Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Asia sticks to you. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace & spirituality that it has fixated & confounded travellers for centuries. Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations: this is Asia as you have always imagined it. The joss sticks lit for the household shrines in Thailand impart a sweet perfume to the thick air & the heavenly aroma of Indian spices follows you for days.

And India is an incredibly varied & exciting vacation destination, pulsating with a spectacular mix of people, traditions & landscapes. With an intoxicatingly rich history, which has spawned a number of exquisite Palaces, Temples & monuments, your journey through this mind-stirring country will blaze in your memory long after you have left its shores.  Come, discover India with us….

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome. With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant city Delhi, one of the world’s greatest megalopolises with its chaotic charm & juxtapositions found on every street, Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3 - Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Delhi, the Capital of Kingdoms & Empires is now a sprawling Metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past & the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land & a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges 2 different worlds.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata had their Capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

Old Delhi, once the Capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling Havelis & formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues & imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several Rulers & many Empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed & then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's Rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers & then as creators.

Delhi is a city built upon cities. There are at least 8 historical Delhis, each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day Citadel that is dotted with ancient monuments, many said to be haunted by djinns (spirits). Love history & you will be left salivating as you trace your way through the eras, clambering across the ruined Forts of Tughlaqabad, Siri, Purana Qila & Shajahanabad; exploring the magnificent Tombs of eminent historical figures & visiting the still-vibrant Temples, Mosques & Shrines that throng with devotees today, as they have done for hundreds of years.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires & magnificent monuments, but also in the rich & diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai & Amir Khusro to present day writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating Museums & Art Galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places & bustling markets.

Delhi is probably the only place in the world where can see a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or a Bentley or a Rolls Royce (& we are not even mentioning the countless Mercedes & Porsches) sharing the road with Cows & may be a Camel & an Elephant if those guys happen to be passing by. Mumbai also boasts of the most expensive house in the world - only $ 1.2 billion - where Ambani family of 4 lives.  

And how can we forget the indomitable Delhi cuisine & street food.

As the Capital city of one of the most delicious country on Earth, Delhi tantalises your taste buds with its thali-like fusion of flavours from every corner of the sub-continent: Breakfast on South Indian idly; lunch on Punjabi kulchas; then, come evening, dine on rich Mughlai curries. But don't forget to leave room for some Dilli-ka-Chaat, Delhi's famously delicious street-food snacks; try sizzling kebabs for starters, then munch on aloo tikki (spiced potato patties) before getting your fingers sticky on jalebi (orange-coloured coils of deep-fried batter dunked in sugar syrup) or savouring some sumptuously creamy cardamon kheer (rice pudding).

Delhi with its Old & New parts - each with its specific charm & glory - makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval & modern cultures at the same time & space. Today, you will explore the capital of India in a full-day tour - including buildings of early Turkish structure to Mughal buildings to Lutyen's Delhi.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed to discover this amazing kaleidoscope of old & new cultures.

Visit Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets & bustling markets.

Honk-honk-beeeep! Welcome to Old Delhi. Love or hate it, it is impossible to ignore. Whether you make it your base, or just dip into it for shopping sprees or to see the Red Fort, you will be hard pushed to ever forget your time in this wonderfully chaotic & fabulously photogenic corner of the city.

You will be sharing its hectic streets & alleys with carts & cycle-rickshaws, with cows & monkeys, with shoppers & with beggars, with street-food sellers & market traders, and with cars, vans, scooters & auto-rickshaws; watch your back - honk-honk-beeeep!

Visit the famous Red Fort (or Lal Qila) a historic Fort in Old Delhi built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”.

Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi (called Shahjahanabad, then). It was the main residence of succeeding Mughal Emperors for about 200 years. 

Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex. The construction was completed over a span of 10 years.  

Considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement, the innovative planning & architectural style, including the garden design, strongly influenced later buildings & gardens in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra & further afield.

Within the enclosure of the Fort are located many fairy-tale buildings, Halls, Palaces, Pavilions & serene Gardens. The planning is based on Islamic prototypes, but each Pavilion reveals architectural elements typical of Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian, Timurid & Hindu traditions.

The Diwan-i-Khas (also known as Shah Mahal) & the Rang Mahal (also called Imtiyaz Mahal or Palace of Distinctions) are the 2 most conspicuous buildings inside the Fort. The Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Aam) is another famous building within the Red Fort. The private apartments consist of a row of Pavilions connected by a continuous water channel, known as the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise).

After the tour of the Fort, hop on a Cycle Rickshaw for a ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to get a feel of the royal life of the Mughal Emperors.

The exciting 20 minutes Ride takes you through a couple of narrow lanes, giving you a chance to get true taste of the city, it's colors, vivacity & irresistible charm. Experience the bustling markets that are ‘only’ few centuries old. You will surely experience that energy level & see the actual life of the people toiling to meet their daily expenses.

You may pass by the beautiful Digambar Jain Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, built in red sandstone & popularly known for its famous Bird Hospital treats the sick birds, cares for them & ultimately release them to fly freely.

Located in the heart of Old Delhi & built in the 17^th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when the walled city of Shahjahanabad was established, Chandni Chowk is the most famous & historic street of Delhi, still steeped in history. Tree-lined & elegant in Mughal times, the thoroughfare is now mind-bendingly chaotic, with tiny little ancient Bazaars. In the Mughal era, Chandni Chowk centred on a pool that reflected the moon, hence the name, 'moonlight place' (literal meaning).

Old Delhi’s main drag is lined by Jain, Hindu & Sikh Temples, plus a Church, with the Fatehpuri Masjid at one end.  It is home to many iconic historic monuments such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Lal Jain Mandir & Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

The ‘almost’ straight road, Chandni Chowk begins at the Lahori Darwaza & runs through the Red Fort all the way through to the Fatehpuri Masjid.

Today, apart from its historic importance, Chandni Chowk remains famous for being one of Delhi's largest wholesale markets & attracts numerous shoppers on a daily basis. A busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry, ancient artifacts & vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery & traditional Indian sweets. The vibrant bazaars are also a foodie’s dream come true as Chandni Chowk is famous for its street food such as chaat, paranthas & dahi bhallas.

Whether it is the workshops of craftsmen, jewellers, eateries, sweet shops & brand stores, all are available in this Market. It is really interesting to see the how shopkeepers decorate their shops creatively with all the items to attract more & more customers.

Don't let the word "old" mislead you. The energy of vibrant streets & narrow alleys is simply irresistible.  The main street is almost impossible to cross, full as it is of cars, hawkers, motorcycles, rickshaws & porters.

Old Delhi's famously frenetic street bazaars, meanwhile, contain a mind-boggling array of clothes, slippers, shawls, handicrafts, food, electronics & more – even if you are not buying anything, they are a joy to visit (& photograph).

At the end of your ride which will conclude at the steps of Jama Masjid, you will realise that your trip was not only about exploring the market but about seeing the warmness among the people of Delhi. You will even realise that your trip would have never been so interesting without the friendly person who is so delighted to show you his beautiful home city in his cycle rickshaw!

The Jama Masjid stands across the road in front of the Red Fort.

The huge red-sandstone edifice with towering Minarets, Masjid-i Jehan-Numa, commonly known as the Jama Masjid, built with a mixture of marble & limestone, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 & 1656 as part of his new capital in Shahjahanabad (now Delhi), is one of the largest Mosques in India. The practice of the grand priest called Imam coming from the the hereditary lineage of the first Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, appointed by the Emperor, continues till today.

At the time of its construction, it was the largest Mosque in the Indian sub-continent & is considered the best among all Mosques built during the Mughal Empire & it has 3 great Gates, 4 Towers & 2 40 metres high Minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone & white marble.

Situated on a hill near the Red Fort, the construction took 5,000 labourers 6 years to complete & is a testament to the vision & power of Shah Jahan, a noted patron of Islamic architecture & who is considered to be the most prolific builder among the Mughal Emperors.

You will have the opportunity to step inside the majestic Jama Masjid & relive the Mughal history of Delhi as you walk through the splendid corridors of this ancient Mosque.

Continue on to the next stop.

A visit to Delhi without paying homage to the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi is not possible. Raj Ghat was built to honour the memory of Gandhi & this Cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year.

On the banks of the Yamuna River, this peaceful, well-maintained Park contains a simple black-marble Platform marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. This Memorial is a thought-provoking spot, inscribed with what are said to have been Gandhi’s final words, Hai Ram ('Oh, God'). Every Friday (the day he died) commemorative prayers are held here at 5.00 pm (the time he was shot) as well as on 2 October & 30 January, his Birth & Death anniversaries.

South from Raj Ghat, just across Kisan Ghat Rd, are some equally peaceful landscaped gardens containing Gandhi Darshan, a pavilion displaying photos relating to the Mahatma. Close by, further north there are Memorials commemorating the spots where Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi & Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.

