HISTORICAL CULTURAL TOUR
DELHI – AGRA - RAJASTHAN – DELHI
Monday January 3rd – Thursday January 20th, 2011 – 18 Days
download brochure (PDF) download itinerary
Arrive in Delhi by the evening of January 2nd Hotel in DELHI
Mon Jan 3 - Day 1– We spend the day exploring the interesting sights of New Delhi's colonial past. The tour includes the Indira Gandhi’s House, Mahatma Gandhi’s Shrine, Raj Path and India Gate, finishing the day at a quality Indian restaurant in the iconic Connought Place. Hotel in DELHI
Tues Jan 4 - Day 2 – We leave early in the morning for Agra – home of the the Taj Mahal. There we will experience the glory of the Moghul Dynasty at the Agra Fort. In the afternoon we will visit the Bear Rescue Sanctuary – the retirement home for dancing bears. Hotel in AGRA
See website: www.wildlifesos.com
Wed Jan 5 - Day 3 - An early visit to the 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. After lunch we will call into Fatehpur Sikri to visit a beautiful mosque and shrine before driving to the “pink City”. Hotel in JAIPUR
Thur Jan 6 – Day 4 – A day tour will include the Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds and the Maharaja’s Palace and City Museum. We will visit a textile shop to give you the opportunity to have a tailormade outfit made for you. In the evening we will view a Bollywood movie at the local cinema. Hotel in JAIPUR
Fri Jan 7 - Day 5 – A visit to the village where the famous Jaipur Blue Pottery is made. In the evening, a special private cultural show will be held for us which will include Rajasthani music, puppets and dance followed by a delicious dinner in the local cuisine.Hotel in JAIPUR
Sat Jan 8 - Day 6– In the morning we drive to the funky oasis town of Pushkar, the only Hindu shrine to Brahma the Creator. This is the ultimate “chill out “ town where you can relax and enjoy Ayurvedic massage, shopping, take a sunset camel ride, finishing the day with rooftop dining overlooking the sacred lake. Hotel in PUSHKAR
Sun Jan 9 - Day 7 – This town is a photographers dream with gypsies in colourful costumes and gorgeous lake views. We visit a local family of musicians in their modest home in a rural setting. Meet their 7 gorgeous children and be entertained by Rajasthan folk music. Hotel in PUSHKAR
Mon Jan 10 – Day 8 – In the morning we drive to Chittorgarh, the site of the largest and grandest fort in Rajasthan. This fort was occupied from the 7th - 16th century by the Rajput Royal family and withstood the onslought of many Moghul invaders. Their courage and chivalry made them consider death before surrender. Hotel in CHITTORGARH
Tues Jan 11 - Day 9 – We drive on to Udaipur the “Lake City” overlooking the beautiful Piccola Lake. Enjoy exploring the twisting streets before the sunset lake cruise. Dine overlooking the Lake Palace – the setting for the James Bond film “Octopussy”. Hotel in UDAIPUR
Wed Jan 12 – Day 10 - Delight in the City Palace with it’s balconies overlooking the lake. Marble and mirror inlaid walls, towers, and intricate carvings to give you a real sense of history. Visit the Crystal Room with it's ostentatious wealth. Hotel in UDAIPUR
Thurs Jan 13 – Day 11 – We leave in the morning to visit the awe inspiring Ranakpur Jain Temple, built in white marble with 1444 intricately carved pillars. We stay in a beautiful forest resort in the area enjoying a drink around the campfire. Hotel in RANAKPUR
Fri Jan 14 - Day 12 - In the morning we drive through the countryside to Jodphur, known as the “Blue City” with it’s blue houses, quaint Haveli’s, twisting streets & famous Clock Tower Markets with it’s fragrant spice markets. Hotel in JODPHUR
Sat Jan 15 - Day 13 - The glorious Mehrangard Fort Palace is perched atop of an impressive rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Wander around the town with your camera and take photos of the interesting, colourful doors and windows. Visit a local village to see the handicraft of the Bishnoi people.We finish the day with dinner at The Rocks restaurant. Hotel in JODPHUR
Sun Jan 16 – Day 14 – In the morning we drive to Nagaur Fort – a well preserved example of Rajput fortification. After lunch we will continue on to Bikaner, where we will be staying in a atmospheric Haveli – a mini palace- previously the home of a member of the local Maharaja's family. Hotel in BIKANER
Mon Jan 17 – Day 15 – Bikaner is a town known for it's camels which are used for many functions of daily trade.We explore the Maharaja's Junagarh Palace and Fort , visit the 15th century Jain Temples, see a local miniature artist, ending the day at the Camel Research Centre. Hotel in BIKANER
Tues Jan 18 – Day 16 – In the morning we call into a local village to see how they live then travel through the desert landscape on the route that was taken by the merchants of old arriving in Mandawa – the town known for it's painted Havelis – some hundreds of years old. Hotel in MANDAWA
Wed Jan 19 – Day 17 – An informal morning walk around the town will feel like you are visiting an art gallery. An opportunity to chill before returning to Delhi in the afternoon. Hotel in DELHI
Thurs Jan 20 – Day 18 – A half day tour of Old Delhi includes a visit to the stunning Bahai Lotus Temple and the quirky International Museum of Toilets before leaving for the airport. TOUR ENDS
SEE OUR OPTIONAL 7 DAY MINI TOURS
DELHI – ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO – VARANASI – DELHI
MUMBAI - GOA - MUMBAI
DELHI - CORBETT - RISHIKESH – SHIMLA – DELHI