Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

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 Airport, subsequent to Customs & Immigration, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer the Group to the hotel. Assistance will be provided during Check-in & there will be a short briefing to discuss the program for the next few days.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in but before that you will be accorded a traditional ‘Indian’ welcome.

*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’.

In India we say “Atthi Devo Bhava” which means “the guest is equivalent to God'. You will be greeted by flower garlanding & a tilak on your forehead.

Flower garlanding is generally offered as a mark of respect & honour to welcome visitors & also or in honour to the Gods &Goddesses. Tilak is a ritual mark put on the forehead as a form of blessing, greeting or auspiciousness. The Tilak is usually made out of a red vermilion paste (kumkum) which is a mixture of turmeric, alum, iodine, camphor, etc.

Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and 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 two 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 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 eight historical Delhis, each constructed on, or near, the ruins of its predecessor, leaving a modern-day citadel that's 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 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.

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

As the capital city of one of the most delicious country's on Earth, Delhi tantalises your taste buds with its thali-like fusion of flavours from every corner of the subcontinent: 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).

Evening, be ready for an interesting experience, reliving the centuries old history.

In time, you will be met by the Journeys Rep & proceed to the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort, more popularly known as Lal Quila.

Feast your eyes & ears on the magical effects created by the Son et Lumiere Show within the sandstone walls of the Fort. Relive the history as the enchanting fusion of lights & sounds, accompanied with captivating narration takes you through the extraordinary episodes of Delhi. 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.

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

Return to the hotel.

For those who are interested & are able to get up at dawn, we have arranged for a Yoga & Meditation session in the hotel lawns.

With the hectic pace & demands of modern life, many people feel stressed and over-worked. Meditation makes the mind calmer, helps one overcome stress & find some inner peace & balance.

Later, 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 (Ferraris & Lamborghinis are for the evenings) amidst the chaos of the Delhi streets shared by cows & may be an elephant or a camel walking by.

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.

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 and alleys with carts & cycle-rickshaws, with cows and 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 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 and 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 and this cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year.

Post lunch you will tour 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 the modern part during the British raj.

All the riches of India twinkle in Delhi's 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.

New Delhi's emporiums are multi-floor, gift-filled markets that are perfect for a last-minute souvenir binge before you fly home. 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).

You will be stopping at India Gate - the 42 metre tall monument, built in the memory of the World War 1 martyrs (i.e. British soldiers). You will drive by (you can snap a couple of photo from the distance) the Viceroy’s Palace which is now the Presidential residence & Parliament House & other govt. buildings in that area.

Continue on to visit the recent jewel in the crown, the Lotus Temple, a symbol of Bahai faith. The final stop of the sightseeing will be the UNESCO World Heritage site, the 72.5 meter Qutub Minar - the tallest brick minaret in the World, which heralded the arrival & rise of Islam in India.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax. (We shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

Morning, depart for the 18^th century town of Mandawa, known for its fort & havelis (traditional, ornately decorated mansions), in the Shekhawati region of the state of Rajasthan, driving through the rural landscape.

Arrive by noon & Check-in. 

One out of many small settlements in the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is the one best located in the semi-desert region in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur & Bikaner. 

The compact & busy little town of Mandawa was / is a historical trade town of Rajasthan, settled & fortified by the dominant merchant families of the region Mandawa provides the visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn; battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weather van & an arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks. 

Starting around the 14^th century, a number of Muslim clans moved into the area & the towns which developed in the region became important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujrat.  It was an important junction on the famous silk route to China. Some of India's richest industrialists of the 20^th century belong to Shekhawati.

Eminent merchant families settled in Mandawa & established lavish houses & baolis that used to have precious gems studded on its elaborately painted walls & traditionally adorned with beautiful frescoes. These 18^th century havelis reflect the old world charm that seems to expressively narrate the ideologies & customs of that time.

Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Despite the time lapse & ignorance about these visual & architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade & today they are some of the major attractions for the travelers visiting Rajasthan.

Relax for an hour before proceeding for lunch.

Immediately after, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed for a 2 hour walking tour of the city. There is only one main street with narrow lanes fanning off it.

Today it portrays a mesmerizing blend of traditional Rajput art style & the European influences in the paintings beautifying its havelis & castles.

The Chokhani & the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region's enchanting architecture & art. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna & his cows leads to the bazaar.

The sightseeing ends & you can return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own (& reach the hotel independently).

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

Overnight.   B L D  

Today, you will depart for another historical settlement - the desert village of Khimsar, providing an attractive insight into the rural life of the desert people.

On arrival by afternoon, Check-in at the luxurious hotel perched on the edge of The Great Thar Desert.

Nestling amidst sand dunes that seem to roll into eternity, between Pushkar & Jaisalmer, the Khimsar village was established by a scion of the house of Jodhpur in the 15^th century. Its history is reflected in the architecture of its fortified castle. The Fort was constructed by Rao Karamsji - the 8^th son of the founder of Jodhpur Rao Jodha, who chose the spot of Khimsar, to build this magnificent fort.