Drive on to the ‘newer’ part.

Welcome to the British Raj. Drive through Delhi’s iconic Connaught Place, a confusing circular shopping district was named after George V’s uncle, the Duke of Connaught & fashioned after the Palladian colonnades of Bath. Greying, whitewashed, colonnaded streets radiate out from the central circle of Rajiv Chowk (new name). Today, they mainly harbour brash, largely interchangeable but popular, bars, international chain stores, plus a few good hotels & restaurants.

All the riches of India twinkle in Delhi's multi-floor, gift-filled Emporiums, so if you are regretting not buying that handmade Kathputli (puppet) you saw in Rajasthan or that Madhubani painting you loved in Bihar, fear not; chances are you will be able to find one here too. Perfect for a last-minute souvenir binge before you fly home.

Enjoy Lunch at one of the restaurants nearby (nor included – direct payment).

Post lunch, you will be taken to see New Delhi which came into existence much later & is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi, named after Edwin Lutyens, the British architect who was largely responsible in designing most of the buildings.

Drive by Jantar Mantar, one of 5 Observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Ruler of Jaipur. Constructed in 1725, Jantar Mantar (derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘instrument’, but which has also become the Hindi word for 'abracadabra') is a quiet Park containing a collection of curving geometric buildings that are carefully calibrated to monitor the movement of the stars & planets.

New Delhi was designed on an imperial scale after George V decided to move the capital of British India from Calcutta to here in 1911. Much of the colonial footprint remains today, including the circular, colonnaded shopping precinct Connaught Place, the imposing government buildings that look out along Rajpath & the rambling bungalows, some of which now house Museums.

Stop at India Gate - the imposing 42 metres high stone Memorial Arch designed by Lutyens in 1921, located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the "ceremonial axis" of New Delhi, formerly called Kingsway. It pays tribute to around 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the World War 1, the Northwest Frontier operations & the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War. The Chhatri behind it contained a statue of George V which was later moved to Coronation Park. Locals & tourists alike throng the India Gate Lawns surrounding the monument for a leisurely evening, enjoying the light show at the fountains along with snacking on street food. A National War Memorial to honor all armed forces members killed after 1947 is under construction nearby.

Drive or walk on Rajpath (Kingsway), a vast road linking India Gate to the offices of the Indian government. Built on an imperial scale between 1914 & 1931, designed by Lutyens & Herbert Baker, it underlined the ascendance of the British rulers. Yet just 16 years later, the Brits were out on their ear & Indian politicians were pacing the corridors of power.

At the western end of Rajpath, the official residence of the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan (originally, the Viceroy’s Palace), is now partially open to the public via a guided tour. The Palace also features the extravagant Mughal Gardens. It is said that Louis Mountbatten, India’s last British Viceroy, was said to have employed 418 gardeners.  There are fountains, cypress, bougainvillea, climbing roses, symmetrical lawns & wandering peacocks. (Security is very strict; visitors must leave all bags & even water bottles, at the cloakroom by the entrance).

The Palace is flanked by the mirror-image, dome-crowned North & South Secretariats that house government Ministries (not open to pubic).

Next door is the circular colonnaded edifice of Sansad Bhavan. India has a magnificent Parliament (not open to the public), a colonial-era building designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens & Herbert Baker, taking 6 years to finish (1921-1927).

The power of the Indian democratic system manifests in the Parliament, which weathered the Indian freedom struggle from colonial rule & witnessed many historical milestones. The existing building served as independent India’s first Parliament & witnessed the adoption of the Constitution of India. Thus, conserving & rejuvenating the rich heritage of the Parliament building is a matter of national importance.

An icon of India’s democratic spirit, the Parliament building sits at the heart of the Central Vista. Originally called Council House, the building housed the Imperial Legislative Council. The building witnessed the addition of 2 floors in 1956 to address the demand for more space. In 2006, Parliament Museum was added to showcase the 2,500 years of rich democratic heritage of India.

You will be stopping at India Gate & driving by the Rashtrapati Bhavan & Parliament. 

Continue on to visit the recent jewel in the crown, the Lotus Temple, a symbol of Bahai faith & then drive on to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the 72.5 meters Qutub Minar the tallest brick minaret in the World, which heralded the arrival and rise of Islam in India.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many Options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning & afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions for ‘Optional programs & arrange).

Evening, you will be picked up at 06.00 pm for transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort, more popularly known as Lal Quila (which you visited yesterday).

One of the finest examples of the precision, grandeur & finesse of Mughal architecture & now enduring symbol of political authority in India, Lal Quila or the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal, between 1638 & 1648. The red sandstone used in its massive outer wall gave it the name “Lal Quila” or the Red Fort. The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal Emperor & the Capital of the Empire till Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor was deposed by the British in 1857. 

Relive the history as you enjoy the 1 hour + Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of Delhi's Red Fort. Learn how Delhi’s Red Fort became one of its most important landmarks, the mystifying stories, astonishing legends, the tales of rise & fall of Kingdoms, eminent rulers who changed the course of history, narrated through a composition of music & color. It traces the history of the Mughal Empire in India, outlining their glory & the eventful causes for their downfall. Feast your eyes & ears on the magical effects created by the audio-visual show within the sandstone walls of the Fort.

Projectors illuminate different parts of the Fort. The terraces are set up in the garden & the different parts of the Palace are spread out before your eyes. A bit kitschy all the same.

The enchanting fusion of lights & sounds, accompanied with captivating narration takes you through the extraordinary episodes of Delhi.  Let yourself be carried away by the fairy-tale atmosphere of this luminous music show, sublimating the already dreamlike aspect of the place retracing the history of the city. Not only will you see the Fort in a different light (literally), you will also get an idea of the city’s heritage.

The narration begins from the construction of the Red Fort in 1638 & culminates with the attainment of independence in 1947. During the narrative, the different structures are illuminated in different colours of light to depict the portrayal of a certain character of event in history.

Sitting under the open Delhi sky, viewing these century old structures framed by the fast flowing of traffic of modern Delhi on its modern roads in the background & listening to the history of India being story-told by a commanding voice of a famous Bollywood icon in an informative tone is truly an enriching & fulfilling experience.

Scenes & situations from history such as festivals, coronations, intimate personal drama, marriages, wars, important meetings are creatively orally enacted / play-read & are interspersed with great music depicting that era.

After the Show ends, get ready to enjoy authentic Indian delicacies & proceed to the popular Chor Bizarre restaurant, in the vicinity.

Designed to look like a thief's market, this dining room serves dishes from around the country.

"Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience - great decor, distinct ambience enhanced by assorted Hindi, '50's music, wondrous cocktails, superlative food, charming 'Old World' service" - The Economic Times.

Every city in India has its own special 'Chor Bazaar' which translates as 'thief’s market'. All kinds of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This being the inspiration & to celebrate the eclecticism of India in all its exuberant irreverence, the Owners coined the name with a pun on the word bazaar & 'Chor Bizarre' was born.

Having created an atmosphere that provides a unique setting for truly authentic & inspired cuisine, Chor Bizarre has been one of India's most celebrated restaurants since 1990.

Return to the hotel.

Early morning, depart for Jaipur. 

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Enthralling, historical Jaipur is the capital of India’s most flamboyant state of Rajasthan. A romantic realm of resplendent Palaces, mighty Fortresses & regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts.

Rajasthan is literally the Land of the Kings. It is home to the chivalrous Rajputs, & its battle-scarred heritage is ingrained with pride & tradition. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste & fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, most of them realized that to maintain their wealth & authority locally, it was expedient & street-smart to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal Emperors & also the British Raj that followed.

The upper echelons of this medieval society built magnificent Palaces & Forts, big-ticket attractions today. Powerful Forts loom from mountain tops, their battle-scarred ramparts still defying long-dead enemies. Spiked doors that once held war Elephants at bay open onto the twisting approaches to the Palaces within. Austere & practical on the outside gives way to fantasy & opulence once safely inside. Carved marble & stone, fountains & coloured glass decorate the halls of business & rooms of pleasure.

All across, there are numerous forgotten Forts & lovingly restored Palaces, including Jaisalmer's fairy-tale desert outpost, Amber's honey-hued fort-palace & Jodhpur's imposing Mehrangarh to name just a few. Many of which are now sumptuous Hotels & impressive Museums.

The intensity & spectrum of colour in Rajasthan is impossible to ignore. The rainbow of fire-engine red turbans & emerald green & canary yellow saris is simply dazzling. Little wonder so many fashion designers find their inspiration & raw materials in this state.

In addition, stunning handicrafts & fine arts were developed & nurtured through the patronage of the Maharajas. Village life remains steeped in tradition but, just like the rest of India, the pace of change is accelerating. Turbaned men still barter for decorated camels - they just relay the successful deal home via a smartphone.

