YOUR GROUPS IN INDIA

DAY 2

DAY SUMMARY:
DELHI / JODHPUR / MEHERANGARH FORT / JASWANT THADA / UMAID PUBLIC GARDENS / GOVERNMENT MUSEUM / UMAID BHAWAN MUSEUM / MANDORE
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH / AIRPLANE
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: INDANA PALACE**** (or similar 4*)

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport to board our flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, we will begin a tour of the famous Blue City. Jodhpur, nicknamed the Sun City or Blue City, is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and the former capital of the Marwar kingdom. Historically, it was an important trading center for copper, opium, silk, and other goods, lying on the route between Delhi and Gujarat. Today, Jodhpur is known for its festivals and fairs, renowned sweets, grand weddings, and as a filming location for various shows.

We start with a visit to Meherangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, perched 120 meters above the sandy plains. The fort is actually a complex of palaces with fabulous courtyards and intricate carvings, including Moti Mahal – the Pearl Palace, and Phool Mahal – the Palace of Flowers. We will also visit the famous Jaswant Thada, built entirely from thin sheets of white marble, creating a stunning effect in the sunlight. Next, we explore the Umaid Public Gardens, which house the Government Museum and Umaid Bhawan Museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts showcasing the region’s rich history.

Depending on time and traffic, we may also visit Mandore, a fascinating site with the ruins of the old Mandore Fort, Mandore Gardens, Hindu temples, and a museum with statues and artifacts of the region’s most celebrated heroes.

In the evening, we will check in at the hotel in Jodhpur and enjoy dinner.
Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 3 

DAY SUMMARY:
JODHPUR / RANAKPUR TEMPLES / CHAUMUKHA TEMPLE / SURYA TEMPLE / JAIN TEMPLE / UDAIPUR / BHARTIYA LOK KALA MANDAL / TRADITIONAL SHOW
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: BAMBOO SAA HOTEL**** (or similar 4*)

After breakfast, we leave the Blue City, Jodhpur, and head towards Udaipur, making a first stop en route at the famous Ranakpur Temples. The Ranakpur Temples are located in a picturesque rural area of Rajasthan and are dedicated to Adinath, the first tirthankara of Jainism. They are among the most remarkable Jain temples in India, renowned for their impressive architecture and intricate artistic details. The Chaumukha Temple, the most important among them, is entirely made of marble, consists of over twenty halls, and features 1,444 finely carved pillars, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Jains. If time permits, we will also visit the Surya Temple and the Jain Temple. We will have a short lunch break where traditional food can be enjoyed at a local restaurant in Ranakpur (lunch is optional). Later, we continue directly to Udaipur, where we arrive and check in at the hotel in the evening. The day concludes with a cultural show of traditional music and dance, followed by a puppet show at Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal. Dinner is served afterwards. Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 4

DAY SUMMARY: UDAIPUR / CITY PALACE UDAIPUR / JAGDISH TEMPLE / BHARTIYA LOK KALA MANDAL / PUPPET SHOW / SAHELION KI BARI / BOAT RIDE ON PICHOLA LAKE / JAG NIWAS PALACE
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH / BOAT
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: BAMBOO SAA HOTEL**** (or similar 4*)

For today, we have planned a visit to this magnificent city, also known as the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East. We will visit the City Palace located on Lake Pichola, followed by the Jagdish Temple, whose architecture is based on the Indo-Aryan style and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it one of the largest altars in Udaipur. We will circle Fatehsagar Lake and then stop at Udaipur’s most famous museum, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, which houses an impressive collection of folk artifacts. The next stop is Sahelion ki Bari, or the Queen’s Resort, a fabulous garden built by the queen for the 48 maidens of the royal court. Later, we will relax on a boat ride on Lake Pichola, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, embankments, and terraces. We will also visit the famous Jag Niwas Palace located on the island in the middle of the lake. In the evening, we return to the hotel in Udaipur and enjoy dinner. Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 5

DAY SUMMARY:
UDAIPUR / YOGA / SAAS BAHU TEMPLE / PUSHKAR / CAMEL RIDE AT SUNSET
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH / BOAT
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL:  BRAHMA HORIZON**** (or similar 4*)

Early in the morning, just before breakfast, we offer an interesting Yoga session for beginners (optional), led by a Yoga instructor in the hotel garden. This activity is optional, and the price (including mats) varies depending on the number of participants. It’s a great opportunity for physical, mental, and spiritual energizing, as well as preparing ourselves for the day’s activities.

After the Yoga session, we enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the hotel terrace overlooking the lake, taking a few moments to soak in the beautiful view. Recharged and full of energy, we then set off for our next destination, the city of Pushkar, located approximately 280–300 km from Udaipur.

