Day 1 : Arrival / Delhi
Most flights from Europe and the USA arrive late. we will check in an have a light meal to meet everybody and go over the itinerary for the next 2.5 weeks. (D) Welcome to India Tours, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve your holidays!
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 2 : Delhi
After having breakfast India tours India proceeds on a guided tour through New Delhi, visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun’s Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar. We continue with our tour through viewing historic buildings from the era (1921-1930) to the heart of Delhi to the main shopping district of the capital. After lunch we will cross the city into the walled gates of the Old city and visit the Jamma Mosque. We will drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. A stop at the Red Fort (1639-1648) is a must to see which was built by Shah Jehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra. The highlight of this India tour will be a ride on bicycle rickshaws. These are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat in the back. This is a remarkable way to explore the picturesque hustle and bustle of the narrow winding streets at India tours bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all d escription - including a laughing set of dentures. This ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: New and Old Delhi tour, temples visits, rickshaw ride
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 3 - : Delhi > Udaipur
Wake up in the morning, have a breakfast in Hotel & we have to catch a flight after breakfast to Udaipur. Udaipur is a royal capital of a divine dynasty, also called the “City of sunrise “. Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar, - the decedents of the Sun God. A city where the sun truly never sets, where tradition and a strict code of heroism are happily united with a love for fine living tasting romance at its best! India Tours will check in a palace that is located on the banks of Lake Pichola and within walking distance to the city centre. We will enjoy a massage here. After lunch, we will explore this beautiful city. We will visit the local bazaar that has wares on offer that can convert the most unwilling shopper into an avid buyer. In the afternoon we will enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace provided inspirations and ideas to the builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the lake endow with interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and the laundry that takes place here. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Bazar visit, boat cruise, massage.
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 4 : Udaipur
After a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. This afternoon we will explore the bustling lanes of Udaipur which have artisans practicing their traditional crafts handed down to them by their elders. Here we will do a little hands on art, a choice of using your own wooden block print or play with some jewelry to even pottery or weave your own …shawl – a carpet would take some time, but plenty to chose from to buy!. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: art work shop, craft tour
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 5 : Udaipur > Ranakpur > Narlai
After having breakfast in Hotel we will drive to Narlai en route we visit Ranakpur. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. From here we continue to drive to Narlai Upon arrival in Narlai check in hotel. We will have an escorted stroll through the small town, bustling with activity and bursting with color- rich handicrafts is here to find. Here you have the opportunity to design your own silver Tabiz, a ancient lucky charm. In the evening bathe in the moonlight under the starry sky, listening to hypnotic and chanting rhythms by local musicians who will rekindle the sprit in you.(B,L,D)
Activity of the day: temple visit, massage, cultural entertainment, lucky charm designing
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 6 : Narlai > Jodhpur
Wake up to the sounds of this 17-century village, and take in the spiritual energy descending from the Shiva Temple, deep in a primal cave, on the hill overlooking your room. You may hear whispers of the early morning chanting coming from the many temples and mosques. At breakfast you are encouraged to feed the harmless monkeys, if they come down from the hills, as a token of prayer to Lord Hanuman. After our breakfast we will drive to Jodhpur also called ‘The City Of Blue’. In the old days only the Brahmins (priests) homes were painted blue to easily recognize them. Over the years the whole village turned into different shades of blue. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel. After lunch we will ride in horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India’s largest and most colorful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables an much more beyond your imagination! (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Road tour & stops, horse carriage sightseeing tour
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 7 : Jodhpur
After having breakfast in Hotel, We will proceed on a guided village tour of Jodhpur. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur horse riding pants. We will meet up in the afternoon for a hands on art and craft session playing with natural dyes and fabrics. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Guided tour, art and craft activities
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 8 : Jodhpur > Jaisalmer (280 Kms)
