Arrive Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel in Delhi
Day 2
In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of Old Delhi-the 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital and named after him. Drive past the Red Fort (Closed on Monday) built of red sandstone. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Drive past Kotla Firoze Shah, ruins of an old fort of the 14th century and the Ashokan Pillar of 3rd BC. Then visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Drive through the old city subject to traffic restrictions.
Afternoon visit of New Delhi-the new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. Drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings - the centre of all government activity and down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, the Qutub Minar, 72 metres high and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque. See Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD. Time permitting visit to Birla Temple (else this visit can be done in Jaipur where there is a Birla Temple)
Overnight at the hotel in Delhi
Day 3
Delhi/ Mandawa (260/ 5-5½ Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Mandawa and on arrival check in at the hotel
Afternoon visits of the Mandawa bazaar which has many painted houses, parts of which have now been turned into shops and tie-and-dye fabrics flutter in the wind. Visit the havelis with their frescoes of which the Chokanis, the Goenkas and the sarafs are extravagantly painted.
The word haveli, which is of Persian origin, means `surrounded’ or an `enclosed place.’ The English equivalent “mansion” comes close enough, suggesting the spacious residence that haveli connotes, but it fails to capture the essence of a way of life that was more than just a form of architecture. Secluded from the outside world, a haveli set its own pace of life. Since the middle of the 19th century, the inhabitants of north eastern Rajasthan have patronised the art of fresco painting compensating, in a way, for the lack of colour in the landscape of their homeland. The frescoes on the earliest havelis date back to the early 1800s (though some on the forts, chhatris and temples are dated around 1750). The majority were painted between 1860 and 1900. Starting from purely religious themes, the frescoes move on to ornamental designs and after 1900 became widely available to imitations of European lithographs and etchings.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 4
Mandawa/ Bikaner (195/ 3½-4 Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed for Bikaner and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Afternoon city tour- the mesmerising music of the desert is echoed in Bikaner, a medieval flavoured city set along the old caravan route which linked Central Asia & North India with the Gujarat seaports. Charming havelis (mansions) stand in the old part of this walled city and a leisurely lifestyle still prevails in this sublimely picturesque place surrounded by harsh desert. Visit the Fort, one of the finest of Rajput monuments. Thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and temples built by different kings are all connected by paved courtyards, narrow staircases and terraces in this Rathor stronghold. The oldest existing structures in Bikaner are the 14th-century Jain temples built by two merchant brothers, Sandeshwar and Bhandeshwar. The Bandeshwar Temple has carved wooden columns with dancing figures, surrounding a dark sanctuary with checkered gold design and a mandap with astonishly well-preserved frescoes. The Sandeshwar Temple’s chief features are enamel and gold leaf wall paintings and a vaulted and arched ornamental ceiling. The two marble altars are lined with rows of white marble statues of Jain saints.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 5
Bikaner/ Jaisalmer (333 Kms/ 5- 6 Hours)
Breakfast at the Hotel
Morning proceed for Jaisalmer and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit of Lodurva, (16 kms.) the former capital of the Bhatti rulers is just 10 miles (16 km) Northwest of Jaisalmer. The ancient township lies in ruins about the temples. Lodurva is an important place of Jain pilgrimage. Later visit of Bada Bagh (6 kms)- On a rocky eminence, on the road that leads into Jaisalmer stand the marble Royal Cenotaphs (Chhatris) of the Rawals (former kings) in Barra Bagh (Big Garden) where the rulers were cremated. The pillared, canopied chhatri marks the site of each cremation. Despite the bas-relief tablets depicting the ruler along with his consort-satis, this garden of chhatris does not have the despondent atmosphere of a graveyard. It is the best place from which to watch the sensational desert sunset or sunrise.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 6
Jaisalmer
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning city tour- Jaisalmer- 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. Visit the silent 12th century Fort built by Prince Jaisal and the Palace which 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 Hindu 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 Salim Singh ki Haveli, (Salim Singh was the tyrannical Prime Minister of Jaisalmer in the 18th century), Patwon ki Haveli (House of the Brocade Merchants) the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer. Patwas are merchants trading in rich brocades, gold and silver embroidery, sequins and ribbons. This family expanded their business to include opium, banking and revenue collecting. Visit Nathmal ki Haveli the last of the great havelis. Also visit Gadi-sar an artificial lake that was an important source of water in the past. A natural decline was enlarged to catch every drop of rain and, in a season of drought, Gadi-sar was the mainstay of Jaisalmer.
