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Day 01
Namaste! Welcome to India! After completing immigration and
custom formalities we will be taken through the city to our
hotel. Overnight: The Metropolitan Hotel in Delhi
Day 02 Delhi.
Morning free to recover from long flight, in the afternoon
we take short tour of India’s capital city, Delhi, home to over
14 million people, brings together the many historical faces of
the sub continent. It has seen the rise and fall of many empires
and today is a collision of ancient and modern India. Our
exploration we commence our Indian adventure at the footsteps of
India Gate, a memorial site for the many soldiers that died in
the First World War and then drive by President Palace designed
by Lutyens, is the official residence of the President of India.
It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, constructed high up
on Raisina Hilla. On its either side, are the impressive office
buildings - North Block and South Block. Our day continues with
a visit to Shah Jehan’s Red Fort and Jama Masjid, both reflect
an opulent expression of history and architectural skill. In the
evening we enjoy welcome dinner at Indian Restaurant
Day 03 Delhi.
After breakfast we continue our tour of Delhi starting at the
famous Qutab Minar, which stands at over 70 metres high with a
base of 14.32 meters in diameter. Built in the 12th /13th C, the
red sandstone tower is the one of the earliest examples of
Indo-Islamic architecture. Followed by visit to Lotus Temple,
Humayun’s tomb and Raj Ghat the memorial to the father of our
Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 04 Delhi / Alsisar (Drive: 250 km)
An interesting day as we move into the rural – the real India.
Driving westwards, make our way to Alsisar to get the feel of
the authentic flavour of rural Rajasthan. Alsisar provides
visitors with a true depiction of village life. The region is
home to historical forts, castles and beautiful frescoes. Known
as an “open air gallery”, Shekhawati has the highest
concentration of frescoes in the world. We explore all this
before retiring into our hotel, which will be our base for the
next three days as we do voluntary work.
Overnight: Alsisar Mahal Hotel in Alsisar
Day 05 Alsisar / Neshal Village (Volunteering)
The next two days is an immersion into rural Indian life, people
and culture. We spend time to help the villagers by joining in
painting the local school and village activities. At this point
we get to develop friendship and help them converse in English
and plant trees in the surrounding area, adding a sense of
serenity to the environment allowing for an ideal for learning.
We return to Alsisar for our overnight.
Day 06 Alsisar
We spend our second day in Neshal completing our community
services. As the time comes to bid farewell to the many friends,
we are invited to a simple village goodbye ceremony joined by
the local students, teachers and village elders.
Day 07 Alsisar / Bikaner (Via Deshnok) (Drive: 250 km)
We drive to Bikaner; the once busy trade stop for merchants
traveling to Central Asia. We stop at Deshnok and visit the
Karni Mata Temple. Famous for rats that run freely and
fearlessly throughout the temple, pilgrims from far and wide
come to offer sweets as a holy gesture. In the afternoon, we
enjoy a tour of the city, visiting a fort and a camel-breeding
farm.
Overnight: Lallgahh Palace hotel in Bikaner
Day 08 Bikaner / Jaisalmer (Drive: 330 km)
As we drive through Rajasthan’s colourful and rural roads, we
find ourselves at Jaisalmer. Also known as the “Golden City”,
Jaisalmer sits on bed of sandstone, crowned by a fort with
several Jain temples. We stop for breakfast at the grand and
opulent Gajner Palace, formerly a hunting lodge for the region’s
royalty. At the heart of the Thar Desert, we experience for a
few moments, the lifestyle of, the residents of Jaisalmer.
Overnight: The Gateway Hotel Rawal Kot in Jaisalmer
Day 09 Jaisalmer
Almost 900 years old, Jaisalmer was a major post on the trade
route across the forbidding Thar Desert. With its golden
crenellated walls and narrow streets lined with exquisite
mansions, Jaisalmer’s private residences are decorated with
beautifully carved facades and perforated screens. Our Jaisalmer
experience starts with visits to some of the most colourful and
striking havelis (private residences) followed by Gadi Sagar
Tank, the fort and Jain Temples.
At midday we drive to the village of Kanoi and begin our camel
safari. Riding through the sand dunes just as merchants did
during the medieval times. As the sky darkens, we watch the sun
slowly fall deeper into the horizon, as we enjoy traditional
folk dance and a delicious meal! We leave a part of the desert
behind and drive back to our hotel.
Day 10 Jaisalmer/ Manvar (Drive: 180 km)
Today, we drive to the Manwar Desert Camp. An ideal place to
experience desert life, village people and the unique beauty
that the glittering sun and golden sands offer. Hidden deep in
the Thar Desert, this campsite was once the luxurious rest
installed by the Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. Our day at Manvar
includes a jeep safari through the Thar Desert. Once the sun has
set, we sit around a campfire and enjoy the workings of local
musicians and dancers.
Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp
Day 11 Manvar /Jodhpur / Rohet Garh
(Drive: 160 km)
We continue our journey through Rajasthan to Jodhpur. Its desert
sun reflects on the whitewashed homes that carry a deep and
beautiful indigo tinge, resulting in the nickname the Blue City
.We visit the Mehrangarh Fort which at a height of 400 feet is
one of the largest in the nation. The fort encompasses a series
of courtyards and palaces with deep terracotta latticed work. We
travel some 40 km and arrive at Rohet to embark on a horse
safari through the village. With some of the finest stables in
the country, Rohet is home to sensitive and beautiful stallions
that allow for an enjoyable ride. Overnight: Rohet Garh Hotel
Day 12 Rohet Garh / Ranakpur / Udaipur (Drive: 280 km)
Our journey to the world-renowned city of Udaipur takes us
through this culturally rich and diverse state as we drive near
the Aravalli Mountain Range and stop to explore the historic
city of Ranakpur. Rakakpur draws many locals and tourists to
visit the well-known 15th C Jain Temple. Inside, you find
24-pillared halls and eighty domes supported by over 400
columns. We make our way to Udaipur where we visit the City
Palace. A combination of European and Chinese architecture, the
palace is a series of grand royal mansions with courtyards,
gardens and glass mosaics, sitting on the edge of Pichola Lake.
We continue our excursion with a visit to Saheliyon Ke Bari or
the Garden of Maids and the folklore museum. We end our day with
a boat ride as the moon’s image reflects on the beautiful lake.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel in Udaipur
Day 13 Udaipur / Pushkar (Drive: 280 km)
Today is another highlight as we make our way to Pushkar.
Situated on a beautiful lake, Pushkar is a holy and religious
site for Hindus. Also famous for its annual fair, many residents
of surrounding villages and towns make their way across the
desert in hopes of turning camels into much needed cash. At
night, the annual fair brings on a carnival flavour bringing
together the city residents and the many visitors. As we walk by
we see queues of shy Rajput women dressed in beautiful colourful
saris, waiting their turn for a ride on the ferris wheel. As the
sun sets, the campfire begins and the bright stars call for an
evening meal. Enjoy a free day and take the opportunity to meet
and interact with local Rajputs on this very special occasion.
Overnight: Royal Desert Camp Pushkar
Day 14 Pushkar
Today we spend a full day at the Camel Fair. One of the nation’s
biggest livestock fairs, the Camel Fair draws many from all over
north-west India to participate in the buying, selling and
negotiating of prized animals. With dancers in the street and
skilled artisans selling their goods, the Camel Fair is a
jamboree of colour and excitement. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Pushkar /Jaipur (Drive: 140 Km)
We bid Farwell to Pushkar and take a scenic drive to Rajasthan’s
capital city of Jaipur. We are received warmly at our hotel and
enjoy the balance of the day to loiter around the colourful
bazaars. This is the famous Pink City.
Overnight: Country Inn Suite in Jaipur
Day 16 Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride up to
the majestic Amber Palace, an ideal reflection of 17thC Rajput
architecture. Built with white marble and red sandstone, the
palace mirrors a beautiful image on the waters of Mahotha Lake.
At the steps of a building is a true depiction of the local
talent of brass inlay, l and stone setting, which is so evident
in Jaipur’s historic buildings. The Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds,
stands tall as one of the most beautiful structures in Jaipur.
As we walk through the palace, we travel back into time and
picture the ladies of the royal harem staring into the city from
behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy
shopping at the bazaars of Jaipur.
Day 17 Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Today we drive to the former great Mughal Capital and visit to
the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Mughal King,
Akbar the Great in 1640, the city is a superb example of Mughal
architecture, as it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We
continue the day with a look at the mausoleum of the Sufi
mystic, Salim Chisty. Waving goodbye to this historically rich
city and we anxiously drive to our next destination. Agra! On
arrival we are taken to the world famous Taj Majal as we watch
its towers glisten under Agra’s full moon! A day and night never
to be forgotten.
Overnight:The Gateway Hotel in Agra
Day 18 Agra
Our morning begins with a tour of India’s most famous landmark,
the Taj Mahal (WHS). Built by Shah Jehan, the Taj Mahal is a
depiction of the king’s love for his favourite wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. Carved from white marble and inlaid with semi-precious
stones, the Taj Mahal is also the site of Shah Jehan’s resting
place. We continue our tour of Agra with a visit to the Agra
Fort (WHS). Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, it is the site
of Shah Jehan’s imprisonment by his son, Aurangzeb. In the
evening we experience Agra’s rich cultural heritage as we watch
the Mohabatten Taj, a Dance Drama Show at Kalakriti.
Day 19 Agra / Delhi (Drive: 220 km)
After check out at 12.pm we make our way back to Delhi.
Reflecting on our beautiful journey from the nation’s capital to
the physical depiction of its most cherished love story, we will
remember India for the unique experience it had to offer.
In Delhi, after freshening up we have the final farewell dinner.
After dinner we are transferred to airport to take early morning
flight.
Day 20 Delhi / Home.
We take the early morning flight home
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