Duration : 23 Days / 22 nights
This itinerary covers the following destinations :- Delhi - Varanasi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi - Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis - Likir - Alchi - Khardungla - Pangong Tso - Leh - Delhi
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Depart for Delhi. Arrival at Delhi in the late evening & welcome meet with representative at the airport.
The colour & romance of India welcomes you with arms wide open as you reach Delhi. The aroma of Indian traditions gets hold of you in a fascinating way. The capital of India, Delhi, is one of the liveliest places in the whole world with something exciting & unexpected always happening at every corner at every moment. For a first time visitor, it serves as a perfect start to a journey towards cultural wealth, different religious beliefs and the dynamisms of India. Delhi can often be both, a melting pot as well as a mosaic of cultures & a keen traveller can take back with him a multitude of experiences.
Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi / Varanasi (Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to airport to connect flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival welcome meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, visit The 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 590 BC. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with ancient sculptures found at the site.
Later return to Varanasi.
Day 3 : Varanasi
Early morning, a boat ride on the river Ganges, when it is full of pilgrims paying their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of centuries old Temples. It is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and the experience can be a little overwhelming.
Return to hotel for breakfast. Thereafter, walk through the narrow lanes and colourful bazaars in the heart of the old city and also visit the Temples. The visit includes the famous Kashi Vishwa Nath Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Durga Temple.
Later return to the hotel.
Day 4 : Varanasi / Agra (Train)
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy the day to yourself to explore the ancient city. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the railway station, to board a train for Agra.
Night on board the train.
Day 5 : Agra
06.30hrs, Arrive Agra - welcome meet at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Some time free to relax in the hotel. In the afternoon, discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between the year1565 and 1573, whose military power is beyond comparison. It was the residence of the Mughal Emperors in the olden days. Each one of them added to the existing character of the Fort, Red sandstone of Akbar and Jahangir, White marble of Shah Jahan. This fort rises on the banks of Yamuna River, surrounded by a wall of 20 to 33 meters in height and 2500 meters perimeter.
Thereafter, visit the Taj Mahal a monument recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The next morning, get set to travel on a horse pulled carriage called 'tonga' for a city tour of Agra and visit the World romantic Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerize its visitors. Taj Mahal is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the year 1631. The Taj has been referred to as a poem of love in marble as 'a tear drop on the cheeks of Eternity'.
Return to the hotel
Day 6 : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
After breakfast depart for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 10 years. Then this city abandoned for unknown reasons. It includes one of the largest Mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
Thereafter continue towards Jaipur. On arrival in the afternoon proceed to the hotel, and check in.
Your evening includes a panoramic city tour of Jaipur. Thereafter have a joyful cycle rickshaw ride in this quaint city and we guarantee you this ride shall be the ride of your life, great fun!
Return to the hotel.
Day 7 : Jaipur
After breakfast proceed for a visit to the Amber Fort, built during the time of the Mughals. The area used to be always ready for war. Amber was the residence of the Maharajas. One is able to imagine the power of the Fort just by looking at the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace. You will ascend this 11th Century Bastion on a gaily decorated elephant.
Visit the Palace with its crimped rooms full of mirrors and the old harem, in labyrinth style. The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence of the splendour of the rulers of the 16th & the 17th Century.
There is a possibility to attend a Puja ceremony where a number of priests organise religious chants (chanting in the name of Lord) at the Kali Temple. One may only enter the temple bare foot and any kind of leather items need to be removed.
Later return to the hotel.
Day 8 : Jaipur / Pushkar (140 Kilometers)
After breakfast depart for Pushkar: is a holy town in the state of Rajasthan famous for the Pushkar Lake, various ghats and Temples spread all around the lake. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, visit Pushkar - famous for its picturesque sites and its more than 400 Temples. The most important of the Temples is the Brahma Temple (the only Temple of Lord Brahma, the creator, in the world). Other important Temples are Savitri Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Rangji Temple, and Varaha Temple. Pushkar Lake is the site of annual holy bath on Kartik Purnima (a Hindu Festival). Pushkar Bazaar is famous for its high range of local handicrafts. Another important attraction in the city is Man Mahal built by Raja Man Singh of Amber.
Late in the evening, return to the hotel.
Day 9 : Pushkar / Ranakpur / Udaipur (300 Kilometers)
In the morning, depart for Ranakpur one of the most magnificent 15th Century Jain temples in 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 is similarly carved. Also visit the Temple of Adinath. Lunch at Maharani Bagh. Thereafter, continue towards Udaipur - the romantic city of Udaipur also known as "The White City".
Arrival at Udaipur and check in to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit of Jag Mandir in the middle of the romantic Lake Pichola.
