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

Reach the the hotel & Check-in.

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

Delhi, the capital of kingdoms & empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past & the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land & a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges 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 8 historical Delhi, 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).

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

Overnight. 

After breakfast, you will meet your Tour-guide in the lobby at 08.00 am & embark on a 4 hour city tour covering New Delhi.

Delhi with its Old & New sections - 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.

You will embark on a discovery of 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 year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls.

You will be stopping at India Gate for photos & then drive by the Viceroy’s Palace which served as the residence until 1950 of the Governor-General of British India & is now the official residence of the President of India. Adjacent is the Parliament House - the govt. headquarters & many other government buildings.

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

Construction commenced in in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the founder of Slave Dynasty & later completed by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish. The soaring tower of Qutab Minar of Delhi is made out of brick tile and sandstones. Qutub Minar is an exquisite example of Indo- Islamic Afghan architecture. 

Come back to the hotel.

Rest of the afternoon free to relax by the pool or walk around on your own (we would be happy to offer suggestions). You may want to check out the National Museum or the nearby bazars.

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

Around 05:30 pm, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will accompany you to the majestic Red Fort in Old Delhi, where you will enjoy an exciting & spectacular Son et Lumiere Show..

One of the finest examples of the precision, grandeur & finesse of Mughal architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage site Lal Quila or the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal, between 1638 & 1648. The red sandstone used in its massive outer wall gave it the name “Lal Quila” or the Red Fort. The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor and the capital of the empire till Bahadur Shah Zafar the last Mughal emperor was deposed by the British in 1857. 

Experience the grandeur and splendor of Mughal era & get to know about the various empires that came to power in the city and fell apart. The rich history of Delhi will leave you awe-struck.

The tumultuous 5000 year history of Delhi comes alive in the show with the magnificent walls of the Red Fort as its backdrop, as it throws light on the past of this great city which has been witness to the rise & fall of various empires. The 60 minute show with its dramatic special effects & unique ambiance recreates the grandeur of a bygone era leaving you with an unforgettable experience.

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 the popular Chor Bizarre restaurant, in the vicinity.

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

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

Every city in India has its own special 'Chor Bazaar' which translates as '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 for authentic “Wazwan” Kashmiri cuisine.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight.  B L D 

After breakfast, you will meet your Tour-guide in the lobby at 08.00 am & embark on a 5 hour city tour covering Old Delhi.

Delhi with its Old and 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.

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

Get off the bus & enjoy a ‘Culinary’ Walk through the narrow lanes to get a feel of the royal life of the Mughal emperors.

A heady mixture of history, modernity, tradition, religion, food, chaos & commerce, Chandni Chowk or Avenue of Moonlight, built in 1650 AD, is more than just a relic of the Mughal era.

Stop at some of the famous eateries in Chandni Chowk, dating from the last century, some may be, even earlier than that.

Walk through the various Old Delhi markets, in the general Chandni Chowk area, specially Khari Baoli, a street  known as Asia‘s largest wholesale spice market, selling  all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice & tea.

Here, with every bite, one samples not only a delicacy but also a piece of history. Handed down from father to son, many of these businesses are now being managed by the 4^th or 5^th generations. They include halwais (confectioners), namkeen walahs (sellers of spicy savouries), chaatwalahs (sellers of chaat - a unique dish that originated in Delhi) and many others.

Then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the area to reach Jama Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1658 and reputed to be largest mosque in Asia.

A beautiful pocket of calm at the heart of Old Delhi's mayhem, India’s largest mosque is built on a 10m elevation, towering above the surrounding hubbub. It can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. The marble and red-sandstone ‘Friday Mosque’ was Shah Jahan’s final architectural triumph, built between 1644 & 1658. The four watchtowers were used for security. There are two minarets standing 40m high, one of which can be climbed for amazing views.  There are 3 Entrances that allow access to the mosque. It is said that the eastern gate was originally for imperial use only.

If time (or your Tour-guide) permits, you can even climb 121 steps up to the top of the narrow southern minaret, from where you can see how architect Edwin Lutyens incorporated the mosque into his design of New Delhi - the Jama Masjid, Connaught Place & Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House) are in a direct line.

Get on the bus & proceed to nearby Red Fort.

Next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage listed Red Fort (which you visited last evening) built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”, located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums.

The Red Fort Complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad - the new capital of the 5^th Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. Named for its massive enclosing 18m high walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex.

Just a few decades older than the Palace of Versailles in France, the fort took 10 years to construct (1638 - 48). It is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which, under the Shah Jahan, was brought to a new level of refinement. 

