Day
01. DELHI (Arrival) Fly from your country to Delhi
The Political and Cultural Capital of Incredible India. Upon arrival
you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Our
airport representative or your leader will be waiting for you in the
arrival hall located after passing out of the customs area and
beyond the airport travel desks and exchange counters. Look out for
the Peregrine signboard for your name. The drive from the airport to
the hotel is around 45 minutes. Most flights arrive in Delhi in the
late evening so the rest of the day is at leisure. If you have
arrived early your leader will brief you with sightseeing options.
Day
02. OLD & NEW DELHI After breakfast in the morning
at the hotel leave for full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.
Drive into the heart of Indias Capital to explore Old Delhi
visiting the famous Jamia Mazjid, walk through the Chandini Chowk
and Indias oldest and busiest market, Sish Ganj gurudwara,
Enjoy rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari
Bazaar and the 400 years old Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, stop for
photos at the colorful market before finishing the Victorian
Cannaught Place One of the most prominent architectural
remnants of British Rule. Later visit Birla Temple, Lotus Temple,
Akshardham Temple (Lakshminarayan Temple), Humanyu Tomb, Crematory
of Mahatma Gandhi, Parliament House, Presidential House, India Gate,
Government buildings & Qutab Minar and other countless
monuments. In the evening you will have time for shopping
activities. Return to the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day
03. NEW DELHI - MANDAWA (250 Kms 05 hrs) After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel check out and drive to Mandawa
through the colorful villages of Rajasthan. Majestic Shekhawati
region or the semi-desert region of Shekhawati, lying in the
triangular region between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner, is famous for
its plethora of painted havelis (mansions), all commendable pieces
of the rich artistic traditions of this region. The 'Open Air
Gallery of Rajasthan', as it is popularly called 'Shekhawati', the
Land of Shekhs, derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433-88). The
major towns of interest in the region are Mandawa, Dundlod,
Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Nawalgarh and Jhunjhunu, although virtually every
town has at least a few surviving havelis. Arrive & check
in at the Heritage Havelis called the Castle Mandawa reminding you
of the rich cultural heritage of the Shekhavati region. Later in the
day visit the 150 to 200 year old painted havelies (big houses) by
the natural colors in the streets of the village. You can also watch
the daily village life while watching the havelies. You can enjoy
the evening at the hotel watching the traditional colorful cultural
dance and music show. Dinner will be served over bonfire and
cultural musical and puppet show (Optional). Overnight stay is at
the Hotel.
Day 04. MANDAWA - BIKANER (190 Kms
04 hrs) After breakfast in the morning at the hotel
check out and drive to Bikaner. The city was founded by Rao Biked Ji
in 1488 A.D. Arrive & check in at the Hotel. After change, wash &
some rest go for sightseeing of Bikaner visiting Junagarh Fort
founded in year 1593 by Raja Rai Singh who was general in the army
of mighty Mughal emperor Akbar and rest of the Fort was improved by
the successors. Afterwards visit Asias largest Camel Breeding
Research Farm and local busy markets. Return back to the hotel or
you may go for shopping activities on the colorful street markets of
Bikaner. Overnight stay is at Hotel.
Day 05.
BIKANER - DESHNOK - JAISALMER (300 Kms 06 hrs) After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel check out and drive to
Jaisalmer. Enroute visit one of the famous 600 years old
Deshnok Rat temple. After temple sightseeing continue your drive to
Jaisalmer; founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. after shifting his
capital from Ladurva. Jaisalmer was the main caravan route from Far
East to the Middle East, arrive & check in at Hotel. Evening is
for leisure activities in and around the hotel / desert resort on
the sand dunes or explore the Golden City. Jaisalmer (pop. 78 000)
stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, in the heart of the Thar
Desert. Crowned by a fort containing the palace and several ornate
Jain temples, Jaisalmer was positioned strategically and was a
halting point along a traditional trade route traversed by the camel
caravans of Indian and Asian merchants. The route linked India to
Central Asia, Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. Overnight
stay is at the hotel / desert resort.
Day 06.
JAISALMER After breakfast in the morning at the hotel go
for full day sightseeing of Jaisalmer visiting the famous Jaisalmer
Fort ( 80 meters above plains ) & Jain Temples within the Fort
built in 12th to 15th century which are very worth watching. The
specialty of the Fort is that still approximately 5000 people are
living inside. Visit Fort Palace & atop from Palace you can have
the golden view of whole Jaisalmer city as whole city is built in
yellow sand stones, when sun rays fall on the city, it give
impression as golden city of India. Later in the day visit Patwon Ki
Haveli and Nath Ji Mal Ki Haveli. In the evening drive to Sand Dunes
to watch sensational Sun Set by camel ride. Return to Hotel for
overnight stay in the hotel / desert camp around campfire surrounded
by cool blackness of the Thar.
