Overview

Travel throughout beautiful cultural India, city full with diversity with different taste and explore some world famous attraction including Majestic Rajasthan with cultural spiritual part of India. This tour includes all aspects of Indian life and represents past and present cultural, rural, and beautiful Royal India.

This combination of enchanting destinations however, displays the richness of India’s history, heritage, rural and culture very beautifully in shortest time possible with value of money.

Inclusions

• Return flight from London to Delhi
• Accommodation in hotel as per chosen category
• Meal as mentioned
• All transfer and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Guide at Monuments
• Rikshaw ride at Delhi
• Elephant ride at Jaipur
• Tonga ride at Agra
• Boat ride at Udaipur
• Boat Ride at Varanasi
• Train Ticket from Varanasi to Delhi
• Dinner and cocktail at Raisar sand dunes, Bikaner
• Camel ride at Raisar sand dunes, Bikaner

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Delhi.

Day 2

Arrival Delhi

On arrival at the airport, meet your representative who will take you to hotel. Afternoon proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing, feel real representation of Old Delhi with narrow lanes, traditional people, colourfull market, lot of smiley face with different religion and tradition at one place which represent equality in difference. Witness of Old Delhi daily routine life, enjoy Rickshaw ride with this old heritage and tradition. Visit Jama masjid-one of largest mosque of India where twenty five thousand people can pray at one time. Drive pass through red fort which is almost same as compare to Agra fort. Also visit world leader Mahatama Gandhi’s memorial. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: No Meal

Day 3

Delhi–Mandawa

Morning breakfast and you will be taken to visit “New Delhi” which came into existence much later and is also known as Lutyens Delhi, taking after the name of a British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate, Presidential House, Secretariat, Parliament House and many other buildings in that area. Visit the recent jewel in the crown "Lotus Temple" and then drive on to see the tallest tower in Delhi known as Qutub Minar, which declared the arrival and rise of Islam in India. Visit Qutub Minar – the great monument of Delhi was built by Qutubuddin Aibek. Proceed to Manadawa. On arrival, check into hotel. Later visit Mandawa: a small town in the heart of Shekhawati region. The place is known not only for its havelis (mansions) but also for its Fort Palace. The structure of the palace reminds of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past. Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Bansidhar Newatia and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Bansidhar Newatia Haveli is known for its curious paintings. There is a painting of a boy holding a telephone and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is famous for its erotic images now mostly defaced. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

Mandawa–Bikaner

After leisurely breakfast, proceed for Bikaner. On arrival check into the hotel. Later explore Bikaner and experience the royal legacy of the bygone era. Bikaner popularly called the camel country; the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here - Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy. Bikaner’s history date backs to 1488 AD when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD) Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Evening enjoy folk dance and dinner at Raisar sand dunes. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

Bikaner–Jodhpur

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan and has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge. Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 and it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Later enjoy guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive and formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill and has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panel’s latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 6

Jodhpur–Ranakpur–Udaipur

After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Enroute pass lush green valleys, streams and heart capturing views before visiting Ranakpur. Renowned for its Jain temples with intricately carved marble Pillars and Domes, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravalli ranges, it boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. It has a four-temple complex which is famous for its peaceful and harmonious surroundings. The temples are believed to have been built in 1439 A.D. The temple rests on 1444 elegantly carved pillars, with no two being identical and the realistic sculptures of celestial nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are a fascinating sight to see. The two huge bells weighing 108 kgs each, whose sound echoes in the entire complex, add to the temple’s allure. On arrival at Udaipur, check in at hotel. Rest of the evening to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 7

Udaipur

Have a leisurely breakfast and proceed for guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1568, Udaipur is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola with lush green hills of the Aravalli surroundings, making it the most romantic city of Rajasthan. A vision in white drenched in beauty, the city is a fascinating blend of sights and sounds the rich cultural, social and natural heritage, aesthetic beauty and ecological richness, preserved through the lakes, serene and opulent hilly ranges, lush green vegetation, pleasant gardens and harmonious built forms present a unique condition of scenic beauty. Visit City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Museum, Jag Mandir- a temple dedicated to Lord Jagdish and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari. We also visit the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir which is an Indian folk arts museum and has interesting exhibits that include folks dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folks musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of the several contiguous lakes and developed over the last few centuries in and around the famous Udaipur city. The lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighbourhood. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake. Conclude your day with a fantastic cultural show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli where you might even get up and join in the dancing. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 8

Udaipur–Pushkar

After leisurely breakfast, we will leave early morning and drive to Pushkar, the charming and usually peaceful Hindu pilgrimage centre and home of the only temple in India dedicated to the god of creation Lord Brahma. Upon arrival Pushkar, check in at hotel. Rest of the day at liesure to explore Pushkar. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 9