The private apartments consist of a row of pavilions connected by a continuous water channel, known as the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise). The innovative planning & architectural style, including the garden design, is based on Islamic prototypes, but each pavilion reveals architectural elements typical of Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian, Timurid & Hindu traditions. It strongly influenced later buildings and gardens in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra & further afield.

It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1857. Shah Jahan never took up full residence here, after his disloyal son, Aurangzeb, imprisoned him in Agra Fort. The last Mughal emperor of Delhi, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was flushed from the Red Fort in 1857 & exiled to Burma (Myanmar) for his role in the First War of Independence. The British destroyed buildings & gardens inside the fortress walls and replaced them with ugly barrack blocks for the colonial army.

And now it is time to discover & enjoy ‘one’ of the authentic ‘Indian’ cuisines.

We break for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

Continue the tour after savoring a leisurely lunch.

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 the Father of the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi and this cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948.

Return to the hotel & relax for a bit & freshen up for the next round of your ‘culinary’ experience.

Evening, you will be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to a home for a Cooking Workshop & an ‘authentic’ Indian meal with a family. You will get to interact with the family, spend time in the kitchen helping the lady of the house, before sitting down for a sumptuous ‘home cooked’ meal.

Arrive at the Host’s home. You will immerse yourself in Indian culture & learn about the country’s cuisine with this lesson at the Delhi family’s home as you follow the intricacies of the preparation of Indian food. There is no place more exciting than an Indian kitchen to learn about Cooking & catch up on the family banter.

Get a hands-on, insider’s introduction to cooking with Indian spices & ingredients during this 3 hour interactive cooking class & learn the time-tested secrets behind some of India’s most iconic dishes. As your Host cooks, learn about the traditional ingredients used to make every day ‘home’ meals (note how the taste at home is completely different from a restaurant meal).

The Hostess may cook a mix of vegetarian & non-vegetarian dishes such as Butter Chicken (tomato based mild chicken curry), Palak Paneer (Indian cottage cheese cooked in spinach & cream flavoured with rich spices), Aaloo Gobhi (potato & cauliflower dry dish sautéed in Indian spices), Biryani (Basmati Rice flavoured with vegetables, spices & fresh herbs), vegetable Pakora with mint sauce.

An Indian meal is always accompanied by the essential Chapati (Roti or Indian flatbread) & you will help in preparing 3 types of Rotis (there are dozens of variations of Rotis & Parathas).

Now, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labour but your lesson on culture continues. Sit down to enjoy a well-earned sumptuous meal accompanied by complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments. Experience the warmth of Indian hospitality as you interact with the family & learn about local life, arranged marriages & the value of family as you hear / share personal stories.

The last course - dessert - is always followed by the India ‘chai’ (tea - the Host may have a choice of Teas in her pantry).

Finally, it is time to say good bye to the Hostess & you are transferred to the hotel.

Overnight.   B L D 

Early morning today, you will meet the Journeys Rep who will transfer you to Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport for the short flight to Amritsar.

On arrival at Terminal?- Amritsar Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, you will be met by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort and transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next few days.

Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Ram Das, Amritsar is home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine, the magical Golden Temple, one of India’s most serene and humbling sights.

Amritsar is divided in two the old & the new. 12 medieval gates bound the old city, with the Golden Temple & other historic sights - this is a fascinating area to explore, with a capillary network of narrow bazaars that seems to float between the centuries. To the north of the railway lines, ‘modern’ Amritsar has grown up in haphazard fashion around a scattering of colonial-era boulevards. Gleaming malls & upmarket hotels stand testament to the prosperity of the city, but the hectic traffic makes this area hard to love at street level. Crossing between the old & new cities is best done by cycle-rickshaw, but once you are in the old city, walking is often the quickest way to get around.

Check-in at the hotel & you have the option to rest for a bit before meeting the Tour-guide at around 12.00 pm & embarking on a 4 hour ‘walking’ tour in the old town.

Discover how life was in the days of the Gurus, as you stroll the byways & bazaars of the historical city, the seat of the Sikh faith, and discover its often troubled past.

See the Gurdwara Saraghari, a monument honoring the Sikh soldiers killed in the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi, & view Qila Ahluwalia fort before exploring Jalebiwala Chowk, a market famous for jalebi (sweet) shops. Pass along shops hawking phulkari textiles (embroidered Punjabi fabrics), turbans & antiques.

While walking through the winding alleys, you will see the Katras - wholesale bazaars, Akharas, Bungas, Havelis & Hatties where you will see traditional trade & crafts being practiced in the same place and in the same manner as has been done for centuries. The town planning and architecture of the age will amaze you, especially the intricately carved wooden facades.

