In this tour, we are total immersion in North India, particularly Rajasthan. The key cities of Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Agra are alternately explored. We visit the strongholds of Chittorgarh and Bundi, which are proudly perched atop their rocky summits, and meet the locals. The trip's highlight is a visit to the legendary Taj Mahal before concluding on the banks of the Ganges in the holy city of Benares.
At your hotel
Assistance upon arrival at Delhi international airport by flight, our airport representative will meet and greet you there and he will transfer you to the hotel.
This morning after breakfast you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi. First, you will go to Old Delhi, The Mughals, who formerly governed from the ramparts of the Red Fort, have left an indelible mark. First, we will go to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, which was established in the 17th century. Later, we'll travel through New Delhi to see Raj Ghat, India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace), the Parliament House, and other colonial structures. The work of British architect Edwin Lutyens from the early twentieth century is conspicuous in colonial areas. Finally, pay a visit to the iconic Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb, both of which are magnificent examples of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture. In the evening you will transfer to the Delhi railway station to board the overnight train for Jodhpur.
Early morning arrival and transfer to the hotel. The ancient capital of Marwar is discovered, lying at the foot of its massive red sandstone fortification. The huge Brahman areas, with buildings painted in blue-purple colors, give the city a magnificent aura, earning it the moniker "blue city." Visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which dates from the 15th century. We then take a trip through the Sardar market, a busy rural bazaar at the foot of the castle.
Today we went off to find a more rural India and the people who live in the region's little hamlets. We discover more about the Bishnoi people, who are early-stage environmentalists who have never hunted and cherish all life. We also encounter the Prajapat village, which is noted for its dhurries, or little carpets made of cotton or camel hair. After that, drive to Bhenswara village. We stay in an old ravla, which was built in genuine Rajput style over 240 years ago. Thakur Jagat Singh Ji Rathore, the village's founder, is also the creator of Bhenswara.
The result is a calm and timeless ambiance. Jeeps are waiting for us in the desert for a trip. We go to see the Rabari tribe, a group of shepherds who used to wear brightly colored turbans. Women, on the other hand, dress in traditional tunics that are exquisite and bright. The desert is home to a diverse range of animal species. We might see hyenas, foxes, antelopes, snakes, and, if we're very lucky, a leopard if we're lucky.
Make your way to Ranakpur, a city noted for its numerous Jain temples. We go to the Adinath temple, which has 1444 carved pillars and is possibly the most stunning of them all. Continue to Udaipur, a city built by Prince Udai Singh in the 16th century. The rest of the day is free.
We go for a wonderful morning walk in the Udaipur area. We go through the region's dispersed villages, which are home to the Bhils, one of the country's oldest populations. While enjoying stunning views of the surrounding countryside, we learn more about their way of life. Our stroll comes to a close between two temples. The first is devoted to Shiva, while the second is dedicated to Shakti. We can once again take in the beautiful vistas of the region from this vantage point. Return to the city of Udaipur.
In the afternoon, we tour the city, including the magnificent City Palace on the beaches of Lake Pichola, and the Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen's ladies-in-waiting gardens), which are ornamented with flower beds and ponds filled with lotus blossoms, especially when the monsoon rains are severe. On the lake, take a boat ride.
We take lunch in the center of the majestic 8th-century fortress of Chittorgarh, on the road to the small uncrowded stage of Chittorgarh. We travel up to the majestic fort after lunch, a relic of the time when Chittorgarh was the Mewar capital. Continue to Bijaipur Palace, which was erected on the Vindhyachal plateau's highest peaks. The round view of the valley, neighboring lakes, and villages from the palace are breathtaking. Members of the founding family still live in the palace, which was built in the 16th century. We decide to spend the night in this peaceful retreat, and a tour around the castle allows us to discover more about the village's customs and way of life.
We take advantage of the culinary instruction offered by our hosts when we return. Delicious Indian cuisine's ingredients, spices, and methods do.
We go from our modest palace and travel to Bundi, a small village with narrow lanes and blue buildings. We plan to spend the afternoon exploring this wonderful hamlet. We stroll through its bazaars and thoroughfares, as well as its musical instrument shops. Its castle and fortress, erected on a hill in the 14th century and formerly abandoned, now tower triumphantly above the city. We finish the day with a visit to Fort Taragarh before retiring to our haveli for the evening.
