Welcome to India! Upon arrival at Delhi’s International Airport, you are met by our representative in the arrival area, after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. You will be greeted with a special welcome of nice garlands of marigold flowers. Your driver will then transfer you to your Hotel for check in. (This service is on a private basis.)

Delhi

Everything about Delhi is enticing. Named India’s historical capital, Delhi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Since ancient times, the city's character and culture has been shaped by waves of various influences. In recent years, New Delhi has expanded to encompass residential and commercial developments to the west and south, including the satellite towns off Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad. Delhi has also outgrown Mumbai and Kolkata in becoming the most vibrant creative art and culture center in India. Even a simple stroll through the streets offers an epic adventure for the senses.

New Delhi Exploration

Today, you will embark on a private guided half day tour of New Delhi. New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's. It is 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 set the design in motion and began the construction of Delhi's eighth city - New Delhi. They designed an "Imperial City", boating palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues, and punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools.

During today's exploration, you will visit two monuments from Delhi's past, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. The tomb took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. Your drive will also take you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate. Nestled in the center of New Delhi, erupts this 42 m high India Gate, an archway in the middle of a crossroad. The President House and the Parliament House, a symbol of Indian democracy, will also be seen during your adventure. As your exploration continues from site to site, you guide will teach you about the rich history and fascinating past. (This service is on a private basis.)

Heritage Walk

Today you are invited to know the daily lives of these street children of Delhi, some of who live in the New Delhi railway station area and one of these children is your guide today to take you through their shelters and run you through their life-stories. The walk has been specially designed for you to give you the insight of these street children and their success stories and achievements in life as you learn about their lives on the railway track, platform (where these children spend their day), small school, shelter and Salaam Baalak Trust Contact Center and Office and get to interact with their coordinator, who is also a volunteer in the program. (This service is on a private basis.)

Old Delhi Discovery

Enjoy a private half day tour of Old Delhi today. Old Delhi was once recognized as an ancient walled city. In 1650, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan, who possessed an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance.

Start today's excursion with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. On this journey, you will have the chance to see the Red Fort and the Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. It's main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort. It is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico, you may even catch a glimpse of a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. You may also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and Chandni Chowk, the colorful market of the old city. Your senses will come alive, with the exotic spices, culinary delicacies and bustling activity. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Varanasi

Varanasi is a popular pilgrimage site for people of the Hindu faith. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi city is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

Aarti Ceremony

This evening, you will be whisked away to the Ghats of Ganges, where you will witness a captivating performance of Aarti. Aarti is a Sanskrit word, which stands for homage or devotion. The Aarti, or offering of the lamps, can be observed at scheduled hours of the day and night to invoke the gods. It is believed that the gods physically present themselves before devotees at this ceremony. The lamps are revolved before the idols in a clockwise manner along with the chanting of hymns. This recitation is accompanied by drums, blowing of the conch-shell and tolling of the temple bells. At the end of the `aarti’, the priest takes a handful of water, which he revolves around the god's idol. This is to pacify `agni' (the Fire God), who is pressed into service in the form of the wick lamp. The lamps themselves are charged with this "Presence" and thus after the ceremony, devotees collect the fumes and smear their faces with its aroma. At the end of this exciting evening ceremony, you will be returned to your hotel. (This service is on a group basis.)

Ganges River Sunrise & Sarnath Excursion

Very early this morning, before even dawn awakes, you will leave your hotel for a boat journey on the Ganges. Walk through the shuttered market, where only the devout make their way through the silent streets. Board a rowboat, that will first guide you on a sail upstream, before gliding back downstream. Sunrise is a sacred hour for Hindus, and you will watch the magic as the city comes to life with locals and pilgrims. As the first rays of the sun light up the western bank of the river, a panorama of temple spires, mansions, priests and pilgrims offering prayers will greet your eyes. This experience will be peaceful, soothing and unforgettable. While on the boat, your guide will teach you about the philosophy and history of the Ganges and Varanasi, as well as the Hindu religion entirely. Admire the activity of the pilgrims and locals savor this morning worship time.

Following this magical morning, you will return to your hotel in time for breakfast. This afternoon, the second part of your tour continues, as you embark on an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath symbolizes the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine, delivered his first sermon and founded his monastic community. You will have the chance to stroll through the grounds, marked by ancient and relatively newer stupas and temples, and the Deer Park. The onsite Archaeological Museum is a treasure house of prehistoric and ancient sculptures as well. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in Varanasi and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Agra. The drive time for this transfer will be approximately 4 hours. (This service is on a private basis.)

Agra

At the time of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period, the city transformed into a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the 17th century reign of Shah Jehan, the mastermind of the Taj Mahal. Its ancient beauty and striking history is still just as impressive today.

Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

Today's unforgettable experience includes a city tour of Agra with visits to the breathtaking Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. That magnificent monument of love – The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, and dazzling white during the day.

Later, proceed to Agra Fort. Agra Fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 kilometers northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The Fort can be accurately described as a walled palatial city. During a time when the country was governed from this royal residence, the great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb once lived here. It used to contain the largest state treasury, visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries from all over the world, who participated in building India's history. (This service is on a private basis.)

