Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Namaste – Welcome to India! Upon arrival, we are greeted the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. We are transferred to our hotel for a 2night stay. Balance of the day is free.

Overnight: Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka / ITC WelcomHotel Dwarka, Delhi (2 nights)

Day 02: Delhi

The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. Today we take tour of New Delhi and explore the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun's Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. The tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.  Our next stop is Qutb Minar and its Monuments*. Built in the early 13th century, the magnificent red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 meters high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art and two mosques. In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at hotel/ local famous Indian restaurant. (B, D)

Note: Red Fort and Birla House are closed on Monday and Chandni Chowk is closed on Sunday.

Day 03: Delhi/Agra (Drive)

We start our morning tour with Old Delhi where we visit the historical Red Fort* built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jehan. Most of the Moghul forts were Palace Forts as these were also the official residences of the royalty. We then embark on a walking tour through the bazaars at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s oldest and busiest market. Continue the drive to the monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest Moghul built mosque. End the tour at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma  Gandhi. After the tour of Old Delhi, we drive to Agra and check into our hotel for a 2-nights stay.

Overnight: Grand Mercure, Agra (2 nights) (B, D)

In the evening, we witness Taj Mahal under full moon light. On nights with a Full Moon the Taj Mahal's pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. A full moon night when it shines like a pearl making the visitor stand agape at the spectacle. The romanticism and sheer majesty of the structure is unbelievably true! No wonder if millions of people chose it amongst the World’s top wonders.

Taj Mahal is monument of Love and to see it under the Full moon is a special treat.

Night viewing is between 20:30 to 00:30 hours for only five nights in a month. These are the actual Full Moon night and two days before and two days. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. The duration of visit is for 30 minutes.

Day 04: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra

We start our day with a sunrise visit to the most well-known wonders of love in the world, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 built by the Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Moghul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. Early morning is the bedst time to photograph this majestic monument. We then return to our hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we check out from hotel and visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses the spectacular imperial city of the Moghul rulers. Explore fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques.

After that, we visit Fatehpur Sikri*. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this stunning complex was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Just 10 years after its construction, the city with its beautiful temples, mosques and monuments was abandoned due to lack of water.  Surprisingly, after over 445 years, many structures are still in existence and even used today including what ewas then one of the largest mosques in India and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. Evening is free for personal activities. (B, D)

Note: On nights with a full moon, the Taj Mahal's pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight. Bestway Tours & Safaris can arrange an optional tour to enjoy this very special occasion.

Day 05: Agra/Ranthambore (Drive)

A countryside drive takes us to Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park lies at the edge of a plateau and is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore Fort*, which lies within the national park. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. In the afternoon we take our first safari through the National Park, where we encounter a variety of mammals, including tigers. About 150 bird species habitat including variety of migratory birds during winter.

Overnight: The Pugmark, Ranthambore (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Ranthambore/Jaipur (Drive)

An early morning safari in time when animals are out in search of their prey. This time is ideal for spotting nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, rhesus macaque and black-faced langur. Ranthambhore, since 1973, is a Project Tiger reserve. Spotting the big cat in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. After our morning safari, we drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan called the Pink City, since most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone. Evening, we enjoy our dinner followed by Rajasthani Cultural dance show. With so much to see we stay in Jaipur for 2 nights.

Overnight: Indana Palace, Jaipiur (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Jaipur

This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear as we ride to the architectural marvel Amber Fort, located in a picturesque valley among the Kalikho Hills. Known as the gem of Jaipur, this imposing fort dating from the late 16th century has never been attacked or invaded. Built from a combination of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, the fort includes distinguished halls, intricate carvings and ornate gardens. At Jaipur city we visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art.

No visit to Jaipur is complete without visiting the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. Here the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved façade, and the Jantar Mantar*, a historic astronomical observation site boasting instruments used to star-gaze with the naked eye. The evening is free to enjoy the one-of-a-kind shopping of the bazaars. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. (B, D)

Day 08: Jaipur/Pushkar (Drive)

A leisurely drive to Pushkar the bewitching little town on the edge of the desert. Pushkar is famous for its temples, bathing Ghats, onion domes and chalk-coloured buildings clustering around its holy lake, said to have appeared when Brahma dropped a lotus flower. The lake is an important pilgrimage centre and we shall see many pilgrims and Sadhus, (Hindu holy men). We visit the famous Lord Brahma Temple one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. Evening, we walk through the town, meet and chat with local folks.

