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Arrival at Varanasi and Transfet to Hotel
Our representative will meet you at the airport for meet & greet. Later, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Varanasi, located on the west bank of the holy Ganga, has been a spiritual center for Hinduism for centuries. The ghats, or steps leading to and from the river, are bustling with priests, astrologers, devotees, bathers, and saffron-clad mendicants. The atmosphere is filled with the ringing of temple bells and the rich aroma of incense, making even a short walk or boat ride an unforgettable experience.
The city's cinematic charm has inspired many filmmakers, including Roberto Rossellini, James Ivory, and Satyajit Ray. Notably, the first moving picture ever shot in India was filmed here in 1899.
In the evening, visit the ghats to witness the sunset and the enchanting Aarti ceremony. Your guide will provide commentary on the proceedings and the significance of the chants during the Aarti. This experience is a highlight of your tour.
Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Varanasi Sightseeing
Begin with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges to observe the spiritual life of Varanasi along the riverbanks. Visit Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika ghats; note that Manikarnika serves as a cremation ground with a perpetually burning pyre.
Afterward, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, renowned for its solid gold spire. It is one of the holiest Hindu temples, where devotees believe that praying here after a dip in the Ganges can grant Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and rebirth).
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Next, explore the 18th-century Durga Temple, where legend says the goddess's idol appeared spontaneously. Then, visit the expansive Benaras Hindu University campus, which includes an art gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Enjoy a buggy ride through the city in the evening.
A short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. The 1600-year-old Dhamekh Stupa marks the site of this significant event. The Sarnath Museum, highly recommended, features antiquities from the 3rd century BC, including the impressive Asokan Pillar and red sandstone Bodhisattvas.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Varanasi - Delhi (By Flight) - Agra (By Surface)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, drive to Agra. Check in at the hotel and relax.
Agra, once the Mughal capital, is a bustling town on the banks of the Yamuna River. It features narrow alleyways and magnificent monuments, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal, a striking contrast of red sandstone and white marble.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Agra Sightseeing
Wake up early for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Designed by the Persian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, this massive white marble structure, renowned for its delicate beauty, appears to float in the air. It is best appreciated at dawn or dusk. The intricate inlay work on the marble showcases the zenith of Mughal art, culture, and architecture. A visit to India is incomplete without seeing the Taj.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, proceed with sightseeing in Agra.
Visit Sikandra, where the beautifully maintained tomb of Akbar the Great is located. Known for his belief in religious harmony and equality, Akbar founded the Din-i Ilahi, a religion that incorporates elements of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. His memorial reflects the architectural motifs of these faiths.
Across the river from the Taj Mahal stands the majestic red sandstone Agra Fort, built in 1565 by Akbar. Later, it became a prison for his grandson, Shah Jahan, who spent his final days in the Musamman Burj, an octagonal marble tower, gazing longingly at the Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (By Surface)
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri, or the “City of Victory,” built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 in honor of Sufi saint Salim Chishti. It served as the Mughal capital for 14 years. Key attractions include the white marble Tomb of Salim Chishti, known for its intricately carved marble screens, and the colossal Buland Darwaza, a victory gate commemorating Akbar's conquest. Explore the Diwan-i-Aam, where Akbar held public hearings, and the Diwan-i-Khas, where he consulted privately with his nine ministers, known as the navaratna or nine gems.
Fatehpur Sikri also features the palace of Jodhabai, Akbar’s Hindu wife, and the house of Birbal, Akbar’s Hindu minister renowned for his wit and wisdom, inspiring many popular tales and media.
Proceed to Jaipur and check into the hotel.
Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City,’ received its distinctive color in 1853 to honor Prince Albert’s visit. The city is rich with havelis (traditional mansions), bazaars, opulent palaces, and majestic forts, reflecting the grandeur of the Rajput rulers.
Jaipur was founded by King Jai Singh II, who earned the title Sawai Maharaja, or “King and a Quarter,” from the Mughals. The city is named after this valiant king.
In the evening, visit the Birla Temple, a stunning white marble structure. The three towers represent different approaches to religion. The ornate pillars feature carvings of Hindu deities as well as Christ, the Virgin Mary, and St. Francis of Assisi. Don't miss the captivating evening Aarti, the ritual lighting of oil lamps.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Jaipur Sightseeing
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort.
Perched on a hilltop, Amber Fort offers panoramic views of the old city. Established in 1592, its rugged exterior contrasts with the delicate architecture inside, blending traditional Rajasthani and Islamic styles. Arrive at the fort in traditional style, riding a ceremonial elephant up a cobbled path. Explore the fort's havelis, stepwells, courtyards, and temples. Highlights include Sheesh Mahal (Chamber of Mirrors), Jas Mandir with its ornate ceilings and latticework, and the stunning Shila Devi Temple with its intricately carved silver door.
In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaipur:
City Palace: The sprawling City Palace, home to Jaipur’s rulers since the 18th century, features a blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The City Palace Museum here displays items from Jaipur’s princely and warrior past.
Jantar Mantar: Commissioned by the astronomy enthusiast King Jai Singh II in the early 1700s, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest and best-preserved of five observatories he built. Explore this surreal maze of giant geometric instruments made of local stone and marble.
Hawa Mahal: The Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds," with its honeycomb-like facade, is one of Jaipur’s most iconic sights. Designed for air circulation and cross ventilation, this five-storied structure is adorned with intricate trelliswork. Its ornate jharokhas (windows) allowed the ladies of the court to observe street life from a distance.