Day 07.
JAISALMER - OSCIAN - JODHPUR (280 Kms 06 hrs) After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel check out and drive to
Jodhpur. Enroute visit the 7th century Mahavira Jain Temple and 2000
years old Jija Mata Temple at Oscian village. Continue your drive to
Jodhpur - the city founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD after shifting
his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur by the advice of a holy man. A
large and varied city, Jodhpur is sometimes called Sun City
for its consistently bright, sunny climate. At Jodhpur, stark desert
landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts and temples; all enclosed
within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the
city centre: Nagauri, Merati, Sojati, Jalori and Siwanchi gates,
plus Chand Pole. Arrive & check in at Hotel. After a change,
wash and some rest later in the day visit Mehrangarh Fort 125 meters
above plains, Jaswant -Thada and Sardar Market Clock Tower. The
walls of the fort are enormousup to 36m high and 21m wide.
Admire the breathtaking view of the city from the ramparts, saving
some time to check out the fort museum, which houses an exquisite
collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures,
musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Evening is free for
leisure activities in and around the hotel or for shopping
activities in the colorful bazaars of Jodhpur. Overnight stay is at
Hotel.
Day 08. JODHPUR - RANAKPUR - UDAIPUR
(290 Kms - 06 hrs) After breakfast in the morning at the
hotel check out and drive to Udaipur. Enroute visit the 15th century
Ranakpur Jain Temple built in pure white marble with 80 dooms
supported by 1444 different carved pillars. Continue your drive
to Udaipur. Popularly known as the Venice of the East,
Udaipur is famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes
and Raj-era palaces. Most famous of these, and certainly the most
photographed, is the Lake Palace, an island-palace where the white
marble buildings (now a hotel) entirely cover a small island in
Pichola Lake. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took
three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746. The citys
lakesPichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagarare
considered among the most beautiful in Rajasthan at an altitude of
577 MSL surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. Udaipur was founded by
Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 AD, (Maha means great & Rana means
warrior, so Maharana means a great warrior). Arrive and check in
at the hotel. Evening is free for leisure activities in and around
the hotel in this beautiful city of lakes. Overnight stay is at the
hotel.
Day 09. UDAIPUR Wake up in
the morning in the Venice of the East. After breakfast at the hotel
go for full day sightseeing of Udaipur. Today you will visit the
famous City Palace, The Jagdish Temple built in 1651 AD, The
Fatehsagar Lake, and Sahalion Ki Bari (the Garden of Maidens).
Afternoon enjoy Boat Ride in Lake Pichola to visit Jagmandir Island.
Later in the evening enjoy exciting cultural folk dances of
Rajasthan at Meera Kala Mandir. Return to Hotel for overnight stay.
Day
10. UDAIPUR - PUSHKAR / AJMER (270 Kms 05 hrs) After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have spare time for
leisure activities. Later check out and drive to Ajmer. The 14 kms
onward drive through the Snake Mountains will reach you to Pushkar.
Pushkar is one of the places with highly prestigious sites for both
Hindu and Muslim Religions in the world. While Pushkar is known for
the only temple in the world of Lord Brahma- the god of creation,
Ajmer is globally known for the Mazaar of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty.
People come to pray to the lords for the fulfillment of their
desires, it is said whoever visit these places in their lifetimes
their desires gets fulfilled soon. It is also known as Tirth Raj-
the Raj (king) of pilgrim center. No pilgrimages of Hindu or Muslims
are considered to be complete until the pilgrim bathes in the sacred
waters of Pushkar Lake or he presents a holy sheet at the Dargaah
(Muslim shrine). Indeed Pushkar is so sacred that no eggs, meat or
alcohols are allowed within the city. Arrive and check into the
hotel / dessert resort, enjoy the traditional Rajasthani Folk Music,
Dance, Puppet shows. Later take Camel ride on the nearby sand dunes
Pushkar also hold biggest annual Camel & Craft Fair, which is
known all over the world. In the evening visit the Lake, Temple or
the Mazaar or carry on with the leisure activities. Overnight stay
is at the Hotel / Desert resort.
Day 11.