21 generations later, a part of this Fort is still residence to the Karamsot Rathor of direct lineage, while the rest has been opened out to provide royal Rajput hospitality, personally overseen by the royal family. The Fort has been awarded the ‘Grand Heritage Award for Excellence’ by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

The hotel portion of the well preserved royal manor is spread over eleven acres of sprawling lawns, orchards & open courtyards, amidst sand dunes. The mini-lake that appears out of nowhere seems to be just a mirage. Isn’t it actually an oasis?

The truly remote, rural & romantic Khimsar offers a lot of attractions & activities for its visitors to indulge in, including the famed Nagaur & Gangaur festivals. The Panchala Black Buck Reserve nearby is another attraction that is worth a visit. History, leisure, desert adventure, sports, wild life safaris & historical sightseeing tours make it a “complete” holiday destination”. Khimsar Fort & the Sand Dunes nearby perfectly compliment each other,

Later in the afternoon around 01.00 pm, embark on a Jeep Safari to the neighbouring villages, offering an attractive insight into the rural life of the desert people. You may also enjoy a Camel ride (not included - extra payment) around the villages of Khimsar & see the lovely temples in the vicinity & the sand dunes.

The Safari will take you into the into the wild desert countryside to the black buck reserve where you will see herds of Black Buck, Chinkara & blue bull antelope. Between October & March, thousands of Demoiselle Cranes migrate from Southern Europe & North Asia.

Depending on the available time, you may also stop at Nila Moti Trust - a handicraft institute established and run by a Swiss lady, Mrs. Monica Matter, for the upliftment of rural women. Their products are sold exclusively in Khimsar Fort.

Come back to the hotel by evening & relax.

Enjoy the free time to watch a Puppet show & dine in the fort's lovely surroundings. Take in a golden sunrise or a colourful sunset amidst golden sands- even as you sip your cuppa! Down a sundowner, followed by a meal around a bonfire- as millions of stars blink benevolently down at you.

Learn to tie a colorful turban & gorgeous sarees. Receive a safa (turban) or saree for each guest to take home. 

Morning, leave for Jodhpur, enroute stopping at Osian.

Osian has 16 Jain & Vaishnava temples dating back from 8^th to 11^th centuries, representing the grandeur of Indian temple architecture, all located outside the actual village.

The ancient Thar Desert town of Osian, Surrounded by golden sand dunes and hamlets, was an prominent trading center on the Silk Route between the 8^th & 12^th centuries.

Earlier known as Upkeshpur, it was dominated by the Jains, whose wealth left a legacy of exquisitely sculpted, well-preserved temples. It was also a major pilgrimage site for the Oswal Jain community, during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, who ruled much of northern India from 6^th to 11^th century.

Though most of the old shrines & temples in Osian lie in ruins, it is famous today for its 16 Hindu & Jain temples and It is called the Khajuraho of Rajasthan due to the erotic sculptures on the temples. . The Mahavira Temple surrounds an image of the 24th tirthankar (great Jain teacher), formed from sand & milk. Sachiya Mata Temple is an impressive walled complex where both Hindus & Jains worship. With their intricate carvings, the Sun Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple & the temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir stand out in their grace & architecture.

Osian, along with Jodhpur, co-hosts the Marwar Festival, a colourful display of Rajasthani folk music, dance & costume held every September / October. It is also a popular spot for camel safaris.

Spend an hour here, walking around before continuing on to Jodhpur.

On arrival by early afternoon, Check-in at the hotel & relax for an hour.

This imperial city of Jodhpur, located at the edge of the Thar Desert, echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.

The second largest city of Rajasthan, 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. It was once a major trade center and is known for its forts, palaces & temples displaying a glorious history & architectural brilliance. The buildings of the city 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, which was started to be followed by the non-Brahmins too. The city is also known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year & is also referred to as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around Mehrangarh Fort, representing the rich royal traditions & culture in the sandy deserts.

Mighty Mehrangarh, the muscular Fort that towers over the Blue City of Jodhpur, is a magnificent spectacle & an architectural masterpiece. Around Mehrangarh’s base, the old city, a jumble of Brahmin-blue cubes, is encompassed by a 16^th century 10 km long high wall, with 8 gates & innumerable bastions, built about a century after the city was founded. From the Fort, you can clearly see where the old city ends & the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets & of great interest to wander around.

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.

Eight gates lead out from the walled city to modern Jodhpur that stretches well beyond the city walls, but it is the immediacy & buzz of the enclosed old Blue City & the larger-than-life fort that capture travellers’ imaginations and this crowded, hectic zone is Jodhpur’s main tourist area.

It is one of the more interesting cities in India & those baggy-tight trousers favoured by horse riders world-wide, came to be known as jodhpurs, from this locale (designed for the royals initially before reaching the world).

