India Heritage Tour with Rajasthan

As the itinerary of ‘India Heritage tour with Rajasthan’ have surfeit of diverse activities, it becomes the most sort after travel package. From the very first day of your tour you will be on a magical ride with us, unfolding the treasures of fort palaces, Ganga ghats, the legendary beauty ‘The Taj, and the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho. The days covering the famous Junagarh fort of Bikaner, Chittorgarh fort, the splendid Gwalior fort, Amber fort of Jaipur are bit hectic as they involve lot of trekking adventure, we recommend absolute comfortable foot wear along with your binoculars and cameras to catch up the minuteness. Your stay in the heritage palace hotels will definitely make you elite during the tour. Our guides will assist you for a comfortable interaction with the villagers of Mandawa, Pokaran, Orcha to make you understand their culture and traditions in a better way. In our tour-package we have kept enough time for your leisure and shopping. Hunting for precious gems and stones in markets like Delhi's Dariba Kalan and Johari Bazaar of Jaipur will be definitely a good idea.

• Including safaris on elephants, camels and jeeps.
• Covering all major forts and places of Rajasthan and the newly constructed Akshardham temple in Delhi.
• The ride on horse drawn chariot and trekking on the rugged terrain are among the best of the activities.
• Interaction with locals, watching the cultural performances by local artists.
• Thumping the streets of several markets to buy loads of Indian goods.
• ‘Light and Sound’ shows adds an extra feast to this tour package.

Day 01 : Arrival to Delhi  
Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. We give you a warm reception and escort you to hotel Lee Meridian located in the heart of Delhi. The ride to the hotel premises is on a Vintage Car. So, while en-routing to the hotel you get a fair idea of the city life and the traffic snarls of Delhi. The night is in the hotel and we offer you dinner comprising of mouth-watering cuisines- both national and international. Indian Tandoori chicken, Chinese noodles and Italian soups are a few to name.

Day 02 : Delhi Sightseeing
This is the day for you to tour Delhi. Your choicest breakfast awaits you in the dinning hall, as we normally offer our guests, whatever they order for the breakfast. After breakfast, we guide you on a luxury coach to Lotus temple. Here, you spend some time meditating, in the silent precincts of the temple. Our next halt is at Akshardham temple, we can rate it the 'eight wonder of the world'. It is a masterpiece en-wrapping over 20000 sculptures and statues of deities ingrained in its walls, going to be absolutely a captivating site. We continue our drive to Parliament House with a small halt at India Gate to see this monolith from close quarters. You can also have the taste of local spicy snacks like Golgappas, roasted groundnuts from the hawkers. Our next place is the red sandstone - Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret of India.

From Qutub, we head towards old Delhi. There enjoy a rickshaw ride, drive past along Nai Sarak famous for its old books market en-routing the Dariba Kalan -famous for gold and silver jewellies. Shop for gold necklace, rings or a bracelet, as they are best designed here. In the evening, we take you to the ramparts of the Red Fort – the residential palace of Mughal Empire for a delightful 'Light and sound' show. The show is thrilling and narrates the gratifying history of the Moghuls. Dinner is at the Asian Village complex Restaurant. Over night at hotel Lee Meridan.

Day 03 : Delhi- Mandawa(242 Kms)- Bikaner(164 Kms)
After breakfast, a 4 hr. journey by road brings you to Mandawa- the capital of Shekhawati region in Rajasthan. Enjoy the roadside view though the window of your luxury coaches. Watch the framers busy in the field, the camel carts carrying loads of goods and people strolling on the busy roads, it won't be less than a movie shoot. Your lunch is arranged with Hotel Castle Mandawa - a Heritage Palace Hotel. Watch the extraordinary frescoes on the hotel walls, it absolutely enthralling. After lunch, we guide you to Chokhani Saraf and Ladia Havelies on a Camel Safari. Watch the painting of medieval times well preserved in the Palace. You will be amazed to see almost all the houses and buildings in Shekhawati are painted with different designs and patterns. Watch the rural ladies creating new patterns on the walls of their houses. We continue our drive to Bikaner another desert town of Rajasthan. Reach Heritage hotel Bhanwar Niwas Palace in evening. Spend night in the hotel.

