DAY 01: ARRIVE Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. A short city tour of Delhi temples covering:  Laxmi Narayan temple, Bangla sahib (Sikh temple), India gate, Parliament area, Lotus Temple and Akshardham temple. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 02: DELHI TO MANDAWA (278 KMS 5-6HRS)

Morning drive to Mandawa:  Founded in the mid 18^th Century, Manawa’s skyline today is dominated by an imposing mirage like fort now turned into a hotel. A painted archway decorated with Lord Krishna and his cowherds leads to the bazaar. Afternoon visit Mandawa Besides the cenotaphs, wells, forts and temples the majority of frescoes are painted on the walls and gateways of havelis. The Shekhawati paintings mainly consist of red, green, yellow, brown, blue and mushroom colors. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03: MANDAWA TO BIKANER (165 KMS 3-4HRS)

On the third day we depart for the camel country of Bikaner covering a distance of 164 kms. Upon arrival at Bikaner, we shall check in at a heritage hotel. After ample rest and recreation, we shall set out on a sight seeing trip of Bikaner covering the invincible Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple and other tourist landmarks of Bikaner. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04: BIKANER – JAISALMER (340 KMS/7 HRS)

Morning drive to Jaisalmer, arrive and check into hotel. In the desolate beauty of the desert, Jaisalmer stands tall the proud welcoming visitors to a glamour world of fable, color and history. Founded by Maharaja Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D, Jaisalmer abounds with its oppressive golden yellow sandstone Jaisalmer fort. From the colorful shops to the palaces and the old temples in the spectacular fort, the entire town of Jaisalmer glows in the bright golden color. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05:  JAISALMER

Post breakfast city tour of Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort –about a quarter of the old town’s population resides within the fort walls; visit Jain temples, havelis, pleasure pavilions and royal cenotaphs combine. As you move out of the fort, a short walk takes you to the narrow lanes dotted with a number of beautiful havelis (mansions) built by wealthy merchants. Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Natmhal ki Haveli are prominent havelis of the town. Later visit dunes, No trip to Jaisalmer is complete with out a visit to the most picturesque dunes. Sam Sand Dunes, Here you get a deep insight into desert life and hidden surprises. Besides, a ride on the camel back will provide you once in a lifetime experience. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06: JAISALMER – JODHPUR (305 KMS/6.5 HRS)

Morning drive for Jodhpur, Arrive and check into hotel Jodhpur: 2^nd largest city of Rajasthan is situated on the edge of Thar Desert.  Number of palaces, temples and other architectural monuments add to its glory.  The old city is encircled by a 10 km long wall. This wall separates the old city with new one. The new city is grown round this magnificent Mehrangarh fort. The statuesque sandstone palace Umaid Bhawan is being on the East and Mehrangarh Fort on the West providing a shield from the deserts with its eight gates facing different directions. The resplendent and exquisite monuments, temples and gardens of the city are a reminder of the past and depict a multi-faceted grandeur.  P.M.  city tour of Jodhpur.  Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07: JODHPUR – GHANERAO (175 KMS/3.5 HRS)

Post breakfast drive to Ghanerao, on arrival check into Ghanerao Castle. Ghanerao is magical, chic shadow of its lavish former self: an insight into the lot of the modern Indian prince. Its architecture is picturesque, calm and dignified.  It is notable here in Ghanerao the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi a lace to visit.  Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08: GHANERAO – RANAKPUR (115 KMS/2.5HRS)

After breakfast drive to Kumbhalgarh Fort. Named after the ruler of Mewar, Rana Kumbha, is an imposing fortress built in the 15^th century.  Positioned strategically in relation to its neighbors of Gujarat and Marwar, the fort was also known as the eye of Mewar. The fort is encompassed by a 36 km long wall, which is claimed to be the longest in the world after “The Great Wall of China”. The architecture of the fort is in accordance with the ancient Hindu treatise, Vastu Shastra. Kumbhalgarh fort affords a breathtaking vista of the wild and rugged landscape of the Aravalli range. Later drive to Ranakpur, check in into hotel Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09: RANAKPUR – NATHDWARA – UDAIPUR

