Spectacular Rajasthan
Duration: 13 night/ 14 days
Explore Indian history and culture and delve into local life in the world’s most populous democracy. You will visit world-renowned architectural sites, explore famous markets that entice your senses, and experience local customs along narrow urban streets.
- Explore majestic forts and royal palaces.
- Enjoy village safari and Leopard Safari.
- Set off on camelback or jeep for a desert safari from Sam Sand Dunes.
- Ride an elephant in Jaipur.
- Walk through local bazaars.
- Cruise on the waters of Lake Pichola.
- Enjoy dance show at Bagore ki Haveli.
Day | Activity | City |
Day # 1 | Namaste and Welcome to India! | Delhi |
Day # 2 | Visit the Gandhi Memorial, Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. | Delhi |
Day #3 | Fly to Jaisalmer, located deep inside the famous Thar Desert in Rajasthan, intrigues visitors with its tales of unequalled valor by courageous rulers and citizens of bygone eras. It is unique in its beauty and undaunted spirit. Set off on camelback or jeep for a desert safari from Sam Sand Dunes. Travel along crests and troughs and watch the picturesque desert sunset. Overnight in Jaisalmer. | Delhi- Jaisalmer |
Day #4 | Leave for sightseeing. Jaisalmer Fort is famously known as the Golden Fort of Rajasthan due to the golden and yellow mixed sandstone with which it was constructed by Raja Jaisal, Rajput ruler in 156 CE. It ranks among the largest forts in the world. With its 99 turrets rising from the desert sands like a mirage, the fort is a magical sight to behold. | Jaisalmer |
Day #5 | Travel to Jodhpur, stronghold of the fierce Rathore clan. The city was founded in 1459 by Prince Jodha. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill. Within the fort, visit Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada , an imposing marble cenotaph, built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. | Jaisalmer- |
Day #6 | Depart for Narlai, a small, busy and idyllic little village surrounded by forested hills; one of the most beautiful rural locations in Rajasthan. Enjoy a guided evening safari in an open jeep covering surrounding villages and temples. Taste the authentic flavor of Rajasthani royalty and hospitality at 16th century old Baoli, also known as Stepwell. Overnight in Narlai. | Jodhpur- |
Day #7 | This morning leave for leopard sighting. The rugged Godwad countryside around Narlai is an ideal site for Leopards Depart for Udaipur, visiting the Jain temple en route. Arrive at Udaipur and transfer to the hotel. Udaipur, the city of lakes, is admired for its fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, and gardens. Built in 1559 CE by Maharaja Udai Singh, the city has been described as the most romantic spot in India. Evening cruise on the waters of Lake Pichola. Overnight in Udaipur. | Narlai- |
Day #8 | Morning city sightseeing tour including the City Palace, Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash, Durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas. Also visit Jagdish temple, Sahelion-ki-Bari (queen's resort for the friends). Enjoy dance show at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight in Udaipur. | Udaipur |
Day #9 | Drive to Pushkar, a holy city in Rajasthan. Enjoy a short tour of Pushkar covering Pushkar Lake and colourful market. Overnight in Pushkar. | Udaipur- |
Day #10 | Depart to Jaipur, the pink city of India. Walk through the colorful market of this lovely city. Enjoy a home hospitality dinner with cooking demonstration. Overnight in Jaipur. | Pushkar-Jaipur |
Day #11 | Depart for an excursion to Amber Fort, featuring an elephant ride. The palace is a classic, romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where the beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Continue to the city palace, a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture which sprawls over one – seventh of the walled city. See the Jantar Mantar, the largest and the best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh II, in different parts of the country. This observatory consists of outsized astronomical instruments and is still in use. Overnight in Jaipur. | Jaipur |
Day #12 | Drive to Agra. On the way visit Fathepur Sikri, the ancient capital of India built by Akbar the 3rd Mughal Emperor which is a ghost city of palaces boasting magnificent desert architecture. Marvel at Agra Fort, a stunning fortress of red sandstone built in the 16th Century by Emperor Akbar. Later visit the Mehtab bagh at sunset and view the Taj Mahal from the other side of the River Yamuna. Overnight in Agra. | Jaipur- |
Day #13 | In Sunrise, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the Mughal Emperor shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Visit the baby Taj, one of the lesser-known monuments of Agra. Drive to Delhi for overnight stay. | Agra - Delhi |
Day #14 | Transfer to the airport to fly home or onward destination. | Delhi |
Varanasi-
The Holi City
2 nights / 3 days
- Enjoy a boat ride at dawn to view the ghats, former palaces around the Ganges, and the pilgrims who bathe in the river and pay homage to the sun god each morning.
- Explore the narrow streets of Varanasi to visit some of the noted temples – See the cremation Ghat along the Ganges.
- Witness the Aarti ceremony at the Ganges – Watch as lighted wicks soaked in purified butter or camphor are offered to Indian deities.
Cochin
Tour
2 nights / 3 days
- Learn about the history of the ancient Synagogues that have stood tall for so long in Kerala.
- Walk through the bustling streets of ‘Jew town’ and experience how the vibrant community lived years ago.
- Enjoy Traditional country canoe ride.
- Observe various activities in the village.
- Backwater tour on a deluxe houseboat.
Mumbai – Explore the Jewish Heritage
2 nights / 3 days
- Explore Magen David, Tiphereth Israel and Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogues.
- Explore Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Witness the amazing “lunch box” system
- Discover ancient water tank – Banganga.
- Walk through a wholesale vegetable and fruit market.
- Witness a religious ceremony in a Hindu temple.