Bringing the world to India….

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Day 01 Arrival at Delhi:

Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport. (It will be very late and early morning of 9th)

Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land.  A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 02 Delhi:
Have a leisurely breakfast at hotel. 
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
       
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.

In the evening you will proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 03 Delhi – Jodhpur:
By Flight
Airline                  : Jet Airways
Flight Number          : 9W 3311
Equipment          : ATR Jet
Departure           : 1205 hr.
Arrival                  : 1325 hr.
Jodhpur – Camel Camp (OSIYAN): By Road 80 km in 2 hr

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to the airport for flight to Jodhpur.

Reach and drive to OSIYAN for checking into the CAMEL CAMP.

Osiyan was a religious and trading center between the 8th and 12th centuries. Sixteen Hindu and Jain temples dating from this period are located here. Dominated by the Jains during this period, the town has special significance for Jains because it is associated with the origin of the Oswal Jain community of merchants who became very wealthy through trade. This wealth enabled them to build the beautiful temples. Built from local sandstone, the buildings have withstood time and are in excellent condition.

Start the desert safari and enjoy the visit to the temples. Pass through villages and soak in the rustic lifestyle of the Indian heartland.

Enjoy the sunset at the desert and come back to the camp for a lively cultural program with dinner.

Overnight will be at the camp. 

Day 04 Jodhpur: By Road 80 km in 2 hr

Enjoy breakfast at the camp.

Start for Jodhpur and reach by lunch.

Set at the edge of the THAR Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the RATHORE clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the RAMAYANA. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

Enjoy the sightseeing tour of Jodhpur during the afternoon – gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel.  Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

In the evening have dinner at the PAL HAVELI rooftop restaurant with a fantastic view of the fort.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 05 Jodhpur – Udaipur: By Road 260 km in 6 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Start for Udaipur and on your way stop at LUNI for a village safari.

Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate "Jharokas"; it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age. The fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards towers, water, wheels, stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone days. The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors.

The village elders solemnly reflect the changing times under shady trees, while the children enjoy running around narrow carefree streets. The women, swaying in their brilliant Rajasthani colours go about their daily chores to give water and sustenance to the village.

Drive to Ranakpur.

The RANAKPUR TEMPLES date 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

Have a hot lunch and proceed to Udaipur through the winding roads of ARAVALLIS.

Check in at the awesome hotel in the middle of the lake.

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the SISODIA dynasty for 1200 Years.

Relax in the evening and spend night at Udaipur.

Day 06 Udaipur:

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. 

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.  From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.  Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 07 Udaipur – Deogarh: By Road 70 km in 1 & ½ hr

Breakfast will be at the palace.

Drive to Deogarh at leisure after enjoying the palace.

Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80 miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful hall of mirrors, is just one of them.

Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century. It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside. With its old battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways, it is a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about 2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan. Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced. And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are now open to the guests.

Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel about 3 years ago, by the present owner Rawal-Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minutest details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan.

Enjoy your day walking the town and meeting the villagers. Also enjoy the short VILLAGE LOCAL TRAIN and feed the monkeys. (Harmless but this is optional)

Overnight will be at the DEOGARH MAHAL.

 Day 08 Deogarh – Pushkar: By Road 180 km in 3 hr

Breakfast will be at the palace.

Proceed for sightseeing of the place around the town.

ANJANESHWAR MAHADEV: It is an extraordinary cave temple believed to be 2,000 years old. This ruined temple is situated on an island in the Raghosagar Lake.

GOKAL VILAS: This magnificent palace situated over a hillock is the home of the present Rawat. Set in a picturesque locale around Raghosagar Lake, the palace is around 200 years old.

Drive to Pushkar.

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. The place is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which attracts those in search of some respite from the tumult of India. Pushkar is right on the edge of the desert and is separated from AJMER by NAG PAHAR – the snake mountain.

The town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Puhskar is a very important pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on a spiritual search).

Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. 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. It is also often referred to as the rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over.

Enjoy the sightseeing of the GHATS and the temples. Take a CAMEL CART ride through the small town.

Spend evening at the front courtyard. Overnight will be at PUSHKAR.

Day 09 Pushkar – Ranthambhore:  By Road 290 km in 6 hr

Enjoy the morning at the hotel and have breakfast.

