Taj Tigers and Temple Tour

Duration :17 Nights / 18 Days Destination : Delhi - Agra - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Luni - Udaipur - Deogarh - Jaipur - Kumbalgarh - Varanasi.

DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI

You will be met and assisted on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 02 DELHI

After breakfast in the morning proceed for the full day city tour of Old & New Delhi. In Old city visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan; Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India; Raj Ghat- the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and enjoy a walking tour in Chandni Chowk- the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity. In the afternoon visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; Humayun's Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate - A War Memorial Arch. Also drive past the President's house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught place - the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping center. Overnight is at the hotel.

DAY 03 MANDAWA

This morning we will drive to Mandawa, often referred to as Rajasthan's open art gallery. Mandawa is a sleepy little typical Rajasthani town, which is deep rooted with culture. Stay here in your heritage hotel, Castle Mandwa. Later enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa, which includes the medieval fort that gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandwa. The Mandwa family has a collection of traditional ceremonial costumes.

DAY 04 TO BIKANER

Morning leave for BIKANER, which was once a major trading post between Africa, West Asia and the Far East. The arts prospered receiving the patronage of a wealthy merchant community. The city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Stay in beautiful LAXMI NIWAS PALACE. This afternoon during your tour you will visit Camel Breeding Farms; Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure encircled by a moat and having some beautiful palaces within. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. 30 kms south of Bikaner is the village of Deshnoke, where the famous Mata Karni Temple is situated. The 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple plays host to thousands of rats that form the major attraction here. The rats are considered sacred and worshipped accordingly. You have to be very careful while entering the inner sanctum, because it is believed that if you accidentally step on a rat, a gold replica has to be made to compensate for the lost life.

DAY 05 JAISALMER Morning drive deeper into the Thar Desert, approaching to within 60 miles of the Pakistani border. Suddenly, the enchanting mountaintop city of Jaisalmer will emerge out of nowher e, its Rajput fortress visible from miles away. Founded in the 12th century, Jaisalmer became a major staging post on the trade route from India to the West. The merchants prospered and invested part of their wealth in building beautiful houses and temples with the local yellow sandstone. Today, Jaisalmer is perhaps the most magical city in all of Rajastan: its golden sandstone walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings lend an extraordinarily medieval feel to the city.
Afternoon tour of the Thar Desert Museum, Golden Fort, the Palace, and several havelis that rival their Venetian counterparts. These havelis, formerly the homes of wealthy Jain merchants, are notable for their intricate 18th and 19th century workmanship and sandstone carvings.

DAY 06 IN JAISALMER

This morning, you'll embark on a mini-camel safari over large sand dunes to visit the beautiful desert villages of Ratarasar and Dhoba. (Travelers who do not want to mount a camel may follow the same route by jeep.) This afternoon you are free to rest or to stroll through Jaisalmer's fascinating bazaar. The city is renowned for embroidery, mirrorwork, rugs, blankets, stonework, and antiques. You may also visit a Jain Temple. This evening, dine at a local restaurant.

DAY 07 TO JODHPUR

Morning drive to Jodhpur, known as the "Blue City" for the predominance of blue houses within the city's historical district. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic Delhi-Gujarat trade route and the Marwaris managed and benefited from the traffic of opium, copper, silk, sandalwood, dates, and coffee. Your afternoon sightseeing tour will include visits to the Meherangarh Fort Palace Museum, Jaswant Thanda, and the Sardar Market.

DAY 08 TO RANAKPUR and onto KUMBHALGARH

Morning drive to Ranakpur, one of five holy Jain sites and perhaps the finest Jain Temple complex in India. Ranakpur's main temple, built early in the 15th century, is notable for the remarkable beauty of both its architecture and intricate white marble carvings. Watch as Jain priests clad in white robes assist followers with their offering ceremonies. Other priests will cheerfully answer any questions you may have about their fascinating religion. Note that Jain beliefs are greatly respected and admired, even among non-Jains. Short afternoon drive to Kumbalgarh.

DAY 09 KUMBALGARH TO UDAIPUR

This morning's easy hike or horseback riding trek will take you to the impressive and highly photogenic fortress of Kumbalgarh, set atop a 3,000 foot high mountain and surrounded by 365 Hindu and Jain temples. Kumbalgarh was the second most important fortress of the Mewar Kingdom and commanded a great strategic position between the Rajput kingdoms of Udaipur and Jodhpur. Your hike (or ride) will take you through wooded areas, alongside several Temples, and up to the fortress itself, where you will dismount and take a walking tour of Kumbalgarh. Enjoy the superb panoramic views. Note: The horseback riding is suitable for beginners. However, travelers may elect to hike the highlights rather than ride. After lunch, drive 2 hours to Udaipur, where you will check into your palace hotel for two nights. In the evening you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride on LAKE PICHOLA. With its main attractions being the two palaces on the islands in the lake, Jagniwas and Jagmandir Lake Pichola is about 4 km in length and 3 km wide. Jagniwas was earlier the summer retreat of the prince of Mewar and now a five-star hotel. The city palace extends along the eastern shore of the lake and you can go for a boat ride from Bansi Ghat.

