Breakfast at hotel Morning:
Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Drive pass historic RED FORT – Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in
red sandstone, which was built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by
a 9-meter deep moat, which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna River.
Enjoy Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.  Very near the Fort is the JAMA MASJID (Friday Mosque),
India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan, take an interesting rickshaw ride through
the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque.
Also visit RAJ GHAT – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. The TOMB OF HUMAYUN – the magnificent
structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden
tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined
elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture.
Visit the QUTAB MINAR, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by
Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to
the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled
scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries.
Drive pass from INDIA GATE, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads
from there to RASHTRAPATHI BHAWAN – the residence of the President of India, which is
flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings. Overnight in
Delhi

Morning breakfast at hotel. Later driver will meet you, hotel and proceed to Mandawa. On
arrival check –in Hotel.
Mandawa, in spite of being one of the best maintained Shekhawati towns had shown gross
neglect and the small, remotely located feudal principality had held many noteworthy
painted mansions. The most famous ones had been the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, the
Goenka Double Haveli, the Murmuria Haveli, the Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli etc and there had
also been the fort which had occupied the center of the town. Having been converted into a
heritage hotel, it had been off limits for non guests and apart from them, Mandawa had
been a small fan work of tiny lanes which had held gnarly banyan trees, tailoring shops and
tea stalls. It had been a place where time had stood still and villagers had sipped tea and
gossiped for hours. Donkey and camel carts had made up of most of the traffic and fearless
hoopoes and other birds had come too close. Occasionally a rattling overflowing bus or

assembled jeep had rumbled past, spewing toxic black smoke on the onlookers’s faces and
their comings and goings had caused much excitement among the villagers.

Evening visit Havelies, Fort & Temples etc.  Overnight stay at Mandawa.

After breakfast,depart for Bikaner, on arrival check -in hotel. Afternoon visit visit
the Junagarh Fort The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or
“Old Fort” in the early 20th century. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not
built on a hilltop. The fort complex was built under the supervision of Karan Chand, the
Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD.
Construction of the walls and associated moat commenced in 1589 and was completed in
1594.
Lalgarh Palace & Museum, Camel Breeding farm can also be visited here. Overnight stay at
Bikaner.

After breakfast proceed to Jaisalmer en route visit to The Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke,
30 kms. south, is where you will find the largest number of rats you’ve ever encountered, all
partaking in a very orderly way of the evening prasad. Later, continue drive to Jaisalmer – a
magnificent city of historic importance and occupies a unique place in the world of its grand
history. The Fort and Golden City of Jaisalmer founded by Maharawal Chundarvanshi (Lunar
race) Yadav Bhati Rajput Jaisal in 1156 A.D. The Bhati Rajputs, a warrior family caste of
Rajasthan were descendants of Lord Krishna. Jaisalmer was the great trade centre of
western Rajasthan and connected with silk route. Caravans of camels were constantly
passing through the state, and usually through the city of Jaisalmer on trips going east or
west. The district of Jaisalmer is mostly sandy desert, but there are many rocky plateaus and
elevated ridges, with alluvial valleys in between. On arrival, check in at hotel & Overnight
stay.

After breakfast, Morning visit Jaisalmer Fort – the second oldest in Rajasthan (oldest being
Chittorgarh). The fort stands on a hill 250 feet above the surrounding country. The fort of
Jaisalmer was founded by Maharawal “Jaisal” in 1156 A.D. The fort stands on a hill which
overlooks the town from the south. Many round shaped stones left on the towers were
used as weapon to check the enemy from entering the fort during battle. It has four gates-
Akhai Pol (Ganesh Pol), Suraj Pol, bhuta Pol & Hava Pol. Raj Mahal – There are five
beautifully carved Raj Mahals inside the fort viz. Rang Mahal, Sarvotam Vilas, Akhai Vilas,
Gaj Mahal, and Moti Mahal. There were some old painting and pictures inside the Mahal.
These paintings are to the Mughal and Rajput-Sculpture.The city tour also includes visit to
the various temples & local havelis.
Afternoon excursion to Sam Sand Dunes, These dunes are 3 km long and 1 km wide. No
vegetation can be found on them and their surface is ever changing due to the winds. The

wind either heaps the sand into hills or scoops it into deep hollows. Enjoy Camel Ride &
Sunset at Dunes. Return to hotel & overnight.