After breakfast, we will drive to Jaisalmer. We will have a few interesting stops on the way experiencing all that is living in its full glory….an eye opener on its own, teaching us to become rather non-judgmental. Upon arrival check into the hotel . After this long ride a welcoming massage awaits you. The rest of the day is at leisure. We will meet for dinner where there will be a lively entertainment awaiting us of traditional music and dance. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Massage, cultural entertainment
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 9 : Jaisalmer > Sam
After breakfast we visit the residential portions of the fort where one third of the population of the old city lives. The design of houses remains, as they were a couple of century’s back and so are the lifestyles of people occupying them. This is the city believed to be the home of the most handsome men and women in Rajasthan. We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel back. We will overnight at Sam. Special tents are provided for us where local Rajasthanis prepare mouth-watering Rajasthani food. The stillness of the night, the clear dessert sky, the campfire, local Rajasthani music and the general atmosphere, make the place a very romantic experience.(B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Fort visit, camel ride
Accommodation: O/N tents
Day 10 : Sam > Bikaner
After having breakfast, we start to travel Bikaner. We will have stops on the way for some surprise interaction with the locals. We will check in to Gajner Palace, a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas. The palace is situated on the embankment of a lake and has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. We will relax here and enjoy dinner together with some more cultural entertainment. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Cultural entertainment, surprise road stops
Accommodation: O/N The Gajner Palace Hotel
Day 11: Bikaner > Mandawa
After having breakfast we start to visiting the fort. We will check out of the palace and go to our next destination stopping over at the only camel breeding farm of its kind in whole Asia to enjoy a warm cup of camel milk…..we follow the road through the heart of the Thar Desert to Mandawa. Mandawa used to be a medieval Indian trade city. Upon arrival, we will check a hotel which is a curious mixture of the old and the new.Also here a massage awaits us after this long drive and will enjoy dinner together with a citar performance. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Camel farm, fort visit, massage, cultural entertainment
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 12 : Mandawa > Jaipur
We will enjoy breakfast prior to checking out making our way to Jaipur, also knows as the Pink City and the capital of Ayurvedic science. Upon our arrival, we will check in the Hotel -The rest of the day we concentrate on all and everything that has to do with Ayurvedic science, massages, treatments and not to forget your personal astrology chart explained to you in details. Unending shopping options Jaipur offers and our guides are at all times stand-by.(B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Ayurvedic day, massages, treatments, guided shopping
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 13: Jaipur
After having breakfast we will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate of the Fort where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our tour guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents. We shall also visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. Later, we proceed on a India tour of the City Palace & Observatory, the latter an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Elephant ride, fort visit, palace visit, observatory visit.
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 14 : Jaipur > Ranthambore
Following breakfast, we drive to Ranthambore National Park. After check in and a cup of tea, we go for a sunset safari.(B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Safari yoga tours India
Accommodation: O/N Resort
Day 15 : Ranthambhore
After breakfast the whole day is being spend with Jungle excursions in open top vehicles. Ranthambhore is known to have India's friendliest tigers assured of protection; these nocturnal creatures are seen often in the day. (B,L,D)
Activity of the day: Jungle excursions
Accommodation: O/N Resort
Day 16 : Ranthambhore > Agra
After breakfast in Resort, start to check out from National park. From here we drive to Agra stopping at deserted Capital City of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue our ride to Agra. (B,L,D) Rest of the day is at leisure, car and driver at disposal to visit local markets
Activity of the day: Jungle excursion, market visits for shopping
Our accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 17: Agra > Delhi
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. At dawn we will visit the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising sun on this brilliant white marble building. After a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects. Later we will drive to Delhi along one of the India’s finest freeways. This is our last day of the India Tours and will finish this day with a dinner with our Tour Leader,
Activity of the day: Taj Mahal visit, dinner with Indian tour leader
Accommodation: O/N Hotel
Day 18 : Delhi / Departure
This is our last morning and many flights leave early morning. Followed after breakfast, its time to say goodbye to new made friends . You will be transferred to the International airport to connect to your onward flight back home or For Nepal/Tibet/ Bhutan tour. |
