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

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

The capital of India is truly a tantalizing mixture of old and new. We start our morning tour with an exploration of New Delhi and a visit to Birla House, the last residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, take in the famous India Gate, followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and Humayun’s Tomb*, built in 1570 as the first garden-tomb in India. Humayan’s Tomb inspired several major architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal. Experience the stunning ancient minaret of Qutb Minar* before venturing into 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. We then drive to the monumental Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. End the day at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Indian restaurant. (B, D)

Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Varanasi, the oldest living city in India. Varanasi was earlier called Banaras. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we visit Sarnath, the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Formerly known as Isipatana, it is here where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma in his first sermon and It is also here that the original Sangha (Buddhist monastic order) was formed.

Overnight: Radisson Hotel Varanasi, Varanasi (2 nights) (B, D)

Early morning, after morning tea/coffee at the hotel lobby, we take a serene sunrise cruise on the River Ganges, soaking in the unique scenes along the river bank. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges. From our boat we will see scores of pilgrims and priests bathe in the river’s holy waters and performing various other rituals. This unique experience will make us feel as if we’re looking through a window to another world.  After our boat ride, we explore old Varanasi, visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a huge marble relief map of India; Durga Temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir besides the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb.

After breakfast we are transferred to airport for our flight to Khajuraho. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Chandela (1 Night) (B, D)

In the morning, we explore the Khajuraho Group of Monuments* The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Today only 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belonging to the religions of Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temples are decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

In the afternoon we are transferred to railway station to board our express train to Agra. Agra is amongst the few privileged cities in the world to house 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Dinner on board train. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel.

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

We start our day with a sunrise visit to one of the most well-known wonders of 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. After visiting the Taj Mahal, we return to our hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast we 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. (B, D)

In the evening, we witness Taj Mahal under full moonlight from Taj View point. 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 view is allowed between 20:30 to 00:30 hours only for five nights in a month including the Full Moon night and two days before and two days after except Fridays and month of Ramzan. The duration of visit is 30 minutes.

After breakfast, we take a short drive to 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 were abandoned due to lack of water.  Surprisingly, many structures are still in existence and used even today including one of the largest mosques in India and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty. From here 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. The remainder of the day is free for personal activities.

Overnight: Brij Castle, Jaipur (3 nights) (B, D)

Today is a religious festival day called Holi – the festival of colours. Today we celebrate Holi festival & play with colors.

Timing Will Be 10:30 AM to 1 PM.

Herbal Gulal multi colored powders used.

Dress Code: A Set of Kurta Pajamas specially prepared for the festival with our compliments - just let us know your size.

Attractions: DJ Music with traditional holi songs, a Pint of beer or one glass of Indian liquor, glass of orange juice & snacks.

Afternoon free and dinner at hotel. (B, L, D)

This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with a journey to the 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 was never 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. Next we return to Jaipur to visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art. We also stop at the stunning Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, where 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)

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 and meet local folks.

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

Enjoy superb 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. Centred 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.

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

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 the 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)

After an incredible tour of India, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi where we check in at Holiday Inn Express Transit hotel for wash & change for 02 Hours with dinner. After dinner we board our flight home. 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. (B, D)

After breakfast we drive to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City for the blue colours that decorate many of its heritage buildings. On arrival, we check in to 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: WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur (1 night) (B, D)

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. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation.

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

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 on camels to the nearby sand dunes and enjoy the beautiful desert sunset. (B, D)

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: Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner (1 night) (B, D)

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: Castle Mandawa, Mandawa (1 night) (B, D)

Morning, we continue our exploration of Mandawa’s architecture and then drive to New Delhi. Upon arrival at New Delhi we are transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free at leisure or join us on a complimentary guided tour of Delhi using public transport.  Evening, we bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into the romance and history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories. 

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Transit Hotel / ITC WelcomHotel New Delhi (B, D)

We are transferred to the airport for our onwards flight back home. (B)