Day by Day

• Day 1

  Arrival at Delhi

  Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Delhi is a wondrous city with a rich history and culture. The "capital of seven empires" has many thousands of recognized monuments within its borders. Set amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers are remnants of a bygone time including forts, palaces and monuments - reminders of the region’s ancient legacy. Delhi ,in the middle of the 17th Century, the Moghal Emperor Shahjahan established a New city on the ruins of previous settlements in the place that today is Delhi. This new city became known as Shahjahanabad - or the city of Shahjahan. Delhi is always a buzz with life and at times it all appears to bean organized chaos. Later in the second half, we take you to a private home to explore and rediscover the culinary wealth of India on a private cooking session (approx 3-4 Hrs) specially organized for you. North India is known for its Mughlai cuisine, a creation of the chefs of the Mughal emperors. Known for its rich curries and heady aroma of spices, Mughlai cuisine has in store both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes for you. This is accompanied by wine tasting. Taste the world of Indian wines guided by an expert Sommellier. Almost as old as man with traces of its existence during the Neolithic ages discovered across the continents, wines are known to be the oldest, favored beverage the world over. Depictions of wines and winemaking on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs that date back to 3000 BC proves the vital role wines played in those ancient ages as the choice of drink in ceremonial life and the journey after life and was predominantly red though archaeological evidences prove the presence of wines.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation / Home Stay.

• Day 2

  Delhi

  Enjoy a private guided tour of the Capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens for the British. Drive down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate and past the Rashtrpati Bhawan, the president’s residence and the Parliament Buildings.
  Then see Imperial Delhi while visiting the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India at 72 meters high. Qutub-ud-din Aibak began construction of the tower in 1199, and by pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns he also erected the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque which today lies in ruins nearby. Visit ,The Garden of five senses which is a breadth taking and enamoring experience. It is not just a park - it is a celebration of aesthetic expression and appreciation, a seamless dialogue between the creations of man and nature that invites interaction and exploration. Then visit the Baha’i Temple also called the Lotus Temple. A lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionizing the concept of worship.

  In the afternoon,
  visit Old Delhi, the 300 year-old walled city built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 as his capital. Begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi who died in 1948, at the site of his cremation. Continue on to visit the magnificent Red Fort build of red sandstone (1638-48) overlooking the Yamuna River.
  Within its walls are marble palaces and a grand audience chamber, the Diwan-I-Khas, where Mughal emperors held court and the Peacock Throne once stood. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and the minarets of the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, where people stream in and out continuously all day. Enjoy a ride through the winding streets of the markets in the Chandini Chowk area by bicycle rickshaw.     
  In the evening enjoy an in room full body massage by a male therapist which will rejuvenate you. Later, in the night we take you to a traditional Indian wedding ceremony. Experience the traditional Indian customs. Hindu weddings are very bright events, filled with ritual and celebration that continue for several days . The true Indian wedding is not only about two individuals getting wedded but rather two families getting wedded socially. Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation / Home Stay.
   

• Day 3

  Delhi - Varanasi

  After breakfast, you are transferred to airport to catch your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival , you are met & transferred to the hotel. One of the holiest Hindu pilgrim destinations in the Indian subcontinent, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is considered a leading destination for mysticism, spiritualism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges,
  Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations not only for Hindus, but for Buddhists and Jains also. Besides the numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats in Varanasi, there are several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples which lure numerous devotees and regular tourists to the City of Lord Shiva. In the evening visit the beautiful Aarti at Dass 
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 4

  Varanasi

  Early morning boat cruise is an interesting and adventurous way of exploring numerous ghats, temples, and the rituals taking place on the banks of this holy river. You will see amazing glimpses of the religious practices and rituals performed by thousands of devotees on the banks of river Ganga.
  As part of their daily worship hundreds of Hindu devotees take a holy bath in the river and offer water to Surya.

  Later, proceed for the city tour of this historic city. Visit the Vishwanath Temple which is devoted to lord Shiva, is the most sacred temple of Varanasi. It is located near Dashashwamedh ghat, in old Varanasi. Also, visit The Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is said that Goswami Tulsidas composed 'Ramacharitramanas' at the place where the temple is located. Also, visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat which is one of the oldest ghats of Varanasi and its antiquity goes back to several thousand years.
  Also, visit Man Mandir Ghat which is another prominent ritual ghat in Varanasi. Most devotees come to this ghat to pay homage to the Someswar lingam (Lord of the Moon). The ghat of Man Mandir was built by Maharaja of Jaipur.
  Later , we take you to Ashram to have a one on one meeting with a spiritual master to understand the traditions ,customs,& philosophy of Hinduism. For over 4,000 years, India--one of the most spiritually enriched places on earth--has been the cradle of spirituality. Actually, the Land of the Vedas and Temples, India is the Spiritual Capital of the World. India, its people, its infrastructure, and, in fact, its very soil, encourage and nurture spiritualism, allowing religions to thrive, flourish and prosper.