Thereafter, return to hotel.
Day 10 : Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Udaipur - Udaipur is referred to as the "Venice of the East", the "Most Romantic City of India" and the "Kashmir of Rajasthan" (a reference to Dal Lake) and not without reason. Visit the Sahelion-ki-Bari also called as the garden of demoiselles and its pond covered with lotus flowers, thereafter visit the school of paintings, which specializes in Miniatures.
Later, visit the romantic and stunning white marble Palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola, the magnificent City Palace - built in 725, the ancient palaces of the Mewar Royal family for centuries, and the Jagdish temple. Thereafter, time free for souvenir shopping in the colourful local bazaar or relax in the hotel.
Later return to the hotel.
Day 11 : Udaipur / Jodhpur (270 Kilometers)
After breakfast, leave for Jodhpur - 'the blue city' of the desert. On arrival, check in to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the grand and imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which was said to be practically impenetrable in times of the wars in the olden days. Spread over many kilometers, it dominates the landscape. It also shelters an exquisite Palace decorated with mural frescos and stone laces. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.
Return to hotel.
Day 12 : Jodhpur / Jaisalmer (295 Kilometers)
Departure for Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is located on the western most frontier of India in the State of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. Desert Safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience. The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most Forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is an actual living fort: you can see shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the Fort area.
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 has a peculiar glow.
Return to the hotel.
Day 13 : Jaisalmer
Visit Jaisalmer, splendid caravan city founded into the year 1155 by Rao Jaisa. The rich merchants engaged stone-craftsmen who worked with great diligence on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. These veritable art-museums are still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer firmly on the world tourism map.
In the afternoon, proceed for an excursion towards Khuri-40 kilometers to see the picturesque wind-caressed dunes of the Thar Desert creating enchanting mirages, indeed a breathtaking sight. Khuri is a must visit for tourists seeking solitude in the desert. It is a peaceful place with houses of mud and straw decorated like the patterns of Persian carpets.
Later return to Jaisalmer.
Day 14 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur / Delhi(Flight)
After a leisurely breakfast, leave for Jodhpur. Arrival and transfer to airport to catch a flight for Delhi. Arrival Delhi - welcome meet by our representative & transfer to the hotel.
Day 15 : Delhi / Leh
After a beautiful flight over the snow-capped Himalaya mountain range, arrival at Leh airport and welcome meet by our representative. Transfer to the hotel and after some tea /coffee, it is advisable to spend the rest of the day at leisure to get acclimatized to the area. Later, a visit to the Shanti Stupa & Leh Palace (if health permits).
Return to the hotel.
Day 16 : Leh / Shey / Thiksey / Hemis
After breakfast depart for a full-day city sightseeing excursion. Shey, once the summer palace of the Kings of Ladakh dating from the 17th Century, gives the appearance of being built around a huge golden figure of Buddha 40 feet high. The upper chapel is a balcony around the head of Buddha, while the lower chapel has an extensive library and some Tankhas. Thiksey's Gompa looks like a miniature of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Hemis is the most famous of all Monasteries in Ladakh and contains some of the region's finest art treasures.
Return to Leh and overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : Alchi / Likir
After an early breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour. Stop at the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Sangam (confluence) of the two Rivers Indus & Zanskar. Here, you will experience the magic at 'the magnetic hill' where cars appear to move uphill without starting. Proceed to Likir Monastrey Visit Likir Gompa. Go to the Alchi Monastery and enjoy a picnic in the quaint little village of Bazgo.
Overnight in Leh.
Day 18 : Khardung La
After breakfast, depart for a drive to the highest motorable road in the world-Khardung La. In the afternoon return to Leh for a stroll around the market and enjoy some souvenir shopping.
Overnight in Leh.
Day 19 : Pangong Tso (Lake)
Today's visit starts early morning with an excursion to Pagong Lake.-Pangong is a picturesque high altitude lake. Two third of the pristine blue lake lies in China. Pangong has been featured in the very popular hit Bollywood movie called 3 Idiots.
Overnight in Pangong, at a deluxe camp.
Day 20 : Leh
After a leisurely breakfast return to Leh. Enjoy the last day at leisure to walk around and explore the little city at your own pace.
Overnight in Leh
Day 21 : Leh / Delhi (Flight)
Early morning, transfer to airport to board a flight for Delhi . Upon arrival - welcome meet at the airport and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Visit Old Delhi: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 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 of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of the Qutab Minar.
Thereafter, time free for more souvenir shopping. Thereafter, transfer to the hotel, 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 onward destination.
Day 23 : Depart Delhi
Board a flight and take off for onward destination.
Contact us today and let us know your requirement. We will be more than happy to assist and serve you.
