Upon arrival in India and on completion of immigration formalities, luggage collection and custom clearance, please proceed to the exit, where you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel. New Delhi or the lutein’s Delhi as you may call, reflects the legacy, the Britisher left behind, while Old Delhi, is the most historic part of the metropolis, with its origins dating back to the time of the Moghuls.
Morning after breakfast, enjoy a short metro ride to one of the old Delhi metro stations. Later explore “Old Delhi” with its narrow dirt roads, its myriad people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. The first stop is at the Raj Ghat (the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi). Driving past the Red Fort (we will visit the more elaborate Red Fort in Agra) we trade our motor vehicles for bicycle rickshaws, which will take us into the heart of Chandini Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants). Negotiating alleyways, which seemingly get narrower and narrower we end up at the Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim Mosque in India. Post lunch explore New Delhi- The capital city of modern India, New Delhi, is a well laid-out main metropolitan area built by the British when they moved their capital here from Calcutta in 1911. It blends internationalism and tradition, with many interesting museums and art galleries here. We will drive past the President’s palace and India Gate in the Lutyens’ Imperial City and Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb that pay homage to the mighty Afghan & Mughal Empires. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning, drive overland to Agra, a timeless city with the worlds one of the most amazing monument of love, a gem in Agra’s crown. To the lover of art and the traveler seeking the wonders of India, Agra is the sublime destination. Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan lavished on this fabled city their love and riches immeasurable, to transform this land into one of the greatest centers of art, culture, learning and commerce. Arrive and check into hotel. Late afternoon proceed to visit Agra Fort, a powerful fortress made of red sandstone, a 16thcentury Mughal monument. Your final stop will be Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays), built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1630. Tour Taj during the afternoon and by sunset.
Later after breakfast drive to Jaipur, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge to create an unforgettable experience. Jaipur is a vibrant tapestry of Rajputana grandeur and urban charm. As you wander through its bustling streets and majestic palaces, you'll be transported back in time to an era of kings and queens, forts and festivities. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, a city predominantly made of redsandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1571 century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. A unique blend of architectural excellence, as well as religious beliefs-sums up Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Akbar to honor Sheikh Salim Chisti,whose prediction of the birth of a Mughalheir came true while Akbar was visiting the then city of Sikri. In honor of the prophecy, Akbar built this city and Jama Masjid,a stunning mosque which is still in use today. He also undertook the construction of three palaces for each of his favorite wives, one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian. An Indo-Islamic Masterpiece, Fatehpur Sikri look its resplendent best during sunset. After the visit drive to the hotel and checkin for meals and overnight stay. Rest of the day at leisure
After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds, the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century. It has 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people. Proceed to the Amber Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the Palace fort. Afternoon visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc.
On time transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi or drive back for 5 hours to Delhi and transfer to international airport to fly back home.
Morning drive to Jodhpur. Arrive and check into hotel. Later visit Mehrangarh Fort built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. From the courtyard you will see beautiful latticework that covers the sandstone walls and balconies. See the beautifully decorated Dancing Hall, Royal Bedroom, Jewel-Studded Robes, Ornate Baby Cradles, Silver Elephant Seats and Palanquins. Also visit Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located in Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Bishnoi Village by Jeep, to learn about their 19 principles. You will meet the village elders and witness an opium ceremony. Famous for pottery, they will demonstrate their skills; if you wish you may participate in the ceremony. Next stop will be at Gudha Village to see Antelopes, Fazelle, Dumessille Crane and much more. Next, visit the Salaws, known for their weaving of magic carpets. Your last stop will be at a Shepherd’s Village; a perfect place to photograph traditional village life. Return to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Meals and overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East." This lake city is perhaps the most romantic of all the Indian centers. Late afternoon, enjoy boat ride around the Lake Pichola and visit the Jagmandir, an island palace on the lake. Overnight at hotel.
Morning proceed for a full day city tour of Udaipur, visiting City Palace with its numerous buildings, the museum of the local Maharanas (the most powerful Maharajas of Rajasthan) and the majestic 17th century Jagdish temple, dedicated to Vishnu. Later visit Sahelion ki Bari (Royal Garden of Ladies), a majestic garden, known as the Courtyard of Maidens. As the name suggests, it was made for the maidens who accompanied the Princess after her marriage to Maharana Sangram Singh. Later return to the hotel for meals and overnight stay.
