Rajasthan & South India Intensive Tour
(42 Days / 41 Nights)
(Delhi - Sariska - Jaipur - Bikaner - Siana Kamel Safari - Bungri - Jaisalmer - Khuri Village - Osian - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh - Ghanerao Trek - Udaipur - Bijaipur - Chittorgarh - Bundi - Kota - Ranthambore - Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi - Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Periyar - Munnar - Eravikulam National Park - Conoor - Ooty - Mysore - Banglore)
(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 travellers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel.

Day 02. Delhi - Sariska (about 180 km / 4 hrs)
Today we leave the capital and drive to Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve which is situated in the northern part of Aravali hills. Sariska has an area above 479 square km and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 from the government of India.

Day 03. Sariska - Jaipur (about 130 km / 3 hrs)
Today in the morning we take a Jeep ride to watch the activities of Sambars, Chitals, Nilgais, Chausinghas, Jackals, Wild boars, langurs etc. Then 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 - Bikaner (about 330 km / 5 - 6 hrs)
After breakfast we drive 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. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 06. Bikaner - Siana (about 60 km / 2 hrs)
Today we proceed to Siyana Village. On the way we visit the Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple).

Today we spend whole day in the village and take part in the next village activities:
01 - Meeting with the council.
02 - Visit the village school (Anyone interested can teach in school)
03 - Visit to the village temple and participate in the prayer ceremony (Pooja / Aarti).
04 - Visiting a hospital in the village.
05 - Working in the field with farmers or simple observation of their work.
06 - Participation in the daily routine work of a family on request.
07 - To accompany a shepherd at work on request.
08 - Anyone interested can learn about cows / milking water buffalo / goats.
09 - Upon request, a lecture by a learned speaker on topics such as local history, culture,
Tradition and life are arranged in the desert.

Note: The above activities can be divided into two parts.

Overnight stay in the village with the family of villagers in their huts or in small houses (very simple conditions). All meals are served by the host family.

About our villages:
Villagers of Siyana Village are the most important group of people who do a certain job since eternal times. There are Rajputs, Jats, Bishnois, Brahmins or Charan. Although these people are engaged in different activities, Most of them are still engaged in the work of agriculture and have pets of their own needs.
India meets its demand for livestock (55%) for meat goats and sheep from Rajasthan. Group of camel-breeders who live in the desert called Raika are also very interesting. They are known as nomads. These people move from place to place, and if we're lucky, we'll meet these people in the desert of Rajasthan.

Day 07. Camel Safari (from the village Siyana)
After breakfast at home with the family, we begin the Camel Safari from Siyana village to Sainsar Village (18 km). Lunch will be served during the safari around noon. Around noon we stop for a short break and after lunch we continue to the camp in Sainsar. Dinner is served at the camp in tents / under the open sky.

Day 08. Camel Safari
Breakfast at the camp and we start the camel Safari from Sainsar to Meghwalon-Ki-Dhani (26 km). Lunch will be served en route during the safari. Arrival at Meghwalon-Ki-Dhani. Dinner is served at camp / under the open sky. Overnight in tents.

Day 09. Camel Safari - Bungri - Jaisalmer (about 258 km / 4-5 hrs)
Breakfast at the camp and we begin a short camel Safari from Meghwalon-Ki-Dhani to Bungri (10 km). Lunch will be served after finishing the the Safari in Bungri. From Bungri we drive to Jaislalmer. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 10. Jaisalmer
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 11. Jaisalmer - Osian - Jodhpur (about 300 km / 7 hrs)
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. After visiting the temple we 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.

Day 12. Jodhpur
Today 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. Then 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 13. Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Kumbhalgarh (about 200 km / 4-5 hrs)
Today morning we drive to Kumbalgarh. 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 lunch in Ranakpur before proceeding further for Kumbhalgarh.

Day 14. Kumbhalgarh - Ghanerao - Trek - 16.Kms Approx
We start our trek from Kumbalgarh to Ghanerao, We walk through the villages and with the help of a local escort know about the people and culture of the village. Accommodation is provided in a hunting lodge in the dense vegetation.

Day 15. Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur (about 100 km / 2 hrs)
Today we drive from Kumbhalgarh to 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. Arrival in Udaipur in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure.

Day 16. 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 17. Udaipur - Bijaipur (about 195 km / 3-4 hrs)
Today morning we drive to Bijapur. En route we visit the Chittorgarh. We visit Chittorgarh Fort which is the indomitable pride of Chittor. The fort is massive structure with many gateways built in 7th century AD, perched on a height of 180m hill and sprawls over 700 acres. We also visit Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace and Tower of Victory. After sightseeing of Chittorgarh we drive to Bijapur. Overnight stay at Palace in Bijapur.

Day 18. Bijaipur - Bundi (about 120 km / 2½ hrs)
Today we drive to Bundi. Bundi is most famous for its baoris (step wells) as there are many impressive ones. We visit the Bundi palace. This palace built of locally quarried stone, presents one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted elephants are used liberally. The Diwan-I-Aam, Hathi Pol and the Naubat Khana are the main places located inside the palace. The famous Chitra Shala which provides a colourful glimpse of history is also located inside the palace. The walls and ceilings of this palace are completely covered with paintings of the Bundi School. Then we visit the majestic Taragarh Fort of Bundi, which is on the top of the hill, Taragarh Fort is a very interesting fort is worth exploring for hours. The fort has many reservoirs, which are annually emptied flooding the streets leading down to the city.

Day 19. Bundi - Kota - Bundi (about 80 Km / 2 hrs)
Today we have an excursion to Kota. After the excursion we drive back to Bundi. The old town of Bundi is very original as in the old Maharaja times and can be very easily explored through long walks.

Day 20. Bundi - Ranthambore (about 130 km / 3 hrs)
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Ranthambore. Ranthambore is well known for the Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore National Park is surrounded by the Vindhyas and the Aravali mountains and covers an area of 392 square km. Upon arrival, rest of the day at leisure.

Day 21. Ranthambore
Today we have two jungle safaris in the Ranthambore National Park (Morning and Afternoon). The only means of transport in the park are jeeps and Canter. The Tiger remains the biggest attraction of the Park. To watch the tiger the best time in the morning is between 6.00 am and 9.30 am and in the late afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
If you are lucky enough today you might have an audience with the Tiger which are numerous in this park. In this park we will view other animals like Sambhar, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal and Hyena.

Day 22. Ranthambore - Bharatpur (about 200 km / 4 hrs)
Today in the early we leave Ranthambore and drive towards Bharatpur to Keoladeo National Park. Bharatpur has its fame due to Keoladeo Birds National Park. Bharatpur was earlier a duck shooting resort of the Maharaja. Bharatpur is famous for Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Keoladeo National Park with its 375 species of birds is one of the best water bird sanctuary in the world. In winter there are many migratory birds from the northern hemisphere including the rare Siberian crane. The reserve was once the area where the maharajas (the great king) do duck hunting at the time when Rajasthan was a princely State.

Day 23. Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 70 km / 1½ hrs)
In the morning we visit Keoladeo National Park. Keoladeo National Park can be explored on foot very well,. normal bicycles and rickshaws are also available on request to explore the park. Then we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages to 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.Late afternoon arrival in Agra. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 24. Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to 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. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to 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 25. Agra - Delhi (about 200 km / 3-4 hrs)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi in the afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure or sightseeing, shopping, etc.

Day 26. Delhi
In the morning we have 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 and "Qutub Minar". "Qutub Minar" is 71 meter high and consists of five stories. In 1199 work began on this tower which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world. This tower was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368. Before we proceed to the Hotel we drive through the embassy area in New Delhi where we visit the India Gate and see some impressive Government Buildings.

Day 27. Delhi - Cochin (by air)
Today morning we have flight from Delhi to Cochin. Cochin is the most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of South. Cochin is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. After arrival in Cochi, drive to the hotel. In Cochin we visit St. Francis church, the oldest European church in India in which the grave of famous sailor Vasco da Gama can be visited. After the visit of St. Francis Church we have a walk through the Jewish area of Mattancherry.

Day 28. Cochin
The town of Cochin is divided into different parts, Fort Cochin, Willington Island, Ernakulam, Bolghatty Island and Vypeen Island. Most of the historic buildings are in Fort Cochin. We have whole day today at leisure so that we can explore Cochin on our own and visit these islands and churches. In the evening we visit a Kathakali dance school. Kathakali dances come from Kerala and in its traditional form relate stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Day 29. Cochin - Alleppey (about 55 km / 1½ hrs)
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Alleppey. Alleppey, the coastal town on the Arabian Sea is known as the Venice of the East and famous for the numerous backwater canals that meander through the town. This town holds a thrilling event of snake boat race every year during August. It is also known for its cashew nuts. Overnight at houseboat.