Pushkar–Jaipur

After early breakfast, proceed to Jaipur. On arrival Jaipur, check into hotel. On this day enjoy the guided sightseeing tour of the pink city built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years ago. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas. Take an excursion to Amber Fort; add a magical touch to the visit by riding on the back of an elephant from the foot of the hill up to the gates of the fortress in the manner of former kings and queens. Within the complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh takes pride of the place. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of the Public audience) with its spectacular display of pillars. Also visit the Maharaja’’s City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Hawa Mahal also known as Wind Palace built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past the old part of Jaipur city. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to a feel of royalty and tradition and has plenty of forts and monuments that remind you of the ancient glamour, glory and charm of Rajput rulers. Remaining of the day is free to explore local bazaars, which are known for its embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares or relax at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 10

Jaipur–Agra

Have a leisurely breakfast and proceed to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. One enters Sikri from the Agra Gate, one of the nine gateways on the way to the palace complex. Diwan-i-Aam or the hall of public audience appears first. It is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard where petitions were heard, proclamations made, ambassadors received and entertainment programme held. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ’’ruins’’ are still in a pristine condition. Though over 400 years old, Fatehpur Sikri is perfectly preserved. Reach Agra and check into hotel. Evening visit Taj Mahal during Sunset. The Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jahan had Lahori’’s hands cut off and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints during sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 11

Agra–Orchha

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and before proceeding Orchha, visit Agra Fort; on the west bank of the Yamuna River, Akbar’s (the third of the Great Mughal) magnificent Fort dominates the center of the city. Akbar erected the walls, gates and the first building inside, Shah Jahan built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque, while Aurangazeb (the sixth and last of the Great Moghuls) added the outer ramparts. Later proceed to Orchha; the historic town of Madhya Pradesh, attracts travellers from around the world. The town has its history dating back to 1501, when Rudra Pratap Singh established it. Betwa River babbles and meanders through this town. Its remnants draw a picture of the past that inspires its visitors to know more about the legends and stories. Temples, Chattris, palaces and many such archaeological marvels are strewn around the locale. Upon arrival Orchha, check into hotel. Later explore Orchha. Evening enjoy historic light and sound show. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 12

Orchha–Khajuraho

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and proceed to Khajuraho. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples and are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. Reach Khajuraho and check in at hotel. Afternoon visit the world famous Khajuraho temples constructed over a span of 100 years, between 950 and 1050 A.D. These temples are considered the "high point" of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Life in every form and mood has been captured on these stones. Today out of the original 85 temples, only 22 have survived the ravages of time. These temples are a fine example and have gained popularity due to their salacious depiction of traditional way of life during the medieval times. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 13

Khajuraho–Allahabad

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and proceed to Allahabad also known as “Tirthraj Prayag” considered as one the holiest place for Hindus where three rivers meet together called Sangam. Evening visit Sangam. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 14

Allahabad–Varanasi

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and proceed to Varanasi; One of most oldest city in world. A city of Joy, cultural and major seat of education since old age to present as well. Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world, even today. Upon arrival, check into hotel. Afternoon we’ll proceed to visit Sarnath; the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the deer park after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by Lord Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D. Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and nearby a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorned Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. Later in the evening witness the Grand prayer (Aarti) ceremony conducted on the Ghats of River Ganges. You will be transferred to a surreal world, as dozens of big lamps are lighted and swayed in semi-circle, in tandem by the priests to offer prayers, while singing of Vedic hymns and playing of the traditional instruments, while the visitors release 100 of small earthen lamps with flickering lights. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 15

Varanasi–Delhi (Overnight train)

Wake up early morning and proceed to enjoy the heritage walk and sunrise boat ride on river Ganges. The river will be thronged with early morning bathers, raising their faces to the rising sun and reciting the sacred mantra. One can see the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the steps, the vivid colours of their clothes glistening against the pale gold water, the triangular flags fluttering atop the temple spires. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism and Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language. Visit the Banaras ghat, Assi ghat & various other ghats. Post morning tour return to the hotel for breakfast. Later transfer to railway station to catch overnight train for Delhi. Overnight on board.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 16

Arr Delhi

On arrival transfer to hotel. After breakfast day at leisure to enjoy your free time. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 17

Delhi–Departure

After breakfast transfer to Delhi airport enabling you to board the flight for your onward journey.

Meal: Breakfast

*GALA DINNER SUPPLEMENT FOR 24^TH AND 31^ST DEC IS EXTRA AND ADVISABLE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.

*Rates are Per person with minimum 2 pax travelling together.

Cost of Package does not include

• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips. Liquor, joy rides.(which is not mentioned in inclusion list)
• Any other item not specified in “Inclusions”.
• Additional sightseeing or usages of vehicle not mentioned in the itinerary.

Extra Meal Supplement (Optional)

Half Board meal supplement £ 80 Per Person

Full Board meal supplement £ 150 Per Person