Venture into India, and introduce your family to this fascinating and colorful country on this 12 day adventure that takes you to the palaces of Maharajas, to small villages, to bustling Delhi and to the tigers of Ranthambore Park.
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
Day 1: Delhi. The first day is free to arrive and enjoy the wonders of Delhi. Delhi is a bustling city and the capital of India. New Delhi, built for the British Imperial Government of India, is the administrative centre of the country. It also has a busy commercial sector and a new Parliament building as well as imposing government offices and embassies.
Day 2: Delhi to Mandawa. This morning, depart for Mandawa, the gateway to the Shekhawati region, a region of rich merchants, landlords and even rulers of smaller princely states of Rajasthan. The region abounds in unique fresco paintings which adorn the area’s buildings. A visit to see the Fresco Paintings of the Havelis is also part of this day, followed by the day’s highlight – a camel ride.
Day 3: Mandawa to Bikaner. This morning drive to Bikaner, to visit the Junagarh Fort, an untouched fortress retaining all its glory. Then visit a Camel Breeding Farm, the only one of its kind in Asia. Camels from various breeds are bred here to produce the best quality camels in India, and are sold throughout the world for racing.
Day 4: Bikaner to Jodhpur. Today on to Jodhpur, with a stop on the way to the Rat Temple (Deshnoke). At this temple, of the Goddes Karni, thousands of rats are found.
On arrival into Jodhpur, tour the massive 15th century Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada Cenotaphs,where the Royal Families are enshrined. The 5 km long majestic fort is perched on a hill and is one of the most impressive and formidable bastions. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates reached by a winding road. The fort’s interior houses some magnificent palaces with stunning carved panels and latticed windows . The panoramic view of Jodhpur from the fort is splendid.
Set at the edge of the vast Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with ancient tales and monuments. Jodhpur is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Known as the ‘Blue City’, Jopdhpur’s walls are washed in blue, giving an amazing haze in the desert light.
In Jodphur visit the bustling market under the tall clock tower. Spices, flowers and beautiful textiles are on sale here and barbers work under the nearby banyan trees The market is one of the most interesting sights in Jodhpur.
Day 5: Jodhpur to Pushkar. This morning take a jeep safari to visit the nearby Bishnoi Villages. The Bishnois preserver the wildlife of Rhajasthan. Throughout the centuries they have protected the animals and ecosystem against the menaces of growing technology in these rural areas.
Continue to Pushkar, a holy city. The Pushkar Lake , is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime, to dip in the waters of the holy lake. Pushkar has nearly 400 temples and ghats and houses the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Lord Brahma. While Pushkar is a religious haven, it is also the venue of one of the country’s most colourful fairs – the Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually in November.
Visit the Sacred Lake and the dedicated to the God Brahma – God of Birth. Then take an easy hike through the city to the Savitri temple, which is situated on a hill and provides excellent views of the town, especially at sunset.
Day 6: Pushkar to Jaipur. Today travel to Jaipur, the capital city of the northern state of Rajasthan. Known as the Pink City, it is one of the most vibrant and colourful cities of India, famous for its colourful culture, forts and palaces.
Visit the market here and take a tour of the magnificent City Palace, with its seven courtyards and seven floors. The current home of the Maharajah of Jaipur it houses some fascinating museums.
The Jantar Mantar, next to the City Palace, is an Astronomical Observatory and home to the largest sundial in the world.
Day 7: Jaipur. This morning a photo stop at the Palace of Winds – the Hawa Mahal. This five-storey building was built for the Maharajah’s royal ladies to watch festive processions and other special events without being seen themselves.
Next is a visit to the beautiful Amber Fort perched on a hilltop, overlooking a gorge in the Rajput landscape. From there is a magnificent view of Jaipur and the fort itself is home to many stunning buildings and monuments: The Temple of Kali with its silver door; the vibrantly colored Audience Chamber with its vaulted ceilings of mirrors; and the Hall of Pleasure.
In the afternoon, wander around Jaipur at your leisure, and perhaps visit the Rajmandir, an Art-Deco theatre used for watching the latest Bollywood movies.
Day 8: Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park. Today e head to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore National Park. In the afternoon take a game drive in a canter in search of tigers and sloth bears. The area also abounds in wildlife including black bucks, chinkara, spotted deer and many other types of deer, and even leopards and crocodiles may be seen. The region is home to 5 vast lakes encompassed by towering mountains and a vast forest. The National Park is also home to the Ranthambore Fort, which houses an ancient Ganesh Temple, a site for pilgrimeges.
Day 9: Ranthambore National Park – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra. Today starts with an early morning game drive and a second chance to spot tigers. Later today, drive to Agra, en route stopping in Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved, deserted red sandstone city offers detailed insight into the life of India’s Moghul emperors. Built by Humayan’s son, the Emperor Akbar, Fatephur Sikri was a capital city for a very short time. See the stone-tethering elephant ring used to crush criminals to death; the Turkish Sultana’s House with stone carvings of animals; the Astrologer’s Pavilion; the outdoor chess court; and the Harem.
Then on to Agra, famous for one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Taj Mahal.
Day 10: Agra – Taj Mahal, Red Fort. This morning a sunrise visit to see the amazing Taj Mahal, the tomb of Shajahan’s favourite wife Mumtaz-Mahal. The marble walls of the Taj Mahal change colours throughout the day - at dawn the Taj is pale pink, at noon it is blindingly white and at sunset it is golden. The gardens, with their dark green cypresses and water channels are an integral part of the artistry of this romantic building. Visit the mosque to the west of the Taj and the guest pavilion at its east to get vaired views. To the rear , the Taj overlooks the Yamuna River and offers views of the Agra Fort.
Visit the imposing Agra Fort, a World Heritage Monument. Its red sandstone ramparts dominate the landscape and offer a spectacular view of the Taj. Then on to the beautiful Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as the Baby Taj.
Day 11: Agra to Delhi. Today is the last day of the trip. This morning drive back to Delhi. In the afternoon, take a tour of the city. Visit the World Heritage sit of Humayan’s Tomb, considered by some to be equivalent to the Taj Mahal. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Take in the Parliament Buildings and India Gate. The great India Gate, made from Bharatpur Sandstone, was built to commemorate the Indian Army officers who died in World War One, and has the names of approximately 14,000 Indian and British soldiers who died in the First World War enscribed on its stones.
Day 12: Depart Delhi
Wild Boar in Ranthambore Parkl
