DAY 01 : ARRIVE IN DELHI
Namaste! Welcome to India.

With a civilization that is over 5,000 years, richly steeped in history; a land that is diverse and colorful, mysterious and exotic; a land that offers a bewildering mix of adventures; the land of the Himalayas, INDIA has some of the most beautiful luxurious resorts to offer to the world, rich architectural marvels to feast your eyes on, and food fit for an Emperor. A visit to India is a power-package of changing spectacles of religions, customs, festivals, sights and sounds.

Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you are given a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel in Delhi.

Overnight stay in DELHI

DAY 02 : DELHI – SIGHTSEEING
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel proceed on a sightseeing tour of DELHI – India’s capital and tourist gateway.

This is a city steeped in history, having seen the rise and fall of many empires, all of which have spawned an interesting mix of cultures, monuments, and handicrafts. What is now known as DELHI was once seven independent cities, with the Delhi of today being the eighth in succession. Each empire also left behind monuments that commemorate important personalities and events, which explains the profusion of local architectural styles. Sightseeing revolves around these monuments from the past, built by the dynasties that ruled in the region.

Start at the Qutub Minar, Delhi’s signature monument, a 72.5 metre high tower dating back to the 13th Century. Then explore the magnificent Mughal monument like Humayun’s Tomb, architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

Visit India Gate and Amar Jyoti, the memorial constructed in the memory of our soldiers. Drive past the triumphant House of Parliament, Presidential Palace, both grandiose masterpieces of the British Raj and end the drive along Rajpath, New Delhi’s broadest avenue. Continue onwards to
Jantar Mantar, a famous astronomical observatory with masonry instruments, built by Jai Singh the astronomer king. Minutes away lies the National Museum with its collection of artifacts spanning several centuries.

Get spiritual with a visit to The Birla Temple; also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple & enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city.House sit Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful

This afternoon your attention focuses on Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. Geographically and culturally, there is a fine dividing line between Old and New Delhi.

Visit the imposing Red Fort, the opulent residence of Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline. Just across lies Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and adjacent is Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s vibrant nerve centre, a busy, bustling commercial centre literally bursting at the seams. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the Bazaar and end the day with a visit to Raj Ghat—the cremation site of the Father of the Nation.

Enjoy a welcome Dinner with Cultural Dances & Music at Chor Bizzare Restaurant.

Overnight stay in DELHI

DAY 03 : DELHI – AGRA by road (Journey time: approx. 04 ½ hours)
AGRA is universally famous as the City of the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument to love, and the most photographed building in the world. Agra has a rich and old history. It finds mention in the Mahabharata (3rd Century B.C.) in which it is called Agrabana or ‘Paradise City’. It was the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th Centuries, and many of its monuments were built during their reign. The city reached its zennith in the period 1556-1658 under the successive rules of Akbar, Shah Jehan, and Jehangir. Akbar’s reign was the most memorable in the city’s history, when it visibly became a leading centre of art, commerce, and culture. Thenceforth it continued to draw intellectuals and artists to its darbars and havelis.
Visit the Agra Fort, the huge red-sandstone construction built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. It is shaped like an irregular triangle, encircled by two and a half km of walls, 21 metres high, and surrounded by a 10-metre wide moat. Its vast interiors contain Akbar Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-I-Am (Hall of Public Audience), and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).

And finally, we arrive at the magnificent monument to the memory of love, the Taj Mahal. The Taj is essentially an emperor’s testimony to love, and has become synonymous not only with the city but with the whole of India. Its fame brings people from far and wide, eager to see and feel its pristine beauty. Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the monument made of white marble, is a fine example of symmetry, balance of design and traditional inlay work. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity of viewing this magnificent edifice in the warm glow of sunset.

Overnight stay in AGRA

DAY 04 : AGRA – JAIPUR (Journey Time: approx. 05 hours)
After breakfast, drive down to JAIPUR via Fatehpur Sikri

Visit the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Akbar built. Predominantly red sandstone buildings sprawl over a huge area. The architectural style is very much in tune with the emperor’s dreams and includes both Hindu and Muslim styles. The shortage of water at the site was one of the main reasons for it being deserted.

Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at Hotel.

Universally known as the ‘Pink City’, thanks to its pink sandstone buildings, Jaipur is the gateway to Rajasthan and the fabled Thar Desert. Considered to be among the world’s first planned cities, it combines architectural beauty with rich heritage and culture. Not surprisingly, it’s among India’s premier tourist destinations. Jaipur owes its founding and name to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh 11 who laid out the city in a systematic way with surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, with the walled city featuring seven gates. It is this old part that boasts of the famous historical buildings that have given Jaipur such fame. Jaipur’s charm stems from its heritage. Swirling crowds, brightly dressed people, hustle and bustle, and an atmosphere thick with the aroma of spices, create a distinct world in itself. Jaipur offers exciting bargains in handicrafts, block-printed textiles, paintings and bric a brac. But the real buy is silverware and jewellery, the Pink City being India’s jewellery capital, particularly famed for its ‘kundan’ work jewellery.

