Day 01: 5th Nov’ 2019: Arrive Delhi  (Flight: TBA)

Arrive at Delhi International Airport. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. Our executive will page you by your name. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the hotel for check-in.  Stay overnight in Delhi. (No Meal)

Day 02: 6th Nov’ 2019: Delhi Sightseeing

In the morning, start the sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Jama Masjid - literally meaning the Friday Mosque; India’s principal and biggest mosque. Chandni Chowk - Shahjahanabad’s Main Street in 1650, facing the majestic Red Fort. It originally had a central canal running down its full length, and when moonlight reflected off the water it got the name Chandni Chowk or ‘Avenue of Moonlight’. The canals have long since gone and it is now a chaotically bustling area, typical of real India, containing a mix of stalls, shops, food outlets and temples. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. The locals go shopping here like nowhere else Next, two renowned 17th-century landmarks: Lal Qila - the Red Fort palaces which we drive pass followed by visit to Humayun Tomb (1565 AD) aptly called predecessor of Taj Mahal, built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid-16th century, this red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best examples of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the tomb. Later visit 72 meter high Qutab Minar (12th Century AD)- one of the most perfect tower in the world, nearby amidst the ruins of Quwat-Ul-Islam Mosque Stands the iron pillar which does not rust and has stood the vagaries of weather for 1500 years, India Gate (The country memorial to the unknown soldiers), drive past embassy area (Diplomatic Enclave), Govt. Building (1921-30AD) Central Secretariat, President's House, Parliament House, India Gate (War Memorial – WWII). Stay overnight in Delhi. (B)

Day 03: 7th Nov’ 2019: Delhi – Agra        

Morning we will drive to Agra which has a rich historical background, amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. In the mid-16th century and early 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzy of building activity, including the Taj Mahal. The structures build during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality and is still reflecting in the monuments remaining today. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for some time in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Arrive and check in at hotel. Later this afternoon we’ll start the guided sightseeing of Agra, Visit the impressive 16th century Agra Fort, which was constructed in 1565 by Akbar with later additions made by his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shahjehan. Continue to the white marble Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah, commissioned by the wife of Jahangir in 1622 as the tomb for her father. Described as 'jewel box', or the 'Baby Taj', it is regarded by many as a draft of the Taj Mahal, being the first building to be coated in white marble inlaid with very detailed pietra dura inlay.  Stay overnight at Agra (B)

Day 04: 8th Nov’ 2019: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur

Start your day with early morning visit to the famous Taj Mahal, a monument of love created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal; it is the most perfect marble built architectural monument in the world. It lies on the banks of the river Yamuna and is constructed completely of white makrana marble embedded with several precious gems like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, coral and diamonds. It is symbolic of the purest kind of love that transcends all differences and keeps people together. The breathtakingly beautiful landscape around the Taj Mahal adds to the magic of Mughal architecture. After the visit return back to hotel for breakfast. (Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays)

After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Ranthambhore. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri–an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 1571 Akbar constructed Fatehpur (Victory) Sikri city exactly as we see it today, as the new capital of the Mughal Empire replacing the perfectly viable Agra just 37 km away, which was left almost deserted. But after only fifteen years, Fatehpur itself was abandoned and left as an evocative ghost-town because they say of a lack of water! The perfectly preserved red sandstone buildings consist of palaces, courtyards, a life-size chess board, tombs and mosques. We visit the Diwan-e-Khas (Private Audience Hall) with its remarkable central pillar. Also unmissable is Panch Mahal, the five-storied structure used as the viewing station for the hareem . Later continue with drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel, evening is to relax at the hotel. Enjoy hunting through the colorful and chaotic streets, shopping for souvenirs like silver jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, topaz and emeralds, embroidered clothing and quilts, block printed textiles, lacquered brass work, leather footwear, miniature marble carvings and blue potteries. Besides shopping one can also watch the skillful artisans at work. While walking down the lanes you will also witness the cultural heritage of the city unfolding a legacy of the royal past. Stay overnight in Jaipur. (B)

Day 05: 9th Nov’ 2019: Jaipur Sightseeing                                                                         

Morning after an early breakfast proceed for guided visit of Amber Fort, En-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace); built-in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh at a time when women of the royal family had to observe strict purdah, it is believed that this palace was built for them to take pleasure in the processions and various activities taking place in the streets below without showing themselves and thus enjoying a sense of freedom. Continue your morning with Amber Fort excursion, the ancient capital of Rajasthan and the majestic palace complex to witness a unique system of air-conditioning of 17th century. The most enthralling experience of Amber Fort is the gaily decorated elephant ride. A beautiful complex of Palaces, halls, pavilions, garden and temples built by Raja Mansingh, Mirza Raja Jaisingh and Sawai Jaisingh over a period of about two centuries, it still stands in magnificent state. The red sandstone and white Marble palace has some very interesting apartments- Diwan-I-Am, Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir, Man Singh Palace and Shila Devi Temple.