Later in the afternoon visit of Sam Sand Dunes (2 hours) 42 kms- Experience the pace and space of desert life. Ride to the smooth, silky sands of Samm sand dunes where the Raikas (camel drovers) travel with their animals over vast distances and know every waterhole and pasture in their region. They are the best guides. The Raika is a handsome, romantic figure, and in local legends and folk-songs, he is referred to as the messenger of love or the carrier of good or bad tidings.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 7
Jaisalmer/ Jodhpur (294 Kms/ 5-5½ hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Jodhpur and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Afternoon city tour- The city of Jodhpur, with its gentle atmosphere belies a stormy yet glorious past. Its walls, seven gates and numerous bastions and towers were built in the 16th century by Rao Maldeo. 393 feet above the flat surrounding plains soars a bold bluff on which was built the massive Meherangarh (Majestic) Fort. In the old city’s maze of old lanes lie several palaces, havelis and some temples. The famous puppetmakers of Jodhpur are found here. Visit the Sardar Bazar with its Clock Tower of 1912. Visit the fort and palaces, some of which contain a fine collection of Rajput miniature paintings, a museum, Maan Vilas which houses Rathore armoury and on the ramparts stand cannons, the spoils of Gaj Singh. On the road down from the Fort see Jaswant Thada, the blinding white marble cenotaph (chhatri) of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Overnight at Hotel in Vrindavan.
Day 8
Jodhpur/ Udaipur (294 Kms/ 6½-7 Hours including visits)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Udaipur en route visit of Ranakpur. Ranakpur- which is around 185 Kms and a drive of around 3½-4 hour.
Visit of Ranakpur Temples-in a deep, secluded valley at Ranakpur are the most magnificent Jain temples in India. It is an extensive complex covering 3,600 sq. metres and has 29 halls with 1,444 pillars, each unlike the other, intricately covered with delicate carvings, geometrically so designed that if one stands near any pillar, one can see the deity. The central temple is dedicated to Adinath, the Revealer of truth. The temple was constructed in the early 14th century.
No guide is allowed to enter the temple premises and audio guides are provided which are of very high standard
After the visit proceed for Udaipur and on arrival check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 9
In Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for the visit of Eklingji and Nagda Temples- 22 kms. north east of Udaipur is the village of Kailashpuri known for its 108 temples surrounded by a high fortified wall. This 16th century complex is known as Shi Eklingji Temple and since ancient times has been a holy site. Lord Eklingji Nath is the ruler of Mewar state and Manaranas are the dewan of the state of Mewar. The temple was damaged by the Sultan of Delhi (Allaudin Khilji) in 1314, restored by Rana Kumbha and again destroyed by Aurangazeb in the late 16th century. Close by is the village of Nagda (the first capital of Mewar state) which has several temples dating from the 4th century A.D., ancient rock edicts, stone inscriptions and simple prehistoric shrines
Afternoon city tour- Udaipur is one of the most charming cities of Rajasthan. It nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by the green Aravalli hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Old dwellings, temples and palaces speak of an aristocratic past. 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 Maharana Feteh Singh and past the Puppet Museum (Lok Kala Mandal) and the statue of Maharana Pratap (Moti Magri).
Later afternoon / evening boat ride on Lake Pichola (before sunset). This lake takes its name from the small village of Picholi on its west bank. In the lake are several islands. On two of them the maharanas of Udaipur constructed pleasure palaces, the Jag Mandir and the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace Hotel).