You can enjoy authentic ‘Amritsari’ Fast Food in one of the most popular places within the Walled City. Walk from one shop to the next & if you want, you can keep up with the sampling & tasting while your enthusiastic expert Host / Guide carves the path and shares with you the insights into each place.    

Last stop will be the Langar at the magnificent Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the world’s holiest Sikh shrine (you will be visiting the Golden Temple again tomorrow morning for a more a more detailed experience).

The Golden Temple is located in the heart of the city and is the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. In the Complex today, you will visit the world's largest free eatery called Langar, where Volunteers feed an average of 100,000 people daily. Anyone can eat for free here, without any restrictions. On weekends & special occasions, the numbers double. The 24 / 7 langar never stops & on an average 7,000 kg of wheat flour, 1,200 kg of rice, 1,300 kg of lentils, 500 kg of ghee (clarified butter) is used in preparing the meals every day. You may volunteer to feed the supplicants & it will be appreciated.

Adjacent to the Golden temple is Jallianwalla Bagh also known as the site of the Amritsar Massacre of 1919, one of the defining events of India’s struggle for freedom from British rule. Powerfully depicted in the movie Gandhi, it was here on 13^th April 1919, that British Indian Army soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women & children. Official sources place the casualties at 379, but private sources put the number at over 1000 with more than 1200 wounded and Civil Surgeon Dr Smith indicated at the time, that they were over 1800.

Wander through Taksal Chowk and see the infamous ‘Crawling Street,’ where in 1919, General Dyer, known as the ‘Butcher of Amritsar', ordered that people crawl on all fours. Learn how this, and the 1919 Amritsar Massacre, inspired Punjab’s freedom movement, and then visit a turban shop to learn how to tie a turban & women’s paranda hair braids.

The tour concludes & you return to the hotel. Enjoy Hi Tea in the Hotel, an Amritsar specialty.

Evening, meet the Tour-guide again & proceed for yet another ‘culinary’ experience.

Visit a local home in Amritsar for an interactive Punjabi cooking session using concepts & ingredients of what we saw in the City today followed by dinner that you helped to prepare.

Amritsar’s ‘dhabas’ & street food may be legendary, but nothing can beat the taste of home food, lovingly cooked & served. Chhole, rajma-chawal, makki di roti, baingan bharta & tarri-wala chicken are some of the wholesome and hearty dishes which gladden the hearts (and stomachs!) of all Punjabis.

The cooking session will be led by the lady of the house, assisted by family. Cooking takes between 60 - 90 minutes, after which you will eat together.

Typically the menu includes a starter, main course & a sweet-dish. There is no standard menu as it varies based on the season and what is available in the market. If there is something specific that you want to try, please let us know in advance and we’ll try to arrange. Choices are suitable for vegetarians & non-vegetarians, but please let us know your preference in advance.

While this is not a cooking class conducted by professionals, you will find yourself learning a lot about Punjabi home cooking because of the interactive & friendly nature of the session. Also provides an opportunity to visit a local home, see what family life is like & chat about daily life in the city.

If you do not wish to participate in the cooking and prefer to only watch & photograph (or just talk & eat), that is fine as well. 

Today, at dawn or earlier, before 05.00 am, meet the Tour-guide & proceed to the Golden Temple for a surreal experience. Participate in Prabhat Pheri or early morning procession when the Guru Granth Sahib is brought to the temple from Akal Takhat, the temporal seat of the Khalsa brotherhood, another building in the complex. The same procession takes place in the evening when it is ceremoniously returned to Akal Takhat.

In the night, after the departure of the Palki Sahib (palanquin) carrying the sacred book - Sri Guru Granth Sahib to The Akal Takhat Sahib temple, the devotees, accompanied by the Gurdwara's staff, clean the Sri Harimandir Sahib for one hour.

There is a continuous singing of Gurbani Kiran, hymns from the opening of its portals (doors) to their closing. At the completion of the Ardas (Sikh Prayer), Karah Prasad (holy offering) is distributed among the devotees.

After purifying the precincts, the rugs are spread, on which the Peera Sahib (a small cot) is placed to install the Sri Guru Granth Sahib when it is brought back on the next morning.

Characterized by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known Sri Darbar Sahib and informally referred to as the "Golden Temple", is the holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism, founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das & located in the city of Amritsar. It is actually just a small part of this huge gurdwara complex.

Spiritually, the focus of attention is the tank that surrounds the gleaming central shrine - the Amrit Sarovar, from which Amritsar takes its name, excavated by the fourth guru Ram Das. Ringed by a marble walkway, the tank is said to have healing powers & pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in the sacred waters.