Afternoon proceed for guided tour of Jaipur city starting with City Palace Museum; boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures of the ancient past, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles (haudas), and is registered in the Guinness Book of Records to contain the biggest silver objects in the world. Conclude your day with a visit to Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh is a complex of astronomical instruments, chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to this day. Later return to the hotel. Stay overnight in Jaipur. (B)

Day 06: 10th Nov’ 2019: Jaipur – Pushkar     

We will leave early this morning and drive west to Pushkar, the charming and usually peaceful Hindu pilgrimage centre and home of the only temple in India dedicated to the god of creation Lord Brahma. Puskar is also popular worldwide for its famous Puskar Camel Fair, India’s highly rated travel experience, a spectacle attracting 3,00,000 people and up to 20,000 camels, cattle and horses. This year we will join the unique Camel Fair which happens each November at the time of the Kartik Purnima full moon. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Later proceed to explore the world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair, an extraordinary event. Please don’t be shy to get involved! Stay for two nights in Pushkar. (B, L, D)

Day 07: 11th Nov’ 2019: Pushkar

Early morning hike to the hilltop Savitri temple to watch the sunrise over this holy place. Pushkar is surrounded by many hills one of the hills on the southwest houses the Savitri Temple. Climb uphill but the views are wonderful and worthwhile. Idols of both Savitri and Gayatri are now installed at the Savitri temple. You can even get a chai (tea) up there but after that morning walk, there is nothing better than spending time at one of the many cafes in town. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. Hop on to the decorated camel cart especially waiting for you to proceed to the Pushkar fairground, for a day filled with fun, frolic and enjoyment. Experience how rural India celebrate their life, be the part of various exciting activities going on at the Mela Ground, be it folk dance or music performed by the rural artisans, decorated camel dancing on their master’s command, turban tying competition, a camel race or rope pulling, you yourself might be part of some of these activities. Enjoy shopping like a local, hunting through the lined shops for colourful bangles, hairpins, trinket jewellery, rural household items etc. Stay overnight at Pushkar. (B, L, D)

Day 08: 12th Nov’ 2019: Pushkar – Jodhpur      

Today you will experience the feeling of travelling back in time with a journey to Jodhpur, while you catch a glimpse of the splendour and magnificence of this ancient desert city built on the edge of the Thar Desert. At its best, it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. Rest of the day is free to explore the rustic rural life of the locals. The folks here wear nice and lovely multihued costumes. The bazaars have a range of items from tie and dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets to the exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery. Stay Overnight in Jodhpur. (B)

Day 09: 13th Nov’ 2019: Jodhpur

Morning proceeds for guided sightseeing tour of Jodhpur and visits Mehrangarh Fort; one of the largest forts in India, the beauty and grandeur of numerous palaces inside narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures and to enter, seven gates have to be crossed. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the ramparts of the fort are well preserved. Also, visit Old city; surrounded by a 10km long wall, has 8 gates serving as entrances, the winding streets offer colourful street markets with blue houses alternated with white houses and Clock tower; a prominent landmark. Evening get yourself painted with Henna, the ancient Indian form of Tattoo, for over five thousand years, henna has served as a symbol of good luck, health and sensuality in the Indian sub-continent. Stay overnight at Jodhpur. (B)

Day 10: 14th Nov’ 2019 : Jodhpur – Udaipur

Morning drive to Udaipur, en-route pass lush green valleys, streams and heart capturing views before visiting Ranakpur, with intricately carved marble Pillars and Domes. Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravalli ranges, it boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. On arrival check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Stay for two nights at Udaipur. (B)

 

Day 11: 15th Nov’ 2019: Udaipur

Today enjoy your sightseeing tour in Udaipur, founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1568, Udaipur is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola with lush green hills of the Aravalli surroundings, making it the most romantic city of Rajasthan. A vision in white drenched in beauty, the city is a fascinating blend of sights and sounds. The rich cultural, social and natural heritage, aesthetic beauty and ecological richness, preserved through the lakes, serene and opulent hilly ranges, lush green vegetation, pleasant gardens and harmonious built forms present a unique condition of scenic beauty. Visit City Palace Complex & Saheliyon-Ki-Bari. We also visit the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir which is an Indian folk art museum and has interesting exhibits that include folks dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folks musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Evening enjoys a Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola (excluding stop at Jag Mandir), an artificial freshwater lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of the several contiguous lakes and developed over the last few centuries in and around the famous Udaipur city. The lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighbourhood. Stay overnight at Udaipur. (B) 

Day 12: 16th Nov’ 2019: Udaipur – Departure  (Flight:  TBA)

After breakfast transfer to Udaipur airport to board the flight for your onward journey. (B)

 

***Tour Ends***