Overnight at the hotel
Day 10
Udaipur- Pushkar (280 Kms/ 5-5½ hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Pushkar and on arrival check in at the hotel
Afternoon visits- Pushkar, a small town sacred to the Hindus and now a tourist attraction for its annual camel fair, the largest in the world. Many legends have grown over the origin of Pushkar. According to one of them, a lotus slipped out of Lord Brahma’s hands and fell on the earth. Water gushed out of the spot where it fell. Thus the lake of Pushkar was created in the Thar Desert. 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. The present town was renovated in the ninth century by a Parihar king of Mandor, when he was cured of a skin ailment after a dip in the Pushkar Lake. Pushkar is a maze of temples, ashrams (hermitages) and dharamshalas (rest houses) and one is never far from the sound of worship and devotees. Pushkar lake is bounded by 52 ghats built over the centuries by kings and nobles (Photography is prohibited on the ghats.) For complete cleansing of sins, three twilights must be passed at Pushkar with baths at the three important and revered ghats - Varah, Brahma and Gau Ghats.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 11
Pushkar/ Jaipur (165 Kms/3-3½ hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Jaipur and on arrival check in at the hotel
Late afternoon- panoramic tour of Jaipur followed by the visit of Birla Temple- At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Temple. This temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. Stained glass windows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. Ganesh the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of marble is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance way. The images of Lakshmi and Narayan attract the attention, being made out from one piece of marble. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius. The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel
Overnight at Hotel
Day 12
In Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit Amber Fort- just 7 miles north of Jaipur is Amber with its a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills which can be mounted by elephant. It has been described as “the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan”. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art - panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderest hues
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur- It is the city which has the “tone of the autumn sunset” photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could view the world outside. Jai Singh’s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. City Palace now a museum contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armory.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 13
Jaipur/ Fatehpur Sikri/ Agra (237 Kms/ 6-7 Hours including visits)
Early breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed for Agra en rotue visit of Fatehpur Sikri-37 kms west of Agra lies the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri-an epic poem in red sandstone, built by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and deserted 14 years later because its water supply failed. Its glorious courtyards and palaces conjure up dreams of the mysterious past. The Panch Mahal, a strange building which resembles a Buddhist Temple, a cloistered courtyard which was the Hall of Public audience, and the Pachchisi paved with black and white where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as figurines.
After visit proceed for Agra and on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Late in the afternoon visit of Agra Fort-behind its forbidding red sandstone battlements lie palaces that tell the story of the Moghul Empire. The most impressive part of the Fort are the Dewan-e-Am, where the Emperor sat on his throne to dispense to his subjects, and the Dewan-e-Khas where he received foreign dignitaries.
Morning visit of Taj Mahal at sunrise- Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday)- the greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Shahjehan built her this memorial. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone.
On return breakfast at the hotel
Later in the morning proceed for Delhi and on arrival transfer to the airport to connect flight for Varanasi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 15
In Varanasi
Early Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges- The western banks of Ganges have a string of 84 Ghats (the chain of stone steps) and interestingly each of them has a story to relate. Most of these Ghats built with pavilions, palaces and terraces are mainly used as Dharamsalas (a home for the pilgrims during their visit to the holy city) The sunrise on the Ganges popularly know as Subeh Banaras is a soul-lifting experience. At dawn-the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals At Manikarnika Ghat- Cremation is a continuous process (photography prohibited) A boat ride from the dasaswamedh ghat along the Ghats gives you vantage views of these activity. After the boat cruise on the Ganges through the narrow lanes visiting the Gyanwapi Mosque and the Vishwanath temple popularly known as the Golden Temple (entry restricted to Hindus only) On return breakfast at hotel
Morning visit of Sarnath-10 kms from Varanasi- (3 hours) The Buddha preached his first sermon to five disciples at the Deer Park here, enshrining the principals of his teaching into laws. The Dhamek Stupa marks the location of a once resplendent monastery A large complex of ruined monasteries cover the area north of the stupas. Some of the buildings belong to the Kushan and Gupta period The first monk communities probably settled here in the 3rd century BC Near the Dhamek Stupa is a new monastery built by the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society The major events of Buddha’s life are depicted here in wall paintings by a Japanese artist Sarnath has an interesting archaeological museum which has preserved the famous Sarnath pillar whose capital forms India’s national emblem. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa and Mulgandkuti Vihar.
Late afternoon/ evening Tour on Ganges- In the evening visit Mother India Temple-a unique temple dedicated to Mother India carved with a single piece of marble. The perfect map of undivided India signifies unity in diversity. From here proceed to the Ghats to witness the Aarti Ceremony (Hindu ritual/ prayer of river Ganges at Sunset) on bicycle rickshaws. Passing through the crowded bazaars and galis (old part) of this ancient city, small shops illuminated with beautiful lights followed by a short boat ride on Ganges observe the Aarti ceremony amidst jingling of bells, floating of diyas (traditional lamps) and chanting of mantras give an unforgettable experience indescribable in words. Later return to the hotel with Rickshaws/ your transport.
Overnight at hotel
Day 16
Varanasi/ Delhi by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning at leisure
Rooms foreseen till 12 Noon on this day
Later in transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi
