Rajasthan - North India Festive Panorama Tour

Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. Our representative will assist and escort you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. During check-in, all required documents related to the tour will be given to you, and all your queries concerning the tour and services will be explained. Later in the evening, visit the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, where Delhi’s 5,000-year history is brought to life through narration, lighting and special effects against the dramatic backdrop of the historic fort. The show presents selected episodes from the city’s long and fascinating past in an engaging way. Afterwards, return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing with Old Delhi, visiting the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remarkable red sandstone fort, followed by Jama Masjid, one of the city’s grandest mosques, and Rajghat, the memorial marking Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Continue through New Delhi to see President House, India Gate, built in honour of soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Afghan Wars, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important example of Mughal garden-tomb architecture, the lotus-shaped Lotus Temple, and Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Also visit Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening, you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through colourful Chandni Chowk. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and drive towards Agra. En route, stop at Mathura, known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and visit Dvarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, Potara Kund and Rangbhumi. Continue with temple visits around Vrindavan, including Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Sri Radha Raman Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangaji Temple and ISCON Temple. Continue to Agra with a stop at Sikandra to see the tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, a striking blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. On arrival in Agra, transfer to the hotel. If time permits, visit Oswal Emporium to see its replica of the Taj Mahal, which took artists 10 years to build, and enjoy the light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning, if the Taj Mahal is open according to the official schedule, visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy its beautiful appearance at sunrise. Continue to Agra Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 AD, where red sandstone walls surround landmarks including Pearl Mosque, Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am and Meena Bazaar. Later check out and drive to Ranthambhore. En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Mughal city built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, whose blessing was associated with the birth of Emperor Akbar’s three sons. See Diwane e Khas, Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza, one of the world’s largest gateways. Continue to Ranthambhore, transfer to the jungle resort and enjoy the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, head into the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary on a Jungle Safari by open Canter, accompanied by an expert naturalist. The sanctuary is renowned for opportunities to see tigers in their natural habitat, particularly around watering holes during the dry season. The dry forest also offers chances to spot deer, wild boar and sloth bear, while leopards inhabit the area as well. You can also enjoy a Jeep Safari through the valley and forest surroundings. Return to the hotel for lunch. Later visit Ranthambore Fort, dramatically overlooking the National Park, along with Jogi Mahal and the famous Temple of Ganesha within the fort complex. Afterwards, return to the jungle resort for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. En route, stop at the village of Abhaneri to see its historic step well, built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty and dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness, upon completion. Continue to Jaipur and transfer to the hotel on arrival. In the evening, explore the bustling market by cycle rickshaw and experience Jaipur’s famous Diwali festival lights and celebrations. The illuminated streets, shops and markets create a particularly lively atmosphere during the festival, with Johari Bazaar becoming one of the most spectacular areas to see the decorations. A special Diwali walking tour is also offered by Vedic Walks. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, the impressive hilltop fort built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Continue to the majestic Nagargarh Fort, close to Amber Fort, before returning to the city for the imperial City Palace, the present residence of Jaipur’s royal family. Visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remarkable astronomical observatory constructed by Sawai Jai Singh, followed by Hawa Mahal, the famous Palace of Winds, and Birla Temple, whose white marble is especially striking at night. Later, explore the bustling market by cycle rickshaw. In the evening, visit Amber Fort for its Light and Sound Show, which presents the legendary 600-year history and 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty before their capital moved to Jaipur. Overnight at the hotel.

Today is the prime and most auspicious worship day of Goddess Laxmi, with celebrations usually taking place after evening at homes and business places. After breakfast, choose from sightseeing options including the Central Museum, with its archaeological and handicraft collection, Dolls Museum, displaying dolls from around the world, and Birla Planetarium, offering audio-visual education about stars through its computerised projection system. In the early evening, visit the carnival bazaar, bringing together more than 400 stalls of national and international products across 6 domes, including electronics, automobiles, garments, handlooms, handicrafts, IT products, artificial jewellery, furniture, interior, health and fitness products. Later witness Diwali at Birla Temple, beautifully illuminated with lights, flowers and garlands. You may opt for a special Diwali dinner at LMB or another city restaurant, or visit a local family to experience their celebration. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Mandawa, stopping en route at Nawalgarh. Explore this compact town in the Shekhavati region, known for its forts and havelis decorated with beautiful frescoes. A painted arched gateway featuring Lord Krishna and his cows leads towards the bazaar. Continue to medieval Mandawa and, on arrival, check in to a heritage hotel. Often described as the “open-air art gallery” of Rajasthan, Mandawa is ideal for an evening walk through its narrow traditional lanes, where you can observe local shops, houses and daily life. Explore some of the havelis and see the lifestyle of local residents. Later enjoy traditional music and dance with live performances by local artists during the gala dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Mandawa’s famous havelis, including Binsidhar Chokhani, Newatia and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli is known for its unusual paintings, while Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is noted for its erotic paintings and images, many of which are now defaced. Later check out and drive to Bikaner. En route, stop at Deshnok to visit the world-famous Rat Temple, a 600-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata. Built by King Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the temple features carved silver gates and marble stone work. Continue to Bikaner and transfer to the hotel on arrival. The remainder of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bikaner.

After breakfast, explore Bikaner with a visit to magnificent Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh and historically never conquered. The fort complex contains around 37 palaces, a 7-kilometre wall, 37 bastions and two massive gates. Later check out and drive towards Jaisalmer, stopping at Pokhran to visit its massive fort. The town became renowned when India’s first nuclear test was conducted here in the 1970s. Built between 1532 and 1584 in yellow sandstone, Pokhran Fort contains palaces including Mangal Niwas, Rani Mahal and Phool Niwas, or the Flower Palace. Visit the Pokhran Museum inside the fort, displaying weapons, pottery, paintings and Maharaja costumes. Continue to Jaisalmer and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer with the magnificent Golden Fort, also known as Sonar Kila and Jaisalmer Fort. Built atop Trikuta Hill, the fort has 99 bastions and features the spectacular Megh Durbar along with several temples. Nearby, visit the richly decorated merchant havelis of Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, known for intricate latticework and stone carving. Continue to Gadisar Lake, whose artistic entrance reflects the history associated with the lake. If time permits, visit Amar Sagar, Mool Sagar Lake and the temples of Ladawara. In the evening, drive to Sam Sand Dunes, the gateway to the Thar Desert, and enjoy a camel ride across the golden sands. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Manvar in Dechu. Located within the Shergarh Region of the Thar Desert, the area is known for its high sand dunes. On arrival, transfer to the resort and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. In the early evening, transfer by camel for a Desert Safari towards the Manvar Camp Site, reaching the campsite around sunset. As darkness falls, enjoy folk dance and music beneath the starlit sky along with a theme dinner, bringing together the desert setting and local cultural performances. Dinner and overnight stay at the desert resort.

Early morning, you may opt for a Jeep Safari through nearby desert villages to understand local life and meet craftsmen, carpenters, metal smiths, potters and cobblers. Return to the resort, check out and drive to Jodhpur, stopping at a Bishnoi Village. The Bishnoi community is known for its deep respect for animals and living things. Explore local handicrafts such as shoemaking, pottery and hand weaving while observing traditional attire and ancestral silver jewellery. Along the way, watch and photograph wildlife including black buck, chinkaras and peacocks moving freely under the care of local villagers. Continue to Jodhpur and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, explore the local market and authentic restaurants, with On the Rocks offering open-air dining, Rajasthani hospitality, folk music and dance. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Jodhpur with visits to the massive Mehrangarh Fort, magnificent Jaswant Thada, the mausoleum of Rajput King Jaswant Singh, and Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum, one of India’s grandest palaces, built by Maharaja Umaid Singh and designed by Edwardian and Henry Vaughan Lanchester. Later check out and drive to Udaipur. En route, stop at Ranakpur to visit its ancient Jain Temples, built in the 12th Century and known for intricately carved white marble and more than 100 individually carved pillars. Enjoy lunch at Maharani Baugh, on your own, one of the best hotels in Ranakpur. Continue to Udaipur and check in to the hotel. In the evening, walk through the old narrow streets to observe local homes and daily life, or opt for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Udaipur with the magnificent City Palace Complex, a major landmark and former royal residence built in white marble. Visit the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish Temple, followed by Sahelion Ki Bari, a recreation garden associated with the royal women and princes. Continue to Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, showcasing Rajasthan’s traditional ornaments, clothing, puppets, masks, dolls, paintings and folk musical instruments. In the evening, travel 22 kms to Lake Bageela for a sightseeing visit to the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bijaipur, stopping en route at Chittourgarh to explore its mighty historical fort, spread across 700 acres and associated with the bravery and romance of the Rajpoot Clan. Within the fort complex, visit the Tower of Victory, Rani Padmini Palace, Man Mahal, Mira Temple and several temple ruins, along with Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika Mata Temple and the State Archaeological Museum. Continue to Bijaipur and transfer to Castle Bijaipur on arrival. In the evening, enjoy traditional folk dances during your traditional dinner at the castle. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, you can enjoy activities offered by Castle Bijaipur, including Jeep Safari, horse riding, Yoga & meditation and cooking classes. Later check out and drive to Pushkar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and relax. In the early evening, visit the Pushkar Fair, one of Rajasthan’s most colourful cattle fairs, where camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep are decorated for buying and selling. Cattle owners arrive from different parts of Rajasthan, creating a lively atmosphere of bargaining, parades and competitions. Enjoy dance shows, music performances and other cultural activities, including the famous cattle competitions and beautifully decorated camels. The fair also features a camel parade and beauty contest, making it a memorable introduction to Pushkar’s festive atmosphere. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pushkar.