Easier to catch on a camera are the bright hues of Rajasthan's many festivals: from garishly decorated camels in Pushkar, or painted elephants in Jaipur, to the rainbow explosions of Diwali & Holi, celebrated across the region. The lucky visitor might even see a flash of orange while tiger-spotting in Ranthambhore National Park.

No other region in the country assembles these many paradoxes as does this desert state, by far the most colourful region in India. Rajasthan’s Kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible Forts, magnificent Palaces & waves of sand dunes & serene lakes.

The famous & popular Golden Triangle tourist circuit is a traveller’s survey of Indian icons. The triangle usually kicks off at the daunting mega-metropolis of Delhi, with its majestic Mughal heritage. It then angles to Agra, where the world’s most famous Tomb - the Taj Mahal, defines the city with its exquisite proportions. The triangle is completed at Jaipur - a city with some of the most colourful bazaars in India.

Fortified Opulance | Land of Kings | Celebration of Colour

Known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings, the bustling capital takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one & a quarter', suggesting that the Mughals thought this Emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. The ‘pink’ colour scheme did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honour of a State Visit by Prince Albert.

The city’s colourful, chaotic streets ebb & flow with a heady brew of old & new. Careering buses dodge dawdling camels, leisurely cycle-rickshaws frustrate swarms of motorbikes & everywhere, buzzing auto-rickshaws watch for easy prey. In the midst of this cacophony & mayhem, the splendours of Jaipur’s majestic past are islands of relative calm evoking a different pace & another world. Once you have slept in a Palace, explored a medieval Fort or swayed on a camel, you will want to experience more.

Jaipur, a romantic realm of resplendent Palaces, mighty Fortresses & regal Maharajahs, offers a dazzling immersion into the riches of traditional India. Since its foundation in 1727, royal family & nobles of Jaipur had been patronizing various craftsmen & artisans in Pink City. Many of these traditions continue to this day, making the modern day Jaipur a place to witness India’s rich Art & Craft. Traditional methods are still used to produce valuable & highly prized items.

We have arranged for an Astrologer / Palmist* to be available at the hotel if anyone wants a personal consultation and an insight into the future (subject to size of the Group. You can always try as an “Optional” with a supplement cost)

Evening, meet the Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Amber Fort located high on a hill in the nearby city of Amer for an exciting Son et Lumiere Show.

Settle into your seat at the bottom of the hill & watch as the story of Amber Fort comes to life, blending history, anecdotes, music & light effects. During the 50 minutes show, admire the colourful lights that illuminate the structure & reflect beautifully on Maota Lake, & gain an understanding of Fort’s legendary past, dating back more than 600 years. Learn about the 28 Kings of the Kachwaha Dynasty who ruled a number of Kingdoms in the area & see how they played a part in changing the destiny of medieval India. Through their unique diplomacy of strategic alliances & their valour & strength, the Rulers not only established a long dynasty but, in time, also played a part in changing the destiny of medieval India. Learn about the history of the town of Amer, its traditions & the grand lifestyle of the royal family.

After the show, enjoy a delectable dinner at a popular Restaurant in Jaipur that serves traditional Indian, Chinese & local Rajasthani cuisine.

Return to the hotel.

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for full day sightseeing of the city.

At the city’s heart, the City Palace continues to house the former royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect; and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal gazes on the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort.

Drive to the majestic historic fort-palace - Amber Fort (where you went yesterday) perched on a hillock among the massive Aravalli Hills in the town of Amer, on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Ascent to the Fort will be atop an elephant, as the Royals used to do in the older days. Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.

Set in a picturesque background, the construction of this splendid Fort was started in 1592, by Raja Man Singh I, commander-in-chief of the Mughal army during Akbar's reign & certainly one the greatest General of medieval India. It was completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its foreboding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal & Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

This magnificent Fort is largely made up of a royal Palace, built from pale yellow & pink sandstone & white marble & divided into 4 main sections, each with its own courtyard. Whether you walk or ride an elephant, you will enter Amber Fort through Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), which leads to the Jaleb Chowk (main courtyard), where returning armies would display their war booty to the populace - women could view this area from the veiled windows of the Palace.

From Jaleb Chowk, an imposing stairway leads up to the main palace, but first it’s worth taking the steps just to the right, which lead to the small Siladevi Temple, with its gorgeous silver doors featuring repousse (raised relief) work. Heading back to the main stairway will take you up to the 2^nd courtyard & the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which has a double row of columns, each topped by a capital in the shape of an elephant, and latticed galleries above.

The Maharaja’s apartments are located around the 3^rd courtyard - you enter through the fabulous Ganesh Pol, decorated with beautiful frescoed arches. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is noted for its inlaid panels & multi-mirrored ceiling. Carved marble relief panels around the hall are fascinatingly delicate & quirky, depicting cartoonlike insects & sinuous flowers.

Opposite the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure), with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door & a channel that once carried cooling water right through the room. From here, visitors, you can enjoy fine views from the ramparts over picturesque Maota Lake below.

The Zenana (secluded women’s quarters) surrounds the 4^th courtyard. The rooms were designed so that the Maharaja could embark on his nocturnal visits to his wives’ & concubines’ respective chambers without the others knowing, as the chambers are independent but open onto a common corridor.

The most magnificent sight inside is the Hall of Mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night they needed only a single candle, because the thousands of tiny intricate mirrors would light the entire room.

After spending 2 hours, exploring the Fort, you will drive back to the city & continue the sightseeing.

At the center of its stately street grid stands the opulent, colonnaded City Palace complex from where the Maharaja reigned.

With gardens, courtyards & Museums, part of it is still a royal residence where the current descendent lives with his family in Sawai Jai Singh's 7 storey facade Chandra Mahal ("moon palace"). If you see the royal flag flying, it means the Maharaja is in town.

Conceived & designed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the Palace sprawling over one-seventh of the area in the walled city, is a fine fusion of Rajput, Mughal & European styles although the Palace was designed to Vaastushastra Treatise.

One of the most important architectural landmarks in the city, the Complex features numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive Gateways & Temples. The Palace also houses various structures such as, solid marble Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), Shri Govind Dev Temple & the City Palace Museum which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the Rulers & many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

Some of the famous richly decorated entrances are the 'Udai Pol', 'Jaleb Chowk', 'Tripolia Gate' & 'Virendra Pol' whose walls & gates designed in Mughal style, are adorned with various murals, lattice & mirrors.

After spending 2 hours inside, continue on to Jantar Mantar, the royal astronomical Observatory built in stone by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1716 to measure movement of the stars & planets, time, altitude & other astronomical events. There are plenty of Observatories all over the world, but Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest ever built.

Maharaja Jai Singh II was a great scholar & an avid Astrologer. He studied Philosophy, Astrology, Architecture & Religion in various schools & was also well versed with universal mathematical concepts such as Euclid's Clements, Ptolemy's Syntaxes & the Master works of Aryabhatta.

The Universe & the Cosmos have always been of interest to man & it was this interest that compelled the Maharaja to build 5 different Observatories around North India. Jantar Mantar is the common name given to all 5 magnificent structures built in Jaipur, New Delhi, Ujjian, Varanasi & Mathura, combining religion, science & art.

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the 5 Observatories & houses 14 major geometric devices & instruments that offer precise measurements of Time, the azimuth, tracking the positions of Constellations, observing the orbits around the sun, along with several other astronomical phenomena. It has the world's largest sundial & astrological instruments that have caught the interests of Astronomers, Historians & Architects around the world. Though, it was fully functional for only a very short period.

Drive by arguably Jaipur's most most-distinctive & acclaimed landmark, the tapering Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds" creates a mesmerising image. With its intricate designs, colored latticed windows, chiselled sandstone grill, decorated domes & the science behind it, truly deserves the recognition of being one of the most photographed building in the world.

Constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life & street processions of the city, while remaining in a strict state of purdah (segregation where ladies show their faces only to close family members) staying out of the sight of the commoners. More a symbol of respect & love of the King for his women rather than oppression, this building is an example of how far a man would go to give the women in his life some joy while treading carefully as to not upset the societal norms.

Designed by Lal Chand Ustad, it is the tallest building in the world that has been built without a foundation. It has a curved architecture that is titled at an angle of 87 degrees, balancing it like a pyramid which has helped it stay erect for centuries.

The design showcases an excellent blend of Hindu Rajput architecture with that of the Islamic Mughal architecture. The fluted pillars, floral patterns & domed canopies are an excellent example of the Rajput architecture, where as the arches & stone inlay filigree work are manifestations of the Mughal style.