We depart towards Tordi Garh, where we will stop for lunch. Continue to Jaipur, the "pink city" and Rajasthan's capital. We go to the Raj Mandir movie in the evening, which is a Jaipur institution. A Bollywood film screening would not be complete without our exploration of India!
After breakfast, go to Amber Fort, a tangle of temples, palaces, and gardens that served as the princes of Jaipur's old capital. Walking up to the fort is the only way to get there. Return to town and tour the Maharajah's palace, which houses many museums, as well as the Hawa Mahal, or "palace of the winds," a baroque façade from which the women of the court could watch the parades and parades without being seen.
We also go to Jai Singh II's observatory, Jantar Mantar, which was established by this astronomy-loving emperor. If the weather permits, take a stroll at the end of the day and visit a jewelry workshop. Jaipur has earned a reputation for stonework.
This morning drive to Agra. Along the journey, stop by Fatehpur Sikri, the Mughal Empire's ancient capital, which was erected in a variety of architectural styles by Emperor Akbar and includes the famed Pavilion of the Jewels and the Astrologer's booth. Installation at our hotel upon arriving in Agra. Check into the hotel.
We visit the Taj Mahal in the morning, India's most renowned monument, which was erected in commemoration of Emperor Shah Jehan's beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal between 1632 and 1648.
The Red Fort, a beautiful abode of the Mughal emperors with many palaces, and, if time allows, the spectacular white marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, are the first stops on a tour of the Mughal capital.
The craftsmen of Agra are known for their marble work, which is adorned with beautiful stones and has been passed down from father to son for generations: exceptional know-how that we will be able to see at one of the many workshops that count.
In the evening you will transfer to the Agra railway station to board the night train for Varanasi.
Assistance upon arrival at Varanasi railway station and transfer to the hotel. Varanasi (Benares) India's holiest city and perhaps one of the world's oldest towns continually operating, is contemporaneous with Babylon, Nineveh, and Thebes. Millions of pilgrims have flocked to the riverbank for millennia in pursuit of everlasting redemption. A free hour to wander about the city, its alleyways, and ghats. In the evening we go to a religious event along the river and watch the sunset over the ghats.
Early in the morning depart by boat for a stroll along the ghats. We observe pilgrims cleaning themselves in the Ganges' waters, as well as glimpses of daily life among the locals, particularly the laundry. We resume our cyclo-rickshaw tour of the ancient town, passing through small lanes, colorful and scented bazaars, and temples. Excursion to Sarnath, 7 kilometers north of the city, where, following his "awakening" in Bhodgaya, Buddha presented his first sermon in the Deer Park in front of his five former friends.
This morning after breakfast transfer to the Varanasi airport to board the flight for Delhi where we board our ongoing flight back home.
At your hotel
14 nights of hotel accommodation in a shared double/twin room on a bed and breakfast basis.
All transfers, sightseeing, and ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle depend on the size of the group.
Bicycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
Boat trip on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Cooking class followed by dinner at Bijapur.
Bollywood film ticket at Raj Mandir cinema.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort.
Rickshaw ride at Varanasi.
Morning boat ride at Varanasi.
Train tickets Delhi/Jodhpur & Agra/Varanasi in 2nd air-conditioned sleeper class.
A professional English-speaking Indian tour leader will accompany you throughout the trip.
Entrance fees to the monument.
Current government applicable service tax.
International flight ticket.
Domestic flight Varanasi/Delhi.
Any services which are not mentioned in the inclusions.
Tips, any type of alcoholic beverages, Laundry, Travel insurance, medical emergencies, or any other expense not mentioned in the previous inclusions.
Any personal expense.
Any fixed camera or video fee.
Indian visa fees.
This cost is based on a minimum of a group of 08 passengers. If the number of passengers will increase or decrease then the cost will provide accordingly.
Check-in & out time at all envisaged properties is 1400 hrs & 1200 hrs respectively.
The check-in baggage allowed for all domestic flights is 15 KG and hand baggage is 07 KG. Excess baggage will be chargeable as per airline regulations.
Satellite phones and drone cameras are not allowed in India.
For air tickets, train tickets & Jungle safari booking, we required scan copies of passports on a top priority basis.
Christmas & New Year Eve mandatory room supplement and Gala Dinner will be applicable and will be decided closer to the travel date.
Please be careful about the dress code at religious places in India.
My team will be available to provide you with services throughout the year. I have a strong network in all the destinations of India.