Classical India – 18 nights / 19 days

Duration: 17 Nights / 18 Days

Destinations covered: Delhi – Varanasi– Khajuraho – Orchha – Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Mandawa – Delhi.

Day 01 : Arrival Delhi : Arrive at Delhi International airport. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight stay at Delhi

Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi.

Day 02 – Delhi - Varanasi : After break-fast you will be transfer to airport to take flight for Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing tour. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world, believed to be founded 3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities of Hindus. It was a flourishing trading centre 500 BC when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. A city of great wealth and religious importance when the Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang, visited it in the 7th century. Visit the Vishwanath Golden Temple, the abode of great God Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University. Overnight stay at Varanasi.

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Day 03 - Varanasi : Early morning have boat cruise on river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims throng the water's edge, bathing, worshipping and meditating. On stone platforms under palm leaf umbrellas, the Pandas-Brahmin priests preside over rites and rituals. The boat trip will cover various ghats including the cremation sites. Because every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi (Varanasi)and to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Afternoon visit Sarnath Sarnath, 7 km from the city where Buddha preached his first sermon more than 2500 years ago. Overnight stay at Varanasi.

Day 04- VAranasi - Khajuraho Flight : Transfer to the airport for flight to Khajuraho On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day will be free.

Day 05 - Khajuraho : Full day sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Khajuraho, once the great capital of Chandela, now a quiet town, Khajuraho temples here were built during the Chandela period from 950 to 1050 AD. Almost intriguing as the sheet beauty and the size of the temples is the question of why and how they were built here as Khajuraho is isolated, 1000 years ago as it is even today. The temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals and in great detail - women and sex Overnight stay at Khajuraho.

Khajuraho, once the great Chandela capital, is today a village of about a few thousand people in the interiors of central India, in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Tradition records the existence of eighty five temples, of which only twenty five, strewn amidst lakes and fields, have survived. The temples at Khajuraho, brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture, were built under later Chandela kings between AD 950 and AD 1050. Each ancient structure in India has a fascinating story to tell. But few match the temples of Khajuraho

Day 06 – Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra After break-fast you we will move Jhansi to board train for Agra. Enroute visit rcha. Then continue our drive to Jhansi. Train in Evening. On arrival at Agra our company executive would assist you to Check in hotel. Overnight stay at Agra

Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection.Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris.

Day 07 - Agra : After breakfast our tour guide takes you for sightseeing tour of Agra. Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shahjehan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort, the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the beautiful pearl Mosque; it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. Overnight will be at Agra

Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Day 08: Agra - Jaipur : Morning drive to Jaipur (221 kms), 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 Buland Darwaza the largest gateway in the world. Thereafter continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur - check into the hotel. Afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight will be at hotel.

Day 09: Jaipur : After breakfast our tour guide takes takes you for excursion to the Amber Fort. Climb the FORT on elephant back in royal style. Visit Jaigarh fort the largest canoon in world on wheels. Then proceed to visit of Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), Jantar Mantar (the natural observatory), City Palace. Overnight stay at Jaipur

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through, Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences - the mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar - an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar lined with shopsand business establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from the architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal

Day 10: Jaipur – Pushkar : Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar and check in at the Swiss Tents / Hotel. Overnight will be at hotel. Rest of day will be spent in PUSHKAR excursion. Overnight stay at Pushkar

Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar, 11 kms from Ajmer, abounds in temples. of these the most famous is the Brahma temple - the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the country. Once a year, during the Kartik Purnima, the entire region comes alive with a pulsating Camel and Cattle Fair. There is a week long celebration with an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter with threads of religious fervour. Bedecked and festooned cattle wait in the clouds of sand and the pious gather at the break of dawn to take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake to absolve themselves of all their sins.

Day 11: Pushkar – Udaipur. : After breakfast departure by road to Udaipur. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. Relax in the evening. Overnight is at Udaipur

Day 12: Udaipur. : Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. Overnight is at Udaipur.

Udaipur, the city of Dawn, is the Jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty for 1200 years. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection of these building in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.

Day 13: Udaipur – Jodhpur. After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. Check in hotel. Evening visit museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace and MehranGhar Fort. Overnight stay at Jodhpur.

At the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. A high wall encompasses the city -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with people wearing lovely multi hued costumes, artistically designed. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered "jutis" or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items etc., are of interest. The Mehrangarh fort is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels with latticed windows These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

Day 14: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer : Proceed for Jaisalmer. Drive through desert. Reach and check in at hotel. Free for leisure. Overnight is at Jaisalmer.

Rising from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The Jaiselmer fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendour. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelies, temples and typical desert life of men women cattle and camels. The 80 meter high fort, perch on the hill, houses the entire township within its ramparts. It has enchanting narrow lanes dotted with exquisite havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century and palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways -Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer each with a different facade. The Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon and Salim Singh all in Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are exquisite works of art. A camel safari through the interesting and remote desert villages of Roopsi, Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara and the Cenotaphs of Barabagh can be interesting. The villages are very special, as different communities inhabit them

Day 15: Jaisalmer : After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. Stay overnight at Jaiselmer.

Day 16: Jaisalmer to Bikaner : After breakfast continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR. Check in at hotel. Relax in the evening. Overnight is at Bikaner.

Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the North State of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven-km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting experience. Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards, carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting.

Day 17: Bikaner - Mandawa : Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight is at Mandawa.

Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open-air art galley, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. It is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The Havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls

Day 18: Mandawa - Delhi : Breakfast at hotel. Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village chief. Later we leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight is at Delhi.

Day 19: Delhi - Home : Breakfast at Delhi. Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi. Latter transferred to international airport for onward flight with sweet Indian Memories