Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste! Welcome to   incredible India - ancient Civilisations, vast Landscapes, expectedly Unexpected & Soul Warming.

Arrive in Delhi.  Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth. hot-blooded capital - one of the world’s most romantic & inspiring cities.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3 - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, subsequent to Customs & Immigration, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort and transfer the Group to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next few days.

Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and 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 and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

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 Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

Check-in at the hotel.

*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 for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Rest of the morning & afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration.

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.

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.

Feast your eyes & ears on the magical effects created by the enchanting fusion of lights & sounds, accompanied with captivating narration takes you through the extraordinary episodes of Delhi. 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 famous Chor Bizarre restaurant, in the vicinity.

Designed to look like a thieve'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 'thieves market'. All kinds of wares find their way here (with or without the consent of the owners). This being our 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.

Delhi with its Old & New parts - each with its specific charm and glory - makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval and modern cultures at the same time and 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. You will see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley amidst the chaos of the Delhi streets shared by cows & may be an elephant or a camel walking by.

Visit Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets & bustling markets. Visit the famous Red Fort built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”. It was the residence of succeeding Mughal emperors for about 200 years. Also see Jama Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1658 & reputed to be largest mosque in Asia. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to get a feel of the royal life of the Mughal emperors. 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 Mahatma Gandhi & this cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year.

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 the British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate -

the 42 metre tall monument, built in the memory of the World War 1 martyrs (i.e. British soldiers), Viceroy’s Palace which is now known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential residence), Parliament House - the govt. headquarters & many other buildings in that area. You will be stopping at India Gate and driving by the Palace & Parliament. 

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

Return to the hotel.

Every year on the dark nights of Diwali firecrackers announce the celebration of India’s favourite festival. Homes are decorated, gifts are given, sweets are shared & thousands of lamps are lit.

Deepavali or Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is the biggest festival in the Hindu Calendar. Spiritually, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance for all cultures that celebrate it. Different historical events are observed in different regions & by different faiths.

Diwali festival dates back to ancient times in India. It is mentioned in Sanskrit texts dating from the 4^th century CE, but likely was practiced for many hundreds of years before that. Although most important for Hindus, the festival is also observed by Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists.

As the term "Festival of Lights" suggests, the celebration involves millions of lights illuminated from rooftops, doorways, & windows in thousands of temples & buildings all over the countries, including in Canada & US, where the festival is observed.

The age old tradition of lighting the diyas on Diwali holds a lot of importance, because in Hindu mythology that light stands for vivacity & integrity. With the evolution to present times, in the cities, the original & traditional diyas have been substituted by creative neon lights & candles.

The idea behind the lighting of diyas & candles has come from a number of stories according to the Hindu mythology. The most popular of these stories are is the story spinning around Lord Rama & his family. The Diwali Festival celebrates the return of Rama, back to Ayodhya subsequent to defeating the demon king Ravana & after spending 14 years in deportation The day of Diwali is regarded as the day of enthronement of Lord Rama.

The festival extends over a five-day period, but the main festival occurs on Diwali night, which falls on the darkest night of the new moon falling at the end of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin and the start of the month of Kartika (between mid-October & mid-November in the Gregorian calendar). Because Diwali is such a meaningful celebration, it is not uncommon for individuals to plan festivities years in advance.

Diwali is held with a huge celebration in the capital city of Delhi. Hundreds & thousands of diyas or small oil lamps are lighted in nearly all the homes. Burning of these diyas is considered to be the illuminated pathway of a person's expression of happiness in place of unawareness. The lighting of the lamps is also believed to a mode of paying a bow to God, the highest power, for achieving health, knowledge, prosperity, financial security & peace in life and spreading love amidst hatred & violence.

Before Diwali, people set out on a frantic spree of shopping, spring-cleaning, whitewashing & redecorating, the shops & market places embark on a frenzy of sales & promotional offers. Markets are festooned with streamers; melas & fairs crop up everywhere. Many people buy new clothes to wear on Diwali, and on the day of Dhanteras, traditionally, a kitchen utensil of some kind is purchased.

Houses are decorated & on Diwali evening Lakshmi puja is organized. Often, the women of the house do "aarti" to their husbands, garlanding him & putting a "tika" on him, while praying for his long life. In some houses, there is a ritual of immersing a silver coin in a tumbler of milk. The milk is then sprinkled lightly in the rooms of the house. The Prasad is kept in front of the idol throughout the night.

Diwali is all about shopping, beautiful lights, decoration, food, fun & games. And if there is one place where you can experience it all much before the festival arrives, then that has to be at one of the Diwali Mela in Delhi. There are quite a few where you can soak in the festive spirit with the locals.

On Diwali day, shops in Delhi remain open till the afternoon, believing that good sales on Diwali day predict a prosperous year ahead. In the corporate sector, the process of buying & distributing Diwali gifts begins several days before the big day, and slowly picks up pace. Sweets & dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes to clothing to more expensive items like household appliances & even cars in some cases.

Delhi gets crowded with shoppers & shopping bonanzas. Around every street corner can be found the temporary stages for holding the Ramlila - a dramatic soap opera rendition of the story of the Ramayana, which continues for several evenings, culminating in the defeat of Evil (Ravana) by Good (Ram) on the Dussehra Day.,

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 10.00 am & proceed for a full day of discovering the vibes of India’s bigger festival.

Visit one of the Melas. We highly recommend 2 but we leave it to the Tour-guide’s discretion.  

Blind School Diwali Mela - tops the list when it comes to Diwali melas in the city! Visitors can shop for a variety of options, built by the blind students, such as diyas, handmade candles, planters, jewellery & more. What makes it better is that you can also enjoy delicious food offerings while you load your shopping bags. And all proceeds go for a charitable cause.

Select City Diwali Bazaar - Be it cute trinkets or designer apparel, you can find great options here & that too, at great prices. This 12-day carnival cum exhibition will feature items representing crafts from across India, be it home decor, accessories or garden decor. You can also go on a shopping spree here, relish multi-cuisine offerings at the food court & enjoy the various cultural performances. The bazaar is beautifully decorated & looks best at night. And, if the shopping here doesn’t do it for you, the mall right next to it definitely will help.

Return to the hotel by early afternoon (or you can continue exploring).

But the day has not ended yet. Meet the Tour-guide again & proceed to the most beautiful & intricate temple in Delhi.

You will visit Akshardham Temple which will be all decked up in Diwali finery (we mean the ‘lights’).

Akshardham' means the divine abode of God. It is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity & peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu house of worship and a spiritual & cultural campus is dedicated to devotion, learning & harmony. The Temple is a marvellous example of 10,000 year old Indian culture & ancient history. The temple was built in 2005 & nearly 11,000 artisans were deployed to make this beautiful structure.

From here, you will proceed to a Home for a traditional Diwali Vegetarian Dinner. If you arrive in time, you may also volunteer to help the lady of the house in the kitchen, preparing the dishes for you to partake.

Early morning at 05.15 am, meet The Journeys rep who will provide the transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station to board for Agra.

On arrival at the Agra Station, you will be welcomed by a Journeys rep & transferred to the hotel.

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^thcentury & earlier 17^th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain. 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.

Check-in & relax for a while.

Then, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby who will take you back in time & help you to visualise the life in the bygone era illustrated by the majestic citadels & the serene Taj Mahal.

The Guide will take you back in time & help you to visualise the life in the bygone era illustrated by the majestic citadels & the serene Taj Mahal.

One knows that ‘The Taj’ is one amongst the World’s Wonders!

One knows that it is one amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites!!

One knows The Taj as a legend of eternal love of an Emperor for his favourite Queen!!!

Well, ‘The Taj’ has distinctions much beyond just these! Therefore, ‘The Taj’, surely, deserves your visit once & more!!! The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India & one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’ beauty has to be seen to be believed.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder! Probably for Taj Mahal, the axiom is just the other way round. The Taj is the beauty personified! The Taj displays its different moods through its varied shades. The Taj has as many shades as any kind of beauty can ever have! The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, golden when the moon shines & the intermediary variants during different hours of the day & during different seasons in a year.

Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum was completed in 1653, it took 22 years to be completed and was designed & planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. A staggering total of 20,000 workers contributed their skills, in the construction of this unique mausoleum.