PUSHKAR - JAIPUR (120 Kms 2.5 hrs) After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel check out and drive to Jaipur.
The historic pink-city Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh
in 1727 AD after shifting his capital from Amber valley to newly
formed and planned city of its time after consulting so many maps of
the world and finally organized own religious map Shilpa Shastra
with the help of a young Bengali architect Vidyadhar Batacharya.
Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was a builder, astronomer, astrologer,
soldier, and philosopher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of
Rajasthan & is world famous as the Pink City. Wide-avenued
Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and
home to Indias second most visited site. Later in the day
after change, wash and little relaxation go for a half day
sightseeing of Jaipur. Today visit the Amber Fort on the foothills
of the hill, where from Elephants will carry you to the famous Amber
Fort on the mountain top, the elephant ride gives you the experience
and impression of how Maharajas & royal family members were
using the services of elephants. Visit the Amber Fort. Later drive
ahead and check into your hotel. Evening is for leisure and shopping
activities in the busy colorful bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight stay is
at Hotel.
Day 12. JAIPUR After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel go for full day sightseeing of
Jaipur. In the beautiful historic Pink City visit the marvelous City
Palace the current generation of the Maharajas (King) still
live here, The Historic Museum, Astrological Observatory, Hawa Mahal
(wind palace) where from royal ladies were watching daily
processions and daily life. Constructed of red and pink sandstone
highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered
with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the
windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its
name. Evening is for shopping in the busy streets and some excellent
souvenir shops. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day
13. JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA (240 Kms 05 hrs) After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel you have spare time for
leisure activities. Later in the day check out and drive to Agra.
Enroute visit one of the most important places of Mughal Era -The
Fatehpur Sikri - the abandoned Mughal Kingdom, founded by Akbar in
1569 AD as a ceremonial capital. But unfortunately this magnificent
city was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water and Akbar went
back to Agra. Walk the aisles of the Jama Masjid mosque, entered by
way of the impressive Victory Gate, and lose yourself in the throngs
of pilgrims at the tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti, his white
marble-encased tomb enclosed within the Jama mosque's central
courtyard. Considered the crowning architectural legacy of Akbar
(who also built the Red Fort) and still almost perfectly preserved,
today the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue
your drive to arrive in the city of Love and commitment. Check into
the hotel. After change, wash and some rest; visit one of the
wonders of the world, TAJ MAHAL (monument of love), built by 5th
great Mughal Emperor Shahi Jahan in the memory as mausoleum of his
beloved queen Anjuman Bano Begum ( with love emperor called her
Mumtaz ). After her death in 1627 AD, in her memory emperor started
to built Taj Mahal ( Taj means crown & Mahal means Palace, so it
is Crown Palace ) from 1631 to 1653 AD with 22000 labors working
since sun rise to sun set in 22 years. It is the romantic origin of
Taj as much as its architectural splendor that has led to its fame
worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures The Taj
Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture,
itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish
elements. Built in pure white marble which was transported from
Makrana in Rajasthan by the help of animals Taj Mahal is one of the
man made wonders of the world. Evening is for leisure and
shopping activities. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day
14. AGRA - VARANASI (Overnight Train) Wake up to the
magnificent morning sight of marvelous Taj Mahal. After breakfast in
the morning at the hotel go for sightseeing of Agra. Visit Agra Fort
on the banks of Yamuna River which was built by three emperors,
Akbar & Jahangir in red sand stone & Shahi Jahan in white
marble. The Fort is 2.5 Km long and during Mughal rule 1/3rd of the
Fort was occupied by the army. When British ruled India, they
repeated same tradition and now traditionally Indian army has
occupied the same. The Diwan-e-Am (public audience hall), the
beautiful Diwan-e-Khas (private audience hall) and the magnificent
Moti Mazjid (Pearl Mosque) were built by Shah Jahan. Afterwards
visit Itmad-ud-Daulah the Baby Taj. The tomb may not be as mammoth
as the Taj but the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj
if not more. The delicate marble latticework in the passages allows
the light to enter the interiors. This tomb was the first complete
marble Mughal structure. Also visit Sikandra- Six miles north of
Agra, is a glorious introduction to the city of Mughal wonders,
Sikandra. The site of Akbar's mausoleum, Sikandra was begun by Akbar
and completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 AD. It reflects the fusion
of Hindu and Muslim art and architecture which characterized the
era. The tomb is situated in the centre of a large garden and four
identical red sandstone gates lead to the tomb complex. The
building, with three-storey minarets at each corner, is built of red
sandstone with white marble polygonal patterns inlaid. Sikandra is
named after Sikandra Lodi, the Delhi ruler who was in power from
1488 to 1517. Return back to the hotel later in the day to check
out. You will have time in the afternoon for leisure and shopping
activities. You would be transferred to the hotel in the evening to
the Agra Fort Railway Station to board connecting Overnight Train to
Varanasi. Overnight is onboard the train to Varanasi in Executive
Air Conditioned 3 Class.