Drive to Ranthambhore.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger Den being the closest.

It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve. The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.

Reach and in the evening retire early. Overnight will be at the resort.

Day 10 Ranthambhore:

Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort / lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.

Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.

In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 – 1800 hr and then return to the resort / lodge.

Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.

Day 11 Ranthambhore – Bharatpur:
TRAIN NAME          : Golden Temple Express
TRAIN NO.           : 2903
DEPARTURE     : 1240 hr
ARRIVAL             : 1508 hr
Bharatpur – Agra: By Road 55 km in 1 hr

Enjoy the morning game drive tracking tigers and other wild animals.

Return to enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Take train to Bharatpur and drive to FATEHPUR SIKRI.

The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.

Enjoy sightseeing and drive to Agra.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.  A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Enjoy the view of TAJ MAHAL from your private balcony. Relax at the hotel.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 12 Agra – Jaipur: By Road 221 km in 6 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing of the MOGHUL CITY.

TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.   

Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT – Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

Visit Itmadullah’s Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).

Drive to Jaipur and reach by evening.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.

This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes,representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.

Overnight will be in Jaipur.

Day 13 Jaipur:

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
       
AMBER FORT PALACE – Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Continue sightseeing.

CITY PALACE – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
       
JANTAR MANTAR – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
       
HAWA MAHAL – The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 14 Jaipur – Delhi: By Road 221 km in 6 hr

Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel.

Start HOLI CELEBRATIONS at the hotel itself.

Enjoy yourselves with color and then proceed to a local home for celebrating it with an Indian family.

Freshen up at the hotel and proceed to watch the ELEPHANT PARADE to the polo ground.

Be the honored guests at the match and then after the prize distribution leave for Delhi.

Reach later in the evening and check in at the hotel close to the airport.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 15 Delhi – Home:

Leave very early (4 AM) for flight to the next destination / home with sweet memories of India.

TOUR ENDS

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

• SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
• DOUBLE SHARING ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
• AIR-CONDITIONED SUV AT DISPOSAL WITH DRIVER,
• ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
• MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
• DAILY BREAKFASTS AT HOTELS,
• ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
• DANCES OF INDIA SHOW IN DELHI,
• PRIVATE BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA IN UDAIPUR,
• ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT – JAIPUR,
• HOLI FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS AT JAIPUR,
• ELEPHANT POLO MATCH PASSES AT JAIPUR,
• ALL MEALS AT OSIYAN CAMEL CAMP IN OSIYAN,
• CAMEL SAFARI (SHORT) IN PRIVATE CAMELS AT OSIYAN,
• THREE GAME DRIVES / TIGER SAFARIS IN JEEPS AT RANTHAMBHORE,
• NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES,
• ALL MEALS AT RANTHAMBHORE,
• ECONOMY CLASS AIRFARE BY FULL SERVICE AIRLINE FROM JODHPUR – DELHI,
• FOREST GUIDE CUM TIGER TRACKER FOR ALL SAFARIS,
• AIR-CONDITIONED FIRST CLASS TRAIN TRAVEL WHERE APPLICABLE,
• ASSISTANCE AT THE STATIONS WHERE APPLICABLE,
• ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
• LUNCH AT DEOGARH ON THE DAY YOU REACH,
• CAMEL CART RIDE AT PUSHKAR,
• DINNER AT PAL HAVELI, JODHPUR,
• 24 HOUR MOBILE PHONE CONTACT WITH TOUR MANAGER / DURJAY,
• PERSONAL CAMELS FOR THE SHORT CAMEL RIDE AND
• ALL PARKING, ROAD TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES.

HOTELS:

City	Suggested Heritage Deluxe & Luxury Hotels	Nights
DELHI	IMPERIAL / THE OBEROI	02
OSIYAN	REGGIES CAMEL CAMP	01
JODHPUR	UMAID BHAWAN PALACE	01
UDAIPUR	LAKE PALACE (LUXURY ROOM)	02
DEOGARH	DEOGARH MAHAL	01
PUSHKAR	PUSHKAR PALACE	01
RANTHAMBHORE	VANYAVILAS	02
AGRA	AMARVILAS	01
JAIPUR	RAJVILAS	02
DELHI	RADISSON	01