Deeper Rajasthan

After a morning at leisure followed by a briefing about the journey ahead, we set out to discover Old Delhi. Our first stop is Qutb Minar, the 379-step tower dating to 1192. We continue on to Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to the Indian icon; and pass by India Gate, the majestic arch honoring the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting alongside the British in World War I. Late this afternoon we return to our hotel, where tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner together. B,D
Overnight at Delhi

We encounter more of this pulsating city today, beginning at Raj Ghat, the simple black marble slab honoring Mahatma Gandhi. After stopping for photos at Lal Qila, the Red Fort complex of palaces, we visit a Sikh temple followed by lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon’s sights include the red sandstone and marble Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque; and the colorful Chandni Chowk market, where we ride rickshaws. Then the remainder of the day is free for further exploration and dinner on our own. B,L

After breakfast transfer to airport for short flight to Varanasi, Hinduism’s holiest city.
Upon arrival transfer to hotel for check in. Afternoon we visit nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha first taught after achieving enlightenment. One of Buddhism’s four holiest sites, Sarnath draws pilgrims from the world over. We see some of the temples and stupas then tour Sarnath Museum ( Sarnath Museum close on all Friday), housing a superb collection of Buddhist artifacts from excavations here. Late afternoon we attend a traditional aarti ceremony: as we cruise along the Ganges, we watch as devout Hindus offer their lit lamps to the deities.
Overnight at hotel

Early this morning we return to the Ganges where Hindu pilgrims perform their rituals along the ghats (steps) leading to the river. We visit several ghats by boat as we experience for ourselves the spiritual aura of the hallowed Ganges waters. Then we return to our hotel for breakfast. Later we will transfer to airport for flight to Khajuraho.

Arrive in Khajuraho and transfer to hotel. Afternoon Visit the Vishwanath Temple, which was constructed in the 11th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for its sculptures and beautifully carved exteriors.
Then visit Lakshmana Temple, constructed in 930-950 AD and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This big stone temple is brilliantly decorated with sculptures of different types of women with ornate jewelry.
Followed by a visit to Kandariya Mahadev Temple, one of the biggest temples in Khajuraho dedicated to Lord Shiva and include images of musicians, beautiful women, erotic groups, gods, and goddesses.
Then return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Orcha, upon arrival in Orcha visit ehangir Palace, which is one the greatest examples of Bundela architectural style and was constructed in accordance with the Hamam Saras of Agra.
Later transfer to Jhansi railway station to board train for Agra. Arrive in Agra and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at hotel

This morning we visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. Then we take an Indian cuisine cooking lesson and enjoy the results for lunch. Later: imposing Agra Fort.
Afternoon visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the two-story marble “Baby Taj” that inspired the Taj Mahal
Overnight at hotel

After breakfast drive to Ranthambore National Park, the former hunting ground of the Maharajah of Jaipur and now a 512-square-mile natural preserve that is home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and of course, Bengal tigers.
Overnight at hotel

We take both morning and afternoon game drives today to see not only game (though tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed), but also picturesque ruins of forts and palaces.
Overnight at hotel

En route to Agra, we stop in the ancient village of Abhaneri to see the fortified Chand Baori step well (c. 800 CE), whose 3,500 steps descend some 13 stories into the ground. Further drive to Jaipur, pink city” of Jaipur, one of the great cities of the Rajput, with historic forts, palaces, and gardens. We reach our hotel late afternoon.

Overnight at hotel

Our first stop is the stunning Hawa Mahal, the elaborately carved pink sandstone “Palace of the Winds.” We continue on to Amber Fort, built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728; Jantar Mantar, the open-air observatory; and City Palace Museum, housing the magnificent art collections of the Maharajahs of Jaipur.

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur Arrive in the blue-hued old city of Jodhpur, which lies at the foot of the massive Mehrangarh Fort that dominates the skyline. Begin with a visit to the Jaswant Thada Memorial, built in 1899 out of the finest marble in honor of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Afterwards, ascend to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 of burnished red sandstone, often called the "Citadel of the Sun." This fort, one of the most impressive in all of Rajasthan, is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in all of India.

Overnight at hotel

This morning, depart Jodhpur for Udaipur. On your drive, stop in Ranakpur to visit one of the Jain's holiest pilgrimage centers and the Jain Temple, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, crafted of pure white marble with more than a thousand columns. See the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before departing to Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes" and celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces that seem to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Arrive at your hotel in Udaipur late in the evening. Tonight, explore the city's culinary scene.
Overnight at hotel

Begin the day with a tour of Udaipur. Visit the spectacular City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake's edge. This extravagant palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with glittering Belgium mirrors. The serene setting of the Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens is your next stop, with its lovely fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants. Spend the afternoon at leisure before departing on an evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola.
Overnight at hotel

Free time this morning for individual explorations. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Arrive in Mumbai airport and transfer to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel

Begin your tour of Mumbai at the commanding Gateway to India Arch, built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V. Ironically, 24 years later, the last British regimen marched through the Arch while leaving India following the country's independence. Continue to Dhobi Ghat, where dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought to a massive open-air laundry and painstakingly hand washed by the "dhobis" (washermen) in endless rows of concrete troughs fitted with flogging stones. It provides an unforgettable glimpse into the workings of the city and unlike anything you have ever seen. Stop at the Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum, where Gandhi's movement was launched in 1942 and the serene ISKCON Temple. Drive through colonial Mumbai with its many buildings, structures and historical monuments still remaining from the colonial era. Late evening transfer to the airport for all flights departing around midnight