Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

 

Fly to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel.

 

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing.

Breakfast at hotel

Morning start sightseeing of India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’ past.

We will start our tour by visiting Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658 ; Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648 ; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the India Gate, the Presidents House & the Parliament. Visit Humayun's Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture ; Qutab Minar. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).

 

Day 3: Delhi to Mukandgarh (242 kms & 6 hrs)

 

Today we immediately drive into the countryside to the small heritage town of Alsisar located in the Shekhawati region. Not as well known as Mandawa, Alsisar provides the visitor a non commercialised picture of village life in rural Rajasthan. The whole area of Shekhawati has beautiful frescoes, havelis & mansions and is often referred to as an open air gallery. Our accommodation tonight is in a restored heritage haveli.

 

Day 4: Mukandgarh to Bikaner (164 kms & 4 hrs)

 

We continue to head west and drive to Bikaner, a major desert town in northern Rajasthan which was founded in 1488. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenulated wall and was once an important staging post on the great caravan routes. Upon arrival we visit the Junagarh Fort and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the mediaeval streets to the old city Bazaar.

 

Day 5: Bikaner to Jaisalmer (280 kms & 6 hrs)

 

Driving to Jaisalmer we visit the village of Deshnok, which lies 33 km south of Bikaner and is known mainly for the 17th century Karni Mata temple. Upon arrival in Jaisalmer we have an orientation tour and visit the local markets, before an evening visit to Sunset Point.

 

Day 6: Jaisalmer

 

Jaisalmer was founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156 AD and dubbed the Golden City because of the honey colour imparted to its yellow sandstone walls by the setting sun. Today we visit the Jaisalmer Fort which contains beautifully carved Jain temples and the Badal Vilas Palace, the former ruler’s 20th century home. We also visit some impressive merchant mansions (havelis). Later this afternoon we visit a Khuri village to see the sand dunes and sunset. Return to Jaisalmer for dinner.

 

Day 7: Jaisalmer to Manvar (230 kms & 5 hrs)

 

This morning we drive into the Thar Desert to Manvar. This afternoon is our camel and jeep safari to local Bishnoi villages to meet the locals. The Bishnois follow 29 principles of a non-violent Vaishanavas sect, founded in the 15th century by Jambeswarji. Tonight we will have a memorable stay in a tented camp in the desert. (Manvar Resort if camp unavailable)

 

Day 8: Manvar to Jodhpur (70 kms & 1.30 hrs)

Today we leave our camp and drive to Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan.

 

Day 9: Jodhpur

 

The massive Meherangarh Fort overlooks the city and the red sandstone palaces within the fort form one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Our afternoon half-day city tour visits the Fort and the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace.

 

Day 10: Jodhpur to Udaipur (260 kms & 5 hrs)

 

After breakfast we drive to Udaipur via Ranakpur, located about 90 km from Udaipur and home to the largest Jain temple complex in India dating to the 15th century. This afternoon we can relax at the hotel before leaving for our sunset boat cruise on the 4 km long Lake Pichola, which is fringed with hills, palaces, havelis, ghats and temples and is the location of the Lake Palace Hotel and Jagmandir Island Palace.

 

Day 11: Udaipur

 

This morning we visit Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens (the Garden for the Maids of Honour), the Folk Museum and a Miniature Painting Factory. After lunch we visit the massive City Palace and then walk down through the local streets and shops before catching auto rickshaws back to our bus. This evening we enjoy an enchanting dinner at Baghore Ki Haveli overlooking Lake Pichola and the lights of the havelis surrounding the lake.

 

Day 12: Udaipur to Kota (270 kms & 6 hrs)

 

After breakfast we drive to Kota en-route visiting Chittorgarh, the capital of the former Rajput State Mewar. The building of Kota began in 1264 but the town did not reach its present size till the late 17th century.

 

Day 13: Kota to Pushkar via Bundi (220 kms & 5 hrs)

 

Continuing north we drive to Pushkar en-route visiting Bundi’s massive Taragarh Fort and the huge palace beneath it. The village of Pushkar lies 11 kms from Ajmer on the edge of the desert. At its heart is one of India’s most sacred lakes. There are 52 ghats around the lake, and numerous temples. Apart from its religious significance, Pushkar is known for its Cattle and Camel fair held every year in the festival month of Kartik (October - November). Being a religious town, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are taboo.

 

Day 14: Pushkar to Jaipur (145 kms & 3 hrs)

We continue on to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” arriving later in the afternoon.

 

Day 15: Jaipur

 

Today is spent touring the sights of Jaipur. Starting with a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and the local shops nearby, we then drive to the palace and fortress at Amer. After trying our hand in some block printing and carpet weaving we stop for lunch before visiting the Jaipur City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. We visit the local shops inside the walled city before returning to our hotel.

 

Day 16: Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park (185 kms & 4 hrs)

 

Leaving Jaipur we head south to Ranthambore National Park, one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport was responsible for their conservation and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight.

 

Day 17: Ranthambore National Park

 

Today enjoy morning and afternoon game viewing by jeeps around an estimated area of 400 sq kms of game reserve. Apart from wildlife viewing we will also visit the Ranthambore Fort built in the 10th century, which commands a panoramic view of the Tiger Reserve. The fort also houses some splendid monuments within its precincts.

 

Day 18: Ranthambore National Park to Agra (300 kms & 6 hrs)

 

Today we board our train to Bharatpur and drive to Agra with a stop along the way at Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ghost city built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Agra rose to fame in the mediaeval period as the capital of the Moghul Empire and was embellished with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. In modern times, the city of Agra still supports a thriving carpet industry and leather workers, sandstone and marble sculptors.

Day 19: Agra

 

This morning we rise early and arrive by horse drawn carriage ‘tongas’ to view the Taj Mahal in all its glory at sunrise. After breakfast we view the stone inlay craftsmen at work at the marble factory. After lunch we visit Agra Fort. Later this afternoon enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the old streets of Agra to a local establishment with a rooftop bar overlooking the nearby Taj Mahal for a sunset drink. Return by rickshaw to dinner.

 

Day 20: Agra to Delhi (203 kms & 4 hrs)

 

This morning we leave Agra and drive to Delhi stopping at Sikandra and the sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar en-route. After lunch upon arrival in Delhi, we visit Qutab Minar and the mausoleum of Emperor Humayun before stopping at Connaught Place markets for some local shopping. We then check-in to our hotel in preparation for our farewell dinner.

 

Day 21: Depart Delhi

Early Morning transfer to airport for flight back to Home.