Inbound North India & Rajasthan Tour – Heritage & Cultural Tour of India

Midnight arrival at Delhi Airport, meet and greet reception at airport and transfer to the hotel
Dinner at Hotel Room
DELHI, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history.
The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. This period dates back to about 3000 BC.
Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. In 1192 the legions of the Afghan warrior Muhammad of Ghori captured the Rajput town, and the Delhi Sultanate was established (1206). The invasion of Delhi by Timur in 1398 put an end to the sultanate; the Lodis, last of the Delhi sultans, gave way to Babur, who, after the battle of Panipat in 1526, founded the Mughal Empire. The early Mughal emperors favoured Agra as their capital, and Delhi became their permanent seat only after Shah Jahan built (1638) the walls of Old Delhi.
In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the Capital of India.

DELHI TO SHEKHAWATI

Morning Breakfast at hotel and Check out, later transfer to Shekhawati Region, RAJASTHAN
Travelling Distance - 220 KM (05 hrs)
Afteroon Heritage Walking Tour of Mandawa
SHEKHAWATI - A highly revered region located in North-Eastern Rajasthan which has been the flag symbol of Rajasthan's artistic splendour for close to centuries with many artisans and craftsmen proving their skills in the form of perfectly carved statues, scintillating palaces, temples adorned with murals, organic paintings and carvings. It is also known to be home to the Matsya Kingdom and is of great heritage and cultural value to the country.

Morning Breakfast at hotel and Check out, later transfer to Jaipur
Travelling Distance - 180 KM (04 hrs)
Visit to City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal
JAIPUR - The Pink City, Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour. Since the colour pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.

Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity.

After Breakfast in the morning depart to Visit Amer fort
Enjoy a famous short Elephant Ride to reach at the Palace
Visit Amer Fort & Jaigarh Fort
On the way back Stop over at Jal Mahal for Photostop
Later in the Afternoon Visit Albert Hall Museum
Evening Free for Leisure and Local Shopping at Jaipur City

AMER FORT (AMBER PALACE) - BEAUTIFUL MELANGE OF ARCHITECTURE, One of the top tourist attractions of Jaipur, the huge Amer Palace Fort sits atop a small hill, and is located at a distance about 11 km from the main city. The magnificent Amer Fort is an extensive palace complex that has been built with pale yellow and pink sandstone, and with white marble. The fort is divided into four main sections that are graced with their own courtyards.
As you arrive at the Amer Fort, you will enter through the Suraj Pol; unless you arrive by car, then you enter via the Chand Pol. Both these gates open into the Jaleb Chowk, which is the main courtyard, where in earlier times, returning armies used to display their plunder to the people. The fort has a number of sections, including the King’s quarters, the zenana (where the women lived), gardens, temples, etc.
There are a lot of attractions for one to see at the Amer Fort, including the diwan-e-aam, such mandir, and the Sheesh Mahal. Amer Fort is also home to some underground tunnels that connect Amer to Jaigarh Fort. A part of these tunnels has been restored, and is now open to public as well. Encompassing all this, the Amer Fort is a perfect example of Rajasthani architecture which is a must-visit.
The essence of Amer Fort is encapsulated by the beautiful light and sound show within the fort, where visitors get to see an astounding spectacle about the history of the fort.

Today in the morning check out and depart to Pushkar
Travellling Distance - 148 KM (03 hrs)
Enjoy the Walking Tour of City
Visit Pushkar Festival (Oct & Nov only)
Spend Some Free Time
PUSHKAR, the very name evokes images of a vibrant desert carnival that is a cultural congregation of sights and sounds, and of course, camels! Did we say carnival and camels? Yes, you read that right! The humpy king of the desert is one of the biggest attractions of the Pushkar Mela that draws crowds from around the globe to this part of the world. But Pushkar is so much more than this enthralling annual phenomenon! On one hand, the serene town makes for a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, thanks to its age-old temples and religious sites. On the other hand, it fascinates avid travelers with its quirky cafes, stunning architecture, colorful shopping spots, places to visit and culinary culture.

Morning Check out and Depart to Jodhpur
Travelling Distance - 185 KM (4 hrs)
JODHPUR - A DELIGHTFUL BLEND OF THE MODERN AND THE TRADITIONAL Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens.

