Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days Destinations: Delhi - Udaipur - Jodhpur
- Jaipur - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
Day 01 Delhi: Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel.
Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with
a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi:
Start a day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the
Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid
- the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort
and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include
a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial
avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's
Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
In the evening enjoy a WELSOME DINNER at SPICE ROUTE RESTAURANT in Imperial.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 Delhi - Udaipur:
By Air
Flight : 9W 707
Airline : Jet Airways
Departure : 1345 hr
Arrival : 1455 hr
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to the airport for flight to Udaipur.
Reach Udaipur and check in at hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in
by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance
and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences
and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is
an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years.
Relax
in the evening. Dinner will be at DEVIGARH. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 04 Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here
you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass
windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the
local folk Museum or the VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola.
(Hopefully we will have a good monsoon this year and there will be water in
the lake) From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it
rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also
visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the
lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Have a lavish dinner at LAKE PALACE UDAIPUR. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 05 Udaipur - Jodhpur:
By Road
260 km/6 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed to Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200
pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds
with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples
and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Lunch on the way will be at MATRACHAYA again rich in local contents and example
of simple and wholesome cooking.
Reach and check in at the hotel.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the
Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore
clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the
Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of
a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by
a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
In the evening enjoy the THALI DINNER - this is where in one flat round shaped
utensil you will be served the full course. It is visually appealing and very
wholesome. If you like any particular dish, the cook (note that he is not
a chef but an expert from a family of cooks so his recipes will be old and
authentic).
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 06 Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond,
home of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly
scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image
of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive
rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle
room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
In the afternoon visit the old city or proceed for a village visit. Visit
the museum of UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.
Dinner will be at Ajit Bhawan Palace hotel.
Overnight will be at the hotel.
Day 07 Jodhpur - Jaipur:
By Road
250 km/5 hr
Proceed for Jaipur after early breakfast.
Stop at KISHANGARH for lunch. (Taste the PANIPURIS - hard whole wheat dumplings
filled with a mix of boiled potatoes, chick peas, tamarind extract and green
chili) This lunch will also be made out of local produce. You will have first
hand experience of making ROTIS FOR KINGS here.
Drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts
and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA
warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes.
However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority
locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus,
many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the
British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that
the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur
is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings.
This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856,
when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince
Albert.
Check in at the hotel.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious
life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate
statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan
dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings
in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images
of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis
of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves
oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy
the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 08 Jaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken
to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Proceed to CHOKI DANI VILLAGE for a sit-down vegetarian dinner which
is like a daily home menu. Note that the cuisine here will be rich in butter
and GHEE.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 09 Jaipur - Ranthambhore:
By Road
175 km/4 hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger
Den being the closest.
It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep
slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and
sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow rocky gorges.
An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhya
plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve. The National
Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the north.
Tiger,
at the apex of the food chain, lssssssord over the kingdom in a subtle way.
Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent
as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's
activities are very exciting.
Check in at the resort by noon. In the afternoon proceed for a tiger safari
into the National Park.
Retire early after dinner at the resort. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 10 Ranthambhore:
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track
the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort /
lodge by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast.
Freshen up and either spend time at the pool or visit the town. You could
also go for a nice visit to the temple on top of the fort.
In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you afternoon safari.
The safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800 hr and then return to the resort
/ lodge.
Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the night. Overnight will
be at Ranthambhore.
Day 11 Jaipur - Agra:
By Road
250 km/6 hr
Drive to Agra after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital
and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable
fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of
its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue your drive to Agra and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving
it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white
marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that
this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor
to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Dinner will be at AMARVILAS.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 12 Agra:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ
MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory
of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while
accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after
giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all
his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When
Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor:
first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that
he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death
anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631
and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work
on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the
architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it.
It is a "symbol of eternal love".
Having buried her down at Behrampur, it was time for the emperor to keep his
promise and build a tomb there itself. But by and by, it was felt that it
was virtually impossible to transfer all the marble there, as it would cost
an entire fortune and an entire lifetime. So, when Agra was chosen as the
only alternative, astonishingly her grave was uprooted and brought to Agra,
only to be finally transferred to the monument, completed twenty-two years
later.
After Taj we will visit Agra Fort- which was built by Akbar In 1525 AD. After
Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered better
than the Taj.
Dinner will be at MUGHAL SHERATON newly opened FRONTIER CUISINE restaurant.
Spend night at Agra.
Day 13 Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho:
By Train
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train No. : 2002
Departure : 0800 hr
Arrival : 1024 hr
Proceed to station for train to Jhansi after early breakfast.
Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away. It is a medieval city founded
by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century
- which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known
for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place
is flanked by the river BETWA.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your
lunch at Orchha.
Drive to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for
its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name
Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown
abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration
of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture,
the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her
tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming,
seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These
temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward
till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. In the evening proceed for
the SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW and retire for the night.
By now you would have your own list of favorite Indian dishes - The chef will
brush up your knowledge and cook in front of you. Take the tips from him and
note them down in your INDIA COOK BOOK which by now would be full of jottings
and recipes.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 14 Khajuraho - Varanasi:
By Air
Flight : 9W 724
Airline : Jet Airways
Departure : 1330 hr
Arrival : 1410 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a MORNING TOUR of the temples. Transfer in time to airport for
flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River
Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to
be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which
still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems
to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till
May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of
India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India.
From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one
of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people
every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The
rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples
and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns
and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the
refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi
- The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi
is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education.
Some of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in these fields
were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds
in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in
precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's
items across the world today.
Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest
Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590
BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit
a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures
found at the site.
Visit the EXCELLENT SPICE MARKET here. Learn your spice and how to check for
consistency. Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 15 Varanasi - Delhi:
By Air
Flight : IC 805
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Departure : 1555 hr
Arrival : 1710 hr
Proceed in the morning to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred
river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions
of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500
hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable
city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises.
Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where
at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily
to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces
rise in tiers from the water's edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone
streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place
now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.
Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.
Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple,
which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit
the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to
the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted
from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia.
The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb.
Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.
Reach Delhi and will be received at domestic airport.
Proceed for LAST MINUTE SHOPPING and then FAREWELL DINNER (URBAN HOME DINNER
where menu will be as per your wish-list which we would note the day before
from you)
Proceed to the airport for connecting flight home.
TOUR ENDS
Heritage, Wildlife & Culinary Tour Reservation
Form
Relax
in the evening. Dinner will be at DEVIGARH. Overnight will be at Udaipur. 
Tiger,
at the apex of the food chain, lssssssord over the kingdom in a subtle way.
Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent
as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's
activities are very exciting. 
TAJ
MAHAL: The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built it in 1631 in the memory
of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while
accompanying her husband in Behrampur in a campaign to crush a rebellion, after
giving birth to their 14th child. Her death so crushed the emperor that all
his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white in a few months. When
Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor:
first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that
he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death
anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631
and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work
on it. An Iranian architect designed it and it is best appreciated when the
architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it.
It is a "symbol of eternal love". 
These
temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward
till you seem to be looking at heaven. 