Day 04 : Bikaner Sightseeing  
Morning hurry up at your breakfast table as today we are on an adventure trail. We head to Junagarh fort purged at huge ramparts and famous for its Moon Palace and Flower Mahal. Have a panoramic view of Bikaner city from the fort top. Continue drive to Lal Garh - a Palace turned to a hotel for a buffet lunch. Here, spot the peacocks roaming nonchalantly within the palace premises. Collect few feathers as it is considered lucky to keep few with yourself. This place is a favourable venue for conferences and business meetings housing a library too. So, next time choose Lal Garh palace as your obvious choice for organising your business meetings. After lunch, we drive to Camel breeding farm, located 8 kms from Bikaner. Here your will see some of the best races of camel in the world. Learn about the fiery ways of the camels and have a taste of the camel milk, it tastes a bit awful, but never mind the thrilling camel safari around the farm will bring you back to your senses. Your overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day 05 : Bikaner- Pokaran - Jaisalmer (330Km)
We embark on a 5 hr Journey to reach Jaisalmer en-routing Pokaran. While at Pokaran, we visit Ramdevji shrine where lessons of yoga, on how to keep the body fit, is taught. A small halt is also made at the site where India indulges into its Nuclear tests. By afternoon we reach Jaisalmer Palace hotel. Check-in the hotel, relax in a hot water bath and get ready for a sumptuous lunch comprising of Continental, Chinese and Indian delicacies. In the evening we drive to Manak Chowk- the main market of Jaisalmer. This market will take give you the impression that you have sat on a time machine and have come to a bygone era where everything is the same as the medieval period. Shop for rare handicraft and tie and dye fabrics of Jaisalmer, one can also opt for some silver jewellery. Retreat to your hotel for a comfortable night sleep..

Day 06 : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (285 kms)  
It is the day to be savvy with Jaisalmer. Morning hours we visit Jaisalmer Fort - the world renowned biggest fort. You will be absolutely surprised to find that a part of the local population residing inside the Jaisalmer fort. So, here you get a chance to interact with the Rajasthani people and they will tell you stories about Jaisalmer. We continue our tour to the world renowned Havelis of Jaisalmer, must included in all our itineraries. By afternoon, we take you to Fort Rajwada, for lunch in luxurious restaurant 'Roopal'. Enjoy the buffet of your choice as this restaurant specialises in both Indian and European delicacies. Later in afternoon, we drive you to Gadi Sagar lake - have boating in the lake, as it is a thrilling experience. The evening itinerary includes a camel safari on the Kurri sand dunes up to

the Sun Set Point, where a cultural performances by the local on the desert zone are the highlight of this desert safari. In night we board a luxury train for Jodhpur - the second largest Desert City of Rajasthan. Your dinner on board.

Day 07 : Jodhpur- Mount Abu(336 kms)  
Morning will bring you to the desert town of Jodhpur. Your stay is with the most luxurious heritage palace hotel at Umaid Bhawan. Get yourself refreshed in the rejuvenating swimming pool or the aristocratic parlour of the hotel. Take up a friendly session at the tennis court or in marbled squash court, the specialties of the hotel. You can also explore the palace and get captivate in its awe-inspiring suits and royal ambiance all festooned by the luxurious furnitures once used by the Rajas and Maharajas of Jodhpur. We head for Mehrangarh Fort for an hour trekking up to the fort located 150 m on a hill top. A Photo Session in the Pearl Palace- Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and in the golden hue of the setting sun are remembrances you carry along with you. We then board a train to Mount Abu- the highest mountain peak of Rajasthan and check in a five star hotel in Mount Abu.

Day 08 : Mount Abu - Ranakpur – Udaipur (90Kms)
Watch out for the amazing variety of birds that dawn Mount Abu. A visit top the Dilwara Jain temples will give you a fair idea of the architecture of the Jains. Take a dip in the holy pond of the temple as it is known to have special healing effects. After a lip-smacking lunch comprising of mountain cuisine, we drive you to Ranakpur- another Jain pilgrimage centre. The marble Jain temples and the shrine of Adinath are awe-inspiring. We continue our journey to Udaipur and check in to Taj lake palace hotel.