Just 30 km from Udaipur, we stop for a brief visit to an ancient 10th-century Hindu temple, famous for its Nagara-style architecture and remarkable artistic details. Saas Bahu Temple impresses with its entrance adorned with arches and stone carvings illustrating Hindu mythology. The interior is elegantly decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs, reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of medieval India. It is an important cultural and historical site in Udaipur, offering a captivating experience for visitors interested in art, architecture, and Hindu traditions.

We continue our journey to Pushkar, stopping for a short optional lunch break. If we arrive in Pushkar by 5:00 PM, we have the opportunity to enjoy an optional 30-minute camel ride at sunset.

Finally, we arrive at our hotel in Pushkar, check in, and have dinner.

Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 6

DAY SUMMARY:
PUSHKAR / BRAHMA TEMPLE / PUSHKAR LAKE / JAIPUR
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: HOTEL GOLDEN TULIP **** (or similar 4*)

After breakfast, we set off refreshed to visit the most important sites in Pushkar: Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake. Pushkar is famous for its temple dedicated to Brahma, one of the few major temples of this deity in India. The Brahma Temple is revered by devotees and attracts many visitors eager to participate in sacred rituals.

A central feature of the city is Pushkar Lake, considered holy in Hindu tradition. The lake draws pilgrims who come to bathe in its sacred waters to cleanse their souls and receive blessings. Pushkar also hosts a lively market in the city center, where you can find a variety of items, from souvenirs and traditional clothing to local handicrafts. The market is also an excellent place to purchase beautifully crafted Rajasthani jewelry and textiles.

After enjoying the atmosphere of this sacred and picturesque town, we continue our journey directly to Jaipur, traveling approximately 150 km to reach our destination. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and has been called the “Pink City” since the 18th century, when all the buildings were painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales at the time, HRH Albert Edward.

In the evening, we return to our hotel in Jaipur and have dinner.

Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 7 

DAY SUMMARY:
JAIPUR / AMBER FORT / MAHARAJA’S ROYAL PALACE / OBSERVATORY / HAWA MAHAL / AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL : GOLDEN TULIP **** (or similar 4*)

After a hearty breakfast, we prepare to start an intensive tour of Jaipur, with the first stop being Amber Fort (also known as Amer Palace). The ascent to the fortress will be on elephants’ backs (approximately 15 minutes), and the return will be by jeep (about 10 minutes). The impressive fortress is built entirely of red sandstone and marble and is divided into four sections, each with its own inner courtyard.

After visiting the fort, we continue to the Maharaja’s Royal Palace, a seven-story palace, and then visit the renowned Observatory, which attracts mathematicians and astronomers from around the world. We also see Hawa Mahal, famous worldwide for its magnificent architecture, from the outside.

To conclude this full day, you can either relax with some shopping or enjoy another excellent way to unwind and delight all the senses: a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage (optional).

We return to the hotel in Jaipur for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 8 

DAY SUMMARY:
JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / JAMA MASJID / TOMB OF SALIM CHISHTI / PANCH MAHAL / BULAND DARWAZA / IBADAT KHANA / AGRA
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: GRAND MERCURE HOTEL**** (or similar 4*)

In the early morning, we enjoy breakfast and prepare for a long day, covering approximately 250 km to our final destination of the day: Agra. Before reaching Agra, we leave the state of Rajasthan and enter Uttar Pradesh, where we stop to visit the historic site Fatehpur Sikri, located near Agra.

Fatehpur Sikri was built in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar and served as the capital of his empire for about 15 years before being abandoned. It is renowned for its grand architecture and the blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Persian styles. Fatehpur Sikri provides an exceptional insight into Mughal civilization and is one of India’s well-known UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We will visit Jama Masjid, followed by the Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal with its five stories, and Buland Darwaza, a graceful monument and stunning architectural piece. Buland Darwaza is a central gateway with a total of three arched entrances, locally known as the “Horseshoe Gate.”We will also explore other magnificent structures, including Ibadat Khana, Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace, Naubat Khana, and Birbal’s House. At the end of the day, we arrive in Agra, check in to our hotel, and enjoy dinner.

Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 9

DAY SUMMARY:
AGRA / TAJ MAHAL / AGRA FORT / KHAS MAHAL PALACE / JAHANGIR PALACE / BABY TAJ / COOKING DEMO SESSION / HENNA HAND PAINTING
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: GRAND MERCURE HOTEL**** (or similar 4*)

Our day begins with a sunrise visit to India’s emblem, the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. The Taj Mahal was built in an elegant white marble style by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal, and stands as a breathtaking symbol of love and romance. We will have the opportunity to take photos at sunrise, when the light perfectly illuminates this iconic monument, and then visit its interior.

