Itinerary
Welcome to India! On your arrival, after you collect your luggage, you will be greeted by our travel facilitator at the airport. You will then be taken in a chauffeur driven vehicle to your hotel and assisted with your check in. After making you comfortable, our travel facilitator will hand over your travel documents and briefly go over the next day’s program.
Your exploration of India will commence at Old Delhi, which was the citadel of the Mughal Empire between the 17th and 19th century. You will visit the impressive Red Fort built in 1648 which was the seat of the Mughal Empire. You will be amazed at the imposing 1.24 mile long red sandstone walls of the fort. Next will be a thrilling experience of a cycle rickshaw ride through the vibrant alleys of Chandni Chowk, past sacred temples, and old houses with fascinating architecture. This will provide you with an insight into the real India. You will also visit India's largest mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1658, the Jama Masjid, an architectural delight as much as a holy place. Later visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi which is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. A humble black marble amid lush green lawns marks the cremation spot.
Afternoon: After the Old Delhi tour, you will be driven to New Delhi, which was built by the British as a regal capital. The difference between the Old & New Delhi is the division actually between the two capitals – Mughal & British. You will visit with the Qutab Minar – the 234 feet high sandstone Victory Tower built in 1193. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the 138 feet high stone arch of triumph which bears the names of 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who laid down their lives in various wars across the world. It has an eternal flame in the honour of the Unknown Soldier. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful Mughal red sandstone structure. After this you will drive through Lutyen’s New Delhi which includes the Diplomatic enclave, various spectacular Government buildings that originated in the Victorian era, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a magnificent temple for people of the Sikh religion), and the impressive and ornate Hindu Birla Temple. Finish your tour of New Delhi at Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s main shopping, business and tourist centre.
You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel and driven to the airport, to board your morning no-frills flight to Jaisalmer. You are greeted on arrival at the Jaisalmer airport and you now enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town of Jaisalmer, which is nicknamed the ‘Golden City’ because of the yellow sand which gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city. You will walk through residential communities and small bazaars as you visit the historic havelis of Jaisalmer. Wealthy spice route merchants built their exquisite homes with profusely carved stone facades.
After this, you are driven to your boutique resort where you are assisted with your check-in. You are at leisure for the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy your resorts many amenities.
Begin your day by visiting Jaisalmer Fort which stands on the 262 feet high Trikuta Hill amidst the barren desert. Built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala, the fort resembles a sandcastle because of the honey color given to its ramparts by the setting Sun. Two hundred and fifty feet tall, made of sandstone, the fort has 99 bastions, a huge courtyard and a seven-story palace called the Rajmahal. From the top of the fort enjoy a spectacular look of the Golden City, Jaisalmer.
Almost a quarter of the population of the old city resides here. Also visit Ganga Sagar Tank and the museum.
Late afternoon: Enjoy the thrilling experience of a camel safari on the sweeping sand dunes of Sam and watch the sunset. You will find that the most evocative way to explore the desert is by a camel safari. The sight of the setting Sun in the expanse of the golden sand of the Thar Desert is certainly a treat to the senses.
Check out of your hotel and drive to Jodhpur. The second biggest city of Rajasthan is at the edge of the Thar Desert. Arrive at Jodhpur and check in to your hotel.
Mid-afternoon: Walk with your guide through the bustling Sadar Bazaar, often referred to as the Clock Tower Market, due to the monument that forms the center of the circle around which the bazaar is laid out. Return to your hotel after this exploration.
After breakfast drive through the narrows winding alleys to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort which is perched on a rocky hill soaring 400 feet. The fort dominates the horizon of the city and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km. Made of red sandstone, Mehrangarh Fort in one of the most beautiful forts of Rajasthan. Inside the fort are magnificent palaces and museums replete with palanquins, royal furniture, vessels, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes. Visit the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace).
Afternoon: You will next visit the Jaswant Thada, a 19th century royal cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada, a unique work of architecture is made out of marble and boasts of intricate carvings.
Check-out from your hotel in the morning and then you proceed on the drive to Ranakpur. Ranakpur famous for the 15th century Jain temples. Ranakpur is situated in the Aravalli Range 37 miles from Udaipur. The main temple, Chaumukha or Four Faced Temple, is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara (revealer of truth), Adinath. It contains 1444 exquisitely carved marble pillars, no two are alike. Neminath, Parasnath and Sun Temple are some of the other ornate temples in the complex.
After this, continue on the incredibly scenic drive to Kumbhalgarh. Arrive at Kumbhalgarh and check-in at your boutique lodge.
Late afternoon - Head out for a guided exploration of the Fort. The Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha in the fifteenth century; this fort is one of the best examples of defensive architecture in Rajasthan and boasts of the second longest contiguous wall on the planet. A number of palaces, temples and monuments were added within the fort walls after its construction, and this was one of the most important fortresses of the Maharanas (Kings) of Mewar. The Fort complex is incredibly picturesque and offers various photo opportunities. There are temples in many parts of the Fort Complex and a hike can even take you to Jain Temples that are purported to be almost 2000 years old.
Evening – You will experience the impressive sound and light show (the show is pre-empted on certain nights but even the lighting ceremony itself is worth this short excursion). Stop at the hillside vantage point a few hundred yards before the Fort and watch as different parts of the fort complex light up progressively. Continue on to the Fort after it is lit up and get a unique experience.