Visit Ranakpur Temples- The beautifully sculptured Jain temples lay in a tranquil valley of the Aravallis. The main ‘Chaumukha Temple’ is dedicated to the tirthankara Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all distinctly carved.  Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath & a Sun Temple a little distance away are also noteworthy. Later drive for Udaipur en-route visiting Nathdwara and Eklingji and Nagda temples – Nathdwara is one of the prominent pilgrimage shrines of India. The name Nathdwara means ‘Gate of the Lord’. The town is situated just 48 km north east of Udaipur in Rajasthan, on the banks of the Banas River. The Nathdwara Temple enshrines Shrinathji – an icon of Lord Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura. The icon of Srinathji is believed to have been a self manifested one. It was originally worshipped in a humble shrine and then moved to a larger temple in its vicinity. Eklingji and Nagda temples – located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur in Rajasthan. Eklingji (Lord Shiva) whose temple is located here is said to be the guardian deity of Mewar. The temple occupies an area of about 2500 sq. feet and is about 65 feet in height. The temple area is a well fortified and a strong wall runs around it. The town of Eklingji has about 70 temples in all. Mention must be made of the Sas-Bahu marble temple, dating back to the 11th century. It is a fine specimen of ancient art with sculptural details. The Adbhudji Jain temple is of black marble. Other temples in Kailashpuri include those of Pataleshwar Mahadeo, Arbada Mata, Rathasan Devi, and Vindhyavasini Devi. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 10: UDAIPUR – MT ABU

After breakfast, we shall drive to our onward destination of Udaipur – the city of lakes. We visit the city palace, Saheliyon ki Bari, Pratap Smarak and Lake Pichola, later drive to Mt Abu, Arrive and check into hotel. Later drive to Mt Abu. Arrive and check into hotel.  Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: ABU – AMBAJI – MT. ABU

Excursion to Amba Bhavani Temple – the famous temple of goddess Ambaji, also known as Amba Bhavani or Arasuri, is the principal shrine of the goddess and its actual origins are still unknown. Sambhavnathji Temple -This temple is termed as Nirandhara. One of the peculiar features of this temple is it is devoid of surrounding devakulikas or accompanying maidens as in the other temples. The inscriptions on the pedestals indicate that the temple was built in 1077 A.D. Later return to Mt. Abu, later visit Nakki Lake and famous Delwara Jain temples, the masterpieces of temple architecture. The Vimalvashi temple was built by the commander Vimalshah on the order of King Bhimdev in 1031 A.D. It took around 1,500 workers, several years to build. Lunvasahi temple has the image of the Jain tirthankara Neminath. Sculptures in stone, elaborate carvings, beautiful pillars, dome shaped roofs give a majestic and surreal look to the temple. There are sixteen images of the goddess of knowledge and also carved are glimpses from Lord Krishna’s life.  Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12: MT ABU TO PUSHKAR

After breakfast, we shall drive to the captivating city of Pushkar covering a distance of 300 kms. Upon arrival, we shall check-in to hotel. After ample rest and relaxation, we will visit temples like Apteshwar Temple, Rangji Temple, Ramavaikunth Temple, Mahadev Temple,  and of course the temple of Lord Brahma – the creator of the universe. We shall have an overnight stay at Pushkar. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 13: PUSHKAR – JAIPUR (03HRS)

Morning we drive for Jaipur. Arrive and check into hotel. P.M. city tour covering City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.  Very close to this is the Central Museum with its huge collection of jewellery, colorful costumes, woodwork, jewellery, costumes, brassware, and pottery. We would also see Jantar Mantar, which is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal. Ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 14: JAIPUR – AGRA

Excursion to Amber Fort, which is located just outside the city, this is among the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a majestic view of the city down below. You can have the Royal experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. The afternoon will be free to explore colorful lanes of bazaars of Pink city. Jaipur is world famous for its textile, jewelry, Gems etc. P.M.: drive for Agra. Arrive and check into hotel. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 15:  AGRA – MATHURA

Visit Tajmahal in the morning which is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work.   Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men labored for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife.  Later drive to Mathura. P.M. visit temples of Mathura Evening witness AARTI. (Prayers) Overnight at hotel.

DAY 16: MATHURA – DELHI DEPARTURE

Morning city tour of Mathura visiting Dwarikadhish temple and Vishramgaht also visit Vrindavan (District Mathura) – situated at a distance of 9.6 km. from Mathura. There are about 4, 000 temples, ghats and sarovars in Vrindava. Govind Dev temple is a treat, built by Raja Man Sing of Jaipur in 1500 AD. In front of this is the grand temple of Rangnath built of white stone in the Dravidian style. Other famous temples are Behariji temple, Radhavallabh temple, Radharaman temple, Gopinath temple, Shahji temple, Ashta Sakhi temple etc. Continue drive to Agra. Later drive to Delhi airport (05hrs drive)

 *******BON VOYAGE*******