It is an extraordinary monument built with red & pink sandstones, blending it with the city’s pink obsession. The intricately carved facade with beautiful motifs that also provides an illusion of honeycomb of a beehive, rises to a dizzying 5 storeys, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows & balconies, that makes the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact, it is little more than 1 room thick in most parts. The top offers stunning views over Jantar Mantar & City Palace in one direction and over Sireh Deori Bazaar in the other.

Hawa Mahal doesn’t have a visible door in the front, which leads many to believe that you cannot enter it. Well, actually you can enter it, but from the side. It had a direct path to the City Palace from where the royal ladies would board their Palanquins for the short journey to Hawa Mahal & go up to their respective individual jharokhas. Nobody was supposed to enter it from the front.

All the 5 floors, like all royal monuments, are individually named. The 1^st floor called Sharad Mandir, derived from the Autumn season, was used to host autumn festivities. The floor had a big fountain in the middle of it, which does not run now & instead serves as a resting place for pigeons.

The 2^nd level is called Ratan (means gemstones) Mandir. Stained glass covered door arches & widows gave an enchantingly colourful look to the otherwise plain walls. There is a balcony surrounding the entire floor facing the inside. Basically, the balcony was overlooked the fountain in the courtyard of the 1^st floor.

The 3^rd floor called Vichitra (means weird) Mandir is the place where the King used to come & spend some time alone away from all the commotions of the royal life & also to offer his prayers to Lord Krishna. From this floor onwards, the pathways become narrow & steep, with a combination of steps & ramps, so narrow that claustrophobes should be aware.

The 4^th floor is called Prakash (means light) Mandir, probably acknowledging that fact that you have successfully endured the dark narrow pathways to reach the Palace of Light. The final floor, called Hawa Mandir, guarantees the best view & is most windy, obviously.

Last stop will be the famous Nawab Saheb ki Haveli located next door to Hawa Mahal. Across the road from Jantar Mantar, the Haveli draws crowds of tourists for a panoramic view of Jaipur from the rooftop of the building at a height of 50 meters.

This ostentatious Mansion, with its marvelous interiors showcasing the opulence of the Rajput era, until recently belonged to Triloki Das Khandelwal, who died recently.

The Haveli was initially designed & built in 1772 by the royal architect, Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya who was in fact, the architect of Jaipur city, during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh. Once the construction was over, the Maharaja installed Architect himself in the Mansion to enable him to oversee the construction of the city.

The Mansion was to remain in the family so long as there were heirs to run it. After 4 generations, the Haveli went into the possession of the royalty again. After a period when the Mansion was not much in the limelight, Maharaja Ram Singh housed his Prime Minister, Nawab Faiz Ali Khan in the Haveli & it came to be known as Nawab Sahib ki Haveli. It was inherited by his son, Fayyaiz Ali Khan who became the next Nawab & subsequently by his son & grandson who faced difficult times & sold parts of the Haveli, a major chunk being acquired by Khandelwal.

Khandelwal had the foresight to ingeniously put up 2 mirrors at the extremities of the Mansion, which can be turned by 90 degrees, giving a complete view of the vistas of the city. One can see almost all the Forts as well as all the archeological monuments from the top.

The beautiful Haveli is a major attraction not only to get an insight on how the Rajput royalty lived but also to take breathtaking pictures of the Pink City from the roof top.

End the Tour with a brief visit to Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli & the local Bazaar.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Evening, we have another exciting experience planned for you.  

Around 5.30 pm, meet the Journeys Rep who will accompany you on a walk down to the famous movie theatre Raj Mandir, to enjoy a ‘Hindi’ Bollywood Movie (collective / majority Group decision & you don’t have to sit for the entire 3 hour movie). 

Come back to the hotel.

Overnight.  B  

Morning, depart for Pushkar, enroute, stopping at the Elephant Village.

For 100s of years the Elephants have been beaten, poked & prodded and made to walk very long distances with too much weight on their backs. However, tourists love Elephants & using them for transportation or simply just tourist rides is a long-standing tradition that will not be likely to die out very soon.

Rajasthan government has implemented a new Elephant Village where the Elephants could live a better life in houses attached to those of the Mahouts so they would be treated more humanely. It is true that while the Mahouts care for the Elephants because they are their livelihood, they still use very sharp bull hooks, which they press into their very sensitive skin by their ears to inflict pain to make them do what they ask.

However, visiting this exciting, innovative, working Elephant village in Jaipur dedicated to Elephant conservation, is a fantastic way for you to get hands on experience & make a real difference to the lives of our Elephants. You are guided through an unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures & learn about their basic habits of food, life & traditional decoration.

Enjoy the interaction with the biggest but a gentle animal. You are able to touch, feed, paint, wash, cook & get to know these animals. By learning to take care of them, you will have a chance to create your own bond with them. Their individuality will teach you about how important it is to contribute to their survival. Learn more about the Elephants’ ancestry within the culture of Rajasthan.

Everything begins with introduction!  At the very instant you meet an Elephant you have to let him / her catch your smell, that is how they get to know you. After that you need to comfort the pachyderm by stroking on the trunk & talking at the same time.

Their day begins with a shower by their respective Rider [Mahout]. Later they are taken to dive in the nearby Lake where you can also take dip with them & wash them with you own hands under the expert guidance of the Mahouts. Painting them can be one the most intriguing part of your visit. Water colors are used as they are easy to wash away & are also safe for the elephant skin.

After spending a couple of hours there, drive on to Pushkar.

Check-in on arrival at the Tented Camp.

Rest of the day at leisure to relax and for independent activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

The town of Pushkar has grown up around a holy lake, said to be formed of the petals of a lotus dropped by Lord Brahma. The lake is surrounded by more than 500 whitewashed Temples, the main one of which is one of the few in India dedicated to Brahma, on 52 ghats. To those outside India, Pushkar is most famous for its colourful annual Camel Fair that takes place for a week before the major religious festival in October or November (the anniversary of the lotus-dropping, depending on the moon-cycle). Pushkar Fair is one of India's largest Camel, Horse & Cattle Fairs.

The Fair has also become a significant tourist attraction for domestic & international travellers, given the cooler season, the abundance of colourful cultural themes. A huge Carnival is held, with an array of Musicians, Magicians, Dancers, Acrobats, Snake Charmers, Puppet Show, Cattle Show & carousel rides to entertain the crowd. Lot of interactive events & competitions take place all day long.  Including dances, tug of war between women teams as well as men teams, the "matka phod", "longest moustache" competition, "bridal competition", camel races & others.

Apart from the trading of livestock, it is an important pilgrimage season for Hindus to the Pushkar Lake. A sacred place, Pilgrims come to this Festival to bathe in the holy waters of the lake & be absolved of their sins. Amidst chanting of Vedic mantras people bath in the Lake. 2 days around the full moon are considered to be the most auspicious time of the year for bathing in the lake. Those who bathe on the day of the full moon are said to receive special blessings.

Bhajans (devotional hymns) & religious ceremonies take place at the temples. The most important Temple, which is the center of celebrations, is dedicated to Lord Brahma (the creator) & the religious part of the festival is held in honor of him.

The atmosphere throughout this period is an extraordinary melee of colour, noise & activity: from the trading of innumerable livestock including camels, events in a central arena, fun fair, hundreds of stalls sell bright clothes, textiles, camel bells & street food. Trading of cattle, camel races & dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles & halters make the fair colourful. Necklaces of glass beads from Naguar, pottery, printed textiles from Jodhpur & Ajmer are all on sale here. Farmers, cattle traders & breeders buy & sell their animals, leather whips, saddles etc. There are facilities for camel rides also.

The village folk visit the fair dressed in all their finery. Tall Men in bright coloured turbans, with their weather beaten & tanned faces supporting large well-kept moustaches, ears pierced with gold & silver rings & tops, women wearing colourful Gagra - Cholis & bright coloured Odhnis on their heads. Ears, necks, arms & d feet laden with chunky silver & gold jewellery

Rural families shop at the handicraft stalls full of bracelets, clothes, textiles & fabrics. A camel race starts off the festival, with music, songs & exhibitions to follow

Full day at leisure to enjoy the vibrant activities at the Fair, on your own (the Tour-guide will be available to guide you all the time).

During Pushkar Mela, as the Pushkar fair is called by locals, Pushkar is transformed from a quiet little town into a sea of humanity and beast, bustling with activity & a riot of colour, sights & smells very distinct to India - a great opportunity to witness an old traditional-style Indian festival.

Understand how a town with 6000 people can accommodate 400,000 guests including Pilgrims & Sadhus who come to cleanse away their sins in the holy lake, every day during this festival of Rajasthan & be a part of the second largest religious gathering of India, after the Kumbh Mela.

The original intention behind the Pushkar Camel Fair was to attract local camel & cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival.

