After breakfast in the morning, we proceed for a full day experience of Delhi.

The day has been designed to provide an insight of the growing pulse of contemporary India alongside the historic monuments & sites that have defined the capital city of Delhi.

We will begin the tour from Raj Ghat – the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, and then proceed to explore Humayun’s Tomb. This heritage site has been site built in the Indo Persian style and is often regarded as a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra. As our storyteller guides us through this marvel, we will the proceed to visit one of the spiritual highlights and prominent holy Sikh temples of Sikh religion – The Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. The complex of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has a main prayer hall, a holy Sarovar or lake, a hospital, Baba Baghel Singh Museum and a library within its premises. People visiting here get ‘Kada Prasad’ and free langar or ‘community meals’ are served at a particular time.

As we continue the drive through central Delhi, we briefly visit Agrasen ki baoli, which is a stepwell and otherwise known as “baoli”. Thousands of these sophisticated water-harvesting structures proliferated throughout India beginning around 600 CE, but they fell into disuse with the advent of water pumps and plumbing. Flights of steps were excavated adjacent to deep well shafts, ensuring that dramatically-fluctuating ground water could be reached all year long.

For lunch, we will proceed to one of the heritage hotels, Imperial, in Delhi whereby we will also have a brief site overview of this luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city.

After a sumptuous meal, we proceed towards Old Delhi. Our first visit here would include the majestic Red Fort, the grand residence of Mughal emperors, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. As we exit the fort, we move into the heart of old Delhi, Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India and also enjoy a walking tour in Chandni Chowk – the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity.

To end our day, we will visit a beautiful heritage haveli (Dharampura) in Old Delhi to enjoy kite flying followed by dinner.

After breakfast, we will check-out from the hotel & drive to Agra, an estimated 3-3.5 hour drive.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Agra, a city located on the banks of the river Yamuna, is known as being the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Taj Mahal!.

Early Afternoon visit the Itimad-Ud-Daulah, is a mere shadow to the great Taj Mahal. One of the most impressive architectural wonders of Agra, this monument is the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal and therefore called “Baby Taj Mahal”. Following this, we then proceed for a Mughal Heritage Walk. Reading about princesses, begums and empresses of the Mughal empire, it is always fascinating to learn about their contributions and accomplishments. Beit Khanzada Begum, Mumtaz Mahal, Noor Jahanor Jahanara Begum, the women were all, right from the beginning, some of the most cultured and educated of their age. As for the physical evidence of Mughal ambition and glory, Agra is fairly studded with examples of their vision, in sandstone and marble.

Early morning, visit Taj Mahal at sunrise (remains closed on Fridays). Considered one of the greatest monument of love and one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Return back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and visit the Agra Fort. The fort originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace.

After the visit, we will continue our drive to Jaipur, enroute visit the Fatehpur Sikri. A city situated at a distance of 37 kms from Agra, was built by the Mughal Emperor. Its magnificence and uniqueness offers a fine example of the emperor’s architectural finesse.

Later continue our drive to Jaipur, an estimated 5-hour drive. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Jaipur, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, is the capital of one of the most culturally rich states of India, Rajasthan. Built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh, the city gets its nickname from the distinct pink shade of many of its old city buildings and palace complexes. The city has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 6th July 2019. Let’s explore the local markets. Jaipur is known as a shopper’s paradise famous for jewellery, handicraft, carpet, blue pottery and textiles.

After breakfast, Our day began with an excursion of the unique Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). We then proceed to the Amer Fort, which is known for its magnificent blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The visit is led by an expert, to guide the guests through the magnificent stories and intricacies of the architecture of the fort. As we complete the morning visit we then proceeded towards the in skirts of the city, towards the City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in the museum area. Close to this is the Royal Astronomical Observatory or as known locally, the Jantar Mantar!
Our day is then spent in learning and immersing ourselves in the stories and techniques of a rich soft culture of Rajasthan – its textiles and handicrafts!

We begin by proceeding to visit the Block Printing Studio in Sanganer. Through this experience we will learn about the art of hand block printing using traditional techniques. One will be taken through the studio, learning about the basic principles, equipment, and dyes involved in this craft. You will be taught how to block-print using wooden blocks with the help of our master craftsmen.

We will also have a walk through the antique block collection, which have been curated from various block printing centers of India like Kashmir, Gujarat and Kutch. Get a hands on experience and print a scarf with the guidance from experienced block printers! We then complete the experience with a unique interaction with textile experts and artists.

Drive back to city for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will celebrate the festival of colour.
Holi is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It also signifies the arrival of spring and the end of winter.

•  There are different colours associated with our feelings and emotions. For instance:
  • Red – anger
  • Green – jealousy
  • Yellow – vibrancy and happiness
  • Pink – love
  • Blue – vastness
  • White – peace
  • Saffron – sacrifice
  • Violet – knowledge

Your Holi celebration begin by applying various rainbow colored powder and throwing of colored water on each other amidst loud music and drums. In the middle of the celebrations, you will also be served traditional Rajasthani snacks. Towards the evening enjoy the cultural folk dances as well as the festival’s famous puppet show.  Throughout the day, you will be told about the significance and the stories behind the festival of Holi.

