MUMBAI – RAJASTHAN – AGRA – KHAJURAHO – VARANASI - DELHI
Friday 6th February – Thursday 26th February, 2009 - 20 daysStarting the tour in Mumbai, India’s most cosmopolitan city with its contrast between old and new. Magical Rajasthan is the stuff of dreams, deserts, palaces, camels, forts - all teeming with history. The bright colours of Rajasthan provide a fabulous backdrop for the many photos you will be compelled to take. And the “ultimate monument to love” the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra in all it’s glory. A magnificent sight to see!! This tour is a sensory feast with its emphasis on beauty, spiritual places and nature. We will visit pristine places of natural beauty - and experience significant holy places before finishing the tour in bustling colonial Delhi
Thur 5th - Arrive in Mumbai – transfer to hotel Hotel in MUMBAI
Fri 6th Day 1- Based in harbourside Colaba, with it’s charming
colonial homes and buildings, we embark on a full day tour of Mumbai
taking in the sights - India Gate, Mahatma Gandhi’s museum, and the Dhobi Ghats, where the laundry is hand washed in 1,026 open air troughs. You will never complain about washing again! Hotel in MUMBAI
Sat 7th Day 2 - In the morning we board the ferry to Elephanta Island, to the spectacular cave temples created between AD450 – 750. A late afternoon we watch the locals enjoying the sunset on Chowpatty Beach before dining overlooking the ocean. Hotel in MUMBAI
Sun 8th Day 3 – A last visit to the Colaba street markets for bargains before flying to Udaipur – the “Lake City”. An evening culture show is a great introduction to fascinating Rajasthan. Hotel in UDAIPUR
Mon 9th Day 4
- Delight in the largest palace complex, in this state
of many palaces, with it’s balconies overlooking the beautiful
Picchola Lake. Marble and mirror inlaid walls, towers, and intricate
carvings to give you a real sense of history . View the city from the
lake on a magical sunset cruise. Hotel in UDAIPUR
Tues 10th Day 5 - In the morning we drive to Kumbalgarh to see the impressive 1100 metre high stone fort built in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the awe inspiring Ranakpur Jain Temple, built in milk white marble with 1444 intricately carved pillars. Hotel in RANAKPUR
Wed 11th Day 6 - After breakfast we drive to Jodphur, known as the “Blue City” with it’s quaint Haveli’s ,twisting streets and fragrant spice markets before dining in an atmospheric garden restaurant. Hotel in JODPHUR
Thu 12th Day 7 - The glorious Mehrangard Fort and Palace perched atop of an impressive rocky outcrop overlooking the city. History comes alive with the interesting audio tour. A short drive takes us for a sunset meal by candlelight overlooking the Thar Desert, to sleep in sumptuous tents owned by the Maharaja of Jodphur’s grandson. CAMEL CAMP OSIAN
Fri 13th Day 8 - A camel tour into the desert to see the Bishnoi tribes reknowned for their handicraft. Exquisitely carved Jain temples are well preserved in this desert town. After lunch , we drive to the funky oasis town of Pushkar set on a beautiful sacred lake. Hotel in PUSHKAR
Sat 14th Day 9 – A relaxing day shopping , an Ayurvedic massage, and gorgeous food overlooking the lake. This is a photographers dream with colourful costumes and lake views. We visit a local family of gypsy musicians in their modest home in a rural setting. Meet their 7 gorgeous children and be entertained by Rajasthan folk music. Hotel in PUSHKAR
Sun 15th Day 10 - A morning drive takes us to Jaipur , the “Pink City” with Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds and the Maharaja’s Palace and City Museum. Hotel in JAIPUR
Mon 16th Day 11 - An elephant ride to Amber Palace with it’s beautiful mirror work. Jaipur is shopping heaven, so the afternoon is put aside for you to indulge yourself in the bustling bazaars. In the evening we will take in a Bollywood movie. Hotel in JAIPUR
Tue 17th Day 12 - Drive to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the world’s largest bird breeding sanctuaries. An estimated 360 species within its 29 square km marshlands. Here we will explore the wildlife park in this tranquil setting. Hotel in BHARATPUR
Wed 18th Day 13 - A short drive to the fortified ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. The well preserved palace and still used mosque are a superb reminder of the best of Moghul architecture. We visit the interesting Agra Fort with it’s view of the stunning Taj Mahal. Hotel in AGRA
Thur 19th Day 14
- An early visit to the stunning Taj Mahal to capture
the pink rays of dawn on the pure white marble. See its magic unfold
as the sun picks up the intricate detail of the inlaid precious stones.
We take a train to Jhansi, before driving through the idyllic countryside dotted with 16th century temples and palaces. Hotel in ORCHHA
Fri 20th Day 15 – We spend the morning exploring the palace complex in this quaint picturesque village before driving to Khajuraho – a shrine to Tantric love and the Kama Sutra. Hotel in KHAJURAHO
Sat 21st Day 16 – Go by bicycle to see many temples set in tranquil countryside featuring erotic, sensuously carved figures of heavenly nymphs, which have shocked many people from Victorian archeologists to blue rinse tourists. Hotel in KHAJURAHO
Sun 22nd Day 17
- Relax with a rooftop breakfast and maybe an Ayurvedic massage before flying to Varanasi - India’s spiritual heart set on the mighty Ganges. Watch the sunset and the evening Hindu ceremony of lights on the banks of the river. Hotel in VARANASI
Mon 23rd Day 18 - A dawn boat ride will reveal the many pilgrims bathing in the river to wash away a lifetime of sins. Wander down twisting narrow alleys, past shrines and temples and experience the holiness of this unique and fascinating city known for its beautiful silks. Hotel in VARANASI
Tues 24th Day 19 - After a relaxing morning, we fly to New Delhi and have a free afternoon relaxing or looking for bargains in the main bazaar before going to the evening Red Fort Light & Sound show. Hotel in DELHI
Wed 25th Day 20
– We spend the last day exploring the interesting sights of Delhi with it’s colonial past. The tour includes the stunning Bahai Lotus Temple, Indira Gandhi’s House, the National Museum and India Gate.
After dinner we depart for the airport for the trip home. TOUR ENDS
For prices and inclusions, please see our contact page.