Floating at the end of a long causeway, the Golden Temple itself is a mesmerising blend of Hindu & Islamic architectural styles, with an elegant marble lower level adorned with flower &  animal motifs in pietra dura work (as seen on the Taj Mahal).

Above this rises a shimmering second level, encased in intricately engraved gold panels & topped by a dome gilded with 750kg of gold. In the gleaming inner sanctum (photography prohibited), priests & musicians keep up a continuous chant from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book), adding to the already intense atmosphere.

After paying their respects, pilgrims retreat to the intricately painted gallery on the second level to contemplate.

Inside the Akal Takhat, you can view a collection of sacred Sikh weapons. The building was heavily damaged when it was stormed by the Indian army during Operation Blue Star in 1984; it was repaired by the government but Sikhs refused to use the tainted building and rebuilt the tower from scratch.

More shrines and monuments are dotted around the edge of the compound.

Inside the main entrance clock tower, the Sikh Museum shows the persecution suffered by the Sikhs at the hands of Mughals, the British and Indira Gandhi. At the southeast end of the tank is the Ramgarhia Bunga, a protective fortress topped by two Islamic-style minarets; inside is a stone slab once used for Mughal coronations, seized from Delhi by Ranjit Singh in 1783.

After spending a couple of hours taking in the experience, you will procced to the famous Lawrence Road for a typical Amritsari breakfast, followed by a walk around the area to see the ingredients of Punjabi cuisine like wadian & papad of various varieties and sweets of various types.

Return to the hotel by mid-morning. Relax or walk around on your own.

Lunch today can be at the hotel or an outside eatery (not included - direct payment). You may like to try Amritsari stuffed kulchas made in the Tandoor & served with typical white chick peas & onion chutney

Later this afternoon at 03.00 pm, accompanied by the Tour-guide, you will hop on the bus again to drive to Wagah Border to witness the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony - a daily military practice that the security forces of India & Pakistan have jointly followed since 1959. As the sun starts to set, Wagah Border comes alive with an incredible zeal & an unmistakable nationalist energy on both sides.

The 1947 partition of India & Pakistan led to the marking of a long white line that defines the Wagah Border between the two neighbours, separated by two heavy gates about 2 meters apart on either side.

The show starts off with the playing of patriotic songs and remembering the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. The crowd cheers on by calling out ‘Jai Hind’ & ‘Vande Mataram’, reciprocated with cries of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ from the opposite side.

The ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony starts with a stiff-marching parade by the soldiers from both the sides. One infantryman stands at attention on each side of the gate. Soon after, the heavy gates at the Wagah Border are flung open; the two soldiers approach each other, exchange fierce looks, give out mimicked threats, and show anger. They shake hands & begin to lower the Indian & Pakistani flags fixed on high poles at the gates, simultaneously.

At this point the noise in the open-air theatre transforms into pin drop silence. The spectators at Wagah Border remain extremely hushed in awe of the ceremony. The only sound being that of the pounding of boots of the soldiers on both the sides as they match steps & try to outdo each other as a part of the ceremonial splendour.

The flags are neatly folded & carried back into the respective camps. There is a final brisk handshake between the soldiers from either side, after which no glance is exchanged. This is followed by the slammed closing of both the gates & blowing of trumpet to mark the end of the grand ceremony

The 6 or 7 feet tall soldiers at the Wagah Border are well dressed in their uniforms with colourful turbans. The Indian ‘Border Security Force’ soldiers are dressed in khaki, and the Pakistani ‘Sutlej Rangers’ soldiers are dressed in black.

The speciality of the ceremony is the extremely fast pace at which the soldiers walk, with their feet rising almost to their foreheads. This highly skilful ceremony is impressive and one of its kind in India!

Return to the hotel by late evening.

Enroute, you will stop for dinner at a restaurant.

Early morning, you will be met by the Journeys Rep & transferred to Amritsar Airport for your flight to Delhi.

On arrival at Delhi, you will be received by the Journeys Rep & immediately depart for Agra.

There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and 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 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.

Check-in at the hotel & relax for an hour.

Shortly thereafter, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 10.00 am, who will take you back in time and help you to visualise the life in the bygone era illustrated by the majestic citadels and the serene Taj Mahal.

First stop will be the Taj Mahal - little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison - de - etre for every tourist's visit to Agra.

A visit to Taj 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 and 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 and 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.

Continue on to 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 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.

Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah also known as the 'Baby Taj' because of the architectural similarities.

It showcases intricate latticework and 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. Relax at the hotel or walk around on your own.

Evening around 07.00 pm, you will be transferred Hotel Radisson Blu to enjoy a ‘special’ Dinner at Dawat - e - Nawab restaurant.