An astonishing 30,000 + camels converge on the tiny desert town for the annual Camel Fair. The sand dunes appear infested with camels as far as the eyes can see - a fascinating & peculiar sight. The camels are dressed up, paraded, shaved, entered into beauty contests, raced, made to dance & traded. The trading which involves a great deal of bargaining between the cattle traders & the buyers add to the spirit of the fair.

The Fair has now also become a major tourist attraction, with the camel trading part being surpassed by a formal program of activities arranged by Rajasthan Tourism. So many interesting events are held during this fair.

The camel, horse & donkey races are definitely a highlight, although the comical beauty contests featuring elaborately adorned & shaved camels are also amusing. There is temple dancing, folk & fusion music concerts, spiritual & heritage walks and arts & crafts bazaar as well.

The variety of folk dances, dramas & songs lend colour & melody to the atmosphere that is already charged with excitement of the camel races & the cattle fair. The sweeping expanse of the desert becomes dotted with thousands of camels, stalls & camping families. And, of course, the fair would be incomplete without a mustache competition!

These contests & competitions are organised In the vast, specially-built amphitheatre on the outskirts of the town. A festive, carnival atmosphere prevails in Pushkar during the Fair's 2 week duration. Giant ferries wheels & open air theatres offer amusement, while food stalls do a brisk trade, as do the shops that sell a fascinating variety of goods.

The photo opportunity provided at the Pushkar fair is tremendous and indeed the Pushkar fair can be any photographers’ delight, with the gaily decorated animals being pampered by their owners.

Enjoy the colorful streets & the buoyant markets of Pushkar showcasing colorful traditional dresses, turbans & turban makers, variety of perfumes & craftsmen.

In the evening, people huddle round campfires listening to Rajasthani folk ballads. The fair reaches a crescendo on the night of the full moon (Kartik Purnima), when pilgrims take a dip in the holy lake. At dusk, during the beautiful Deepdaan ceremony, hundreds of clay lamps on leaf boats are lit & set afloat on the sacred Pushkar lake.

Visit the famous Brahma Temple with a blend of Rajput & Tamil architecture, a blend of North & South. There, observe the importance of the fire ritual – Havan.

You can walk back to your private Tents at the Camp whenever you want.

Early morning, accompanied by The Journeys Rep, walk to the Lake to see the Pilgrims taking a holy dip, supposedly to cleanse their sins & wipe the slate clean.

Come back to the Camp & after breakfast, depart for Jodhpur.

Check-in on arrival.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

The 2^nd largest city of Rajasthan, imperial Jodhpur is located at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs after whom the city was rechristened from Mewar to Jodhpur.

The city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the sandy desert & represents the rich royal traditions & culture and was once a major trade center on the Silk Route.

Encompassed by an imposing 16^th century 10 km long high wall - with 8 magnificent Gates & innumerable Bastions, it is known for its Forts, Palaces & Temples displaying a glorious history and architectural brilliance. 

The Blue City really is blue! The buildings are dipped in blue hues, making it seem to reflect the endless sky & giving Jodhpur a kind of uniformity. The blue color marked the residential spaces of the Brahmins, who used to paint their houses blue to deter insects & keep the dwellings cool during the summer. Later, the ‘blue’ colour was allowed to be used by non-Brahmins too, almost all the whitewashed houses based around the Fort. Hence, the nick name. The city is also denoted as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year.

Inside is a tangle of winding, glittering, medieval streets, which never seem to lead where you expect them to, scented by incense, roses & sewers, with shops & bazaars selling everything from trumpets & temple decorations to snuff & saris.

The majestic 15^th century Mehrangarh Fort, a magnificent spectacle & an architectural masterpiece, towers over the city, watching over a maze of rooftops from its perch on a rocky mountaintop. Along its base, the Old City is a jumble of Brahmin-blue cubes, stretching out to the long city wall. Bathed in yellow light at night, this imposing stronghold has the reputation of being the best maintained Fort in the entire state & the Palace complex, with its network of courtyards, is well worth exploring. The Fort is now a Museum, displaying Weapons, Paintings & elaborate royal Palanquins (sedan chairs).

Sprawled in the shadow of the mountaintop Fort, the Blue City also boasts the Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble Crematorium constructed for the Maharajahs in the 19^th century.

Modern Jodhpur stretches well beyond the city walls, but it is the immediacy & buzz of the old City & the larger-than-life Fort that capture travelers’ imaginations. A broad, open street connects the modern part with the bustling heart of the old city. This crowded zone is also Jodhpur’s main tourist area.

A hubbub of bustling bazaars is tucked beneath the landmark Clock Tower in the Sardar Market. Spreading out from the Clock Tower is a buzzing tangle of ancient alleys where traders barter for traditional handicrafts, from the baggy trousers named after the city to embroidered shoes, tie-dyed textiles & lacquerware. Puppet makers & traditional spice markets jostle for space with the excellent antique reproductions for which the city is famous. Areas of the old city further west, such as Navchokiya, are just as atmospheric, with far less bustling.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, the residence of the current ‘royals’ has been turned into a ‘luxury’ hotel. With its ornate, art deco design, it offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the royals. Hotel guests have the possibility of an enticing glimpse or even an interaction with the Maharaja, who can be found strolling around when he is town.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08:00 am & proceed for a half day 4 hour tour of the city.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is considered as one of the most formidable & magnificent Forts of Rajasthan & holds the pride of place in Jodhpur because of its splendid architecture & the diverse history associated with it.

The majestic Fort commemorates the victorious battles of Jodhpur over other Empires & states, especially Bikaner & Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh, & some additions like the Fatehpol, were made by successive rulers.

Rising perpendicular & impregnable from a 150 metre high rocky hill above Jodhpur’s skyline, it can be, traversed by driving on a 5 km long winding road & crossing 7 mighty Gates enroute, built by different rulers in honour of victories over various armies.  The battlements are 6 metre to 36 metre high & as the building materials were chiselled from the rock on which the Fort stands, the structure merges with its base.    

The 16^th century Dodh Kangra Pol was an entry Gate before Jai Pol was built & still bears the scars of 1808 cannonball hits, from one of the wars. Through here, the main route heads up to the left through the 16^th century Imritia Pol & then Loha Pol, the Fort’s original entrance, with iron spikes to deter enemy elephants.

Just inside the Gate are 2 sets of small hand prints, the Sati (ritual suicide of a widow on husband’s funeral pyre) marks of the royal widows - the last to commit Sati were Maharaja Man Singh’s widows in 1843.

Still managed by the royal family, Mehrangarh is packed with history & legend. The main entrance is at the northeast Gate, Jai Pol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1808 following his defeat of invading forces from Jaipur. 

The main attractions inside are its lavish Palaces, huge Courtyards, Galleries & Temples. Especially notable are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umed Vilas, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Dude, Takht Vilas, Jhanki Mahal. There are also 2 Temples located inside the Fort - Chamundi Devi Mandir & Nagnechiaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Durga & the Kuldevi respectively.

Walking past Loha Pol & Suraj Pol, step inside the Museum displaying rich artifacts of the royal era including exquisite silver work, a rich collection of royal Palanquins (sedan chairs), elephant Howdahs, Musical Instruments, royal Cradles, Costumes, Weapons, elaborate Furniture, Paintings.   

Once you have visited the Museum, continue on from here to the panoramic ramparts, which are lined with impressive antique Artillery. The ramparts were fenced off in 2016 after a fatal selfie accident - hopefully a temporary measure, as the views are spectacular.

Also worth exploring is the right turn from Jai Pol, where a path winds down to the Chokelao Bagh, a restored & gorgeously planted 18^th century Rajput Garden.

Next stop will be at Cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Thada which was built in 1899 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is decorated with latticework on translucent sheets of marble & carved wooden doors. There are 3 other Cenotaphs & a royal Crematorium situated within the marble edifice. From the Fort, you will get a marvelous view of the marble structure &its lush gardens. You will also find some age-old portraits of the Rathore kings displayed here.

After spending time at the Fort & Cenotaphs, proceed to Old Town.

Walk through the market getting a feel of the town & also pass by the famous Clock Tower - a creation in white marble & the timely treasure of Jodhpur. It was built by Shri Sardar Singh Ji, after whom the nearby market is named. The vibrant Sardar Bazaar has narrow pathways aligned with small shops selling everything from vegetables to handicrafts.

Return to the hotel & freshen up for the next adventure.

No trip in Rajasthan is completed without a visit to the Bishnoi (an ancient indigenous tribal clan from Rajasthan) villages.

Shortly after, hop onto an open Jeep & drive through the desert surrounding Jodhpur, for an especially interesting Village Safari that accords you an opportunity for an intimate glimpse of the rich cultural life of the Bishnois.

Driving through the dirt tracks passing rural ponds along rugged terrain with a few welcome patches of green, you pass by or stop at several Bishnoi communities.