This morning we will drive 170 kms /03 Hrs to Mandawa, often referred to as Rajasthan’s open art gallery. Mandawa is a sleepy little typical Rajasthani town, which is deep rooted with culture. Check-in at hotel upon arrival. Later enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa, which includes the medieval fort that gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandwa. The Mandwa family has a collection of traditional ceremonial costumes.

This afternoon, we will experience a walking tour of Mandawa to explore the havelis and quentessential paintings adorning the forts and palaces of this destination.

Remaining evening is at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel in Mandawa.

After breakfast, we will check-out from the hotel & drive to Bikaner, an estimated 190 Kms / 3-3.5 hour drive.

Mandawa was once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The arts prospered receiving the patronage of a wealthy merchant community. The city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This afternoon during your tour you will visit Camel Breeding Farms; Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure encircled by a moat and having some beautiful palaces within. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. 30 kms south of Bikaner is the village of Deshnoke, where the famous Mata Karni Temple is situated. The 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple plays host to thousands of rats that form the major attraction here. The rats are considered sacred and worshipped accordingly. You have to be very careful while
entering the inner sanctum, because it is believed that if you accidentally step on a rat, a gold replica has to be made to compensate for the lost life.

Overnight stay at hotel in Bikaner.

After breakfast, we will check-out from the hotel & drive to Jaisalmer, an estimated 330 Kms / 5-6 hour drive.

Jaisalmer – a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert founded about 800 years ago by Rajah Jaisal. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan’s most exotic and unusual towns.  Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the ‘golden city’. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival takes place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antique, stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert. Afternoon is free to walk around in the colorful and bustling bazaars.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaisalmer.

After breakfast, visit Golden Fort – a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the very few living forts in the world, as nearly one fourth the population of the city still resides within the Fort followed by visit to Jain Mandir – craved in yellow sandstones dedicated to Jain hermits known as Tirthankars. Later, visit the Patwon-Ki-Haveli was built by a famous trader named Guman Chand and his sons. This massive five-storied construction has five intricately decorated huge suites. The large corridors and the decorated walls are excellent representations of the art form that prevailed. The entire construction is made of yellow sandstone.

Afternoon, we drive to Sam Sand Dunes, Imagine yourself amidst the desert, the yellow sandstone buildings surrounded by the glorious dunes, and further enhanced by the golden rays of the sun. In the evening we get an opportunity to witness the spectacular beauty of sandy terrain by taking joyful Camel Ride and view Red Orange colour splash of sunset on horizon of desert.

Later drive back to city and overnight in the hotel. This evening, we may consider an optional experience of yoga or a folk evening for the guest’s with the majestic desert setting.

After breakfast, we will check-out from the hotel & drive to Jodhpur, an estimated 265 Kms / 5 hour drive. Check-in at hotel upon arrival.

Jodhpur, Call it by its many names and they will not do Jodhpur justice. An oasis in the arid Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this colorful city with shades of blue, Jodhpur has a history that is rich and a present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, color and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty.

Afternoon, visit the Meherangarh Fort – Considered one of India’s best forts, this invincible stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and undoubtedly, the jewel of Jodhpur. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Take in the sight high up on the rampart where the second largest cannon in Asia rests, the recoil of which requires an area as large as a football field!

Later we proceed on a walking tour of Blue City and enjoy famous Lassi & Kachodi and visit clock tower area and amazing market.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

Post breakfast, embark on a drive to Udaipur (Approximately 250 Kms / 5 Hrs). Enroute visiting Ranakpur to visit one of the most important Jain temples in India. This marble complex is noted for the 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each adorned with hundreds of carved figures, no two alike. Post visit, continue drive for few minutes to reach Mountbatten Lodge for lunch. Mountbatten Lodge is an opulent 4 suite hideaway nestled in a ruggedly scenic valley and bordered by the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The Lodge provides a luxurious base from which to experience the true essence of Rajasthan – horse riding or horse trekking through jungle trails, leopard and jeep safaris, sundowners in the mountains, and interacting with local villagers. Mountbatten Lodge
offers an experience of serenity and is a rural haven away from the noise and bustle of Rajasthan’s major cities.

Continue drive to reach Udaipur and check-in at hotel upon arrival.

Udaipur, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it’s set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens, famed for its intricate peacock mosaics.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

After breakfast, proceed for the excursion to visit some of the attractive places in Udaipur. During a guided tour you will visit the City Palace, built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble. We also visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city. The temple has a black marble image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Pichola, with its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, the former earlier being the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Udaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out from the hotel.

In time, you will be transferred to airport to board onward / return flight.