On time transfer to airport to fly to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and take connecting international flight back home.
Early morning board train for Jodhpur. Packed breakfast. Met upon arrival and drive approx. 6 hours to Jaisalmer, the oldest city of Rajasthan (13th century), with the fortress, Jain temples and sumptuous merchants' homes richly carved .Checkin to Hotel for meals and overnight stay.
Breakfast in the hotel.Day dedicated to visiting the city of Jaisalmer, a seductive outpost in the desert that seems to have come out of a tale of the Arabian Nights, with its stone bastions that surround the medieval fort. Jaisalmer is nicknamed the "golden city" for the color it turns into in the light of the sunset. The vision of the massive fortress, which stands out against the sand reaching towards the sky is unforgettable and the magical aura that surrounds it does not diminish when you cross its walls to enter the labyrinth of alleys and city bazaars. The city's glorious age dates back to the time when numerous caravans crossed the desert and stopped in its caravanserais and havelis (merchants' houses). The true soul of the city is the Fort (dating back to the 13th century, the oldest in Rajasthan) whose perimeter is marked by 99 bastions. A true living museum, within which a quarter of the city's inhabitants live. In its alleys there are numerous havelis, splendid yellow sandstone residences built by the city's rich merchants, whose spectacular facades are decorated with filigree carvings and refined sculptures. Also very valuable are the Jain temples of Rishabdeva and Sambhavnath, places of worship of an ancient and prosperous religious community, set among shops and stalls submerged in fabrics adorned with embroidery and kaleidoscopic mirrors. Weather permitting, visit the city with sunset at the Brahmin cenotaphs, a panoramic point from which to admire the "golden city" in its splendor. Overnight stay.
Breakfast in the hotel.Departure eastwards towards Osian (about 250 km), a town characterized by 18 Hindu and Jain temples, built between the 8th and 12th centuries, decorated with mythological sculptures.Stop for a short view (without a guide) before continuing to Khimsar.The most deserving temple is that of Sachiya Mata, dedicated to Harihara, a particular divinity that unites Vishnu and Shiva in the same manifestation, but of particular interest are also the temple of the sun (Surya Temple) and the Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira, of incomparable refinement.Visit Harihara Temples, a conglomerate of three temples (two were built in the 8th century and the third was erected in the 9th century) dedicated to Lord Harihara.Continue for another 70 km and arrive in Khimsar and visit independently (without a guide) its Fort, a fascinating structure dating back to 1523 with typical fortified desert architecture. Meals and an overnight stay in hotel. Overnight stay.
Early morning drive to Jodhpur and fly to Delhi- Take connecting international flight back home
Morning you will be transferred to railway station to board Vande Bharat Express train, which departs Agra at 0745 Hrs and arrives Khajuraho at 2.20 Hrs. Met and transferred to hotel. Later visit the Western Group of Temples, one thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, the magnificent temples of Khajuraho are poetries in stone. The architectural beauty of the exquisite sculptures, the temples are unlike any other in India or anywhere in the world. The main temples are in the Western Group, which are the largest, compact and centrally located, includes some of the most prominent monuments, built by the Chandela rulers. Afternoon visit the Eastern Group of temples comprising of the Brahamin and Jain shrines close to the present Khajuraho village. Return to the hotel for meals and overnight at the hotel.
Morning drive overland to Varanasi. Arrive and check into hotel. Rest of the day at leisure after a long drive. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight stay.
Morning transfer to the airport to fly to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. You will ne met, assisted and transferred to the Hotel. Evening enjoy Aarti ceremony on the Ghats of Ganges.Witness the wonderful evening Ganga Aarti which will mesmerize you for another 45 minutes to an hour, with 7 priests standing in a row, worshiping the God, with Oil lamps, chanting mantras and blowing Conch. The entire atmosphere is highly charged withdivine like vibes and positive energy. Later return to the hotel for meals and overnight stay at the hotel.