A one-of-a-kind restaurant and a first for Agra, Dawat-e-Nawab is the hotel's special offering to guests. The 6 course meal explores all aspects of Indian dining styles & appetites, and each dish is served on specially crafted Kansa (bell metal) dinnerware, which is known for its notable qualities towards human health. Another first for this city, the restaurant has separate vegetarian & Non-vegetarian kitchens for preparing & serving food, to adhere & accommodate religious sensitivities.

Morning & afternoon is at leisure for optional activities or independent exploration (we will be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Evening, meet the Tour-guide at 05.30 pm & proceed for Kalakriti Cultural & Convention Center to spend your evening enjoying the amazing Mohabbat - The Taj - a musical extravaganza depicting the saga of one its kind love story of Muhgal Emperor Shah Jahan & his most beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

This exceptionally inviting event brings alive the historical legacy of India & gives you the opportunity to truly admire & experience its diverse cultural heritage. You will be blown away by the creative dance & dramatic lighting with the 12’ x 12’ Taj Mahal replica as well as the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire.

The Show, involving over 80 talented artists, enthralls the audience with its heart rendering dialogues & lively dance performances which transport you to the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan who immortalized his love by building Taj Mahal in the fond memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. (The live show is in Hindi but interpretation is available in English, French & German through headphones).

After the 1.5 hour Show concludes, proceed to a famous restaurant for Dinner.

Early morning around 07,00 am, Check-out & proceed on a drive to Jaipur.

Enroute, stop at Fatehpur Sikri - 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 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 and vision.

Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place worth visiting. The inner citadel is immaculately preserved. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish.

The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, 54 meters high Buland Darwaza and the Tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti - 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. Passing through Buland Darwaza, you will enter the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India). The Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.

Also walk though & click photos at Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhavan & Panch Mahal.

After spending an hour +, hop into the bus & continue your drive 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 early afternoon. 

Rest of the afternoon is free to relax or may be, you want to walk out in the vicinity of the hotel for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Evening around 5.30 pm, you will meet the Tour-guide & proceed to a famous temple to witness an exciting 50 minute Hindu ritual performed in the evenings only.

Jaipur, famous for its forts, palaces, monuments & heritage history, houses one of the finest Hindu temples in the country. The Temple was constructed by the industrialist family of Birlas, who are responsible for constructing many other famous temples in India. Known across the country for its glory, Laxmi Narayan Temple, now known as Birla Mandir, is the pride of the Pink City. The temple is an abode to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi.

The land on which the temple was built was given by the Maharaja to the Birlas for a token amount of just one rupee. The grand temple is located on an elevated ground at the base of Moti Dungari hill in Rajasthan, surrounded by lush green trees which simply add to the calm & peace of the temple.

The marble structure, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth & Beauty) carved out from a single piece of stone, dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. The other idol, an artist's wonder, is of Lord Ganesha. There is a large marble console which depicts all mythological events.

Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways are adorned with mythological paintings of various deities that add a different charm to the whole place, including pictures of great legends, philosophers & achievers like The Socrates, Christ, Buddha, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Francis of Assisi & Zarathustra. The outside of the temple is as beautiful as its interior with steps to the temple also made out of marble.

The temple also houses a museum which has all ancestral belongings of the Birla family. Thronged by devotees throughout the day, the temple is especially crowded during the festive season.

You will also get a chance to see the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.

From here, we will proceed to Narayan Niwas Palace for Dinner.

In the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, food preparation was very serious business & raised to the level of an art-form. Hundreds of cooks worked in the stately palaces & kept their recipes very closely guarded secret. Some recipes were passed on to their sons & the rest were lost forever. It was a matter of great prestige to serve unusual dishes to guests and the royal cooks were encouraged to experiment.

The tales of how cooks tried to impress their guests by presenting at least one unforgettable item on the menu have now become legends. The monthly budget ran into lakhs of rupees and the royal guests were treated mouth-watering delicacies.

After an early breakfast, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 08.00 am & proceed for an excursion to the majestic Amber Fort situated about 11 km outside the city.

Perched on a hill & nestling among the Aravalli Hills, is the historic fort-palace of Amber. Set in a picturesque background, the splendid Fort was built in 1600 by Raja Man Singh, commander-in-chief of the Mughal army during Akbar's reign & certainly one the greatest general of medieval India. The Fort was initially a palace complex within the much larger Jaigarh Fort.

The fort is constructed of red sandstone & white marble overlooking Maotha lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. The most magnificent sight inside is the hall of mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night they needed only a single candle, because the thousands of tiny intricate mirrors would light the entire room.

You are in for another exciting experience, we are sure you will remember. The ascent to the tall hillock is on an elephant. Return back to the lower level will be by jeeps (the Tour-guide will be happy to click your photograph, if you want to preserve the memory).