Afterward, we return to the hotel for breakfast and a short time to relax. Next, we visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, composed of several palaces that seem to come straight from a storybook. Among these, we will visit Khas Mahal and Jahangir Palace, with the opportunity to see Diwan-e-Aam (the Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Agra is renowned for its inlaid marble work and fine craftsmanship.

We then visit another famous monument known as the “Baby Taj”, officially the Itimad-ud-Daulah Mausoleum, also located in Agra. Often considered a miniature version of the Taj Mahal, it is admired for its delicate beauty and ornamental details. Its resemblance to the Taj Mahal is especially evident in the use of white marble and artistic intricacy. It is regarded as a precursor to the architectural design later seen at the Taj Mahal. The mausoleum is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, adding to its overall charm, and its symmetrical architectural plan and subtle decorative details make it one of India’s most refined monuments.

In the evening, we spend time in a local family home, where we can participate in a traditional cooking demonstration alongside the family, enjoy dinner with them, and optionally take part in a henna hand painting workshop.

We then return to the hotel in Agra for rest.

Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 10

DAY SUMMARY:
AGRA / VARANASI / AARTI CEREMONY ON THE GANGES / RICKSHAW RIDE
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH / FLIGHT
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: MADIN HOTEL**** (or similar 4*)

On this day, we will depart early from our hotel in Agra to reach Delhi airport (approximately 4.5 hours by road), where we will board our flight to Varanasi, scheduled for 2:30 PM. Upon arrival in Varanasi, we will be transferred to our hotel for check-in and a short period of relaxation.

Varanasi, also known as Benaras, Banaras, or Kashi, is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, dating back over 5,000 years. It has long been the cultural and spiritual capital of Northern India. Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi leads to salvation. The city is also known as the Holy City of India, the City of Temples, and the City of Learning.

In the evening, we will attend the Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, with specially arranged seating for the event. The grand Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat is performed at sunset by five priests dressed in white. These five young priests perform choreographed movements as if venerating the river goddess, offering incense, camphor, flowers, and clay lamps. Thousands of lamps are placed into the sacred waters of the Ganges, and the floating lamps create a divine atmosphere on the river.

After the ceremony, we will enjoy a rickshaw ride through the city. We then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 11

DAY SUMMARY:
VARANASI / BOAT RIDE ON THE GANGES / BHARAT MATA TEMPLE / BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY / MOGUL MOSQUE OF AURANGAZEB
LUNCH: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH / BOAT
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: MADIN HOTEL**** (or similar 4*)

Early this morning, we will start the day with a boat ride on the Ganges River. Two of the most famous ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are frequented by hundreds of devotees. The ghats in Varanasi are platforms or steps on the banks of the Ganges and hold deep cultural, religious, and social significance. These two ghats are well known not only as sacred bathing (snan) sites for Hindus but also for the cremation ceremonies of the deceased. Cremation on the banks of the Ganges and the burning of bodies is considered a way to achieve liberation of the soul from the cycle of reincarnation, according to Hindu belief. It is possible to witness numerous funeral pyres burning at these ghats. We then return to the hotel for breakfast and begin the second part of our visit, a city tour of Varanasi. Varanasi—the holiest Hindu city and one of the oldest living cities in the world—was already ancient when Rome was founded, and it was a flourishing commercial center when Buddha came to Sarnath to deliver his first sermon. It was a city of great wealth and religious importance when the Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited in the 7th century. We visit the Bharat Mata Temple with a large marble relief map of India, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University, which has an art gallery, and the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb Mosque, built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. In the evening, we return to the hotel for dinner and rest. Meals included for the day: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 12

DAY SUMMARY:
VARANASI / SARNATH / DELHI
LUNCH AND DINNER: OPTIONAL

TRANSPORT: COACH / FLIGHT
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER
HOTEL: HOTEL AIRPORT RESIDENCY / HOTEL ARCH *** (or similar 3*)

We start the morning with breakfast at the hotel, then go on an excursion to Sarnath, a sacred city near Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It holds special significance in Buddhism, as it is the place where Buddha Sakyamuni delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Sarnath is therefore one of the four important sacred sites associated with Buddha’s life (the others being Lumbini – his birthplace, Bodh Gaya – the place of enlightenment, and Kushinagar – the place of his death). Sarnath was a renowned center of learning from the 6th century BCE to the 12th century CE. Here we visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple, and museum. Later, we are transferred to the airport to board our flight to Delhi, scheduled for 3:30 PM. Upon arrival in Delhi, we have dinner (optional) and check in at a hotel near the airport, where we rest for a few hours, change clothes, and prepare our luggage for the flight home.

DAY 13

DAY SUMMARY:
RETURN FLIGHT
LUNCH AND DINNER: –

TRANSPORT:   COACH

MESE INCLUSE:  –

HOTEL: –

Return flight.