Day 01 – Europe / Delhi

On arrival at Delhi international airport, traditional welcome and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. One of the most historic capitals in the world, Delhi is a treasure trove that reveals the ultimate combination of tradition and trends. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11^th to 20^th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Its many-layered existence is tantalizing and can entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery.

Day 02 – Delhi

After breakfast leave for full day city tour visiting Qutab Minar, India gate (war memorial), Lakshminarayan Temple – modern Hindu temple, drive past President’s House, Parliament House & Secretariat Building. Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi visit Rajghat & Shanti Vana (the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru), Jama Masjid and drive past Red fort and Chandni Chowk. Overnight in hotel.

Day 03 Delhi – Mandawa (Car)

After early breakfast leave for Mandawa (268 Kms / 6 – 7 hrs drive approx).   Arrive and check-in hotel. After lunch visit the painted havelis in this region covering Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Dundlod and Fatehpur. Overnight in hotel.

Mandawa,inspite of its presence in the desert part of Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, you will see a myriad of colours where every home is adorned with gaily painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape.Traditionally, this was the stronghold of Rao Shekhaji, who founded a dynasty here and gave it his name.

Mandawa, a remote feudal township in the centre of the Shekhawati region, was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. The Rajput ruler of Mandawa, Thakur Nawal Singh, built a fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. The township that grew around the fort soon attracted a large community of traders, who settled here.When the caravan traffic ceased in the late 18th century, the traders created business empires in other parts of the country, but returned to Mandawa to build palatial mansions in their hometown.And nowadays these Mansions are the main attraction of the beautifully crafted village, Mandawa.

Day 04 – Mandawa – Bikaner (Car)

After breakfast leave for Bikaner (164 Kms / 4 Hrs approx). On arrival check-in hotel. Later sightseeing of Bikaner includes Karni Mata Temple, Junagarh Fort and city. Overnight in hotel.

Bikaner was founded in 1488 and is situated on an elevated ground, surrounded by a 7 km long fortified wall with five entrance gates. An elegant fort built between 1588 and 1593 dominates the city. The fort and palace are built in the red sandstone that identifies Bikaner. The city is also known for its intricately carved Jharokas, stone screens found on the windows of the Junagarh fort, temples and havelis. Bikaner was and is the centre for Usta Art, a generic term for the Manoti-Naqqashi (embossed and unembossed floral and geometric patterned objects layered with gold) media produced by Usta family master artistans of Bikaner. One of the best known exports of the city is Bikaneri Bhujia, a spicy snack made from moth dal, spices and edible oil. Asia’s large camel farm is located here.

Day 05- Bikaner – Jodhpur (Car)

Afterbreakfast drive to Jodhpur (242 kms / 6 hrs approx) via Nagaur, Khimsar and Osiyan. On arrival chech-in hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 – Jodhpur

Full day to explore Jodhpur visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill, including Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Visit Jaswant Thanda an imposing marble memorium built in 1899 and the Museum located in the Umaid public gardens. Overnight in hotel.

Mehrangarh Fort,situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort’s ramparts are well preserved.

Jaswant Thada,close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.Umaid Bhawan Palace,the romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family – weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies

Day 07 – Jodhpur – Pushkar (Car)

After breakfast drive to Pushkar (236 kms / 5 hrs approx). On arrival check-in hotel. Afternoon visit the various temples and the sacred Pushkar Lake Pushkar Fair is world famous & normally is during the months of October or November. The only Temple of Lord Brahma, “The Creator of universe as per Hindu Mythology” in the world exists in this small town. Overnight in hotel.

Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated at 14 km North West from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called “Tirth Raj” – the king of pilgrimage sites – and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. It has five principal temples, many smaller temples and 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters. One of the primary temples is the 14th century temple dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include those at Besakih in Bali, Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India, village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan and Prambanan in Indonesia.

Day 08 -Pushkar – Jaipur (Car)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur (131 kms / 2 hrs approx). On arrival check-in Hotel.   Afternoon proceed for half day tour of Jaipur city the capital city of the state of Rajasthan popularly known as “Pink City”. The buildings in the old walled city are constructed in pink-coloured sandstone. Overnight in hotel.

Day 09 – Jaipur

After breakfast leave for excursion to Amber Fort, enjoy elephant ride up the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in hotel.

A Joy ride on elephants Back up to the Fort is real fun. Amer fort built in the 17th century, the Palace is a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is so delicately ornamented with find inlay work that it glows. The fort of Jaigarh, crowing the summit of a peak is of amazing beauty and grandeur. After visiting fort, drive back to city of Jaipur enroute visit Handicrafts factory / cottage industry – housing rajasthani handicrafts-, Gem stones and Antiques for which Jaipur is worldwide famous. Lunch at any restaurant, followed by city Tours drive past the pink city, visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Rajminder Theater.

Day 10 – Jaipur – Agra (Car)

After early breakfast drive to Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri built by emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. On arrival in Agra check-in hotel. Afternoon visit the world famous Taj Mahal, Agra fort and Tomb of Itmad – ud- daula. Overnight stay at hotel.