You will spend 2 hours approx. before hopping back on the bus to return to the city.

After a brief photo stop to wander on your own, continue exploring other palaces & landmarks of the city with the Tour-guide. 

Visit City Palace. Conceived & designed by Maharaja Jai Singh, it is a fine blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, the palace complex has numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways & temples & sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. The palace houses the City Palace Museum & 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 today is still the residence of the present royal family.

You will pass by Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds". Arguably Jaipur's most acclaimed landmark.

Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah, the tapering Hawa Mahal is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork & elaborate balconies with its facade, decked in no less than 593 finely screened niches & windows, making 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 largest & the best preserved of the five royal astronomical observatories built in stone by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1716 in different parts of the country. to measure movement of the stars & planets, time, altitude & other astronomical events. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

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

After or in between (time to be decided by the Tour-guide), you proceed for Lunch at The Raj Palace - an internationally renowned ‘luxury’ hotel which has hosted Royalty.

The Raj Palace is recognised as one of the only Places lived by the Maharajahs of Jaipur, that has been restored to its original glory & charm,

Formal receptions remained the focal activity of courtly life during the British period. Hence the Thakur Sahib made The Swapna Mahal (Raj Palace) imitating the great houses of the British & French nobility. The halls are completely fitted out with European furniture, chandeliers, mirrors, curtains & crockery collections of around 200 years old antique crockery used by the royalty i.e. the kings & queens, including the Maharaja & Maharani of Jaipur. The Swapna Mahal means the palace of Dreams. The double height ceiling has breathtaking majestic crystal chandeliers & panels of silk curtains will transport you to the dream world of royalty.

The Palace also has the pictures of the famous people who have visited, dined or slept in the embrace of this palace, which includes royalty - Sawai Jai Singh, Maharani Gayatri Devi, Lord Mountbatten, Maharaja Man Singh, Rawal Sangram Singh of Samode, Sheikh Al Bander from Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Al Makhtoom from UAE, Al Khalifa from Bahrain, Kings & Queens & various dignitaries belonging to the Royal Families all over the world. Celebrities from Hollywood & Bollywood like Dominique La Pierre, Fredrick Forsyth, Elainne Page, Lady Forte, Amitabh Bacchan, Aamir Khan, Javed Akhtar, Rocky Aaoki, etc. have

Transfer back to the hotel.

Balance of the afternoon at leisure.

Evening around 05.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide & embark on an exciting 3 hour ‘Culinary’ Walk. To make it more memorable, you will also get a chance to ride a rickshaw to get a deep insight of the life, culture & history of Jaipur.

You will visit those restaurants or local cuisine shops which even amongst those people who have been living here for many years remain a kind of secret. An engaging way to sample the famous street foods popular amongst the locals and the visitors

You will walk or ride through beautiful narrow lanes to visit the famous vendors where locals wait in long queue for their number to have the specialties of Rajasthan. Sample 5 to 6 different Indian food dishes from up to 8 different food vendors spread all over city. You will be served with unlimited food like Jaipur ki dal kachori, Tikiya cholae, Paetha, Jaipuri kulfi, Lassi, Rabdi,etc & drinks!

During the Walk basic amenities like bottled water, wipes, sanitizer will be provided. Keeping in mind the taste as well as safety & hygiene, only those vendors which pass a strict standards for quality & safety have been selected.   

Early morning, depart for Jodhpur,

Enroute, you will stop for Lunch at the Nimaj Palace.

Enjoy sitting in the grand Durbar Hall where ceremonial banquets of the Thakur once took place. Eat in a luxurious specialty restaurant serving, an array of lip smacking Marwar cuisine to tingle your taste buds. You will be spoilt for choice as you savor home-style cooking with perfect fine-tuning of spices.

Continue on your drive.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Jodhpur is located at the edge of the Thar Desert.

This imperial city 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 RaoJodha - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs after whom the city was rechristened from Mewar to Jodhpur.

It represents the rich royal traditions and culture in the sandy deserts and a thick stone wall -10 km long with 8 gates & innumerable bastions encompasses the city. It was once a major trade center and is known for its forts, palaces and temples displaying a glorious history & architectural brilliance. The exquisiteness of the Jodhpur forts & monuments is sure to enchant you.

The buildings of the city are dipped in blue hues, making it seem to reflect the endless sky and 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 and is also referred to as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around Mehrangarh Fort.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure or walking around on your own.

Jodhpur is well known for its glass bangles, puppets & other folk art. Ornate glass bangles with mirrors embedded & lacquer-finished can be found here. The area around the bazaars is a wonderful example of 19th century town planning, blending Rajasthani concepts with more contemporary styles. You may want to browse in the bazaars of the old city.