After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, located on the periphery of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is
second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the leader of the
Rathore clan, in 1459 AD. The quintessence of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skill.
Polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times. The city is a
doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes, shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. Jodhpur
is also popularly called as the Blue City. Rest of the day is leisure for independent activities.
Overnight stay at Hotel

After breakfast, visit Meherangarh Fort, Built in 1459 AD, the fort is splendidly perched on a
125m long hill and spread over an area of 5 km, making it one of the largest forts in the
country. An architectural marvel in itself, the fort holds a large collection of royal
paraphernalia on exhibition and is home to a number of charming palaces – including the
more popular Moti Mahal, Jhanki Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.  Also visit Jaswant Thada- A
white marbled memorial, Jaswant Thada lies in close proximity to the Mehrangarh Fort.
Built in 1899 AD, in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, it houses cenotaphs of a number
of Rajput royals and has on display some of the rarest portraits.
Rest of the day is free to walk in the local market. Return to Hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive towards Udaipur with a stop along the way to visit the temples
of Ranakpur – one of the holiest Jain sites of India. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai
and sequestered by mountains, Ranakpur’s beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main
Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened
One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha.
Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444
beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are alike. Its open from midday to 5 p.m. Camera,
Leather clothing or accessories are not allowed on the premises. Visitors are requested not
to wear shorts.
Second stop to visit Kumbhalgarh, an imposing fort built in 1458 AD set amid massive
ramparts and surrounded by hundreds of temples, the creation of one of Mewar’s legendary
heroes Rana Kumbha and the birthplace of the legendery warrior Rana Pratap. The 36 km
fort wall is claimed to be the second longest wall after the great wall of China. The fort has
seven grand gates and ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring
towers add to its grandeur. The last gate or theNimboo Pol has fascinating chambers within.
There is an array of old palaces within the fort and Badal Mahal, the highest of all the
palaces offering glorious views of the countryside. Built by Rana Fateh Singh in the late 19th
century, it has beautiful apartments painted with pastel-coloured murals.
Continue drive towards Udaipur (City of Sunrise) is the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of
Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world and was established around 1567

A.D. Legend has it that the royal Rajput rulers are descended from the Sun God. The golden
sun, representing the Sun God, is still the royal insignia of the Maharana of Mewar. City is
also referred to as the “Venice of the East” and the”Kashmir of Rajasthan”. Tourists to this
enchanting old-modern town in the heart of the Aravalli mountain range, with tonnes of
history, swear by the lovely sunsets in the backdrop of the lakes. There are three
interconnected lakes within the town – the Fateh Sagar Lake, the Pichhola Lake and the
smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake. The chequered history of Mewar is showcased in the city of
Udaipur, which is akin to an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. It is a rich and beguiling
tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting the varied
influences of the centuries. On arrival, check in at hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel
Morning: City tour of Udaipur. Visit the CITY PALACE, a majestic architectural marvel which
is perched on a hill and towers over Lake Pichola. The Palace is a majestic conglomeration of
courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Each palace within is
an outstanding creation of art. Visit the BHARATIYA LOK KALA which has an interesting
collection of Indian folk art including costumes, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical
instruments and deities. Later visit SAHELION-KI-BARI the “Ladies Garden”, with its rich
foliage and intricately designed fountains.
Rest of the evening at leisure to experience the City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient
Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow
lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Overnight in Udaipur

Post breakfast proceed to Pushkar en route visit Chittorgarh ( main attractions are
Chittorgarh Fort , Vijay Stambh & Meera Temple ) , on arrival check –in Hotel.
Evening visit Holy Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple & Markets etc. Overnight stay at Pushkar.

Morning after breakfast, proceed to Jaipur. En route visit Famous Shrine of Khwaja
Moiniddin Chisti at Ajmer.  On arrival check –in Hotel.
Afternoon visit Markets & shopping centers of Jaipur. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel; later proceed for the excursion to AMBER FORT, here you
will enjoy the Elephant Ride to reach atop of the palace. This journey on embellished
elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and
leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. Inside the Fort visit the Hall of Victory or
Jag Mandir – is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling
completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from
Belgium during that period.