Apart from its stunning design balance & perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens & some of the best inlay work ever seen.   Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’s beauty has to be seen to be believed. A visit there is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told.

The Mausoleum stands in a formally laid-out walled garden entered through a pavilion on the main axis. The tomb, raised on a terrace and first seen reflected in the central canal, is entirely sheathed in marble, but the mosque & counter-mosque on the transverse axis are built in red sandstone. The four minarets, set symmetrically about the tomb, "The interior of the building is dimly lit through pierced marble lattices and contains a virtuoso display of carved marble. Externally the building gains an ethereal quality from its marble facings, which respond with extraordinary subtlety to changing light & weather."

The Taj will keep you indulged with thoughts superimposing your sight & would make you feel the presence of Shah Jahan, the ‘maker’ and Mumtaz  Mahal, the ‘reason’.  As you breathlessly continue staring at ‘The Taj’, you would sense them standing beside you!

Walk along the pathway beside the reflecting pool with fountains upto the mausoleum crafted in soft & pure marble & jewelled with semi-precious stones, where in the serenity of paradise rests the Queen in peace with her King. Come to unfold the pages from the past to churn the charm out of its mystique & enrich your imagination about this marvel of an epic in stone, The Taj!

Next, drive down to the 16^th century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5 km long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort has imposing gates & walls of red sandstone & a moat. Behind its colossal walls are some of the finest Mughal buildings in India. Construction of the fort commenced during Akbar’s reign and additions continued to be made until the rule of his grandson Shah Jahan. During Akbar’s time, it was primarily a military fort though later the focus shifted and it partially became a palace. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

Last stop would be the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the 'Baby Taj' because of the architectural similarities. It showcases intricate latticework & carvings on marble to produce stunning marble screens. The delicate pietradura work done on the walls of this serene marble mausoleum with its four minarets set in the midst of a char bagh style garden is believed to have inspired the inlay work done on the Taj Mahal that was constructed on similar lines, though on an extremely grand scale.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Morning, depart for Jaipur, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri..

Fatehpur Sikri is the old & surprisingly well preserved & deserted town of the Mughal dynasty, constructed predominantly in red sandstone. Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height and is the best example of the culmination of Hindu & Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be auspicious for himself. He experimented both with architecture & art and built a city expressing his ideals & vision.

Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, the Tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti & Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India). Though the city is in ruins, it is a place worth visiting. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Its Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Entrance to this mosque is through the Buland Darwaza which was built in Gujurat and is 54 meters high. To the North of the Mosque is the dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti. This dargah was built in 1570. Here childless women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with three sons when he came here. The lattice work in the dargah is among the finest to be found anywhere.

Continue on to Jaipur. 

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed. The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur 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 and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughals thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink colour in honour of a State Visit by Prince Albert.

Check-in on arrival by afternoon and relax for a while.

Late afternoon, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed to the Birla Temple (aka Laxmi Narayan Temple) to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur.

Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple & is part of one of the several Birla mandirs located all around the country. The grand temple is located on an elevated ground at the base of Moti Dungari fort.

According to history, the Birla temple was built on the land given to the wealthy industrialist Birla family by the Maharaja of Jaipur, for just a token sum of one rupee. One of India's most famous business families, B.M Birla Foundation, built this temple in the year 1988. The family has erected similar grand temples across India, including in Delhi, Kolkata & Hyderabad.

The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver & his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

Constructed with the finest quality of white marble, it houses ornate statues of Lakshmi & Narayan, carved from a single piece of marble, dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Ganesh, the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of the marble is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance - Ganesh can be made out through the marble, which is almost transparent.

The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. The temple’s stained-glass windows depict scenes from Hindu scriptures.

Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted on Carvings inside the temple & on pillars supporting the covered walkways. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events

On the outside walls, historic figures from other religions are shown, including Socrates, Zoroaster, Christ, Buddha & Confucius as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Francis of Assisi. The Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night.

The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. Next to the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple there is a small museum, which houses objects belonging to the billionaire Birla family.

Your visit will coincide with the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit & waved in a certain way, in order to awake & invoke the deity.

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for full day 8 hour sightseeing of the city.

First stop will be Amber Fort is located on a hillock in Amer, a town with an area of 4 square kilometres 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.

Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its foreboding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and 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 and divided into four 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 repoussé (raised relief) work. Heading back to the main stairway will take you up to the second courtyard and 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 third 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 and multi-mirrored ceiling. Carved marble relief panels around the hall are fascinatingly delicate and 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 the Jai Mandir, you can enjoy fine views from the palace ramparts over picturesque Maota Lake below.

The zenana (secluded women’s quarters) surrounds the fourth 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.

Return to the city.

Continue the sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace - a delightful blend of Mughal & traditional Rajasthani architecture. Conceived & designed by Maharaja Jai Singh, the Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, the palace complex has numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways & temples. The palace houses Sawai Jai Singh's seven-storey facade Chandra Mahal ("moon palace"), solid marble Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the present royal family. It also houses Shri Govind Dev Temple & the City Palace Museum.

You will pass by Hawa Mahal. Arguably Jaipur's most acclaimed landmark, the tapering Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. Its five-storey facade, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows & balconies, makes the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact it is little more than one room thick in most parts.

Visit Jantar Mantar, the royal astronomical observatory built in stone by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1716 to measure movement of the stars and planets, time, altitude and other astronomical events. End the Tour with a brief visit to Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli and the local Bazaar.

Return to the hotel.

Early morning around 05.00 am, you will be transferred to Jaipur Railway Station for your journey to Jodhpur located at the edge of the Thar Desert.

Jodhpur is an imperial city that echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert & whose origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs after whom the city was later rechristened from Mewar to Jodhpur. The second largest city of Rajasthan was also the capital of the Marwar state, the largest Rathore kingdom in Rajputana

The city was built as the new capital to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which can be seen near what is now the Mandore Gardens. The people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are hence also commonly called as Marwaris.

Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City as most of the whitewashed buildings of the old city around Mehrangarh Fort,  are dipped in blue indigo tinge  (in contrast to Jaipur, which is painted pink), making it seem to reflect the endless sky & giving Jodhpur a kind of uniformity. The blue color marked the residential spaces of the Brahmins, which was started to be followed by the non-Brahmins too.

Set on on a rocky outcrop, the mighty Mehrangarh, the muscular fort that towers over the Blue City of Jodhpur, is a magnificent spectacle & an architectural masterpiece representing the rich royal traditions & culture in the sandy deserts. Around Mehrangarh’s base, the old city, a jumble of Brahmin-blue cubes, stretches out on the 10 km long 16^th century high wall - with 8 gates & innumerable bastions that encompass the city.

The Blue City really is blue! 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.

Modern Jodhpur stretches well beyond the city walls, but it is the immediacy & buzz of the old Blue City and the larger-than-life fort that capture travellers’ imaginations. This crowded, hectic zone is also Jodhpur’s main tourist area. Areas of the old city further west, such as Navchokiya, are just as atmospheric, with far less hustling.

The city is also known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It was once a major trade center and the forts & palaces, temples & havelis, culture & tradition, spices & fabrics, colour & texture, a booming handicrafts industry, all add up to make this historic city worth a visit.

On arrival in Jodhpur, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep & straightaway proceed for 4 hour tour of the city.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort - unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the most stunning forts of Rajasthan. It is situated on a 150 m high hill, which can be traversed by driving on a 5 km long winding road & crossing seven mighty gates on the way. The fort commemorates the victorious battles of Jodhpur over other empires & states, especially Bikaner & Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh, but some additions like the Fatehpol, were made by successive rulers too. The main attractions of the fort are its lavish palaces, huge courtyards, galleries & temples. A must visit are the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umed Vilas, Sheesh Mahal & Chamunda Devi Temple. There is also a museum displaying the rich artifacts of the royal era including palanquins, elephant howdahs & exquisite silver work.

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 three 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.

Proceed to the old town where you 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.

Reach the hotel by early afternoon & Check-in.

No trip in Rajasthan is completed without a visit to the Bishnoi villages.

After relaxing for a while, meet the Tour-guide again & embark on another thrilling experience.

Proceed in an open jeep through the deserts surrounding Jodhpur, for an especially interesting village safari – though several Bishnoi communities, driving through the dirt tracks passing rural ponds along rugged terrain with a few welcome patches of green, where you will get a chance to see antelopes & local wetland birds.