Day 30. Alleppey - Kumarakom
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Kumarakom. In Kumarakom we will enjoy the Boat ride trip through the tropical vegetation on the backwaters.

Day 31. Kumarakom
Today whole day is at leisure. Those who wish can explore the area on a quiet walk or just relax at the hotel swimming pool or have an Ayurvedic massage.

Day 32. Kumarakom - Periyar (about 130 km / 4 hrs)
Today you will drive from Kumarakom to Periyar. The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world and also one of the largest and finest wildlife reserves in India. This park is surrounded by an artificial Periyar lake. Periyar National Park covers an area of 780 square km and was designated a part of project Tiger in 1973. We have a Boat ride on the Periyar lake and look for certain animals.

Day 33. Periyar
Today we have sightseeing of Periyar National Park. We observe the Elephants, Bison, Sambhar, Wild oxen, Wild boar and Spotted Deer.

Day 34. Periyar - Munnar (about 85 km / 3 hrs)
Today we leave the tropical coast and drive to Munnar. Munnar lies at an altitude of 1530 m and is surrounded by tea and cardamom fields. Beautiful scenery in and around makes this place worth visiting. This afternoon is at leisure. You may explore the Environment on a private walk or relax in the hotel.

Day 35. Munnar
Today we can explore the teagardens of Munnar on foot. Our driver will take you to the right gardens.

Day 36. Munnar - Eravikulam National Park (about 10 km)
In the morning we drive to Eravikulam National Park. The Eravikulam National Park is situated in Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki district in Kerala. The mountains covered with the rolling grasslands landscape and high – level shoals is breath-takingly beautiful. This park spreads over an area of 97 square km was established to protect Nilgiri Tahr also known as Nilgiri Ibex. The Rajamala is the natural habitat of this rare mountain goat. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975 and it was declared as a park in 1978. This park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is the Rajamala region. Besides the Nilgiri Tahr other important fauna that we see in this area are Elephant, Leopard, Tigers, Malabar Civet, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai and Langur.

Day 37. Munnar - Conoor (about 230 km / 6 hrs)
From the tropical coast of Kerala we drive through rich serpentine roads through tea plantations and forests in the mountains of the Nilgiris. The way over the "Blue Mountains" takes us directly to Coonor, situated at an elevation of 2300 m. Upon arrival in Coonor rest of the time free for leisure at the hotel.

Day 38. Conoor - Ooty (Toy Train)
Today morning we take a half-hour ride on the "Toy Train" by the Nilgiris, of Conoor to Ooty. Ooty, a former British colonial rulers resort has retained its Victorian charm to the day. We visit the botanical garden, which were founded 1847 and are the most beautiful in India. The botanical garden covers an area over 20 hectares and is planted with more than a thousand varieties of plants, shrubs and trees including orchids, fern and alpine. Then we look at the original craftsmanship of old tribes of the region.

Day 39. Ooty - Mysore (about 130 km / 3½ hrs)
In the morning you will drive from Ooty to Mysore. Mysore is world famous for silk and sandalwood. Mysore is also a centre of producing saris which is a common dress of woman in India.

Day 40. Mysore
In the morning after having breakfast you will visit the most impressive and one of the largest city palaces in India. The City Palace of Mysore "Ambar Vilas" is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. In Mysore we drive to Chamundi Hill to see a giant Nandi (buffalo god) and enjoy the view of the surroundings form the hilltop. In the evening we visit the Krishna Raja Sagara Lake, which was created by the construction of the largest dam on the river Cauvery Karnataka. This dam is remarkable because it was built only of stone and mortar without cement. Near the dam is the Brindavan Gardens. This park with terraces was created according to Islamic model of watercourses.

Day 41. Mysore - Banglore (about 150 kms)
Today you will drive to Bangalore. On the way to Bangalore you will stop at Sravanabelgola where you will visit the colossal monolithic statue, standing 18 meters high. This Jain sculpture represents the saintly prince Bahubali after he had gained enlightenment. After the visit of Sravanabelgola proceed for Bangalore. Bangalore is the capital city of the Indian state Karnataka. This former "Garden city" Bangalore is known today as "computer city" of India. In Bangalore we visit the monolithic Nandi, Shiva's Bull and famous Gowda Fort which was built by Tipu Sultan.

Day 42. Flight to Home Destination
Transfer to airport for flight to home destination (End of Tour)

Tour Reservation
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About Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your money. We also provide you wherever possible accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.