The Bishnois are the most practical, simple, nature loving & eco-friendly sect of Hindu religion. They believe in living with peace, love & harmony not only with human beings but also with nature, wild animals & trees. Staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, especially the sanctity of plant & animal life, they even pray to the green trees & animals that inhabit their land. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they worship Lord Vishnu & are vegetarians. They are also praised for their block-printing (colour printing on textiles) & known as fantastic Shepherds & Cultivators.

Bishnoi villages small. In fact, they live in dhannis (small hamlets) populated with circular thatch roofed huts. They are noted for their cleanliness, despite floors plastered with mud & in special sections of the houses, cow dung to protect the grains stored there against vermin.

First stop will be at their sacred site of Khejarli Massacre (where 363 Bishnoi people sacrificed to protect the trees), a place every Bishnoi identifies with.

Drive on to Gudha village where you can easily spot Antelopes, Black Bucks, Blue Bulls, Chinkara, Dumessille Crane, Desert Foxes, Gazelle, Hares, Migratory Birds, Partridges, Peacocks.  Rabbits & many other species of birds freely move & graze, in their natural habitats. Also see & interact with the Craftsmen at work, Potters & Weavers. 

Visit Shepherds Village where you can meet the families of Shepherds & discover their traditional life styles & affinity to working with animals like cattle & camel etc. See the UNICEF sponsored Health Centre. A perfect Indian village for photographing the rural life.

Stop at Salawas (Weavers Village) where fantasy & reality join forces to keep alive one of its most famous traditions. The Durry (rugs), whether weaved out of cotton or wool, spreads colourful tradition & heritage. Visitors observe the primitive form of weaving & see how these rugs are manufactured.

Visit Singhasni (Potter's Village) famous for its traditional Pottery. You can see the village Craftsmen creating amazing shapes out of mere lump of clay & learn about the entire process of preparing authentic decorative pieces, pots, pans, statues. The Potters houses display walls of pots stacked high.

Visitors can also participate & learn how to how to spin the wheel & form the designs in clay & set the pots out to dry in fire pits. The drying soot blackened pots resemble piles of cannonballs giving the entire village a battlefield view.

The 3 hour Safari concludes & you drive back to the hotel.

Relax & freshen up as the day is not over yet.

Jodhpur is famous for its wide variety of relishing food items that mark the authentic taste of the local cuisine that is sure to blow your mind with amazing taste.

In time, accompanied by the Journeys Rep, proceed to a typical ‘Indian’ home where you will also enjoy impromptu epicurean crash course supervised by the lady of the house, followed by a sumptuous & authentic Rajasthani meal amidst the ambience. It is a great opportunity to learn about daily life in the city.

After a warm welcome at the Home, enjoy a refreshing Masala Chai (herbal Tea) as you spend some time getting acquainted with your Hosts before commencing the Cooking Class.

A unique opportunity to visit the home of a local & explore traditional culture & cuisine, you will learn to cook 8 to 10 traditional Rajasthani family recipe dishes with a talented Chef in a clean well equipped traditional kitchen during a 3 hour Workshop, while you interact with the family. Under the guidance of the wonderful Chef, you will prepare the food with fresh ingredients & spices of the highest quality & then sit down afterward to savor your efforts & experience the flavour of Rajasthan.

The Host’s interest in cooking began as a child when she used to visit her grandparents’ home during school vacations, spending hours in the kitchen, watching the Khansama (family cook) rustle up various traditional Rajasthani dishes. Today, she can cook traditional Rajasthani dishes as well as Chinese & continental food & is keen to share this passion with travelers visiting her home & wants to give them a taste of true Indian hospitality!

The Host acts as a Translator while her Cook teaches you how to prepare dishes such as Ker Sangri (a traditional Rajasthani dish made with dried ker berry & sangri beans), Dal (lentils), steamed Rice or Chapati or Gluten free Millet Roti  (flatbread), Gatte Ki Sabji (gram flour dumplings in a yogurt gravy), Yogurt Kari, Aloo Gobi Sabji, Tadka Dal.

Sit down at the dining table to enjoy the labour of love & grade your efforts. End the meal with a sweet Indian dessert such as Laapsi (made from nuts, wheat, ghee) or Butter Churma (desert).

While this is not a cooking class conducted by professionals, you will find yourself learning a lot about Rajasthani cuisine because of the interactive & friendly nature of the session. The Host teaches you the tricks to use unfamiliar spices & ingredients to prepare delicious regional recipes.

If you do not wish to participate in the cooking & prefer to only watch & photograph (or just talk & eat!), that is fine as well. If there is something specific that you would like to learn, please let us know in advance & we will check whether it is feasible.

After the meal, you will be driven back to your hotel.

At dawn, depart for Udaipur.

Enroute, stop at the unique Bullet Baba Temple & in Ranakpur & Kumbhalgarh.

The beautiful state “Rajasthan” is perfect & really the land of miracles. Right here, every single place can put up a surprise. Have you ever imagined a Royal Enfield Bullet Motorcycle being worshipped? A village near Jodhpur, do just that, worshipping the motorbike & its dead owner, the way devotees worship their gods.

It’s a story of person Om Singh Rathore, now known as Bullet Baba who lived in Chottila village. Residents here have built a small Shrine for the motorbike & its dead owner. The Shrine has a Royal Enfield 350cc Bullet enclosed in a glass box with his photo.

On 2^nd Dec, 1988, Om was travelling from the town when he lost control of his motorcycle & struck a tree. He was killed instantly, his motorcycle falling into a nearby ditch. The morning after the accident, local police took the motorcycle to a nearby police station. The next day it was reported to have disappeared from the station & was found back at the site of the accident.  Police, once again, took the motorcycle, this time emptying its fuel tank & putting it under lock & chain to prevent its removal. Despite their efforts, the next morning it again mysteriously disappeared & was found at the accident site. Legend states that the motorcycle kept returning to the same ditch. It thwarted every attempt by police to keep it at the local police station; the motorcycle was always returned to the same spot before dawn.

This came to be seen as a miracle by local population, and they began to worship the “Bike.” News of the miracle motorcycle spread to nearby villages, and the site gradually evolved into a Shrine known as Bullet Baba’s Temple. Every day 100s of nearby villagers & travellers stop to pray to the bike & its late owner for a safe journey & it is believed that Om Banna’s spirit helps distressed travellers.  Those who pass by stop to bow their heads & leave offerings of bangles, scarves & rope in honour of the helpful spirit, and some drivers also offer small bottles of alcohol at the site. It is said that a person who does not stop to pray at the shrine is in for a dangerous journey. Local people sing folk songs in the name of Om Bana. Devotees also apply the 'tilak' mark & tie a red thread on the motorbike. Many shops offering incense sticks, flowers, coconut & red thread meant for offering prayers have sprung up near the Shrine.  The Temple even has its own priest who has been in-charge of the upkeep of the shrine for 2 decades.

After the brief stop at this unique Temple, continue on to Ranakpur famous as a Jain pilgrimage centre. 

Built in the 15^th century, Ranakpur Temples took approximately 65 years to complete. The largest & most important temples of the Jain cult are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate & superb architectural style in exquisite white marble. This Temple is wholly constructed in light coloured marble & comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet & there are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the Temple.  It has 24 pillared halls with 80 domes that are supported by 400 columns. The upper & lower parts of the domes are linked by brackets that have deities' sculptures. Above all, you would be amazed to see at a height of 45 feet engraved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures. Each column is intricately carved and it is surprising to know that no two columns have a similar design. Another stunning fact about these columns is that they change their colour from golden to pale blue after every hour during the day.

Drive on to Kumbhalgarh.

Kumbhalgarh is quite a unique & an interesting destination, which attracts people from across the globe for its massive citadel built 1443 A.D. & the Wildlife Sanctuary nearby. Kumbhalgarh Fort is the 2^nd most important Fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh and was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15^th century. This unconquerable Fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Encircled by 13 elevated mountain peaks, the Fort was constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The fortifications of the Fort extend to the length of 36 km & this fact has made this Fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the 2^nd longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples, gardens making it more magnificent.

The Fort is also known for its famous Palace that resides on the top of structure. This beautiful Palace is known as 'Badal Mahal' or the Palace of Cloud. It is also accredited to be the birth place of great warrior Maharana Pratap. This Palace has beautiful rooms with lovely colour combination of green, turquoise & white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colours of the Fort. This place gives the appearance of wandering in the world of clouds. Cloud Palace also offers a fantastic panoramic vista of the down town. 

After spending an hour or 2, continue on for Udaipur.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in at the Hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

The royal state of Rajasthan encapsulates Indian culture & heritage within its periphery. One cannot get a glimpse of true India without visiting the state and the cities of Rajasthan. A similar grandeur is represented by Udaipur, one of the main cities of Rajasthan which is known for its Lakes & Palaces that reverberate its eminent historical glory.

