Day
1 : Delhi
Depart the UK in the evening
Day 2 :Delhi
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal II you are met
and transferred to your pre booked Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel you are
received with a traditional welcome of TIKKA and ARTI. Rest of the day is
relaxing and for free activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi
Morning tour of Old Delhi including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and
Raj Ghat. Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi, including India Gate and the
Vice regal Residence, both fine examples of British Imperial architecture.
Continue to the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and the Qutub Minar
tower.
Day 4 : Delhi
After breakfast we leave for Mandawa the heart of the Thar Desert, which
used to be a medieval Indian trade city and still has beautifully preserved
houses of medieval Indian traders in typical Rajput style wooden
doors, bamboo thatched roofs, mud plastered walls and floors, ethnic décor
etc. Mandawa has some of the original fresco paintings and a visit to local
mansions with their colourful murals and wall paintings is arranged.
Day 5 : Drive to Bikaner
Early breakfast and then drive to Bikaner. The drive is through desert
country, with scanty vegetation. Upon arrival check in to the Hotel. The
fort and palaces of Bikaner break the endless monotony of the desert. The
citys deity is Karni Mata. The temple dedicated to her provides
sanctuary to mice in the belief that those who serve the goddess are reborn
as mice. Other places of interest are the Junagarh Fort and the Lalgarh
Palace. Evening visit the local market.
Day 6 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. A fascinating city rising from the
heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. A visit to Jaisalmer is a
must for any traveller to Rajasthan. Here, on the edge of the desert, is a
bustling centre from where one can trek across the beautiful stretches of
sand on camels or, paradoxically, enjoy the nearby lakes and reservoirs.
Day 7 : Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the town, includes the 12th century fort on Trikuta hill,
the Jain temples and Gadisar tank. Also enjoy a camel ride across the dunes
to see the sunset.
Places of interests are Jaisalmer Fort, often referred to as the golden
fort due to the colour of its sandstone walls.
Day
8 : Jodhpur
After an early breakfast we start a scenic drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur the
gateway to the Thar desert, the city is known for its striking forts,
stately palaces and gracious building. City sightseeing includes the Jaswant
Thada and the imposing Meherangarh Fort.Visit to the magnificent Meherangarh
Fort followed by a walking tour to see the old city of Jodhpur and its
markets.
Day 9 : Jodhpur
Wake up to the sounds of this 17 century village, and take in the spiritual
energy from the fresh air descending down from the Shiva Temple, stroll
through the small bazaar, bustling with activity and bursting with colour-
perhaps pausing to see the rich handicrafts or even to design your own
silver Tabiz, a ancient lucky charm, both for women and men- worn around the
neck, at the silversmith.
Day 10 : Udaipur
After breakfast leave for Bambora en route we visit Ranakpur, which is
situated, between Jodhpur , Mount Abu , Udaipur. Here we visit the famous
Ranakpur Temple Complex, one of the biggest and most important clusters of
Jain Temple in India. After visiting the Ranakpur we continue our drive to
Bambora.
Day 11 : Bambora
Bambora is beautifully situated on a hilltop overlooking the Aravali hills
of southern Rajasthan. Day at Leisure
Day 12 : Bambora
After breakfast we drive to Deogarh Mahal, a fortified palace in the heart
of Deogarh village, upon checking in the Fort the day is free to explore the
colourful village and visit Gokal Vilas, the residence of the local "rawat"
or ruler. Set amidst elegant gardens, the residence overlooks a private
lake, rich in bird life.
Day 13 : Jaisalmer
After an early breakfast we drive towards Pushkar, a quiet little town, on
the edge of a small and beautiful lake in eastern Rajasthan. A city of 500
temples and 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar prides itself on being the site of the
only temple of the Hindu God of Creation, BRAHMA and is therefore believed
to be the centre of the creation of the world. Afternoon is spent visiting
the ghats and the temples.
Day 14 : Jaipur
After a relaxed breakfast we start our journey for Jaipur popularly known
as the Pink City, was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Designed in accordance with Shilp Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on
architecture Jaipur follows a grid system. Upon arrival check in your
pre booked Hotel. Afternoon - Relax or visit the Bazaar or optional visit
the Indian film at the famous Raj Mandir.
Day 15 : Jaipur
Excursion to the hill top Amber Fort, climbed on caparisoned elephants, is
arranged.Visit a small factory for hand printed fabrics. Sightseeing
includes the Palace of Winds, Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, the museum and
the colourful bazaars of Jaipur, considered a shopper's paradise Enjoy a
full day's sightseeing covering the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar
Observatory, Sawai Man Singh Museum, and Amber Fort - climbed on elephant
back.
Day
16 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast we start our drive to Peharsar, a typical Rajasthani
village to see rural India - bullock carts and goats, artisans at work, mud
houses, women congregating near wells, men tilling land, the elderly smoking
"hookahs", curious children trailing you - an unhurried existence.
Today we will overnight at the elegant Chander Mahal Haveli. Rest of the day
is on own exploring the typical village life.
Day 17 : Drive to Agra
Drive to Agra via the well-preserved Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon
arrival we check in and afternoon proceed for the city tour of Agra visiting
the Agra Fort .
Day 18 : Agra
Very early morning we drive on the cycle riskshaws to visit the Famous Taj
Mahal at Sunrise. This is a breathtaking view- the mausoleum built by a
sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Buildings
stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering
reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking. After viewing the
Taj Mahal we return to out hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we go to
visit the exquisite tomb of the Emperor Jehangirs Chief Minister and
Father-In Law, often called the BABY TAJ because its
design foreshadows the Taj Mahal . After visiting the Agra city we leave for
Delhi en route stop at the Tomb of Akbar - Sikandra.
Day 19 : Departure
Departure transfer to the Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal II
airport to board flight back Home. Arrive UK.