Day 15. VARANASI Arrive
Varanasi Railway Station in the morning. You would be received by
our representative and transferred to the Hotel for Check In.
Varanasi is situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganges,
Varanasi has been a center of pilgrimage and learning for over 2000
years and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving cities in
the world. It is also the unofficial Spiritual Capital of India.
Varanasi is the quintessential Indian holy city, where millions of
Hindu travels to for pilgrimage, to worship, mourn or die. Later
in the day after change, wash and some rest go for sightseeing of
Varanasi and Sarnath Temples. Take a stroll around the ancient city
located on the banks of river Ganges. Walk the narrow twisting
alleys, poke around some of the literally thousands of temples and
shrines, and experience the energy of the dawn rituals of bathing
and burial as you float past the famous ghats of the Ganges. Sitting
on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is the oldest continually
inhabited city in the world, dating back thousands of years. The
culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganges and
its religious importance. Later tour the old city visiting the
principles temples including Kashi Hindu University where more than
50,000 students from all over the world are learning. Drive outside
the city to monasteries and nearby Sarnath where the Buddha first
preached his message of enlightenment 24 centuries ago. Return
back to the city to finish your day with the sunset ceremony at the
Ganges. Overnight stay is at the hotel.
Day
16. VARANASI - KATHMANDU / NEPAL (Flight) Wake up early
in the morning to go for a boat ride on the holy River Ganges to
watch the sunrise over the Ganges when hundred of people are
worshiping & taking bath. After boat ride return back to the
hotel to have breakfast followed by leisure time at your own. Later
in the day check out of the hotel to transfer to the airport to
board connecting flight back to Kathmandu in Nepal. Arrive Katmandu
airport to be received by our representative and transferred to the
hotel for check in. Rest of the day is free for leisure activities.
Overnight stay is at the hotel.
Day 17.
KATHMANDU Wake up early Wake up early in the morning in
the capital of Himalayan Kingdom to enjoy the beautiful sunrise
view. After breakfast at the hotel go for a half day sightseeing of
Kathmandu city and valley. Visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the
place of the Malla and then the Shah kings of Nepal. Places of
interest here are the Kasthamandap : - It lies near the temple of
Kumari. It was built in 1596 by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. It is
said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. It is
believed that Katmandu derived its name from Kastha Mandap, Kumari
Temple: It is the residence of Living Goddess (Virgin Goddess). The
building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens.
The non-Hindu visitors may enter the courtyard, but may not go
beyond. The Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her balcony
window. Photography is prohibited. After lunch we will visit to
Patan Durbar Square full of Hindu temples & Buddhist monuments
with bronze gateways, also known as the city of artists that offers
many artistic handicrafts. Return back to the hotel in the
evening for leisure and shopping activities. Overnight stay is at
the Hotel in Katmandu.
Day 18. KATHMANDU After
breakfast in the morning at the hotel go for half day sightseeing of
Kathmandu visiting the most famous Hindu Temples - Pashupatinath
Temple, Boudhnath & Bhaktapur City. Start your day with visit to
the great Durbar square full or ancient places, temples, and
artistic shrines and out door deities of Malla Kings. We also visit
the Swayambhunath sputa, A 2000 years- old Buddhist Charity's. The
Pashupatinath Hindu temple of Lord Shiva, renowned for its gold gilt
roof and richly carved silver doors. Our next stop will be Tibetan
refugee camp where one can see spinning, dyeing and weaving of
Tibetan carpets. In the evening, we will proceed to see cultural
show. Return back to the hotel overnight stay.
Day
19. KATHMANDU DELHI (Flight) Onwards Journey / FLY
BACK After breakfast in the morning at the hotel check
out and transfer to the airport to board flight back to Delhi Arrive
Delhi early later in the day. Depending upon your further Tour
program you have time to explore the city and last minute shopping
activities. Transfer to the international airport to take your
connecting flight to your final destination or continue for youre
onwards destination. Fly back to your country with the everlasting
memories of the magnificent glimpses of Incredible India and Royal
Kingdom of Nepal.
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