Overnight: Hotel Pushkar Palace, Pushkar (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Pushkar/Udaipur (Drive)

Enjoy countryside views as we journey through Rajasthan to the city of lakes, Udaipur. Rajasthan literally means “the land of the Rajas” and the region’s royal heritage is still readily apparent. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar and no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic. Centered around the shimmering Lake Pichhola, Udaipur offers beautifully intricate buildings set amid misty, rolling hills. It is also famous for the Lake Palace Hotel built as a palace on the lake and later turned into a deluxe hotel. On arrival, we check in to our hotel. Evening free to enjoy a walk and feel the city. We stay for 2 nights in Udaipur.

Overnight: Hotel Fateh Niwas, Udaipur (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Udaipur

Our fascinating exploration of Udaipur starts with a visit to the enchanting City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Palace located in the blue waters of Lake Pichola. The palace features several architectural and artistic treasures, such as the stunning peacock mosaics in the Mor Chowk and the murals of the Bhim Vilas Palace. At the Jagdish Temple, we view some remarkable friezes dating back to 1651. Next we explore Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of Maids. Our tour of this romantic city of Udaipur ends with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, sailing past the picturesque Ghats and palaces visiting Jag Mandir, a 17th century palace built on an island in the middle of the glistening lake. The palace was used by the royal family as a summer resort. (B, D)

Day 11: Udaipur/Jodhpur (Drive)

After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City because all heritage buildings in the old part are coloured blue. On arrival, we check into our hotel. In the afternoon, we visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries, there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. We enter through the Gate of Victory (Jaipal) and explore the series of courtyards and palaces decorated with beautiful terracotta lattice work. The museum in the fort has one of the best collections of the splendid trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephant’s howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings and the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II with an array of whimsical domes.

Overnight: ITC WelcomHotel / WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Jodhpur/Jaisalmer (Drive)

After breakfast, an interesting rural Rajasthan drive to Jaisalmer. Also known as the “Golden City” for its yellowish sandstone, Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. Its crown is a fort that contains a palace and several finely sculptured Jain temples. On arrival, we check in at our hotel. Remainder of the day is free for relaxation. We stay for 2 nights in the enchanting Jaisalmer.

Overnight: Desert Tulip, Jaisalmer (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 13: Jaisalmer

Today we visit Jaisalmer Fort*, one of the largest forts in the world. Built almost a millennium ago, the fort stands proudly on Thikuta Hill. As the sun sets, its yellow sandstone walls fade to a honey-gold, camouflaging the fort in the surrounding desert. Life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval times as we wander through narrow lanes filled with havelis (mansions), temples, skilled artisans and, of course, camels. We then explore the Jain temple dating to 11th century B.C. and the Folk Museum. Next, we visit Patwon-ki-Haveli, the home of a wealthy merchant belonging to a powerful Oswal Jain community which had over three hundred trading centers from Afghanistan to China. This ornate five-story complex took fifty years to complete and is the largest and most elaborate of Jaisalmer’s havelis. We also experience Gadisar Tank, a scenic rainwater lake surrounded by numerous beautiful shrines and a spectacular variety of birds. In the late afternoon, we drive to Sam village in the Thar Desert. Here we ride to the nearby sand dunes on camel backs and enjoy the beautiful desert sunset. (B, D)

Day 14: Jaisalmer/Bikaner (Drive)

Continue our journey to Bikaner, where we check in to our spectacular heritage hotel. Afternoon explore Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh. The Raja travelled extensively while in the imperial service, and his appreciation of the art and architecture that he had seen was meticulously incorporated into Junagarh Fort. Later we visit a camel breeding farm set within the sand dunes, the only farm of its kind in the whole of Asia.

Overnight: Brij Gaj Kesri / Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner (1 night) (B, D)

Day 15: Bikaner/Mandawa (Drive)

After breakfast drive to Deshnoke to visit the famous Rat Temple dedicated to the Goddess Karni Mata. This ornate, isolated Hindu temple was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 1900s as a tribute to the rat goddess, Karni Mata. Intricate marble panels line the entrance and the floors, and silver and gold decorations are found throughout. But by far the most intriguing aspect of the interior are approximately 20,000 rats that call this temple home. These holy animals are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. Later, we drive to Mandawa, one of the finest of the small towns in the Shekhawati region. We explore Mandawa’s famous "The Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan", visiting havelis, where the walls have been decorated with beautiful frescos depicting different aspects of the life in Rajasthan.

Overnight: Alsisar Mahal / Castle Mandawa, Mandawa (1 night) (B, D)

Day 16: Mandawa/Depart Delhi (Drive)

After an incredible tour of the Royal Rajasthan, we are driven to Delhi where we check in at Holiday Inn Express Transit hotel for day room until 8:00 PM. After dinner we board our flight forhome. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories.

ITC WelcomHotel Dwarka (Day rooms)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 20 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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