Evening, around 06.00 pm, you will be met by the Tour-guide & driven to Pal Haveli for a Cooking Demo & Dinner.

Home to 3 generations of the Pal family, this grand, rambling townhouse was built in 18^th century by the Thakur of nearby Pal. Surrounded by high walls, the Haveli lies in the heart of Jodhpur’s ancient walled city, under the gaze of magnificent Meherangarh Fort.

Upon arrival, you will be accorded a traditional ‘Indian’ Welcome with garlands & tika, along with a drink and escorted to the rooftop Restaurant which gives you a 360 degrees bird's eye view of the entire city covering the Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Place, Clock Tower & Gulab Sagar  (virtually all the places that you will see tomorrow).

Here you will witness a live Cooking session which serves up authentic & age old recipes that have been passed over generations in the family.

The head cook is an old man whose family have been Chefs for Pal Family for 4 generations. His experience & expertise with creating the exotic recipes are unsurpassed and the food will enthral the connoisseurs. The cuisine is local, Rajasthani fare, traditional & wholesome. You can enjoy a variety of succulent Tandoor dishes, thalis and delicious curries.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & proceed for a half day 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 5km long winding road and crossing seven mighty gates on the way. The fort commemorates the victorious battles of Jodhpur over other empires and states, especially Bikaner and 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 and temples. A must visit are the MotiMahal, Phool Mahal, Umed Vilas, Sheesh Mahal and Chamunda Devi Temple. There is also a museum displaying the rich artifacts of the royal era including palanquins, elephant howdahs and 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 and carved wooden doors. There are three other cenotaphs and a royal crematorium situated within the marble edifice. From the fort, you will get a marvelous view of the marble structure and 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 and also pass by the famous Clock Tower - a creation in white marble and 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.

Later, depart for Narlai village for a ‘once in a life-time’ experience.

Stop at Rohetgarh for Lunch. Often lunch & dinner is served by the poolside as folk musicians enliven the atmosphere.

Surrounded by the scrublands of the Great Thar Desert, the 375 year old fortified desert home of the descendants of the Rathores lies on the banks of a small lake teeming with birdlife, just south of Jodhpur.

Set in the midst of rural surroundings, it is a haven of peace & tranquility. Sprawling lawns & manicured gardens, which invite a multitude of birds & dancing peacocks, herald your entry into this oasis where the bird song is the only sound you will hear.

You enter through painted gates into a rambling, low rise building which has various wings surrounding grassy courtyards and a pretty landscaped garden, as well as plenty of breezy verandas & private retreats. A superb swimming pool with four charming pavilions entices you for a refreshing dip.

The Singh family still reside here and run the hotel, restored in traditional Rajput style and filled with historic trophies & delightful details.

Continue on your drive, after a leisurely lunch.

Arrive in the sleepy yet spectacular, Narlai village located amidst dramatic boulders & ancient temples on an exhilarating back country road of Ranakpur.

Famous for its  marvellous heritage resort - Rawla Narlai, hidden away in the heart of Aravalli Hills, at the foot of a mammoth 350 - foot single granite rock, surrounded by forested hills & rocky outcrops.

Rawla Narlai was once a hunting lodge of Jodhpur’s Royal family. Still owned by members of the Jodhpur family, the resort is now transformed from a mere hunting lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel albeit with all its original character and structure retained. The ambience is a special blend of aesthetics & comfort that envelops the senses

Explore the village including bustling bazaars & nearby temples where a miraculous flame has burnt for centuries producing saffron instead of soot! Wishes made here are said, come true.

And now comes the fun part. A ‘special’ Dinner at the Step Wells, which will surely be the highlight of this journey (along with other memories, of course).

Guests are taken on a magical journey from the Rawla through the village streets into the jungle before arriving at the ancient Step Well.

The surreal experience begins when you gather at the courtyard, sip a welcome drink with the resident royal who will regale you with stories & history of the locals while you get adorned with the traditional ‘Rajasthani’ turbans & scarfs. Then, travel by bullock carts to the 16^th century old Baori (Step-well) of Rawla Narlai.

Guided by a local into the dusk, swaying to the movement of the cart, watching the village slowly going to sleep and the starlit sky unfolding above you, passing the yogi who meditates by the blazing fire, you reach your destination that is lit by hundreds of lamps that illuminate the magical setting through flickering light. The very private dinner is laid out in a traditional manner.

Following this experience is the culinary journey that ignites your taste buds with elaborate fare offered over the next couple of hours while being entertained by the local jogi singing the devotional folk songs in his rich melodious voice.