Today Enjoy the Village Safari, a day trip from Jodhpur
Enjoy Camel Ride at Thar Dessert
Late afternoon return to Jodhpur
Spend some free time to explore the city on your own
GUDA VILLAGE - Guda, a Bishnoi village, is home to a vivid range of exotic wildlife and nature. It is a habitat for thousands of migratory birds in the area. One can often catch the Demoiselle crane frolicking at the lake. Antelopes and black bucks can also be spotted by the pond. This place is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Morning Check out and depart to Udaipur
Stop of enroute to Visit Ranakpur Jin Temple & Kumbhalgarh Fort
Travelling Distance: Jodhpur to Ranakpur - 165 KM (3 hrs)
Travelling Distance: Ranakpur to Udaipur - 85 KM (2 hrs)
RANAKPUR JAIN TEMPLE - The Ranakpur temple complex in Rajasthan comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The massive temple structure, raised entirely in softly colored marble, stands atop a base of subterranean vaults, sprawling in an area of over 48,000 square feet. Entering into the temple complex, it is difficult for someone to not be mesmerized by the vivacity and scale of its designs.
KUMBHALGARH FORT - BIRTHPLACE OF MEWAR'S LEGENDARY KING, MAHARANA PRATAP. Located 84 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Cradled in the Aravali Ranges the fort was built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha. The inaccessibility and hostility of the topography lends a semblance of invincibility to the fort. It served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife. There is a magnificent array of temples built by the Mauryas of which the most picturesque place is the Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds. The fort also offers a superb bird’s eye view of the surroundings. The fort's massive wall stretches some 36 kms with a width enough to take eight horses abreast.

Morning depart for City Sightseeing tour
Evening Free for Leisure to explore on your own

UDAIPUR - The city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. The city is also known for its profusion of zinc and marble. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. The ten-day Shilpgram Festival which starts from 21 Dec to 30 Dec pulls in a large number of people interested in arts and crafts.
Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar Kingdom. It is located in the fertile, circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, which was the first capital of Mewar.

Morning Check out from the hotel and depart to Chittorgarh
Travelling Distance - 118 KM (2.5hrs)
Visit Chittorgarh Fort
Afternoon continue drive to Bundi for Check in at your hotel
Travelling Distance - 155 KM (3hrs)
CHITTORGARH - VISIT THE LAND OF INDIA’S FINEST FORT - Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres.
Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs.

Morning Check out from the hotel and depart to Ranthambore
Travelling Distance - 136 KM (2.5hrs)
On arrival Check in at hotel and relax
Afternoon depart to Ranthambore National Park - Tiger Reserve Safari
Safari Duration - 03 hrs
SAWAI MADHOPUR - GATEWAY TO RANTHAMBORE - Cuddled up in the eastern zone of Rajasthan, Sawai Madhopur is one of the prominent conurbations of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the 'Gateway to Ranthambore', the town has seen many historic episodes and reigns. Sawai Madhopur has partly plain and partly undulating hilly terrain. The South and south east part of the district has hills and broken ground which form a part of a vast track of rugged region enclosing the narrow valley of the Chambal river. Surrounded by Vindhyas & Aravalis, this place is a treat for adventure enthusiasts as well as the ones with a fascination for history, with the Ranthambore National park- the most renowned national park in northern India and the Ranthambore Fort which was recently included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, being the main attractions.

Morning Depart to Ranthambore National Park for Tiger Reserve Safari
Safari Duration - 03 hrs
Later Visit to Ranthambore Fort

Morning Check out from the hotel and depart to Fatehpur Sikri
Travelling Distance - 245 KM (5 hrs)
Fatehpur Sikri - The City of Victory by Mughal Emperor Akhbar
FATEHPUR SIKRI - A Unique Blend of Arcitactural Monuments and Relegion, its magnificence and uniqueness offers a fine example of the emperor's architectural finesse. Akbar's tolerant religious views and interest in literature, architecture and fine arts gave the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri a charismatic blend of Islamic and Hindu elements in their style and design.

Morning Visit to Taj Mahal
Afternoon Visit to Agra Fort
Evening Sunset View of Taj Mahal from the bank of Yamuna River
THE TAJ MAHAL - Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled, the Taj Mahal is the only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in its making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, one has to see it by moonlight.

AGRA FORT - Near the gardens of Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Agra Fort, an excellent example of Mughal architecture, is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Morning Check out from the hotel and Transfer to Agra Train Station
Experience The Train Journey from Agra to Jhansi
Travelling Distance - 222 KM (2.5 hrs)
On arrival at Jhansi Train station you will be transfer to your hotel in Orchha
Afternoon Depart to Visit Orchha City
ORCHHA is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is steeped in history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural splendor of the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers. 

