13-Day India Classic Discovery

Welcome to Delhi! As you arrive at the Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our tour guide and transfer you to your hotel.Delhi, the capital city of India, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern. With a population of almost 17 million people, Delhi is divided into two parts - Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was designed by the Mughals and is steeped in history and tradition, while New Delhi was designed during the English rule and is also known as “Lyutens” Delhi, named after the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.After a short tour briefing, our tour guide will take you out for a Welcome Dinner. This will be an opportunity to sample some of the best local cuisine and experience the rich culture and traditions of Delhi. Your tour guide will provide you with information about the dishes and their origins, making the dining experience more memorable.After a delicious meal, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you can rest and relax for the night. Get ready to explore the many wonders of Delhi in the days to come!

Today we will embark on a full day of exploration in Old Delhi, starting with a visit to the magnificent Jama Masjid, also known as the "mosque of Friday." This resplendent mosque is the largest in India and was one of the last architectural works of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the iconic Taj Mahal. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid can hold thousands of devotees and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture.After visiting the Jama Masjid, we will take a leisurely walk through the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street") and enjoy a rickshaw ride to experience the vibrant sights and sounds of the area.Next, we will drive past the Red Fort, a majestic fort and a former seat of power, which encapsulates a long period of Indian history and its arts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and is a must-visit for anyone interested in India's rich history.We will then visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation. This serene and peaceful place is a must-visit for anyone interested in India's history and the life of this great leader.In the afternoon, we will visit Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. This stunning tomb is surrounded by lush gardens and is considered to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.We will also visit Qutub Minar, a towering minaret that is the pride of Delhi. This impressive structure stands at over 73 meters tall and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.Finally, we will go on an orientation tour of "Lyutens" Delhi, named after the British architect Sir Edwin Landseer Lyutens. We will drive past some of the magnificent monuments designed by him, such as India Gate and the Viceroy's House, now known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President Palace).Overnight in Delhi

Today, we will leave Delhi and travel to Agra by road, covering a distance of approximately 204 kilometers in four hours. Agra is famous for being the home of the stunning Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors from all over the world come to Agra to see the ruins of the red sandstone fortress built by the Mughal emperors, the Agra Fort, and Akbar's Mausoleum. The city reached its golden age during the 16th and 17th centuries under the rule of the Mughals.On arrival in Agra, we will check in to our hotel and have some time to relax. In the afternoon, we will visit the Agra Fort, which is a city within a city and embraces many monuments, including the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, the Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audiences, the Octagonal Tower, Jehangir’s Palace, and more. The ageing Emperor Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfilment of his life's dream - the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife.Next, we will visit the Taj Mahal, which is closed on Fridays. This monument is perfect in its symmetry and is a testament to the love of Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1631 and took 22 years to complete, employing 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal is a poignant mausoleum that blends subtlety with grandeur, and a massive overall design with immaculately intricate execution. The inner walls of the Taj Mahal are adorned with jewel-like stones that create beautiful designs in white marble, which is an example of the Mughals' art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble.Overall, this day promises to be a breathtaking journey through the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Agra, with opportunities to learn, explore, and marvel at the stunning beauty of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Today, we will drive to Jaipur, covering a distance of approximately 260 kilometers in six hours. En route, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was built during the second half of the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only 10 years and bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585, strongly influencing the evolution of Indian town planning, notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, we will drive to Jaipur, the City of Victory founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Jaipur is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The city's plans were formalized by the architect on the Shilpa Shastra, the epic Hindu treatise on architecture, mixed with the sublimity of the Mughal and Jain influences of those times. In 1853, the city was painted pink in honor of the visit by Prince Albert.On arrival in Jaipur, we will check in to our hotel and have some time to relax. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the Amber Fort, which was the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. En route, we will stop at the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) for a photo opportunity. Continuing our drive to Amer Fort, set in picturesque and rugged hills, it is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sandstone and white marble. The rugged and forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones, and mirror settings. Holding a history as old as seven centuries, this place vibrates with its legendary past.In the afternoon, we will take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in the museum area. City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, and the City Palace Museum.We will also visit Jantar Mantar or Royal Astronomical Observatory. This observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II at his then-new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. Each instrument has a specific purpose and gives accurate readings.Overnight in Jaipur

After breakfast, we will drive to Pushkar, which is one of the oldest existing cities in India and lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Lord Brahma with its creation. Pushkar has many temples, and most of them are not very old because many temples were destroyed during Muslim conquests in the area. Subsequently, the destroyed temples were rebuilt. The most famous among all is the Brahma Temple built during the 14th century CE. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. The Pushkar Lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters.On arrival, we will check-in at the hotel, and in the afternoon, we will visit Pushkar. We will visit the Brahma Temple and take a leisurely walk around holy Pushkar Lake and the colorful crowded bazaar.Today promises to be a peaceful and spiritual journey through Pushkar's rich cultural and religious heritage, with plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and marvel at the stunning beauty of the city. Overnight at hotel.