In the evening, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars. Jaipur is famous for its textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones, and local crafts, all of which continue to thrive from the days of Maharaja Jai Singh's patronage.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Jaipur - Chattrasagar (By Surface)
The fort of Nimaj was built in 1733 by the valiant ruler Thakur Jagram Singh. Situated in the heart of town, it is a massive structure in traditional Rajput style, with courtyards and separate wings for men and women. The surrounding area offers historical sites like the 9th-century Magar Mandi Temple, located 3 km away. Nearby villages showcase local craftsmen, and further afield, you can see wildlife such as blackbucks and blue bulls.
Lakes are rare in the desert, and Chhatra Sagar, located 4 km from the fort, is a picturesque water body nestled between two hillocks. Built as a summer retreat, it features lush green lawns, flowering trees, and clear waters—an oasis in the dry region. Boating and angling are possible. Chhatra Sagar, a hundred-year-old reservoir with a perimeter of about 10 kilometers, is ideal for nature lovers and a peaceful escape from city life.
Once a hunting preserve, Chhatra Sagar has hosted numerous shikar camps and leisure parties. The campsite, located on the dam, offers stunning views of the sunrise, sunset, and the Aravalli ranges. The old shooting box, Aodhi, now provides closer views of waterfowl and birds of prey.
Enjoy bird-watching, nature walks, bonfires, and storytelling, or opt for adventurous safaris. Experience warm hospitality and savor delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani meals prepared with fresh, farm-grown vegetables.
Relax in tastefully designed, well-appointed tents, each with an attached bath featuring running hot and cold water and a private sit-out overlooking the lake. Learn some Indian cooking tips from the family and traditional chefs. Dinner will feature traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Chattrasagar - Jodhpur (By Surface)
Proceed to Jodhpur at noon.
Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan, Jodhpur, located on the edge of the Thar Desert, embodies the romance and splendor of Rajasthan. Known as the ‘Blue City’ for its blue houses surrounding the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which sits atop a hill 125 meters above the city. The city is enclosed by 10 kilometers of high walls.
Check into the hotel.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace, designed by the British Royal Institute of Architects, is one of the world's largest private residences, with over 300 rooms, lavish theaters, banquet halls, and a ballroom. Part of the palace is now a museum showcasing royal memorabilia and weaponry.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Jodhpur Sightseeing
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
Perched atop a red sandstone cliff 400 feet above Jodhpur, the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, described by Rudyard Kipling as the “work of angels and giants,” spreads over 5 kilometers. Its formidable defenses include seven fortified gates and massive cannons. The fort offers breathtaking views of the Blue City. Inside, the exquisitely carved panels and ceilings with radiant glass tiles reveal the artistic side of its warrior past. The fort also appears in a notable scene from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.
Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, is renowned for its intricate lattice work. The translucent marble walls glow with sunlight during the day. Jaswant Singh II was known for his innovative irrigation projects, and locals visit the memorial to honor the king who transformed their arid land.
The Bishnoi tribe, conservationists long before it became popular, have a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all species. In their villages, it’s common to see herds of blackbucks grazing freely. A visit to a Bishnoi Village offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of this enlightened tribe.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
The Bishnoi tribe has been steadfast conservationists long before conservation became fashionable. Much like the Native American people, the Bishnois have a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all species and believe that humanity’s survival depends on nurturing and preserving every species of plant and animal. It is common to see herds of blackbucks grazing freely within Bishnoi villages. A visit to a Bishnoi Village offers a rare and intimate insight into the daily life of this ancient, enlightened tribe.
After the visit, a priest will guide you around. Lunch will be served at an Indian haveli before you proceed to Udaipur.
You will reach Udaipur by early evening.
Founded by Maharana Uday Singh, Udaipur, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, is a fairyland with beautiful palaces, islands, opulent havelis, and temples. Surrounded by the ancient Aravalli hills, Udaipur shimmers in dazzling white and is also known as the City of Dawn.
Relax at the beautiful palace in the evening and enjoy the romantic experience.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Udiapur Sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, starting with City Palace.
The massive City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola is a prime example of Rajput architecture. Part of the palace is now a museum. Inside, steep and narrow staircases connect a maze of royal chambers and courtyards. The palace displays dazzling miniatures, antiques, and paintings, including gorgeous mosaics of peacocks in Mor Mahal and a shaded terrace of Amar Vilas.
Saheliyon Ki Bari, or "Garden of the Maidens," was built in the mid-18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh on the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake. The lush garden features fountains with water spouts inside stone elephants, controlled solely by water pressure, and an interesting medieval sound design experiment.
Bagore Ki Haveli, built in 1751 on Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichola, has over a hundred rooms with intriguing artifacts and paintings. The fascinating puppet museum there often features short impromptu puppet shows for visitors.
Jagdish Temple, a 17th-century temple in the city center, is a fine example of Indo-Aryan architecture. It features a giant black stone image of Lord Vishnu and intricately detailed carvings on its walls and tower.
In the evening, enjoy a motor launch cruise on the serene waters of Lake Pichola.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Udiapur - Delhi (By Flight)
After breakfast, take a flight to Delhi. From Delhi, board your onward flight.
'TOUR ENDS WITH MEMORIES'
B-1/ 603A, II Floor, Front Side, Near Janakpuri East Metro Station, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110058, India
Registered Address:61, Shiva Enclave, Block F, Vikas Nagar, Uttam Nagar, New Delhi-110059, India
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