Breakfast in the hotel, followed by orientation session. After orientation we’ll leave for a sight seeing tour of Old Delhi, the ancient walled city.  Here you will see the Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughul Empire; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. We’ll ride a cycle rickshaw from the streets of Chandini Chowk, through the busy lanes to the Great Mosque. After sightseeing we’ll return to Hotel Surya for rest in the afternoon to recover from jetlag.  Enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening we’ll attend a private party in a typical Indian upper middleclass home, where you will mingle with each other and with Indian guests. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast leave for a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Designed and built by the British in the 1920’s, New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards impressive government buildings, green parks and gardens.  First we will visit the Lotus Temple and a monument from Delhi’s past, the Qutub Minar.  Then we’ll drive along the Embassy lined Shantipath to Eternal Gandhi Multi Media Museum. After Museum we’ll drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan (Indian Presidential Palace) and Parliament House and then down Ceremonial Avenue, Rajpath for a quick stop at India Gate. The tour ends with a visit to the Central Cottage Emporium, one of the best places to shop in India. Prices are fixed and fairly priced (fair to artisan and buyer alike). Quality is superb. Our vehicle will be on hand to relieve you of the burden of carrying your bargains with you for the remainder of the tour. We’ll hand them back on the final day. Return to the hotel. Dinner in the hotel restaurant. Evening is free; we’ll check the local Delhi Guide for happenings on that night. There is often a play or concert to partake in. Overnight in the hotel.

Transferred to the airport for our flight to Varanisi. On arrival we’ll be met at the airport and driven to Hotel Radisson, where traditional Indian welcome awaits the group with aarti, tikka and a non-alcoholic drink while we wait for our keys. Lunch in hotel. After lunch we’ll be driven to Sarnath, 10 kms from the center of the city, Sarnath symbolizes the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles – archaic, the Matura School and Gupta period medieval art – covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. After Sarnath, we’ll proceed to the old city where we’ll float past the ghats in boats and observe the religious ceremonies which pay homage to the River Ganges (Last year’s group said that this was a very moving experience). On completion we’ll return to hotel for dinner in the hotel restaurant and overnight.

Early morning (before sunrise) we’ll leave the hotel for the Ghats on River Ganges to observe the faithful engage in religious activities ie, Holy Dip. (Tea/coffee and cookies will be provided in the lobby before departure). While there, we’ll visit Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva near the river banks and ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Remainder of morning is free; there is a nice Silk Emporium nearby that you may want to visit. We’ll leave for the airport to connect to our flight to Khajuraho (Indian Airlines IC 452 Dep. 1450hrs Arr 1530hrs). On arrival at Khajuraho airport we’ll be transferred to the Hotel. In the evening, we’ll enjoy the Sight and Sound show at the temple complex. Return to the hotel after the show for a buffet dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast the group drives through the countryside to Orchha (approx 5-6 hours). Once the Capital of the Bundellas, Orchha is now just a village, set amongst a complex of well-preserved palaces and temples. Lunch in a restaurant at Orchha Resort. After the sightseeing tour we’ll drive to Jhansi in the evening to catch the Satabdi Express for Agra. (Dep. Jhansi 1756hrs. Arr. Agra 2038hrs.) From the Agra railway station we’ll be transferred to the hotel. A traditional welcome awaits us at the hotel. Buffet dinner in the restaurant of the hotel. Overnight.

After breakfast we’ll visit the Taj Mahal – perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. We’ll ride on decorated horse carriages (Tonga) from the hotel to TAJ MAHAL. (These horse drawn carriages were the most common mode of transportation before the motorcar became popular. In the old city you can still see people using these for their daily work. The ride on the Tongas will be for around 20mins). After the Taj Mahal we’ll proceed to Agra Fort by coach. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India. Return to the Hotel to indulge your time in the swimming pool, enjoy the facilities available in the hotel, relax etc. You might want to branch out on your own for more sightseeing or shopping. Dinner is served in one of the restaurants of the Hotel. Overnight in Agra.

After an early breakfast we head for Ranthambhore Forest Resort at Sawai Madohpur by air conditioned coach, while stopping at Fatehpur Sikri (the ghost capital of the Mughul Empire) along the way. The full journey takes around 7 hours. Lunch will be enroute in a pleasant Midway Restaurant. Arrive Ranthambhore for a welcome drink and check in at hotel. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and then retire for the night at hotel (It’s been a long day).

Early morning leave for a game drive in the National Park in search of the elusive tiger. While there are no guarantees that we’ll see one, Ranthambore N.P. provides one the best opportunities in India. The drive is followed by breakfast in the hotel. Midday is free for individual activities, such as curio shopping in the nearby town. At around 1500 hrs we’ll proceed on another game drive in the Park (the best times for seeing wildlife are in the early morning and late afternoon). Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Read about William's Tiger Sighting.

Early morning a third game drive takes us into the Park (We’ll obviously be making every effort to show you that tiger).  Return to the hotel for breakfast. Depart for Jaipur (3 hr drive). On arrival we’ll be welcomed at the hotel with flowers and a non alcoholic drink. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur.  Visit: City Palace Museum – an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art.  The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal prices, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Jantar Mantar (observatory) – an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD. We’ll also see Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal façade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Dinner in the hotel restaurant and overnight. 

After an early breakfast in the hotel we’ll leave for Amber Fort – a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below.  We’ll ascent to the fort is on gaily-caparisoned Elephants.  The fort interior has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory work, exquisite wall paintings and tiny mirror chips, which create a tantalising reflection effect. Lunch (optional) in the city or back at the hotel upon return. The remainder of the day is free. Dinner in the hotel restaurant and overnight stay.

After a leisurely breakfast leave for Pushkar (140 kms approx), where the world’s largest camel fair is held annually. On arrival check in the Exotic Resort and Adventure Camp’s tents. Afternoon and evening, explore the town and fair grounds. All meals are included at Pushkar

Set out on Camel Safari through the sandy fields to a nearby village, where you’ll experience life in rural India. You’ll be shown around the village and welcomed into the homes of residents for tea and conversation. Many participants of last year’s tour said that the camel safari was the highlight of the tour. Afternoon is free to partake in more festivities of the Fair.

Free day at Pushkar Fair – observe the competitions and camel trading. Visit the vendor stalls. It is also recommended that you take a camel taxi into town and visit the Holy Lake. Pushkar is a Holy City to Hindus, therefore it is recommended that while visiting the city, visitors avoid wearing shorts.

After breakfast we’ll drive to Samode (4 hours). On arrival check in Samode Bagh. The afternoon is free to visit the town or partake in optional activities. In the evening we’ll attend a gala dinner at The Samode Palace which includes (i) Rampant of the Palace lit up. (ii) An alcoholic based welcome drink (iii) Folk Dancers and musicians (iv) A special dinner and (v) Fireworks display.

After breakfast group is free. You may want to persuade on of the staff to give you a tour of the palace. Latter we’ll depart for Delhi on the Coach, stopping along the way for lunch. On arrival we’ll proceed straight to Kebab Factory, Hotel Radisson for farewell dinner. From there, we’ll transfer you to the airport to connect your international flight for next destination.

END OF TOUR