Morning Free for your own Leisure
Later at noon Check out and transfer to Jhansi Train station
Board the Afternoon Train from Jhansi to Khajuraho
Travelling Distance - 202 KM (4.5 hrs)
Upon arrival at Khajuraho train station and transfer to your hotel

Morning Depart to Visit Western Group of Temples
Later Visit to Raneh Falls
Evening Visit to Eastern Group of Temples
KHAJURAHO Group of Monuments - India's most titillating town is famed far and wide for the erotic stone carvings that swathe Khajuraho’s three groups of World Heritage–listed temples. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures that together make up some of the finest temple art in the world. The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

Morning Check out from the hotel and transfer to Khajuraho Airport
Board the Local flight from Khajuraho Airport to Varanasi
Flight Duration - 45 mins
On Arrival at Varanasi Airport Transfer to your hotel
After Check in and relax depart for Walking Tour of old Town & Ghats
Evening assemble to join faous Ganga Aarti from the Boat on Ganga River
VARANASI is the India of your imagination. This City of Lights is one of the most colourful and fascinating places on earth. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, which is one of the oldest living cities in the world and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The land of Varanasi know called Benaras at ancient time it was known as Kashi, it has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi.

Early morning assemble and depart to see the Sunrise from the Boat on Ganga River
Experience something different every time you visit Varanasi. The gentle waters of the Gangas, the boat ride at sunrise, the high banks of the 'Ghats' and an array of shrines, offer an almost spiritual experience that's unique to the city. Every morning, Varanasi wakes up by offering prayers to the holy river.
After this early morning tour return to Hotel, Breakfast and Relax
Later during the morning depart to Visit Sarnath Buddhist Complex
One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, Sarnath is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha deliverd his first Sermon.
the main attractions of Sarnath are Archaeological and Excavation Area (Sarnath, Deer park), Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhammek Stupa (Dhamekha Stupa), Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Ashoka Pillar (Ashokan Lion Pillar), Ashokan Lion-Capital (the national emblem of India) and the Archeological Museum.

Morning Check out from the hotel and transfer to Varanasi Airport
Board the Local flight from Varanasi to Delhi
Flight Duration - 1.5 hrs
On arrival at Delhi Airport transfer to your hotel
Later depart to Visit Qutab Minar Complex
QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX - Qutub-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India.
Built in the 13th century, the magnificent tower stands in the capital, Delhi. It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. It is an architectural marvel of ancient India.
The complex has a number of other important monuments such as the gateway built in 1310, the Alai Darwaza, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque; the tombs of Altamish, Ala-ud-din Khalji and Imam Zamin; the Alai Minar, a 7m high Iron Pillar, etc.

Morning Depart for full day sightseeing tour of Delhi
Visit Lal Quila (Red Fort)
Guided Tour of Old Delhi & Experience Rikshaw Ride
New Delhi Sightseeing Tour - India Gate, President House
OLD DELHI architecture is a spectacular example of Mughal architecture, with plenty of charisma and nostalgia. While walking the bylanes of old Delhi you realize every wall has a story to tell. Old Delhi is a walled city shaped roughly like a quarter circle with the Red Fort as a focal point. The old city was surrounded by a wall enclosing about 1500 acres with 14 gates. Although the walls have largely disappeared, most of the gates are still present.
THE RED FORT is named for its massive walls of red sandstone and its proximity to the Salimgarh Fort. It was a political and ceremonial center for the Mughals. Constructed in 1648 by Shah Jahan, the architecture reflects the fusion of Persian and Timurid traditions, along with a huge beautiful garden. It was designated a UNESCO World heritage site in 2007. The Red Fort has an area of 254.67 acres enclosed by 2.41 kilometers of defensive walls, punctuated by turrets and bastions varying in height from 18 meters on the river side to 33 meters on the city side. The fort is octagonal, with the north-south axis longer than the east-west axis. The marble, floral decorations and double domes in the fort’s buildings exemplify later Mughal architecture.
Located in Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of one million rupees, it has three gates, four towers, and two 40m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The mosque is built on a red sandstone porch which is about 30 feet from ground level. The courtyard can accommodate 25,000 people. The Red Fort stands opposite to Jama Masjid. The floor is covered with white and black ornamented marble to look like a Muslim prayer mat. Beside it, a thin black border is marked for worshippers.

Morning depart to Visit Lotus Temple
LOTOUS TEMPLE or Bahai Temple - In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of worship. This is the Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, better known as the "Lotus Temple". With the dawning of every new day, an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere.
Rest of the day shopping at different local markets in Delhi
Evening return to your hotel & freshen up
At night transfer to Delhi Airport for your return flight back to home countrry
***End of the Tour***
Bring Sweet and wounderful memories of Incredible India back to your home to share with your Friends and Family !