Early morning, enjoy boat ride on the holy river Ganges to see the devout praying and bathing on the Ghats (Banks), with funeral pyres burning at a distance. Walk along the Ghats to see the pilgrims and local priests and pandits busy with religious activities like “Mundan”, “Upnayan Sanskar, Shradhkarm etc. Also visit Golden temple. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast proceed for a half-day city tour of Varanasi visiting various Temples, including Sankat Mochan temple, Hanuman temple etc. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, a place where Buddha preached his first lessons on Nirvana. Later visit the museum with its fine collection of Buddhist artifacts. Return to the hotel for meals and overnight stay. Overnight stay.
On time transfer to airport to fly to Delhi. Arrive and proceed to board international flight back home For more detailed and specific information and viable and interesting extensions, please write, call or whatsapp to us on +91 9312286625, vidyanath_mishra@hotmail.com or travelcatalystt@gmail.com
Early in the morning, enjoy one hour yoga session under an experienced Yoga guru. Yoga, an ancient practice originating from India, offers numerous physical and mental benefits that can also extend to one’s spiritual well-being. While yoga is commonly associated with physical postures or asanas, it encompasses more than just the physical aspect.Self awareness, Connect to the present moment, Cultivation of inner peace are some of the best virtues of Yoga.
Cooking is one of the most important chores undertaken by women India. It is known as a woman’s prerogative to cook and take care of her children. But now the house chore has build-up into a profession. Not only women, but even men have taken up the tasks in numbers. Here you will have the first hand experience on watching and making Indian cuisine, demonstrations and guidelines, by experts on Indian coockery. Here you will get the opportunity to learn and experience the Indian cuisines from the masters. You will learn the various ingredients, spices, used in the Indian curry and non vegetarian dishes.
Early morning visit Taj Mahal during sun rise when Taj looks gorgeous and is at its best, an unforgettable and mesmerizing view of this shimmering white marble structure, only one of its kind it the entire world. The view is magical and once in life time.
Evening enjoy Mohabbat E Taj at Kalakriti theatre, an hour of intriguing Lazer show full of dance and special performances by 100s of performing artists on the magnificent set, based on the immortal epic love story of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who built Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal.
Early morning experience Yoga session at Taj Khema under an able yoga guru. Taj Khema is a mount, where you can enjoy yoga in the soothing environment, inhaling completely fresh air and listen to the chirp of the birds at the time of dawn.
Evening joy Sky dinning : An exclusive luxury experience : Embark on a thrilling gourmet journey with a full view of the Taj Mahal and other sites. Do visit https://www.flydining.com/agra/ for more information.
Visit Maharajas private living room areas cum which are exclusive and can be seen only with prior special permission at the City Palace.
Evening enjoy wine and dine at a Royal Rajput family of Jaipur. You can interact with the Royal family about their lifestyle, bygone era of lavishness and Royality and biography of their forefathers.
Early morning hot air ballooning. Fly above Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and Samode Palace to get a 360 degree view of the Pink City. It offers a unique way to experience the stunning landscapes while relaxing in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Return to the hotel around 9.30 / 10AM- Hot air ballooning will be subject to weather conditions.
Evening enjoy sun set from Nahargarh Fort, located on the hills of Aravali. It is one of most exciting points to visit the entire city of Jaipur bathing in the golden sun rays while it is setting down on the horizon.
Enjoy dinner, a vegetarian delight on a decorated country made boat on the Ganges River, in the midst of live classical music on board.
This evening visit the home of Maestro Debratta Misra, from famous Banaras music Gharana, for a live performance of music - tabla and sitar & Kathak dance, unique to Varanasi. For groups only
Afternoon time permitting, meeting with Professor from Benaras Hindu University or with any other scholar having vast knowledge on Hindu culture and religion.
Panna National Park for Tiger safari: 45 kms from Khajuraho Sound & Light show in the night for 45 minutes at Western group of temples, covering the historyand myths of Khajuraho temples, focusing on king of Chandela. Raneh water fall : It is a natural waterfall on the Ken River, located 40 minutes drive from Khajuraho. The Ken River forms a 5 kms long, and 30 meters deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colours. The options are innumerable and much more unique. For more detailed and specific information on special and unique activiteis, please write, call or whatsapp to us on +91 9312286625, vidyanath_mishra@hotmail.com or travelcatalystt@gmail.com