  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 5

  Varanasi - Khajuraho - Panna National Park

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight for Khajuraho. Upon arrival, you are met & transferred to Panna Wildlife Sanctuary. Panna Wildlife Sanctuary was created in year 1981. Situated in the Vindhya Mountain Ranges, the park sprawls over Panna and Chattarpur districts in the north of the state. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope. The region, which is famous for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India.
  In the evening proceed to Panna Wildlife Sanctuary for a Jeep Safari with a private / friendly guide for an enchanting wildlife viewing and bird watching in the park.

• Day 6

  Panna National Park - Khajuraho

  Enjoy an elephant safari which is the best and safest way to explore the remotest and densest areas of the forests. If you are more keen in combing denser areas of the forests and search for some fierce creatures. Riding an elephant takes you back to the royal era, when only the Kings use to ride on these majestic creatures. Later , drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities.
  The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 7

  Khajuraho

  After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Khajuraho. The Khajuraho temples, especially the Eastern and Western group of temples are known for their architectural display conforming to the North Indian 'nagara' style of architecture, bold artistic statement of erotic postures in its sculptures and the various refinements of courtly love including dance and music in a sacred place like a temple, which seems bewildering at first sight. Built by the Chandela rulers, these 10th-11th century temples are the second most favored tourist destination after Taj Mahal.
  Visit the Kandariya Mahadeo. This is the largest, and most typical Khajuraho temple. There are about 900 statues. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it soars 31 m high. The sanctum enshrines a lingam, while the main shrine is ornately carved and depicts various gods, goddesses, apsaras (heavenly maidens) in elaborate detail. The entrance arch, the massive pillars and ceilings are adorned with exquisite carvings, that leave the visitor spellbound. Also visit, Chaunsat Yogini .The oldest surviving temple in the group (900 A.D.), this is the sole granite temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has survived not surprisingly, since this is the earliest surviving shrine of the group dated to 900 AD.
  Later ,visit the Parsavanatha Temple: The largest in the group of three Jain temples, the Parsavanatha image in this temple, was installed in 1860. The sculptures on the northern wall depict everyday activity, in awesome detail. A woman sits bent pensively on a letter, a lovely young girl removes a thorn from her foot, the master craftsmen of Khajuraho display here their deep understanding of the trifles that make up a human life. Within the temple, a throne faces the bull emblem of first tirthankara, Adinath.
  Visit the three Hindu temples in this group - the Brahma temple, which has a four-faced lingam, The Vamana temple which is embellished with images of ravishing apsaras at their alluring best; and finally the Javari temple, with its ornate gateway and lavish carvings. A variety of sensuous attitudes : languid, provocative, mischievously inviting, give credibility to the theory that Khajuraho's erotica were meant to test the devotees who came to worship their gods at the temples.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 8

  Khajuraho - Orcha

  After breakfast, proceed to Orcha. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhattris. Orchha rises out of the hills and the greens surrounding it. The historical monuments of Orchha still retain their pristine charm and narrate stories of war and peace, of love and destruction.
  Later, proceed for a temple tour of Orcha. Orchha also has a series of magnificent temples, dating back to the 17th century. They are still in use today and visited regularly by thousands of devotees. The soaring spires of Ram Raja Temple and the well-preserved murals of the Lakshmi Narayana Temple are especially worth a visit. 14 beautiful Chhattris (cenotaphs) or memorials are lined up on the Kanchana Glut of the river Betwa.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 9

  Orcha - Agra

  After breakfast, drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Agra has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata as the forest of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475. Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur defeated the Lodhi to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started. The glory of Agra was at its peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it the center of art, culture, commerce and learning and Shah Jahan saw it in full bloom.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 10

