Rajasthan and East India Tour

(26 Days / 25 Nights)

(Delhi-Jaipur-Shekhawati-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Osian-Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Pushkar-Ranthambore-Agra-Gwalior-hajuraho-Varanasi-Delhi-Bhubaneshwar-Kolkata-Delhi-Amritsar-Delhi)

(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)
 

Day 01: Flight to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the Hotel

Day 02: Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. Before we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.

Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 KM)
Today we drive to the Pink City, Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones.

Day 04: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace that is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City Palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy. Later we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.

Day 05: Jaipur - Shekhawati (about 168 kms)
Today after having breakfast we drive to Shekhawati region. Shekhawati is situated in the North east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups in India, they developed their business acumen on the trade routes between Delhi and the coast between India and Central Asia. The marwaris enjoyed protection by Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. Arrival in Shekhawati in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.

Day 06: Shekhawati - Bikaner (about 190 kms)
In the morning we visit the grand havellis of the Shekhawati area. The havellis are mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and religious scenes from Hindu Mythology. After the visit of Shekhawati area we proceed to Bikaner. After a short break in Bikaner we visit the Junagarh Fort (1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing Fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.

Day 07: Bikaner - Jaisalmer (about 330 kms)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed for Jaisalmer. In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan but in the whole of India. Some of the visitors called this city "a living museum". We arrive in Jaisalmer in the late evening.

Day 08: Jaisalmer
Today we have sightseeing of the medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis (grand mansions). We have a walk through the old city and visit the Fort and the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam dunes where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.

Day 09: Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur (about 290 kms) 
Early morning drive to Jodhpur via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and Jain religions. The oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the antelopes of this region. Enroute we stop at Osian and later drive to Jodhpur. The city was once the capital of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue. The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101 bastions and seven gates. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trading route and the marwaris got benefit from the passing traffic of opium, copper, silk which was traded to China. We will visit the Mehrangarh Fort (majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in residential apartments within. We also visit the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph built in white marble. After the sightseeing we have a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.

Day 10: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (about 260 kms)
Today we drive to Udaipur. Enroute we will visit Ranakpur. Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble Jain Temples. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the 15th century. We have a break in Ranakpur before proceeding further for Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.

Day 11: Udaipur 
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break we proceed to City palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done. In the evening we have a Boat ride on the lake Pichola. The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known in the west.

Day 12: Udaipur - Pushkar (about 300 kms)
Today we leave Udaipur and drive to Pushkar. Pushkar being one of the most religious places for Hindus has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town. The only temple of God Brahma is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for Hindus. Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar Festival which takes place in the month of November when the whole of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of Pushkar lake and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where Farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell.

Day 13: Pushkar - Ranthambhore (about 300 kms)
Today after the breakfast we leave for Ranthambore. Ranthambore is known for the world famous Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. The Tiger remains the biggest attraction of the Ranthambore National Park. In the evening we will explore the world famous Ranthambore National park on a Jeep.

Day 14: Ranthambhore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 300 kms)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrival in Agra. Today we also visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child.

Day 15: Agra - Gwalior (about 119 kms)
After the breakfast we visit the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. Later we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior's strategic position between North and South India has made it's Fort an important possession and it was captured by several ruling houses. Some left almost as soon as they came, while others stayed on to build and beautify the citadel. We visit the fort of Gwalior today itself.

Day 16: Gwalior - Khajuraho (about 276 kms)
Today early morning we leave Gwalior and proceed to Khajuraho. On the way to Khajuraho we visit Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. After the visit of Orchha we proceed for Khajuraho. Arrival in Khajuraho in the late evening.

Day 17: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Today we visit the temple complex of Eastern Group and Western Group to see the most beautiful temples in India. Most famous among them is the Laxmana Temple which is dedicated to god Vishnu. The presence of erotic sculptures in the Temples at Khajuraho is one of the expression among others of the celebration of all human activities displaying different aspects of Hinduism. In the evening flight to Varanasi. The rest of the day at leisure. Varanasi is without doubt India’s most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC.

Day 18: Varanasi
In the early morning we take a boat ride on the Holy River Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. In the noon we visit the city of Varanasi.
Optional: A drive can be organised to Sarnath (10 km). Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at deer park.

Day 19: Varanasi - Delhi
In the afternoon we take a flight from Varanasi to Delhi. In Delhi we have rest of the day at leisure.

Day 20: Delhi - Bhubaneshwar
In the morning we take a flight to Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar (The Lord of the universe) is now the modern capital city of the Indian State Orissa. Bhubaheshwar had once 7000 temples which were built between 8th and 13th centuries. In the afternoon we visit some of the finest examples of the classical temple architecture including Lingraj, Rajrani and Mukteshwar temples.

Day 21: Bhubaneshwar - Kolkata
In the morning we drive to the airport for the flight from Bhubaneshwar to Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). Kolkata is India’s largest city and one of the biggest city in south Asia. This city was one of the earliest colonial city of British in India. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kolkata. The rest of the day at leisure.

Day 22: Kolkata
Today we explore this vibrant and lively city during the whole day tour. We visit the Victoria Memorial and magnificent buildings in the area of Chowringhee and Dalhousie Square. We also visit the Jain Temple and the Fort Williams. In the area of Joransanko we have the opportunity to visit the family house of the famous Indian writer Rabindranath Tagore.

Day 23: Kolkata - Delhi  
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight from Kolkata to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel in Delhi. Evening free for leisure.

Day 24:  Delhi - Amritsar
In the morning we start our train journey by Shatabdi Express and proceed to Amritsar. Amritsar (meaning pool of Nectar) lies in the northern state of Punjab and is famous for its Golden Temple. In the evening we visit the Golden Temple to know more about the native Sikh population of the state Punjab. Sikhs are meanwhile scattered in whole of India and are easily recognizable through their mighty colourful turbans.

Day 25: Amritsar - Delhi
In the morning we start our train journey by Shatabdi Express and proceed to Delhi. In the evening arrive in Delhi.

Day 26: Flight to home destination 
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us an e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.

We always look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for your individual trip.