Duration : 19 Nights / 20 Days
This itinerary covers the following destinations :- Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi
Day 1 : Arrival at Delhi
Depart for Delhi. Arrival at Delhi in the late evening. Welcome with flower garlands, Transfer to the hotel and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed on a tour of Old Delhi - visit the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk (popularly known as Silver Street) and Raj Ghat - the site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation.
In the afternoon, proceed for a 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 towards the beautiful Humayun's tomb from the Mughal era and predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Thereafter, time free for souvenir shopping or relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi / Mandawa (260kms)
In the morning depart for Mandawa - the principal town of the Shekhawati region renowned for its splendid painted "Havelis" or mansions. Arrival and check- in to the hotel. Late in the afternoon, visit the town and Castle of Mandawa and then proceed towards Fatehpur completing the tour of Shekhawati's grand Havelis with their lively frescoes, cataloguing the rich historical life, habits/fashions of the Marwari community. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Mandawa/ Bikaner (270 kms)
After breakfast, depart for the fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the Northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is surrounded by a long embattled wall with five entrance gates. Arrival and check-in to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, a visit to the Junagrh Fort, Palaces and Temples - magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. Bikaner is also famous for being one of the best areas for camel riding in the world. In the evening, a walk in the city's colourful local market.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5 : Bikaner / Jaisalmer (330 Kms)
After breakfast in the hotel, depart for Jaisalmer, the yellow city lying in the heart of the desert, surrounded by sand dunes with an imposing and impregnable sand coloured Fort. Today it is an inhabited city whose chief attraction is lacy filigree of intricate stonework facades of merchant havellis, private houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain temples. Arrival at Jaisalmer and check-in to the hotel. In the afternoon visit the Gaddi Sagar Lake, adorned with an arched gateway and the royal Cenotaphs at the Barj Bagh and view the setting sun over this city which is worth a visit. Rest of the day at leisure to relax near the hotel swimming pool.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast, visit the city of Jaisalmer, splendid caravan city founded in the year 1155 by Rao Jaisal. The city is a jewel, the exquisitely carved balconies of the "Havellis" with rich filigree work all over, the fort perched atop the hill with beautiful palaces and 'jharokhas' (windows), Jaisalmer is also called 'the Museum City'. Later in the afternoon, proceed towards Khuri-45 kms away, to visit the picturesque wind-caressed dunes of the Thar Desert. The sand dunes create enchanting mirages and are absolutely a breathtaking sight. Proceed for a short camel ride in the sand dunes of Khuri village. Return to Jaisalmer and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur (297 kms)
In the morning depart for Jodhpur, the 'blue city' of the desert. Arrive and check- in to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the grand and imposing Mehrangarh, a Fort which was practically unconquerable in times of war in the olden days. Spread over many kilometers, it dominates the landscape by its presence. It shelters exquisite palates decorated with mural frescos with stone inlay work. Thereafter, proceed to the city and take a walk in its quaint and colourful markets, vividly testifying to the history and glory of this princely state. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 : Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur (285 Kms)
Morning depart for Ranakpur the most magnificent 15th Century Jain Temples of India delicately carved out of white marble, in the deep secluded valley of the Aravalli Hills. There are 1444 pillars in the temples and none of them similarly carved. Also visit the temple of Adinath. Thereafter continue towards the romantic city of Udaipur also known as "The White City". Arrival and check in to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax near the hotel swimming pool.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 : Udaipur (the Lake City)
After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Udaipur - set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by beautiful Palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque and romantic city. In the morning visit the romantic and stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola, the magnificent City Palace built in the year 1725.
Later return to the hotel.
Day 10 : Udaipur / Pushkar (295 kms)
Breakfast in the hotel, then depart for Pushkar - the mellow, quite and interesting little town of Pushkar is one of those travellers centres, where people go for a little respite from the hardships of life on the Indian road it is situated right on the edge of the desert. The town is situated on the side of the small but beautiful Pushkar Lake with its many bathing ghats and lined with Temples. For Hindus, Pushkar is a very important pilgrimage center. Pushkar is also world famous for the world famous Camel Fair which takes place here each year in October / November. Arrival and check in to the tented Camp. Rest of day is at leisure to visit the Pushkar Fair. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 11 : Pushkar / Jaipur (165 kms)
In the morning, revisit the Pushkar Fair In the afternoon, leave for Jaipur - the capital city of Rajasthan.
