Glimpses of Rajasthan and North India

Overview
The itinerary begins with your arrival in Delhi - While the first day is for relaxation at hotel, the second day is earmerked for day long sight seeing at Delh followed by a two days excursion to the Holy City of Rishikesh (240 km drive from Delhi). On day 5, return to Delhi and half day sight seeing at New Delhi - places include Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar etc. and overnight stay at hotel.

While, day six includes 5 hours drive to Mandawa (Rajasthan), the next twelve days are dedicated for major destinations of Rajasthan and the places include Bikaner - the Desert City, Shekhawati - the Canvas of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer - the Heart of Thar Desert, Jodhpur - the Sun City and the Lake City of Udaipur besides Chittaurgarh, Pushkar and the Pink City of Jaipur. This will be followed by a visit to Ranthambhor - the Tiger Reserve and an excursion to Mansoravar Lake - the Bird Sanctuary famous for migratory birds.

The other destinations of the package includes a visit to Agra the City of Taj and Fatehpur Sikri followed by Gwalior and Orcha on day 19th. After sight seeing at Orcha, the next destination is Khajuraho - known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. After the over night stay at Khajuraho, take a flight to Varanasi - the Holy City situated on the bank of The Ganges. During the remaining three days you will have the opportunity to visit the Walled City - Old Delhi, which will be followed by a visit to Amritsar - the City of Golden Temple on 24th day and a return flight to Delhi and journey back home with happy memories.

Inclusions
Accommodation, Meal, Transport, Services of local guides for sightseeing tours.

Exclusions
Shopping and meals apart from breakfast, lunch and dinner included in itinerary.

Day 01 : Arrival Delhi
Welcome and assistance on arrival at Delhi International Airport. You will be transfer to the hotel where we hold the room on ready occupancy basis. Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi - Rishikesh (240 kms - 6 hours)
After breakfast drive to Rishikesh, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After rest and relaxation, visit temples and other Ashrams: Laxman Jhoola, Swarg Ashram Gita Bhawan Parmath Niketan, Jhoola Triveni Ghat, Shivanand Ashram Kailash Ashram academy of Meditation. Evening visit to Hari Ki Paudi at Haridwar to attend the Aarti, performed simultaneously at all temples in Haridwar. Thousands of lit lamps being swayed in circular motions in a rhythmic manner and crowd of devotees singing Aarti are quite a spectacle just like the floating lamps and flowers that create a majestic sight in the river just after 'Aarti'. Later return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 04 : Rishikesh
Early morning you can visit the Ganga for a holy Dip and ritual process. Afterwards return to the hotel. Evening free for leisure and relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 : Rishikesh - Delhi (242 kms. - 5 hours)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Later take a half day sight seeing of New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India's leading industrial families; Humayun's Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai's Temple, Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 06 : Delhi - Mandawa (275 kms-5 hours)
After breakfast, checkout and drive to Mandawa, on arrival transfer to heritage hotel. After lunch and relaxation visit Mandawa town, stroll through the bustling bazaars and pick up things of your interest. Evenings there is a special programme of music and dance performed by local artists, participate in the dance and feel the life of the people and their hospitality. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 : Mandawa - Bikaner (175 kms 3 hours)
After breakfast visit the Shekhawati region an important town of the years gone by, to see number of remarkable Havelis and Castles in the nearby towns of Nawalgarh and Laxman Garh. These havelis are museums in themselves, numerous havelis built by the rich merchants as their residence in 18th and 19th century. After lunch, drive to Bikaner on arrival transfer to hotel. In the evening take an excursion tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karni Mata - at this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this temple is believed to by lucky. Evening free for relax. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 08 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer (330 kms - 6 hrs)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important temple of this complex, if time permits you can visit Camel Breeding Farm, one of the known farm of Asia. Later have visit and have lunch at Lalgarh Palace, residence of Royal family of Bikaner thereafter drive to Jaisalmer - 330 kms, en route visit to the massive Fort Pokharan, the town Pokhran came to the limelight when several nuclear tests were conducted here during the 1970's and the 1990's. Pokharan Fort is Built in 1532-1584 the yellow sandstone Pokhran fort, though not as grand a fort as some of the others in Rajasthan has a few exquisite palaces like the Mangal Niwas, the Rani Mahal and the Phool Niwas or the Flower Palace, visit to Pokhran Museum: housed inside the fort's premises. After visit continue to drive to Jaisalmer, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening you can enjoy the city atmosphere. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer Fort built on the highest point of the Tricuta hill, consisting of 99 bastions. Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon-Ki-Haveli - some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework of breath taking intricacy, visit followed by Gadisar Lake. Later after lunch drive to Sam Sand Dunes - 45 kms en route visit the ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Complex, built in 1815 AD, The complex also houses a summer palace where some beautiful paintings and pictures are displayed. On arrival at Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel safari to discover the various sights and sounds, the ruins and the temples in and around Jaisalmer in an authentic and leisurely fashion with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from colorful guides thrown in. After safari drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight stay.