Continue your journey: with the city tour of Jaipur – visiting Maharaja’s CITY PALACE, the
former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by
the Royal family of Jaipur. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known
as Armory Museum, housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses,
flintlocks, swords, rifles.
Later visit the Jantar Mantar (OBSERVATORY), which is the largest stone and marble
crafted observatory in the world, having 17 large instruments, many of them still in working
condition.
During the tour you will also have a brief photography stop at HAWA MAHAL – the Palace of
Winds. Also visit of local markets of Jaipur in the evening. Overnight in Jaipur
Aarti ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur – In the evening enjoy Aarti Ceremony in Birla
Mandir.  “Aarti” is a very auspicious Hindu ritual in which we offer our prayers (traditional
hindi song) to God. The Guru or the Master with his devotees, sing the prayers along with
the lighting of the small lamps. The experience, the view and the positive vibrations are so
inspirational that it is difficult to put into words. Overnight in Jaipur

Morning after breakfast check-out and drive to Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri – This exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone, with
its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political
reasons.  The Diwane-i-Am – a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public
audience; Diwane-i-Khas – a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the
Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai’s Palace, Mariam’s
Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings
of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti
are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular
buildings. Arrive Agra and check-in to hotel. Overnight will be in Agra

Morning after breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Agra which includes
TAJ MAHAL – monuments of Love, (TAJ MAHAL REMAIN CLOSED ON EVERY FRIDAY )
which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his
wife Mumtaz Mahal. Visit the Taj Mahal surely the greatest monument to love and one of
the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia,
Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 22 years to build this edifice,
constructed by
Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Marble was
brought from Makrana, near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite,
lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried to Agra from Persia,
Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean.   Enjoy Tonga ride in Agra.

Visit AGRA FORT built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD,
which is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite
buildings including the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal,
Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth
Mughal Emperor died a prisoner.  Overnight stay at Agra.

Agra – Lucknow. This morning we depart for Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.
Boasting beautiful British Raj-era architecture as well as fantastic examples of Islamic art
and design, Lucknow is an enigmatic city steeped in history. This afternoon we’ll tour the
highlights of a city which first gained importance in 1528 with its capture by Babur, the first
Mughal ruler of India. Our first stop will be to the Chota Imambara, one of the most intricate
and exquisite buildings in Lucknow, it was built as a congregation hall for Shia Muslims and
today houses the tombs of Muhammed Ali Shah and his family. Our next stop is the Rumi
Darwaza, often referred to as the Turkish Gate. This imposing gate is a busy route through
the city. We finish the day at Bara Imambara, this impressive complex was built in the
1780’s and houses a mosque, a step well and a maze of corridors. Overnight will be in
Lucknow.

Today we further explore the city of Lucknow, heading first for La Martiniere college. The
college was established in 1845 from instructions in the will of Major General Claude
Martin, who left a large endowment for its construction and upkeep. Today, it educates
upwards of 6,000 pupils at one time and the Constantia building has been described as
‘perhaps the best-preserved colonial building in Lucknow’. Later we’ll visit the remains of
two British Raj-era buildings, Dilkusha Palace and the British Residency, both of which were
shelled during the 1857 siege of Lucknow and today lay in ruins. The rest of the day is at
leisure for you to further explore Lucknow. Overnight will be in Lucknow.

After breakfast , proceed to Varanasi . On arrival check -in hotel & relax.
Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for
Hindus.  Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities,
and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years.  On arrival you drive
to hotel for check in.
Evening visit Dashwamedh Ghat to witness evening prayer on Holy Ganges. In the evening,
the grand ‘Aarti’ at Dashwamedh Ghat, conducted every sunset by five white-robed priests.
These five young men sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river
goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps. Thousands of illuminated lamps
are immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges and the floating lamps add a divine look to
the river at dusk. Sit with some ‘sadhu’ and enjoy knowing their lifestyle from close

proximity.   You might even run into someone who is more than 100 years old! The Ghats
also provide a good option for photography with serene temples and their bustling
courtyards creating a perfect backdrop. Overnight will be in Varanasi

Morning transfer for Boat ride at dawn down India’s most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise
at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waistdeep
in water, praying to the rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the “burning ghats”  where
the Hindus cremate their dead. This is done with great religious fervour which makes for a
moving experience.
The Benaras Hindu University founded in 1916 and its famous Museum Bharat Kala Bhavan
which houses one of the finest collections of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade
textiles. The Bharat Mata and Durga Temple and see the famous Vishwanath temple with its
spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.
Afternoon proceed for an excursion tour of Sarnath. The place where the Buddha turned the
Wheel of Law and delivered His First Sermon. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the
ruins of 9th and 10th-century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi
Society in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum.
Overnight stay will be in Varanasi.

Morning in time, meet you in the hotel & transferred to you Varanasi airport for onward
journey.
The end of the tour