ITINERARY

Day 01, 20 Aug 2018 (Monday), ARRIVE DELHI

01H35 PM (13H35) Arrive at India Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Traditional welcome with fresh marigold flower garland and transfer to hotel. Later visit to Karolbagh for cloth material / tailoring if possible and/or readymade Indian clothes. Overnight at Westend the Glitz Hotel in Mahipalpur, New Delhi.

Day 02, 21 Aug 2018 (Tuesday), DELHI

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of New Delhi - Qutub Minar- its construction was initiated by Qutubudin-Aibak in 1199 CE upon becoming the first Sultan of Delhi; second Mughal Emperor Humayun's Tomb - its architecture may have influenced the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra; Baha'i Lotus Temple - this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is a symbol of peace; India Gate (the war memorial), Parliament House and Presidents House (from outside). In the afternoon stop by the Red Fort for photography from outside - the massive sandstone fort built by Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna, Jama Masjid - is the largest mosque in India and stands across the road from the Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan 1648 CE. About 20,000 people can pray here at a time. Overnight stay in Westend the Glitz Hotel.

Day 03, 22 Aug 2018 ( Wednesday), DELHI - AGRA (165 Kilometers or 103 Miles)

After breakfast transfer by air-conditioned chauffeur driven air-conditioned car to Agra in about 2 hours. After exiting the Yamuna Expressway stop at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. This is the mausoleum build under supervision of Empress Nurjahan for her parents, Mirza Ghiaz Beg and Begum Asmat. Mirza Ghiaz Beg received the title of Itmad-ud-Daulah or ‘trusted by God’ by Emperor Jahangir. On the way to hotel visit Agra’s oldest and best marble inlay factory, which is a virtual museum. If tailoring is not possible in Delhi near this emporium there are many tailors (Kashmir Tailors is good for women’s clothes). Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elegant palaces in the fort reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu & Islamic architectural styles and Emperor Akbar's tolerant religious philosophy. Later marvel at the fine craftsmanship at a marble factory where traditional artisans still work using similar hand operated implements that their forefathers had used more than 300 years ago when they worked to build the Taj Mahal. Overnight stay in Seven Hills Tower Hotel.

Day 04, 23 Aug 2018 (Thursday), AGRA:

Wonder at the world famous Taj Mahal in the glow of morning sunlight. There will be ample time to admire the harmonious architecture of this mausoleum, that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast visit Sikandara, the tomb of Emperor Akbar. Later drive to the Dayalbagh Temple which is under construction for the last 100 years. Overnight in Seven Hills Tower Hotel.

Day 05, 24 Aug 2018 (Friday), AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI - BHARATPUR (60 Kilometers or 37 Miles) :

Later drive to Bharatpur, with stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital that Emperor Akbar built and lived in for only 14 years before it was deserted for almost 400 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its blended Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist architecture beautifully carved in red sand stone. Upon arrival check-in at Birder’s Inn Hotel in Bharatpur. Late afternoon rickshaw ride in Bird Sanctuary. Overnight stay at Kadamkunj Hotel.

Day 06, 25 Aug 2018 (Saturday), BHARATPUR - ABHINERI - JAIPUR :

After breakfast drive 103 kilometers or 64 miles to Abhineri Village to view Chand Baori, the world's deepest step-well. Around the step well are remains of ancient Hindu temples with intricately carved statues. After sightseeing drive further 94 kilometers or 58 miles to Jaipur and check-in to Rajputana Haveli in Jaipur. In the late afternoon demonstrations of wooden block printing on cotton textiles, woolen carpet weaving as well as cutting & polishing of precious & semi-precious stones. Overnight in Nahargarh Haveli in Jaipur.

Day 07, 26 Aug 2018 (Sunday) JAIPUR :

After breakfast drive through the Pink City for a sunrise view of the Hawa Mahal, the palace of winds that served as a parade viewing gallery for the women of Maharaja's family. Drive further to Amber Fort crowning the crest of an Aravali range hill. A royal ride on elephant up to the palaces will take your imagination in the world of Amber Maharajas. After sightseeing of the palaces built by Maharaja Man Singh (born 1540; ruled from 1550 to 1614 CE) and Mirza Raja Jai Singh (born 1611 and ruled from 1621 to 1627 CE), drive back to hotel with stop to view the Jal Mahal Palace island in the center of a lake in the north of walled Jaipur city. In the afternoon sightseeing tour visit the Maharaja's City Palace - which contains the original collection of the large portraits of the Maharajas of Jaipur in the former Diwan-i-Am (hall of public audience), Mubarak Mahal which has displays of royal dresses and typical Rajasthani handicraft, Sarvatobhadra – the hall of private audience and the Mayur Chowk courtyard of Chandra Mahal – private residence of the present head of the former Jaipur royal family, Maharaja Pradyuman Singh. Coming out of the Silehdeori Gate of City Palace wonder at the massive masonry, precision astronomical instruments at Sawai Jai Singh's Jantar Mantar observatory. All but one of its 17 instruments are still functional. The sundial has an accuracy of 2 seconds. Drive through the walled pink city, the official buildings and the market places of Jaipur. Overnight stay in Nahargarh Haveli Hotel in Jaipur.

