great Indian Desert. This town with population of 40,000 is a definite walking city & will
transport you back in time. This town was declared a national heritage city in 1974 & it
is our endeavour to preserve & protect it for your pleasure. The environs of Jaisalmer are
home to many endangered desert flora & fauna. The great Indian bustard is our prized
resident. "Aakal" Fossil Park is testimony of the antiquity of this region. On arrival in
Jaisalmer check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Jaisalmer.
Day 10: Jaisalmer
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Jaisalmer visiting Jaisalmer Fort: Built in
1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisala, the fort stands atop the 80 metres high Trikuta Hill.
The fort is surrounded by 3 walls and features 99 bastions. Over the centuries, the golden
sandstone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhattis, the Mughals and the
Rathores of Jodhpur.
Jain Temples: Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain
temples built between the 12th and the 15th centuries. The Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were
devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are
seven temples in the complex - Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavanth,
Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple. The temples are all connected by a series of
corridors and walkways. Closeby is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500 AD. This
houses priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological charts, besides
the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.
Laxminath Temple: It is located in the centre of the fort. The less ornate
Hindu temple in the complex features an interesting dome that exhibits fine
paintings.
Havelis: Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel train route brought
it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions,
to flaunt their ever growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sandstone and
wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and
magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwon ki Haveli. The haveli was built
between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli
are the other two havelis that are open to visitors.
Gadi Sagar Tank: Once the source of water supply to the city. The tank
is surrounded by shrines and temples and a variety of waterfowl can be spotted here in the
winter months.
Sunset camel ride on the Sand Dunes : A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete
without this visit to the most panoramic Dunes of Sam, where the wind is unceasingly
carving out scenic patterns on this desert Sand. Truly the essence of the desert, the
ripples of the Dunes create a enchanting mirage. By visiting the Sam Sand dunes, it is
possible to get an insight into desert life from Jaisalmer itself! Camel rides on the sand
dunes are a thrilling experience, as is the brilliant sunset. Dinner and overnight at
Jaisalmer.
Day 11: Jaisalmer – Khimsar
After breakfast you will travel by road (302 kms / 6 ½ hours) to Khimsar. Away from the hustle and bustle of polluted, cramped cities, the time spent at Khimsar is sure to relax you and give a feel of the
irresistible charm of rural India. It is one of the best introductions to the real
hinterland of India and an opportunity to enjoy the best of true Rajput hospitality of the
friendly royal family and the staff. On arrival in Khimsar check in at the hotel. Dinner
and overnight at Khimsar.
Day 12: Khimsar – Jodhpur – Khimsar
After breakfast proceed for an excursion tour of Jodhpur (90 kms / 1 ½ hours). Jodhpur is known as the 'blue city' because of its blue houses. The bustling desert city of Jodhpur stands at the edge of the
Thar Desert and is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is
distinguished by a massive fort that tops a sheer rocky ridge rising in the middle of the
town. The old city is still surrounded by a 10 km long wall, built about a century after
Jodhpur was founded. Eight gates lead out of the old city and there are plenty of
fascinating walks through the jumble of winding streets Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the
chief of a Rajput clan known as Rathores, Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore kingdom
and was called Marwar.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort : Perched on a high hill, it takes five kilometres by a winding road to reach Mehrangarh - considered by many as the most impressive fort in the
fort-studded Rajasthan. Originally built by Maharaja Jodha Rao, the fort was added to by
successive rulers of Marwar. Of the seven massive gates to the fort, a few like Jayapol
and Fatehpol were commemorative structures built to celebrate the Marwar rulers' victories
over various enemies. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. Entered
through Surajpol, the Jodhpur Museum houses an excellent collection of artifacts of
Rajasthan.
Jaswant Thaada: While in Jodhpur, remember to visit this white marble
cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. An interesting walk around the colourful Sadar market
and the Clock Tower is the best way of exploring the heart of the city. You
could also sample the culinary delights of Jodhpur apart from visiting the famous antique
shops of Jodhpur. Later in the evening return to Khimsar. Dinner and overnight at
Khimsr.
Day 13: Khimsar – Udaipur
After breakfast you will travel by road (350 kms / 8 hours) to Udaipur. Royal Capital of a divine dynasty, languid lake city or 'city of sunrise', Udaipur, was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a descendant of
the legendary Sisodias of Mewar. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus - laden gardens and
fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers
and writers like no other city in the country. The city's inherent romance and beauty and
its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall
the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white.
Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which lead on to a
fertile plain - it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly coloured
stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola,
add to the magic of Udaipur. Dinner and overnight at Udaipur.
Day 14: Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for the city tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace: The well-fortified City Palace is a majestic white monument perched high up on a hill. The main entrance, a triple arched gate named the
Tripolia, built in 1725, is a marvel worth seeing. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the
Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to
the people to restore their confidence, is another fascinating monument. The Chini
Chitrashala is noteworthy for its blue and white ceramics.
Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 A.D, by Maharaja Jagat Singh I; it is the
largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari: This garden of the 'maids of honor', brings to the fore
the
unique lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. This
spectacular garden has numerous fountains in four pools, embellished with delicately
chiseled kiosks and elephants.
Sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
Lake Pichola: Deriving its name from Pichali village, it is surrounded by
hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. There are two island palaces, Jag
Niwas and Jag Mandir. The former was the summer residence of princes of Mewar and has now
been converted into a hotel. Jag Mandir is built of red sandstone with a marble dome.
Dinner and overnight at Udaipur.
Day 15: Udaipur – Mumbai
After early breakfast you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, the commercial capital of India. Known as the "city that never sleeps", Mumbai is a potpourri of
cultures, customs and lifestyles. This is a city that thrives on commerce at every level
during the day and lets its hair down unabashedly at night. Mumbai is also home to the
largest film industry in the country. The city is dotted with a multitude of Victorian and
Indian architectural landmarks that add to its charm.On arrival you will be met and
transferred by our representative to the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Mumbai visiting The
Prince of Wales Museum: With its art, archaeology & natural history sections, it is
one of the best museums in the country.
Victoria Terminus: One of the city's largest buildings with an elaborate
Italian Gothic design, this terminus station of the Central Railway seldom slips out of
travellers' eyes. The first train to steam out of this station, abbreviated as VT, to
Thane was in 1853.
Gateway of India: A ceremonial arch built in 1927 to commemorate the
visit of King George V and Queen Mary is located in this southernmost peninsula of the city.
Constructed in honey-colored basalt, the design of the gateway was inspired by 16th
century Gujarati Architecture. The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives
varied hues of gold, russet and pink to the imposing arch. The Gateway holds historical
significance as the last of the British troops leaving Independent India by sea, marched
through its portals.
Marine Drive: This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a
thousand lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking Malabar Hill and the northern
parts of the island to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and
Fort.
Flora Fountain: It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of
the commercial Fort area. The beautifully sculptured fountain was erected in the memory of
the Governor, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, as a tribute for his contribution towards the
building of Mumbai.
Malabar Hill: On the northern promontory of Back Bay is the expensive
residential area of Malabar Hill, favoured for its cool breezes and fine views over Back
Bay. The formal Hanging Gardens, known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, on top of the hill,
Kamala Nehru Park, Parsi Towers of Silence and the temple of Walkeshwar, the Sand Lord,
invite tourist attention here. Dinner and overnight at Mumbai.
Day 16: Mumbai Departure
After Breakfast you will be transferred to the International airport for your onward flight.
