Destinations Covered: Delhi - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi

08 Nov / Tue:   Arrive Delhi

Arrive: Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel

09 Nov / Wed:   Delhi

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 'cycle rickshaw' 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 Jama 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 towering minaret of Qutab Minar.
Overnight at hotel

10 Nov / Thu:   Delhi - Udaipur

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Udaipur.

Leave: Delhi         at: 1135 hrs   by: 9W 3317
Arrive: Udaipur    at: 1315 hrs

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

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. (Boat ride depending upon the water level of the Lake)
Overnight at hotel.

11 Nov / Fri:   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". Afternoon free for own activities.
Overnight at hotel

12 Nov / Sat:   Udaipur - Jodhpur

Morning drive to Jodhpur (280 Kms) enroute 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 to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly alike.

Thereafter continue drive to Jodhpur and upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel

13 Nov / Sun:   Jodhpur - Pushkar

Morning 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, chief of the Rathore Rajput clan. 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.

Afternoon drive to Pushkar (170 kms). Upon arrival in Pushkar - check into the Deluxe Tents.

Deluxe tents which captures the luxurious nostalgia of a bygone age of the Maharaja's Safari and Shikar camps, combined with innovative design demonstrating many of the skills and crafts of Marwar. The camp consists of tents, each with verandah, bedroom and bathroom. There is a large dining tent serving the best of Rajasthani cuisine and a large open reception tent with seating areas.

14 Nov / Mon:   Pushkar

Pushkar Fair is one of the most colorful fairs of India and is one of the major cultural reflectors of the state of Rajasthan.

Besides trading of horses, camels, cows and bulls, there are exciting camel-cart races and cultural events, people from different parts of India gather on the fair ground to participate in the various entertaining events.

The variety of folk dances and songs lend vivid splashes of colour and music to the atmosphere that is already charged with excitement of the camel races and the cattle fair. The bargaining process, which involves a great deal of haggling between the camel traders and the buyers, add to the spirit of the fair. This fair attracts people not only from India but a large number of tourists from other countries as well. Overnight in deluxe tents

15 Nov / Tue:   Pushkar - Jaipur

Morning drive to Jaipur (140 kms). 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

16 Nov / Wed:   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 for own activities.
Overnight at hotel

17 Nov / Thu:   Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

Morning drive to Agra (260 kms) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted, red sandstone city 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 and upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit the 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. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).
Overnight at hotel.

18 Nov / Fri:   Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho

Morning transfer to railway station for train to Jhansi. Leave: Agra at: 0800 hrs by: Shatabdi Express
Arrive: Jhansi at: 1024 hrs

On arrival in Jhansi, the guests will be met by our representative and straight proceed to Khajuraho (170 kms).

Afternoon visit the most important and fascinating temples of Khajuraho. 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.
Overnight at hotel

19 Nov / Sat:   Khajuraho - Varanasi

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

Leave: Khajuraho at: 1330 hrs by: 9W 334
Arrive: Varanasi at: 1410 hrs

On arrival in Varanasi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Evening proceed to the "ghats", a long stone stepped embankment built on the riverbank. Here, watch the evening "aarti" ceremony, a deeply moving spectacle where devotees release leaf borne lamps on to the water at sunset. Overnight at hotel

20 Nov / Sun:   Varanasi

Early morning take a short trip by country boat on the sacred river Ganges to see the Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition.

Thereafter visit some of the many Hindu temples that line the river Ganges and stroll along the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Benaras Silks.

Afternoon visit Sarnath - (8 kms from Varanasi) is 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 Archaeological Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. The main attraction at this excellent Archaeological Museum is the superb capital from the Ashokan pillar. It has the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back lions which has been adopted as the state symbol of modern India. (The museum is closed on Fridays).
Overnight at hotel

21 Nov / Mon:   Varanasi - Kathmandu

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu

Leave: Varanasi at: 1355 hrs by: F5 622
Arrive: Kathmandu at: 1555 hrs

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

22 Nov / Tue:   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, 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. Overnight at hotel

23 Nov / Wed:    Kathmandu

Morning visit Patan - an important ancient city of Kathmandu valley - it is a treasure house of venerable and picturesque buildings. It is also known as 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 setting. 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.

Afternoon at leisure for own activities.
Overnight at hotel

24 Nov / Thu:   Kathmandu - Delhi - Onward journey

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

Leave: Kathmandu at: 1600 hrs by: F5 603
Arrive: Delhi at: 1715 hrs

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