Fatehpur Sikri En Route to Jaipur

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, you will drive to Jaipur. This journey will be approximately 5 to 6 hours. En route, enjoy a visit to Fatehpur Sikri. This is an hour’s drive outside Agra.

Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city simply cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of it's magnificent edifices, by seeing them. As you enter Sikri from the Agra Gate, Diwan-I-Aam, or the hall of public audience, appears first. This is one of the nine gateways on the way to the palace complex. It is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard, where petitions were heard, proclamations were made, ambassadors received and entertainment programs held. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned only a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in pristine condition.

After plenty of time to explore and admire, you will continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and get settled. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Jaipur

Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a colorful cast of characters - from painters and potters to artists and antique dealers - present a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change. Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenellated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition.

Amber Fort & City Tour

After breakfast this morning, proceed on an excursion to the inspiring Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture, with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings.

Following your exploration of Amber Fort, continue on a comprehensive city tour of Jaipur. You will first visit the fascinating City Palace Museum, where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art. The museum is truly impressive, with its collection of royal artifacts, carpets, an armory of old weapons and paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions. Afterwards, you will continue to the famous Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories in India. Specifically, it is one of the largest and best preserved. A visit to the Hawa Mahal, also called the Palace of Winds, will be your final stop of the tour. Built back in 1799, this major landmark of Jaipur is a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade that features arched rooftops, overhanging windows with latticed screens, detailed domes and incredible spires. After plenty of time to admire this site, you will be returned to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (Duration: 5 hours.) (This service is on a private basis.)

Jodhpur

Among Rajasthan's many princely settlements, Jodhpur is one of the most distinctive. This five hundred year old settlement was the headquarters of the Rathore Rajputs celebrated for their tales of daring. Without any surprise, this charming state is also referred as "The Blue City." Founded in 1459, it is the oldest of Rajputana's great cities. Jodha's Jodhpur preceded Bika's Bikaner by thirty years, Udai Singh's Udaipur by more than a hundred, and Jai Singh's Jaipur by nearly three centuries!

City Tour & Bishnoi Village Safari

This morning, head out on a city tour of Jodhpur. You will have the opportunity to visit the famous red sandstone fort, built five centuries ago and which contains the handsome Maharajah’s palace. Admire the Jaswant Thada, a royal memorial built in pure white marble, and the Mandore Gardens. You will then be returned to your hotel for some rest and relaxation before the second part of your excursion.

This afternoon, you will proceed for a Bishnoi Village Safari. If you want to experience tribal India, Jodhpur Guda Bishnoi Village is the place for you! It is approximately 25 kms from the main city of Jodhpur. The village is filled with scenic beauty, spotted with stunning Khejri trees and deer. Also in the village is the Guda Bishnoi Lake, an artificial lake, great for incredible photo shots. During this excursion, you will get to truly appreciate the exotic wildlife and nature of India, as well as be immersed in the village culture. The Bishnoi community are staunch worshipers of nature in all it's forms, especially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land. In a world of exploitation everywhere, they make every effort to conserve our environment. (This service is on a private basis.)

Ranakpur Temples En Route to Udaipur

Today, you will drive approximately 5 hours to Udaipur, breaking up the long drive with a visit to the Ranakpur Temples. Ranakpur is a village near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western flank of the Aravalli Hills. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.

The temples at Ranakpur are over 500 years old but well preserved. No other place in Rajasthan has the same ambiance and setting as that of Ranakpur, whose beauty has been emphasized by its isolation. The temples are quite unique in style and design. Their ceilings are carved with fine, lace-like foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns. Their domes are carved in concentric bands and the brackets connecting the base of the dome with the top are covered with figures of deities.Ranakpur is widely known for its marble Jain temple, and for a much older Sun Temple which lies opposite the former.

After your adventure, continue on to Udaipur to check in to your overnight accommodations. (This service is on a private basis.)

Udaipur

Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers, like no other city in India. The city's inherent romance and its remarkable past, continues to captivate the visitors today. Known as, the City of Dawn, Udaipur looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, the landscape is truly enchanting.

City Tour & Lake Pichola Cruise

This morning, you will be taken on a city tour of Udaipur, beginning with the City Palace Museum. The extravagant rooms here are not a sight to be missed. The grandeur and intricacy of the granite, marble and mosaic displays, can be admired through the sparkling white balconies and windows, ornate arches and magnificent octagonal towers. Next, you will make your way to Jagdish Temple, built back in 1651 AD, before your final stop at Sahelion Ki Bari. This spectacular garden displays the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once lived in the palaces.

Later this afternoon, you can look forward to a relaxing boat cruise on the beautiful Lake Pichola. Jagmandir Palace is a fascinating island palace that sits on the lake. The banks of the lake will likely feature a glimpse of the daily bathing and laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake at the city skyline and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare beauty. Before your tour is over, you will also have some time to spend in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex. (This service is on a private basis.)

Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight. (This service is on a private basis.)