EXCLUSIVE PUSHKAR DEPARTURE

Day 01 : Abroad / Delhi

Flight arrives late night at New Delhi International airport. At the airport the guest will be met by our representative and escorted to the hotel.

On arriving at the hotel the guests will be accordeda traditional Indian welcome consisting of aarti-tikka and garlands.Guests will also be served a non-alcoholic welcome drink.

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi

In the morningproceed on an enthralling sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.

Your tour begins with visit to Old Delhi.You will be made to visit Old Delhi – famed for its red fort and delicious street food. A powerful hub of Moghul era, Old Delhi offers ancient monumental architectures, narrow lanes and lively bazaars. In Old Delhi you can visit ancient monuments, stroll through narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Visit the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India which was completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Have a thrilling experience of taking 'cycle rickshaws' from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, enjoying the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Chandni Chowk - literally means "moonlit crossroads" and an area which best represents the "super-oriental" - the glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its crowded bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets, strange aromas, the pungent odor of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers, coolies and "rickshaw-walas".

Proceed on an afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi.

On the way you also get the glimpses of government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the famous India Gate & the Presidential Palace. . Continuing ahead, you visit the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era.& predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. Your day tour ends with a visit to the towering minaret of QutabMinar. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Tuesday Delhi - Udaipur

In the morning the guests will be made to proceed to the Domestic airport catch flight from Delhi to Udaipur ( 0610 / 0800 hrs. )

On arriving in Udaipur the guests will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to hotel Lake Palace.

Enjoy afternoon sightseeing tour of Udaipur

Udaipur is the romantic Lake City in Southern Rajasthan, renowned for the fabulous white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola. It was once a Palace of the Maharana and now converted to one of the most famous hotels in India. Guests will be visiting the splendid City Palace, the Jagdish temple, the pleasure gardens and a drive around the other nearby lakes.

The wonderful City Palace, which is simply huge – has an impression of not one but four separate palaces covering some four acres of area and exceeding all other palaces for colossal grandeur. Here you will wonder at beautiful rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies; and the Peacock Courtyard. You will spell bound and mesmerized throughout the time you spend in this palace during your visit.

Relax overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Udaipur

In the morning embark on a tour of Nagda & Eklingj. Eklingji is in the village of Kailash Puri(22kms north-east of Udaipur). It is a small temple complex with 108 shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, the deity worshipped by the rulers of Mewar date back to the 16th century, although this has been holy site associated with Lord Shiva since ancient times.

Nagda -close to KailashPuri is located on the rough country road, Nagdawas once a Solanki strong-hold which now lies in ruins.It is one of the ancient places in Mewar dating back to the 11th Century.

Late in the afternoon enjoy a cruise by private boat on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the lake you can enjoy a picturesque view of the City Palace extending along the east bank, while the south bank has gardens running down to the waterside.

Relax overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Udaipur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh

In the morning take a journey to Kumbhalgarhenroute visiting Ranakpur Temples

Visit the Ranakpur temples - the most extrvagant 15th century Jain temples situated in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. Though now over 500 years old, the temples still maintain their luster as they hav4 been superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main "Chaumukha temple" dedicated otAdinath. The most remarkable characteristics of this structure are the 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, of which no two are exactly same. Every visible surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. The visit also includes visit to two more Jain temples and to the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

Continue ahead with a drive to Kumbhalgarh.

On arriving in Kumbhalgarh - check in at hotel

In the afternoon visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort (alt 1,087 m) the second most important fort of the Mewar Kingdom after Chittaurgarh. Most of the fort was constructed under the regime of MaharanaKumba (11485). This fort islocated on the west facing ridge of the Aravallis, commanding a great strategic position on the border between the Rajput Kingdoms of Udaipur (Mewar) and Jodhpur (Marwar). It gives an enchating view over the lower land to the North-west, standing over 200m above the pass leading via Ghanerao towards Udaipur.

Proceed to the hotel for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 :Kumbhalgarh - Jodhpur

In the morning after breakfast embark on a journey by road to Jodhpur.

