DELHI | LUTYEN’S ARCHITECTURE ICONS

After breakfast visit to Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi.  Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance.  Here you will take a Cycle Rickshaw Puller Ride through the bustling and colorful market of the old city is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Jama Masjid, a large Mosque

IMPERIAL CITY
Our sightseeing continued to New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi.  Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also visit Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to see the worship etc. Overnight stay at hotel

AGRA | UNESCO HERITAGE TAJ MAHAL

After breakfast Drive through express highway 200 kms/3.30 hrs to Agra - The city's origins are dim but Akbar's grandfather Babur is credited with Agra's founding.  The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah   Jahan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. Arrive Agra and check in hotel. Later visit the Agra Fort built by Akbar the Great and the city. Also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jahan in the memory of Her Father.

Evening take Horse cart (Tonga Ride) to the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The New 7 wonder of the world and Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.  Legend has it that once construction was completed, what makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation.  Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughal brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of Incomparable artistry.

As you drive through the city witness the local life of bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of every day India. Agra is famous for Marble Items Overnight stay

JAIPUR | THE LAND OF MAHARAJAS

We continue on to Jaipur drive through the Rajasthani countryside we see villages, woman
dressed in the brilliantly colored saries of the region, camels, and elephants. en route visit to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1569 by the Great Emperor Akbar. Today, it is deserted and left in solitude to reminisce over its past glory also visit to Deeg a small town can visited, with its beautiful palaces, fortresses and gardens. The palace of Suraj Mahal is a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal style, upon arrival check in hotel

Later visit to Sanganer village situated of outskirt of Jaipur Look at the teeming Jain temple from the 17th century and visit the traditional wood block printing, tie and dye fabric, paper factory and blue pottery that make the reputation of the craftsmanship of the city rose. Overnight stay at hotel

JAIPUR | THE MAHARAJAS TOUR

Morning visit the 17th century fortress of Amber Fort - marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort ascended on Caparisoned Elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Later drive to Ranthambhore National park

Afternoon visit to Maharaja’s City Palace - where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art, The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 A.D.), Birla White Marble temple and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires Overnight stay at hotel

Morning drive to 130 kms take 2.30 hrs to reach Pushkar, the important Hindu pilgrim center is located 11kms From Ajmer. The flourishing temple town built around the sacred Pushkar Lake is full of religious myths and faith. The holy lake has 52 ghats (bathing places), where pilgrim’s lake ritual dips in the lake. The annual Pushkar fair held here on Kartik Pornima full moon in Nov is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country. Pilgrims and tradesman come here in thousands from far and near. The fair today has become one of the major tourist attractions of the state. Camel-cart races and various culture events are organized during the fair. The holy lake of Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. It is as important as Banaras or Puri. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. No pilgrimage is considered complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and 52 ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahma is to be found here. While Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined, it is also the venue of one of the country most country cattle fair Ride camels, shop at the colorful market, watch the sunset over the sand dunes, admire the beautiful clothes of the pilgrims Pushkar fair is a once-in-a lifetime experience that you will want to repeat

PUSHKAR | ATTEND COLORFUL PUSHKAR FAIR

It is Rajasthan's most famous fair, it brings together camel traders, pilgrims, visitors, and those who're here simply to participate in one of the seasons most colorful social events. Besides tented camps, there are hundreds of shops selling everything from handicrafts to spices, foodstuff and Jewellery. For visitors, a number of activities are also arranged. But most simply wish to stay within the fair grounds to watch the fascinating Rajasthani village metamorphose before the eyes, Pushkar Fair Activities: You can enjoy the fairs with Folk dance & Music, camel races, Tug war, camp fire etc

NIMAJ | PRINCELY LIVING

After breakfast 130 kms /2 hrs drive to Nimaj. Upon arrival check in Nimaj Palace is a heritage hotel which offers a different experience in princely living. The Palace has been sensitively restored to its former glory, meticulous care has been taken while refurbishing so it remains true to its original splendor and offers an unforgettable experience of royal living and hospitality.

Experience the local lifestyle on a village walk Move on to Kheda, a Shepard settlement take a “Village walk”, explore the village life, interact and peep into the rich culture of Rajasthan.

The place around the village water tank, from where women carry water on their head is full of activity. Seeing village artisans at work, creating leather articles, pottery and handicrafts etc. is a treat to the eyes. Enterprising traders, struggle to do​ ​business​ ​with​ ​the​ ​farmers​ ​who​ ​come​ ​here​ ​for​ ​their​ ​necessities. Women usually cover their head and faces with an “Odhni” and wear thick, full-length skirts with innumerable pleats and a blouse with colorful designs. "Tie and dye" is a home industry. The colorful turbans of men and the gaudy dresses of women provide a wonderful contrast to the bleak​ ​environs​ ​of​ ​the​ ​state. Villagers are friendly and helpful, but shy of strangers.
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​Later visit to Visit 9th century Magarmandi temple ideally in the afternoon at 3.30 pm, drive through the farms, see the brick kiln. Then visit the 9t​h century Hindu Goddess Temple, popularly known as “Magarmandi Mata Temple”. The architecture has an influence of South India. The diversity in art form is very intricate​ ​and​ ​unique, ​ ​once​ ​the​ ​pride​ ​of​ ​an​ ​Empire, ​ ​was​ ​destroyed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​invaders. Also visit local school

Jeep safari with a tea hamper.
​​A kilometer ahead starts the Jeep Safari in the grasslands where you drive pass the antelopes and see​ ​the​ ​migratory​ ​birds​ ​at​ ​the​ ​lake​ ​which​ ​takes​ ​you​ ​back​ ​to​ ​your​ ​country.