Today  we will start your journey to Udaipur, which is often referred to as the "Venice of the East" or the "Most Romantic City of India." Located in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains, Udaipur is a picturesque city that offers three interconnected lakes - Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichhola, and Swaroop Sagar Lake - along with forts, palaces, temples, gardens, and narrow lanes lined with stalls.On arrival in Udaipur, you will go on a city tour that will take you to some of the most popular attractions in the city. You will visit the splendid City Palace, which is situated on the fascinating Lake Pichola and is one of the most beautiful palatial structures in the city. Udaipur is home to a number of small and big palaces, museums, and gardens, including Saheliyon Ki Bari, which was built by Maharana Bhopal Singh and means Garden of the Maids, and Jagdish Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.In the evening, you will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (depending on the water level in the lake) with a visit to Jag Mandir. This boat ride is a must-do activity in Udaipur and offers breathtaking views of the city and its palaces from the water.Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we will leave for Jodhpur, which is around 260 kms away and takes approximately 6 hours to reach. En route, we will visit the famous Jain Temple of Ranakpur, which is said to be the most spectacular of all the Jain temples. The temple is built with light-colored marble and has over 1444 marble pillars, each carved in exquisite detail, supporting the temple. The temple's distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets, and cupolas rise majestically from the slope of a hill, making it a stunning sight to behold.After visiting the temple, we will continue our drive to Jodhpur, which was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name and is known as the "Sun City" for its bright, sunny weather all year round. The city is also referred to as the "Blue City" because of the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.On arrival at Jodhpur, check-in at the hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, which sits atop a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city. This impressive citadel is a testament to the Rajput dynasty and features various palaces with delicate friezes and stunning museums that display the treasures of the royal family.We will also visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II, with intricately carved pillars and stunning views of the fort and the city.After our visit, we will depart for Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City of India" for its stunning yellow sandstone architecture that gives the city a golden glow. Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. The city is famous for its magnificent fort, temples, and havelis.On arrival, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the beautiful city on your own or relaxing in the comfort of your hotel.Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the Jaisalmer city and the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the "Golden Fort" due to its honey-golden color that seems to change with the sunlight. The fort was built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal and is one of the largest forts in the world. Inside the fort, we will visit the Raj Mahal, Jain temples (open from 0800-1500 hrs), and the Laxminath temple.Afterward, we will explore some of the colorful Havelis, including Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli and Patwon Ki Haveli, which are famous for their intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.In the late afternoon, we will take a drive to the Sam Sand dunes, located about 40 km from Jaisalmer, where we will enjoy a camel ride during sunset. The beautiful landscape of the sand dunes against the setting sun is truly a sight to behold.In the evening, we will return to the hotel, where we can relax and reflect on the wonderful experiences of the day.

This morning drive we drive to Bikaner (333kms/ 7 hrs approx) which was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner.



The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486. Apart from the Fort and Temples the city is famous for sweets and snacks. The city boasts one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world.



In the afternoon visit Junagarh Fort - one of the most imposing forts of Northern India, The fort is surrounded by a high wall and deep moats. The Junagarh Fort has yet been unconquered. Inside the fort visit palaces, temples and pavilions that are marvels in red sandstone construction. The palaces have exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon Palace are a treat for your eyes. The fort also houses a museum with an extensive collection of illuminated and rare manuscripts, jewellery, utensils, carpets, arms and weapons etc.



Overnight at hotel.

Enroute on our morning drive to Alsisar  (200kms / 5hrs) visit Fatehpur & Mandawa. 



The small towns of the Shekhawati region,are known for their painted havelis. The havelis are so varied and architecturally rich that the region is known as an "open art gallery of Rajasthan". Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. The havelis are noted for their frescoes depicting mythological themes and huge animals. Some later day frescoes reflect British influence in the form of steam locomotives and trains.



In the afternoon visit some of the Old Havelis, showcasing beautiful frescos, an experience that brings back the lifestyle and grandeur of the old and memorable regal Rajasthan.



On arrival at Alsisar check –in at hotel then walk through the Alsisar village.



In the evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner. 



Overnight at hotel

Morning drive to Delhi (290kms / 7hrs) and on arrival transfer to the airport to board your flight for your onwards destination.