Spiritual Varanasi with Magical Rajasthan & Pushkar Fair

This morning after breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour of Delhi city. You’ll first explore the Old Delhi area, starting with India’s largest mosque Jama Masjid. Next, visit Old Delhi’s oldest and biggest market Chandni Chowk. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride from Fatehpuri Masjid to the impressive red sandstone monument of Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here, our driver will pick you up and drive you to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Father of the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi. 

Afterward, proceed to Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It’s the first garden-style tomb of India built in 1565 featuring striking Persian inspired architecture. Later, take a sightseeing tour of New Delhi and begin your tour with a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House) and India Gate - a cenotaph of the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Lastly, visit world’s tallest brick tower at a height of 73 m, Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which was built to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for the airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Varanasi is the ultimate travel destination in India due to its spiritual and peaceful environs. 

On arrival, check in to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Before the break of dawn proceed for an early morning Boat Ride on the River Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from Ghat to Ghat. People bath early in the morning to offer prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation Ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day & night. After the tour of Ghats, return to the hotel for breakfast. 

After enjoying lunch, proceed to Sarnath which is located just 10 km from Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers, and one of the holiest Buddhist sites. It is here Lord Buddha had preached his first sermon to his pupils after attainment of Nirvana or enlightenment in 530 B.C. 

After Sarnath, return to Varanasi and explore the city. Visit ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple; walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the city leading to various hidden and popular market areas as well as other attractions. Evening, you will attend the popular evening Ganga Aarti ritual (Ganga Aarti is the riverside prayer rituals done in honour of the holy river goddess the Ganges) at the bank of the River Ganges. At the Aarti, watch well-choreographed traditional worship rituals done by Hindu priests where they chant holy Sanksrit prayers and sway huge brass lamps in their hands and blow conch shells to produce divine music. 

Later, transfer to the railway station for your train to Agra.

Morning arrival at Railway station in Agra, your driver along with our representative will be there to assist you and transfer to the hotel. After checking-in to your hotel and freshening up, you’ll visit Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built-in the 16th century, this red sandstone fort once served as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty and is home to beautiful mosques, palaces, and halls. 

In the evening, the spectacular sight of the Taj Mahal (a UNESCO World Heritage site) awaits at sunset. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed white marble architectural masterpiece, commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his departed wife, is a world-renowned icon and symbol of eternal love.

This morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This ancient fortified city built in the 16th century was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex includes several notable buildings such as Diwan-i-Khas building, which has a beautifully carved pillar at its center and the Panch Mahal palace. 

Continue drive to Jaipur and check-in to your hotel upon arrival.

Morning after breakfast check-out of the hotel, then visit Amber Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you’ll enjoy a ride up to the fort on a caparisoned elephant’s back. The majestic red sandstone and white marble fortress-palace date from the 16th century. The next visit is to Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomical observatory housing world’s largest stone sundial. Then proceed to Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, an exquisite 5-story building with over 953 ornate lattice-worked windows. Lastly visit, City Palace which still continues to be the residence of the royal family of Jaipur; the palace is also home to City Palace Museum that exhibits interesting collections of the royal family.

After breakfast at the hotel, get transferred to the holy city of Pushkar, which is also the venue for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. On reaching Pushkar, check-in to the hotel, freshen up and relax for a while. Later, head out for sightseeing tour of Pushkar town. Visit the famous Brahma Temple that is believed to be over 2000 years old and said to be the only prominent temple in the whole world where Lord Brahma (Hindu creator God) is worshiped. After a short walk ahead from the temple, you’ll arrive at the Pushkar Lake, which is considered to be a sacred lake. A large number of devotees throng here to offer prayers and to wash away all sins by taking a holy bath in the water. Stroll leisurely and take in the tranquil surroundings of Pushkar. Return to your hotel.