  Agra

  After breakfast , proceed for the city tour of Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal which was build in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as an memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it took 22 years and 20,000 men to build it; the white marble transported to the site by elephants from a quarry 200 miles away. The perfect proportions of the Taj Mahal and the delicate inlay marble work are amazing. Return to your hotel after the sunrise tour for breakfast.
  Then visit Agra Fort, situated around the bend of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. Construction of the red sandstone walls and gates of the fort was begun by Akbar as the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire. Enlarged by successive generations including Shah Jehan, who had the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Royal Pavilions, & Hall of Public Audience added and Aurangzeb who added outer ramparts. From the towers of the fort you can see the nearby Taj Mahal. 
  Also, visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, the jewel of Agra, the first Agra monument to be covered in white marble inlaid with contrasting stones.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 11

  Agra- Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri

  After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri - one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. It is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Jaipur is known as Rajasthan’s “pink city” from the pink color of the sandstone used to build the palaces and public buildings of the city. Jaipur, the city of victory, presides over another fascinating desert state and its people.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 12

  Jaipur

  After breakfast begin your excursions in Jaipur with a visit to the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) with its pink sandstone façade intricately carved into honeycomb screens, windows and balconies behind which the ladies of the court could watch the daily goings on and royal processions in the street below without being seen.
  The windows and latticed screens also allowed the cooling winds to blow through the palace. Continue on to Amber, the ancient capital just outside present day Jaipur, to visit the fabulous Amber fort. Maharaja Man Singh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful general, began construction of the fort in the 17th century.

  Surrounded by fortified battlements, the fort overlooks the Moat Lake and is a complex of courtyards and royal apartments.
  Amber was the seat of power before the City Palace was built in Jaipur. Travel by elephant up the hill to reach the fortress and then tour the elaborately decorated halls, some with delightful fresco paintings, glass or inlaid precious stones. Two of the most outstanding are the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) where the light from a single lamp, reflected in the many mirrors, illuminates the entire room and the Hall of Victory, sheathed with fine alabaster panels ornamented with inlaid flowers. After lunch visit the City Palace, a large complex of palaces, gardens and courtyards which is now a museum which houses collections of Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings, rare manuscripts, traditional clothing and an armory. Next door stop in to see the amazing. Astronomical Observatory (Jantar Mantar) built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh, in 1726 to accurately predict movements of the moon and planets. Even today these instruments are precise. Following these visits you will have the opportunity to wander through the local markets.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 13

  Jaipur - Jodhpur

  After breakfast, transferred to airport to catch your flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival transferred to the hotel. The old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of death', came into life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD. This city was on the silk route of the 16th century and hence was host to a number of travellers.
  In the afternoon have a city tour stopping first at the Jaswant Thada; a cluster of white marble royal cenotaphs was built in 1899AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Continue on f or a visit the Mehrangarh Fort, set on a high hill overlooking the rugged and rocky terrain nearby and standing guard over the city below. The enclosed palace is intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed window exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. 
  The palace apartments - the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana weave their own magic with a rich varied collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradles, miniature paintings of various schools, folk music instruments, costumes, furniture and an impressive armoury. The display of cannons on the ramparts near Chamundi Temple is among the rarest in India.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 14

  Jodhpur - Jaisalmer

  After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. The Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer, an important desert trading center and the western sentinel of Rajasthan, in 1156. Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers an enchanting world of fable, color and history and outstanding architecture. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort, located on the top of the Trikuta Hill and is visible from a great distance across the golden tinged sand of the desert.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 15

  Jaisalmer

  Today’s tour of Jaisalmer includes – Sonar Kila, the golden fort which rises out of a rock of topaz, the yellow sandstone of the fort dazzling at sunrise and at sunset. The 12th century Fort built by Prince Jaisal & the Palace that stands at the highest point (100 metres) above the marketplace hilltop. The walls of the fort, which stretch for miles, are topped with ramparts and bastions.
  Also visit a Jain Temple; built from the 12th-15th c., it lies within the fort complex. Ornamented with quaint but impressive figures of Jain saints made of white marble and red and black stone some of the Jain temples have beautiful images of Hindu deities, which indicate the remarkable religious tolerance during that age.

  Later, enjoy a camel ride across the golden sands of the Rajasthan desert to the sand dunes at Khuri village.
  Stroll along the narrow mud streets of this village where you will see simple houses and stalls selling native crafts.
  In the evening, enjoy a culture performance by local musicians & dancers.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 16

  Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi

  After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur airport to catch your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
  Later, we take you to an escorted dinner with local community in Delhi. Meet, Interact and make friends with them followed by an escorted tour of a friendly Bar / Night Club or an invitation to an exclusive party.
  Overnight at a luxury friendly accommodation.

• Day 17

  Depart Delhi

  A / friendly chauffer driven car at disposal for flexi touring till your drop off at international airport taking back memories of a wonderful trip.