Abroad – Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi – the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘rickshaw ride’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jamia Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.

Overnight at hotel

Morning drive to Mandawa (250 km). Upon arrival in Mandawa – check into the hotel

Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate & lively frescoes, cataloging the life, habits/fashions of the Marwari community.

Overnight at hotel

Morning drive to Gajner (230 km), en route visit Bikaner

Bikaner - this desert town in the north of the state was founded in 1488 by Roa Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji. Visit the Junagarh Fort constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh, a general in the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army.

Thereafter continue drive to Gajner and check into the hotel.

Gajner Palace is an incomparable "Jewel in the Thar Desert" built on the embankment of a lake by His Late Highness Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. During winter even now, this palace with its beautiful lake and surrounded wooded areas become the home of different species of migratory birds, most renowned amongst them being the Imperial Sand Grouse. Endangered Antelopes like Black Bucks, Nilgais, Chinkaras and other animals like the Wild Boar roam freely in this area which is now a preserved sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the surrounding areas of the Palace

Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Jaisalmer (280 km). Upon arrival in Jaisalmer – check into the hotel.

Late afternoon visit the sand dunes and a camel ride to view the sunset, as the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes. It can be an unforgettable experience.

Overnight at hotel

  Jaisalmer

Morning visit the city's magnificent havelis or merchant's houses, each richly decorated and carved from golden yellow sandstone - Patwon-ki-haveli (House of the Brocade Merchants) is the largest and most elaborate of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli (The Mansion of Nathmalji), the last of the great havelis was built in the late 19th century. End the morning with a visit to Gadisar Lake the large natural oasis that attracted Rawal Jaisal to this site.

Late afternoon visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawals in Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. This is also the best place from which to watch the spectacular desert sunset, and photograph the fort.

Overnight at hotel

Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Morning drive to Jodhpur (280 km). Upon arrival in Jodhpur – check into the hotel

Afternoon city tour of Jodhpur the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rajput clan of Rathore. The tour includes Meherangarh Fort one of the most impressive & formidable fort in the whole of fort studded Rajasthan. It is situated on a high natural rock bluff from where you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also visit Jaswant Thada the Royal Cenotaphs.

Overnight at hotel

Jodhpur – Udaipur

Morning drive to Udaipur (260 km), en route visit Ranakpur Jain temples

Ranakpur Temples the most magnificent 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main “Chaumukha temple” dedicated ot Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike. Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. Includes visit to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Thereafter continue drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur – check into the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Udaipur

Morning city tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari”.

Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you have a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank, while the south bank has pleasant gardens running down to the waterside.

Overnight at hotel

Udaipur - Narlai

Morning drive to Narlai (130 kms). Upon arrival in Narlai – check into the hotel.

Narlai - a royal hunting retreat, between Jodhpur and Udaipur is an enchanting new destination. Situated amidst dramatic boulders and ancient temples, the Rawla lies at a foothill of a stupendous 350 – foot single rock granite hill. Maharaj and Rani Swaroop Singh and their sons oversaw the careful restoration of this 15th century home of Marwar nobility. The ambience is a special blend of aesthetics and comfort that envelope the senses.

Later visit the surrounding region including temples where a miraculous flame has burnt for centuries producing saffron instead of soot! Wishes made here, it is said, come true.

Overnight at hotel

Narlai – Pushkar

Morning drive to Pushkar (200 km). Upon arrival in Pushkar – check into the hotel.

Pushkar is famous for its colourful annual fair during kartik poornima (full moon) in the November each year. At this time, this otherwise peaceful and gentle village on the banks of holy Pushkar take is thrown into colourful confusion when the desert tribes and camel caravans meet to trade cattle, camels, goat, sheep, clothes, jewellery and spices. Upto 200000 traders and 50000 cattle pour into town, along with numerous festooned camels and colourful pilgrims. After 10 hectic days of livestock dealing, camel racing and colourful festivities, on the night of the full moon (Kartik Purnima), everybody goes for a big holy dip in the lake and performs religious rituals in its waters, to the accompaniment of temple & folk music.

Visit the most famous Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. It’s marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site.

