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 For all its rich history, India can be quite a wake up call for western travelers. Herds of smelly water buffalos walking the streets, the presence of millions of homeless people in the larger cities, and the general scarcity of resources present quite an unforgettable experience to foreign visitors. Sacred sites abound in this holy land, and few states offer more magical places to visit than the northern region of India, which includes the state of Rajasthan.
Characterized by its beautiful vibrant colors that contrast against the sandy landscape of the Thar desert, the magical northern Indian state of Rajasthan draws westerners and locals alike. The majestic palaces and forts, festivals and fairs, and the detail and beauty of the regions craftsmanship offer a feast for the eyes, mouth, and spirit. |
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Day 1 - Arrive in India Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. Day 2 - Delhi Breakfast at hotel. On a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi we visit the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. Finish with a cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk. Day 3 - Delhi An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi includes a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's Residence. Day 4 - Flight to Bodhgaya The Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, under the Bodhi tree, 10 km from Gaya. the ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre. The tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. It is the most important Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour centre as Buddhisrn was born here.
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Day 5 - Bodhgaya The magnificent Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries cultures and many heritages that came to pay their homage here. The temple definitely has architecture of the Gupta and later ages, inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hiuen Tsang visited in 7th century. Day 6 - Bodhgaya Sightseeing of Maha Bodhi Temple and Tree. Visit the Chinese Temple. In the afternoon visit Niranjana Temple and River. Visit the school of the destitute. Day 7 - Flight to Varanassi Take a walking tour of old town, followed by an evening stroll along the Ghats. Day 8 - Varanassi Morning boat ride on the Sacred River Ganges to rituals performed by priests and devotees. Half day guided tour of Varanasi including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque and Benaras Hindu University. | ||||||||||||
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Day 9 - Sarnath One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. Day 10 - Delhi, Agra Today we will fly to Delhi, be picked up at the airport and driven to Agra. Once there, we will transfer to our hotel and take a late afternoon tour of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Day 11 - Jaipur After seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, we will drive on to Jaipur, the Pink City of the desert. It is capital of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. The picturesque city is famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses, dotted with fairy-tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed peasants, reflect Jaipur's desert heritage, while teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Relax in the afternoon at Jas Villas bed and breakfast. Day 12 - Jaipur Amber Fort After a leisurely breakfast, visit the majestic Amber Fort which reflects the glorious past of the fierce Kachwaha dynasty that ruled over Jaipur from 18th century. Constructed for defense purposes, the rugged exteriors belie the visual paradise of the interiors. Painted scenes of hunting and wars adorn the walls along with precious stones set in plaster. The fort gives a majestic view of the surrounding valley. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber-fort palace. For an experience, the visitor can reach the fort through snaking pathways on elephant back. Later visit the Palace of Winds also known as Hawa mahal, this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screen sand carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world. Past, present and future merge at Jai Singh's observatory, where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century.
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Day 13 - Jaipur Walking Tour Morning walking tour of some interesting streets and squares of the Pink City to catch glimpses of the habitual patterns of its people, which even includes attending heart-rending prayers at Sri Govind Devji temple. Optional tours to Sanganer town (for block printing factories), a lunch at Samode Palace, a Bollywood movie, or an Ayurvedic Massage can be arranged. Day 14 - Deogarh Morning drive to Deogarh and check in at the Deogarh Castle. Located on a hillock and encircled by the town, the Deogarh Castle was built in 1670 by Rawat Dwarkadas Ji of the Chundawat clan of the Siaodia Dynasty. Constructed by the famed Sompura architects, well-known for their additions and alterations were carried out according to the needs of the residents. There are five floors and over 200 rooms have murals done by local painters after whom Deogarh school of painting has acquired fame the world over. The family has a large collection of Deogarh miniatures. 
Day 15 - Deogarh Today is open for swimming in the pool, going for a camel ride, or reading and writing in your little castle hideaway. Day 16 - Pushkar Pushkar surrounds a sacred lake, and Lord Brahma, the creator of the world, while in search of his abode on earth, performed the spiritual Vedic Yagna here at Pushkar. It is the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Pushkar is also the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell camels. This city of pilgrimage with over 500 temples and Ghats, begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again, and with references in mythology and the Mahabharat, the 52 bathing Ghats and the surrounding city will likely be here for your next visit also. And, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. 
Day 17 - Pushkar Spend the day checking out the sacred lake or take a walk to one of over 500 temples in town. Day 18 - Delhi Drive to Delhi and take care of any last minute shopping. Day 19 - Delhi Transfer to the airport for your flight home. |
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