Highlights of India

Today we drive to Old Delhi or Shahjanbad, a city built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who shifted the Mughal capital here from Agra in the 17th century. Drive past the river Yamuna past the magnificent Red Fort to one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, the Jama Masjid. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi, past jewelers spice merchants, food vendors, shopping arcades, etc. We will also visit the imposing modern Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, built in 1938. The main temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the 'Goddess of Wealth'. Later continue to New Delhi and visit the Qutab Minar Complex, visiting a myriad of monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs, commemorating the onset of Islamic rule in India. Continue to Humayun's Tomb (the second Mughal Emperor) built in the mid-16th-century. This tomb is the first great example of a Mughal garden tomb and was the inspiration for several monuments such as the incomparable Taj Mahal. Continue to “Lutyen’s” New Delhi, drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan, (President’s Palace), Secretariat Buildings, Parliament House and the India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honour of soldiers who died in the Afghan Wars and World War–I. Overnight at hotel in Delhi Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we will commence the drive to Agra & check-in at the hotel In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort, situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River and built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573. Its imposing red sandstone ramparts form a crescent along the riverfront and encompass an enormous complex of courtly buildings, ranging in style from the early eclecticism of Akbar to the sublime elegance of Shah Jahan. The barracks to the north are British additions from the 19th Century. A deep moat, once filled with water from the Yamuna River, surrounds the fort. Later, stop at a marble inlay workshop, where we can learn more about the intricate skill of laying marble, which we saw this morning at the Taj Mahal. At Sunset, view the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. We will spend around 2 hours here, walking through the grounds with ample time for some photo opportunities. For admission to the main mausoleum area, we are required to wear shoe covers (this may be provided on-site – be prepared to bring an additional pair of socks). Overnight at hotel in Agra Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast transfer to Agra railway station to board a train to Jhansi (0800/1045 Hours). Meet upon arrival at Jhansi railway station and transfer to your hotel of stay in Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy of the ages. For this medieval city, the hand of time has rested and the palaces and the temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatries, commands a spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel in Orchha Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast check-out and drive to Khajuraho and check-in at hotel Later visit the Western Group of temples, the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 "Yoginis" or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also see the Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. The sculptures that adorn the temples depict gods, Goddesses and amorous couples. The Eastern Group of temples includes the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the "Vamana" or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures. Overnight at hotel in Khajuraho Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Morning at leaisure. Later transfer to airport to board our flight to Varanasi (Timings: TBA) Meeting and assistance on arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to hotel of stay As a religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India as well as one of the world’s most ancient cities. Evening take a Cycle Rickshaw ride through narrow lanes of Old Varanasi to visit Ghats of River Ganges...Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 Ghats. Most of the Ghats are bathing and puja (prayer) ceremony Ghats, while a few are used exclusively as cremation sites. Mystical India’s true face, these Ghats depicts Logics of life from birth to death. In the evening the Ghats and temples are lit with oil-lamp lights or candles. Participate in an Aarti Ceremony (prayer) and watch the floating Diyas (lamps) on the river Ganges. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Early morning enjoy boat ride on holy river Ganges. At dawn, the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity. The sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience. Later, visit the Vishwanath temple, also called the golden temple because of the gold-plating on its roof. Return to hotel for breakfast Later proceed with excursion to Sarnath; 10-Kms away from Varanasi is the fabled place, which bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, expounding the principles of Buddhism. The remains date back to as far as the3rd-Century BC when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar Edicts. Visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum (Friday Closed). The main attraction is the superb Capital from Ashokan Pillar - the Asoka symbol of four back-to-back Lions which has been adopted as the state symbol Independent India. Also visit the Mahabodhi 'Buddha temple and walk around the Deer Park. Later see the Monastery ruins area, Dhameka Stupa. Overnight at hotel in Varanasi Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast walk the “Galis” (narrow lanes) and “Mohallas” (neighbourhoods) of Varanasi and get a glimpse in to the private world of the people who call this ancient city home. An expert will lead you through the serpentine lanes and showcase for you the unique character of each area visited. Also Visit to Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Banaras Hindu University. Late afternoon, transfer to airport to board flight to Jaipur. Meet upon arrival at jaipur airport and transfer to hotel Overnight at hotel in Jaipur Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Start today with a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), before travelling to Amer Fort, or 'Amber Fort' as the British named it. Erected in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal was built so that the veiled ladies of his harem could observe, unnoticed, the lively street scenes below. After we arrive at the base of Amer Fort, we will board a jeep that will take us all the way up to the entrance. Inside the fort, we will visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, which houses the famed Sheesh Mahal. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace this afternoon to explore the former Royal residence; part of the building has been converted into a museum, while the Royal family of Jaipur still uses the remaining sections of the palace. Outside the gate to Maharaja's City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble-crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. Before returning to the hotel, stop for some shopping inside the walled city, where villagers from around Jaipur come to sell and trade their produce. Here we will find saris, jewellery, clothing, shoes and spices for sale. In the evening enjoy a hands-on Cooking class at an Indian home followed by dinner with the host family. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur Meal: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur and check-in at hotel Evening free at leisure to walk around and explore local clock tower market of Jodhpur Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After leisurely breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Jodhpur visiting the 5-km long Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125 mts. high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or "Jharokhas" with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendour and glamour of a bygone era. Later visit the Jaswant Thada a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II In the afternoon, enjoy Jeep safari in the Bishnoi tribal villages to see the rural way of life. During this safari group will get chance to meet the 'Premier ecologists of the world', the Bishnois, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope. They share a beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust in the Bishnoi people. Guests also meet the Raikas (shepherds) with their glorious costumes, and the Paliwals and Meghwals, the Brahmin farmers and weavers respectively. Overnight at hotel in Jodhpur Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Jain Temples En-route. Ranakpur: The Jain Temples of Ranakpur, built in the 15th century, are situated in the lovely Aravali valley. The town is named after Rana Kumbha, the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The Ranakpur Jain temples have grand structures and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the temples and no two of them are similar. Continue drive to Udaipur & check-in at Hotel. In the evening, enjoy a boat trip on Pichola Lake which is 4-Km long and 3-Km broad, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing Ghats and embankments. Visit island palace Jag Niwas which is beautifully set in the lake Overnight at hotel in Udaipur Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast proceed with sightseeing of Udaipur Udaipur: It is the city of lakes, also known as "the Venice of the East" and the second most visited city in Rajasthan, after Jaipur. A royal past makes itself evident in every nook and corner in Udaipur. Whether it is the ornate doors that are entrances to people's homes or the palaces, gardens and monuments, Udaipur gives one a glimpse of what the place would have looked like in its time of glory. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1568 and considered the jewel of Mewar, Udaipur's air is filled with a strong sense of romance, adventure and the best of Rajputana. Udaipur is also a center of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which hours the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. Later in the afternoon, Continue with 1-2 Hours heritage walk The walk basically start from Jagdish Chowk and going through kansaro ki gali which was the older part of city given to the copper smith they have their houses and their work shop where a few you can still find working making cooper utensils. End of this street leave you to clock tower, it is 19th Century Structure Raised by Maharana Fateh Singh , the clock is English Mechanism , today it is local jeweller market which sales Gold and Silver ornaments and these shops have more rural customers to buy , than we move towards BADA BAZAR which was Main Market of Udaipur there are fabric Shops , Jain temple where you can find ladies are doing shopping , it is more of color full market and they are small shop and very little modified according to modern need, end of Bada Bazar is MOCHI WADA . Old shoe Market again there are small shops and Shoes are hanging on walls as Mochi is One of the Community Ground floor cum work Shop and First Floor is Their Home , they sale traditional Shoes ( MOJDI ) Rajasthani Shoes Hand Made as well as Machine Made Modern Shoes , Mandi KI NAL which was the passage leading toward dhan Mandi , Which was old grain market , in this passage there are so many cocking utensils shop you can feel by very first sight because of the utensil hanging and kept outside the shops in dhan Mandi there are shops of the merchants sailing Dry Fruits , lentils , rice , edible oil , and you come in open Passage which is end of Dhan mandi you find shops of Various things and finally you come towards the Vegetable Market and Seller they do not have shops they sit on Ground with their Vegetable Basket's and at the same time they can view GANCH community whose traditional Job is to make Bamboo Basket and other things made out of Bamboo , finally you proceed towards Delhi gate which was one of the Twelve entry Gate of City passing by many shops sailing different kind of things ,like Sweets , Sugar Cane Juice , Garments , brooms you may find couple of ladies setting on the ground on the side of the road sailing IRON Tools. End at Old Tonga Stand from where you get your vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Udaipur Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast drive to Bundi visiting Chittorgarh Fort en-route Check-in at hotel on arriving Bundi Later proceed with sightseeing of Bundi. Visit Taragarh (star fort) which was built in 1354 and is reached by a steep road leading up the hillside. There are massive battlements and reservoirs in the fort. The place is halfway down the hillside from the fort, clinging to the hill side. A section of the palace is open to the public to view famous Bundi chitrashal which houses murals of the Bundi School of miniature art. Baoris (step wells), especially the Nagar Sagar Kund and the Rani-Ji-ki baori are worth visiting. Overnight at hotel in Bundi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast drive to Ranthambore and check-in at hotel Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan. The forest around Ranthambore was once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur and is one of the largest national parks in Northern India. Ranthambore National Park is renowned for its tiger population; however you may also come across other wild animals such as leopard, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sambar, hyena and Sloth Bear. Remainder of day at leisure Overnight at hotel in Ranthambore Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you will enjoy an early morning and a mid-afternoon canter safari around an estimated area of 400sq km of game reserve. Overnight at hotel in Ranthambore Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast commence the drive to Abhaneri and check-in at your resort After lunch visit the Abhaneri village, to see the Chand Baori stepwell and marvel at this ancient construction. Over 1,000 years old, the visually outstanding stepwell was originally dedicated to Harshat Mata, the 'Goddess of Joy and Happiness'. In this secluded vale (The Road Less Taken), you get taken back in time as you travel on camel carts to sleepy villages where time seems to stand still. As the ‘ship of the desert’ gently pulls the cart along unpaved, sandy paths, there is a gentle, undulating rhythm in its movement…Along the fortress of solitude, the Aravali mountain range on your side, enjoy the Sundowner on the sand dune with a packed picnic basket and the fresh breath of mountain breeze for your soul. Overnight at hotel in Abhaneri Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast drive to Delhi and after dinner at Aerocity hotel/restaurant transfer to International airport to board onward flight Meal: Breakfast & dinner