Heart of India Tour

Day 1: Delhi Arrival
Today on your arrival at New Delhi International airport you will be welcomed & met by our Representative & then transferred to the hotel. We
can understand that the long journey might have exhausted you so can have rest at hotel or later if time permits can take a stroll around the city.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous
monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, AlauddinKhilji, Tughlaks, Humayun& Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast move out for full day sightseeing of Old Delhi
(Shahajahanabad), which includes the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk & Jama Masjid along with other attractions. Later after lunch drive past through impressive boulevards and buildings such as President’s Residence and others in Lutyen’s Delhi (New Delhi). Overnight at Hotel. * Note: 15 Aug is Independence day in India so some monuments will be closed which can be covered 14 th & 16 th Aug.

Day 3: Delhi – Shekhawati (260 Kms / 5 Hrs )
The semi desert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascinating uniquely of its own. The open air art gallery, as it is popularly called is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable
pieces of the rich artistic traditional of this region. In Shekhawati we visit Nawalgarh is known for the high quality of its paintings, even in the richly frescoed Shekhawati area. Its Poddar School has some excellent old work, as well as walls that have been restored in recent times using the same style of frescos for which the region is famous. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Shekhawati – Bikaner (180 Kms / 3.5 Hrs)
After a leisurely breakfast in the morning you will be introduced by our selected tour guide & join him for sightseeing tour of Shekhawati Region. Visit the famous mansions of Nawalgarh & drive to Mandawa. Mandawa, a small town in the core of the Shekhawati region is known for its havelis and its Fort Palace. The palace reminds one of the cultural and social importance of this region in earlier times. The most important havelis are the Chokhani, Ladia,  Binsidhar Newatia and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is famed for its erotic images. Later drive straight to Bikaner, on the northern tip of the desert triangle stands the royal city of “Bikaner “. The genesis of this desert town dates back to 1486 A.D., when RaoJodha’s eldest son, RaoBika set out of his father’s kingdom to conquer a separate kingdom for himself. Once a major center of trade in the 16th century situated on the ancient silk route, today Bikaner has retained much of its medieval aura. Unlike most other cities of Rajasthan, outside influences are minimal here and the traditional life style endures in the old city surrounded by a high crenellated wall. The Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is only one of its kinds in the whole Asia & so is the illustrious Camel Festival.On arrival in Bikaner check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (330 Kms / 5.5 Hrs )
After breakfast check out from hotel & visit Bikaner. Today we visit the “Junagarh Fort”, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner. The Fort is a formidable structure & largely remained unconquered during its eventful history. It houses number of beautiful Palaces, Temples& Pavilions, which are richly
decorated The beautifully maintained rooms of AnupMahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The FortMuseum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations &Farmans (King's Orders).
Further straight drive to Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler RawalJaisal. Often described as GoldenCity& rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important ancient trading centre& camel caravans laden with precious spices & silk
crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.On arrival in Jaisalmer check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Jaisalmer

After breakfast move out for full day sightseeing of Jaisalmer.The tour begins from “The Jaisalmer Fort”, built in 1156 by RawalJaisal, the fort crowns 80 meter high on the Trikuta hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars with in the fort walls, which has 99 bastions around the circumference. Also visit the “Havelis”, wealthy merchants built these exquisite havelis with profusely – carved stone facades. The famous ones are the Patwonki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmalki Haveli. Other attractions include Ganga Sagar Tank and Museum, once the water supply of city, housing many small temples and shrines. A wide variety of water birds flock here in winter. Later in the afternoon drive to Sam 40 Kms. From Jaisalmer.Take a camel ride on the sand dunes to view the sunset. The Rajasthani backdrop, the sunset and the camel ride make the entire outing an unforgettable experience. Have dinner at Camp along with the folk dance. Stay overnight at camp.

Day 7: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (280 Kms / 5 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Jodhpur. Bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge. RaoJodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar. On arrival in Jodhpur check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Jodhpur – Udaipur via Ranakpur (300 Kms / 5.5 Hrs )
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Udaipur enroute visit Ranakpur. Ranakpur is a village located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravelli Range in the state of Rajasthan. Ranakpur is widely known for its marble Jain temple, and for the much older Sun Temple. Ranakpur boasts four Jain temples.
Built in 1439, the main Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinath. Known as the Chaumukha Temple, or Four-Faced Temple, this huge and superbly crafted building possesses 29 halls supported by an astonishing 1444 pillars, no two alike. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill.
Drive straight to Udaipur. This is Rajasthan’s most congenial and romantic city situated in the lap of the thickly wooded Aravali Hills. Founded in 1568 by MaharanaUdai Singh following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, Udaipur rivals any of the world famous creations of the Mughals with its Rajput love of the whimsical and its superbly crafted elegance. Udaipur has been called the “Venice of the East”.On arrival in Udaipur check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Udaipur
After a leisurely breakfast move out for full day sightseeing of Udaipur. Begin your tour with a visit to the CityPalace. At this Palace complex, one will marvel at the rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens, the Jagdish temple
and the local Museum. Later in the evening enjoy boat cruise on the placid waters of LakePichola. The beautiful LakePichola was enlarged by MaharanaUdai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat
you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. You can also visit the JagMandirPalace – which is a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Jaipur (350 Kms / 6.5 Hrs )
After a leisurely breakfast (on suitable time ) drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colorful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past, resplendent with tales of valour& bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.On arrival in Jaipur check in at hotel pre-booked for you. Tonight dinner at Chokhi Dhani along with cultural activities . Overnight
at hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur
After breakfast move out for excursion to Amber Fort which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kachhawa rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the palace in the car you are travelling. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. This unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state. Later in the afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique JantarMantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive
past the HawaMahal, an intriguing “ Palace of Winds”. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes
and armory.Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Jaipur – Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast check out from hotel & drive to Agra enroute visitng Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. In the
northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shekh Salim Chishti. Further Continue drive to Agra The ancient city once the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th century, depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan -
“The Taj Mahal”. Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Mughal City. On arrival in Agra check in at hotel.Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Agra – Jhansi (By Train) – Khajuraho enroute visit Orchha
Early morning transfer to Railway Station to board the train for Jhansi. At Jhansi Railway Station you will be met & drive to Khajuraho enroute visitng Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela
rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. We will visit Orchha Fort complex. Within the Fort complex we visit Jahangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah. We also visit Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring spires & palatial architecture.Later continue drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival in Khajuraho check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Khajuraho
After breakfast move out for sightseeing of Khajuraho. Today we visit Eastern & Western Group of Temples, known for their architectural display conforming to the North Indian 'nagara' style of architecture, bold artistic statement of erotic postures in its sculptures and the various refinements of courtly love including dance and music in a sacred place like a temple, which seems bewildering at first sight. These temples are the second most favoured tourist destination after Taj Mahal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Khajuraho – Varanasi (By overnight train) After breakfast check out from hotel & transfer to Khajuraho station to catch train for Varanasi. Picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism. Excursion to Sarnath – Later in the afternoon excursions to Sarnath , the very place
where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Must-see places in Sarnath are the Dhamekha stupa, Buddhist temples, the archaeological museum and many more.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Varanasi
Day free for your own activities. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight)
A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges presents an incredible tableau, as multitudes of devotees pay homage to the Sun God. Cruise past the bathing ghats and crematoriums, followed by a walking tour of the old city. Later transfer to Varanasi Airport to connect flight for Delhi.On arrival at Delhi Airport you will be met & transfer to Hotel Booked for you. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Delhi Departure
Today after breakfast at appropriate time you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board flight for onward journey.