On arriving in Jodhpur check in at the hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur

City tour includes a visit toMeherangarh Fort - one of the most impressive & formidable in the whole of fort-studded Rajasthan is situated on a high natural rock bluff and from which you can look down on the wonderful panorama of the bustling city below. Also take a tour to theJaswantThada - the Royal Cenotaphs. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

After having breakfast in the morning drive to Jaisalmer.

Upon arriving Jaisalmer check into the hotel. In the afternoon take a journey to the Sand dunes, enroute stop over at several interesting villages and experience the daily life of the people in one of the largest desert in the world. Embark on a Camel Safari in the Thar Desert and over the massive sand dunes and witness sunset. It would truly be an unforgettable experience.

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer

Breakfast is at hotel. After breakfast, proceed for city tour of Jaisalmer.

Tour this enchanting Rajput walled desert city which is like a golden jewel shimmering above the hard sand. Visit the palaces, the Jain temples and magnificent Havelis which are quite different to the ShekhavatiHavelis - they have tall structures to the breeze and thick - walled to keep cool, with jali screens. In place of paintings, their exterior walls have been carved to honeycomb style. Visit the city's wonderfulhavelis or merchant's houses, each handsomely 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 was the main attraction forRawalJaisal to this site.

You will also be made to visit the Fort - built in 1156 by RawalJaisal, the Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan after Chittor. A total of one fourth of the population lives inside the Fort.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Cenotaphs of the Rawals in Barra bagh where the rulers were cremated. This is the perfect place from which to watch the spectacular desert sunset, and also serves as an ideal location to photograph the fort. Stay overnight at hotel

Day 08 : Jaisalmer - Osian

In the morning after breakfast drive to Osian - the ancient site of 8th C Jain temples.

Osian - is an oasis in the desert, and a great centre of Brahmanical and Jain religions. This luxurious tented camp nestles in the most wonderful sand dunes of the great Thar Desert.

Late in the afternoon embark on a camel safari through the great dunes to reach Khetasar, a "Bishnoi" village for tea & coffee in a hut, near the oasis where all the village women come to collect water.

Spend the evening splendor with the family of MaharajRatan Singh - camp-fire, folk musicians & dancers followed by candle-lit dinner with liveried waiters under the stars and in the romantic silence of the great desert dunes.
Spend overnight at camp.

Day 09 :Osian - Pushkar

In the morning after breakfast, drive to Pushkar.

Pushkar -is famed for its colourful annual fair during kartikpoornima (full moon) in November each year. It is during this time the otherwise peaceful and gentle village on the banks of holy Pushkar lake is thrown into colourful confusion when the desert tribes and camel caravans meet to trade cattle, camels, goat, sheep, clothes, jewellery and spices beside the sacred Pushkar Lake and to perform their rituals in its waters, to the accompaniment of temple & folk music. Approximately around 200000 traders and 50000cattle come to this town, along with numerous festooned camels and colorful pilgrims. The fair is held over a period of 10 days. You can enjoy watching livestock dealing, camel racing and colorful festivities, everybody goes for a big holy dip in the lake on the night of the full moon. (Kartik Purnima).

On arriving check-in at camp. At the Swiss Camp you can have a captivating experience 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. The campfire is the centre of attraction for the evening entertainment programme with cocktails & rhythms of the Thar-music, dancing, magicians, puppet shows, jugglers, flaming torches & camel parades. (Important note: As this is a religious and sacred place therefore no non-vegetarian food or alcohol will be served .)

Day 10 :Pushkar

Enjoy full day at the fair. Built as 'an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter', the fair provides some exclusive photographic opportunities and is a rare chance to see Rajasthani women decked out in all their traditional jewellery, dress and finery. Temple music echoes through the night, as the fires die down and the Rajasthani melodies played on the stringed ek-tara come to a close. On the night of the full moon, the pilgrims bathe by moonlight, then send marigold and rose petals floating across the lake on green plate-like leaves. It is worth getting up early to see the camels and tribes rousing themselves in the pink of the dawn desert light.

Stay overnight in the camp.

Day 11 :Pushkar - Jaipur

After having breakfast, drive to Jaipur.

On arriving in Jaipur - check into hotel.

Proceed on afternoon city tour of Jaipur.