While you unfold the tea hamper at the sunset point and your request to the Sun​ ​god,​ ​to​ ​stay​ ​on​ ​for​ ​some​ ​more​ ​time​ ​is​ ​unheard,​ ​you​ ​will​ ​only​ ​say​ ​“I​ ​will​ ​come​ ​back​ ​again”.

JODHPUR | THE BLUE CITY

After breakfast drive to 107 kms/2 hrs to Jodhpur – The Blue city, the Great Indian Desert, sites on sand stone hill surrounded by a strong wall, approximately 6 miles long with 7 entry gates and the largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur, also called the "blue city" because of the many blue houses that can be seen from the ramparts of the fort. Originally this color was reserved for Brahminsr
Afternoon visit to Meharangarh Fort, built in 1459. Dominating the city and perched on a hill at 125 meters above sea level, it is the most impressive citadel of Rajasthan that you reach by a long winding road. You will be able to admire the apartments of the palaces which shelter a marvelous collection of royal rooms as well as the terrace with the cannons from where you will have a splendid view on the city, Jaswant Thada Cenotaph, the royal cremation site and then proceed to see the most magnificent, modern 20th century Palace, the Umaid Bhavan Palace and its museum – a treasure trove. Drive through the old city and past the Clock Tower near the largest spice bazaar in the sub-continent. Overnight stay at hotel.

NARLAI | REMOTE VILLAGE IN RAJASTHAN

After breakfast drive to 128 kms/2.30 hrs to Narlai en- rotue visits Bishnoi Village - A memorable outing in visit various traditional villages seeing local handicrafts viz. stone makers, pottery, hand weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver Jewellery, etc.

Later, you’ll be steering off the usual tourist route to a beautiful village in rural Rajasthan, for a two-night stay at Rawla Narlai. Dating back to the 17th-century, Rawla Narlai is a converted fort with a selection of comfortably rustic rooms, adorned with plenty of local charm and character whilst offering all the facilities of a modern hotel. The inner courtyards are blooming with bright pink bougainvillea and fragrant frangipani. The surrounding village and landscapes are beautifully picturesque. Rawla Narlai is a special place and quite the hidden gem. Overnight stay

NARLAI | AROUND NARLAI

The day is yours at leisure to relax and explore the local area at your own pace. There are many excursions available at Rawla Narlai. We can discuss these in advance but prefer to offer you the freedom to decide from and book directly, depending on how you feel on the day (you can read how we spent ours, here). We recommend rising early to climb Elephant Hill – there are a whopping 756 steps to reach the top, and the reward is a beautiful view of the sun rising over Narlai below. A walk through the village is a must, too – the people are friendly, with ladies dressed in stunningly colorful saris and turbaned elders drinking chai (spiced tea). To end the day, we suggest Rawla Narlai’s signature Stepwell Dinner, which is the highlight of a stay here for many of our guests. The magical supper offers four courses of local specialties served beside a 1,100-years-old stepwell, spectacularly lit by hundreds of oil lamps and accompanied by soulful folk songs performed by a local musician on a tambura.

DEOGARH | ROYAL STATE

After breakfast leave for Deogarh 150 kms/3 hrs, the region is famous for its spectacular forts, palaces and Jain temples. Afternoon you can relax by the pool or take a stroll in the surrounding villages to explore the unexplored rural Rajasthan. Deogarh – a castle of medieval Rajasthan, the Deogarh Mahal has been witness to history unfolding within and beyond its realms. Built in 1670 A.D by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed within the mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still upheld. You can do village walk, camel cart ride through the local village’s environment

ARAVELI | ROMANTIC LAKE CITY

Morning a rural train ride on the meter gauge train, having wooden slipper, accompanying local villagers traveling to Marwar the track passes through a breath-taking scenery of Ravli sanctuary, with some 100 feet high bridges, two long tunnels, waterfalls, thick jungle, and above all an unchanged ambience of bygone era. One travels through a Ghat section and descends from neighboring shrub Jungle to feed on articles given by the villagers.

Later leave for Ranakpur – one of the biggest and most important Jain temples; it is one of the five holy sites for the Jains. The main temple in the complex is “Chaumukha temple” or the four-faced temple dedicated to Adhinathji and built in the 15th century. It has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all of which are different from each other. The Surya Narayan temple and the other Jain temples in the complex are also worth visiting. The magic of light & shade is really awe- inspiring. Our journey continues to Araveli upon arrival check in hotel. Overnight stay at hotel

 Udaipur – the “City of Lakes” is perhaps the most romantic and beautiful cities of India. In contrast to its desert neighborhood it stands out with an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, gardens and temples surrounded by hills and mountains. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 A.D. on the shored of Lake Pichola upon arrival check into a hotel

ARAVELI | ROMANTIC LAKE CITY

Today sightseeing of Udaipur includes The City Palace – this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, construction of which was started by Udai Singh. This white marble architectural marvel, standing majestically on a hill is surrounded by crenellated walls. This huge edifice 30.4 meters high and 244 meters long was added on to, by later rulers, but the additions are so well planned and integrated, it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as complete structure,  Visit to Sahelion-ki-Bari or  “Garden of the Maids of Honour” was laid out for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of dowry, Partap Smarak: A memorial to the legendary warrior Rana Pratap, Bhartiya Lok Mandal Museum – a museum of folk arts, it displays a rich collection of folk musical instruments and paintings. Also vvisit the Jagdish temple (seventeenth century), dominated by a black stone statue of Vishnu in the guise of Jagannath, the Lord of the universe. Stroll through the old town and the bazaar custom making clothes, suits and saris with shimmering colors and craft designers workshops. Overnight stay

DEPARTURE | DELHI

Say goodbye to this fascinating and memorable tour and to airport to board the flight for Delhi to take the connected flight for onward destination