Day 09 : Udaipur Sightseeing  
As the day breaks, we drive you to Jagdish temple-famous for the spotless white elephant sculptures at its entrance. You are then transported to the City Palace- known for its grandeur on a horse chariot. The Crystal palace, the Darbar hall in particular are the center of attraction inside the palace premises. This palace is along the Pichola lake, where you indulge in boat cruise on the cool water of the lake. Enjoy the Ariel population from such a short distance and also don't forget to experience the vista of setting sun, splashing its golden hue at every niche of the region. We then drive to the temples of Nagdand Ekling. After a sumptuous lunch, we walk in the City Market, now an IT Mart. Shop for some of the typical Rajasthani handicrafts, block prints, tie-dye fabrics from the renowned Bapu Bazaar. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10 : Udaipur - Chittorgarh(115Kms)
Start for Chittorgarh in the early hours of the morning and check in to Hotel Hindustan International. Visit its massive hill-top Chittorgarh fort- a symbol of Rajput pride, culture and values. The victory tower an enthralling structure gives an impression of this region having a bloody history of wars. Padmini palace with its decorated interiors leaves you dumbfounded, and gives you an authentic belief that indeed, Rani Padmani was an eternal beauty. While driving to these places watch out for the ruined citadels in and around Chittorgarh, that speak much of its past. A final visit to the Government museum in the evening adds more to your understanding of Chittorgarh. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Chittorgarh - Pushkar (205 Kms)- Ajmer- (11Km)-Jaipur(138Km)
Just after breakfast drive to Pushkar. Head straight to Brahma temple - one of its kind in the world. If touring the city during Pushkar Fair – the biggest camel fair in the world, you can reveal the magic of this small town. Continue drive for thrilling camel safari. Ajmer being just 11 kms away is a short distance so as to try out driving yourself in Indian roads. You are assisted by our tour guides in this venture. In Ajmer, we take you to Khawaja Muin ud Din Chisti Durgah - famous for its spiritual renditions. Here, don't forget to make for a wish, trust us, all your wishes will be granted if asked from a true heart. After lunch in a heritage restaurant, we drive you to Emperor Akbar's palace- where you spend the evening at this splendid Mughal fort. We then fly you to Jaipur- the pink city of India. The night is in deluxe Jaipur five Hotel for a comfortable retreat.

Day 12 : Jaipur Sightseeing  
Breakfast is at hotel followed by a thrilling Elephant safari up to Amber fort. This fort is perched at a tall height and it is really captivating to reach up to the fort on the back of an Elephant. The fort has an imposing and rugged exterior, whereas the interior is warm and comfortable. A visit to the marvelous Shish Mahal, within the ramparts of the fort gives a fair idea of the fusion of Hindu and Islamic art. Carry your binoculars to closely monitor the intricate carvings, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look majestic. Listen to your guides carefully, he will have many interesting tales to tell about this mighty fort. We take you to City Palace-located at the heart of Jaipur. Sight the most exotic artifacts of royal era preserved well in the museums. Look at at the royal costumes of the king and queens adorned with gold, silver and precious stones. Shop for some of the rare paintings and handicrafts from the shops inside the palace. Capture in your cameras the sprawling gardens, captivating Mahals like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal.

Evening there is another excitement waiting for you, experience the rural life of Rajasthan in Choki Dani – a rural village resort. Enjoy the most sumptuous Rajasthani delicacies where your attendants will lure you for more with their never ending courses. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 13 : Jaipur - Ranthambore (170km)
We take you to Jantar Mantar - a historical structure built for the purpose of measuring position of stars, eclipses and altitude of a place. There stand amidst the sprawling market of Jaipur Hawa Mahal, just peep down the window of this Wind Palace the way the royal ladies use to....to enjoy the royal procession or the city life. We have kept enough time for your shopping from the bustling bazaars of Jaipur. Buy some precious gems, antique jewellery, handicrafts item from Johari bazaar, blue pottery, enamel brass ware from Bapu bazaar and carpets, cotton rugs and leather footwears from Nehru bazaar. After lunch we drive you to Ranthambore - famous for its tiger reserve. The night is very exciting as it is spend in a Camp in the jungle.

Day 14 : Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri-Agra
The next morning, have another thrilling experience of an elephant safari while passing through the core area of the National park. We then drive you to Agra en routing Fatehpur sikri. A fascinating drive through the green vegetation of the region brings you to Fatehpur Sikri – another monumental heritage of India. Play a chess game with humans that is used in place of dices in the old Maharaja style. Click photos of beautiful ponds, frescoes on the walls of the fort and the interiors of the Fort.. After lunch we continue our journey for Agra. We put up in a hotel in Agra for the night's stay.

Day 15 : Agra Sight Seeing  
Wake up early in the morning to see Taj bathing itself in rays of the rising sun. It is in morning hours that the white marble of Taj Mahal turns golden, indeed, a breathtaking view. Watch this white marvel closely, yes you are indeed in front of the 7th wonder of the world. Also, walk on the ramparts and observe from the majestic precincts of Taj, the Yamuna river, tracing its path around Taj. Shop for miniature Taj from Oswal Emporium – famous as world's finest handicraft marble mart. We continue head towards Agra Fort – the fort is much bigger then its counterpart Delhi Red Fort, Watch the glory of Taj once again from the premises of the Agra Fort, the way the emperor Shah Jahan used to. The “Light and Sound Show” at the fort is a real treat for you as it will take you back in the history where the might Mughals ruled Agra. Overnight in hotel.

