Delhi

DELHI

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(14 nights / 15 days)

Day 01

Welcome to India. On arrival in New Delhi, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 02

After breakfast, proceed on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi.
Drive along the Ceremonial Avenue for a captivating view of the city's modern treasures including Parliament House, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Teen Murti Bhavan, Rakabganj Gurdawara, and view from outside the Qutab Minar. Visit the 4th Century AD Ashoka Pillar nearby, a metallurgical masterpiece that has withstood 1600 years without rusting even a bit!

Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi.
Visit the Juma Masjid, Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's memorial), Shanti Vana and the magnificent Red Fort. The Red Fort, built by Emperor Aurangzeb, was surrounded by a 9m deep moat (now empty) fed by Yamuna river. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03

After breakfast, we will take an excursion to Amber Fort, situated on the top of a hill, and overlooks the Maoti lake. Ascend the hill on a richly caparisoned elephant. Once at the top, you can admire the myriad of palaces within the fort complex. Of particular interest are the Sheesh Mahal, faced with mirrors and seen to full effect when lit by a match and Sukh Niwas - a pleasure place with a marble watercourse to cool the air around.

Afternoon, we will take a tour of Jaipur visiting the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and the Astronomical Observatory (Jantar-Mantar). Stop at the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds from where the ladies of the Royal household could watch the everyday life of the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jaipur (232 km, five hours drive), en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - a testimony to the remarkable character of Emperor Akbar. This abandoned and deserted city is over 400 years old and yet perfectly preserved. Visit the Royal Palace, Jami Masjid and Buland Darwaza (41m high gate).

On arrival in Jaipur, check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to explore Jaipur on your own or to go shopping in the colourful bazaars. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 05

Early morning, transfer to the railway station to take the Shatabdi Express (Chair Car) to Agra.

Shatabdi Express
(II-A/C Chair Car) (Frequency: Daily)	- Dep : Delhi 0610 Hrs
	- Arr : Agra 0845 Hrs

On arrival, check into your hotel. Later, we will proceed for a city tour of Agra, visiting the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Taj Mahal, "Labour of Love", was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument took 22 years to be built by 20000 workers. This white grandeur is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. Later, visit the Agra Fort. Akbar's magnificent fort dominates the centre of the city. Visit the Jehangir Mahal (women's quarters), Jodha Bai's Palace, Golden Pavilion (ladies' bedroom), Khaas Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam/Khaas. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06

After breakfast, transfer to Kuchaman (155 km, three hours). On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon free to explore the expanse of the wonderful Fort on your own. Overnight at Kuchaman Fort Hotel.

Day 07

After breakfast, drive to Bikaner (200 Kms, 4 hours). On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Bikaner. Visit the formidable Junagarh Fort. Within the fort are several palaces, pavilions and temples with superb stone carvings. The Fort has witnessed so many battles but has never been
conquered!

Lallgarh Palace, part of which is now a hotel, still houses the Bikaner royal family. The Fort Museum houses a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts, miniature paintings, jewellery, costumes, carpet, armoire, etc. Overnight.

Day 08

After breakfast, drive west into the Thar Desert, to Jaisalmer (355 Km, 07 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09

After breakfast, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer.

Visit the Fort, built in 1156, which has 99 bastions around its circumference. Houses, temples and palaces are packed within the fort complex between narrow and winding lanes. Enjoy panoramic view of the surroundings from the fort's walls. Within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between the 12th and the 15th centuries. Visit the Patwa Haveli, which is the most elaborate and magnificent of all havelis in Jaisalmer. The other Havelis worth visiting are the Salim Haveli and the Nathmal Haveli. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 10

Morning, drive to Jodhpur (305 Kms, six Hours). On arrival check at your hotel. Late afternoon, sightseeing of Jodhpur. Visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, built by Maharaja Rao Jodha in 1459. Inside the fort, the many palaces and courtyards are a reminder of the city's glorious past. The Palace museum houses a collection of Maharajas' memorabilia. Later, walk/drive to the local market area where the clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. Overnight.

Day 11

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur (269 Km, six hours), en route visiting Ranakpur - one of the five holy Jain places. Three temples are worth a visit - Adinath - most noteworthy is dedicated to the first Tirthankara. The Parsvanatha and Neminath are two smaller Jain temples facing this, the former with a black image of Parsvanatha in the sanctuary and erotic carvings outside. The star shaped Surya Narayana Temple nearby is also worth a visit. Continue to Udaipur, where you will check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 12

Breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for a city tour of Udaipur, the most romantic city in the state of Rajasthan. Visit the City Palace, once the home of the Mewar rulers. Visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651 ornamented with excellent carvings and a bronze figure of the Garuda. Proceed to Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maid of Honour), constructed in the early 18th century and used as a venue for royal parties. Afternoon at leisure. Take a romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13

Early morning, transfer to the airport to connect flight to Mumbai.

Udaipur - Mumbai
CD 7471 (Frequency: Daily)	- Dep : Udaipur 0940 Hrs
	- Arr : Mumbai 1050 Hrs

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon, sightseeing of Mumbai. Drive past the High Court, Bombay University and Flora Fountain, arriving at Victoria Terminus station and Crawford Market. Later drive through the Marine Drive, also known as the Queen's Necklace and past Chowpatty beach. Visit the Jain Temple, the Hanging Gardens and also the Tower of Silence (entry not allowed) and Mani Bhavan, which houses the Gandhi Museum. Dhobi Ghat - the place where the city's linen is washed in the open by washermen. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out at noon and transfer to the airport to connect your flight back home. Leave Mumbai with pleasant memories of your trip to India.