Day 10 IN UDAIPUR

Udaipur is also a centre of historic arts and crafts of Mewar, like the Mewar School of Miniature Painting. There is of course the modern face of Udaipur, that one can look at if interested, but given the other sights from a glorious past, modernity is no real distraction. This is a place that will hold you in its thrall no matter who you are or where you come from. During a guided tour you will visit the CITY PALACE built in 1725, the grand City Palace is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. One of the largest, most beautiful palaces in the state of Rajasthan, it is now a museum, royal residence and a luxury hotel. This intricately designed monument is an architectural wonder in granite and marble; JAGDISH TEMPLE built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the centre of the old city. The temple has a black marble image of Lord Vishnu, which is unusual for the northern part of the country, where statues of Gods are normally in marble; FATEH SAGAR originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after the rains destroyed the dam. The garden island in the middle of the lake is Nehru Park, which also has a cafe.

DAY 11 TO JAIPUR

This morning you will fly to Jaipur. Founded in 1728 by warrior-astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh, Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City" for the rose-colored buildings of its historical district. The city is surrounded by rugged hills crowned with forts. This morning, enjoy an easy elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, followed by a tour of the City Palace, Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory, and Central Museum. You may also have time to observe Jaipur's craftsmen, who are renowned for their skill in cutting precious stones, as well as for their brass inlay and laquer work. Tonight, you will stay at one of India's premier palace hotels.

DAYS 12 TO RANTHAMBORE

Morning drive to Ranthambore National Park, where you will spend two nights. Ranthambore offers beautiful hilly scenery with varied vegetation, lakes, and rivers as well as maybe the best opportunity in India for encountering the Royal Bengal Tiger. Once the Maharaja of Jaipur's private tiger reserve, Ranthambore came under the Project Tiger conservation scheme in 1972. Approximately 40 tigers currently roam Ranthambore. Although the best season for tiger viewing is November through April, a tiger sighting cannot be guaranteed. Twice-daily game drives may also expose you to leopards, spotted deer, wild boar, sambar, sloth bear, caracal, jackal, crocodile, hyena, and diverse birdlife. You'll also visit the well-preserved Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century.

Day 13 IN RANTHAMBORE

Early morning a Jeep safari into the park, which is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Spread over an area of 392 sq. km, the park is characterized by dry deciduous forests sprawling over the Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges. If you are fortunate enough you can also see the tiger strolling in the jungle or near any of the three lakes namely, the Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Milak Talab. The park also houses some of the rare species of desert creature like the sambhar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, langur, wild boar and peafowl. After the visit return to your accommodation for a late breakfast. Your car is at your disposal hence you may like to spend the afternoon visiting nearby temples and sites. Also visit the Ranthambore fort built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century and is regarded as one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan. Due to its strategic location, the fort was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing jauhar (self immolation) when the Muslim invader Ala-ud-din Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort here is characterized by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls. You will have another opportunity in the afternoon for tiger spotting during your second safari of the day. Overnight is at the lodge / camp.

DAY 14 TO AGRA

On your way to Agra, you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a special destination. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri remains in perfect condition to this day. The city was constructed during the rein of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, and it was at Fatehpur Sikri where the Emperor spent the richest and most productive years of his 49 year rein. You will take a short tour of this Sikri, where Islamic, Hindu, and Jain influences are all evident in the architecture. Then take a short drive to Agra where, time-permitting, you will be able to visit the Taj before sunset for outstanding photographic opportunities.

DAY 15 IN AGRA

Agra replaced Lahore as the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1599, and the city contains some of India's most superb monuments, including the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. You will tour both of these magnificent structures. One of the world's most beautiful monuments, the Taj took 18 years to construct and was an expression of Emperor Shah Jehan's love for his wife. You'll have the opportunity to visit the Taj at sunrise to fully appreciate its beauty under varying lighting conditions. (Late risers may see it at a later hour).

DAY 16 TO VARANASI

Our journey today takes us by air to Varanasi -one of the holiest places in India. Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in the waters of the Ganges, a ritual which washes away all sins. The city, also known as Benares, is an auspicious place to die, since it is thought that expiring here ensures release from the cycle of rebirth. It has been a centre of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. Mark Twain noted that 'Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together'. From Varanasi we also visit Sarnath, one of Buddhism's major centres in India. The Buddha came to this hamlet to preach his message of the 'middle way' to nirvana after he achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Later, the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka erected magnificent stupas and monasteries here. We visit the Sarnath Museum which is a treasure trove of Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions and pottery.

DAY 17 TO DELHI
Today we wake early for a boat cruise on the Ganges River to witness the sunrise. At first light the Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Ganga, facing the rising sun. We also witness an evening cultural show of music and dance at one of the ghats. Later we fly back to Delhi. Spend last night in Delhi in your airport hotel or visit the downtown for last-minute souvenir hunting. Overnight.

DAY 18 DEPARTURE

Transfer to airport to connect your onward flight. End of our services..