Day 16 : Agra – Gwalior (120Kms)
We board Shatabdi Express at 0800 hrs and by 0900 hrs reach Gwalior, a modern and bustling city. Your breakfast is on board in the train and we put up in Taj Usha Kiran Palace Gwalior- a Taj group of hotel. The lunch is at the hotel that includes bafla(wheat cakes), daal (a pungent lentil broth), sweet ladoos, and drinks like lassi (butter-milk), sugarcane juice, fine beer and rum. We then move out for Morar and Bada chowk - a crowded market with shops selling everything from grocery, Chanderi and Maheswari sarees, tussar and kosa silks, and local crafts. Later in the evening, we take you to the well lit up tomb of Ghaus Mohammed. Here, Tansen - the great musician is also buried under the tamarind tree that sweetened his voice. So, pluck a few leaves of the tree because it can also sweeten your voice. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17 : Gwalior Sightseeing
In this morning, we drive you to Gwalior Fort - the most splendid fort of the Scindia rulers. The fort architecture, palaces, gardens are all worth your time. Do experience the cool underground chambers, lighting and ventilation system of Man Mandir Palace inside the fort premises. Other incredible structures within the fort are the Saas-Bahu temples, Suraj Kund and Teli-ka-Mandir. The Gujari Mahal Archaeological museum remains open from 10 am to 5pm and it is fantastic to walk round the museum.

Also, watch the light and sound show, narrated by the stalwart Indian celebrity, Amitabh Bachchan. Night is at hotel.

Day 18 : Gwalior – Orcha (120Kms) - Khajuraho(160Kms)
Today, we once again board Satabdi Express for Orcha. Orcha, a small rural town is rich in its rural tourism and offers decent sightseeing options like the Sheesh Mahal - a former hunting lodge, Raja Mahal with its world famous mural paintings and the beautiful palace complex of Jahangir Mahal. So, you can opt to have a photo session in Orcha. Also experience the rural lifestyle of the people, their culture and traditions. Here enjoy plucking the fresh farm vegetables from the green fields, taste the difference yoursef. Post lunch at Amer Mahal, we drive ourselves to Khajuraho, a village known for its explicit Shiv temples.

The sun sets by the time we reach Khajuraho, out overnight stay will be at Usha Bundela hotel here.

Day 19 : Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh (230Kms)  
We finish up with our breakfast and set out to explore upon the temples of Khajuraho. The most erotic sculptures created by human hands, where 'Moksha and Bhog' (spirituality and passion) both resides in eternity. So, here you gain a fair idea of Indian lifestyle and Indian culture. After lunch, we undertake a jeep safari towards Bandavgarh National Park- renowned worldwide for its highest density of Tigers. We put up at the Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge- situated at the periphery of the park and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 20 : Bandhavgarh - Varanasi (340 Kms)
We organize an Elephant Safari in the early hours of the morning so as to track tigers. Here, you surely spot tigers as it is a very common phenomenon to observe these mighty beasts in the jungles of Bandhavgarh. The elephant also takes you to the Bandhavagarh Fort. Later on in the day, we organize jeep safari that takes you through the core areas of the jungle - this safari enables you get to see more of the jungle life. We then start for Varanasi - the holy city of India, on a bus that passes through several villages. While on the route to Varanasi observe the villagers and their quaint lifestyle. In Varanasi, we halt in Hotel Radisson or similar.

Day 21 : Varanasi - Sarnath – Delhi (728Kms)  
After a sumptuous breakfast, we move out to the holy river Ganges on a boat ride that starts from the Dasasahwamedh Ghat and finally ends at Manikarnika Ghat. This holy tour of the Ganges, is a mark of profusion and makes you spiritually elevated, watch the lively activities of Ganga Ghat while on your cruise. We will also be visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Gyanvyapi Kund along with the mosque attached to it. After the lunch in the hotel, we drive to Sarnath-the place where Buddha preached his first sermon, located at a distance of 10 Kms from Varanasi. Here, each ruin of this ancient Buddhist city of learning has a tale of its own. Learn more about this place by interacting with the monks and local people. Our tour guides are always there to translate the local languages to you. We then move to the airport to return back to Delhi. On arrival there will be a farewell dinner. We then bid you farewell at the IGI Airport for your journey back home.