Later, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby & proceed for a 4 hour tour of the city.

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First stop will be Mehrangarh Fort that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Unsurpassed in beauty & grandeur, it is one of the most stunning forts of Rajasthan, 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, with their delicate friezes. 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 (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems & boosted the economy. 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.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions & arrange).

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.

Check-in on arrival by late afternoon.

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 & 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. 

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions & arrange).

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 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 built in 1725 with granite & marble, filigreed balconies, ornate windows & craftsmanship in glass, 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.

The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments & decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone & glass mosaics and ornamental doors & painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) & nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art.

Visit the museums & the hall of public audiences, the private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace.

Enjoy lunch in a restaurant & 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.

At dawn, depart for Jaipur, enroute stopping at Pushkar

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 is also the sacred place for Hindus. Amidst chanting of Vedic mantras people take bath in the Pushkar Lake. Pilgrims come to this festival to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar's lake & be absolved of their sins. The two 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.

A huge carnival is held, with an array of musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers & carousel rides to entertain the crowd. Camel races & other events like the Puppet show, Cattle show & Magic show are also the part of this event. Shopping is one of the main activities during this festival. Decorative items for Cattles, like saddles, saddle-straps & beads are sold. One can buy jewelry, garments, silver ornaments, bead necklaces etc.

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

Spend an hour, walking around the various Temples before leaving.

Arrive at Jaipur by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. 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 and waves of sand dunes & serene lakes.

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 & is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste & fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth & 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.

We have arranged for an Astrologer / Palmist to be available at the hotel for if anyone wants a personal consultation and an insight into the future. 

Evening, you will be transferred 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 and watch as the story of Amber Fort comes to life, blending history, anecdotes, music & light effects. During the 50 minute show, admire the colorful lights that illuminate the structure & reflect beautifully on Maota Lake, and gain an understanding of Amber 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 valor & 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.

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.

Evening, we will walk down to the famous movie theatre Raj Mandir, to enjoy a ‘Hindi’ Bollywood Movie (collective / majority Group decision, how long people want to watch). 

Come back to the hotel.

Early morning, depart for Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri..

Fatehpur Sikri is the old & surprisingly well preserved & deserted town of the Mughal dynasty, built 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 & 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 and 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 and the Tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the 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.

Arrive in Agra & Check-in.

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 mid16^th century and 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. 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.

Freshen up & immediately after, meet the Tour-guide & embark on a 4 hour sightseeing tour of this indomitable city. 

Proceed 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 and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Behind its colossal walls are some of the finest Mughal buildings in India. Construction of the fort commenced during Akbar’s reign & 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 & it partially became a palace. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace & Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas & two very beautiful mosques.

Also visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the 'Baby Taj' (if time permits). 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.

Come back to the hotel.

Evening, at 06.30 pm, you will be transferred to the famous theater complex - Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center for an amazing audio-visual treat.

Evening is spent enjoying the 1.5 hour Mohabbat The Taj show which depicts the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan (creator of the Taj Mahal) & his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

You will be blown away by the creative dance performance & dramatic light & sound show with the 12’ x 12’ Taj Mahal replica as well as the illustration of the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire, performed by over 80 talented artists through innovative dance sequences. You will not only be touched by the beautiful story but also feel the life-like experience of the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal court.

The Show ends & you will proceed to a famous restaurant which traces its lineage right back to the Mughals.

Come back to the hotel.   

Wake up early this morning to enjoy the raison d’etre for an India visit for most people.

 "A tear drop on the face of eternity" is how Nobel Laureate & renowned Indian thinker, Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal.

Proceed with the Tour-guide to visit the Taj Mahal at sun-rise, part of the journey would be on gaily decorated Horse Carts.

Taj Mahal. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder. A visit 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 and 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 and weather."

The immense mausoleum of white marble was built in Agra between 1631 & 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India & one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. A staggering total of 20,000 workers contributed their skills, in the construction of this unique mausoleum. Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’ beauty has to be seen to be believed.

Come back to the hotel for Breakfast & Check-out. 

Immediately after, by afternoon, depart for Delhi.

On arrival, 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.

Enjoy a fabulous ‘Indian’ dinner before proceeding to your hotel to Check-in & relax.

Overnight. B L D

Finally, the experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, you are allowed to use the hotel facilities and leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal3 - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport for your onward journey.  B

 * Please note that to familiarize you with the destination, we will arrange to showcase, based on the available time & Logistics, multiple attractions & visits to hotels of different classification / categories, including, Heritage & Modern, that will make you more confident in promoting incredible India. 

Final personalized Program will have more details about ‘official’ engagements. However, please be aware that the changes, if any, may be advised the night before failing, before leaving the hotel in the morning. However inspite, we reserve the right to change the sightseeing components, without any prior intimation, if required, at the discretion of the Tour-guide for logistical reasons & there may not be much ‘free’ time available (even though mentioned in the Itinerary).

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