Udaipur was an important capital for the Mewar rulers. When Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Chittorgarh, Maharaja Udai Singh II fled to Udaipur to form his new capital in 1568 AD. It is believed that the place was discovered by him many years before the conquest of Chittorgarh. Legend has it that once the king came for hunting in the forests surrounding the Pichola Lake when a sage suggested him to build his new capital at the same site to build his fortune. It was well protected by Aravallis & forest cover, so the Maharaja agreed & built a Shrine at the spot called Dhuni Mata, to mark the area where he later built his Palace.

The romantic city still manages to capture the 'old world charm' famous for its Lakes & Palaces which in centuries past served as the homes of royalty.  The elevated hills & the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the city. But the city has many more attractions. Lake Palace of Udaipur has been accredited for being one of the most romantic places all across the globe. The massive Forts of Udaipur, grab the interest of people with their sheer structure & architecture. The beautiful temples create a sense of aestheticism with their spiritual ecstasy. The city also boasts of various Museums, Palaces, Gardens, monuments & colorful festivals and is famous as a centre of art & crafts, especially for the miniature paintings & puppetry. It was a backdrop for numerous movies including the James Bond flick "Octopussy". Udaipur is referred to as the "Venice of the East". The main attraction is the beautiful Lake Palace which seems to be an artist's dream. Lakes such as Udai Sagar, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar & Pichola add to the scenic attraction of the place making it seems like a beautiful painting amidst the Aravallis. 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & embark on a ‘heritage’ walking sightseeing tour,

Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari - this ornamental garden is situated beside the Fateh Sagar Lake, in the north of the city. It is well laid out with fountains, a beautiful lotus pool & large marble Elephants. It was built by Sangram Singh II in 1710, as a leisure retreat for the maids of the Palaces.

Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Rajasthan, built by Maharaja Jagat Singh in 1651, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main attraction of this Indo-Aryan Temple is its stone idol of Lord Jagannath and a brass image of Garuda. The temple is ornamented with spires, mandaps, porches & sculptures and is approachable by a broad flight of steps.

City Palace complex located in the middle of Lake Pichola is the largest one in Rajasthan. The towering edifice showcases a brilliant piece of architectural design and location which leaves visitors awestruck. Though its construction was commenced by Maharaja Udai Singh II, each successive ruler added a unique mark to enhance its elegance, maintaining the structure's integrity. The Palace is gifted with terraces, cupolas, balconies & a splendid view of the lake.

Return to the hotel for a brief relaxation / respite.

You are now ready for the next adventure. A visit to Udaipur is incomplete without a Boat cruise in Lake Pichola where solar-powered boats were introduced as an eco-tourism initiative.

Proceed to the Pier to board one of the Boats for a relaxing ride.

The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake & the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. Beginning with the monumental lakeside façade of the City Palace, the boat moves through the picturesque ghats with their distinctive steps, still used by the locals. The lake-side is lined with the Havelis of the nobles, most prominent being the Bagore ki Haveli. The Gangaur Ghat with the triple-arched Tripolia stands as a magnificent piece of architecture at the end of Bagore ki Haveli.

The most resplendent sights on the boat ride are the island Palaces. The 17^th century Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the oldest & most grandiose palaces that is legendary as a place of refuge to Prince Khurram (later known as Emperor Shahjahan - the creator of Taj Mahal). The other island palace of Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel is an 18^th century creation of Rana Jagat Singh II.

Beyond the lakeside history and the beautiful island palaces, the boat ride provides a fantastic view of the distant monsoon palace perched on the hills. Sajjangarh was the palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the late 19^th century to enjoy the beautiful monsoon season of the lake city of Udaipur.

Disembark & explore the back alleys before heading to Bagore - ki - Haveli for the famous Dharohar Dance Performance.

Bagore - ki - Haveli, built in the 18^th century by Amir Chand Badwa, the then Prime Minister of Mewar, is located in the old part of the town on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The Haveli had been restored in order to house a Museum with artifacts collected over the years & it is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture & life style of the royal family.

There are 138 rooms with displays of costumes & modern art, as well as numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards & terraces. The interiors of the Haveli are embellished with intricate & fine mirror work. While strolling in the Haveli, you can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms & recreation rooms. The Chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style & there are glorious coloured-glass windows in some of the rooms as well as 2 Peacocks made with coloured glass mosaics that display the superb skills of the finest craftsmanship. Unique symbols of the Rajput clan, such as jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels & other artefacts are also on display.

The Haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights & illuminations as it stages an enjoyable performance of traditional Rajasthani dance & music on one of the Terraces, called the Neem Chowk where the balconies are lit up in different colours to give a sense of the colourful evening that has been beautifully planned with ‘gaddas’ seating placed around the 3 sides of the terrace to allow a perfect view of the dances.

The 1 hour show on a pleasant November evening under a star-lit sky commences with a brief and informative introduction, followed by the beating of a drum, blowing of a conch shell and a welcome song.

After the Performance, proceed to a famous restaurant for Dinner.

Come back to the hotel.

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & walk through the back alleys while heading to see the royal Vintage & Classic Car Collection - a landmark in Udaipur, ever since it was inaugurated in February 2000.

The grand limousines & cars showcased in the Collection belong to the House of Mewar & are still in perfect running condition. Visitors are privy to the display of the magnificent Rolls-Royce, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, 1936 Vauxhall & 1937 Opel models. The Collection has been curated for the benefit of vintage car-lovers from India & abroad and it is probably the only collection of its kind in India about which the global & Indian press has narrated innumerable stories & anecdotes about the Maharanas of Mewar & their preferred customised Rolls-Royce or Mercedes.

The Collection is housed in the original Palace Garage, a glorious setting for such a unique & remarkable collection of golden oldies. The semi-circular garage with its forecourt is housed within a greater courtyard, creating a pleasant hideaway from the bustle of the streets. One of the original Burmah Shell Petrol Pumps is not only still standing, but also in a usable condition. The garage itself was built at a time when the only cars in town belonged to the Royal Family & the present-day surroundings make this garage as wonderfully stylish as it must always have been.

After spending an hour there, visit one of the Miniature Painting Schools Udaipur is famous for.

Rajput painting, also known as Rajasthani Painting, is a style of Indian painting, evolved & flourished in the royal courts of Rajputana. Each Rajput Kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana & Mahabharata, Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes & humans. Miniatures in manuscripts or single sheets to be kept in albums were the preferred medium of Rajput painting, but many paintings were done on the walls of Palaces, inner chambers of the Forts, Havelis, particularly, the Havelis of Shekhawati, the Forts & Palaces built by Shekhawat Rajputs. The colours were extracted from certain minerals, plant sources, conch shells & were even derived by processing precious stones. Gold & silver were used. The preparation of desired colours was a lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks. Brushes used were very fine.

Return to the hotel to Check-out & depart for Kota, enroute stopping at Chittorgarh village.

Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance & spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism & sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan.

Tour the majestic Chittorgarh Fort.

The massive Fort regarded as one of the most outstanding forts of the country & is indeed the "Pride of Rajasthan State". The formidable Fort is perched atop a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres & is a standing sentinel to the courage & valour of Chittorgarh. It is believed that the Fort was built by the Mauryans in 7^th century & further structures were added by successive Mewar rulers. The 1 mile long serpentine road to the Fort is quite steep & exhaustive & it is approached through 7 huge gateways or ´pols´, which are guarded by watch towers & massive iron spiked doors. The Fort had 84 water bodies, out of which only about 22 exist today. These includeTalabs (ponds), Kunds (wells), & Baories (step wells). All the Talabs have a natural catchment. The average reservoir depth is about 2 metres. Taken together, this means these reservoirs could store about 4 billion litres of water. Enough water would be stored to last the next 12 months. Even after water loss due to seepage & evaporation & other causes, an army of 50,000 could live in the Fort for 4 years without fear of thirst.

Continue on your drive to Kota.

Check-in on arrival by late afternoon.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

The Kingdom of Kota had a turbulent past, raided by various Mughal rulers, Maharajas of Jaipur & Mewar, their own cousins in Bundi & even the Maratha warlords. It is the only city in Rajasthan with a permanent river called Chambal. It has an Atomic Power Station & one of Asia's largest Fertiliser & Chemical plant. Stop to shop for famous Deoria Saris in the streets of Rampura Bazaar & Bhairoo Gali. The nearby village of weavers, Khaitoon, is the famous place to see these saris stretched out on the looms & buy at very reasonable prices.

Early morning, depart for Sawai Madhopur, enroute stopping at Bundi.

In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes & it is named after a Meena Chieftain Bunda. Famous visitors to Bundi include Rudyard Kipling (writer of The Jungle Book), Rabindra Nath Tagore, Virginia Fass, & film maker Satyajit Ray.

