India – Rajasthan Tour

In the Land of Royal Maharajas

Arrival in Udaipur, where we will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The ancient city of Udaipur is renowned as the most romantic city in Rajasthan, thanks to its large lake and the magnificent palace at its center, surrounded by picturesque hills.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the lake.
Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on an excursion outside of Udaipur. Located just 22 km from the city, the small village of Eklingji is home to several ancient temples. Nearby, in Nagda, you’ll find three ancient temples featuring fascinating architecture.

Following our visit, we will explore the city, including a tour of the palace that now serves as a museum, the Jagdish Temple, the gardens, and the Crystal Museum.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola, which is surrounded by the city of Udaipur. The lake features two islands, each housing palaces, one of which has been transformed into a luxury hotel, renowned as the most famous and opulent in the region. This palace was built in the 18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II.
Overnight in Udaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 6-hour drive to Jodhpur, famously known as the “Blue City.” Founded in the 15th century, Jodhpur prospered due to its strategic location along a major trade route, making it a vibrant and colorful city.

Along the way, we will stop at Ranakpur, home to one of the most important and beautiful Jain temples. The 15th-century Jain temples of Ranakpur are set in a picturesque valley and feature 1,444 intricately carved columns, each uniquely designed. The interplay of light and shadow within the temple creates a stunning visual effect.

Next, we will visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, built around 500 years ago by Maharana Kumbha. This expansive fort complex is rich in palaces and temples, offering a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of the era.

After our visits, we will continue our journey to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched high on a hilltop. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy stunning views of the city, easily understanding why Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City.” Beneath the temple, there is an impressive memorial made of white marble.

Next, we will explore the bustling Sardar Market, located below the city’s clock tower. The area to the west is the commercial hub, featuring vibrant bazaars filled with vegetables, spices, and colorful textiles. Our tour continues with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace and its beautiful gardens.

After our explorations in Jodhpur, we will drive for approximately 4 hours to Pushkar, located on the edge of the desert. This charming town is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of India, centered around the sacred Pushkar Lake and its numerous temples and ghats. Pushkar is also a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, famous for its annual camel fair in November, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over India and beyond.

Upon arrival in Pushkar, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Pushkar.

According to Hindu belief, Pushkar is one of the five most sacred places, evident by the approximately 300 temples and places of worship dedicated to various religions. Hindus believe that pilgrimage to Pushkar is a must-do at least once in a lifetime. The name of the lake translates to “the place whose sanctity surpasses all others,” emphasizing its sacredness. It is said that bathing in one of the ghats (bathing steps) by the lake can cure both physical and mental ailments. Pushkar is also home to the most famous temple dedicated to Brahma, the creator god.

After breakfast, we will visit the Brahma Temple and then continue our exploration around the sacred lake, where we will witness a Pooja ceremony at one of the ghats. Following this, we will enjoy a tour of the vibrant local markets.
Overnight in Pushkar.

After breakfast, we will drive for approximately 3 hours to Jaipur.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the “Pink City” due to the reddish-brown hue of its historic buildings and walls. This pink color symbolizes hospitality in Rajput culture, and it is said that the Rajputs painted the entire city in preparation for the visit of Alfred, the Prince of Wales, in 1853. The tradition of hospitality continues to thrive in Jaipur today.

In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Indian cooking class.
Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, renowned for its architectural splendor, with an ascent via jeep. The Amber Fort, overlooking the desert paths, served as the royal residence for the maharajas before they moved to the city. It exemplifies Rajput architecture, blending both Muslim and Hindu elements.

Following our visit to the fort, we will explore the “Pink City.” Our tour will include the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, built in 1728, where the astronomical instruments still amaze with their precision today. We will also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant and bustling markets of the city.

In the evening, we will experience a Bollywood film at Raj Mandir, one of the most famous cinemas in India.
Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately five hours to Agra.

On our way, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of Emperor Akbar, known for its diverse architectural styles and historical significance.

Continuing our drive, we will arrive in Agra and head to the Agra Fort, constructed from red sandstone. The fort’s construction began under Emperor Akbar as a military fortification, and it was later expanded and developed by his grandson, Shah Jahan, who also used it as a royal palace. At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned here following a coup and is said to have spent his remaining days gazing at the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built for his beloved wife, from his prison within the fort. The fort is surrounded by massive walls, encompassing what resembles an entire city.

In the afternoon, as the sun sets, we will visit the Taj Mahal, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This breathtaking monument, a symbol of love and an architectural masterpiece, was also commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for a two-and-a-half-hour journey to Jhansi in air-conditioned coaches. From Jhansi, we will continue with a five-hour drive to Khajuraho.

On the way, we will stop for a visit to Orchha, a village located in the heart of a well-preserved complex of Rajput palaces and temples.

We will then continue our journey to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

After refreshing, we will head out to visit the temples built by the Chandela kings, adorned with hundreds of sculptures, the most famous of which are the erotic figures that made Khajuraho renowned.
Khajuraho, famous for its unique temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and showcases exquisite sculptures reflecting the rich culture and spirituality of ancient India. The temples, constructed in the 10th and 11th centuries, are particularly noted for their intricate carvings and the diverse themes depicted in their artwork.

In the evening, enjoy a special sound-and-light show in the temple area.
Overnight in Khajuraho.

After breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Varanasi, often referred to as the “eternal city” or Banares, is located approximately 780 km southeast of Delhi. Nestled on the western bank of the sacred Ganges River, the city is known for its ghats (stone steps) where various religious ceremonies take place daily. Among the most famous are the cremation rites and purification rituals that are believed to cleanse individuals of their sins. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been a religious capital of India for over two thousand years, maintaining its spiritual character since at least the 6th century by remaining distinct from the political affairs of India.

In the evening, we will embark on a boat ride along the Ganges River to witness the cremation ceremonies taking place along the riverbank.
Following this, we will attend the traditional Aarti ceremony, a spectacular ritual held at dusk, accompanied by the sounds of drums and bells. You will float down the river, surrounded by hundreds of floating candles, torches, and incense, with each candle representing a wish from someone else.
Afterward, transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Varanasi.

Early in the morning, we will embark on a boat ride along the Ganges River to experience the vibrant activities surrounding this sacred waterway. Afterward, we will return to the hotel for breakfast.

Following breakfast, we will continue our exploration of the holiest city in India.

Next, we will take a drive to Sarnath, one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. From all over the world, Buddhism enthusiasts and Vipassana practitioners come to Sarnath to learn, consult, meditate in silence, and hear from some of the best Western teachers. Sarnath is one of the four major sites in Buddhism, where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples within a serene park filled with banyan trees and deer.
After our visit, we will return to Varanasi.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Varanasi.

After breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Delhi, the capital of India and the gateway for most travelers, is a vibrant tapestry of culture, attractions, shopping, and delicious food. It is the place where you first encounter India and fall in love with its diversity.

Following a refresh, we will embark on a tour of Old Delhi, starting with a visit to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Mughal architecture. From there, we will take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi, bustling with markets, street performances, and unique shops. Our next stop will be Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of New Delhi, reflecting the city’s evolution over the years. Our first stop will be the Qutub Minar, an ancient minaret built from red sandstone. We’ll explore the impressive structures left by the British from the 1930s, including the Presidential House and the Parliament. Next, we will visit Humayun’s Tomb, situated in a beautiful garden setting and constructed from red sandstone; its construction began in 1564 by Humayun’s widow.

We will conclude our tour with a visit to Main Bazaar, an area popular among backpackers, featuring guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants.

Later, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for your return journey home.