Spend the day visiting the colourful Pushkar Fair and enjoying the colorful display of unique exhibitions, exciting competitions and fascinating events. Pushkar Fair, also known as Pushkar Camel Fair, is an annual camel and livestock fair that is held over a period of seven days in the month of October and November. The festival is also touted to be the world’s largest cattle fairs. Experience various activities offered in the fair like a camel cart ride, hot air balloon, and watch performances like turban tying competition, moustache competition, best-dressed camels, folk music and dance performances and plethora of other captivating sights and activities.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Udaipur. 

Arrive in Udaipur and transfer to the hotel. Udaipur, 'the city of lakes' is admired for its fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, and gardens among many more. Spend the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Visit City Palace built in 1559, a small palace overlooking the dreamy Lake Pichola. It has gradually evolved to be the largest palace in Rajasthan with attractions like Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honor of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose, and visit Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural institution with a museum, which exhibits collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities, and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening in an adjacent open-air theater. The next stop will be at Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Evening is free to relax.

Optionally you can take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Ghats at Lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola.

After breakfast, leave for Jodhpur. En-route visit the famous Jain Temples of Ranakpur – a three-storied 15th-century temple made of white marble. It was built by a rich Jain businessman and is dedicated to Lord Adinath - 1st Tiranthakara (Spiritual teacher) of Jainism. This temple is said to have around 1,400 pillars that are designed totally different from each other. It was among the 77 sites to be nominated as the 7 wonders of the world.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, leave for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. The walls of the fort surround the old city of Jodhpur, and the fort stands 100 feet on a perpendicular cliff and 400 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur. Fabricated with red sandstone, the fort is a sight to behold.

Now proceed to Jaswant Thada, a white marble amazing monument, which is towards the left of Mehrangarh fort. It is a 19th-century cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone that is sculpted by the genius artisan. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a secluded and a mystic aura. Afterward, visit the iconic landmark of the town - Clock Tower (otherwise called Ghanta Ghar). Located close to the clock tower is the vibrant and quaint Sadar Market selling textiles, antiques, silverware, and handicrafts.

After breakfast, leave for Jaisalmer, fondly called the “Golden City” of Rajasthan. The city was founded in the 12th century and is known for its spectacular forts and Havelis (mansions) and also for its golden desert landscape.

After breakfast, this morning, proceed for Jaisalmer sightseeing visiting the Jaisalmer Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Named after Rao Jaisal who built this hill fort in 1156 AD, this fort attracts visitors from across the world to witness how beautifully it wears different hues of gold as the sun sets; hence the name - The Golden Fort. The iconic yellow sandstone Jaisalmer Fort is perched high above the desert city of Jaisalmer. 

Next, visit the Salim Singh ki Haveli. Built-in 1805, it took almost 55 years to be completed. It consists of around 38 balconies differently designed from each other. Now proceed to Patwon Ki Haveli to witness the beautiful gateways, archways, and architecture of the haveli. Evening, enjoy a camel ride in the famous Sam Sand Dunes. Return to the hotel.

After breakfast, hit the road to Bikaner. 

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel, freshen up and relax awhile. Later, visit the Junagarh Fort; the fort dating to 1588 AD is a huge complex with an attractive assortment of palaces, courtyards, kiosks, and decorative windows. Worth seeing in Junagarh fort are Karan Mahal (Hall of Public Audience) that was built in the 17th century on the classic Mughal style of architecture; Anup Mahal has lovely carved jharokha (balcony windows); and Bijai Phool Mahal.

After breakfast, leave for Mandawa, the city known for its Havelis (mansions) and villages. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and relax awhile. Later, visit Mandawa town, stroll through the bustling bazaars and pick up things of your interest. In the evening, explore the various beautiful “Havelis” in this small attractive village. You may also visit the Shekhawati region, an important town of the years gone by, to see a number of remarkable Havelis and Castles in the towns of Nawalgarh and Laxmangarh. These Havelis are museums in themselves, built by the rich merchants as their residence in the 18th and 19th century.

Morning after breakfast, leave for Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi, check-in to the hotel and relax. Later, step out for a shopping expedition by visiting the popular marketplaces of Delhi.

Morning after breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Delhi International Airport to board the flight for your onward journey/home.