Overnight at hotel

Pushkar – Jaipur

Late morning drive to Jaipur (150 km). Upon arrival in Jaipur – check into the hotel

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Jaipur

Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at hotel

Jaipur – Agra

Morning drive to Agra (221 km), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.

Thereafter continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra – check into the hotel

Afternoon visit Red Fort & the famous Taj Mahal

Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Taj Mahal -This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a common practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).

Overnight at hotel

Agra – Jhansi – Orchha

Morning transfer to the railway station for your train to Jhansi.

Depart: Agra     at: 0820 hrs     by: Shatabdi Express
Arrive: Jhansi    at: 1040 hrs
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer railway station to Orchha.

Orchha, overlooked by the modern era, this beautiful medieval town, was once the capital of Bundela Kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, flowing through a rugged country century side, it still retains the captivating air of a bygone era. Amongst the various imposing edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of Moghul Emperor Jehangir, the Raj Mahal and the Laxminarayan temple, both noted for their fine Frescoes and Mural paintings.

Overnight at hotel

Orchha – Khajuraho

Morning drive to Khajuraho (150 kms) and upon arrival check-in at hotel.

Thereafter visit the most important and fascinating Western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art.

Also visit the Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular

Overnight at hotel

Khajuraho – Varanasi

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Varanasi

Leave: Khajuraho at: 1405 hrs
Arrive: Varanasi at: 1445 hrs

On arrival in Varanasi, the guest will be met by our representative and proceed for sightseeing tour of Sarnath.

Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will 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. (Sarnath museum is closed on Friday). Thereafter transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Overnight at hotel

Varanasi – Kathmandu

Early morning drive to 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. Visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the river Ganges. Stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.

Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu.

Leave: Varanasi at: 1445 hrs
Arrive: Kathmandu at: 1605 hrs
(The flight only operates on Tuesdays / Thursdays / Saturdays)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the guests will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Kathmandu

Morning city tour of Kathmandu – locked in by the towering snow-clad mountains of the Himalyan range, Kathmandu is the capital of the ‘Hindu Kingdom of Nepal’ – an extraordinary land only now entering the 20th century. Walk through the narrow cobbled lanes of the old Kathmandu city visiting its many ancient temples among which the most unusual is the Temple of Kumari or ‘the living Goddess’ where a little girl lives in her temple residence showering blessings to her many followers. Visit the Hanuman Dhoka the ancient Royal Palace complex that comprises of a series of 14 courtyards of which Nasal Chowk is still used for Royal ceremonies including coronation.

Afternoon visit Patan – the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley with 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these temples are the Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavir, Kumbheshwar temple, Mahaboudha and Jagatnarayan temple. The Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban street scapes in the world. One can see the artisans crafting unbelievably intricate pieces from wood, stone etc.

The Patan Museum displays the traditional sacred art of Nepal in an illustrious architectural settings. Its home is an old residential court of Patan Durbar, one of the royal palaces of the former Malla kings of the Kathmandu valley. The museum exhibits cover a long span of Nepal’s cultural history and some rare objects are amoung its treasures. Their meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained. Most of the objects are cast bronzes and gilt copper repousse work, traditional crafts for which Patan is famous.

Overnight at hotel

Kathmandu

Morning proceed onto Bodhnath, the largest stupa in the world where from a towering golden pinnacle the painted eyes of the all-seeing Buddha gaze across the valley in every direction, then proceed onto the Pashupatinath temple situated on the banks of Bagmati temple which is the most holy temples of the entire Hindu world. As entrance into the temple precinct is permitted to Hindus only, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. A sight of cremation being performed on the banks of the river is very common.

Afternoon visit Bhadgaon – home of medieval art and architecture, also known as Bhaktapur or the city of the devotees. Raja Ananda Malla supposedly created Bhaktapur in 889 A.D. designing his kingdom in the shape of Shiva’s conch shell or Shiva’s drum. Thereafter continue to Dhulikhel – the hilltop village is one of the famous spots for viewing

Overnight at hotel

Kathmandu – Delhi

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Delhi

Leave: Kathmandu at: 1350 hrs
Arrive: Delhi at: 1510 hrs

Upon arrival in Delhi – you will be met & transferred to the International airport for flight to back home.