Day 10 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 kms - 5 ½ hrs)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur, en route you can visit Osian Village, ruins of an ancient city called Osian, an oasis in the desert, A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these, the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may opt to visit On the Rocks a garden restaurant serving ethnic food followed by live music and folk dance, located at Ajit Bhawan. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 11 : Jodhpur - Udaipur (276 Kms - 5 hours)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jodhpur visiting Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada (Mausoleums of the great Rajput Warrior) and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. After lunch drive to Udaipur en route visit the famous Ranakpur Temples of 12th Century, Proceed to Udaipur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Evening free to relax. Optionally you can take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Washing Ghats at the lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola and also opt for dinner at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the Lake. Overnight at the hotel

Day 12 : Udaipur
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over looking at the Lake Pichola, the additions were made to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved become the larges place in Rajasthan, Main attraction of Place are Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets ,masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening from 1800 to 1900 in an adjacent open air theatre. & Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts Followed by visit to Eklingji & Nagda Temples - built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur Overnight at Udaipur

Day 13 : Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Pushkar: (275 kms 5 ½ hour)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Pushkar en route visit Chittourgarh. Spread over 13 square kms, unlike other forts you can explore this fort by the vehicle you are traveling, Chittourgarh fort is the mightiest Fort in Indian History, The pride and glory of Rajasthan. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. After visit continue to drive to Pushkar. On arrival at Pushkar, transfer to the hotel, evening free for relax or a walk at the Ghats of Pushkar Lake. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 14 : Pushkar - Jaipur (130 kms - 2 ½ hours)
After breakfast visit the only temple of Lord Brahma surrounded by Pushkar Lake. On the banks of the lake you will see devotees taking dip into the holy waters of Pushkar & offering prayers. Also visit the Pushkar Fair Site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Optionally you can visit Ajmer Khwaja Dargah in Ajmer (11 kms). After lunch drive to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxing in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator white marble temple, glitters in the in the night, at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 15 : Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over the floodlights. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 16 : Jaipur - Ranthambhor (180 kms - 3 hours)
After early breakfast checkout and drive to Ranthambhor, the hunting place of Royal Family of Jaipur and one of finest tiger reserve of India. On arrival transfer to the Jungle resort. Later in the after noon take a jungle safari by canter with naturalist guide at the tiger reserve of Ranthambhor, one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat. In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. Later return to the jungle resort. Overnight at Ranthambhor

Day 17 : Ranthambhor
Today again enjoy a Safari Ride in the park and see the majestic Tiger in the dense scrub jungle of Ranthambhor. Later visit Ranthambhor Fort over looking the National Park and Jogi Mahal. Also visit the famous Temple of Ganesha in the Fort. In the evening one can take an excursion to Mansoravar Lake (12 kms) Mansoravar Lake, lies at the southern edge of the National Park, It is a ideal place for bird watching in winters to see pintail ducks, geese, pelicans and herons. Drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 18 : Ranthambhor - Agra. (230 kms - 5 hours)
After breakfast drive to Agra en route visit the Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. After visit continue to drive to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. The show room conducts free sound & light show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

Day 19 : Agra - Gwalior - Orcha (208 kms, 5 - 6 hours)
Early morning visit to witness the incomparable Taj Mahal with its' speculative view at the time of Sunrise, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Jamuna. After lunch Check out and drive to Orcha en route visit Gwalior, sightseeing of the majestic Gwalior Fort, is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India. Also visit Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th Century. One can have lunch at Gwalior & proceed to Orcha. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel
Day 20 : Orcha - Khajuraho (180 kms - 4 ½ hours)
After breakfast take a half-day sightseeing of Orcha visiting Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Orcha Palace and Panoramic view of Betwa River. After lunch drive to Khajuraho. On arrival transfer to the hotel, evening free for leisure and individual activities overnight at the hotel

Day 21 : Khajuraho
After breakfast explore Khajuraoh, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - The very name, Khajuraho, arouses strange dreams even in daytime. Of full bodied feminine forms frozen in stone, so real that you wonder whether they might come alive at a touch. Khajuraho is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu's consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. Later take a sightseeing tour of Eastern group of Temples and visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 22 : Khajuraho - Varanasi: (By Air)
After an early breakfast, morning free for leisure and individual activities, later check out the hotel and drive to airport to board the afternoon flight to Varanasi flight, assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, Later take an excursion tour to Sarnath - 10 kms visit the deer park and Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha preached his First Sermon. Later return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 23 : Varanasi - Delhi (By Air)
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges at dawn when it is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. While on the boat you will also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. After lunch visit to Banaras Hindu University - probably the largest residential university in Asia, in the university visit Bharat Kala Museum. Later proceed on a tour of the temples of Varanasi visiting the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple premises. Later return to the hotel to check out and transfer to the airport to board the evening flight to Delhi, assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening you can visit Light and Sound show held at Red Fort. Rest of the evening free for shopping and leisure. Overnight at the hotel
Day 24 : Delhi - Amritsar: (By Air)
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the early morning flight to Amritsar assistance on arrival the airport and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation visit Golden Temple - the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. In the evolution of the Darbar Sahib, is entwined the history and ideology of Sikhism. Also visit Jalianwalla Bagh- Martyrs' Memorial built in the shape of eternal flame of liberty is situated on the outskirts of Golden Temple. Here about 1500 and 2000 persons who were attending a peaceful meeting during the freedom movement fell under the bullets of the British General Dyer on 13 April 1919 and the city of Amritsar.Evening visit Wagah Border to watch Border Retreat Ceremony. The pageant of the beating of the retreat and the change of guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces here makes the most charming of the spectacles as a daily evening drill. Ascertain the timings before you leave to see this spectacle since these are changed seasonally. Wagah is the only land border open between Pakistan and India. Overnight at the hotel

Day 25 : Amritsar - Delhi - Home Town (By Air)
Today the day is free for leisure and individual activities. Optionally you may opt for shopping till departure of the international flight. Later check out the hotel and transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight to return the hometown. On departure, the tour concludes with the happy memories.