It is of particular architectural note for its ornate Forts, Palaces & step well reservoirs known as Baoris as well as the miniature paintings from the "Bundi School". Some of the places worth visiting are Taragarh Fort, Bundi Palace, Nawal Sagar & Nagar Sagar twin step wells.

Continue on to Sawai Madhopur, the gate-way for Ranthambore National Park.

On arrival by early afternoon, Check-in at the Lodge, located near the Park.

Balance of the day is at leisure

Ranthambhore National Park & Tiger Reserve which is located at the junction of the Aravali & the Vindhyas and is a unique juxtaposition of natural & historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast & denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 km from Sawai Madhopur.

A 1000 year old Ranthambhore Fort of great historical importance, located atop a high hill, with its Cenotaphs, Tombs, Steppe Well, summer Palace etc, have all merged harmoniously into the sprawling forest. Three big lakes - Padam Talav, Malik Talav & Raj bag- are alike turquoises studded in the vast tract.

This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country’s best for observing & photographing the activities of the Tiger. The Park, covering an area of 392 sq.km is home to more than 300 species of Birds. The tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments & costumes.

Early morning before dawn, proceed for Game viewing accompanied by a Ranger.

The main attractions of Ranthambore National Park are its tiger & bird population. The main faunas of Ranthambore are Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufous tailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Common Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Five striped Palm Squirrels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbilles, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose. Various species of reptiles are also found in this park.

Return to the Lodge in time for Breakfast.

Shortly thereafter, you will drive to Ranthambore School of Arts which aims to promote conservation through art, and sells signature photo-realistic wildlife watercolours and prints with 20% of the proceeds going towards conservation.

The School recruits students from the surrounding villages & towns and their aim is to keep the beautiful image of the Tiger in the minds of everyone. This they feel in turn would create a positive feeling in people who otherwise indifferent, or negative, regarding the importance of the Tiger's survival. The School also goes into villages and gives demonstrations & talks and as per officials, the most  encouraging factor is the response from young children who then obviously go back & influence the minds of those in their respective homes. They are also the future Conservationists in the making.

The paintings the students & teachers of the School create are marvels definitely worth seeing, if not buying. There are paintings in various sizes & fitting most budgets and the price range could vary from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 75,000/- for a large masterpiece. They may be a little more expensive than the other private shops around also selling paintings, but it's a lot more comforting to know you have not JUST bought a beautiful piece of art but you would have also helped in the efforts of saving the subjects of these paintings and not simply warmed the pockets of a commercially minded shopkeeper. Some of the larger masterpieces are expensive but worth every penny.

The School has been invited to hold exhibitions all over the world and their contribution towards conservation has been recognised by NGOs and animal protection societies of Ranthambore & the country.

Also visit Jhoomar Baori - a hunting lodge of Jaipur’s erstwhile ruler Sawai Madho Singh & Jogi Mahal - an erstwhile forest guest house of the royalty renowned for serene views of Padam Talab.

Return to the lodge for Lunch.

Later, avail the opportunity to plant a Tree in the Park & your name will be listed in the Visitor’s Register.

Evening at dusk, depart for another round of Game viewing in Bakula - one of the thickly forested regions that has various pools & water holes as well. Due to the forest cover & easily available water, abundance of wildlife is easily found here. Visitors can easily see tigresses with their young cubs near the water holes.

Come back to the hotel & after freshening up, enjoy an interesting Presentation on Tigers, by a local Naturalist.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax.

Early morning, you will be transferred to the Sawai Madhopur Railway Station to board the train for Bharatpur.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep & transferred to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

One of the finest Bird Parks in the world, it is a Reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the Park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area. While many of India's Parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India, Keoladeo, popularly known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a Maharaja.

Nesting indigenous water - birds as well as migratory water birds & waterside birds, this Sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai & Boar. The major attractions in the Park are the numerous migratory birds, which come from as far away as Siberia & Central Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur Sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks & Pipits, etc.

Enjoy Lunch at the Laxmi Vilas Palace, before starting on your drive to Agra.

Check-in on arrival & relax for a short while.

There are very few cities in the world that can match the history & heritage of Agra. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains. The architectural splendour of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years. In the mid 16^th century & earlier 17^th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity & it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built.

The earliest citation for Agra comes from the mythological era, where the epic Mahabharata refer Agra as ‘Agravana’ meaning paradise in Sanskrit or ‘border of the forest’. ‘Ptolemy’, the famous 2^nd century A.D. Geographer, was the first person who referred to Agra with its modern name. Right from the epic Mahabharata to the Mughal Dynasty, Agra has been monumental & has played a significant role in shaping India’s history.

The modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodi, Ruler of Lodi dynasty in 16^th century who built many structures including Forts, Step-wells, Mosques etc. in Agra. He moved his Capital from Delhi to Agra & after his death, his son ruled the city for 9 years. Later, Sher Shah Suri ruled Agra. But it was when Shah Jahan descended the Mughal Throne & made it the Capital of the Mughal Empire, that the city reached the zenith of architectural beauty.

Under the Mughal reign, ruled by greats like Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, etc. it was called Akbarabad & their love for architecture, Persian Gardens on the banks of the Yamuna & monuments & Mausoleums & art & culture added a new dimension to Agra’s personality, considered as Agra’s golden age. What also shaped Agra’s culture were the different religions that were born & flourished here. From Din-i-Ilahi to the Radhaswami Faith, these beliefs had followers from Akbar’s time. Runukta of Hinduism & Shauripur of Jainism too have their links to Agra.

It was after the decline of the Mughal Empire & during the reign of the Marathas that Akbarabad became Agra. By 1803, it came under the British Raj that remained strong for most part until India gained independence in 1947.

With so many prominent Rulers having ruled the city, in the mid 16^th century & earlier 17^th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style & of very high quality which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain including 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The splendour of Agra remains undiminished, from the massive Agra Fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Monuments here depict some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in the architectural styles.

Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone & white marble, narrow galleys & quaint buggies and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

Evening, around 05:00 pm, accompanied by the Tour-guide, drive to the ancient Kachhpura Village adjacent to Taj across the river Yamuna to glimpse the rural life-styles & a further insight in Mughal heritage where History has been written in edicts of stone. The riverside lined with the residences of Nobility was the artery, the very lifeline, which fostered the development of Mughal Agra.

You will be welcomed with an Aarti ritual complete with garlands! Experience an authentic side of rural India that you have probably never seen before, including a street play presented by the town’s youth.

This village was originally the property of the King of Kachh, Raja Maan Singh, who also owned the lands on which Taj Mahal stands. According to the Shahjahan-Nama, Emperor Shahjahan compensated Raja Maan Singh with 4 huge Palaces to acquire the site for building the Taj Mahal as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

A narrow bridle path through agriculture fields near Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village. The guests are accorded a traditional welcome with an Aarti by the village girls, followed by singing & garlanding.

A walk through Kachhpura village takes you through the various smaller monuments of the Mughal era amidst rural settings intertwined with the communities, along with stunning view of the Taj.

See Humayun’s Mosque which is designed differently from the usual Mughal architecture style. It has one deep narrow, great central compartment entered by a high arch & domed in the center with one recess in its weak wall. At each side of this central compartment, the building is lower & broken up into the smaller chambers. Within the compound there are several sandstones engraved graves associated with the Mughals.

The Moonlight Garden (Mehtab Bagh) was probably planned to view Taj in the moonlight when its beauty is mirrored in the River Yamuna & the river reflects back new colors on the Taj. The Garden has excellent architecture & irrigation methodology. Mehtab Bagh also provides a brilliant opportunity to shoot the Taj from different angles.

Kachhpura provides an insight into the local culture. The streets are adorned with brightly coloured small houses with elaborate doorway & niches which were used for lighting the house with candles or diyas historically. Learn about India’s rural lifestyle as you check out the traditional art form of Sanjhi - paper stencils drawn on the walls by young girls using natural colours like terracotta, lime etc.

The central courtyard (old Panchayat Platform used traditionally as a community space) of the village is a major attraction of the village. The courtyard offers a view of activities taking place in/ around the village information centre: - Street Theater/ local Folk Dances, Henna Tattoo making along with a display of artifacts made by the community. The village school situated near courtyard is also a major attraction for visitors.

Glimpses of traditional lifestyle of the villagers can be seen through few elders smoking hookah, craftsmen making shoes. There is a local village gym, visit to a typical community household (living area, cooking area, religious area, etc).

High Tea (not included - extra payment) can be arranged on the terrace of a house providing incredible views of the Taj which is a mesmerizing & unforgettable experience. The visitors can also try the local cuisine served in traditional style with community (not included - extra payment).

During the walk, you can stop & talk to the locals busy with their livelihood. Agra is one of the major exporters of Shoes worldwide, so leather shoe making is a cottage industry (the villagers work for big Factories).