You will arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a YATRA representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel (NORMAL CHECK – IN 1200 NOON) Later proceed for Delhi city tour of Old & New Delhi. You will first visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid one of Asia’s largest mosques the magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. Rickshaw ride at Old Delhi After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. The tour also includes visit to Lotus Temple (Closed on Monday) and a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. Overnight stay at hotel and get ready for tomorrow's Mandawa tour. Read more

Breakfast at hotel and embark on the Mandawa tour (approx 260 Kms / 06 hrs). MANDAWA (Shekhawati) - The semi-desert region lies in the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur & Bikaner. Starting around the 14th century, a number of Muslim clans moved into the area and the towns which developed in the region became important trading posts on the caravan routes imanating from the ports of Gujrat. The merchants prospered and in later years, encouraged by the British, established themselves as traders across the country. Some of India's richest industrialists of the 20th century belong to Shekhawati. This region is famous for painted 'Havelis' (mansions) most of which date back from the 18th century. Upon arrival check – in at hotel and later set off on a Mandawa tour which lies in the heart of Shekhawati. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows Leeds to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate frescoes. Overnight stay at the hotel. Read more

After and breathtaking Mandawa tour, take the breakfast at hotel and then drive to Bikaner (approx 180 Kms / 04 hrs). BIKANER - The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner - an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minaret towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance. Upon arrival check in at hotel and later in the afternoon proceed for proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. We visit 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 Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations & Farmans (King's Orders). Visit to Lallgarh Palace is a palace in Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan, built for Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner, between 1902 and 1926. Also make a visit to Camel Breeding Farm - is a farm engaged in the research of camels. It is located about 8 km from Bikaner city in the state of Rajasthan in India. This is a one-of-a-kind institute in India. The farm is a complex of camel stables, enclosures and buildings. One can enjoy camel rides or ice cream made of camels milk. The farm permits tourists at certain hours of the day. It is interesting to watch camel calves gamboling around and also quite spectacular when the camels return from a day out in the desert. It is also known as a Camel Breeding Farm and was established in 1984 by the central government. Overnight stay at the hotel Read more

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Jaisalmer (approx 330 Kms / 07 hrs) Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. On arrival in Jaisalmer proceed to check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel Read more

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for a city tour of Jaisalmer. You will walk up to The Fort, which dominates the town. Built in 1156, it is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the fort walls, which have 99 bastions around the circumference. Within the fort are a fine group of Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries, many containing ancient manuscripts. Walk through Jaisalmer’s narrow streets dotted with ornately decorated Hindu and Jain temples. Walk around this desert city, its fort emerging from the flat dry sands, bounding in ancient palaces, temples and delicately sculpted Havelis - all witness to the emergence of this Rajput state into a market centre for traders. In the afternoon you will be drive to Sam for a camelback ride into the desert to watch the sun set on this golden desert city, emitting a lustrous glow off the desert sand. Camel Safari is one of the unique ways to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Atop this ship of the desert embark on an exciting soft adventure. This safari is across India’s Thar Desert, one of the harshest environments in the world. Board camels to discover the rich desert culture and meet the colourful tribal people. Overnight stay at the hotel Read more

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (approx 290 Kms / 06 Hours). The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a wall 10km long, which was built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. The old city is fascinating jungle of winding streets of great interest to wander around. Eight gates lead out from the walled city. It’s one of the more interesting cities in India and those baggy-tight horse riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name from this locale. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, directly procced for half day city tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond and home of the Rathors of Marwa. The tour will start with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort (citadel of the Sun) that evokes the very spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. Visit its various palaces with their delicate friezes and respective museums, displaying treasures of the royal family. North of Meherangarh Fort, and connected to it by road, Jaswant Thanda is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), who purged Jodhpur of dacoits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy. Overnight stay at the hotel Read more

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Udaipur via Ranakpur. The beautifully sculptured Jain temples lie in a tranquil valley of the Aravalis. The main ‘Chaumukha Temple’ is dedicated to the tirhankara Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all distinctly carved. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away, are also noteworthy. Continue your drive after the visit and on arrival check in at your hotel. UDAIPUR: One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him. Upon arrival check in at the Hotel. In the evening enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola (sharing basis). Overnight stay at the hotel Read more

