HIGHLIGHTS:

• Rickshaw ride in the crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk.

• Visit the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid.

• Boat ride in lake Pichhola in Udaipur.

• Visit majestic forts of South Rajasthan.

• See pottery works in Bundi.

• Safaris in Ranthambore National Park.

• Visit the erotic temples of Khajuraho.

• Watch the mysticism wrapped around Hinduism in Varanasi.

• Early morning boat ride in Varanasi.

• Witness Ganga Arti - A Hindu ceremony.

• Excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.

• Visit the beautiful symbol of love - Taj Mahal.

• Train journey from Agra to Delhi.

TOn this journey, we experience life in the southern part of Rajasthan and beyond. We land in city of Bollywood - Mumbai, where we visit some of the historic places such as the Gateway of India. From Mumbai, we fly to the City of Lakes - Udaipur. Udaipur is considered to be one of the most romantic cities of India. After getting awed by this city, we drive to visit the majestic Chittorgarh Fort and continue driving to Bundi. The city of Bundi is known for it's ornate forts, palaces and 'baoris' or stepwells. After getting immmersed in architecture and history, we spend a day in the wild doing park rides in Ranthambore National park, which is known for its elusive tigers. From Rajasthan, we continue driving to Orchha and Khajuraho, known for their temples and monuments. In Varanasi, we learn more about the beliefs of Hindus and the importance of religion and culture for them. To bring this wonderful journey to an end, we visit the symbol of love - Taj Mahal.

ITINERARY:

• Day 1: Departure
  Depart from home country.
• Day 2 - Delhi
  Arrival at the International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to hotel. Later, we do an amusing rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes of the medieval styled shopping haven of Chandni Chowk. The ride is a very interesting one. We also visit the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). The mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people at once. On our way back to New Delhi, we drive by India Gate, Parliament House and President's Estate.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 3 - Delhi / Udaipur
  After breakfast transfer to the Airport for flight to Udaipur – the city of Lake. Rest of the time at leisure for independent activity.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 4 - Udaipur
  Today, we do sightseeing of Udaipur. We visit the beautiful City Palace. The City Palace of Udaipur is considered to be the largest of its kind in Rajasthan. It provides a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. We then drive to Sahelion ki Bari, or the Garden of Maids of Honor. It was built by Maharaja Sangram Singh II for the women attendants who came as a part of the princess' dowry. Later, we do a boat ride in the romantic waters of Lake Pichhola.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 5 - Udaipur / Chittorgarh / Bundi
  In the morning, we drive 300 km / 5 hrs to Bundi. En route, we visit the majestic Chittorgarh Fort. It is one of the largest forts of India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed that the fort was built by Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata. On reaching, Bundi, time free for relaxation.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 6 - Bundi
  The city of Bundi still retains the magic of Old World. We visit Bundi Palace, which was described by Rudyard Kipling as the "work of Goblins rather than of Men".
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 7 - Bundi / Sawai Madhopur
  After breakfast drive 130 km / 3 hr to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhore National Park). The park is spread over 400 sq km and the wildlife and is home to animals that include herbivores like deer, sambhars, cheetal, blue bull, tigers, leopard etc. Chances of seeing tiger are better in this park due to scanty forest. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.
  Overnight in hotel.

  OPTIONAL: A short 3 hrs' up and down hike to Ranthambore Fort
• Day 8 - Sawai Madhopur
  In the morning, we take a Park Safari in the Ranthambore National Park. We have a chance of spotting the elusive tiger due to scanty vegetation. We also see other wildlife around, along with numerous species of birds. We go back to the hotel before taking another Safari later. In the afternoon, we do the Safari again. In case, we missed the tiger by a few seconds in the morning, we have another chance here.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 9 - Sawai Madhopur / Karauli
  After breakfast drive 120 km / 3 hr to Karauli – a quaint township founded in 1348 and famous for its pale red-sandstones and colourful bangles. In Karauli we visit 500 years old City Palace full of frescoes, fine stone carvings and paintings. On our way back from the City Palace we walk back through the local bazar watching many interesting motives of local products such as lacquer work, beautifully made multi coloured glass, bangles, colourful garments hanging in shops, cobbler mending shoes, tailors making clothes to your requirement, wooden toys, roasting peanuts, different types of local sweets made in Madan Mohan (Krishna) temple.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 10 - Karauli / Orchha
  Drive 265 km/7 hrs. to Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stones and frozen in time, a rich legacy of the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Afternoon we make a sightseeing of some important temples and monuments of Orchha.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 11 - Orchha / Khajuraho
  After breakfast drive 175 km / 4 hr to Khajuraho – famous for their erotic sculptures. Khajuraho Temples known for its erotic artwork are listed in the World Heritage sites and among the finest temples in the world. Out of the three groups of temples the Western group of temple contains some stunning artwork. Around the outside of the temples are bands of exceedingly artistic stonework showing a storyboard of life a millennium ago – gods, goddesses, warriors, musicians and real and mythological animals. Legend has it that Khajuraho was founded by the son of the Moon God Chandra who descended and saw beautiful maiden as she bathed in a stream. Khajuraho temples were built by Chandela Dynasty between 950 AD to 1050 AD and are associated with progeny. Upon arrival we do sightseeing of Eastern and Western block of temples.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 12 - Khajuraho / Varanasi
  After relaxed breakfast transfer to the Airport for Flight to Varanasi (Dep / Arr 1505 / 1555) – one of the holiest and oldest cities in India situated on the bank of River Ganga and considered as the Abode of Lord Shiva. The city is also nicknamed as the city of “learning and burning”- learning because from the ancient times Sages and Saints have meditated and acquired enlightenment in Benares, burning because according to Hindus, if the body is burnt on the banks of Ganga in Benares thy achieve Moksha (liberation of Soul). Photography of a burning man is not allowed in Benares and other parts of India. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Evening witness Ganga Arti at Dusmesh Ghat on the bank of River Ganga. Hundreds of oil lamps lit up by the devotees give a divine look to the river at the time of dusk.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 13 - Varanasi
  In the morning, we visit Ghats to watch Sunrise by boat ride. Later on, we walk through all the ghats from beginning till end. The walk would takes us about 45 minutes but this walk is a revelation to know about mysticism of 5000 years old Hindu religion. Come back to hotel. After breakfast we make a excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In the afternoon, we make city tour visiting Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple. After breakfast, drive 160 km / 5 hr to Ramnagar.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 14 - Varanasi / Delhi by Flight and surface to Agra
  After breakfast transfer to the Airport for flight to Delhi, upon arrival at Delhi airport continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 15 - Agra / Delhi
  After breakfast in the hotel sightseeing of Agra visiting Taj Mahal – built by Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The construction of Taj Mahal started in 1632 and it took 22 years to complete employing 20,000 people. We also visit Red Fort built in 156 on the West bank of river Yamuna. Thereafter proceed for sightseeing of Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb also known as Baby Taj. Evening transfer to railway station to board train to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 16 - Delhi
  After breakfast full day sightseeing of old and new Delhi visiting Qutub Minar – a 75 mtr high minaret and Humayun Tomb. We also visit the Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahid and Hindu temple Birla Mandir, Rajghat and government buildings.
  Overnight in hotel.
• Day 17 - Delhi / Departure
  In time transfer you to the airport for flight back to home.