Arrive and check in to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Jaipur
After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort - built in the time of Mughals. The area was constructed and always prepared at times of war in the olden days.. Amber was residence of the Maharajas. Looking at the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace, you will be able to imagine the power of the character of Amer Fort. A ride on elephant back along the ramparts of the Fort can be arranged. Visit the Palace with its crimped rooms full of mirrors and the old harem, in true labyrinth style. The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence of the splendour of the rulers of 16th & 17th Century. There is a possibility of attending a Puja at the Kali temple. Puja is the time of the prayers according to Hindu rites. Before you enter a Temple one must remove footwear and also no leather articles are permitted inside the Temple. In the afternoon, proceed for a tour of the Pink City - visiting the imposing City Palace now converted into a Museum - the principal residence of the former ruling family, Jantar Mantar - the ancient Observatory, Hawa Mahal - the exotic Palace of the Winds and finally, visit the picturesque and lively bazaars of the walled city. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
In the morning leave for Agra, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years later, but during its brief span, the city it was known t have had more significance than London in both grandeur and population. Thereafter, continue the drive to Agra. Arrival and check-in to the hotel. Return to the hotel in the evening and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14 : Agra
After breakfast, proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerize its visitors. It is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. In the afternoon, discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between the year 1565 and 1573, whose military power is beyond comparison. It used to be the residence of the Mughal Emperors. Each Emperor has left their print here : red sandstone of Akbar and Jahangir and white marble of Shah Jahan. This fort is built on the edges of River Yamuna and is surrounded by a wall from 20 to 33 m in height and 2500 m in perimeter. Rest of the day at leisure to relax near the swimming pool. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 : Agra / Varanasi (Flight)
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to airport to catch a flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival - welcome at the airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel, en route visiting Sarnath Temple - 5 miles out of Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in the year 590 BC. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with sculptures found at the site. Thereafter, continue towards the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 : Varanasi / Kathmandu (Flight)
In the early morning, a boat ride on the River Ganges, At this hour it is full of pilgrims, and is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and the most important religions. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, take a walk through the narrow lanes and colourful bazaars in the heart of the old city and also visit the historical Temples. The visit includes the famous Kashi Vishwa Nath Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Durga Temple. Thereafter, proceed to the airport to catch a flight for Kathmandu - the capital of Nepal, which used to be three magical kingdoms in the past. It is called the valley of the Gods and is filled with pagoda temples, stupas, and shrines. One can experience Nepal's rich heritage, unique customs and lively cultures here. Upon arrival, welcome at the airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City, A visit to Swayambhunath (one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupas, it is said to be 2,000 years old), Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple) and Patan City (The ancient city lying 5km southwest of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine art). In the evening, depart for Thamel. Thamel's amazing market is truly a shopper's nirvana (paradise). The wood carved masks, Pashima shawls, dolls, paintings, puppets, pottery, hand-made paper, clothes and brassware are only a few of the exotic items that can be found here. Thamel is a great place to collect souvenirs and a fun place just to stroll around. Return to the hotel on Cycle Rickshaw passing through the Durbar garden with illuminated pagodas, Royal Kashtamandap, Kumri Bahee Palace and other buildings of importance. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, an excursion to Dakshinkali Temple, located towards the Southern part of the Kathmandu valley. The road is superb and makes it possible to appreciate the beauty of the country's superb landscape. At the Kali Temple, local peasants come to sacrifice goats and cocks (particularly on Tuesdays and Saturdays). Thousands of Nepalese come here daily to offer fruits, incense and flowers to the Godess Kali.
Then, proceed to visit the village of Kirtipur, located on the top of a hill, dominates the valley and known to be a very significant and important city during the 18th Century. In Nepali dialect Kirtipur means "a glorious town" a town which has been witness to many historic battles and many important moments in Nepal's history. Halt for lunch during the course of the excursion. Continuation towards the Chobar Gorge, located 4 kilometers from Kirtipur. The picturesque Chobar Gorge is spanned by a small suspension bridge. On the south side of the gorge the bank of the Bagmati River has been paved to make ghats, steps used for ritual ablutions and cremation In the afternoon, a visit to Patan, the 3rd largest city of Nepal, a city which was ruled in the past by the Malla dynasty. The city lies just 5 km from Kathmandu. It is a city of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples and fine wood carvings. The city is known as the paradise of fine arts. The Durbar Square has many famous sites and unique architecture: Krishna Mandi, Bhimsen Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabhihar are just a few among the temples offering you an ecstasy of paintings, wood and metal carvings, an absolute connoisseur's delight ! Return to Kathmandu via Syambunath - A large Stupa which dominates the valley and one of Nepal's oldest religious sites.
After a short rest proceed for a visit to the Bodhnath - A large white Stupa, surrounded by a small city inhabited by Tibetians. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 19 : Kathmandu / Delhi (Flight)
After breakfast in the hotel the morning is at leisure for independent activities. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to catch a flight for Delhi. Arrival to Delhi - welcome meet by our representative and transfer to Discover House, where a courtesy room will be provided to you for wash & change until your departure to the airport. Later in the evening, transfer to Delhi International airport to board a flight for your outward destination.
Day 20 : Depart from Delhi
Board on a flight to your outward destination.
Contact us today and let us know your requirement. We will be more than happy to assist and serve you.