After breakfast, visit Pushkar Lake, where thousands of devotees bathe in its sacred waters, traditionally believed to have been created when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus flower to earth. Continue to the famous Temple of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. Afterwards, return to the Pushkar Fair and enjoy Rajasthan’s colourful folk culture through music, dance, folklore and the distinctive turbans worn by local men. Bards and poets present tales of gallantry, while cultural shows, exhibitions and movies add to the celebrations. You can also watch hot-air balloons floating over the camel ground, town and lake, offering a memorable view of the fair. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay in Pushkar.

Today morning, you may opt to visit the various temples of Pushkar, a city renowned for its many temples, or spend additional time at the fair site. In the early afternoon, check out from the hotel and begin the drive to Delhi. The journey covers approximately 400 kms and takes around 8 hours. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to the hotel and settle in for the night. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Varanasi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After some relaxation, experience Dev Deepawali, celebrated on Kartik Poornima when the ghats of Varanasi glow with thousands of diyas as a tribute to the River Ganga. Visit Durga Temple, also called Money Temple, Vishvanath Temple, known for its 15.5-metre-high golden spire, Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a relief map of the Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. In the evening, visit Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Maha Aarti, where brass lamps, chanting and the gathering crowd create a deeply atmospheric ceremony. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning, take a dawn Boat Ride on the holy River Ganges. At sunrise, the city and river come alive in the changing light as people gather along the ghats to bathe and offer prayers to the rising sun. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then continue sightseeing through Varanasi. Visit the famous ghats, including the two cremation ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, followed by Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Kashi Vishvanath, also known as the Golden Temple. Although off-limits to non-Hindus, it can be viewed from the top floor of the old house opposite it. Continue to Banaras Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia, with over 12,000 students across its 1350-acre campus. In the evening, witness the Aarti ceremony on the Ganga before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Sarnath, located 10 kms from Varanasi and known as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five holy men. Visit Dharmarajika Stupa and the 110-ft-tall Dhamekh Stupa, marking the place associated with that first sermon. Continue to the Archaeological Museum, home to ancient Buddhist relics, antiques and numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images. Also see the Ashok Pillar with its four lions, built in the 3rd Century BC; the four-lion capital was later adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. Return to Varanasi in the afternoon. Later, explore the local markets, particularly for the city’s world-famous Benarasi Silk clothes and Sarees. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Khajuraho. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, visit Raneh Falls, a prominent attraction named after King Rane Pratap, the erstwhile ruler of the region. The waterfall lies at the confluence of the Ken and Khuddar rivers. Continue to the Archaeological Museum, with its collection of stone sculptures from the Chandela dynasty. In the evening, enjoy the Light and Sound Show, a 50-minute presentation held in the garden of the Western Group of Temples. The show traces the history and construction of the temples and the lives of the Chandela kings, with the narration delivered in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Khajuraho, world-famous for the magnificent temples of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Visit the Western Group of Temples, including the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Laxmi and Varaha Temples, Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Chausath Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Continue to the Eastern Group of Temples, comprising three Hindu and three Jain temples, including Parsvanath, Adinath, Shanti Nath, Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman. Afterwards return to the hotel. Later, check out and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the international airport for your flight to your hometown/onwards journey. On departure, the tour concludes with happy memories.