Day 08, 27 Aug 2018 (Monday), JAIPUR – PUSHKAR (146 Kilometers or 91 miles) :

After breakfast drive to Pushkar. Upon arrival check in at Bhanwar Singh Palace Hotel. Afternoon visit of temples and Ghats. Overnight in Bhawar Singh Palace Hotel

Day 09, 28 Aug 2018 (Tuesday) PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR (277 Kilometers or 172 Miles)

After breakfast drive to Udaipur, a city of lakes and palaces surrounded by Aravali mountains. On arrival visit the antique cars collection of the Maharanas of Udaipur. Afternoon sightseeing of the City Palace of the Maharanas of Mewar. This is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Maharanas of Mewar had their original capital in the present day pilgrimage town of Nagda, 30 kilometers or 19 miles north of Udaipur. It was established by the 1st. Maharana, Guhil, in 568 CE. In the 8th. century CE the capital was moved to Chittorgarh, where the successive Maharanas built the largest fort and city in contemporary India. Later walk through the Tripolia (3-Gates) to the beautifully carved white marble, Jagdish Temple. Later enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola with visit to the Jag Mandir Island Palace, where Mughal Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shahjahan) had sought refuge while revolting against his father, Emperor Jahangir. Overnight in Boheda Palace Hotel

Day 10, 29 Aug 2018 (Wednesday), UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - JODHPUR (93 KMS to Ranakpur and 170 KMS to Jodhpur):

After breakfast drive to Ranakpur for sightseeing of the Chowmukha Jain Temple that was built between 1437 and 1458. This Jain temple is one of the finest in India in its design and sculptures. Its more than 1000 pillars are each different in design from the other. Drive further to Jodhpur for sightseeing of the Mehrengarh Fort in the afternoon. Overnight in Devi Bhawan Hotel.

Day 11, 30 Aug 2018 (Thursday), JODHPUR - JAISALMER (300 Kilometers or 186 Miles)

After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer through the Thar desert. Jaisalmer city, dominated by its ancient fort that is often called the Golden Fort because of the color of the stone from which it is built, is built on a ridge surrounded by Thar Desert. There is an interesting palace of the former rulers of Jaisalmer kingdom as well as several ornate Jain temples. In the afternoon drive to the Sam Village on the sand dunes for a camel ride at sunset. Overnight in Hotel Fifu.

Day 12, 31 Aug 2018 (Friday), JAISALMER:

After breakfast sightseeing of the Jaisalmer fort and the famous Havelis: Nathmal ki Haveli (late 19th. century), Patwon ki Haveli (1800-1860) and Salim Singh ki Haveli (originally built in 17th. century and renovated in early 19th. century). Later visit the Chattries or cenotaphs built to honor the site of cremation of former rulers and the Gaddi Sagar Lake. Overnight in Hotel Fifu.

Day 13 : 01 Sept 2018 (Saturday) : JAISALMER – JODHPUR / DELHI

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur airport for flight to Delhi. Flight : Departure Jodhpur: 15h00 / Arrival Delhi : 16h20. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 : 02 Sep 2018 (Sunday) : DELHI TO BANGALORE (Flight)

After breakfast in the morning, assistance and transfer to airport for flight to Bangalore. Departure Delhi : 11h10 / Arrive Bangalore : 10h40. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to: Suvarna Raitha Bhavan (University Guest House), University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru 560 065.

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

• • 13 overnights - accommodations in the mentioned or similar hotels inclusive of taxes on Single room occupancy basis
• • Daily buffet breakfast at your hotels.
• • Chauffeur driven air-conditioned Toyota Etios or similar car as per the above program
• • Daily bottled water in car
• • Entrances to monuments and museums
• • English speaking local guides at each city as per program
• • Rickshaw ride at Jama Mosque in the bazaars of old Delhi’s narrow lanes
• • Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur.
• • Boat ride at Lake Pichola Udaipur
• • Camel ride with dinner on sand dunes at sunset at Sam village
• • Flight between Bikaner to Delhi to Bangalore in economy class
• • All taxes, parking fees, interstate taxes, state taxes, driver’s allowance etc.

NOT INCLUDED IN ABOVE PRICES:

• • Cost of Travel Insurance
• • Cost of lunches and dinners
• • All drinks in hotels & restaurants etc.
• • Still and Video Camera Fees at monuments
• • Tips to drivers, guides and porters as well as any item not included in the above (included) list
• • All expenses of personal nature like telephone calls / laundry / room service charges in hotels etc.