Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel. New Delhi, the capital of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern India. It unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj. It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings. Overnight: The Oberoi –5 Star Deluxe (Premier Room) (2 Nights) (B)

Day 2: Delhi
We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit Birla House - The Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi spent his later years at Birla House before he was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse on January 30, 1948. Later we visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 72.5 meters / 80.5 yards into the sky and there are 379 stairs inside the tower . New Delhi is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, and British India and certainly of modern independent India. Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. We end our tour with the visit to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. (B)
Please Note: Red fort and Birla House remain closed on Monday and Chandni Chowk remains closed on Sunday

Day 03: Delhi- Sikandra - Agra (Drive: 220 Km/ 5 Hrs)
This morning we pass interesting Indian scenery as we drive to Sikandra. This is where lie the remains of Akbar the Great - one of the greatest of the Mughal rulers. A very simple mausoleum for a person of his stature. We then proceed to Agra - the city that is home to the most well known of the wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal. On arrival we check in our Hotel. Later we visit Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, in the later years of his life, was imprisoned by his son to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. We end our tour with a visit to some of the local factories famous for inlay work on marbles and witness the complex art inlaying precious and semiprecious stones on the world famous Marbles from the mines of Makrana. Overnight: The Oberoi Amar Vilas– 5 Star Luxury (Premier Room) (2 Nights) (B)

Please Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday

Day 04: Agra- Fatehpur Sikri –Ranthambore (Drive: 280 Km/ 6 Hrs)
A short drive gets us to Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King, Akbar the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. From here we continue on a countryside drive to Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern Rajasthan at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. Two rivers flow through the Ranthambore National Park - the Chambal River in the South and the Banas River in the North. Six man-made lakes and many perennial streams pass through the entire national park. The Ranthambore National Park is nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. On arrival we check in our Hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight: The Oberoi Vanyavilas- 5 Star Luxury (Luxury Tent) (2 Nights) (B)

Day 05: Ranthambore
Today we take a jeep safari through the National Park in an open jeep (Shared Jeep Safari). On our journey we will see various indigenous animals such as: nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild bear and TIGER! Other habitants of the Park include the muntjac, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, the rhesus macaque and the black-faced langur. About 150 species of bird are also found here including migratory birds, like the steppe eagle, that arrive in winter. Later we come to our resort for lunch (Payable directly). Ranthambore is famous for the famous Royal Bengal Tigers and spotting the big cat in her natural habitat will be of great experience. Relying on our luck and how much lucky we are today, we take another jeep safari through the National Park. If we are lucky enough we may be able to spot the BIG CAT in her natural environment. (B)

Day 06: Ranthambore – Jaipur: (Drive: 180 Km/ 3 ½ Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Jaipur- the rose pink capital of Rajasthan. On arrival we check in our Hotel. Later in the afternoon we visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu the creator of Universe. The temple is the latest addition to the list of monuments in Jaipur and is an all marble temple with beautiful carvings. Overnight: The Oberoi Raj Vilas- 5 Star Luxury (Premier Room) (2 Nights)

Day 07: Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh the founder of the city. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art and the colorful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. (B)

Day 08: Jaipur- Udaipur (Drive: 420 Km/ 7 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Udaipur. No city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. Misty ochre-shadowed hills and pale, intricate buildings encircle the mirror glass of Lake Pichola. If Jaipur is a study in pink then Udaipur is a vision in white. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold, the equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor. Within the City Palace are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the MOR Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings. The most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jehangir. On arrival in Udaipur, we check in our Hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight: The Oberoi Udai Vilas- 5 Star Luxury (Premier Room) (2 Nights) (B)

Day 09: Udaipur
We start our experience of Udaipur by visiting the City Palace. The palace has several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace with its series of lovely wall paintings. From City Palace we can see the most memorable part of Udaipur lake palace, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Later we visit Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari or the Garden of Maids. We end our tour of Udaipur with a boat ride at Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir, the other island palace with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jahangir. (B)

Day 10: Udaipur –Ranakpur –Jodhpur: (Drive; 290 Km/ 6 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Ranakpur. We visit the famous Ranakpur temples, constructed in the AD 1439. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 Kilograms whose sound echoes in the entire complex. From here we drive to Jodhpur. Jodhpur is the blue city, a crazed mass of indigo angles, spreads, along the edge of the Great Thar Desert. Jodhpur's fort, Mehrangarh, towers over the city, perched on a sheer rocky ridge from where the view over the sea of blue buildings in mesmerizing. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but these days, non-Brahmins have taken on the practice too. The old city of Jodhpur is a tangle of winding, glittering streets, scented by incense, roses and sewers, with shops selling everything from trumpets to temple decorations, from snuff to saris. It's surrounded by 10 km long wall (built about a century after the city was founded) with eight gates. Jodhpur was founded bin 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathore. On a vital trade route, the city was built on the profits of opium, sandalwood, dates and copper. On arrival we check in our Hotel. In the afternoon we take a Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village to see the traditional lifestyle of rural Rajasthan’s living in small houses and garbed in their colorful dress. Rest of the day is free. Overnight: Taj Ummed Bhawan Palace –5 Star Luxury Palace Hotel (Palace Room) (2 Nights) (B)