Breakfast at hotel and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur City, also known as the City of Sunrise. First on your sightseeing tour you will proceed for a tour of the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Pichola. The City Palace was built in 1725 of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in glass. The royal palace walls stretch over a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes, displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble throne in the coronation rooms was last used during the time Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30) and nearby is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh (1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha, descendants of the Sun. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Visit the museums and the hall of public audiences, the private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace and Sahelion-ki-Badi. Later you drive for the Jaipur tour (approx 420 Kms/ 07 Hrs). Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces ad waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. By far it is the most colourful region in India. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel and prepare to embark the next day on the Jaipur tour. Read more

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Begin the Jaipur tour with Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Continuing the Jaipur tour, an elephant (or Jeep) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress (Elephant ride is subject to availability) once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. While driving back to your hotel you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. Afternoon you will head on for a full Jaipur tour. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Overnight stay at hotel, ending here the Jaipur tour. Read more

Breakfast in the hotel and drive to Agra (approx 240 Kms/ 5 Hrs) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. Later drive to set off on a Agra tour. Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. On this Agra tour you will discover many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Upon arrival proceed to check-in at the hotel and later in evening visit to local bazaar. Overnight stay at hotel Read more

Breakfast at hotel and full Agra tour included Agra Fort and Taj Mahal Continue the Agra tour to Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) - The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Overnight stay at hotel, ending here the Agra tour. Read more

After early breakfast you will be transferred to railway station to board train for Jhansi (Train AT 0817/ 1045 HRS) Upon arrival at Jhansi railway station and drive to Khajuraho (approx 170 Kms/ 04 Hrs), en route visit to Orchha, beautiful medieval town, was once the capital of Bundela Kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, through a rugged century side, it still retains the captivating air of a bygone era. Amongst the various imposing edificies, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of the Moghul Emperor Jahangir, the Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan temple, both noted for their fine frescoes and mural paintings Continue drive to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is known the world over for its temples, architecture and sculpture. The construction of these Temples are thousand-year old took a little over two centuries, in terms of architecture of these temples, they form the high peak of the north Indian 'nagara' style. Upon arrival check in at hotel Overnight stay at hotel Read more

Breakfast at hotel and proceed to visit Khajuraho concentrates on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India. The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven. They were built during the mighty Chandela dynasty; the majority was constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the eighty-five original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition. You visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath & Ghantai Temples, each remarkable for its design and architecture. In time transfer to Khajuraho airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to hotel for check – in at hotel. In evening witness AARTI ceremony at the Ghats and enjoy the Rickshaw ride. Overnight stay at hotel FLIGHT INFORMATION Please be informed that currently only Air India operating for Khajuraho / Varanasi sector and that too operates only thrice in a week (MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY) Read more

Early morning you will be taken on a visit to the Ghats witnessing the Hindu pilgrims perform the rituals and following the centuries old tradition and belief that by dying in Varanasi or by immersing the mortal remains in the holy Ganges, it clears one from the birth circle and you are incarnated to human life in the next birth. You would be taking a boat cruise on the river Ganges around all the Ghats and stopping at the important ones. Return Back to Hotel for Breakfast then you will visit Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of Varanasi. Reconstructed in the 18th century, its gold plating on the 'shikaras' was a gift of the one-eyed Sikh king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh; Bharat Mata Mandir inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. It houses a relief map of India carved out of marble; and some other important temples. Afternoon visit to Buddhist city of Sarnath, north-east of Varanasi – it is as holy to the Buddhists as Varanasi is to the Hindus. Having achieved enlightenment as Bodhgaya, Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his message of the way to niravana. Later, Ashoka, the great Buddhist emperor erected magnificent stupas and monasteries at Sarnath. What is visible today are the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and one can visit a fine museum, which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculpture. Later Transfer to the airport to fly for Delhi. Upon arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel Read more

Breakfast at hotel and in time transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight for onward journey