The Dinner finishes but it is not the end yet. You board Jeeps to return to the hotel courtyard & enjoy a welcome cup of calming herbal tea.

Finally, the experience that would remain unmatched to anything you will ever experience for a long time, if ever, comes to an end & you hop on the bus to return to the hotel in Jodhpur.

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 a surprise. Have you ever imagined a Royal Enfield Bullet motor cycle being worshipped? A village near Jodhpur, worships the motorbike and 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 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 & 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 is 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 and 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. 

Drive 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 and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet and 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 and 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 similar designs. Another stunning fact about these columns is that they change their color from golden to pale blue after every hour during the day.

From here, drive nearby to relish Lunch at the royal Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat.

The Retreat & delightful orchards surrounded by the Aravalli hills, were laid out in the late 19^th century by the Maharani of Jodhpur & have always been a favourite resort for the members of the Jodhpur royal family to his day

The moment you step in, a feeling of bliss engulfs your mind & soul. Get yourself prepared to gorge into some of the finest ethnic and Rajasthani delicacies here. Lunch is served under a thatched roof amidst as you enjoy the glory of nature while indulging your taste buds in the tantalizing array of Indian and international gastronomical delight..

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 and palaces which in centuries past served as the homes of royalty.  The elevated hills and 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 and architecture. The beautiful temples create a sense of aestheticism with their spiritual ecstasy. The city also boasts of various museums, palaces, gardens, monuments and colorful festivals and is famous as a centre of art and crafts, especially for the miniature paintings and 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. 

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

Later in the evening, meet the Tour-guide at around 05.30 pm, proceed to the Pier to board one of the solar-powered boats Boats for a relaxing boat cruise in Lake Pichola, a ‘must’ for a Udaipur experience.

The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake and 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 & proceed to take part in a Cooking demonstration followed by Dinner at a family home.

The lady of the house is a Rajasthani & Indian Cuisine expert. During the Demo, the Cooking is done by her. You also get an opportunity to interact with the family members & get more in tune with the Indian culture.

You can observe her style of cooking or you can participate if you want to. Watch how she uses different utensils for different preparations. 

For example, she cooks Rajasthani ‘kadhi’ in earthenware pots on fire; green vegetables are cooked in ‘kadhai’ (a round iron bowl shaped pan); ‘dekchi’ is used to cook non-veg. dishes etc. Her choice of spices is also remarkable. Spik & span kitchen with all the utensils & ingredients in perfect order, is among one of the qualities of an expert cook.

The guests are made feel at home so that they can be comfortable in all the ways. Her way of explaining each & every step of cooking is excellent. She gives an opportunity to the guests to chop the vegetables, or to stir or to add the Masalas (spices).

The demonstration includes traditional Rajasthani or Indian dishes (vegetarian & one non-vegetarian) & they serve food in a traditional way i.e. in ‘Thali’.

And finally, it is time to eat & talk some more.

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 and 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 and a splendid view of the lake.

Return to the hotel for a brief relaxation / respite.

After freshening up, meet the Tour-guide again & proceed to one of the Miniature Painting Schools Udaipur is famous for.

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

Then we walk to Bagore - ki - Haveli for the famous Dharohar Dance Performance in the evening.

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 and it is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture and life style of the royal family.

There are 138 rooms with displays of costumes & modern art, as well as numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards and 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 and recreation rooms. The Chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style and 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 and other items are also on displayed.

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 to catch up on your shopping or may be, visit one of the Museums.

In time, you will be met by the Journeys Rep & transferred to Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport for the flight to Delhi.

Meeting on arrival & transfer to the hotel.

*No accommodation  is envisaged for this day. However, we have reserved some room (to be shared by the entire Group) for Wash & Change. 

In time, proceed for Dinner at a renowned restaurant - The Great Kabab Factory, an Indian specialty restaurant offering you a unique dining experience.

Using recipes combining the ancient with the contemporary, TGKF brings delectable kababs from all over the Indian sub-continent. At The Great Kabab Factory, you will experience mouth-watering kababs prepared in seven different styles, roasted on the tandoor or on a sighri, shallow-fried in a tawa or a mahi tawa, deep-fried in a kadhai, steamed in pots, even grilled on a stone.

Alas, this wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to incredible India  & go home. But, we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of this multi-ethnic kaleidoscope that 1.2 billion people call home, on your next visit.

For those departing later in the day, please note accommodation has to be reserved for the extra night at a supplement cost. Additionally, the Check-out time is 12.00 pm.  (If the departure flight is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow a complimentary Late Check-out, if possible but cannot be guaranteed.  However, after Check-out, you will be allowed to use the facilities & 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 Terminal? - Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport for the flight back home.  

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