Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Delhi hotel.
Day 2 Delhi
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun’s Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital.
Afternoon we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
Overnight at Delhi hotel.
Day 3 Delhi - Jaipur (270 Kms)
After breakfast we drive to Jaipur. The journey is along one of India’s finest 4-lane dual carriageway. Also, our travel in our luxury car would ensure the smoothest and the most comfortable journeys. We would have opportunities to stop at well-appointed restaurants for refreshments and washroom facilities.Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. The Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience for the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The large elevated platform that dominates the central area of the ground floor and once used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances while enjoying their snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby, which opens into the chowk (inner courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now open to guests. You will treasure this experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.
This evening, we explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.
Overnight at Jaipur hotel.
Day 4 Jaipur Heritage Tours
After a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the Amber Fort. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, the Fort is a superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style of architecture. A slow elephant taxi takes us to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Later, we proceed for a guided tour of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens and the city. Next stop the City Palace is the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Jaipur hotel.
Day 5 Jaipur - Pachewar (70 Kms)
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Pachewar.
Upon arrival check into Pachewargarh, a 300 years old picturesque fort replete with character and old world charm where modern comforts that discerning tourists seek is not overlooked. Here, one can witness great traditions of royal hospitality as you are guests of the erstwhile royalty of the region. A well preserved tranquil fort with its massive ramparts. The period furniture, traditional décor and just the ambience will take you centuries back in time.
We would have opportunities to step out and explore this region frozen in time. This should be the highlight of your tour where you would have opportunities to explore the tribal village beautifully preserved over time. The options here include a visit to royal cenotaphs, built on the banks of Pumpa Sagar lake. These are in memory of the former royalty of the region. However, the village life is special as it brings to you opportunities to witness typical lifestyles as seen in the village schools, the local temples and the atmosphere outside these with pilgrims and religious artifact stalls. Also Pachewar is also a traditional craftsmen village where traditions are maintained and continued for generations. We witness village craftsmen and artisans creating delicate blue pottery, cosy carpets, colorful tie and dye, and terra-cotta. The Nomadic ' Gadia- Luhars (iron-smiths) temper the red-hot iron carry their entire household in a single bullock-craft are a unique legacy of the place. All in all, this is a living museum experience where modern living pauses as we take stock of life in very basic forms, but, very rich in colour, diversity, tradition, and, above all – hospitality. You could walk into the poorest of the poor household, but, they have time for you as they welcome you to their home and offer food or water when they are not sure where their next meal is to come from!
Overnight at Pachewargarh
Day 6 Pachewar - Ranthambhore Wildlife Tours
After breakfast we will drive to Ranthambore.
Upon arrival check in to resort.
Afternoon jungle excursion in open top vehicle
Overnight at resort in Ranthambore.
Day 7 Ranthambhore Wildlife Safari
Morning & evening Jungle excursions in open top vehicle. Ranthambhore is known to have India's Friendliest tigers Assured of protection; these nocturnal creatures are seen often in the day. Sprawled on the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National Park encompasses an area of 410 Sq. km. in which lives a healthy population of about 40 tigers. A large number of deer inhabit the area and leopards are occasionally sighted. The Pandam Taloa lake, located adjacent to the Jogi Mahal hunting lodge, is the park's favorite water source. Smaller pools at Raj Bagh and Milak also attract a variety of wild life The best way to explore Ranthambore is in open top vans as the park is well connected by arterial roads and tracks. Some of the popular sighting areas are Nal Ghati , Lahpur , Bakuala, Anantpur and the Kachida valley. Mammals: Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Indian hare mongoose. Birds: Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indian horned owl, grey partridge sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, common peafowl, tree pie, paradise flycatcher, pheasant tailed jacana, painted stork, black stork, spoonbill, green pigeon, ducks.
Overnight at resort in Ranthambore.
Day 8 Ranthambhore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (270 Kms)
Morning jungle excursion in open top vehicle.
After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Agra, stopping at deserted Capital City of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue our ride to Agra.
Upon arrival check in to hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure. Of course, the car and driver would be at your disposal to visit the local markets.
Overnight at Agra hotel.
Day 9 Agra - Delhi (205 Kms)
Delhi - Departure
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Later we return back to our hotel for breakfast.
After a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
After the tour of Agra Fort we will drive to Delhi along one of the India’s finest freeways.
A Home Visit & a Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family : - Upon arrival, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a ‘feel’ and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.
After dinner transfer to the international airport to board your flight back home.