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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 Indias 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 Jehans 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, Humayuns 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 Rajasthans 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 regions 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, Jaisalmers 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 moons 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 nations 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 Rajasthans 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 Jaipurs 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 Agras 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 Indias most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal (WHS).
Built by Shah Jehan, the Taj Mahal is a depiction of the kings 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 Jehans 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 Jehans imprisonment by his son, Aurangzeb. In the evening
we experience Agras 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 nations 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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