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| Forts, Palaces and Culture Tour of India |
Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orcha - Agra - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur -Udaipur - Delhi |
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| 17 Nights - 18 Days |
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01 Day: Arrival Delhi |
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Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel. |
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02 Day: Delhi |
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Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel. |
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03 Day: Delhi – Varanasi (By Air) |
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After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take an excursion tour to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit at Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon., also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Centaury BC., symbolize both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. Return back to the Varanasi. Overnight at the hotel. |
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04 Day: Varanasi |
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Early morning take a boat ride for a pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night. , every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Then take a sightseeing tour visiting the Bharat Mata temple with a big relief map of India in marble, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University which has an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. In the evening a walk through the myriad of narrow lanes in the old city, past the many ancient temples, shrines and little shops crammed with customers looking for the famous silver & gold brocades for weddings or even for cremation cloth. The most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it, strolling in narrow lanes of the colourful bazaar of ancient city. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay. |
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05 Day: Varanasi – Khajuraho (By Air) |
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After breakfast, checkout of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight for Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Khajuraho is worldly known for its maginficent temos 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. 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. Return to the hotel for overnight. |
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06 Day: Khajuraho – Orcha (180 kms: 4 hrs) |
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Early morning visit 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. Later check out of the hotel and drive to Orcha. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. |
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07 Day: Orcha |
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After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Orcha, the medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century - which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time, walk by the century old temples and forts, each with its own poignant history, and rest amidst the beauty of the ruins. Amongst the various imposing edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, The Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan temple, both noted for their fine frescoes and mural paintings. In the evening you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Betwa River surrounded by Sheesh Mahal, & Chattaris and Ram Temple. Overnight at the hotel. |
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08 Day: Orcha – Gwalior – Agra (208 kms: 5 hrs) |
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After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra. En route Gwalior; visiting the majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India, and other attractions: 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. Later continue to drive to Agra. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for shopping in the local markets. Overnight at the hotel. |
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09 Day: Agra |
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After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the historical city, witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day, the most beautiful monuments among the Seven wonders 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 Agra Fort, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., built with barricaded wall of red sand stone; it houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Meena Bazar, Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj where from Taj Mahal is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. So very ironically, Emperor Sahahjahan, prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from his cell in the fort. 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. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday. |
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10 Day: Agra – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 hrs) |
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Early morning you may opt again to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view at the time of sunrise. Afterwards check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, (37 kms from Agra), Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty –Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honor 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 Diwan-e-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the emperor's throne. The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here, the marble Tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. Akbar built in 1492, The Tomb is combination of Muslims and Hindu Architectural styles. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening take a cycle rickshaw ride to explore the colourful market of Jaipur city. Overnight at the hotel. |
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11 Day: Jaipur |
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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. Later in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator marble temple, glitters in the in the night, later 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. |
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12 Day: Jaipur – Bikaner (325 kms: 7 hrs) |
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After breakfast check out and drive to Bikaner. En route if time permits you can stop at Mandawa to see the old deserted town with old havelis. Afterwards continue to drive to Bikaner. On arrival, transfer to the 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. Overnight at the hotel. |
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13 Day: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (325 kms: 7 hrs) |
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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. Later check out of the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer en route visit to the massive Fort Pokhran, the town Pokhran came to the limelight when several nuclear tests were conducted here during the 1970's and the 1990's. Pokhran 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. In the evening you can visit Gadisar Lake in the main city or the local market to acclimatize with the city atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel. |
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14 Day: Jaisalmer |
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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, later 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.
Note: Optionally you can stay overnight at the Sam Sand dunes in luxury tented accommodation, enjoying the starry night with ethnic food, folk dances, bone fire and camel safari in dues in nights hours. |
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15 Day: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (290 kms: 6 hrs) |
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After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur, en route visit to 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. After visit continue to drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may opt to dine at 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.
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16 Day: Jodhpur – Udaipur (276 kms: 6 hrs) |
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After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jodhpur including Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about 125 meters and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km and it has seven gates, Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, followed by visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace which is a majestic palace, was built by Umaid Singh. This is the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. It was built in 16 years. A part of the palace has been converted into hotel, one part is the museum and the remaining is still occupied by the royal family. Later check out of the hotel and drive to Udaipur. En route visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur Temples of 12 Century – The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, built out of marbles with 108 carved pillars each carved differently from others, Come across as a marvelous piece of architecture. One can opt to have lunch at Maharani Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and visit to local families on the way. After visit continue to drive to Udaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can enjoy boat ride at Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel. |
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17 Day: Udaipur |
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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, 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 the hotel. |
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18 Day: Udaipur – Delhi (By Air) |
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After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival transfer to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories. |
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