Agra – globally renowned as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal,a symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Day 11 –  Agra – Jhansi (Superfast Train) – Khajuraho (car)

Early morning transfer to Agra Cantt railway station to board train Shatabdi express for Jhansi dep: 0800, arr: 1024. On arrival in Jhansi, proceed to Khajuraho (172 kms / 4 hrs approx) en-route visit orchha. Proceed to Khajuraho. On arrival check-in hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight at hotel.

Orchha City Details: Raj Mahal, the first palace within the Orccha citadel was built by Raja RudraPratap, but completed by his successor, Madhukar Shah. Rani-ka-Mahal, built for Madhukar Shah’s wife, is of notable interest. Her ornate bedroom was decorated with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Ramayana and various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Jehangir Mahal built by Bir Singh Deo is probably the most striking palace in Orchha with its elegant hanging balconies, countless windows with stone pierced screens and a beautiful gateway decorated with turquoise tiles. It was built in honour of Mughal emperor Jehangir during his visit to Orchha. The painted palace of Rai Praveen Mahal was built for the beautiful courtesan and poetess, Rai Praveen, by Raja Indramani, who had great affection for her. Sheesh Mahal built in the 18^th century has little of its past splendour, but offers sweeping views of the town from the terraces. It’s a heritage hotel now.Many havelis dot the town of Orchha, of which Dauji-ki-haveli significantly stands out. Among the temples, Laxmi Narayan Temple and Chatturbhuj Temple are quite famous. While the former temple has elaborate murals in typical Orchha style, the latter is the largest temple complex in the town. A cluster of 14 cenotaphs or chattris of the kings of Orchha on the riverbanks of Betwa are best viewed from across the bridge. There is also the Martyr’s Memorial of Chandrashekhar Azad, the great hero of the Indian independence struggle, near the fort.

Day 12-  Khajuraho

Full day for city tour of Khajuraho visiting eastern & western group of temples. These temples are superb example of Indo-Aryan architecture constructed by Chandella rulers in the 10th century A.D. they have a fantastic range of sculptures including sensous and erotic themes north block temples.Also visit South block temples. Overnight in hotel.

In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator. It is possible given the eclectic patronage of the Chandelas and the wide variety of beliefs represented in the temples, that they had the concept of forming a seat of religion and learning at Khajuraho. It is possible that the Chandelas were also believers in the powers of Tantrism; the cult which believes that the gratification of earthly desires is a step closer to the attainment of the infinite. It is certain however, that the temples represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. Yet another theory is that the erotica of Khajuraho, and indeed of other temples, had a specific purpose. In those days when boys lived in hermitages, following the Hindu law of being “brahmacharis” until they attained manhood, the only way they could prepare themselves for the worldly role of ‘householder’ was through the study of these sculptures and the earthly passions they depicted.

Day 13 – Khajuraho / Varanasi (Flight)

Today you will be transferred to Khajuraho Airport to connect your flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening “Deepmala tour ” – a special tour where boat ride is given on River Ganges around sunset and earthen lamps are floated on the river while witnessing the evening prayers. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 14 – Varanasi

Early morning boat excursion on the holy River Ganges to see the sunrise and mroning prayers. Also see bathing ghats & cremation site. Watch people bathing & worshipping at the ghats which is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. Return to hotel enroute visiting the small lanes and temples near the ghats. Breakfast at hotel. Later shory sightseeing tour of Varanasi. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath. Overnight in hotel.

Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus since centuries, is known for its fine-quality silks, ‘paan’ and Benares Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days, Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is situated on the banks of River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one’s sins. Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is famous as the city of temples.

Sarnath has yielded a rich collection of sculptures, artifacts and edifices comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images and other ancient remains. To house all the findings and excavations at Sarnath, the Archaeological Survey of India established a site Museum at Sarnath. Finest specimens of Buddhist art and other important remains have been housed at the museum.While the single most famous exhibit of this museum is the lion capital, the Sarnath museum has a small but awe-inspiring collection of Buddhist artifacts. Among the things to see is a beautiful sculpture of the Buddha from the fifth century. The Buddha sits cross-legged, with eyes downcast in deep meditation, and a halo around his head.

There are a number of twentieth century Buddhist temples in Sarnath. Many of these Buddhist temples at Sarnath are built and maintained by monks from Tibet, China and Japan but the main Buddhist temple is the Mulagandhakuti Vihar. The main shrine (vihara), called the Mulagandakuti, is said to be located at the place where Buddha used to stay during his visits to Sarnath. There is a carved sandstone railing inside the temple. In the Mulagandhakuti Vihara there also is a Buddha walk.The recent ‘Mulagandhakuti Vihara’ or the modern Buddhist temple is 110 feet high with an image of Buddha inside it. Buddhist relics discovered at Taxila are enshrined in this ‘Mulagandhkuti Vihara’. There are also fine paintings on the walls of this temple by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu. Buddhist services are conducted there. Besides the Mulagandhakuti Vihara temple there are Chinese, Burmese and Jain temples nearby.

Day 15 – Varanasi / Delhi (Flight)

Today you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport to connect your flight to Delhi.On arrival,you will be transferred to an airport hotel.You may opt to do a last minute shopping,if you wish.Later by midnight or early morning you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to connect your flight back home.