The Bishnoi’s 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. They are also praised for their block-printing work & known as fantastic shepherds & cultivators. The villages of the Bishnois are not too large. In fact, they are very small hamlets called dhannis populated with circular thatch roofed huts & are notable for their cleanliness, despite floors plastered with mud &, in special sections of the houses, cow dung to protect the grains stored there against vermin.

Bishnoi Village Safari accords you an opportunity for an intimate glimpse of the rich cultural life of the Bishnois - an ancient clan from Rajasthan

Enroute in Gudha village,  you can easily spot  desert wild life, like Antelopes, Black Bucks, Blue Bulls,  Chinkara, Dumessille Crane, Desert foxes, Gazelle, Hares,  Migrated Birds,  Partridges Peacocks,  Rabbits & many species of birds which freely move & graze in these villages. Also see & interact with the craftsmen at work, potters & weavers.  You will visit the Shepherds Village where you can meet the families of shepherds & discover their traditional life styles and their affinity to working with animals like cattle & camel etc.

Stop at Salawas (Weavers village) where fantasy & reality join forces to keep alive one of its most famous traditions: the durry (Rugs). The durry, whether weaved out of cotton or wool, spreads colorful tradition & heritage from its primitive form of weaving in the villages of Rajasthan.

Return to the hotel to freshen up.

Shortly thereafter, proceed to a typical ‘Indian’ home where you will also enjoy impromptu cooking lessons supervised by the lady of the house, followed by a sumptuous & authentic Rajasthani meal amidst the ambience.

Full day is at leisure to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements). Overnight.  B D   

At dawn, depart for Udaipur.

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

The beautiful state “Rajasthan” is perfect and really the land of miracles. Right here, every single place can put up a surprise. Have you ever imagined a Royal Enfield Bullet motor cycle being worshipped? A village near Jodhpur, worships 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 Temple for the motorbike and 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 and struck a tree. He was 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 and was found back at the site of the accident.  Police, once again, took the motorcycle, this time emptying its fuel tank and putting it under lock and chain to prevent its removal. Despite their efforts, the next morning it again mysteriously disappeared and 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 Hundreds of nearby villagers and travellers stop to pray to the bike and its late owner Om Singh for a safe journey and it is believed that Om Banna’s spirit helps distressed travellers.  Those who pass by stop to bow their heads and leave offerings of bangles, scarves and 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 and tie a red thread on the motorbike. Many shops offering incense sticks, flowers, coconut and 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 two decades.

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

Built in the 15^th century, Ranakpur Temples temple took approximately 65 years to complete. The largest & most important temples of the Jain cult are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style in exquisite white marble. This temple is wholly constructed in light colored 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 color 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. and the wildlife sanctuary nearby. Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second 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 thirteen 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 and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second 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 color combination of green, turquoise & white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colors 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.

The royal state of Rajasthan encapsulates Indian culture and 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 and 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, and 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 and Pichola add to the scenic attraction of the place making it seems like a beautiful painting amidst the Aravallis. 

Check-in on arrival by late afternoon.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby 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 and 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 two 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.

Morning at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & arrange). 

In time, you will be transferred to Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport for the short flight to Delhi.

On arrival, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & proceed straight to experience yet another facet of India - a Bollywood themed attraction.

Sprawling across acres of land, the magnificent Kingdom of Dreams is the ultimate entertainment & leisure destination, blending a kaleidoscope of India’s culture, heritage, art, crafts, cuisine & performing arts buttressed with the mind boggling technological wizardry of today.

It is designed and conceptualized to offer international & domestic tourists a breath-taking, magical Indian experience in an entertaining format.

Comprises of Nautanki Mahal - showcasing an extravagant cinematic & theatrical musical. Culture Gully - an elaborate culture, arts, crafts and food boulevard. Showshaa Theatre - a fabulous, colourful drama marquee spotlighting Indian mythology productions, a mock wedding show and the great Indian talent circus. iifa Buzz -  a glamorous Bollywood themed cafe.

Finally, the experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye to the region’s warm hospitality & heritage.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk, if required). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport for your onward journey.  B

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