Overnight stay in JAIPUR

DAY 05 : JAIPUR
After an early breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a guided tour of Jaipur City

Begin with a visit to the Amber Fort. Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerful ally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant heralded by musicians from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

In the old city, still encircled by a crenellated wall, visit the Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” Jaipur’s central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without being seen. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. The Maharajah’s observatory, Jantar Mantar, originally built in the city’s early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky.

Evening is at leisure for some exciting shopping

Overnight stay in JAIPUR

DAY 06 : JAIPUR – JODHPUR (Journey Time: approx. 06 hours)
After breakfast, drive down to Jodhpur.

On arrival in Jodhpur, checkin at hotel

The Thar Desert has always had a magical allure, conjuring up visions of camel safaris and veiled denizens of this hardy land. All this comes together in Jodhpur which stands on the edge of the Thar Desert, a city studded with lakes, palaces and temples.
For long, a citadel of promise and hope for locals, it is today a major trading centre, bustling town and popular tourist destination. This is a proud city with a proud past, perhaps the most Rajput-oriented of all Rajasthani cities.

In the afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. A monument not to be missed is the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur’s main monument, a massive structure topping a sheer, rocky hill in the middle of town, totally dominating the landscape. Among the most impressive in fort-studded Rajasthan, Mehrangarh is grim, grand, almost awesome in its physical proportions, its solid walls breached by seven formidable gates.

Continue onward to Jaswant Thanda, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh 11, a pretty building with an unusual façade and a collection of portraits of the various local rulers.

Overnight stay in JODHPUR

DAY 07 : JODHPUR – UDAIPUR (Journey Time: approx. 05 hours)
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Udaipur via Ranakpur
Ranakpur is famous for the Jain Temples, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

On arrival in Udaipur check in at your hotel

Basking in the glory of its natural beauty, historical legacy, and fabulous palaces, Udaipur shows Rajasthan’s most colorful face and holds special charm for romanticists and for those with an eye for days gone by. Udaipur is an oasis in the desert, a white city built on three lakes – Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Swaroop Sagar, good enough to give it the title of ‘Venice of the East’.
While the lakes contribute to its physical appeal and beauty, Udaipur’s main attraction is the cluster of stately structures built by its rulers.

Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola

Overnight stay in UDAIPUR

DAY 08 : UDAIPUR
After breakfast in the hotel, proceed on a guided tour of Udaipur City

Visit the City Palace, a stately domed and turreted structure that makes fantastic reflections in Pichola Lake. The maze of corridors and courts that make up its vast interiors, show exquisite tile and mosaic work and miniature paintings in wall frescoes, best seen in its palaces like the Krishna Vilas. Continue onward to ‘Saheliyon ki Bari’(women’s garden), the former haunt of the women of the court. A well laid out garden with fountains in a quiet setting, it is the perfect isolated retreat.
Move on to the Doll’s Museum, a world of stuffed dolls and figurines, dressed in brilliantly bright costumes, depicting particular sects or clans.

Evening at leisure to pursue own activities

Overnight stay in UDAIPUR

DAY 09 : UDAIPUR – PUSHKAR (Journey Time: approx. 05 hours)
After breakfast, continue onwards to Pushkar

Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century AD and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 AD when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city’s history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.

Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif Tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. Visit the DARGAH.

Reach Pushkar by noon and check in at your hotel

Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem – Pushkar. Lord Brahma – The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

Overnight stay in PUSHKAR

DAY 10 : PUSHKAR – KISHANGARH – DELHI
(Journey time: approx. 07 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Kishangarh
KISHANGARH is situated on the National Highway 8 in the Center of Rajasthan, 100 Km South West of Jaipur. It is primarily known for its world famous Miniature Paintings and Handicrafts and for the largest marble and granite cutting industry in the Country.

Around the fort of Kishangarh is the moat and garden – on which “Phool Mahal” was built in AD 1870 and was the Palace of the flowers for the Maharaja’s of Kishangarh A private residence of the Royal Family of Kishangarh opens for the discerning traveler. The Palace has lovely views of centuries old “Gundalao Lake” – where herons fly and peacocks strut in fanned delight. The lake water beneath the graceful Palace is a paradise to flamingoes, pelicans, wild duck and the sarus crane

After Lunch, drive back to Delhi

Transfer to Airport for your international flight

IMPORTANT
• THE TAJ MAHAL is closed on Fridays
• RED FORT & LOTUS TEMPLE in DELHI are closed on Mondays