Day 11: Jodhpur
Our experience of Jodhpur starts with a visit to Mehrangarh fort, built in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, rises steeply from a rocky scrap winds Up to the massive gateway with immense portals and enter through the Gate of victory – Jai Pole and Loha Pole Marked with palm prints of ‘Sati’ (Rajput Ladies immolated themselves on funeral fire of their Husband). Inside the fort there is a series of courtyards and palaces, a deep –terracotta latticed network. They house a museum, with a splendid collection of the trappings of Indian royalty, including some amazing elephant’s howdahs (essential for glittering processions), miniature paintings and the inevitable Rajput armory and ephemera from ivory inlaid ladies dumbbells to camel bone carpet weights. Later we visit Jaswant Thada This milky – white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a peaceful array of whimsical domes, about 1 km from the fort. The royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby followed the Cenotaph, built in 1899. We will also visit the beautifully landscaped Mandor Gardens. (B)

Day 12: Jodhpur- Jaisalmer: (Drive: 300 Km/ 6 Hrs)
nother day of the rural and colourful Rajasthan as we drive to Jaisalmer. We are now in the hinterland of the incredible Thar Desert and get a panoramic view, from the ground, of the life in the desert where survival is an everyday affair, hence a part of life and the various styles and adaptations that people make. On arrival in Jaisalmer we check in our Hotel. Overnight: Suryagarh –Palace style Boutique Hotel (Palace Room) (2 Nights) (B)

Day 13: Jaisalmer:
We start our city tour of Jaisalmer visiting the fort built by Maharawal (Maharaja) Jaisal in 1156 AD- One of the 2nd oldest in Rajasthan situated on triangular Mound 76 meters above ground level. Like a giant sandcastle, the golden fort thrusts skywards out of the surrounding barren landscape. Dubbed the "Golden City" because of its honey color, it is the place that should exist only in the imagination. For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer. But the desert fortress, that seems to be straight out of the 'Tales of the Arabian Nights' still enchants. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight. We also visit the Jain temple of the 11th century BC, Gadisar Tank - A scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. Folk Museum, Patwan Ki Haveli the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals, Badal Vilas Palace.
In the evening we take an excursion tour of SAM and SAND DUNES. Village SAM has a cluster of Sand dunes. These dunes are large extents of shifting sands, the wind heaps the sand into hills or deep hollow scopes vary in size from 3 to 15 km. We enjoy a Camel safari - getting the real feel of the desert on the camel back. Enjoy the sun set with changing colors in desert. (B)

Day 14: Jaisalmer - Bikaner: (Drive: 330 Km/ 7 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Bikaner. Bikaner city is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and a mosque. Founded by Rao Bika, the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and windows of varying designs. An enormous arched doorway leads to the Jaramal Temple. The royal chapel is Har Mandir where royal weddings and births were once celebrated. This sprawling desert town has a fort with some of the finest interiors in India, and a bustling old walled city encompassing darkred sandstone havelis and exquisitely painted Jain temples. The area is famous for the intricate rich gold painting work by Muslim Usta artisans. On arrival in Bikaner we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight: The Laxmi Niwas Palace –Heritage Hotel (Palace Room) (1 Night) (B)

Day 15: Bikaner- Mandawa: (Drive: 250 Km/ 5 Hrs)
In the morning we tour Bikaner by visiting the Junagarh fort, constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh-A general in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Then Lalgarh palace, this red stone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. It is an imposing building, with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. Later we visit camel breeding farm set within the sand Dunes, the only farm of its kind in whole of Asia. In the afternoon we drive to Mandawa, an excellent base for exploring the region. It was settled in the 18th century and fulfilled by the dominant merchant families. Mandawa one of the finest of the small towns in the Shekhawati region has royal castle and innumerable Havelis where the painted facades offer a great variety of surprises. On arrival in Mandawa, we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight: Castle Mandawa –Heritage Hotel (Deluxe Room) (1 Night) (B)

Day 16: Mandawa- Gurgaon (NCR Delhi near airport): (Drive: 240 Km/ 6 Hrs)
In the morning we explore Mandawa by visiting the famous "The Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan" known for the plethora of plain red havelis, and this rich artistic region known as Shekhawati. Mandawa is an excellent base for those seeking to discover what is known as Havelis at Shekhawati built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn there walls.
After visiting Mandawa, we drive to Gurgaon (NCR Delhi near airport). On arrival in Gurgaon, we check in our Hotel. Overnight: The Oberoi –5 Star Deluxe (Premier Room) (1 Night) (B)

Day 17: Gurgaon – Delhi Airport – Home
Today we are transferred to Delhi airport for our flight to onward destination. (B)