Day 01- Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi Assistance on arrival by flight/train and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
Morning tour of New Delhi begins with a visit of the grateful mausoleum of the Moghul Emperor Humayun. Continue to the 13th century Qutub Minar, a dramatic 234 foot high fluted minaret. Proceed along the majestic promenade past the imposing India Gate War memorial, Secretariat Buildings, Parliament House and Raj Bhavan, official residence of the President. Discover Old Delhi this afternoon with a visit of Raj Ghat, the tranquil final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. Then, view the massive walls and ramparts of the magnificent Red Fort, symbol of Moghul power and elegance. On the 17th century Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, the gateway to Chandni Chowk , the busting and colorful market place of the Old city. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 03: Delhi – Mandawa
Post breakfast drive for Mandawa. Check-into the hotel. Late in afternoon a short trip to Mandawa to explore the various painted havelis and frescoes of the Shekhawati. Often called the open-air gallery of Rajasthan, this region has many frescoes painted on cenotaphs, walls, forts and temples dating back to the 17th century . The themes encompass traditional mythology, local legend and folklore. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 04: Mandawa-Bikaner (4hrs drive)
After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Bikaner at about 1500hrs, - 500 years ago, a desert chieftain established his kingdom here, and over the centuries, it has grown into an impressive town. Its central fort offered the occupants safety from invaders, while inside, the rulers designed some beautiful apartments that carried echoes of opulence and in rain starved Bikaner, the images of monsoon clouds. Visit Junagarh fort, which has several exquisite Palaces and is carved out of red sandstone, also visit camel breeding farm. Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 05: Bikaner/Jodhpur (5-6hrs drive)
After breakfast at 0700hrs drive to drive to Jodhpur en-route visiting Deshnoke. Arrive Jodhpur by lunch time. Among Rajasthan’s many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. This 500-year-old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajput’s celebrations for their tales of valour. Located in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified bastions, especially those of Mehrangarh, which have been witness to many battles and were associated closely with the history of the regions. Afternoon sightseeing of Jodhpur including Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswanthada and clock tower. Overnight Jodhpur.
Day 06: Jodhpur/Jaipur via Pushkar (Approx 400 kms 9-10hrs)
Early Breakfast and drive to Pushkar (about 5-6hrs drive) - One of the Pilgrimages for Hindus. The only Brahma Temple in the world is built at Pushkar. After exploring Pushkar we proceed to Jaipur by late afternoon. The city capital in the tone of an autumnal. Sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1833. Interspersing the plan of red and pink were white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural highlights of Jaipur’s buildings. This is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe through nine rectangular sectors subdividing it. The palaces and the forts of yesteryears that were witness to royal processions and splendor are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the Pink City. Overnight at hotel
Day 07: Jaipur
Morning tour of Amber fort, The former capital of the royals set to the backdrop of wooded hills. We continue with the tour of City Palace of Winds and the observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 08: Jaipur/Agra
Breakfast at hotel. Later check out and drive to Agra en-route stopping to see the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive by late afternoon. Check into your hotel. Agra, in terms of ambience is still associated with the Mughal period. With it’s laid back lifestyle & it’s immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts & jewellery, is amongst the most remarkable cities. Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Agra
After breakfast city tour of Agra covering the mausoleum built by Shah Jehan for his beloved Wife-Empress Mumtaj – The Taj Mahal. Also the fort on the sands of the river Yamuna. Various styles of architecture are evident within the fort. After noon is free for shopping or side trips (extra cost) Overnight at Agra.
Day 10: Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho
Early breakfast at hotel, followed by transfer to station to board Shatabdi train for Jhansi (0815hrs/1010hrs) Pick up
