North India with Gwalior & Orchha

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Detailed Tour Itinerary: On arrival at International airport, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi & New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow & bustling. The beauty & serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), & is tree-lined & spacious.

Day 02 : Delhi
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 & 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
India Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Overnight in Delhi - we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.

Day 03 : Delhi-Varanasi (780 Kms 1 hour 15 minutes by Air)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast transfer to domestic airport to catch the flight for Varanasi.
Varanasi- 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.
Arrive Varanasi and check in at hotel.
Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. 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.
Overnight at hotel

Day 04 : Varanasi
Detailed Tour Itinerary: In the morning drive to the Ghats (steps on river bank) to board a boat for a ride on the Hindu holy river Ganga. During this boat ride witness the morning religious rituals on the Ghats and in the temples along the river bank.
Later visit the ancient and modern Hindu temples of the holy city dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening experience the Prayer ceremony at the banks of River Ganges - homage to the holy river with oil lamps and incense etc.
Overnight at hotel in Varanasi

Day 05 : Varanasi-Khajuraho (399 Kms 55 minutes by Air)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast transfer to airport to catch the flight for Khajuraho

Khajuraho - used to be the capital of the Chandela kings and the temples found here were built between 950 and 1050 AD under the later Chandela kings. The temples of Khajuraho are brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture. It is believed that Khajuraho originally had 85 temples. But only about 22 have survived the ravages of time and they are strewn amidst lakes and fields in the area. The existing Khajuraho temples are divided into three groups - western, eastern, and southern. The western group is most famous, and it is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The sculptors of Khajuraho have decorated the walls of the temples with carved figures of men and women of the day doing their daily routines, such as musicians playing music, women putting on make-up, etc. That includes depiction of Mithuna or human couples engaged in sexual acts. Though only about 10% of the carvings on the temple walls show erotica, this is what make the temples of Khajuraho so talked about thing.
Arrive Khajuraho and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit the temples of Khajuraho.
Overnight at hotel

Day 06 : Khajuraho-Orchha (178 Kms 3.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast start for Orchha.
Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is steeped in history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural splendor of the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers. The Betwa River, on whose banks Orchha lies, and the forests around it attract tourist to this place.
Arrive Orchha and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit Orchha fort complex, located on an island on River Betwa. Four-arched bridge leads to the fort complex on the island. The Jahangir Mahal, which was built by Bir Singh Deo in the early part pf the 17th century to mark the visit of the Mughal Emperor, is an important monument of this fort. Also visit temples of Orchha.
Overnight at hotel

Day 07 : Orchha-Agra (235 Kms 5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast drive to Agra, via Gwalior. Visit the mighty Gwalior Fort and Man Mandir.
Continue driving toward Agra.
Arrive Agra and check in at hotel.
Agra- Heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century.

Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached

Overnight at hotel

Day 08 : Agra
Detailed Tour Itinerary: The day starts early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. The Taj Mahal in Agra India is considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India. The history of the Taj Mahal is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end.

Continue sightseeing.
Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah - the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jahangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jahan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal.

Evening leisure for shopping

Overnight at hotel

Day 9 : Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (232 Kms 5 hours drive by road)

Detailed Tour Itinerary: Early morning drive to Jaipur, via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri in Agra is a city in Uttar Pradesh, built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th Century BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a combination of various regional schools of architecture. Influence of Hindu and Jain architectural features are found in this monument with traces of Islamic elements in it. Fatehpur Sikri is made of red sandstone and the beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is located here.
Arrive Jaipur and check in hotel.
Jaipur - the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.
Have dinner at Chokidhani where you get to know about the culture and customs of Rajasthan. Rajasthani are known to be very good hosts so enjoy their hospitality. Overnight at hotel

Day 10 : Jaipur
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber fort palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
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.
Continue sightseeing.
City palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel

Day 11 : Jaipur-Luni (348 Kms 7.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast star for Luni.

Luni- The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors. The village elders solemnly reflect the changing times under the shady trees, while the children enjoy running around the narrow carefree streets. The women, swaying in their brilliant Rajasthani colours go about their daily chores to give water and sustainance to the village.

Arrive Luni and check in at hotel.

In the evening meet with the meet with Bishnoi villagers. Overnight at hotel

Day 12 : Luni-Jaisalmer (301 Kms 6.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer "Rising from the heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage".
Jaisalmer another princely state of Rajasthan is a paradise of the desert kingdom. Summarizing the allure of the desert, the splendid Jaisalmer nestles in the foothills of Trikuta. Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of travellers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travellers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.

Arrive Jaisalmer and check in at hotel. Afternoon is free for wandering or relaxing.