Check-out from your hotel in the mid-morning and then you proceed on the drive to Udaipur. This is one of the most picturesque drives in all of India. As you go through the Aravali hills there will be photo opportunities of village life and livestock, including many camels. Arrive at Udaipur and check-in to your boutique hotel.
Late afternoon: you are driven to visit the Monsoon Palace, a small hilltop structure that offers amazing views of the picturesque city of Udaipur and its lakes and palaces. The short drive up the hill takes you through a protected wildlife sanctuary and occasional wildlife sightings can be experienced. Enjoy the spectacular sunset from this vantage point before returning to your hotel.
Visit the City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings built by various Emperors. There are many palaces within the palace each dedicated to a theme. The palaces are resplendent with glasswork, mirror work, ornamental tiles, paintings, miniatures, mosaics of peacocks, ivory doors. Walk through the Crystal Gallery which has an amazing collection of exquisite crystal. There are balconies, courtyards, towers and cupolas which offer a fine view of the lake.
Afternoon: Also visit the 18th century fountain gardens called Saheliyon-ki-Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour. The tour also includes a visit to the local museum.
Evening: Enjoy sunset cruise on Lake Pichola and spend some time at Jagmandir (if available). Although a fairly shallow lake, it is one of the main attractions of Udaipur. There are two islands in the lake-Jagniwas and Jagmandir. It is believed that Shah Jahan got the inspiration to build the Taj Mahal after staying in Jagmandir. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Karan Singh, it has a row of enormous stone elephants. There is a scenic view of the city from Jagmandir.
Check-out from your hotel in the morning and join your chauffeur for the drive to Chittorgarh. Arrive at Chittorgarh in the afternoon. Proceed for a guided tour of Chittorgarh. It’s the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. The fort, known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar. Chittor evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifice by Rajput men and women in the frequent battles that they had to fight against invaders from the Northwest and the Delhi Sultanate. Explore the magnificent fort until the early evening, and then proceed on the short drive to Begu. Check-in at your historic and boutique hotel in Begu.
Check-out from your hotel in the morning and proceed on the drive to Dhar. Arrive at Dhar in the late afternoon and check-in to your boutique Palace Hotel. Dhar is a historic city of lakes and hills, and has sights that go back almost a thousand years.
This morning you are driven (2.5 hours approximately each way) to Ujjain. We recommend that you get a packed lunch for this journey as the dining options along the way offer inadequate hygiene. You will visit the ancient city of Ujjain. Situated on the bank of river Shipra, Ujjain has been regarded as scared since time immemorial. Visit some of the historically important temples and experience the spiritual essence of this place. Observe the rituals at the holy river Shipra.
After this, you will be driven back to your hotel in Dhar.
Today you will enjoy a tour of Dhar’s major attractions. The impressive sandstone Dhar Fort was originally constructed in the early 14th century and dominates the city of Dhar from its hilltop location.
You will then pay a visit to the Kamal Maula Campus and Bhoj Shala, which are 13th century monuments located next to each other. The Campus contains four tombs, and of particular interest is the fact that Kamal al-Din’s centuries old cloak is still kept in his tomb, and the custodians of the tomb have been the same family for 700 years, and are resident there even today.
Afternoon: You will proceed on the (about 1.5 hours each way) scenic drive to Bagh Caves – an amazing group of monuments that were carved out of massive rocks by Buddhists 16 centuries ago. The drive is scenic and goes through rural villages and minor historic areas. The Bagh Caves are famous for the gorgeous paintings which are in excellent shape considering their age. All of these caves are Viharas (monasteries) built on a quadrangular plan. The back chamber forms the Chaitya, which is the prayer hall. The most significant of these is Cave 4 which is known as Rang Mahal, or Palace of Colors. After exploring the caves, you will enjoy the drive back to Dhar.
Check-out from your hotel in the morning and then you are driven to Mandu. Experience a guided tour of some of the amazing architectural monuments of this ancient town. The gorgeous 15th century Jehaz (ship) Mahal is shaped like a ship and was supposedly built by the local ruler to house a harem of about 15000 women. In the Royal Complex at Mandu lies another 15th century architectural marvel, the Hindola Mahal, or Meeting Hall. Other attractions include the gorgeous mosque, Jami Masjid, and the beautiful Tomb of Houshang Shah. One can easily spend more than a day exploring the amazing attraction of this historic city – our visit will be between 4 and 5 hours, after which you will be driven to Maheshwar. Arrive at Maheshwar and check-in to your boutique and historic hotel.
Proceed for a day excursion to the holy city of Omkareshwar and enjoy a guided exploration of the ancient city located at the confluence of two holy rivers, the Narmada and the Kaveri. You will visit the Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple and other shrines and admire the intricate carvings in these ancient houses of worship. This holy island is shaped like the sacred Hindu symbol "OM". Hindu Pilgrims gather at the confluence in large numbers to pray at one of the twelve Jyotirlinga’s in India. Return to Maheshwar at the end of the day.
You will experience a tour on this day, during which your guide will tailor the sights and experiences to your preferences. Maheshwar is a city full of ancient delights, with an array of incredible temple, impressive forts (one of which is your residence) and Hindu cultural experiences, and the Ghats on the Holy River that witness sacred ceremonies throughout the day.
You are at leisure to enjoy your beautiful palace during the first part of the morning. Check-out from your hotel in the late morning and then you are driven to Indore airport, where you are assisted with boarding your afternoon flight to Delhi.
Our services end at Indore airport.
