A Grand Cultural Circuit of Rajasthan

Day 01 Arrive Delhi

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Take rest to cope with the jet lag. In the evening, you will be invited for a welcome dinner and enjoy the classical Indian dances.

Day 02 Delhi Sightseeing

Today, we have a full day to explore the attractions of Old and New Delhi. In the morning, we visit Laxmi Narayan Temple – The Place of Gods, India Gate - The memorial of martyrs, Parliament House – The Government headquarters. In the afternoon, we will visit Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort - The red stone magic and Raj Ghat-the memoir of Gandhi-father of the nation. Also enjoy the sound & light show in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Delhi to Mandawa (270 Km / 06 Hrs)

Today, we drive to Mandawa-a compact little town of Shekhavati region. Upon arrival, check in hotel and take rest for a while. Later, embark on sightseeing of Mandawa. Visit Havelis & beautiful frescoes. The medieval fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Mandawa to Bikaner (230 Km / 05 Hrs)

 In the morning drive to Nawalgarh – the town where the finest of the Shekhavati’s frescoes can be seen. Its havelis still bear witness to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli & Chokhani haveli. Afternoon, drive to Bikaner – vale of Serenity, upon arrival check in into hotel. Evening free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 At Bikaner

Today enjoy city tour covering Junagadh Fort – constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. The fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bhand Sagar Temple – The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important of this temple complex. Visit camel Breeding Farm – a unique experience where you can ride on a camel and try camel’s milk. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Bikaner to Jaisalmer (325 kms 6.5 hrs).

In the morning drive to Jaisalmer – The Citadel City. Upon arrival, check in hotel. Afternoon free to relax or enjoy the city atmosphere. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 At Jaisalmer.

Today we enjoy a city tour covering Jaisalmer Fort – built on the highest point of the Tricuta hill, Sun Gate. Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon–Ki-Haveli – some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and lattice work of breath taking intricacy, Lodurva – A masterpiece of architectural grandeur. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (308 Km / 06 Hrs)

Today morning drive to Jodhpur – The Desert enchantment. Upon arrival, check in hotel and take rest.

Day 09 At Jodhpur.

Full day city tour covering Mehrangarh fort – unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the largest forts in India. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved Jaswanthada – The 19th century royal cenotaph, a creation in white marble, Clock tower – The timely treasure of Jodhpur. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Jodhpur to Udaipur (266 Km / 06 Hrs)

In the morning drive to Udaipur, en route visiting Ranakpur temples – the pilgrimage centre of Rajasthan; a few of the numerous temples are Chaturmukh temples. Upon arrival, check in hotel and take rest.

Day 11 At Udaipur.

Today, visit the highlights of Udaipur that includes, Saheliyon – Ki – Bari – The garden for the maids of honor of the queen, Jagdish Temple – dedicated to Lord Vishnu & approachable by a broad flight of steps, the shrine is a rectangular platform on the lines of Indo-Aryan style of architecture, City Palace – located amidst Lake Pichola, Eklingji & Nagda Temples – built in white marble with a double storied porch. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Udaipur to Pushkar (290 Km / 05 Hrs)

Today drive to Pushkar – the city of Brahma, on arrival check in into hotel. Rest of the day free to visit the Camel Market and admire the Largest Cattle Market anywhere in the World. Overnight at Tents in Pushkar.

Day 13 At Pushkar

In the morning visit the only temple of Brahma in the world. Bramha is one of the trinity gods of Hindus and is the father of the universe. Visit Apteshwar Mahadeo Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva . Overnight hotel. If your trip coincides with Pushkar Camel Festival, you will sleep in tented accommodation.

Day 14 Pushkar to Jaipur (135 Km /03 Hs)

Morning head towards Jaipur. Do not miss visiting the Dargah of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, entered through a high gateway with silver doors. The grave of the saint is surrounded by a silver railing. Upon arrival in this Pink City, check in hotel and after some rest, browse the markets of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 At Jaipur

In the morning take an excursion to Amer fort. We take a joy ride on an Elephant from the base of the fort to the top, which is an amazing experience in itself. In the afternoon take a city tour covering City Palace –that occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens & buildings and a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, Royal Observatory – an observatory with some rare qualities to its credit, Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli – and the Bazaar etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16 Jaipur to Agra (260 Km / 06 Hrs)

Today morning drive to Agra, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (Old Deserted town of Mughal Dynasty), Jama Masjid, the Buland Darwaza, Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan and  Panch Mahal. On arrival check in into hotel and take rest for the day.

Day 17 Visit Taj Mahal.

Today, we visit Taj Mahal – a poem written in white marble, the most extravagant monument ever built for love. A visit to the Agra fort is must since so many of the events which lead to the construction of the Taj took place here. We also visit the Itmad-ud-daula’s Tomb which is of a a particular interest since many of its design elephants overshadow the Taj.

Day 18 Agra-Jhansi-Orcha.

Today, we experience the train journey in India. Its about 2 ½ hrs train ride from Agra to Jhansi. Upon arrival at Jhansi train station, we meet our transport and drive about 4 hours to Orcha- a medieval capital of the kingdom of Bundelkhand and are situated on the banks of the river Betwa. Visit its famous palaces and temples including the Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Ram Raja Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple etc. Overnight in a resort.

Day 19: Drive to Khajuraho (220km, 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho-a small city of Madhyapradesh, known for its temples with erotic Kamasutra sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girl known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world. The temples are divided in the Western, Eastern and Southern Group. Check in hotel and after some rest, visit the Western Group of Temples, which are the best known as the largest and the most typical Khajuraho temples belong to this group. Overnight hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 20: Flight to Varanasi

After breakfast, visit the Eastern Group of Temples which largely constitute the Hindu and Jain Tempels and are near to Khajuraho village. In the afternoon, board on flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Varanasi- As old a city as Babylon, is one of the holiest pilgrimage centers of India. Here, mornings begin with prayers at the ghats, a holy dip and the tinkling of temple bells. It bustles with people whose lives are concentrated on being good Hindus. Social events mean religious festivals. This is a city soaked in devotion.

Day 21: Varanasi Sightseeing.

In the morning, we explore the ghats of Ganges River by boat. Varansi has more than one hundred ghats (river landings) which the life in the city of Varanasi revolves around. Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe and worship in the river at the first light of dawn. Boat rides down the river in the morning are a very popular excursion.

Later visit other highlights of Varanasi such as Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple etc. Time permitting, also visit Sarnath. It was the place, where lord Buddha set forth, for the first time, wheel of law.

Day 22: Flight to Delhi

Take flight back to Delhi. Transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, pursue your own interest.

Day 23: Depart Delhi