Overnight at hotel

Day 13 : Jaisalmer
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort:
Rising like a sunbeam from the golden sands of the desert, Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. A sight to behold, this living fort is one of the marvels of Rajasthani Architecture, especially of the stone carver's art.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli:
Patwon - Ki - Haveli is another dimension to the Jaisalmer havelis. It is a five storey edifice which was constructed in 1800 AD and 1860 AD. This is the largest of its kind and is one of the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer
Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli:
Unusual and mystic! It is a Salim Singh Ki Haveli. The top most stories of this haveli are destroyed yet the surviving structure has peerless grandeur. You indeed would be enticed with the intricate workmanship and designed Jharokhas.
GadissarLake:
The origin of this artificial water tank dates back to 1156 AD. Surrounded by small temples and shrines, it also gives a view of the exquisite archway, Teelon Ki Pol - one of the main entrances to the lake and the city.
In the evening head out to Sam sand dunes and take a short camel ride to witness the incredible sunset over vast stretches of sand.

Overnight in Jaisalmer

Day 14 : Jaisalmer-Bikaner (331 Kms 6.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast start for Bikaner.

Bikaner- If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in North West part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Upon arrival check in at hotel

Relax in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 15 : Bikaner
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After Breakfast start for Bikaner sightseeing
Junagarh fort This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. Raja Rai Singhji could Marshal the revenues of a Kingdom increased by the conquest of half Marwar and grant of half Gujarat and made use of ample funds from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort.
KarniMataTemple, 30 miles south of Bikaner in Deshnok, is one of the strangest holy spots in India. The Karni Mata Temple was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century in the late Mughal style. The entrance, pictured here, is lavishly decorated with beautifully sculptured marble panelling full of intricate patterns, and delicately worked doorways, colonnades, pavilions and balconies. Not only the mother goddess but well fed rats (called kabas) reside here and receive homage. The high priests have gone to great length to protect the rats whose bodies are believed to house the souls of Karni Mata's departed devotees.

Day 16 : Bikaner-Nagaur (115 Kms 2.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast start for Nagaur.

Nagaur is a historical town that houses an ancient fort, many palaces and shrines. Nagaur is far- famed for its colorful and one of the biggest cattle fairs that are held in the state. The farming Jats and Bishnoi community mainly inhabit this place. Nagaur has a rustic charm of its own and the sight of red chillies being dried in extensive fields is very pleasing for the beholder.

Arrive Nagaur and check in at hotel.

In the afternoon proceed for Nagaur sightseeing.

Nagaur Fort - Nagaur houses the famous ancient sandstone fort that was built in the2nd century. This fort encloses water reservoirs, old palaces and small temples and other slightly ruined edifices. The extra-ordinary paintings in its walls are a connoisseur's delight.

Tarkeen Dargah - This Muslim shrine is dedicated to Hamiduddin Nagauri, the disciple of the Khwaja of Ajmer. This shrine is a holy place of pilgrimage for the Muslims and Sufis.

Glass Jain Temple- This famous Jain Temple exquisitely carved out of glass and is considered sacred by the Jain community.

Overnight at hotel

Day 17 : Nagaur-Khimsar (43 Kms 1 hour drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast drive to Khimsar to stay at Khimsar Fort, perched high on the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Reflecting rural India, this unique fort offers a wide range of experiences; the late afternoon Black buck safari followed by picnic tea on the nearby Sand Dunes is always a favourite.

Overnight at Khimsar Fort

Day 18 : Khimsar-Jodhpur (95 Kms 2 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast start for Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert. This imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. In the past, it was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. It was once a major trade center. Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.

In the afternoon start for Jodhpur tourist spots stand as a living proof of the splendor, traditions and culture of the Jodhpur. The glorious past of Jodhpur is personified through the various forts, palaces and other monuments of Jodhpur. The main places to see in Jodhpur Rajasthan are:

Mehrangarh Fort:
The most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha, the then chief of Rathore clan, constructed it in 1459. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, temples and so on.
UmaidBhavanPalace:
One of the fascinating palaces of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhavan palace. Maharaja Umaid Singh constructed it in 20th century. A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.
Jaswant Thada:
Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
Overnight at Jodhpur

Day 19 : Jodhpur- Ranakpur - Udaipur (250 Kms 06 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast start for Udaipur. On the way visit beautiful temples of RANAKPUR.
Ranakpur (The Jain Temples in Aravali)- Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is Home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region. The RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century have 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls.

Arrive Udaipur and check in at Hotel.
Overnight at hotel

Day 20 : Udaipur
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast start for sightseeing of Udaipur.
Kumbhalgrah Fort The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravali. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha,it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye- view of the surrounding country side. Close by is the Kumbhalgrah Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The fort is accessible only by jeep form Kelwara through the seven gates.
CityPalaceAs the hub of Udaipur the City Palace stands majestically on the hill guarded by crenellated fort walls. A riot of arches, domes, turrets, crenellations and chattris crown the steep fortress.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-Ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the city Museum.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake and spend some time. (Currently water level is very low and is subject to increase water level)
Enjoy dinner and dance shows. Overnight will be at Udaipur

Day 21 : Delhi (By Air)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast relax and enjoy at hotel. After lunch start for Airport to catch flight to Delhi
Arrive Delhi and check in hotel close to the airport. In the evening proceed for International airport to catch flight for onward destination. Proceed with the sweet memories of the tour.