Tour of the City- Jaipur also called "The Pink City" is a beautiful city surroundedby rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the visit to the famous 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 on display here, including a collection of weaponry. You can also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air JantarMantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a walk through the colorful bazaar before moving back to your hotel. Relax overnight at hotel

Day 12 : Jaipur - FatehpurSikri - Agra

After having breakfast, proceed on a tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill climb on top of caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady ride up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honored fashion enthralled with royalty. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took almost over 100 years to be build and although it is deserted now it still offers a enchanting insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.

In the afternoon drive to Agra (265 kms / 6 hrs) enroute visit FatehpurSikri

FatehpurSikri –

Drive to the sandstone fortress of FatehpurSikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions.

From FatehpuriSikri you continue ahead with your journey to Agra. On arriving in Agrayou check in at Hotel.

Relax overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : Agra - Delhi

Early in the morning in Agra visit the famous Taj Mahal to witness its changing colour at sunrise. (Closed on Fridays)

Taj Mahalis the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. The Taj complex houses a forecourt, a huge entrance, a fascinating formal Mughal garden with canals and a central tank with a series of fountains, the tomb proper, and an attached mosque on the west and its symmetrical counterpart on the east. The Taj is notable for its perfect proportions and rich pietra dura, with minute details executed with great skill and perfection. The building, often styled "a dream in marble" took at least 22 years (1631-1653) to be built.

Return to hotel for breakfast

After breakfast, travel to the Red fort (Thereafter drive to Delhi enroute visiting sikandra)

Red Fort -lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it 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. ( Only for guests who are not taking the extension to Khajuraho& Varanasi)

Sikandara -lies 8 kms north of Agra, the site of the tomb of Akbar. The emperor's mausoleum lies inside a huge garden. The slim minarets of the imposing gateway sprout from a wealth of Moghul inlay work in stone. Each floor of the four-storied mausoleum is a series of arcades, tapering to a marble cloister, which seems to float on the top. Legend says that the pedestal in the tomb chamber once supported the Kohinoor diamond.

Upon arrival in Delhi wash and change rooms will be provided and dinner.

Thereafter transfer from hotel to the airport for flight back home.

Day 13 : Delhi - Abroad Depart Delhi.

EXTENTION - AGRA - KHAJURAHO - VARANASI - DELHI

Day 13 : Agra - Khajuraho

Later transfer to the airport for Agra / Khajuraho flight (----- / 1215 hrs.)

Upon arrival met and transferred to hotel.

Afternoon visit the temples.

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.

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.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 :Khajuraho - Varanasi

Spend the Morning at leisure at the hotel for your own activities.

Later in the Day you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for Khajuraho / Varanasi flight (1345 / 1425 hrs.)

On arriving in Khajurahoproceed straight for sightseeing tour of Sarnath temples

Visit Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha delivered his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will have the glimpses of 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. Note: the museum is closed to the public on Friday.

You will be staying overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 : Varanasi - Delhi

In Varanasi visit DaswamedhGhat in the morning. Enjoy boating on the sacred river Ganges. See the cremation Ghats and also become a witness to the living traditions, rituals, customs of one of the world's oldest and heritage religions.

Along the city's winding streets are hundreds of temples. Take a tour of some of these Hindu temples that line the river Ganges.

Experience the narrow lanes and bazaars full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Banarasi Silk. You will also find little shops crammed with customers looking for the famous silver & gold brocades for weddings or even for cremation cloth. The most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it.

You may then return to hotel for breakfast.

Later in the morning again start tour ofBenaras - as it is also called. Varanasi has been a cultural centre of North India for several thousand years, and is a major centre of pilgrimage. Varanasi is also famous for its prestigious Benaras Hindu University. Since it was also an ancient center of learning, the Benars Hindu University is worth a visitas are the silver and gold brocade shops, for which Benaras is world famous.

In the afternoon get transferred from hotel to the airport for Varanasi / Delhi flight (1700 / 1915 hrs.)

On arriving in Delhi - transfer to hotel where rooms will be provided for wash & change.

Have dinner at the hotel.

After dinner get transferred from hotel to the airport for flight back home.

Day 16 : Delhi - Abroad

Departure from Delhi for onward journey to your destination.